Behind Every Man

Elm Treigh

Chapter Six

After Reid apologized to Mia – "I guess it wouldn't kill me to clean a little." – They decided on a plan of action. Mia concluded that in order to clean quickly and efficiently, they'd have to make a bigger mess of the place. She ordered Aaron and Reid to gather all the tables and chairs in the center of the room while wiping them clean. Then she instructed them to each take a wall and hose them down, free of the layers of the food fight. The wall of windows would be last.

With jobs given, they each set out to do their work. Aaron and Reid righted the tables and chairs, wiping them down as Amelia had told them to, and began collecting them in the center while Mia swept and mopped the area clean for them. Once done Aaron and Reid picked a wall and began hosing off the grime of sticky drinks and chunks of dried food. Mia had a stepping ladder to scrub off what wouldn't slide off before she gave her attention to the counter and sneeze guard where the food was kept.

All of this took ninety minutes.

Neither Aaron nor Reid had expected to feel tired over manual labor. They were both in great physical shape, of course. At the peak of their youth; working out to keep their physique for venial purposes by societal pressure or to endure their respective sports. Yet cleaning, scrubbing down walls, and wiping down tables and chairs were much more draining. It was emasculating to their egos.

Their muscles were beginning to protest, working up a sweat. They've long since stripped themselves down to their wife beaters and trousers. Even Mia had removed most of her uniform, except for her tank and skirt. Becoming a bit of a distraction to both teenage boys resulting in an exasperated Amelia to demand they get back to work.

She rolled her eyes at their hormones, continuing her work simultaneously picking up her button-up blouse and putting it on. Their sweaty sculpted bodies weren't as big of a distraction to her as her tank and skirt was to them, she had but to cover up to fix that problem. A bit of an inconvenience to her but her focus was on completing the terms of her punishment so that she could return home to her father and her Aunt. To get to the bottom of the reason for her Aunt's visit.

Unless her Aunt's visit was exactly that. A visit. Perhaps she was putting too much thought to it. Perhaps the day's events, the possibility of losing her best friend over a nonsensical envy, pored over into her fear of losing her father. Or maybe she subconsciously wanted to make Aaron jealous?

It wasn't as though she could deny that he grew up into an attractive young man. Aaron Abbott had always been handsome. From the first day they met she noticed his good looks. How could she not? Those thick curls, blue eyes, and cheek bones could make the heart of a devout abstinent quiver. Combine that with his roguish smile, adventurous character, and noble loyalty; well who would be able to resist him?

According to the whispers that circulate Spenser, not many girls did. Yet she knew her appearance caught his attention. She saw the way he looked at her in the library yesterday. How he recognized her before she recognized him. Amelia didn't consider herself beautiful, gorgeous, or hot. She learned what looked good on her, what her best physical assets were, and how to make such features stand out. She learned how to appear pretty while remaining invisible. Still, Aaron had noticed her then as he notices her now. Only one other boy had acknowledged her as Aaron (and she supposed Reid too) have and that was Chase.

Chase Collins. She thought with a sigh.

What happened to Chase? Where could he be? Amelia needed to find him. Not only for her own peace of mind but she needed his help. Something happened the night he left. Something she couldn't explain. Something that resulted in a secret she's had to harbor for the past three months. Something she believed only Chase had the answers to. Only Chase would know what really happened the night he left. Only Chase could give her the answers she needs. Only Chase.

After all, Chase has been the only one for her, right? He had been her first for many important adolescent 'Rights of Passage'. Chase was the one that taught her how to play poker and billiards, a skill her father helped perfect. He taught her how to drive. Chase was her first date. He was her first kiss, her first boyfriend, her first love. He was her first… 'first'. When he told her he had to leave to find his biological father, to find semblance for his life; a journey he had to take alone without anything or anyone holding him back, he became her first heartache.

