A/N: Ok so this week wasn't too bad. I can't lie I actually got some rest and managed to refresh my mind for writing and hopefully it shows in this chapter. Also I've finished the plot up to the ending and I've written it for about four more chapters. So four to go! I've also noticed that chapters are becoming steadily longer 0.O
The story Two Queens is now published! So if you wanna check that out, please do (I tried something new with the prologue so if it seems uninteresting don't judge it based on that. I promise the story will be a lot better). But yeah, do check it out it was requested by JustaFriend - one of my frequent guest reviewers.
Anyways I don't have much to say this week so I'll just go onto answering reviews:
Guest12: Well you're not wrong about Dawn, but as for Mal...eh she's been in some of his past but not all. The answer to that would be that they crossed paths from time and time and both teamed up to cause chaos, but they weren't 'major' to how the other ended up. But your review has given me an idea...
Till next time,
D.L.D
Lindsay's P.O.V
"Well I did some digging and found our best bet!" Katie gave me a huge smile as she shoved her phone into my face.
On the screen was an email from some restaurant saying that Katie's reservation had been booked. It was for a fancy place on the other side of town that my parents often went to for their anniversary. Usually when I went there I had to wear black tie and heels. I went there in my jeans once and that was a huge mistake - one I never made again. That's rare for me.
"I'm not too sure about it, Katie," I frown as I pass her back her phone. "I don't think they like that sort of stuff."
Dawn and B weren't the type who would go on 'romantic' dates. The two were more of an enchanted woods or magical tech world kinda romantic. That kind that involved animals or amazing wonders charming the other person. Plus Dawn and B were pretty against restaurants like the one Katie pulled up. Dawn was always talking about how cruelly they treated the animals that ended up as meat there and B more or less said it was a sign of wealth that was unnecessary.
"Yeah, you're right..." Katie sighed as she typed a response. She then flopped onto her sofa, a frown on her face. "Well, I don't know any other choices. I think we should give up..."
She picked up the remote and turned on the TV. Immediately it went onto the ARTC channel, probably because I was up late watching 'Don't tell the groom'. If you're wondering what it is, it's basically a show about a couple that's planning a wedding, but the bride chooses the stuff and surprises the groom. It's a pretty decent show actually, despite being on the trashy side of TV. But I'm getting off topic.
The title screen of some dating show taking up the screen. Then it flickered to Sierra and Sky sitting there, both looking ready for action.
"Hi and welcome to the first ever episode of It's a Match!" Sierra greeted us enthusiastically, a wide grin on her face. The audience seemed to love it though as cheering filled the background, claps and jeers mixing in too.
"Today we have a very special first guest," Sierra continued. Excitement seemed to be dripping off her as she turned to Sky, the other woman looking more nervous than anything. "Would you like to introduce yourself Sky?"
"Well - um...sure?" She answered, looking extremely flustered and nervous. As to be expected with how she was treated. The poor girl went through so much during high school and now she barely has any social skills. It's tragic really.
"Great!" Sierra nearly bounced out of her seat. "Fire away Sky!"
"Well, I'm Sky," She gave a nervous wave to the audience who awed. "I'm a co-host on this show, I guess. Never really had friends, or was liked..."
The audience was moved by this as well as me and Katie. We had never really had a vendetta against her after the whole Dave Incident. In fact we didn't really care, it was more Heather and the other main girls that spirited leaving Sky out. Labeling her as a whore and such was literally just instructions given out by Heather. Things we didn't want to do, but did back in high school because that's what teens do. We fuck up and feel terrible when we realise we fucked up.
I'm sure everyone in college is feeling that way too.
"Well we're gonna change that today," Sierra gave her a friendly smile, hand placed on Sky's arm. "We're gonna find you a match. After all I'm a master matchmaker and I haven't failed yet!"
Cheers filled the audience and the show cut to a break. Katie and I smiled at each other as the ads came on, an idea filling our heads.
