Chapter two: Whispers and rumors
"I told you not to sleep through lunch, but you insisted." Bubblegum sighed as her dark haired friend ate her sandwich as fast as she could on their way to class.
"Yeah, but...you could have at least woke me up ten minutes before the bell" She argued in between bites, shoving as much as she could in her mouth.
"Listen, Marceline. You need to start taking responsiblity for yourself and stop relying on me so much." Her calm look turned into a frown when she heard a groan come from the other, making her speed up as they walked through the hallway.
"Huh? Hey, wait up, bonnie" Marceline called, finishing her sandwhich and catching up. "Are you mad?" She smirked, leaning forward to get a good look at the other girl's obvious scowl.
"Not now, Marceline." Bubblegum warned, swatting Marceline's hand away. "I really am mad at you."
"Why?" She sounded defeated before letting out a sigh "Geez, let it go. It's not your life or future I'm messing up, so why are you always getting so worked up?" Marceline shrugged it off, but her words had effected Bubblegum more than she realised as the pinkette turned away, lowering her head until her eyes were covered by her bangs.
"Is that how you see it?" She muttered, but it was loud enough for Marceline to hear and making a few heads turn. "You think that it's only your life you're messing up?"
"Huh?" Marceline was at a loss for words as Bubblegum turned, yelling that last part at her. Marceline's eyes darted around the hall to see everyone's eyes on them. Great, this was the last thing she needed now. As if people didn't have enough reason to hate her.
"You think that you're the only person who will suffer if you screw up?" Bubblegum yelled, hitting the palm of her hand on her own chest as she faught back tears. "How could you be so selfish!? But if that's how you see it, maybe our friendship isn't worth anything to you!"
"That's not it at all. What are you even..." Marceline reached out for Bubblegum's hand, but Bubblegum pulled it away and ran off down the hall in a hurry, her pink hair swaying behind her. All Marceline could do was stand and watch, completely shocked by her best friends sudden burst. What was that all about? Bubblegum had never lost her composure like that, let alone make a scene.
And just like that, the people began to whisper, all staring at Marceline as she thought about what was going on. She lowered her head, bangs covering her red eyes as she bit back her tongue.
"She finally see's her for what she is."
"She was only holding Bubblegum back anyway"
"She deserves it, after all. Who would use someone for their grades?"
"Poor Bubblegum." The whispers were too much and Marceline felt her knees get weak under the pressure of their stares. She tightened her fist, unable to bite her tongue any longer.
She ran as fast as she could out of there. She wasn't sure where she was running, but she just wanted out. She wanted to be away from their stares and cruel words. She wanted to be with Bubblegum, but she knew that wasn't an option right now. She wasn't sure if it would be ever agian and the mere thought stung her eyes with tears.
"What the hell?" She muttered, continueing to barge past the several people in the school.
She made it to a tree outside in the school feel. It was slightly hidden, so no one would think to look here, and so, Marceline sat down, bringing her knees close to her chest and burrying her face in her in them.
"Bubblegum...what happened back there? Are you really that mad at me? I don't understand." She mumbled. "please don't hate me.." Her fist tightened into little balls as she cried, unable to understand what she was feeling. It was a mix of anger and fear, fear that Bubblegum was never going to come back. She knew she was always pushing her luck, always taking advantage of Bubblegum's kindness to her, but they were best friends and that's what they do, right?
"Marceline?" A familiar voice called out to her, making her jump slightly. She saw pink hair, and blue eyes, but it wasn't Bubblegum; it was Gumball. Seeing him standing there, she frantically began to wipe at her eyes to get rid of any tears. He smiled sympathetically, sitting beside her and patting her head. "I heard what happened."
"Already? News travels fast then, don't it?" She scowled, trying to hide her face from him. "Anyway, what do you want? Because if you're just going to lecture me then-"
"I'm not here for that, Marceline." He cut in, smiling at her gently. "I wanted to see if you were okay." A little shocked, Marceling glanced at him. "Fights happen between friends all the time, so it's nothing to worry about. But I understand you two have never faught like this before, so I wanted to check on you."
"I don't get it. Why me? I mean, Bubblegum was the one who was upset." Gunball let out a small chuckle at Marceline's protest.
"So you mean to say you're not upset at all?" He asked, tilting his head to get a better look at her. When he was greeted with silence, he let out another chuckle. "You were crying, and if I'm not mistaken, that is indeed a sign of sadness."