A heartache she hoped would come to an end once she found him. If not for closure then for forgiveness. She was prepared to forgive him. He left her to find answers. She understood this despite how heart breaking it felt at the time. She couldn't and wouldn't hold it against him. He had gone through so much and truth be told she'd do anything for Chase. Chase was her first love and will always have a place in her heart. For that reason alone she'd do whatever he'd ask, whatever was best for him, for them. He showed her that she could be loved as a woman and return that love to a man. She owed him so much.

Mia glanced at Aaron and sighed. There was a time she had believed Aaron would have been the young man to claim the title of 'Her First' and a part of her felt guilty that he wasn't. It was a promise made long ago. She promised him he would be her first when they were preteens. During a time when Aaron had lost both parents to divorce. A time when he was feeling lost, insecure, alone, and unloved; when he felt at fault for the animosity between his parents, acknowledged his first fear, and found the courage to voice them to the only person he trusted.

"They've been fighting again. I don't know of what."

A twelve year old Aaron Abbott murmured to his best friend. They were sitting crossed legged beside each other on the banks of the small pond his mother had built in their vast backyard. Their 'Pond of Tranquility' as Amelia had named it. It was where he and Mia had their most intimate talks, shared their darkest fears, and brightest hopes. It was where they confessed their deepest desires and worries. It was there that Aaron allowed himself the vulnerability that would have shamed him otherwise.

He felt a delicate hand cover his. He looked down at it before gazing upward to its owner, a small amber eyed girl with specks of freckles across her nose and cheeks, her honey brown curls moving in the small breeze that their pond always attracted. It was her eyes that kept his attention. Mia's eyes always full of compassion and understanding. Never judging instead always kind and inquiring. He trusted her without a second thought. It was difficult not to with eyes like hers.

Aaron looked away, squeezing the hand that held his. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, awaiting some encouraging words from his best friend to make things better. To make the pain hurt less.

"Aaron," she began, taking in a small breath. "I'm terribly sorry but I truly don't believe your parent's disagreement has anything to do with you." Aaron snorted in disappointment. Mia pressed her lips together. "They love you, Aaron. You know that, right?"

"They're talking about getting a divorce. Mom already mentioned it. I'm gonna have to choose between them." He gazed out at the pond, at the ducks swimming; bathing themselves.

"They won't get a divorce Aaron. I'm sure of it."

He looked at his best friend then, an angry glare hidden behind his sadness. How could she be so optimistic? So certain of things she doesn't know anything about? So naïve. She hasn't seen the ugly fights like he has. She hasn't heard the harsh words they exchanged in their arguments or the objects thrown. She doesn't feel the hate in the air like he does. Mia hasn't been living through the falling out of love his parents were going through. That's what was going on. His parents were falling out of love.

He wondered when exactly that happened and how had it happened. Was it his dad spending more time in the office than was necessary? Was it his mom attending more charity events than she had previous years? In any case, his parents were so in love it was sickening yet beautiful to watch. He always imagined one day he'd fall in love like his father loved his mother and it would be as beautiful and wondrous as theirs was. But if his own parents could be so ridiculously in love one day to throwing glasses and horrible names at one another the next day, what hope has he to find a love more grandiose? What guarantee has he that his parent's fates will not become his?

As if reading his mind Mia whispered, "It won't be the same, Aaron." She moved closer to him, her shoulder nudging his. "When you find love it'll be magnificent. It'll be unlike any love ever told. Do you know why?" Aaron shook his head, allowing her to continue. "Because it will be your love."

Aaron smiled at Amelia. The undeterred confidence she had in him was astounding, even to him. He loved her. Not like his dad once loved his mom but it was love nonetheless. Then again, what if his love for Mia one day disappeared? What if one day he woke up and saw her honey eyes and thought them detestable? What if one day he heard her voice and it enraged him? What if one day her touch made his skin crawl? What if one day everything he loved about her he suddenly hated? What if one day his friendship with Mia became like his parents?

In a sudden rush of panic, he grabbed both her hands in his, turning to face her, ignoring the startled confusion on her pretty freckled face.

"Mia will you promise me something?" he began. Mia nodded slowly, unsure. He took a deep breath thinking back to what his mom once said to him about how she knew she loved his dad. "Will you promise to be my first?"

