A/N: HEY GUYS! So I'm a little late, but here it is anyway! Enjoy the chapter and review!
Check out the parallel story Tongue Tied for Skye's POV!
I forgot to mention this in Tongue Tied, but SPOILER'S FOR EPISODE 5 AHEAD.
For the rest of the class after I had received Skye's note, I looked over at Li, who sat next to me. She had become my best friend here in Sweet Amoris, always bubbly and full of new stories to share. She was always there for me, come to think of it, and was genuinely a lot sweeter than people gave her credit for. Also, so was Charlotte, who actually was never mean to anyone (not that I heard of) and preferred to stay quiet about everything. Her and Lysander would have a pretty interesting conversation if you ask me. Then my thoughts roamed back to Amber, who had become close to me too. Sure, she had a snobby, mean-spirited exterior, but no one's really like that inside. It's not like she was one of those girls who didn't have a heart and was really a black hole. No, even I knew Amber didn't run that deep. I knew she was an extremely bad decision maker, and acted right on impulse and got carried away quickly. Also, she never liked things boring, though she wasn't very good at putting her talents in the right place and instead of livening things up, she tended to cause drama. I managed to keep her in place sometimes though on most days, there was no stopping her. Still, I had my moments with her.
"Honestly, it's so good you're here in SAH. Amber's been a little less psycho if you ask me." Charlotte told me over our weekly Saturday lunch last week. I bit into my Panini, but almost spat most of it out.
"L-Less psycho? This is Amber being less psycho?" I clarified, still in disbelief.
"Trust me." Charlotte said, shaking her head. "Last year, she hated this Deborah chick so bad and wanted Castiel even more, she appeared on his front porch, naked under a red trench coat, ready to flash him on Christmas Eve. She was just lucky he wasn't home or I would've slapped that girl silly."
"That's crazy!" I laughed, the contents of my Panini threatening to spill out as I shook.
"I know…" Charlotte sighed, sipping her tea. "But I think that's why it's a good thing you're here. Without friends and no one to keep her at bay, Amber would lose her mind."
So it turns out, bullying new kids, or stirring things up was what pretty much kept Amber sane. I was set on a new mission: to fix that girl. No, I wasn't going to go running with one rude remark. I knew I could do something. Anyone can make a difference in someone and I knew I had to do it for Amber. All I had to do was stay her friend and follow her one little policy: stay away from Nathaniel.
There was Nathaniel again. I wanted the guy so bad because he didn't seem interested in me, when I already had someone in love with me, and waiting back home for the one day when we'd see each other and just explode from love! Okay, totally kidding about the last part because it didn't make sense, but you guys get my point. Nathaniel couldn't be worth all the trouble.
I just hated how he was just so sweet, and nice, and how he tried his best to make everyone laugh, and still be the responsible, intelligent guy that led the school as president and as an example to everyone. He was unlike anyone I'd ever gotten close to, but for some reason, it happened anyway. But no, I set any thoughts of him aside. I realized that anything I felt was just infatuation. What else could it be right? I thought I was in love with him already, almost willing to drop everything and make it my whole mission. It drove me crazy, making me think it was love, when really he hadn't shown me anything of that kind. He had just been a friend. And I had Tyler, so who was I to complain?
Feeling so much freer than I did before, I had a new view on everything. Nathaniel and I, just good friends, and I was surprisingly okay with that. I was okay with everything. Then, I reached into my pocket, and the feel of the paper made my spirits drop. There sat the note from Skye, and the rest of the mischief we were about to get ourselves into. Outside, I knew it was trouble, but most of me knew I couldn't resist either. We had a knack for getting ourselves into this, Skye and I.
My eyes flickered down to the note, then back at the mirror, then back down at the note.
Girls' bathroom after this. Nate will help us out. Be there or be a loser. PS: Lysander thinks ur gross
Skye was supposed to be here by now, and I was nervous as hell. I was about to miss my next class, but here I was, in the girls' bathroom like Skye told me to be. There was a noise in one of the stalls, though the person didn't say anything. I didn't mind it much and waited, tapping my foot to let time pass (which didn't really help but kill around ten seconds). Finally, after what seemed like forever, the door swung open and in rushed Skye.
"Finally!" I threw my arms up, my eyes widening at the sigh of my sister. "Where have you been?"
