Decisions

It was coming to the end of Mal's week with Ben at the palace and even though she loved it there, she was missing Evie a lot. Jay and Carlos too. She was currently sitting on the couch in Ben's office drawing. The two of them had plans to hang out in about an hour - he was doing much better and spending time with her now that the VKs were gone, also, he knew she was going to be around to had worked his butt off over the weekend - AKA, when the VKs were there - so he didn't have to work crazy hours.

Adam had expressed how proud he was at Ben not only catching up with all of his work but finding time during the day to maintain it too. Turns out that Mal was a good example.

Mal spent most of her time with Ben, either dancing around the ballroom, walking around the castle or gardens, doing some physical activities in one of their beds, or simply being in the same room as each other doing different things. He had brought her a sketch pad and drawing pencils and she was constantly adding more designs, rarely doing portraits. But today, she had decided to do one of Adam, Belle, and Ben.

Even though she had finished it ages ago, she continued to add small details to the background, making sure that the entire page was perfect.

Glancing up when somebody knocked on the door, she smiled when it was Adam and Belle. She hadn't seen them all day and that was peculiar these days. She had missed breakfast - having slept in considerably - and it wasn't quite time for lunch.

"I thought we'd find you both in here," Belle started, holding a binder in her arms. "Do you both have a moment?"

Mal nodded, closing her sketchpad and placing it on the table in front of her.

Ben carried on typing on his computer, not even looking up. "Five minutes," he uttered, fully engrossed in what he was doing.

Adam walked over to Ben and looked at what he was doing, whereas Belle sat down next to Mal and opened the binder to a random page. "It's time we went over wedding arrangements."

Oh no. "Shouldn't Evie be here?"

"It's not her wedding, it's yours."

Right… there was that. She looked over at Ben and could have sworn he slowed down his typing to avoid this. "Let's wait for Ben, shall we?"

Belle nodded. "Of course, we'll discuss your dress - he can't see it until the wedding day anyway." She opened the book to the relevant pages.

"That actually would be Evie's department. She's already got some sketches and we've discussed which ones I liked," she paused at Belle's slightly deflated look. "So, she's just doing some final sketches and getting some materials to go over later. I'll let you know when… if you wanted to come, that is. I'd love to have your opinion."

Her look instantly brightened up. "Of course. It would be my honour."

It wasn't long until Ben joined them and questions were thrown their way. Mal deflected most of the questions to Ben as she had no clue and wasn't entirely sure what she wanted. There were very few that were entirely her decision and that's what stopped the whole conversation.

"Now, in terms of giving you away, I've thought of a few options. There's obviously Jay and Carlos, or even Adam. It's entirely your choice. You could walk down the aisle solo, but that's unconventional. I'm sure nobody would mind though."

Mal felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. "Oh," she whispered. "I guess my Dad can't come over from the Isle to give me away then," she said regretfully and tried to think through the options given.

"Your Dad?" Ben questioned, breaking her from her thoughts. "You know who it is?"

She nodded. "Of course. He might not have been around but… I didn't really think much about him. It would have been nice to have one of my parents there - obviously, my Mum isn't an option. Dad's not an option either."

"We could make an exception," Ben spoke softly and sighed when his phone went off. He stood up and answered it. After a few seconds, he turned around stunned. "The Queen's crown and Maleficent's scepter have been stolen."

Mal's mind instantly forgot about their previous conversation. "Uma."

"We don't know that."

"Who else would it be?"

The wedding plans stopped there and Ben had to get back to his King duties, trying to work out how the museum was broken into and how to get the stolen items back. Also, any and all evidence that would point to who was responsible.


Mal hadn't been able to spend much time with Ben that day and actually spent most of her time in the art studio. She did a few random designs on some small canvases before pulling out her sketchpad and looking at the portrait of Adam, Belle, and Ben.

The last massive portrait she did was currently hanging in her room. She'd love to have another one. She chose an A3 canvas and instantly got to work, using her sketch as a guide.