"Sorry, your what?"

"My first," he insisted, scooting closer to her. "You know…" He looked down at their hands, running his thumbs over the soft skin, doing his best to suppress a blush.

"I don't understand, Aaron. Your first in what way?" She stared at him baffled by his request.

"My mom and dad, Mia. They don't love each other anymore. That's why they're fighting so much."

"Aaron, please, you mustn't think-"

"And I don't want that to happen to us because Mia I love you and I don't ever want to not love you. You're my best friend."

Mia froze. That certainly wasn't what she expected to hear. She ducked her head so that she could attempt to catch his eye. When he finally gave her the access she sought, her expression softened.

"I love you too, Aaron," she replied with a shy smile.

"So promise to be my first, Mia. Please."

His first? She thought, trying to figure out what he meant before it struck her. His first! She looked away from him, blushing. She tried to remove her hands from his grasp but Aaron wouldn't allow it.

"Aaron, I, um…"

"Please Mia! I don't mean right away or whatever. I know you're not ready and neither am I, we're only twelve. There's still so much to learn, but one day we will and it should be with someone we love, right?"

"Well, yes it should but Aaron-"

"And I love you and you love me, right?"

"Yes but-"

"And we'll always love each other forever because we're best friends and friends love each other always and-"

"Aaron!" Mia interrupted. She looked hard at the desperate look in his eyes. The fear of losing her friendship, losing her love evident in every shaky breath he took. She hated his parents then, for planting that fear in their brilliant and handsome son.

She was only twelve years old though! They both were! How could she possibly think to consider making such a serious promise? She had just learned the specifics of Womanhood last summer. She had 'The Talk' with both her father and Aunt Emma last year. It would be crazy to make a promise about sex, wouldn't it? Why did Aaron think that being each other's first would validate their love for each other, anyway? What could make him believe that? Was it something his parents had told him? Granted, all she knew about sex was what her father and Aunt Emma told her and that was that sex is something not to be taken lightly. That it is something that could be wonderful and lovely as well as tragic and painful. That if shared with the right person, someone you love, then sex would become the most special, most intimate thing that could be given. Maybe Aaron's parents had told him the same thing? Why else would he ask her to be his first? If that were the case then she should feel flattered. Shouldn't she? Besides, she loves Aaron. She confessed her love to him. Too late to take it back now. Not that she would take back what she said. After all, she had her fantasies. Fantasies of being his girlfriend and one day, maybe, even his wife. She loves Aaron Abbott. He is her best friend.

She squared her shoulders, a decision made. "I, Amelia Hewitt, promise you, Aaron Abbott, to be there for you always. I promise to be your friend and if the day comes, I promise to be… to be your first lover."

Aaron's eyes widened at the declaration, finally realizing what his fear had brought. He looked away, now feeling unsure of what he's done. Of the promise he's forced his best friend to make. He meant what he said about loving her. Aaron loves Amelia. He'll probably always love her and was sure that she loves him. Even if she hadn't a clue before his announcement he had always known her true feelings for him. Aaron knew Amelia better than she knew herself. He knows what she's thinking before a thought was formed in her head. He knew her emotions better than he knew his own. That was why they complimented each other so well. Amelia humanized him. He brought forth the confidence she hides so well. Did he know she would promise her virginity to him? No but she did anyway. That was testament to her devotion to their friendship and how much she loved him.

He started this, it would be wrong not to follow through. He gulped down a lump rising, also squaring his shoulders. "I, Aaron Abbott, promise to be there for you always, Amelia Hewitt. To be your confidant and always your best friend because I love you and I want to be your first. I want you to be my first. I promise that one day you will be."

They smiled at each other.

Amelia smiled at the memory. It was a promise made out of desperation and fear; of insecurity. Though, Mia would have probably promised Aaron anything that day if only to make him feel better. She understood that the vow they made wasn't just about being one another's 'first'. It wasn't about promising the most intimate act anyone could ever experience. No. They promised each other, as best friends, that they would always have one another. No matter what happened, Amelia had Aaron and Aaron had Mia. They would finish school together, attend University together; be by each other's side through the ups and downs always. For as long as they've known one another they always had the other to fall back on. A promise is a promise.