"I got a little pep talk." Skye replied, looking a bit lost in thought and smiling to herself. "Are you rea—"
"Girls." Nathaniel threw the door open. Both our heads snapped to attention as he beckoned both of us to join him in the Students' Council Room. There, Melody stood shuffling some papers.
"Can you give us some time, Mel?" Nathaniel asked sweetly, his voice having a calming effect on everyone. He seemed like such a sweet guy. Melody set the papers down and looked disappointed, but quickly changed her expression into something that looked a little bit hostile. Her eyes flickered to me, then to Skye, then back and forth, then landed again at Nathaniel, as if it wasn't safe leaving him alone with us.
"I'll be in class if you need me." She whispered, ducking out of the room and shutting it.
"Alright, we don't have much time." Nathaniel said once the door clicked shut, "I'll just cut through the chase. Wait for the principal to leave the hallways, she's being—"
"Batshit crazy?" I piped up.
"Yes, that," Nathaniel went on, looking desperately around. "So once she goes back into her office, meet me out in the courtyard, and I'll take you both in. Remember, be quick because we don't have much time. And don't make a noise, or we're all dead."
My heart picked up at the confirmation of our plan. I wasn't going to deny it, I was scared, and a minor headache was already coming along. I shook my head. "I can't believe I'm doing this."
"You're doing it." Skye suddenly elbowed my side, winking at me. "No backing out now or I'm eating all the Nutella you bought yesterday." I mock gasped, attempting to elbow her back, but missing as she flailed away.
"Yeah, yeah…" I muttered, brushing my dress off like I was already deep in shit.
The principal was stomping all over the place, looking like she had just lost her wits all over the place. Skye and I were huddled behind some lockers, mentally hoping that we wouldn't get caught. It felt like forever, but it finally came. The principal zipped right back into her office, cursing at Kiki the little mutt.
The door peeped open and Nathaniel poked his head in the school, "You ready?"
We both nodded, and waved him inside. There, Nathaniel brought out the keys and whispered to us, "Be. Careful." I winked nervously in assurance while Skye gave a shaky thumbs-up before we both stepped into the teacher's lounge. It was a long room, but felt stuffy. The furniture was colored brightly, it had the usual couches, file cabinets, coffee table and of course the mandatory coffee machine station.
"I'm freezing." Skye shivered.
"You're always freezing." I commented. The air conditioner pointed right at me but I didn't feel a smidge of goose bumps coming on. I guessed my body had adjusted to the temperature here while Skye's was still stuck in San Diego. "Okay let's hurry."
Skye went to searching the furniture while I went straight to the file cabinets. Wasn't it possible that the papers were just organized wrong and misplaced? Plus, Skye's groans from frustration were hints that clues weren't very visible. I pulled open the top shelf, thumbing through documents. If papers had been stolen, possibly the culprit left a clue right where they had been taken.
"There's nothing here Bridge!" Skye moaned, running a hand through her hair.
But I was far from focused as my eyes landed on what was inside the file cabinet. Files, obviously. I was rummaging through the file cabinet, my eyes fascinated and wondering what they could contain.
"Bridgette!" Skye snapped her fingers, frustrated, though her voie seemed distant and muted. "Hello! Focus!"
"It's everyone's files…" I whispered out loud. I felt Skye's attentiveness rise and I knew she was just as curious as I was, though she wasn't looking right at them like me. My fingers were practically itching to read one. Who could resist, really? If anyone was in my place, would you really have the self-control not to even take a peep?
"You just want to read something about Nate." Skye teased, looking through the leaves helplessly. I shook it off, not even fazed by his nickname anymore. It was stupid of me to even think I had a chance with Nathaniel. We were too different, and we just didn't match up. Opposites may attract with magnets, but with people, we're not always so lucky.
"You just want something on Lysander." I teased back. "What's his last name anyway?"
"Callixto." Skye murmured. "I don't need a file to know that."
"Yeah, but I know you want to know more…" I urged, winking at Skye. I knew she caught it because she groaned and rolled her eyes. I could already tell by her face that she was contemplating it. Too late though, I was going to read it.
"If you want to look into someone's files, do it for yourself!" Skye told me, looking under some chairs. Yep, I made up my mind.
"You're already snooping anyway!" I laughed.
"Snooping for a good cause!"
"Nate's an open book. No one needs a file of him." I said. "Ooh, C…C…Callixto, Lysander, I found it."
"Put that down, Bridgette."
