A/N: Thank You so much!
The remainder of my story is dedicated to all those you have lost friends, family and loved ones during the Haiti Earthquakes – My heart goes out to you and I hope that you can stay strong and enjoy the rest of your lives.
I would like to say a few words to three very special readers: Gallagher101gal, Twilight113 and Bubble. Gum. Green = YOU GUYS ARE SO BLOODY BRILLIANT!!!! You have stuck with this story since the beginning and your reviews/PM have been wonderfully supportive and helpful!!!!
BTW I also have a poll up that I think you guys should check out. In Danger isn't a Game who should Cammie end up with?
Zachary Goode b) Alexander Iver or c) Someone else entirely.
Disclaimer: Ally Carter owns everything about this fantastic school (except Alex).
Chapter 12: Frustration
Cammie POV
"Guess what, Guess what, Guess what!?" Macey shouted at us, as she came bolting into our room in a whirlwind of squealing and giggling.
Macey's screeching made Bex fall of the big plush chair in the corner of our room and land with a thump on the floor.
I heard Liz's computer beep in protest as her fingers came slamming down on the keys, after the minor heart-attack given to her by none other the Macey McHenry (the cool and calmest person I know). I sat up a bit straighter on the window seat and cocked an eyebrow.
"Will asked me to go out with him next time we visit Roseville!" I couldn't help my mouth falling open (slightly); usually Bex re-acted this way when guys asked her out.
"No way! Macey this is awesome!" Liz shrieked, bouncing up and down in her seat (I swear that recently my friends have acted so differently to what I knew of them -
Note; Re-search and find the possible way they where drugged).
"It's not awesome Liz - It's Bloody Brilliant!" That was Bex all over, but still not the Bex I knew and loved.
"Bloody Brilliant doesn't explain it either, but its close enough!" Macey propelled herself onto my perfectly made bed and collapsed in a giggling fit.
I couldn't believe it– Macey Elaine McHenry was giggling about a boy! That is such a Tina thing to do! My friends giggled together for another four minutes before Macey took control.
"Ok ladies Tina-time is over. It's time to get down to business," Thank the Heavens! Macey's back!
Liz hurriedly retrieved her squealing laptop and set it down on my bed and clicked on the link to the 'boy-camera'.
I leant over and quietly whispered in Macey's ear: "Congratulations Mace. But next time, act normal – you almost gave me a heart-attack," Mace grinned and hugged me, side on.
Will and Alex had joined Grant, Zach and Jonas in their room. The boys looked shocked (I couldn't actually tell if Zach was though).
"No freaking way! Macey McHenry would never go out with you, even if you were the last guy in the world!" Grant was shaking his head in wonder and disbelief.
"What you bribe her with man?" Alex asked his face completely serious. Will just shrugged his shoulders and turned to Zach.
"You believe me don't you Z?" He asked. I quickly searched the room for the photo – it was gone.
Zach nodded, "Of course I believe you Will. It does sound completely bogus, but I know Macey and I know you." Macey blushed beside me and Liz giggled at her.
"Thank you Zachary Goode!" Will flourished a hand in his direction and Zach smirked as Grant stared, dumbly at Will.
"You bloody genius!" the guys laughed at his and even I chuckled under my breath. Macey smirked at Grant and crossed her arms in pride.
"Back to the topic please gentlemen," Jonas sounded so serious, "Zach – it's been days and you still haven't answered my two questions: How did a Cammie Morgan actually come close to betting you in that exhibition match or what-ever it was you guys where doing?"
The breath caught in my throat– Alex seemed to tense on the other side of the room and Grant rolled his eyes.
"Zoom, Liz, Zoom in on them!" Macey whispered, as if they could hear us. Liz did what she was told and zoomed in on Grant, Jonas and Zach.
"Taken by surprise?" Zach said it like a question and Jonas let out a frustrated breath.
"You had her pinned down- twice!" Jonas looked shocked and Grant finished it off for him.
"Seriously dude – You, Alex, Will and I are like our best chances at winning! Since Alex will most likely knock Will out – sorry dude, but it's true and you know it – and you are so going to kill me, it'll then be you and Alex. You guys will then have to go against Bex and Cammie, maybe Macey."
