Chapter 7:

At lunch, Riley found herself talking to Warren about the crazy class assignment for Mad Science.

"I can't believe Medulla is making us build a shrink ray. Its make up is so complex. I mean, I looked into the blueprints. This is gonna be a hard task to do." Riley said, looking at the photocopies passed out in class.

"Especially without a techno-path." Warren replied. He diverted his attention across the room where his ex was sitting; chatting away about what was fashionable this week. Patricia caught Warren's gaze as she shot Riley a hard stare. Riley met her stare with one of her own. Patricia stopped staring as soon a friend tapped her shoulder and she began socializing once more.

"I don't see what her problem is." Riley said shaking her head.

"She thinks that you and I are—" Warren began.

"Together?" He nodded,

"Well, we are together most of the time. Doesn't she understand the concept of having the same schedule?"

"I guess not."

"I can't wait to kick her ass in Save the Citizen. That is something I'm looking forward to." Warren grinned at the thought.

"No, I'm serious. She's been a bitch to me and to you. She gave me really hard looks and left threat notes in my locker…"

"Don't let it get to you. Pat's just jealous."

"Of who? Me?"

"After all, you and I have become extremely close this past month."

"Oh, right. How could I forget?" Riley said letting out a grin. The bell rang, and everyone in the cafeteriawent outto the hallway.


After school, Riley walked home by herself. Leyla said that she'd come over later for dinner. Once she got home, Riley's father broke the news that the Brotherhood was holding their convention in the upcoming two weeks.

"But dad, I can't go. I mean, I'd miss school for a week. You know how mom is about that."

"I understand Riley, but the meeting is about you and Marlboro. You haven't told anyone from school that Marlboro is your uncle, have you?"

"No."

"Good. We really need you there, but because of your schooling, make sure you're there." He said tapping head.

"Thought speak?"

Yes, use it.> Her dad's voice echoed in her head.

"It'll be broadcasted using thought speak, as is the case of every convention."

"All right."

Later that evening, as promised, Leyla showed up for dinner dressed in a '60s go-go dancer outfit. It was just Riley and her dad at the house because once again, her mom was running late. Riley's dad ordered Chinese and all ate quietly together. When they were done, Riley and Leyla cleared the table while Riley's father went into the Silver room to talk privately with the leader of the Brotherhood, Professor Xavier. Leyla went into Riley's room where they did the normal girl stuff: experiment with make-up, gossip, and talk about boys.

"You know, you and Warren have been spending a lot of time together." Leyla said, as she decorated her eyelids with soft bronze shadow.

"I know."

"So any particular reason why?" Leyla asked, turning to face Riley who sat on her bed holding a pillow.

"I just need help with Mad Science, and well, he's good at explaining the lessons that I didn't understand in class."

"No, that's not what I meant. I mean, have the two of you been flirting?"

"Not really. If he is, then, I'm not noticing."

"Ah ha! You've picked up the signs.Everyoneknows he likes you." Leyla said as she plopped down next to Riley. "He mentioned to the guys. He's just not one to talk about those things when he's with a girl."

"Really? Well, I've known since like the first day of school. Dad says that is possible to fall in love after the first day you meet."

"True. It is very possible. But, do you like him as well?" Riley felt her cheeks get hot. Leyla gasped.

"You do!" Riley covered Leyla's mouth.

"I don't want anyone to know. Not a word to Magenta or Will or Zack. Not even Warren, got it?" Riley removed her hand from Leyla's mouth.

"Mum's the word."


At Sky High the following morning, Riley went to her locker, as usual. A crowd was gathered around it. Riley walked up and the crowd parted. There she found what everyone was staring at. In huge black letters, the word "FREAK." Then, off to the side, in permanent marker, equally as big "OF NATURE." Riley looked over her shoulder to see Patricia and her friends hold up the can of spray paint and the marker. They were all smiles. Will, Leyla, and the rest walked up behind Riley and just stopped dead in their tracks when they saw the bold letters. Riley ran to the nearest girl's bathroom where she pulled her knees to chest and began to cry. She hadn't been called that in years. Leyla and Magenta ran after her. They were able to get Riley to dry her tears in spite of the fact that she said what was written was true.

"No it's not Riles. You're not a freak. Because if you are, then everyone that goes here is one too." Magenta told her, gripping her shoulder.

"Yeah, I know. Arugh! I can't believe that Patricia—"

"Wait, Patricia did this?" Leyla asked.

"Uh-huh. Ooo I can't wait till I go to P.E. Then I'd show her just how much of a freak I can really be." Riley said, converting her sadness into anger.

When the threesome left the bathroom, Magenta and Leyla said that they'd see each other at lunch.

"Later hippie." Riley said. She walked to her locker again where Warren was leaning against it. He moved when he saw her coming. Riley punched the locker, leaving a dent.

"God she's a bitch," Riley muttered to herself. "No wonder why you two didn't last." Realizing that she was talking about his ex, Warren nodded his head in agreement. He did something odd though. Riley found herself in his arms, which caught her off guard. The embrace was a way for her to know that he'd always be there, as all good friends do. The bell rang, causing students to get to their class. Warren let Riley go and they walked side by side to Hero Survival.


Riley walked to Principal Powers' office to tell her about the locker graffiti.

"Yes, I've noticed it. That locker belongs to you?" Riley nodded.

"Any idea on who the purportrator is?"

"Patricia. I don't know her last name, but she's the blonde with the cryogenic powers."

"I know exactly who you're talking about. I'll give her indoor suspension that wil start first thing tomorrow." Looking up at the clock, Ms. Powers dismissed Riley to lunch. While walking to the cafeteria, Magenta approached her and asked her if she already told Powers about her locker.

"Yeah I did. She said that Pat's gonna get indoor suspension because of her graffiti marks."

"Personally, I would have preferred outdoor, but hey. I don't run the school." Riley laughed at the thought of having Magenta as a principal. Inside the Blue Sky Cafe, Riley chose to sit with Warren, reading as usual.

"Hey you." she greeted him. He looked up, smiled slyly, then went back to reading. Riley took out her bottle of lemoade and sipped while she took out her notebook. She looked through the science equations for the shrink ray. I'm so greatful that I took Mechanics at Xavier's school. Warren put away his book after he finished the latest chapter. Riley was focused on solving the sample problems that Medullah gave them for homework. Warren studied her for a few moments before speaking to her.

"Riley," Warren began.

"Yeah?" She asked, putting down her pen.

"We're part of a rumor."

"Rumor? Which one? There's been many."

"That you and I are together just to get Pat jealous."

"I heard that one. Some kid in the halls told me that. I told him it wasn't true. When will people know that we're not together? We've been in school for about a month now."

"I know."

"We should really act out that rumor though. It would be fun."At this, Warren smiled.

"I agree."

"Hmm..." Rileysaid thoughtfully. "We shouldn't doit until next month though.With it being October and all.We'll do it in spirit ofHalloween. Agreed?"

"Agreed."