"You're thinking it too right?" Katie asked, brow raised.
"You have the same idea then?" I double check and she nods. "Ok we'll say it at the same time, just to make sure."
"One..."
"Two..."
"We should put B and Dawn on there!"
"This show is amazing!" I blush as Katie shoots me a playful glare.
I guess I went off topic with the show. Heh. What I can say except I really love trashy TV?
"So how do we get them on there?" I raise a brow and Katie simply shakes her head.
"There'll be a way to apply at the end," Katie grinned, rubbing her hands together in glee. "All we have to do is watch."
I nod, excitement filling me as I turn back to the TV. Now I get to watch the rest of this show and perhaps help my new study buddy with it! That is genius. Wait so is this what being smart is like? Having time to do what you want while working?
I don't get to answer that question as the show comes back on and I'm sucked into the plot.
Mike's P.O.V
"I haven't seen you in a while Mike," Dawn's voice comes out quiet, almost silent in the breeze.
It has been a while since I've spoken her. A while since I had tea on her treetop platform and just enjoyed the serene view and atmosphere. We used to meet almost every week to discuss the issues of MPD. All the conversations and tea breaks, therapy-like sessions and even just normal hanging out to make sure my mental well-being was ok. To make sure I was doing ok. I used to see her often and saw a friendship in Dawn that had been forged many years before. A friendship that somehow managed to survive after Mal. However after the whole Scarlett thing I haven't spoken to her in ages. In fact it's been too long. I can tell from the way she seems too quiet and uncertain. So tired and wary.
Something has happened to Dawn. I'm not sure what it is, but I know that it has affected her. For worse more than better.
"Yeah," I chuckle sheepishly, hand reaching into my hair. It runs through the spiky locks, disturbing them slightly. "Sorry about that."
"Oh don't apologise, I'm sure there are more important things," Dawn gave me a smile, a sadness reaching her cloudy eyes as she poured the tea. Her usual distraction. However instead of her usual calm and decisive movements, her hands were shaky and uncertain. The pale appendages took the teapot, causing the lid to clank as it shook within her hands. "After all, life is full of challenges outside of mental disturbances and tea breaks."
Her words can't help but leave a bitter taste inside my mouth. Like an aftertaste of a terrible tasting treat. It stayed there and wouldn't go away, the thing lingering in my mouth and causing me to frown. I don't know why, but recently Dawn seemed to think that mental dilemmas or other stuff were the reasons why people went to her. Why people befriended her and came to her for weekly tea sessions or aura reading afternoons. But in reality we all visited her because she was a great friend. She was someone who cared and showed it through her constant concern and actions.
I just had to remind her of it.
"Well, I didn't come to speak about that," I say clearly, startling her.
Her light greyish-teal eyes widened as she placed the teapot back down, a small clank sounding once again. Steam poured from the teacups, the gentle scent of jasmine contrasting with the scene.
"You didn't?" She seemed genuinely surprised, something that Dawn didn't usually seem. She often knew what to expect, what to get and how people would react. It was a gift Dawn was birthed with. A talent that was enabled through aura reading and good character judgement.
"No, I came here to discuss our past," I let it out in a deep sigh, all of my thoughts and woes seeming to pour out with it. "You know the one with Mal and Break?"
Silence spilled between us, the blonde making herself busy by mixing sugar into both cups of tea. She seemed way too focused on the simple task. Way too absorbed in the way the spoon went round the cup.
"Look I know it's not easy to approach, but maybe we have to talk about it to get over it," I let the words out, a serious expression on my face. Mrs Davey had told me that sometimes trauma was better dealt with head on than burying it away like it never happened. The MPD trial thing I went on was an example of that. I faced each memory and walked through it even if I didn't want to. I came to terms with what had happened and how it affected me. But after going through it, I can say that I know some people that don't face it head on after burying it away for so long. After forgetting about the bad that made them who they were.
And Dawn was one of those people.