But I had already started reading, "Lysander is a Scorpio, has negative AB blood, his grades are…whoa. Wow. Genius much?"
"That's Lys for you…" Skye shrugged.
"And he has a brother named Leigh that owns the clothes shop in town. Come to think of it, they do kind of look alike, don't you think?" I finished, returning the file. They did actually. I had never spoken to Leigh other than to cash in my items, but I definitely saw the resemblance. Maybe it was their complexion or their bone structure, but they did remind me of each other now that I thought of it.
"Bridge…" Skye started.
"I mean I guess you haven't been to the clothes shop, since obviously you've been wearing the same stuff from California—"
"Look at—" Skye had picked something up.
"Not that you're running out of clothes, seriously, you ought to give some to charity and—"
"Bridgette!" Skye cut me off, waving something small and shiny in my face. "Look at this!"
In her hand, she held a small bracelet. Right then, my heart stopped just a bit.
"Skye." I deadpanned. "Give me that bracelet."
"W-What?" Skye stammered. "No way I—"
"Just let me see it!" I groaned, grabbing it from her. It was unmistakable. It was the exact same one I was wearing now, though it had meant to match… "Skye, this is Amber's."
"You're joking." Skye's dark eyes widened, and suddenly she looked extremely happy. I was quite the opposite.
"I'm not I—"
"WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING HERE!"
The principal popped in, frazzled and crazy-looking, her eyes bulging and teeth barred like she was about to go into a frenzy. She screamed us out of the room until she turned red in the face. Skye and I just kept silent until we received a "If anything in here goes missing, you two are going to be held accountable!" and a raised fist and finally got kicked out of the lounge.
"Well that went well…" Skye muttered.
"You two were too noisy." Nathaniel groaned, appearing suddenly, then headed off down the hall.
"We have to tell him." I sighed. My trust in Amber was suddenly crumbling and I was torn between her or telling the truth. She was one of my best friends here in Sweet Amoris, and I wasn't sure how she would take it. My eyes welled up and my lip quivered. But then, Skye came to my rescue for the first time that day.
"I'll do it." She volunteered. "To save you the trouble."
"You know, Amber will beat your ass." I said, shaking my head. Small tears had started to roll down my cheeks.
"She'd beat your ass harder if you were the one who told on her." Skye said.
"True." I sighed again. "Thank you, Skye."
"What are big sisters for, right?" Skye snickered.
"This is the only time you're actually being a good big sister." I laughed, throwing my head back and trying to wipe away my tears.
"That's because I'm not obliged to be." Skye said, "I'm only like…two minutes older."
Skye took the bracelet from me and pocketed it. Since we shared the next class together, we walked side by side into the room. Apparently, Nathaniel had already excused us both so I just slid into a chair somewhere in the center while Skye took her usual place in the back.
.
I was about to take down some notes, when I heard Li blabbing on to Charlotte.
"Did you hear? New Girl and her minion found Amber's bracelet in the teacher's lounge, and I bet you they already know it's her. She is in deep shit if Skylar gets to the bottom of this?"
Charlotte merely raised an eyebrow, "Minion? Who's the minion? God, they better not find out that she put the tests she stole in her locker, cause I forgot to lock it when she told me to."
My heart raced faster. Minion? Did they know it was me? Did that mean… I was out of this little group they had, or maybe they didn't figure it out? No. Wait, that definitely wasn't the priority. Once the bell rang, I rushed to Skye at the back of the classroom and grabbed her by the arm.
"My throat could be slip for this, but it's in Amber's locker." I whispered, before coming into step with Li and Charlotte. Whatever was about to go down was all up to Skye.
"Oh, hey Bridgette." Li greeted, offering me some of her lipstick. I refused politely and tried making conversation with them.
"Hey Li, what's up?"
"Nathaniel's in deep trouble because Amber st—Ow!"
Charlotte cut Li off with an elbow to her ribs.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Let's just say, until I know that Amber's safe and her locker's locked down, I'd rather not say anything about it."
My heartbeat picked up again, since I knew exactly what was going on. I was just hoping in the back of my mind that Skye had gotten a hold of those damned papers already.
"We have some time to kill before next period!" Li suggested. "Why don't you go make sure Amber's lock's secure?"
"Wait!" I stepped in front of the two, desperate to stall them. "Er… Where is Amber anyway?"