It was a productive day and she carried the wet canvas to her room, laying it on the table to dry. The last time she did that, somebody hand hung it up for her once it was dry, so she hoped the same thing would happen.


Ben had been reluctant to let her leave after the crown and scepter were stolen. He was convinced it was a direct attack against her. Seeing as the crown was going to be hers and the scepter had been her mothers. But Mal put his mind at ease - for the most part - and left to go to Evie's as planned. It didn't surprise Mal that Dizzy, Celia, and Doug were all there.

Mal had told Evie about the prospect of closing the barrier and about what was stolen and was left thinking intensely about her friends' words. Evie cared more about the kids on the Isle than if her own life ended up in tatters.

It didn't take long until things went south, Audrey had shown up in all of her 'villainess' and attacked her, turning her into an old hag. Once the former schoolmate was gone, Mal couldn't help but think that Ben had been right. Perhaps she should have stayed at the castle - but would that have stopped Audrey getting to her? She wasn't so sure. Also, it would have stopped Mals' plans.

The only thing that Mal knew was stronger than her mother's scepter was her fathers' ember. If they could get it and quickly stop Audrey then Auradon would be safe and they could deal with Audrey in a civilised way. It would be too cruel to force Ben to go up against his ex, especially with everything he's been dealing with on top of all of the King duties.

The knowledge that Celia had been in contact with her father, when he had pushed her aside, set her heart on fire. He allowed her into his home and even have a key but wouldn't even let her know where it was? Perhaps she was weak. His words about being proud of her were a lie. Mal took a breath and quickly - well, slowly - made her way to the Isle with the other core three original VKs and Celia.

It was refreshing to be back here, and being in Dr Faciliates shop was fun. There were so many good memories here, though, Mal didn't let herself dwell on them for long; she was here on a mission not to reminisce.

Stepping into her father's dwelling was extremely nerve-wracking. The memories of the only time she was here were on her mind. But that didn't stop her from sneaking in. She held back the glare at Celia when she touched the recording device and alerted Hades to her presence. Now, Mal would never know if she would have gotten the ember undetected.

As Mal and her Dad began to argue, all those feelings coming up to the surface, Celia slowly snuck away. There was so much between them and there wasn't really any hate. Mal wished she could hate him. Though, he did relent and give over his ember. That alone told her that he did care for her.

After ensuring that Celia wouldn't mention anything about her connection with Hades and pushing all of those thoughts out of her mind, Mal let herself be angry at the pirates and Gil for stealing their bikes and having to walk back to Auradon on foot. As they began to cross the bridge, Gil jumped through effortlessly and cheered to himself.

That single event made Mal confident that closing the barrier for good for the right call. It's too dangerous to open it, anybody could escape. Gil managed to. The urge to open the barrier straight away and push him back through was high, however, that was all put on halt when Uma turned up. Oh, she hated Uma.

Mal wasn't sure why she listened, but when Uma began to list what Auradon had and the Isle didn't, she couldn't help but pay attention. Begging - in Uma's own way - to promise that all the kids who wanted to get off the Isle could, was confusing Mal. Even her worst enemy at the moment wanted to help the children. It was almost overwhelming. When Uma wanted to prove herself, that even she could put their differences aside and help, to prove that she could be good, Mal didn't feel she had a choice. Evie had intervened, saying that they were going to get all of the children off, but it would take time. Uma still insisted that it'll be done now, all now, instead of waiting.

Mal was angry when Evie agreed that they'd give Uma the chance to prove herself. Mal knew it was because Evie knew about the suggestion to close the barrier for good, if Ben and the other royals saw Uma change her ways, perhaps they'd rethink that idea. If only Evie knew whose idea it really was.

It was extremely weird for Mal to be working with Uma again. They had been great friends once upon a time. The falling out was entirely on Mal and seeing how the two of them were so in sync, she did regret letting her mother get to her. However, when your own mother tries to kill you for having friends, you gotta do what you gotta do.