Unfortunately, it seems they have both broken a piece of that multi-layered promise. Mia missed two summers which meant she wasn't there for Aaron like she normally was. They called and emailed throughout their school years and were around for the Holidays and of course there was the summer. Summer time was their thing and she broke that by not being there; by missing two summers. Something he reminded her scornfully. There was also the part of the promise where Aaron was to be the owner of her virginity as she was to have his. Clearly that didn't happen either. Chase was the one that bestowed that intimacy. Kyra was Aaron's. Or not, she wasn't sure. They never really shared that part of their lives. At least not yet.

They hadn't had the chance to catch up properly. After tonight, though, Mia will make sure they do. She was there now and she wasn't going to leave. Not with her father ill, Chase missing, promises to amend and keep, and questions needing answers. Where else would she be other than Ipswich to accomplish her list? Who better to help her than her best friend?

Amelia huffed a tired sigh. Setting down the rag she was using, she surveyed the room. Reid had finished his wall and was sweeping the area around. Aaron had long since finished his wall, swept and mopped his area, and had begun to wash the windows. Cleaning as fast as possible to get out of there quickly was his way of showing penance to Mia for the way he had been behaving since he found her in the library. An act that didn't go unnoticed by the intended target.

It was obvious to Mia that Aaron (nor Reid) wanted to be there. Neither wanted to spend their afternoons cleaning and scrubbing the Dining Hall but Aaron stayed anyway. Not under the condition of a punishment he couldn't get out of which he couldn't. Mia had seen and heard enough from Spenser's students to be aware of Aaron's status. Had it not been for the Sons, he and his friends were next in line on the popularity scale. Aaron probably could have found a way to pin everything on Reid and leave her to face the consequences of their actions alone. He didn't. For that she was incredibly grateful.

"Well," she started, grabbing the attention of her fellow inmates. "I believe we deserve a break, wouldn't you?"

"Finally!" Reid exclaimed, dropping his broom and dusting his hands clean on his dirty trousers.

Mia smiled at him, walking toward Aaron. "What should we do on our break?" he asked her, tugging her under his arm, and placing a kiss on her head.

Amelia sighed contently. "I am hungry and a bit parched," she replied. "Are we to starve as part of our punishment?"

"I'll go ask Donnie and Darrell for some food and water." He let go of Mia to make his way to the door.

"Guys," Reid said, sitting at one of the newly cleaned tables. "We're in the cafeteria. The kitchen is right over there." He pointed to the double doors that led to the kitchen.

"We're aware, Reid," Mia shook her head casually. "But perhaps we should ask rather than take. Unless you're willing to risk further punishment?"

Reid rolled his eyes at the Good Girl response she gave him. Standing up, smirking, he strolled over the barrier, and jumped over it to reach the kitchen. He called out behind him that taking risks are what progress relies on.

Aaron, meanwhile, returned with an angry scowl on his face. He approached Mia, shaking his head. "They said we weren't allowed to have food or leave to get food or even order food."

Amelia frowned. She could scarcely believe Provost Higgins expected them to work without a break, especially a dinner break. There must be some sort of rule about it in Spenser's Student Handbook or at most the law. Possibly Donnie and Darrell were the ones not allowing a dinner break. Reid did offend them, after all. It must be their way of getting back at Reid, and by association, Aaron and herself. Provost Higgins wasn't unjust. His punishment to Aaron, Reid, and Mia could have been worse. It had to be Donnie and Darrell's doing, she concluded.

At that moment, Reid strode through the double doors, carrying a tray and a triumphant arrogant smile on his face. His Brothers trailed behind him, also wearing smiles. Caleb and Tyler carried trays.

"Your dinner has arrived, M'lady," he mocked, taking a seat at the same table he had sat on earlier. Pogue sat beside him. Tyler and Caleb stood behind Pogue, patiently waiting for Aaron and Mia to sit.