"I wasn't crying!" Marceline snapped. "Ugh, are you just here to tease me about it? Go away!"
"I already told you why I'm here. Now stop being so proud and just admit to it already." He sighed, pulling her head into his chest for a type of hug. "Really Marceline, you're hopeless sometimes." He smiled gently, however Marceline couldn't see it, but her face was still slightly flushed and shocked. Why was he being so nice? I mean, he was always nice, it's Gumball. But he was missing lesson to be here with her, and that's not like him at all.
"Gumball..."
"Hmm?" He rose an eyebrow, letting her pull her head back up.
"Why are you doing this? You're missing lesson to be here, and Bubblegum needs you more."
"I told you, I was worried. Besides, it's not like one lesson will matter for now, right?" He smiled. "Marshall went off to find Bubblegum too, and I do believe Finn went with him." That last big made Marceline feel weird all of a sudden. Marshall and Finn were off comforting her, yet Gumball decided to be here.
"...Thanks, but you can go now. I've kept you long enough and I'll be fine."
"Marceline, if you care about Bubblegum, then do her a favour and work hard, ok? Come to school on time by yourself and study hard. It'll mean a lot to her." And with that, he stood up and patted her head one last time. "I'll see you later."
"Yeah, bye." She said quietly, lost in thought about what Gumball had just said. He already knew about her already trying her best but getting nowhere, yet he told her that. Maybe she was just not putting enough effort into it. Well all she knew was that she could certainly try, for Bubblegum's sake, at least. But there was one problem: her pride. If she was to fail and everyone knew, she'd be unable to show her face again. It would crush her pride and she couldn't stand that, but then again, what pride did she have now? Everyone probably now knows about the fight and how much of a failiure she is. Even her own best friend has had enough.
Marceline managed to pull herself up and make her way to her class. She knew there would be whispers and stares, and the thought made her want to run home, but she had to go for Bubblegum's sake, just like Gumball said. She knew Bubblegum would certainly stay mad at her if she skipped lesson.
She reached the door and took in a deep breath, reaching slowly for the handle. 'come on, just open the door' she yelled in her head.
"Marceline?" She jumped at the voice, turning to see Bubblegum standing there with Marshall. "Ah, well in that case, I'll leave you two to it" He smirked, patting Bubbblegum's head before running off to his own class.
"Bubblegum..." The two girls stared at each other, unsure of what to say. "I'm sorry." Marceline spoke up, tugging on the bottom of her top. "I didn't know it-"
"Don't worry about it." Bubblegum sighed. "I shouldn't have made a scene like that. But I...I've been trying so hard to help you out, Marceline. All you seem to do is throw in back in my face and it's..." She trailed off, turning her head away from Marceline's gaze.
"I didn't know it was like that. Bubblegum, I'll try harder from now on, okay? So don't be mad anymore." Marceline was practically begging, but all Bubblegum did was let out a sigh.
"We'll see. I can't just not be mad because you said you'll try. That's what you said at the beginning of this year." She was right though. Marceline had promised she'd do her best this year, but as far as Bubblegum was concerned, all Marceline did was oversleep, waste time and put no effort in whatsoever. Gumball was the only one who knew how hard Marceline had been trying, the reason she was oversleeping and paying little attention in class. Though it would have helped if she focused more.
Before Marceline could even say anything, Bubblegum reached for the handle and walked into the classroom, followed by a conflicted Marceline. Their classmates stared at them, there was nothing but silence. It made Marceline's mind race; she just wanted to run away from this place. Why do people have to stare anyway? Did they have any manners?
"Sorry we're late. We had a bit of an issue with my locker and Marceline helped me fix it." Bubblegum lied, taking Marceline by shock. Why was she covering for her? Why didn't she just tell the truth? Well it didn't matter now.
"Alright, well hurry up and take your seats" The teacher said simply before turning back to the board. Bubblegum sat at her seat without saying a single word, getting her books and out and getting on with class. Marceline was still startled though and fell into her seat and thought to herself. She had to really start working harder if she wanted to get Bubblegum to forgive her.
Meanwhile, in another class, the two young boys were sat chatting as their class worked. Of course the topic of their conversation was in fact their two friends, Bubblegum and Marceline.
"Do you think they'll work everything out? I'd hate for them to fall out over something like this." Gumball sighed, his head resting on his hand.
