A/N: Two months in... At this rate quarantine's gonna end by next year!
But I can't really complain. Extra update time, more time to think about the plots; the list goes on really.
Besides from quarantine not much to mention besides that everything's going good. As usual. Thanks for the support and reviews too! It really helps me to get through writing these chapters. This story's taking forever to get done, so long.
I wonder if it will surpass the last one...
Well, I'm rambling now. A result of quarantine,
So till next time,
D.L.D
Dawn's P.O.V
"Another weekly visit with Scarlett," Amy mumbled as we stood outside of the redhead's room.
For a while we've been visiting Scarlett and honestly, we've been improving with the whole MPD problem. We may have even found a way to 'cure' the problem. Not that we'd get rid of the personalities, but the person can choose whether they surface or not. Like a system. They work in unison and don't have conflict.
In fact thanks to Scarlett's research we may be able to present the pitch to a leading medical company. They'll do some trial runs and then soon everyone who's struggling with MPD can seek some assistance.
"You three have really improved her," Earl, the warden we've become extremely familiar with, smiled, "She's been doing group therapy well and by the professionals' words she'll be out soon."
"Soon?" Amy's voice squeaked.
I looked at her, curiosity in my mind. She's been acting strange for the past couple days. Always in deep thought or biting her lip. I'm pretty sure she's apprehensive of something, but she's blocking me from seeing her aura. I wish I never taught her how to now.
I mean I had her privacy in mind when I did, but my aura reading abilities made it easier to tell when something is wrong. It was a useful tool in keeping the natural balance of things, but recently I've been taking it for granted. After high school finished, I just haven't had many uses for it. I guess this situation proves that.
"Yeah," The warden nodded, snapping me from my reflections, "They say she's really changed and that she may even change society. I heard about the cure you four came up with too! You'll be millionaires by your mid-twenties."
"Oh, we know," Mike chuckled a little, "We have a few crazy ideas."
"I agree," Cameron nodded, "B and I already made a steady income with our invention."
"I see," Earl hummed, "Well, you are a nice bunch of young adults. Enjoy your visit with your friend."
He then opened the door and we stepped in. He then locked the door behind him and stood at his post.
I watched Amy as we all sat at the table, greeting Scarlett and having a snack if we pleased to.
The redhead herself was quiet. She had her hair in a braid today and her glasses were neatly polished. She had a critical look on her face and when I noticed the stack of papers below her, I knew that she had something planned.
"Thank you for visiting once again," Scarlett began. Her voice had lost its intellectual flare and sounded tired and pressured. "I've had some time to reflect on my...misdemeanors while you were all away. Max visited and we discussed a few things."
I could tell from her aura that she had a bit of a soft spot for the wannabe villain. I could tell that she found it fascinating how he cared so much for children. Sometimes I could even hear her think about how adorable it is that he always fails at his plots.
"Well, I've had some time to reflect too," Amy looked at Scarlett, "And I have a question for you."
It was then I noticed a flame behind her blue eyes. They were usually shiny and bright, but today they were dull with a bitter flame in them. Her face had lost some of its colour and her lips had a small line from where she'd been biting it so much. Apart from those small features, she appeared like her usual self. But inside she had a conflict bubbling.
"Feel free to ask me any inquiry," The redhead responded as myself and Cameron observed. Mike stayed in the background, watching as he was unsure of what to do.
"How can we trust you?" The words slipped from Amy's mouth, "You're a highly intellectual being, for all we know you could manipulating us to do exactly as you plan. How can we know you truly want to change?"
A sigh left Scarlet as she looked at the blonde. Her green eyes looked tired and frustrated. Frustration. This was what both girls had pent up within them. They were both frustrated at whatever tough task they've been burdened with. That was one of the possibilities.
"There's no way to truly know if you can trust me," Scarlett began, kneading her forehead as she did, "Whatever I say can be misinterpreted or taken out of context. Anyone could read into it too much! All I can really say is if you support me, you can continue visiting; if not then I see no valid reason for you to be here. Those are my words."
"There's no way for you to prove your loyalty?" Amy asked, almost pleading as she stood up. It's as if she wanted to trust the redhead, but there was something holding her back. I doubt it was Val, because Val and Amy agreed on everything. I think it's the trauma that holds her back.
Amy's just so used to having the monster of her story locked up, or being proven to be misunderstood, that she can't comprehend how Scarlett could be a nice person. I've seen it before, but never like this... It's as if the new side of Amy wants to forgive her, but the old side's remaining stubborn and saying that she got what she deserved.
