*~CHAPTER THREE~*

Class ended, and students began to file out of the classroom. Evie asked Carlos what his next subject was, and looked happy to discover they both had Lady Tremaine for Evil Schemes. "That's another advanced class—you must have a really high EQ," he told her. Only those who boasted off-the-charts evil quotients were allowed to take it. "It's this way," he said, motioning up the stairs.

But before they could get too far, a cold voice cut through the chatter. "Why, if it isn't Carlos De Vil," it said behind them.

Carlos would know that voice anywhere. It was the second-most terrifying on the island. When he turned, Mal was standing right behind him, next to Jay and Ben. Even though a blanket was wrapped around—along with Ben's arm, Mal still looked as vicious as ever. Carlos automatically checked his pockets to make sure nothing had disappeared.

"Hey, Mal," he greeted trying to appear nonchalant. Mal never spoke to anyone except to scare them or to complain that they were in her way. "What's up?"

"Your mom's away at the Spa this weekend, isn't she?" Mal asked, elbowing Jay, who snickered.

Carlos nodded. The Spa was Cruella's one bit of comfort, her one reminder of her luxurious past. How far the De Vils had fallen, just like the rest of the Isle.

"Y-yes," he said uncertainly, unsure if that was the correct answer even though it was the truthful one.

"Right answer," Mal said and patted him on the head. "I can't exactly give a party at my place without my mother yelling at everyone, not to mention the whole flying crockery issue."

Carlos sighed. Like the rest of the Isle, he knew parties brought out Maleficent's worst behavior. There was nothing she hated more than people openly having fun.

"Ben's place is out of the question—don't need people going through our stuff. And we can't have it at Jay's because his dad will try to hypnotize everyone into being his servants again," Mal continued.

"Totally," agreed Jay.

Carlos nodded again, although he wasn't sure where this was leading.

"Perfect. Party at your house. Tonight."

"Wait, what? Tonight?" He blanched. "I can't have a party! I mean you should understand, my mom doesn't really like it when people come over—and, um, I've got a lot of work to do—I have to fluffs her furs, iron her undergarments, I mean—" He gulped, embarrassed.

Mal ignored him. "Spread the news. Hell Hall's having a hell-raiser." She seemed to warm to the thought. "Get the word out. Activate the twilight bark, or whatever it is you puppies do."

"Bowwow," barked Jay with a laugh. Even Ben cracked a smile at the timeless joke.

Carlos glared at the three of them, in spite of himself. "Why tonight, a Thursday of all days? Why not wait till tomorrow?"

Mal narrowed her eyes. "Because Ben wouldn't be able to go."

"There's a party?" Evie asked shyly. Carlos had gotten she was standing right next to him, and he jumped at the sound of her voice.

"Eavesdrop much?" Mal snarled at her, although it was obvious Evie couldn't help it, as she was standing right there.

Ben tightened his grip as a warning to tone it down. Mal sighed. "Of course there is. The party of the year. A real rager, didn't you hear?" Mal looked her up and down and shook her head sadly. "Oh, I guess you didn't hear." She mocked-winced, looking at Carlos conspiratorially. "Everyone's going to be there."

"They are?" Carlos looked confused. "But you only just told me to have it—" He quickly got the message. "Everyone," he agreed.

Evie smiled. "Sounds awesome. I haven't been to a party in a long, long time."

Mal raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I'm sorry. This is a very exclusive party, and I'm afraid you didn't get an invitation."

"Babe," Ben chided as he squeezed her more, "you said you were over it."

Mal smiled lovingly at her boyfriend. "I am. But am I not allowed to have a little fun with the new girl?"

His only answer was a kiss to the temple, which made her smile even more.

Evie finally had to ask, "Do I know you?"

Mal, Jay, and Carlos had a panicked look on their face. Ben's remained neutral as he claimed, "No, you don't. I've never seen you before today, so there's no way you could know me."

"But you seem very familiar," the princess argued. After a moment, she tilted her in curiosity and familiarity. "Were you on the Auradon News Network?"

Mal freaked.

Her breathing immediately quickened to an unnaturally rapid pace. A numbness formed in her hands, mainly in her fingers. She shivered erratically even though she had a warm blanket around her. The chest pains that formed a few moments later confirmed her fear.

She was having another panic attack.

Ben recognized the signs the moment is started. "Deep breaths," he instructed calmly as he took her hand in his. "Close your eyes and picture your happy place—our happy place."

Mal did as she was told and slowly she was returning to normal. Ben urged her to walk down the hall, away from the confused princess. Jay took a menacing step toward Evie, but Carlos quickly got between them.

"She doesn't know," the white-haired boy defended. "Nobody has told her yet-"

"And it's going to stay that way," growled Jay. "She won't be allowed to know the truth until she apologizes."

Evie couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Apologize!" She exclaimed. "For what? I didn't do anything!"

Jay glared at her. "You upset our Queen. You better hope she doesn't think of anything deadly for revenge."

"Mal," Ben cooed affectionately. "Mal, my love, will you look at me?"

The couple was currently alone in their next class. Mal was sobbing uncontrollably in a front row seat while Ben was knelt next to her. He was trying his hardest to cheer her up, but nothing seemed to work.

Reluctantly, Mal looked at her beloved, and he could see that her eyes were already bloodshot from less than a minute of crying.

He took her hand—the one that had his ring, in both of his. "I made a promise to you when we first met," he reminded, "that I wouldn't leave the Isle without you."

"But that princess-"

"Won't say a word," he calmly insisted, "because she has no idea who I am. I look familiar because of my clothing—that's it. There is no way she can know who I am by only seeing me for three minutes. We didn't know who I was for six years. Everything will be fine."

"Promise?" Mal questioned childishly as she let out a sniffle.

"I promise," he concurred, and he meant it.

The purple-haired girl let a small brave smile grace her previously saddened face. "I love you," she confessed.

Ben smiled at her words and for hearing her beautiful voice. "I love you too."

When the other students walked into the room, the first thing they saw was the couple kissing-

But they knew better than to say anything.