"Yeah, don't sweat it. They've been friends forever, I doubt they'll stop talking." Marshall sighed, scribbling some pictures in his book with his back to the wall.
"I don't know. Bubblegum seemed really upset and it's not like her to lash out like that."
"Dude, just chill. It's got nothing to do with us anyway. Sure, if they fall out it'll be a little awkward for us to hang out all together, but they need to fight there own fights." Of course, Marshall was right. It was their fight to sort out, so the two young men should respect that and not get involved. However Gumball just couldn't let that be. He loved both of them very much; they were dear friends to him. And he hated seeing either one of them upset. Seeing Marceline was enough for him today to know he had to be there.
"Well we should still do our best to support them." Gumball sighed.
"Whatever, man. All I know is I don't want to be involved in their cat fight." That was so like him though, So Gumball didn't argue anymore and simply gazed out of the window.
"Hey, Bubblegum, you wanna walk home with us today?" A girl asked Bubblegum as the class packed away their things, getting ready to go home.
"Sorry, I already have plans." She replied without even looking at the girl.
"Oh...you mean with her?" The girl looked towards Marceline, who was stood quietly behind her seat, waiting for the bell. "I don't know why you bother, Bubblegum. Just ditch that loser and-"
"Shut up." Bubblegum cut the girl off, glaring at her. "Who do you think you are saying such a thing anyway? She may be a skacker sometimes, and she may not be perfect, but I wouldn't 'ditch' her to hang out with anyone even if she does make me mad." And with that, the bell rang and she stood up. "Now excuse me." She said coldly and left, leaving the girl speechless.
"Come on, Marceline." Bubblegum sighed, signalling Marceling to hurry up. Marceline was a little shocked again, but hurried over and the two girls left together.
The two girls walked in silence, a tension so thick you could cut it with a knife. Marceline's mind was racing of things to say, but nothing came out of her mouth and instead, she continued walking a few steps behind her pink haired friend. She didn't understand.
"Wait here, I need to use the bathroom quickly" Marceline nodded as Bubblegum walked into the girls toilets and leaned against the wall, looking around at all the students who were eager to get home.
"Marceline the loser Queen." A voice called, followed by several snickers and laughs. Marceline looked to see three girls stopping in front of her. "What are you doing waiting outside the girls toilets? Did Bubblegum finally ditch you?" The girl in the middle said, snarling as Marceline faught back the earg to rip her head off.
"That'd really make you happy, wouldn't it?" Marceline scowled. "But no, Bubblegum's in there and I'm waiting for her. Sorry to dissappoint" The three girls exchanged disgusted looks before turning their attention back to Marceline.
"I heard someone asked Bubblegum to walk home and she turned her down for you." The leader said again, looking disgusted still. "Seriously, that poor girl doesn't know what she's wasting her time on. I hope one day she'll actually wake up and ditch you."
"Yeah, you're nothing but a loser, Marceline. If you really want to do the world a favour, then go away and let Bubblegum actually have some decent friends." Another laughed.
"You're like a plague that no one wants. You're parents ditched you when they realised that and soon Bubblegum will too" They all began laughing again. Marceline's hands turned into tight fist that were ready to punch something, clenching her teeth so hard she thought they were going to break under the pressure. But before she could do anything.
"Marceline?" A voice called out. It was Gumball. He walked over and stood beside Marceline and smiled brightly at the other girls. "I do hope there isn't a problem. That would make me really mad if you were picking on her." Despite having a smile on his face, the three girls could understand the threat clearly and began to stutter.
"Really, you have too many fans nowadays, Marceline. I'm a little jealous." Another voice called out. Marshall was leaning against a wall, smirking at the three girls. "I didn't think you girls went that way either. That's a shame." She flipped his hair slightly, straightening it out again with his hands. The three girls blushed, their jaws dropping. Marshall was popular with the ladies, and he always loved to tease. He just couldn't help himself.
"N-no! You've got it all wrong." The first girl waves her hands in a dismissive attempt.
"Yeah, we're not into her. We were just...err.." Another trailed off, unsure of how to finish. She knew if she told the truth, a certain pink haired boy behind them would surely get angry.
"A-anyway, we're done here. Lets go" The first girl scowled again, turning on her heels and leading the way off as the two girls followed.