"But Zach, if it comes down to you and Cammie, something's gotta be done! We can't lose to a school of Girls for crying out loud!" Grant's speech made sense (to the surprise of Macey, Bex, Liz and I) it would most likely come down to me and Bex against Alex and Zach.
"Grant, that has got to be the smartest thing I've heard come out of your mouth in a long time," Jonas was as shocked as us.
"Well, to be a spy you need to have brains – I just don't like to use mine unless I have too."
I laughed at Grant's serious face. Bex gaped at the screen, Macey and Liz had started to make strange faces at her to get her attention.
"Any-way," Alex distracted Jonas and Grant, "He's got a point Zach, you might have to go up against Cammie again in the Grand-Final," Zach looked at Alex for the first time and glared.
"Does that mean I win against you to get there Iver? Or does that mean something else?" Alex shrugged at him.
"Neither, it means that I'll most likely go against Cammie and she'll have the honours of knocking me flat. That girl has a natural talent and it will kill me one-day," Alex smiled at Zach showing even, white teeth.
"Cammie's a great girl. I'd like to spend a bit more time with her. If I do, it would help get some inside info on her fighting style," I blushed and Macey turned on me, both eyebrows raised.
"Do what you want Iver, I really couldn't care that much."
"He's lying," Liz exclaimed, "look at his body language – it's gone protective and tense."
"You're right Liz," Macey congratulated. I slipped of the bed and went to my laptop. I opened the picture and looked at the happy-little boy; so similar, yet so different.
"Truth and Honesty," Bex yawned at my side and Macey sat at attention on my other. Behind me, I could hear the rustling as Tina, Eva, Courtney and Kim passed notes.
"-is as hard to find in our lives as Trust ladies and gentlemen – so when you find it, hold tight and don't let go," Mr. Solomon had been doing a lot of this lately, randomly saying cryptic comments during lessons and when he passed us in the hall ways. I always listened, but Bex had started to lose interest in what he said.
"Ms. Walters, kindly tell me – without looking behind or around you, roughly how many books are in this room," Tina sat upright and carefully though through her answer.
"Three-hundred and thirty-eight?" She was hesitant as she answered.
"Correct Ms. Walters, but you hesitated. Now how long did it take you to find this answer?" Mr. Solomon leaned against the desk behind him and crossed his arms, lazily.
"A couple of seconds sir, but I tried to re-check them and make sure they where right," I was impressed by this answer (so was everyone, not including Zach and surprisingly Alex).
"Mr. Iver and Mr. Goode, can you two tell me if that is the right thing to do," I twisted my neck so I could look at them (they where sitting on opposite ends of the table).
"It's wrong," the stated in sync. Mr. Solomon nodded and waited for more.
"Well sir, in the open field if you are in a life or death situation and hesitated to do something," Alex started, but trailed off.
"It can be the difference between survival and death," Zach finished obviously bored, but he still looked and spoke to Solomon with respect.
"Very good gentlemen, that is exactly right," Tina seemed to be choosing between anger and embarrassment.
I once again found myself wondering where Zach, and now Alex, learnt all this stuff to begin with.
Macey, Bex and I had started to make our way to our room. We had about ten minutes to get changed for our next class (It was another one of the mask-lessons). Liz had already changed and was down in the Culture room now, warming up and stretching.
"Oh Cammie, darling," Bex purred, "Macey and I are dressing you today."
I felt my face go red, "This is about the conversation we heard isn't it?" I demanded.
Bex nodded and Macey shrugged innocently, "You're making a big deal out of nothing Cameron Morgan."
I glanced around the room quickly, "No leopard/zebra prints or alligator/snake skins. Fake or real."
I hated them, I truly did. Macey threw me some black mini shorts at the same time that Bex had decided to chuck me; a pair of runners, some socks, a sports bar and two tank tops (one white, the other grey).
The runners hit my head with a loud and deep thud.
"Hurry up Cammie, we don't have long!" Bex called out to me from the bathroom. I childishly mimicked her under my breath. Done, I grabbed my oldest and warmest hoddie and started for the door.