When Evie had opened her mouth again and told Ben that Mal had promised to get all of the children of the Isle if Uma proved herself, Mal broke. She told them the truth and caused everybody to turn their back on her. She felt alone before they were turned to stone. It was like a visual representation of how she felt.

Mal knew that she had to do this alone. She had pushed her friends from her - that seemed to be a pattern of hers - now it was time to face those consequences. She gave it one last attempt to get Uma and Harry to help her, but both of them turned their backs on her. She didn't blame them. If it had been the other way around, she'd have done the same.

Even though she had no one, Mal still fought against Audrey and did everything she could to not hurt Celia in the process. In a stint of luck, Uma and Harry came back to assist and using Hades ember, Mal took down Audrey. Shock filled her as the princess wouldn't wake. That was not good at all. Harry had carried Audrey into the castle and everybody else met up with them.

Audrey was slipping away. She was going to die and that would have been on Mal. That is something that Mal would not be able to live with. She had ruined this girl's life and had never even given it a second thought. Now she was going to die. It was Hades Ember that took her down and only Hades ember could keep her from slipping away. This was risky.

The look on Ben's face when Mal admitted her parentage devastated her. Another secret. Mal wished she had told him before when it had come up in conversation. Now not only did he have to deal with another secret about her past - one which didn't come out in her Goodness test - but he had to decide whether or not to bring him over here to help. If Hades attacked or escaped, it would be his fault, and the only reason he would have allowed him out of the Isle was because of her. Her Dad could ruin everything for her. Mal looked down in shame when he sent the order to collect Hades.

Uma, Gil, Harry, and Celia all asked to return to the Isle for good if they were closing the barrier for good. That filled Mal with an immense amount of sadness. Harry had come so far and had even told her that he never wanted to return to the Isle again. She knew the reason even if he didn't state it: He couldn't leave his brother there alone. Celia returning didn't shock her as much, she was a Daddy's little girl.

Thankfully, her Dad did what was asked of him, even with his ember and the ability to escape, he didn't. He saved Audrey and allowed himself to be led out.

Mal had to say goodbye to him and was shocked when he gifted her his ember. She wished he had been part of her life growing up, but you couldn't change the past - that was something Mal knew too well.


Mal knew she should return to the room but wasn't entirely sure what was going through Ben's mind. Let alone everybody else's mind. Was Ben angry at her for not telling him who her father was? Secrets and her past have caused a wedge between them before. She wasn't sure if she could take it again. Mal simply stared down the corridor where her father had been taken until Ben stepped out into the corridor with her.

"I'm sorry he can't stay," he told her softly, bring one hand up to her cheek.

She looked at him slightly confused. She never even considered him staying. "He's a villain."

"He's still your father," he replied.

Mal glanced down the corridor before looking back at Ben. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you he was my Dad. I know I should have."

His thumb ran itself against her cheek. "Are you okay?"

Mal looked up at him properly for the first time since he came out. There was only concern in his eyes. How could he be so understanding? She leant up and connected their lips in a short kiss. "I'm fine." She slipped one arm around his waist as his arm pulled her to him. "What's going to happen to Audrey?"

A sigh left his lips. "Stealing, attacking Auradon, attacking the King… she committed treason." He looked down.

"Are you okay?" she asked softly, bringing her hand up to his face. He had known Audrey all of his life and she had turned against him. "It's going to be okay," she whispered when he didn't answer. When she embraced him, she felt him trembling and instantly pulled away to drag him down the corridor and into a different room. Mal did take note that the two guards had followed but remained outside the closed door.

Ben slid down the wall to sit on the floor as there wasn't any furniture in the room - which Mal found extremely odd. She instantly dropped down to sit in front of him and held him close.

"Everything will be okay. I'll help you through it all."

"Treason… the law dictates that she should be sent to the Isle," he muttered as he let the tears fall. "We used to be friends. It's my fault."