"She's been trying to perfect her new look." Li rolled her eyes. "Stupid, if you ask me, but you know you can't change that girl's mind even if you tried."
"Whatever," Charlotte groaned, "Can we just get down to the stairwell to Amber's locker? I'll be dead if those papers are gone!"
"Isn't Skylar's locker down there too? Because I'm dying to get my claws in her face." Li seethed.
"W-Why?" I asked.
"Li saw her and Lysander having a 'moment'," Charlotte did little quotation marks with her fingers, "Like they were holding each other or whatever."
Was that the little "pep talk" Skye was talking about in the girls' bathroom earlier? A hug from Lysander?
"He was touching her everywhere! He doesn't hug girls! He barely even speaks to them!" Li's eyes were bugging out and her hand started rubbing her lipstick on more ferociously. "I swear, I would've totally been so much better if him and Castiel were just homos together, but no."
"Let's just get down there!" Charlotte hissed.
I shook my head, but there was no stopping them. I walked sluggishly, and tried slowing them down, buy picking up some random papers on the floor, but it didn't do much. The girls were on the move. Before I knew it, the doors of the stairwell were swung open and all I could do was brace myself.
"Y-You!" Li grunted, pointing a red polished finger my sister, who—Oh thank God, was already stuffing the envelope in her bag—was standing right by Amber's locker. "You little slut!"
"Li!" I barked. I had never seen Li explode that way. She usually kept her opinions within our group, never shouted them out loud.
"Let her go." Charlotte told me firmly, and I knew there was nothing I could do but watch unless I wanted my own injuries.
"Ever since you came to this school, everything's been all wrong! You've been throwing yourself to every boy that's willing to give you the time of day, especially Lysander-"
"At least he's willing to give me the time of day!" Skye yelled suddenly, then covered her mouth like her outburst was uncontrollable. I already knew though by how she was starting to turn white in the face but pink in the cheeks, and how her eyebrows were creasing and her grip on herself tightening that this was just Skye getting riled up.
"Oh fuck you, you stupid slut! Isn't Castiel fucking Statham enough for you? Or do you really need two men at your belt to get you to sleep at night? Before you came, everything was perfectly fine! No one in this damn school wants you here and you should go back to where you came from, you annoying loser!"
I wanted to shut everyone up, Li and her high-pitched accusations, and Skye before she said anything worse. But I was helpless, watching everything happen along with other students. Peggy was already by my side, alert and ready with her microphone in hand. Everyone's attention was already at the ready when Skye made the slight movement of lowering her hands.
"Yeah and everyone must love you, right?" Skye countered at Li, both girls getting their faces close to each other, "Because you're Li! Because you're so…so…oh wait, I can't even think of a word for what you are besides Amber's little lapdog! And I know for a fact you've been trying to get into Lysander's pants since you bought your first bra, and where has that gotten you?"
"Why you fucking BITCH! I will get Lysander Callixto from you if it's the last thing I do—"
Before anyone could expect it, Li seemed to have lost control and screeched, hand flying in the air, swinging to pounce. I shut my eyes as I felt tears form behind my eyelids, scared that if I opened my eyes I'd see Skye bloody and hurt, or Li, or both, both at each other, though I knew my sister wasn't the type to result to violence and prided the strength of words.
It was only when I heard a meek voice, that I let my eyes open to see what had happened.
"L-Lysander?"
Skye had opened her eyes too—apparently she had shut them just like me (we weren't so different in reflexes after all)—then slumped against the locker in relief as she saw what was going on. Lysander, slim and lanky, stood behind Li, towering by inches, holding her raised wrist with one hand, looking poised but definitely a deadly look in his eyes.
"That's enough, Lianne." He said and suddenly it was all silent. Any stray students that had come to watch the action, suddenly looked away in embarrassment, though little whispers came from behind me.
'That Lysander dude is weird, and will always be weird'
'Holy shit Li almost ripped Skye's eyes out'
'Does that lipstick chick even have a name besides Amber number two?'
'Did Amber gain weight?'
'Isn't Bridgette on the cheer squad?' –that one, I listened to. They wouldn't let me try out until my first semester was over so I had my hopes up on the second. More voices about Li and Lysander, my sister and I came up, but were quickly silenced when Li spoke again.
"Lysander, I didn't, I had no idea you were here, I mean—" Li was suddenly stuttering as she stared into Lysander's eyes.