"Hurry Bex, we don't have long!" I called over my shoulder. I heard Bex grumble something behind me and I shot her my best and most innocent smile. Poking her tongue out at me, Bex pranced out of the room in the snobbiest way possible.
"Ms. Morgan and Ms. Morrison on this mat," Solomon was pointing to a mat that had been laid out and Mick was up and over there already. Rubbing my head I joined her over there.
"Ms. Baxter and Ms. Bauer here, Ms. McHenry you are sitting out this round." Bex plonked herself on the mat next to mine and started stretching near me.
"So Cammie, is it going to be you and Zach or you and Alex?" Bex whispered as we both did a groin stretch. I shrugged and looked out over the crowd (the sophomores were watching us today).
"I don't know Bex – I don't get told who wins or who loses, does 'I can't tell the future' mean anything to you?" Bex poked her tongue out at me and we laughed.
"Ladies, please take your mask's and put them on. Alright – you know the rules ladies so stick to them. One," Solomon started the count down.
"Two." I balled up my fists and raised them in front of my face. Mick decided to wait until the last moment. Busted.
"Begin."
Mick lunged at me. I quickly grabbed her left arm and I threw her behind me, her back was now turned to me I took the chance and kicked her. Mick lost her balance momentarily and was soon facing me again.
Mick had two advantages on me: height and weight (not being mean or anything). She was at least a head taller then me, this made her heavier too. I didn't know wether or not she was stronger, but I was most definitely faster.
Mick lunged again, I side stepped and gave her a karate-chop. I didn't notice Mick's leg swing, but it did. Her foot clipped my right ankle and I started to tumble. Regaining my balance in the knick of time, I spun around, only to see her fist coming at my face - fast.
If I can duck in time, her fists trajectory will over balance her and that could be a great opening for me. I waited and at the last minute ducked. Just as I planned, Mick totally lost her balance and followed her fist.
I used my foot and pushed her forwards, Mick fell hard. I jumped on her and struggled to find her ring hand. Mick had managed to get it wedged under her body.
I attempted to turn her slightly, but it ended up being a full turn. I was still pinning her, but instead of sitting on her back I was perched on her stomach. I found the hand and grabbed it. Using my knee to pin her other wrist I started to wrestle with her, after what seemed an age I slipped the silver ring off her finger.
"Morgan defeats Morrison," Mace was standing off to the side and umpiring our match. I smiled at her and jumped up. Macey grinned at me and gave me a hug.
"Sit down Ms. Morgan and have a drink, round 3 will be coming up soon." Madam Dabney smiled down at me.
"Baxter defeats Alvarez," Liz announced from Bex's mat. Bex gracefully got up and then helped Eva up.
"You did really well Eva, just watch your left side and don't keep it as open next time," Eva nodded to Bex and limped off the mat, rubbing her hip.
"What you do to her Bex? She looks half-dead!" I joked. Bex laughed at me and sat down.
"It's Grant against Alex and Zach against that Michael dude," Liz informed us.
"Macey will be going next… against Will!" I glanced at Macey; she seemed a cross between super-happy and frustrated beyond measure as she watched Will warm-up and stretch.
"This is going to be very memorable, don't you think Ms. Baxter?" I used one of my best English accents. Bex gave me a face, but joined in anyway.
"Why of course it will be Ms. Morgan. Maybe afterwards we can go and have a spot of tea and some crumpets in honour of the occasion, hmm?" Rebecca Baxter serves and scores. Her British accent had been at its thickest and most realistic tone.
"My dear Ms. Baxter, dare I say that that is a perfectly superb idea?" Bex attempted to keep a straight face, but failed miserably. I smiled, hugely at her and she started to laugh.
"Thank you ladies now time for round 3 – Zachary Goode against Michael Church on mat 2. Grant Newman and Alexander Iver on mat 3. On my count, gentlemen, you will begin," Mr. Solomon waited patiently for the boys to get ready. Alex and Grant looked extremely determined; while Zach looked extremely bored (he probably wanted to be somewhere else entirely).
Zach's mask was on already and he was waiting patiently for Michael (that's what he prefers to be called - not Mike, or Mikey or M Dog). Grant and Alex had already started watching each other and swaying in a ready positioned. When Solomon decided that everyone was ready he counted them in.