Aaron glanced at Mia. He relayed to her that he wasn't too pleased but he was tired and hungry and if she would please just overlook the rules. Mia hesitated. She stared around at the Sons faces then again at Aaron who gave her the biggest eyes he could. She laughed, relenting, saying that they did deserve a break.

"Surely Provost Higgins didn't intend for us not to take a break let alone starve."

Both walked to the table, sitting down, Mia reaching Tyler, whom sat next to Reid, and slid the tray he held toward her as soon as she sat. Aaron took a seat next to his best friend, not at all happy with the seating arrangements or that the Golden Son of the Sons of Ipswich was carrier of his tray of food.

He had half a mind to take his food, grab Mia, and childishly sit at a different table. More so, upon seeing Mia bashfully smile at Tyler then grin widely when Tyler revealed a jar of peanut butter and placed it on her tray pleasantly exclaiming how he had remembered. It took a great deal of self-control not to knock Tyler out and drag Mia away. He really didn't like how those two stared at each other and smiled at each other. It made his stomach turn. It would upset Mia, though. So he refrained from acting on his juvenile emotions.

"To what do we owe this pleasant surprise?" Mia beamed.

"We wanted to see for ourselves that Reid's actually here and following through," Tyler explained.

"Yeah. Reid doesn't really stick things out," Pogue added.

"We're surprised that he has." Caleb teased.

Reid rolled his eyes at his Brothers comments.

"I don't believe he had a choice," Mia remarked. "Higgins has guards at the door."

Reid and his Brothers scoffed at the statement. "Tweedle Donnie and Tweedle Darrell?" Mia nodded, sipping her flavored water. She couldn't help the entertained smile on her face. The Sons relationship was enjoyable to watch. "They couldn't guard a King's palace if their lives depended on it."

"Oh how you flatter yourself so, Garwin." Mia laughed. Aaron chuckled along with her.

"It's not really flattery," Tyler stated. "I mean, yeah, Reid does think highly of himself…" Reid smacked his shoulder. Tyler and the rest laughed.

"What he means," Caleb intervened. "Is that Donnie and Darrell aren't reliable guards."

"Yeah, Reid could have snuck out easily, any time, and they wouldn't know," Pogue supplied.

Amelia raised her brows; surprised at the information she was given. "Is this true, Reid?" She questioned. Reid gave her a noncommittal shrug. She glimpsed at Aaron, plainly impressed then laughed lightly at the scowl and shrug she received. She returned her attention to Reid, reaching over Tyler to place her hand on his forearm. "In that case, I thank you for staying and I'm sorry for my behavior earlier."

"Your behavior?" Caleb inquired.

At this, Mia ducked her head, embarrassed, removing her hand from Reid. She took a French fry, dipped it in her peanut butter, and took a bite. She moved her chair closer to Aaron, poking his side as though to say 'you tell them'. Aaron shrugged.

"Let's just say, Garwin was put in his place and it wasn't by me." He leaned back in his chair, gazing proudly at his best friend who grinned widely at everyone at the table.

Caleb, Tyler, and Pogue stared at Reid for confirmation. Without making eye contact he gave them all a curt nod.

"Oh I gotta hear the details to this!"

The next thirty minutes, the Sons, Mia, and Aaron enjoyed their meals with a mixture of laughs and digs and stories shared. The Sons repeatedly questioned both Aaron and Mia about Reid's part in the punishment. Unable to believe that Reid really did do any cleaning and if they had any visual proof. The Brothers received glares and smacks from Reid occasionally. It was all lighthearted and fun.

Aaron did his best to distance himself from the group, engaging only with Mia but Mia's friendly disposition made it impossible. She had a habit to include everyone. Just one of many things he loved about her. Instead, he spent most of the break glaring warnings at Tyler and Reid. The two were exhibiting a dangerous amount of interest in his best friend. Done differently, of course. Every man has different methods of flirtation. Nonetheless, they were flirting with her. Mia was none-the-wiser, just glad for the distraction of her new friends and gladly laughed heartily with them.