Mal's hands came up to his face, wiping away some of the tears as she made him look at her. "It is not your fault, Ben. She made her choice. It wasn't your fault."

His face crumbled and she just held him instead of trying to make it better - she didn't know how to. Mal knew that if Jay had turned on her in the same manner, there was nothing anybody could say to make her feel better. She kept stroking the back of his head as he cried softly, his tears making her shoulder wet.


The following day, Mal found herself adjacent to Ben on an eighteen seated pure oak table. Each seat was filled. She remembered most of them from the visits she had made with Ben and their engagement party. They were all very important people. Down the table she saw Aurora looking extremely solemn. Everybody had been called here to discuss what was going to happen to Audrey after her act of tretary.

Due to the whole kingdom being aware of who had caused the act, it wasn't something that could be kept a secret. They were an hour into the discussion already.

"Law dictates that she is thrown onto the Isle of the Lost for her crimes," a man stated. He was one of the only individuals Mal had never met before.

"She's barely eighteen."

"Therefore, of legal age," he retorted, silencing Aladdin effectively.

As of yet, Aurora hadn't said anything.

Mal glanced at Ben who was holding everything together. She looked at Fairy Godmother, gaining the older fairies' attention instantly. "How did Audrey do on the Goodness test?"

There was a scoff and somebody muttered that she must have failed it.

Fairy Godmother cleared her throat. "She hasn't taken it yet. Audrey took a few months out of school this year and would be taking her exams this summer, along with her final goodness test."

She had to look at Ben again, he was the only reason she could find it in her to defend Audrey publically. That girl had done everything she could to make Mal's life miserable - she just didn't succeed. She looked back around the table. "As she hasn't taken the test, does not that legally render her as a minor?"

"That is true," Cinderella spoke. She had been in defense of Audrey the whole time. "If she can pass the test now, that would make her past crimes as a minor null-in-void."

"So, we just let her off the hook?" the man asked Mal, mildly aggressively.

Mal noticed this, as did everybody else on the table. Ben looked ready to intervene but she got there first. "Not at all. Audrey should pay for her crimes, however, I do not believe that sending her to the Isle of the Lost is the best course of action. As she committed these crimes as a minor, she should be treated as such. Nobody was physically hurt. A few transformations which will make an interesting story for the grandkids, but nothing permanent. Audrey has expressed her remorse and apologised for her actions. She is also willing to accept the punishment we deem appropriate." She paused to take a breath, keeping her voice calm. "We are wasting time debating on whether or not to send her to the Isle and should be debating the appropriate punishment instead. She's still in school."

The two of them faced off. "If she fails the Goodness test, she's sent to the Isle. That's always been a rule."

Mal almost retracted at the sentence, while she knew this was the case, it had never been expressly said to her. "That's always been a rule and shouldn't colour our thoughts in this discussion. We are supposed to be discussing the punishment for a minor's crimes. Can you do that or would you like to step outside?"

His gaze was still challenging but Mal knew precisely when she won. "What is the punishment for a minor committing treason?"

He had asked her directly but Mal quickly redirected his question elsewhere. Thankfully, somebody else answered. "There isn't one set yet."

"That is why we are all here. One representative from each state, as well as two representatives from the law and three from Auradon," Ben spoke, standing up as he reached for a book and flicked through it. "In the past, children were not held accountable for their actions and were usually pardoned after community service and classes to ensure they knew right from wrong. As Audrey is almost of graduating age, perhaps we should extend her time at Auradon Prep so she can attend Goodness classes, help students settle in, and it will help us keep an eye on her too." He paused. So far no objections. "Due to this act, I believe the first five years of her adult life should be accompanied by yearly Goodness Tests to ensure she hasn't lost her way again. After that, she can proceed to have the renewal goodness test at the same rate as every other citizen." He looked around again. "Any objections?"