"On my mark gentlemen. 3……2…… 1."
As soon as 1 left his lips all the boys where off like bullets.
Unlike the girls, the boys didn't wait out each other. The boys seemed to enjoy pummelling each other to a pile of mush. Grant and Alex had gone for the other at the same time, the crowd (including me) let out a long oh. They smacked into each other hard and sent the other flying. Grant managed to roll out of it, Alex actually landed on his feet (then he fell backwards).
Grant and Alex where using pure force on each other trying to weaken their opponent. It focused on punch, kick, knee, punch, punch (groan), kick, kick and more kneeing and more groaning. I couldn't help but wonder at their stupidity.
Over on Zach's mat it seemed more thought-out and planned. Zach was forcing Michael to do certain movements that would eventually lead to Zach's advantage. Zach was forcing Michael back into a corner and Michael was finally realising what Zach was actually doing o him. A bit late there mate.
Michael threw himself at Zach and knocked him down. Zach did a really cool looking twisty thing that forced Michael under him. Show off.
I could just tell that beneath the mask Zach's eyes where scanning Michael, trying to find the ring. I saw a glitter of colour and found that Zach had found the ring already.
"How do you do that Zach?" Michael exclaimed. Zach's reply was simple and said in the I-am-just-better-then-you-are tone (not really, but that's what I imagine). "I just did it Michael."
Someone groaned from the other mat. I turned around with everyone else, slowly taking my eyes off Zach. Alex was sitting on top of Grant, whose arms and legs had been forced behind his back (he looked like a goat that had just been caught).
Alex made a triumphed sound and got off Grant. I could just picture Grants face behind the mask (it was the funniest thing I'd seen all day – pictured, all day).
Zach walked over to Grant, brushing shoulders with Alex as he made his way. He stood over Grant and shook his head. Hands crossed over his chest, Zach bent down and started talking to Grant.
"What happened over here Grant? Did Iver actually manage to bet you?" I once again noted the way which Zach spoke Alex's name (or last name). It reeked of old conflict and suppressed emotion.
"Give me a break man! Seriously one minute I had him pinned and the next thing I know, he had me pinned pretty tightly. I tried to elbow him off, but he just grabbed my arms, then my legs, and held them above my body. The little smartie pants then smartly slipped my ring of my hand, in such a stuck-up and smart way that I wanted to punch the smart look off his face!" Grant, now finished his venting, turned to Zach's smirking face.
"What!" He yelled.
"You said 'smart' four times in one sentence Grant. I'm definitely getting you a dictionary for your Birthday," Grant looked murderous, but realising that Zach was just joking, gave him a mock punch and cracked a smile.
"If I ever get the chance to have my life again, with the same friends and everything – I am going to make sure that you die an early and painful death. Or, I'll just hire a hit-man to take you out so I wouldn't have to put up with this," Grant and Zach stared at each other for a minute then melted. Grant smiled and laughed, while Zach just smiled (it barley classified as a smile, but still, it changed his face completely).
"That my friend is why I shall make sure that you have a good collection of magazines and pictures that include a wide variety of super and/or underwear models," Grant grinned at the mental picture he obviously had thought off.
"When you want to be, you can be a great guy Zachary," Zach frowned at the use of his first name. He clapped Grant on the shoulder and offered his hand. Grant accepted and hoisted himself up.
"Nice job Alex, you got me. But it won't happen again, I assure you," it sounded so completely out of place coming form Grants mouth.
"I'll be ready Grant, don't you worry 'bout that!" Alex laughed.
Mr. Solomon cleared his throat and silence engulfed the room. He smiled and gestured for us to take a seat in front of him.
"I have in my hand the results of the fights and next round's pairings. But first of all, I would appreciate it if Ms. McHenry and Mr. Reads would start their fight," Macey and Will graciously stood up and walked to the middle mat.
"Ms. Morgan and Mr. Iver are going to umpire," I stood up and took the offered whistle, as well as a black and white cap. Alex did the same and we made our way to the mats.
"After you Ms. Morgan," Alex bowed and I couldn't help blushing. I went and stood between Macey and Will, raising my arm above my head I looked them both over.
"On my count, you guys will begin," They nodded, not even taking their eyes off of each other.