"There is nothing I can think of that you won't misinterpret," Scarlett sighed, "However I can make a promise...if you won't over read it."
"I'm listening," Amy spoke, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I can promise to not mention what happened in your dark past," Scarlett smiled weakly, "In return for you not mentioning what happened in mine."
"An exchange?" Amy's frown softened.
"An exchange," Scarlett nodded.
Silence filled the room as Amy bit her lip and thought. It really could go either way...
"I'll do it," She smiled, "But if I found out you lied, I will break every bone in your body."
"Nice to know you see things my way too!" The redhead grinned.
Gwen's P.O.V
"The final performance!" I grinned as I waited backstage, "Then I can say goodbye to this hellish experience!"
We'd been performing for around two weeks now and Blaineley's still managed not to pay anyone properly. She just gave us a quarter of what we're actually owed. It's really caused a lot of us to be pissed. I mean, first she gets a bunch of us to involuntarily be part of her production, then she forces us to go to rehearsals and finally she fails to pay us. You can pretty much see why we're all ready to mob her.
"I know," Courtney agreed, "After this I can get my pay and go visit my great grandmother."
"You really waited till after this for that?" I raised a brow.
"Well yeah," She nodded, "My pay from this is way more important than flying over to Spain. Plus my grandmother understands."
"My family would've dragged my ass there, pay or not," I laughed.
"That sounds terrible," She cringed as we heard someone announce that we'd start shortly.
"Meh, it has it's advantages," I shrugged, "Plus I have ammo against them, the next time they try it."
"True," She agreed as we went to get into our positions, "Well, break a leg."
"Yeah, same to you," I smiled thinking of the irony of that phrase.
Taylor's P.O.V
"And against our undefeated champ, we have the rising star herself, Taylor Gripling!"
I gave a small smile and wave to the crowd as I was announced. Once again I was at the start of a match; something I should be used to. I've been doing this for a while now and I've been winning every match. I'm undefeated. So why am I so nervous?
I sigh as the bright lights of the ring burn my eyes. The sounds of the crowd drown my senses and I feel as if I'm underwater.
Across from me stood my opponent - my friend. Eva Stone. Like her last name suggests she's cold, hard and tough. No-one's beaten her rocky exterior for the whole entirety of her sports career. She is known as the 'Hands of Stone'. (A/N: I totally took that from a real boxing nickname XD) She's known to beat all of her opponents in just a few decisive blows. So how would I win? I'm just an amateur who began a few months ago, I'm not a local legend like Eva.
"Taylor," She caught my attention, "Don't think of this as a match, think of it as our practice games. You've got game in you, I want an actual fight, not the priss you were a few months ago."
"I'll - I'll try my best," I gave her a smile.
'It's just like when we practice,' I close my eyes as I take a deep breath, 'If Eva thinks I have a chance, then I do. Screw what Jo thinks.'
I heard the familiar sound signalling the beginning of the match was heard and I leveled my gaze with Eva's.
She stood across from me, holding her arms up as she sidestepped towards me. Before I could think, I flung my hands up to protect myself from her punches. They were firm and tough, making my arms ache as I grunted from the impact. I can see why they call her 'Hands of Stone' now.
Another hit and I could feel my arms beginning to feel heavy. I couldn't just stand here like this. I had to move. That's the first thing I gotta do if I want to win this match. I just have to move in baby steps.
Looking to my right I see a gap and slip through it, still holding my arms up for protection. If I could find a way to make her punches less solid then I could stand a chance against her. But what options do I have? I can't put up a fight because she'll surely clobber me, and blocking isn't ideal as my arms are beginning to feel like lead. The only thing I can do is run and try to tire her out.
I do that, my mind focusing on blocking her hits and sidestepping across the ring. As I do this I see the faces in the crowd. Many of them had raised brows and thoughtful stares as they watched me move. Others yelled and cheered at Eva to just finish me off.
I shook my head as I heard them. I need to focus on moving and blocking.
I continue this for a while, until I see an opening. I strike and hit Eva in the gut. She wheels slightly backwards, the air taken from her, however she swiftly recovers. Yet I somehow get another strike on her jaw. It causes her to step backwards, a line of blood and saliva coming from her mouth. She quickly wipes it away.
"That was what I was expecting," She grinned before glaring at me. Her glare wasn't hostile, it was more of a respectful rival glare. The type someone gives when they're having fun while competing. "Now gimme your best."