"Regardless if I was around or not, I'd like it if you and the rest of your little group left Skylar here alone." He said; dropping her wrist away, almost like it was horrible to even be holding it.
"I wasn't actually going to—"
"I mean it Li." His words were final and left everyone with a shiver down their backs. Li shook, biting her lip as it quivered. She threw Skye one last look before she spun around on her heel, eyes watering as she burst out of the stairwell.
"The papers are gone." Charlotte breathed, sounding horrified, turning to me with wide eyes. I hadn't even noticed that she was no longer at my side and was suddenly at Amber's locker "Shit."
"Let's check somewhere else." I suggested, knowing fully well that Skye had already gotten a hold of them. I let my eyes wander towards Skye, who was somewhat trembling at Lysander's side. Charlotte rushed out after Li and the other students, who had gotten bored now since the whole almost-catfight was over and were making their way to class. Suddenly, I felt a burst of pride and protection over my sister, so I grabbed her by the arms and squeezed her as tightly as I could, and smiling at her before backing up and chasing after Charlotte, leaving Lysander and my sister alone. They spent so much time together; their friendship had started to grow on me. I almost believed it was more than just friendship. I totally shipped it. Lyslar? Skysander? The possibilities really were endless.
Last period went by smoothly. Iris had sat beside me, though usually it was either Amber, Li, or Charlotte. I assumed Char was busy comforting Li in the bathroom, or maybe running around looking for the papers before Amber found out. Amber…well, that was still a mystery to me. I sent her a quick text asking her where she was all day, but I got no reply. The class went by quickly, and I suddenly couldn't wait to go home, when I realized I promised to go out with Nathaniel. Stupid me. Not that I didn't want to spend time with him, that was totally fine, but I was pissed off by the fact that I had said yes because I thought I liked him. Then again, over thinking can change you completely, I was an expert at that. Over thinking led me to clarity. Nathaniel and I were going to stay just friends, and I didn't need anymore than that. There was nothing wrong with going out.
The bell rang thankfully and I let out a sigh of relief that the week was finally over. I packed my stuff and made my way to exit the classroom, when Lysander and I bumped into each other, about to squeeze through the doorframe. He smiled a lopsided smile and scratched the back of his neck. His eyes were looking a little frazzled and distracted though and I couldn't help but ask.
"You okay, Lysloser?" I joked.
"Ha ha Bridgette, and no. I lost my notebook again." Lysander shrugged. We had stepped away from the doorframe when the other students started to complain that we were blocking the way.
"Notebook? Your little leather one with all your secret writings?"
"Yes exactly that." Lysander sighed. "Keep an eye open, will you?"
"Got it." I said.
"By the way," Lysander asked, though I could tell he wasn't used to asking questions. It was like he was scared to look nosy or something. "How did the teacher's lounge go?"
"Er…we both kinda got caught, but it was no big deal. We just got kicked out."
"Any clues or interesting inside?"
"Amber's bracelet, and your file." I said, nudging him in the side.
"Amber's…wait, you read my file?" Lysander asked, his face looking shocked and irritated. "You and Skye both?"
"No," I peeped. "Well, I did, but out loud so Skye heard."
"You know what," Lysander grabbed his messenger bag, slinging it over his shoulder briskly. "Forget about my notebook. Wouldn't want anyone nosy like you to be trifling through my stuff."
He stalked off in a hurry down the hallway. I felt a tinge of guilt. I was really only teasing and it wasn't like there was anything secret about it…
All the students were spilling out of the classrooms, and then, I heard boots. Only when I exited my own classroom did I realize, Amber had finally arrived.
She stood in the middle of the hallway, her chin raised, blue eyes looking distracted but proud. Everyone was as silent as a mouse, taking her in from head to toe. She had on knitted pink tights up her legs, a green wool sweater than reached her knees, suede royal blue ankle boots and a burgundy scarf tied around her neck.
Oh. My. God.
Who in the right mind put those colors together? It was terrible and I was just afraid of what was going to happen. Amber did still have her goal. She wanted Castiel and she wanted Skye out.
"Cas-tiel!" She called out in a teasing tone. "Where are you!"