The silence lasted for a few seconds before Snow White spoke. "I agree with your punishment, Your Majesty. If all is in favour, I do recommend that we reconvene in a year's time, before she's finished school, to review it depending on her behaviour."

"I agree." The man spoke. "It seems light but as she's a minor it's fitting."

Ben nodded in agreement too. "All in favour, say Aye."

There was a chorus of Ayes, all except one. Ben looked at her questioning and Mal quickly said Aye, forgetting that she was supposed to vote too.

"Thank you for your council. You are all dismissed."

Mal had expected everybody to stand up and leave, but it was quite the opposite. A few stood but nobody left, they all just began to talk. It went from a formal discussion to a casual chat within seconds. She stood up herself uncertainly and instantly found herself engaged in a conversation with Flynn Rider.

"Your Majesty," he greeted with a quick bow.

She quickly dropped into a bow. "You don't need to address me like that, Prince Flynn."

He wrinkled his nose. "Flynn, please."

"At least I was accurate with the greeting," she spoke with a smile. Flynn wasn't born into royalty and therefore she found it easier to relate to him. Also, he detested formal events which is why she was surprised he was the one that turned up. "I expected Rapunzel today, is everything okay?"

"We just found out that she's pregnant. As this was short notice and involved a little bit of danger, her parents insisted she not attend. So, here I am."

"Congratulations," Mal replied genuinely. "Our apologies from pulling you away from such a happy occasion."

Flynn made a face. "Happy… more like imprisoning. After Repunzel's mother fell ill during the pregnancy to Repunzel being kidnapped as a baby… everybody is a little high strung. Being away is helping me breathe again."

"That can make anybody a little protective," Mal commented. She noticed Aurora watching her hesitantly and knew she had to do the proper thing - as much as she didn't want to. "Please excuse me."

Flynn bowed his head as she made her way across the room to Aurora.

Aurora smiled. "Lady Mal, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I've heard so much about you."

Mal instantly bit back any sarcastic comments that came to her mind. "Princess Aurora, we were pleased you were able to attend this meeting today. My condolences on the situation your family is going through at the moment."

The princess was staring at her intensely and Mal wanted to retreat. It wasn't a mean or challenging glare, but it seemed like she was trying to work something out. "Thank you for standing in defence of my daughter, I was frightened she would be sent away."

They both knew what she meant by 'away'. "It was the right thing to do. Everything I said was true and I'm a big believer in second chances. Occasionally third chances as well."

"I think I need to open my heart up again to second chances, over the years, I've lost that," Aurora admitted. She dropped into a small curtsy and dismissed herself.

Mal watched as she left the room and wondered what was going through her mother's victim's mind. She made her way over to Ben, having realised that the room's occupants had halved, they were all slowly leaving. Her hand instantly found Ben's the second he was in reach and she smiled at Cinderella.

"Lady Mal, it's a pleasure to see you again," she spoke softly.

Mal dropped into a small curtsy. "And you. I see you decided to cut your hair, it looks nice."

Cinderella smiled. "Thank you for noticing. I was just discussing with the king about Chad's punishment for his involvement, however small."

"My apologies for interrupting."

"I was actually going to ask for your opinion," Cinderella said, stopping Mal from excusing herself.

Both of their eyes were on her. Mal knew for a fact that Chad had passed his Goodness test and was, therefore, an adult in the eyes of the law. He had knowingly stood behind Audrey throughout the sleeping curse and some of the other acts she caused. It was aiding and embedding and could be classed as treason. But Chad wasn't on trial here, it seemed as the sidekick they were able to keep him out of having a formal trial. But what did Mal think? Honestly, she wasn't sure. Her hesitation was obvious. She wishes she knew what Ben had suggested because she could have simply agreed with him, but now she was asked to give her opinion without any other information. "Chad chose to side with Audrey out of loyalty instead of what he believed in. When we found him, he looked thoroughly rattled about what had occurred. I haven't seen him since therefore am unaware if he showed any remorse or sent any apologies for the part that he played. I do not believe his intentions were malicious. What were you two discussing?"