Marceline let out a sigh she let her jaw and hands relax again, falling back into the wall and leaning on it. Gumball's features softened as he placed his hand on her shoulder, comforting her the best he could in the given situation. Marshall on the other hand strutted over and placed a hand on her head.
"Good thing we showed up when we did. That could have got ugly really fast" Marhsall chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.
"Marceline...is everything alright." Gumball asked in a gentle voice, noticing her head facing down and her shoulders trembling slightly.
"I'm fine, just forget it." Marceline managed to say. "Do me a favour and don't tell Bubblegum, okay?" The two boys exchanged looks before nodding at each other and turning back to her.
"Alright, we'll keep it a secret." Marshall smirked, placing one finger over his lips. Just then, Bubblegum came out of the toilets and in the commotion of the two boys greeting her, Marceline was able to sort herself out and put on her smile.
"Right, well should we get going?" Bubblegum smiled and everyone nodded. However on there was out, Marceline felt her heart sink. The words those girls said ran through her head over and over. Should she really just go away? Is that really what everyone wants? Even Bubblegum? The thought alone stung her eyes. Shaking her head to forget it, she continued walking, but her thoughts couldn't stay distracted for long and she bagan straying behind slightly. Bubblegum and Marshall were lost in conversation, both laughing away when Gumball turned to notice Marceline a few steps behind, her gaze distant and lost in thought. He stopped and waited for her to catch up and when she did, he smiled gently, patting her head.
"Huh?" She was brought out of her thoughts and was startled by him. "What is it?"
"You're straying behind, Mar-Mar." His blue orbs stared into her red ones with sincere feelings. It threw her off a little and she wasn't really sure how to respond, so instead, she looked away.
"Oh...sorry." She continued walking, trying to catch up with the two unaware friends up ahead. However when she saw them together, she paused again, her eyes widening slightly. She felt a pain in her chest, like a needle stabbed into her chest. What was this just now?
"Marceline, is it still bothering you?" Gumball stood beside her again, grabbing her attention.
"Wh-what?" She felt her cheeks turn red with embarrassment. Sure it made her feel weird seeing those two like that. Maybe even jealous, but why? It never usually bothered her.
"You know, those girls in the hallway. Is what they said really bothering you that much?" Oh, so that's what he meant. Marceline felt herself sigh in relief, but apon remembering those cruel words those girls threw at her, her heart fell heavy again. "It's not like you to take something someone says to heart. Not like that, anyway"
"I told you, Gumball. I'm fine." She shook his concern off and began walking again, staring at her two friends ahead. Each time she heard Bubblegum's laughter mixed with his, it sent another shot of pain to her chest, making it heavier. She couldn't take it anymore and looked away, averting her eyes completely when she noticed Gumball still walking beside her.
"Why are you sticking with me?" She asked, frowning slightly. "Why don't you go and join in their conversation? Can't be any fun back here with me."
"I could ask you the same question." Gumball smirked. "You're back here all on your own, lost in thought completely. Now that's not like you at all. Besides, I'm having plenty fun here with you." Marceline blinked a few times, unsure of what he meant.
"You're weird. We're not even doing anything to make it fun."
"We don't need to. Being able to just walk and talk about small things is fine. Having too much commotion can be tiring. And also, if you try to make something fun, it won't be fun. Fun comes naturally, after all" Ah, again with the deep conversation. Gumball was always like that, but it wasn't bad. It was nice to have someone you could talk seriously with.
"Gumball, do you think it's true though? Do you think Bubblegum would be better off without me holding her back?" Just then, Gumball shook his head.
"No. You're not doing anything of the sorts. Bubblegum loves you, Marceline. You're her best friend and she'd never think of you that way. People can be cruel with their words, but they're only said to hurt you, not speak truth." He placed his hand on her shoulder again. "Besdies, Marshall and I also love you very much. Remember that, okay?" His kind smile calmed Marceline down and she nodded.
"Thanks." She managed to smile a little and the two of them caught up with the other two a little, still walking a little back from them so they could talk about something else. Marceline had the feeling that she'd ruin Bubblegum's fun if she was to join in anyway.
AN: Thanks for the reads and feedback, everyone. Also, I'm not all too sure how American styles highschools are either, so I hope you can excuse any errors on that part. But using a British theme would have sucked because it's too boring ; 3 ; unirforms and stuff. Anyways, thank you.