"I'll try," I reply nonchalantly.
We then began exchanging hits, blocks and injuries. Soon we were both a panting mess, still punching the other with our fatigued arms. The crowd still watched anticipating the first to fall from exhaustion, naming the other victor.
We still went exchanging weak punches until Eva collapsed, her eyes rolling as I managed to land a blow on her face.
The room then fell silent. Fans exchanged looks, the ref and reporters mirroring them as they all looked at me. I just stood there, panting as I felt like dropping right here and now.
"And the winner is Taylor Gripling!" I hear the familiar voice of the referee and cheering, before collapsing right next to my friend.
Courtney's P.O.V
"I can't believe their family paid for us to go in first class!" I smiled as Heather and I walk through the airport.
We'd just arrived in Spain and Jose had called to say that they'd meet us at the East exit. Apparently his family knew of our arrival and they'd arranged for all our expenses to be paid for as well as special 'privileges'. I think it's great, especially the change in scenery from Chris' college. Heather, on the other hand, thinks it's just an elaborate scheme set up by Alejandro and Jose.
"I mean it was good, but they can do better," Heather shrugged, "I'm just glad they didn't put me in economy."
"Same," I nodded.
I remember flying in economy for a school excursion to Florida. It was terrible. Never again will I travel in economy, unless they fix their appalling service and sanitary issues. Then I'd consider sitting in front of a mother and children, who would probably be a nuisance for the whole flight...
"I think that's the car they sent for us," I say as we step outside.
There was a white Seat parked not too far away and by it stood a man who looked slightly older than Jose. He wore a green shirt and the same necklace as Jose and Alejandro. I think it's a family thing.
"Are you two ladies Courtney and Heather?" He asked, putting his phone in his pocket.
"Yes, we are," Heather stepped towards him, "I'm Heather, she's Courtney. Now, where are your brothers?"
"They're at the family casa," The male shrugged, "I'm Carlos. Jose and Alejandro's older brother."
"You mean the famous soccer player?" I raise a brow and he nods.
"Well, my brothers are waiting," He gestures to the car, "And my parents are extremely eager to meet you two."
I share a glance with Heather before we both get into the vehicle. Carlos puts our luggage into the boot (A/N: A boot is a trunk for any Americans. Saves the google search) and gets into the driver's seat. Before anything else could be said, we were on our way to the Burromuerto residence.
Leshawna's P.O.V
"Ok, Shawnie you've left this for too long," Gwen narrowed her gaze at me as Bridgette nodded.
We were just hanging out at my and Gwen's dorm. Bridgette had brought the twins cause Geoff had a shift at his job and there was no available babysitter. We were just talking about pregnancies and babies and all that stuff just to annoy Gwen, when the goth decided to break the ice.
"Left what for too long?" I raise a brow as she gives me a look.
"You know what," She spoke, before sighing, "Don't you think he deserves to know?"
"I do, Gwen," I squeezed my eyes shut as I felt tears brimming them, "But I don't wanna set myself up for disappointment. Not all men are like Geoff and Duncan, they don't always stick by your side."
"I know, Leshawna," She smiled softly, "But maybe just knowing that you're pregnant might change things."
"Ok, now you're starting to sound like Bridge," I frown, as Bridgette glares at me, "Not all things are like fairy tales. I fucked up. Now I'm gonna pick up the pieces and make it whole again."
Silence filled the room as we all let the topic float in the air. Bridgette separated herself from the subject by attending to the twins, leaving me to face Gwen.
"Just call him," Her tone was plain, "You'll regret it if you don't."
"Fine..." I grumbled as I got my phone and went through my contacts. I found his number under asshole and dialed it.
"Asshole?" Gwen raised a brow, "Why would you label your one night stand as asshole?"
"Cause he is," I shrugged, "Serves him right for being such a prick."
"Whatever floats your boat," Gwen shrugged.
"I'm just gonna take the twins out of here," Bridgette turned to us, "I have a feeling you two are gonna swear like crazy."
"Sure," Gwen and I nodded and she left the room, heading towards the hall. She'll probably go on a walk with the twins.
"Hey, Shawnie," I sighed as I heard his voice through my phone. Chucking it at the wall would be a good idea, then I'd never have any source of contact with this guy. "What's up?"
"Ah...Well, you see," I began and Gwen frowned. She knew what I was doing. "My friend wanted me to call you to tell you something."
"Well, I'm listening," His voice sounded casual.