"One, two, three!" I lowered my hand and did a backwards run out of the 'ring.'
Macey took the first lunge and took Will completely off guard. He landed on the ground and Macey's body followed. She was already searching for his ring as she sat on him. Will slid a hand up her arm and twisted it. Macey looked extremely shocked by the sudden contact and lost concentration. He pushed her off and was standing in a perfect positioned to throw the first punch.
Macey scrambled up and blocked his swing, returning it with one of her own. I followed the edge of the mat and watched their every move. Not paying attention, I slammed into Alex. He grabbed the tops of my arms and steadied me.
"Wow there Cammie," he spoke softly and with a gentleness I had never heard in his voice before. I smiled at him and turned my attention back to the match.
"Thanks Alex," He laughed quietly behind me and finally released my arms. He started circling Macey and Will.
Macey seemed to be tiring and so did Will. They both seemed to become more aware of what the other was doing and where they were on the mat. Macey was blocking Will's continuos fist and had started to back up.
Planting her feet firmly on the mat, Macey lifted a knee. It connected with his knee and sent Will backwards a couple of paces. Macey took the advantage and sent a punch towards him. When Macey's fist made contact with Will's mask, I heard the crunch as the mask took the blow. I sent a look to Mr. Solomon who made a gesture back. Punch is allowed.
I nodded and focused on them again. I heard some students rooting for Macey and others for Will. They seem to be getting into this. I looked up and met Alex's gaze, he smirked at me. Nice friend you got there, his eyes seemed to say. I nodded and smiled.
"Come on McHenry, your punch was a bit weak," Will joked to Macey. He seemed to be stalling (or trying to distract her).
Macey replied with, "At least I don't hit like a girl Reads!" The crowd laughed at their verbal bashes. I glanced at the clock on the wall. It had been ten minutes since they started fighting. Alex was doing then same as me.
Finally the upper hand was awarded. Will lunged at Macey and at the last moment changed tactics and kicked her. Macey was taken by surprise and Will jumped her. Grabbing her hands he yanked them behind her, in doing so Will forced Macey to her knees. The crowd became eerily silent.
"I'm really sorry if this hurts Macey," I heard Will whisper.
Will swept his right foot under Macey's knees. Macey fell down and Will was on top of her, successfully keeping her pinned. Will found Macey's ring hand and started twisting the rose gold ring of her finger.
"William Reads is the winner!" Alex announced to the crowd of onlookers. Will stood up and made his way to the 'judging table.' He placed the ring onto the silver dish that held all the other losing rings.
I knelt beside Macey and helped her to her knees.
"You ok Mace? I could tell that it was a hard match for you… and Will," Macey smiled, surprisingly brightly, at me.
"I'm ok. It was a really hard fight and I nearly had him twice! Can you believe that Cammie – twice!" Macey seemed happy enough by this little piece of information.
"I heard what he said to you, before he knocked you flat. It was really sweet and caring of him!" I measured her facial expression carefully as I spoke. Macey's 5000 mega-watt smile appeared and her checks flushed with colour.
"I know! Can you believe it! Even after I punched him in the face as well!" Macey stated.
"That was a sweet punch Mace, I think he was shocked by it," Macey nodded along with me. I grinned at her and Macey blushed a deeper shade of red.
I helped her up and we made our way towards the seats.
"Thank you for joining us ladies," Mr. Solomon paused for a moment, considering something, "Next week we will officially start the preliminary finals. After we have completed them, I will explain the next step. The Grand Final will be held the week after that and the whole lesson will be dedicated towards it. So, to our winners, prepare for anything and everything. You are in for a bumpy ride."
"Macey you are Amazing!!!" Liz decided after we had finished packing up the mats. Bex nodded in agreement.
"It's nothing guys! It was just a little sparring match," Macey replied, acting bored. I hid a smile and left them arguing over how good Macey was. I went back to my Chair to collect my water bottle and Jacket. Macey, Bex and Liz hadn't stopped arguing.
My water bottle and jacket weren't alone; Alex was sitting in the chair next to them.
"There you are Cammie!" he stood up and fiddled with the edge of his shirt, "I just wanted to say, that I think you're fighting skills are amazing!" I blushed and he continued without noticing.