She looked up at Ben who sent her a discrete smile - she was doing well so far. "Community service, as well as, taking the goodness test yearly for three years."

"That seems fair. It's similar to Audrey's punishment but as he's already graduated it would be pointless to make him stay at Auradon Prep and would probably be good for him and Audrey to be kept apart for a while as they both need time to…" she hesitated. "Heal. What type of community service do you think is appropriate?" she asked, turning to Cinderella. She hoped that she wasn't stepping over her bounds.

"That's what we can't decide on."

Mal looked at Ben who didn't say anything. She took a second to think before looking back at Cinderella. "How about we bring Chad into the discussion and let him choose?"

At Cinderella's nod, Ben let out a small breath of relief. "I'll have a meeting set up within the next week."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

With that, she left, leaving just Mal, Ben, and Adam. Mal let out a breath she didn't know she was holding and sat back down, still holding Ben's hand. "That was so long."

The two men in the room laughed at her. "That actually went really well. Some trials can last for hours. That was done in under 90 minutes, thanks to you."

"What did I do?" Mal asked, looking up at Adam as he spoke.

"You moved everybody off the idea of sending her to the Isle after they were all evenly split in debating it, and once it was settled that she wasn't going there, they were all inclined to agree to the first reasonable solution after that," he explained. "Even if Ben had gone a bit soft on her."

Ben shrugged. "It didn't feel like I was going easy on her." He sat down next to Mal.

Adam clasped Ben's shoulder supportively. "You did the right thing. I'm very proud of you, son."

"Thanks, Dad."

"There is something else that needs to be discussed," Adam continued.

Mal sighed. "The barrier. We can't leave the kids there. There has to be a way that we can help all the kids without releasing anybody who would do harm here." She watched Ben's eyes get hopeful. She was on his side now. "Audrey showed us that danger can live right here, and Hades showed us that even a villain can do good. It doesn't matter who your parents are, everybody has the capability of good and bad. They have the choice of which one they choose."

Ben squeezed her hand. "Should we open the barrier?"

"You can't."

"It's not up to you Dad."

Mal wanted to say yes, to open the barrier. Instead, a sigh left her. "Adam was correct to lock up some of the villains. You all saw how evil some of them could be… raping others, killing others, trying to burn their children alive." Ben and Adam winced at the memory of seeing that in her Goodness Test. "The barrier is there to keep those who are truly evil contained. We can't be too trusting because it could be our downfall. That doesn't mean we can't offer the children a way off and perhaps even some of the adults."

She received confused looks.

"Let's focus on the children first and work out the best action forward for them. They don't deserve to be stuck there. Hope has finally been restored on the Isle and it's made things better, but if they find out that they're stuck there again… it'll get worse."

Ben looked at Adam. "How many could we allow in per year?"

Adam sat down opposite them. "Four was supposed to be the taster and seemed to be a good gradual number of keeping an eye on them. Though, one poison apple can still come out." His eyes flickered to Mal's neck. "If we did it yearly, instead of staggered, that would allow us to have a heightened chance of being ready. The south wing's top two floors have been vacant for years since being repaired so that could be a suitable place to have a larger number of children reside. It'll help them adapt to the new school without being surrounded by children brought up here too much. Of course, there is a risk them all being kept together." He paused and looked at them, Mal was very intrigued into what else he had to say, he obviously had given this a lot of thought. "The current children we've already brought over can be given a choice. Instead of choosing random children each time, perhaps focus on one age range and maintain that each year, that way, there's less chance for a child to be missed due to age. I wouldn't attempt to have more than ten new starters at once though."