I could hear the sound of motion, meaning he was probably driving. Good. That means he's leaving the state to go back to his new place.
"Well, you know that one night a few months ago," I say, cringing at the thought of it, "And I bumped into you cause you came for a family matter."
"Yeah?" He sounded cautious, yet confused, "What about it?"
"You got me knocked up," I heard a squeal and a car horn, then him apologising.
I looked at Gwen and she just shrugged.
'It's not my fault you didn't use protection,' She mouthed.
I just rolled my eyes and kissed my teeth before turning my attention back to Jamal.
"You're joking right?" He asked. He sounded breathy, like he'd just ran a marathon.
"Why the fuck would I joke about something like this?" I say, my tone hard and serious. I hate it when men don't face reality. I only deal with realists and that's why I decided to leave Jamal and his dark chapter in the past. He always thought it was 'a joke' or that I was just getting under his skin. This time I wasn't.
"How far are you?" He asked his voice was shaky.
"Around a month and a bit," I let the words out slowly. Judging by what he said, I know what's coming next. I should just hang up, but I'm too stubborn to do it. I'm going to stick by my words and do it.
"Fuck, Shawnie," I heard him loud and clear, "I have a fiance back in New York and my family will go nuts. Plus it's just a nuisance for you and me. You need to get an abortion."
My eyes widen at his words and Gwen's look mirrors mine. Did this fucker really just say that? Oh, it's personal now.
"Hold on a sec," I try to keep my tone from rising, "Are you telling me to kill my child?"
"Leshawna, I think it's be -"
"Best my bootlicious behind, I don't give a fuck," Anger seeps into my voice, "If you think I'm getting rid of the child growing in my womb, then think again. You don't have to be a part of its life, if anything I prefer that. I'm trying to be civil and at least let you know that you have a child, now I realise my mistake. Don't worry Jamal you can still have your fiance, until she eventually finds out about your man whorish ways. I wish you luck, bastard. Cause even if my child is fatherless and I'm a young mother, at least they'll be nothing like you."
I then hung up and blocked his number.
My chest heaved as I felt my eyes burn with tears. My throat felt tight and I could feel sobs being caught inside. A dull ache spread throughout my body as my heart squeezed. Everything was beginning to sink in, the fact I was pregnant, alone and young. I could see all my hopes and dreams crashing and burning before me with the thing growing inside me. Everything was ruined because of it and my stupid decisions...
"Leshawna, I - " Gwen bit her lip as she looked at the floor. I could feel the guilt radiating from her, but still I was pissed. If she'd just minded her own business and let me go on by none of this would've happened.
"I told you I didn't want to talk to him," My voice lacked its usual cheeriness.
I then got up and left the room, hot tears ruining my mascara along with my day.
Sierra's P.O.V
It's been a week and I'm nowhere with the secret crush column. Whoever wrote it was good at hiding who they were and made it so generic that even I can't simplify it down. For all I know it could even be people who are in couples, hence the line 'To the guy I see everyday.'
"Gotten anywhere with the search?" Staci asked as she munched on some chips.
"Not yet," I sigh, "Maybe Izzy and Noah will have something after their shift."
"Maybe," She agreed, "Anyway, I'm gonna go to this new zip lining place this weekend. Wanna come?"
"Sure," I nod as I continue to type on my laptop, "I'll make sure to mark the day off in my planner."
"Cool," She responded before leaving the room.
I peeked over at my phone and spotted a message from Izzy. I read it and a smile spread over my face.
Noah's P.O.V
I sighed as I scooped some ice-cream for a couple. They'd been flirting while ordering and it's honestly made me hate ice-cream. I don't even know how they made it possible.
"Ooh, Taylor's got some good gossip," Izzy beamed, "Apparently she's the one who wrote the crush column entry Sierra's stumped about."
"Really?" I raise a brow.
"Yeah, in fact -"
"Noah?" I freeze as I hear Emma's voice.
"Hey..." I trail off, "What are you doing here Emma?"
"I was just getting some ice-cream for Kitty," She looked at me, "So, you're working here?"
"Yeah," I chuckle slightly.
"You forgot to mention the eavesdropping for gossip central!" Izzy nudged me, "We've been spying for Sierra!"
"Really Noah?" Emma turned to me, her brows furrowed.
"Yeah..." I turned away, "But -"
"I don't want to hear it," She then turned on her heel and left the parlor.
"Just great..." I mutter as Izzy begins to sing.