Once done with their meals, Tyler volunteered himself to clearing the table. He picked up the trays and carried them into the kitchen. Mia, in the meantime, cleaned the table. Everyone stood and moved away from the table, waiting for Tyler to return.

"This has been great!" She grinned at the Sons and Tyler after he returned. "Thank you all for joining us."

"No problem," Pogue answered already moving to take their leave, his Brothers following suit.

"Amelia Hewitt."

Everyone turned to the back doors of the Dining Hall where two young adults entered. A boy with sandy brown hair that fell into his eyes and a girl with long sandy brown curls; siblings.

"You're a difficult girl to find."

Mia pressed herself instinctively to Aaron, holding his hand tightly. Something about the two made her uneasy and suspicious.

"Who are you?" Aaron harshly asked. Mia's unease triggering his protective instinct.

"Just a friend of Amelia's," smiled the girl. She gave the Sons a wink to which wasn't returned. Unfazed, the girl placed her hands on her hips.

Caleb, Tyler, Pogue, and Reid glanced at Mia, noting how she leaned against Aaron, hiding a little behind him. They noted how she tried to look small, how she held on to him closely, how uncomfortable she appeared; clearly confused by who the two teenagers were. These were not signs of recognized friendship. The Sons became suspicious of the intruders, sizing them up. The boy and the girl only smiled, advancing them steadily. Reid, Tyler, and Aaron stepped forward at their approach.

"Don't look like any friends of Mia," Pogue observed nonchalantly.

"Oh I wouldn't say that," the young man boasted. "Amelia and I go way back. Tell them Amelia."

"Come on, Amelia," coaxed the girl. "Don't leave us out to dry. Introduce us to your handsome company."

Mia cocked her head to the side, ignoring the curious stares her friends were giving her. Why would these two believe themselves friends when she didn't know who they were? How did they know her, anyhow? Where did they know her from? Why did they say they were looking for her? Should she know them?

She studied them carefully. The boy had sandy brown hair that fell into his dark eyes. His skin was pale but fair. His figure was tall and lanky, exposing little definition of athleticism but an athletic build it was. Maybe that of a runner. Yes, he had the build of a runner. The girl shared similar features to the boy standing next to her. She, too, had the build of a runner, long sandy brown curls, pale fair skin, and dark eyes. They were even the same height. Siblings. Definitely siblings. She felt no recognition upon her inspection. Again, she thought, should she know them?

She shook her head minutely. "My apologies," she whispered. "I don't believe I know you two."

The girl raised a surprised brow at Mia. She gave her brother a knowing smirk. Crossing her arms and standing with her feet apart. She couldn't wait for her brother's counter to her claim. He didn't look any bit pleased at Amelia's reply. He closed his eyes, hands clenching at his sides. The Sons took immediate notice to the girl's stance and the boy's unhappy appearance, they encircled Mia behind them. Then, as suddenly as the tension appeared, it disappeared. The boy abruptly became jovial.

"Amelia, my dear," he smiled at her. "You wound my ego with such words." He waved a hand in front of himself, taking a small bow. "It's me, Harley. Harley Devereaux and my sister, Quinn Devereaux."

"Harley and Quinn Devereaux," Mia repeated to herself softly. Their names did sound familiar. "Of course!" She moved to stand beside Aaron. "You're Harley-Quinn. The twins."

Quinn laughed. "I'd forgotten our nicknames." Harley smiled at his twin. "At least it helped you remember."

"It has, yes," Mia agreed. "What are you two doing here? How did you know I was here?"

The twins shared a look. "You told us," Quinn answered.

"The night you left?" Harley submitted. "You were at our party, very upset over your break up with Chase. Don't you remember?"

"Break up with Chase?" Aaron glanced down at Mia. "I thought you two were-"

Mia shushed him. "Chase and I did not break up."

"That's not what the school heard," Quinn chimed. Mia glowered at her. "Chase left you, didn't he? That's what everyone was saying."

"Quinn," Harley warned. "That's enough." Quinn lifted her hands up in surrender, chuckling. "I'm sorry, Amelia, for my sister."