Mal waited for Ben to respond, but he didn't. She sent him a confused look and couldn't work out what he was thinking. Perhaps he was stunned that his father was supporting this idea, after all, Mal had only heard him putting it down. "We should look through all of the applications. Dizzy and Celia were eleven when they came, they adapted quickly and were old enough to understand what is going on. The twins are still adjusting being away from their Dad but did fit into the school and its rules quickly." She paused and noticed Ben looking at her intensely. Like he was focusing on every single word she was saying. "I like the idea of just one age, but I don't want that age to be too high. It was very difficult for me to fit in at fifteen, so younger than that. But for the first few years, we'll have to offer a few older children the chance too. If we chose thirteen, for example, perhaps a handful of fourteen and fifteen-year-olds could come as well, we'll just be careful with who we choose."

"Can we go and look at the applications now?" Ben asked.

Mal took his hand. She could understand his silence now. This was a big decision and something that he wanted for a long time, ever since bringing her over from the Isle. He was scared of messing things up. Saying the wrong thing. As King, his word goes above what anybody else says. "Later. We have to show our faces and inform the United States of Auradon that we are all safe and are doing everything in our power to keep everybody safe."

Ben ran a hand through his hair. Mal instantly knew that he had forgotten about that.

"Let's go get you ready. See you in an hour, Adam," Mal said, leading Ben out of the room. At first, Adam nodded, then he had a look of surprise on his face at the potential implications at her helping Ben get ready - after all, they weren't married. "Emotionally, Adam."

Adam looked relieved and nodded at her.

Mal rolled her eyes and carried on leading him out.


Them addressing the whole of Auradon was successful, they had restored faith in the royal family and everybody felt safe. All of the citizens were given an address to forward letters to if they wished to and that helped to increase moral. Audrey had publicly apologised and her punishment details would be made public in a week. Mal mostly kept quiet barring one speech about everybody having good and bad in them, mentioning how Hades had saved Audrey - and the crowd didn't turn against her instantly when she revealled he was her Dad.

I guess him helping to save Auradon made them more accepting.

The dance that followed was carefree. In the end, as the royal family was saying their goodbyes, Mal realised that they were returning to their castle and expected for her to come too. In fact, everybody expected her to leave with them, she'd noticed that since the engagement most people treated her as part of the royal family, even though she technically wasn't yet. So when it was announced the 'royal family' was saying goodbye, everybody started saying goodbye to Mal too.

She hadn't spent much time with Evie, barely any time alone. Audrey had interrupted them merely an hour into her visit. Mal had planned to stay at her friends for days, and it had only been two days of being here. Most of her time wasn't spent with her friend anyway.

"One minute," she whispered to Ben before walking away from him. She had been by his side consistently since the meeting about Audrey. It felt weird to not have his presence by her. She knew he needed her tonight, he wasn't quite healed from everything that had happened, otherwise, she wouldn't have gone back with him. "Evie."

The blue-haired girl turned to her. Instantly, Mal remembered that they had a big fight. While they had rejoiced in the threat being taken care of and were there to support each other, that didn't automatically mean things were perfect between them. "Mal, are you heading off?"

Mal nodded. "Yes, Ben needs me right now." Evie didn't look thrilled. "You can come too."

"I can't leave Dizzy right now, not after everything that happened and Celia going back to the Isle." Her tone of voice told her that Evie was still upset over everything.

"Then can I call you later?" Her friend nodded. "Good, because I'd love your advice about our new plan on bringing more VKs over. And I'm confident Celia will return too - she'll just miss summer school."

Evie grinned. "Really? You're letting the children come out?"

"Bit by bit, yes. Things will be different but I'm not going to leave the kids there to suffer."

Evie instantly wrapped her arms around her in a hug, one which Mal returned. "Thank you." She pulled back. "I wish you didn't have to go."

Mal smiled. "You'll have Dizzy. Just make sure she attends classes. There might be a chance this summer to visit the Isle, but I'll let you know. We've just started the discussion."

"I'll miss you."

"I know," Mal smiled before walking off, back to Ben and taking his hand before he led them out.


I hope you are all staying safe!