Some people had started to take pictures and laugh to themselves, posting the sight as fast as they could, a lot deciding what filter on instagram they were going to use. Amber though, held her head high, and tapped her foot impatiently. There was no denying it. She had tried to dress up like Skye and she couldn't pull it off. She really should've consulted someone before this. I looked over at Skye, who was standing opposite of me beside the doorframe of the Chemistry lab. She wore a plain outfit; the Padres hoodie, dark jeans, and converse. I waited to find her reaction, until she broke into laughter. The uncontrollable kind. And everyone turned to her and gawked as she laughed like a maniac, some joining in and laughing too.
"Oh my God, look who it is!" Amber squealed sarcastically, turning to my sister. "It's so great to see you, Skylar."
"Hello Amber." Skye greeted coolly, still laughing a bit, narrowing her eyes. Amber stomped over to her and backed her up into the wall.
"Well you're looking extra ugly today." Amber remarked.
"Good, I was trying to look like you." Skye said snidely, giggling. I small giggle escaped mine too, though I swallowed it back down before it became louder.
A bunch of 'Ooh's and 'Burn's' erupted from those that could hear their conversation. Amber looked around her, and shot glares at everyone, before shoving Skye into the Chemistry lab again. Stupidly, she didn't close the door, and I was too interested and frozen to my spot to think of even covering for her.
"Why did you steal the test papers, Amber?" Skye asked seriously.
"Nathaniel didn't back me up last time, so if he couldn't do that for me, I'd rather that he lose his post!" Amber continued to advance towards my sister until she was once again cornered beside the door.
"Well why would he back up a sister that does this to him?" Skye asked, waving her hand at Amber.
"Whatever, you better keep your mouth shut or I will make your life hell."
"I don't care." Skye said. "I'm telling Nate."
Then my whole being tensed when I realized who was right beside me to watch the whole scene. A slim hand ran through his golden hair, golden eyes dimming. I felt his whole being slump as he continued to listen.
"Oh my God." He breathed, and I felt everything from regret, to sympathy to embarrassment to remorse for him, but I was still stuck. I didn't know what to do. Nathaniel was already walking inside, striding meekly into the room, stopping beside Skye to face Amber.
"Y-You heard all that?" Skye asked, stuttering.
He nodded, rubbing his temples. Everyone seemed to glance at each other in shock. Students I didn't know looked at me with sympathy like I had anything to do with this.
"I think I need a talk with Amber for now." He said, so softly I had to strain to hear. "But thank you, Skye. You and Bridgette both, you've helped me out all day, running around, and now, that you're willing to tell me… Yeah, I just need…"
"I get it." Skye nodded, backing out of the room. She stopped to see me in the hallway watching, before dropping her eyes and disappearing off somewhere.
Though I wanted nothing more to leave the school, I was called in my Charlotte to the girls' bathroom. When I opened the door, I saw Li was a heaping mess on the tiled floor, and if you knew Charlotte, she wasn't exactly the consoling type.
"I'm desperate." Charlotte said in a flat tone as she texted away, not even looking up as I arrived. She was poised properly with a clipboard in her lap as she sat on the sink. "I don't know how to make someone stop crying and Amber flipped the fuck out on me for the papers…obviously."
I sighed, crouching beside Li and pulling her to lean on my shoulder. She made crying noises and sounds, and I was sure she was trying to say something but instead it all came out in a mess. Her mascara streaked down her face and her lipstick had smudged, making her look like a little girl that had played with mommy's make up. Tremors ran through her whole body and she cried. This was the worst heartbreak I had ever seen in my life. Ever.
"L-L-L-L-L-L—WAAHHHH!" Li blubbered out, "W-W-Why did he—Why her—Do they—B-B-B-But—why—I—love—him—"
"Shhh," I cooed, rubbing her arm as she sobbed and sobbed. "It's okay, there are other guys. And you know; Lysander and Skye aren't even dating. They're just friends, really."
"F-F-F-F-Friends? M-More like b-b-b-best friends!"
"There's nothing wrong with that!"
"It's better than I'll ever be with him!" Li cried as fat tears slid down her perfectly powdered cheeks. "H-H-He thinks of m-me as just a slut by now that's been in love with him since h-h-h-he m-moved here."
"That's not true—"
"It is Bridgette! It really is!"
I just let Li cry some more, figuring there really was nothing I could do. Looking at her and Charlotte, I realized that I was still grateful I had them as friends. Charlotte may have been closed off, but she always had the right mindset, and was aggressive when she wanted something. Li, who seemed extremely excitable and full of life, was really sweet, though extremely emotional and weak on the inside. I had a new perspective on them, but what about myself? I still had so much time to figure out what was good and what was bad about me. Or did these girls already figure me out like I had to them?