"Yeah, whatever," Reid responded taking an intimidating step closer to the twins. Quinn grinned flirtatiously at him, also moving toward him. "So Mia told you she was in Ipswich, still doesn't answer why you're here or why you said you're looking for her."

"What do you want?" Tyler spoke next, glad that Reid acknowledged the same query that ran through his and his Brothers heads.

"Easy gentleman," Quinn cautioned, standing in front of Reid, checking him out and nodding her approval. Reid suppressed a smirk, deciding to ignore her and keep his eyes on Harley.

"We're just here to invite Amelia out to dinner. To catch up," explained Harley.

"She's had dinner already," Aaron gritted out.

"Guess you wasted your time," added Pogue.

"Did we?" Quinn eyed Reid. "I don't know. I think my time was spent well."

Mia stared daggers at Quinn. Just who did this girl think she was? She stepped forward, away from Aaron to stand in front of Reid, causing Reid to stare at her head confused. She opened her mouth to say something but stopped herself when she saw the challenging grin Quinn gave her. She huffed a breath instead, closed her eyes to compose herself before speaking.

"Listen Harley, Quinn," she opened. "Tonight is not good for me. Perhaps some other time?"

"Of course, sure," Harley consented. "Let's go Quinn."

"I'll be seeing you soon," Quinn sang behind her shoulder as she walked toward the back door.

Harley bowed his head at the boys and at Mia before following after his sister. Once the door closed behind him he roughly grabbed Quinn's arm. "What the bloody hell was that?" he hissed.

Quinn laughed, pulling her arm away. "Relax brother." She continued her walk toward their car.

"Relax?" he stated, walking after her. "We're to gain her confidence not scare her away."

"My dear loving brother," Quinn sighed. "We will have her trust. I can guarantee you that."

"Offending her and making eyes with the blond fellow is your way of attracting trust?"

"You noticed her reaction as well, I reckon?"

Harley nodded with a frown. "But she held onto the other boy," he specified, walking in stride with his sister.

"That must be the best friend we were informed of. I doubt she would be that close to anyone she has just met."

"We should attain his trust as well."

"All in due time, brother." She patted his shoulder. "For now, let us have our fun."

"You mean the blond boy?" He scrunched his nose in disgust.

Quinn giggled. "He is my type. You know that."

"I know."

"What about you, Harley?" Quinn asked arriving at their vehicle. She unlocked the doors and sat inside the driver's side, waiting for her brother to enter.

"What do you mean?"

"Chase is out of the picture," she supplied once he entered. "He has been for a while."

Harley chuckled, shaking his head. "You think this news pleases me when she doesn't believe as such?"

"I know you brother. I know your fondness for Amelia. Perhaps now is your chance?"

Harley shook his head sadly. "You know as well as I what our orders are."

Quinn nodded. "I do," she complied, starting the car and pulling out of the lot, driving away from Spenser Academy. "We're to gain her trust then deliver her to Him unharmed. She carries something He wants. Nothing more than that."

Harley scrutinized his sister. "You don't think He cares for Amelia?" Quinn shook her head in answer. "He wants what she carries?"

"Nothing more than that," she repeated with a smile. "I'll keep the blond occupied and you romance Amelia. We both have our fun and He still gets what He wants."

A/N: Hello everyone! How are you doing? Good? That's great! So here's the next chapter. I'm finally getting into the mystery part of it. There are a few things I have in store and I'm gonna try to put as much of what I have planned in upcoming chapters as I can. Reason being is I kinda want to be done with this fic already. I have a Teen Wolf one that I have in mind that really wants to be told and I really need to fix - er - rewrite the Supernatural one I have. I'd like to do all of that while I have the time to do it because I might not be able to later on. Especially since my writing process takes a long time. So please, bare with me everyone. (Also, shout out to chocolatechipcookielover! Thank you for the review and the kind words! You're awesome!)

Fic of the Day/Week/Month/Year: Secrets of a Cat and a Movie by Calie1

Thank you for reading! :)