"I honestly can't wait to see you with a weapon."
"Aw, Alex that's really nice of you to say that," best I could come up with? Yes. Worst thing I could have come up with? No.
"So, I hear that Roseville is on next weeks agenda. Think you could show me round town?" I smiled up at him (he was so tall).
"Sure thing Alex, it won't be a problem. Why me though? I mean, Tina seems to like showing you Gallagher Academy and its surroundings and the other guys have been there before," I teased him. Alex blushed and I tried not to laugh at his obvious discomfort.
"I didn't mean anything like that… it's just that you seem to know your way around Roseville, way better then Tina does," I knew he was coming up with an excuse. I didn't mind, spending a day with Alex wouldn't be so bad.
"Meet you at the front doors before we leave," he smiled down at me.
"Thanks Cammie, I knew you wouldn't let me down!" Alex cried over his shoulder as he ran for the door. I waved good-bye and went back to collecting my belongings. Done, I turned around to leave.
At the door I met a familiar face.
"Hey Blackthorne Boy," Zach was leaning against the wall.
"So you're Alex's official tour guide?" Always straight to the point with this guy! I hugged my bottle, protectively.
"Yes I am actually. Even though it's none of your business," I couldn't help sounding hurt or protective. Zach un-hitched himself from the wall and I was once again shocked and mildly intimidated by his height.
"Stay away from Iver, Cammie," it was the first time he had said my actual name his entire stay at Gallagher and it sent a thrill up my spine to hear it. What is up with that!
"Why should I Zach?" I shot back."Why do you hate him so much anyway?" I exclaimed in frustration to him.
"Because I know him Cammie! You don't know anything about him, but I do!" He yelled right back. We had managed to become very close now, and the gap was de-creasing.
"Tell me what I don't know then Zach! Just tell me what you hate so much about him and why I shouldn't talk to him!" my frustration was building up fast.
"How about I just let your precious," venom leaked in the word,"Alex tell you more about it, then!" Zach and I were face to face now and I could see his unguarded face – Frustration and… Anger, perhaps, were the most dominating expressions there.
His close proximity bought out a really odd response from me. His right hand was on the wall, to the side of my head and we both seemed to be breathing heavily. My frustration was at overload and I was stupid enough to reply.
"Maybe I will let him tell me. Since I plan to spend time with him," Zach's mask was back in place almost immediately after I spoke. His hand left the wall and his eyes searched mine.
"Fine then, I hope you'll be able to tell when he lies to you," with that he slipped into the shadows and was gone.
I slumped against the wall, defeated. Since when could he tell me what to do? I have my own life and I can do what I want with it! But the little voice inside my head always defied what I wanted to think and know.
Zach's trust is a precious thing and when he doesn't like someone there is always a perfectly logical explanation. No, He's just jealous and self-centred and filled with pride. That's what he is: Proud and un-trustworthy.
But he's Zach. He saved your life, Cammie. That's not a good enough excuse! He could have done that out of guilt or for his reputation.
Right, so he followed you through Boston, Washington and nearly ever state in America for no reason at all.
I didn't realise I could be so sarcastic, and mean to myself. Zach wasn't trustworthy and Alex was. Zach wasn't truthful like Alex. Zach wasn't…
It could all be an act, just like Zach says. Zach probably has a good reason not to trust him.
That reason could be something completely irrelevant to me! What goes on between Alex and I is just that, between Alex and I! Zach has no right to tell me what to do! My frustration was overruling the rational part of my brain.
Cammie, one thing remains the same no matter what you say: You don't know anything about Alex. You know Zach.
Did I actually know Zachary Goode?
A/N: So, I left a semi-cliffy. Nothing terribly bad, once you think of it.
I'm sorry for anyone who finds this last part confusing. Cammie's Self Conscious is trying to get her to agree with Zach, while the rest of Cammie's… mind ( I hope that isn't even more confusing- Is saying that Zach is being ridiculous and that he is being rude, self-centred and melodramatic.
OFFICIALLY THE NEW, NEW LONGEST CHAPTER!
Anyway, if you want to review even anonymous reviewers can review.
-Agent 006