Li had finally run out of tears and felt weak in the head, so Charlotte and I both worked together and got her to her feet. Charlotte thanked me with a nod, and dragged Li away and out of the school. As I was about to leave, I remembered to head back to the History classroom and check it out. Just as I thought, Lysander had left his notebook there under his desk. I grabbed for it and made my way back to the hallway, when suddenly I heard cursing outside the principal's office. I stood in my place and watched as, Nathaniel and Amber exchanged loud angry words.
"This is all your fault!" Amber screamed in her brother's face. He towered over her, but at this point I couldn't tell which one was older.
"No Amber, this is yours! You got yourself into this mess, just to bring me down!"
"Well now I'm suspended thanks to your tattle tale mouth!"
"The only I'm still a student here is because I was able to clear my name!"
"Gah!" Amber shrieked in frustration and suddenly, like a real cat, she whipped her hand across Nathaniel's face and scratched his cheek, leaving him staggering backwards as she stomped away.
"Nate!" I gasped involuntarily as I saw him touch a hand to his cheek and find blood. Nathaniel turned to me, and the sight made me sick to my stomach. Blood oozed from the sharp cuts he had on his cheek and I rushed over to try and examine him better. "Oh my God—"
"I'm fine." He seethed, bringing out a handkerchief and dabbing at the wound.
"You're not." I shook my head, taking him by his arm. "Come on, I'm taking you to the clinic."
"I'm really okay!" Nathaniel protested. "I'll just look for a band aid or something around—"
"Nathaniel." I said firmly. "Stop."
Finally, after forcing a stubborn Nathaniel into the nurses' office, I got to fill in a little form as she sat, still uneasy about being in here in the first place. Fluorescent lights lit up the room, which were anything but comforting. The walls were painted a light shade of green, which would have been nice in any other room, because if I was sick and in here, all I would've wanted to do was throw up. The nurse was busy shelving some new items that had come in a delivery box.
"I'll be right with you honey." She called out.
Yeah, she wasn't "right with us". She took a while, making me jumpy and irritated. When I looked over at Nathaniel, he still held his handkerchief to his face, though blots of red had started to seep through. I checked the nurse, who wasn't even finished unpacking the contents of the box, so I decided to take matters into my own hands.
"Nurse Aggie?" I called.
"Yes, honey?"
"Um, just wanted to ask where was the Betadine and cotton swabs?"
"Over there in the back, near the beds."
I thanked her and pulled a grumbling Nathaniel behind me, sitting him down in one of the chairs and taking out the green bottle and cotton buds.
"Are you sure you know how to do this?" He asked me, still looking unsure whether he could trust me or not.
"This is first aid stuff." I said, dipping a swab into the brown liquid. "Of course I do."
Nathaniel finally gave in as he lowered his hand away from his face. We both held our breaths as I leaned in closer and dabbed lightly at the little breaks in his skin. He winced at first, the gold in his eyes lighting up like fire as the brown liquid spread on his even skin but he didn't pull back so I did the rest of his wounds, even when he gasped and gripped his seat. Finally, when I was done and Nathaniel was pink in the face, I took the medical tape and a flat cotton piece and covered his cheek, then taping it lightly.
"All done Mr. Bristol." I said triumphantly. Nathaniel brushed his cheek with his fingers.
"Thanks Bridge." He said, giving me a half smile. And I realized it was the first time that he had ever used my nickname.
"Hey honey, I'm all done—Oh!" Nurse Aggie had returned, looking both and Nathaniel and I. "It looks like you're all done too, you little cutie pie!" She pinched Nathaniel on his perfectly fine cheek. Nathaniel just smiled, embarrassed at what she called him.
I walked out of school with Nathaniel by my side. It was already dark, and the street lights had been turned on. In all honesty, I was still in shock. I had no idea Amber was the type to do that. I didn't think she would go that far to hurt her own brother. Now, I really had to up my game in helping her out, because God knows she needed help, especially after what she did to poor Nate. My sister, yeah I'd made sure to remind myself to check on her. I had seen her go off with Castiel just minutes ago, and I guessed Lysander too until I spotted his Camaro that matched Skye's (see, totally a couple thing! They had matching cars before they even met, how great am I at matchmaking?). I recalled my white Ford Taurus that I had crashed accidentally back home. After that, I wasn't allowed to drive anymore and would have to learn under Skye, who was still on a students' permit, excuse her. Now though, she had no problem lending me her car, and we acted as though it was both of ours.
"So cutie pie, huh?" I giggled, bumping his arm.
Nathaniel chuckled under his breath, scratching his neck like he was embarrassed.
"She's been calling me that since kindergarten, I swear."
"That's adorable!" I gushed, still finding it amusing.
"Oh shut up." Nathaniel rolled his eyes. "Thanks Bridgette, again."
"It's nothing." I said. "Though now you owe me again."
"Owe you…oh my God. I'm so sorry." Nathaniel apologized, and he really did sound sorry. "I swear, I'll make it up to you, really—"
"Dude, Nate, it's fine." I said, giving him an encouraging smile. "Bigger things happened."
Nathaniel sighed in defeat. "Got that right. She even took the car. Sorry."
I chuckled under my breath.
"It's okay, I like walking." I said.
"No you don't." Nathaniel laughed.
"How do you know that!"
"You told me!"
"I just said that because that day I didn't have a jacket." I rolled my eyes, remembering another time Nathaniel walked me home, shoving him lightly on the shoulder. "And now I have a cardigan so walks are fine."
Nathaniel just nodded, getting a lost look in his eyes as we walked.
"You and your sister have been causing quite the stir."
"I know. Mostly her though. Who knew those two guys were oh-so-desirable?"
"And who knew it would be my sister to steal the papers?" Nathaniel shrugged.
"What happened anyway?" I asked. "I was just grabbing something back in the classroom when I walk out and see her attack you."
"That's Amber for you." Nathaniel shrugged. "You know about the papers right? Well, I had to clear my name, which in turn, got her suspended. Then I saw her shouting over at Castiel and Skye, and I guessed that just tipped her over the edge. Next thing I knew, we were shouting at each other and I ended up with a bloody cheek."
"That's…insane." I said, chuckling.
"You can say that again."
"That's insane."
"I didn't…never mind."
On the way home, we laughed off about some things, mostly how Amber was sometimes crazy and could drive everyone crazy in return. Soon Nathaniel was telling me stories about his past and how he was the one causing most of the mischief at home.
"I can't imagine it." I said, "You? Mr. Perfect? Doing not-so-perfect things?"
"I'm not perfect…" Nathaniel shrugged. "But it's true."
I shook my head and laughed.
"This is nice." Nathaniel said.
"What is?"
"Talking. About things other than school." He said.
"You don't talk about other things?" I asked.
"Well, it's like everyone thinks that being student body president is my life. It's part of me, yeah, and I do care about academics, but it's not me, like completely, y'know?"
"Yeah." I nodded.
"—Like, you know, someone who's gay or something, they're gay but it's not like their preference is their life, like—wait, just to clear it up, I'm not gay."
I just burst into laughter, listening to him ramble and correct himself then ramble again.
"Ow…" he winced.
"Didn't the nurse tell you not to touch it so much?" I said, looking at him with concern. "It'll get infected." With rabies, Skye's voice said in my head.
"Sorry," Nathaniel said, "I'm just not used to being injured on places where it showed."
I nodded, but suddenly my understanding turned blurry. What did he mean by that? That he got injured in places that weren't visible? I shook the uneasy feeling off. Maybe he just meant that he wasn't used to getting hurt, and having scars, right?
"Here's our stop." I said as we reached my porch.
"Sorry for today." Nathaniel said, looking at the ground. "I'll make it up to you."
"Nate, it's fine. Really, why don't you go get that healed?" I said. Nathaniel touched his cheek again.
"Stop!" I swatted his hand away.
"Sorry!" He raised his hands in surrender. "Okay, it's getting late. I should go."
"Right. Er, see you soon?"
"Yeah, soon?"
"Soon."
"Really soon."
We both looked at each other then shook our heads, laughing before Nathaniel finally turned around and walked up the street. Deciding Nathaniel was just my friend was probably the best choice I made.
A/N: Well? REVIEWS! I wanna know what you guys think, especially on both girls! See some changes or do you hate one of them or love one, I don't know but let me know! :)
Doing this again: CHECK OUT 'TONGUE TIED' THE PARALLEL STORY FOR SKYE'S POINT OF VIEW!