She hid Break away like it was a plague. A dirty secret. No-one really knows about her existence and so no-one knew to help Dawn with it. In fact Dawn had been silently ambling along, dealing with her mental trauma and issues alone, when really she should've asked for help. And so for my first action of moving forward, I'm going to talk to her and deal with all the things that Mal has done.
"Ok, I'll talk," The words come out quiet. Vulnerable. The opposite of how Dawn would usually approach a subject. However she took in a deep breath and closed her eyes, before flashing me a smile. A kind smile as a sort of thanks. "I think it might be time to talk about it."
"Definitely," I chuckle and she laughs along with me. "You know you can turn to everyone else for help. You don't have to solider through it alone."
"Ok I know, I can't read my own aura and so I can't solve my own issues," Dawn laughed slightly, "But you don't want to feel like a burden - or a monster. Especially after what I've done."
"True," I nod, "But you never know until you try."
She agrees and soon we're talking about events that we'd both left behind many years ago.
Ella's P.O.V
I stand outside on Campus. I could see all of the dorms dotted along the West, little rooftops and square windows making them look like cottages. They were so cozy and nice inside, rooms decorated to suit their owners as well as fit guidelines. I'll miss it. To the East was the college cafe and general store. Students flocked around that area, all of them carrying bags or eating something yummy from the cafe. That cafe was definitely an improvement from high school. I remember all of the meetings and important I'd had there because it was local and cheap. All the game nights and friendship events. All of the fun times...
Then there was the centre of it all. The one grand piece in this jumbled college: The main building. It stood proud and tall, the concrete walls pristine despite the many attempts to tarnish it with tags and paint. Each window led into a room, offering a glance inside of students and teachers. It was like the heart of this place; the centre of all the important things. However this'll be the last glance of this place I'll ever get. The last glance I'll ever see.
After all I'm leaving. That's why I'm holding my bags out here, waiting for the car that will drop me to airport. From there I'll be leaving the state and shooting for the new movie. It'd be a while until I come back to this place. To anywhere near this place and for some reason I feel sad about it.
"Cheer up Ella," Amy nudged me, a smile on her face. "You're leaving this shithole, you should be celebrating."
I laugh at her remark knowing that it is senseless to be upset about this place. Even if it seemed idyllic or different, it was still like a prison. Chris kept everyone here trapped for his own sake, not for ours or the world's. We were all here for his crazy experiment, however I managed to find a way to escape. Something that I should be thankful for and not cry over.
As if on cue a black car pulls up, the windows tinted and brand expensive looking. The driver is dressed in a suit, looking extremely professional and stately. In fact he even got out and asked to take my bags, which I allowed. This left me to say goodbye.
"I'm gonna miss you guys," I give them a smile, wrapping all my friends in a final hug.
"Aww we will too."
"Yeah, just be happy."
"Don't forget us when you're famous!"
I laugh as Jasmine gives me a punch to the arm, reminding me that they'll all have my back no matter what happens. They were all here after all. All of them had made the effort to wave me off and wish me luck, just as they'd done with Cameron.
Tears filled my eyes at the thought and I try to smile through it. I try to look cheery as I give them all a final glance, memorising their faces and voices, before heading into the car. The door then shuts and I hear their muffled goodbyes and wishes of luck.
But before I can say anything back the car heads off, blurs of blue and green showing me that the college was being left behind.
Zoey's P.O.V
"Bye..." I smile, tears forming in my eyes as I watch the black car disappear down the road.
Ella had now gone, ready to pursue her dream of being an actress. She had always told us that she had wanted to be on stage and change lives like Disney princesses and other famous female characters had. In fact she had even told us about the audition going well and that she wanted to take it on but didn't want to leave us all behind.
So being the good friend I am, I gave her the advice that I would follow. Advice that I seemed to have ignored myself. I should've listened to my gut when it said to accept the place, to do what I had always had a passion for. However I'm not sure if it's too late now. Chris might have come up with a counter measure...
"Well at least she's happier now," Jasmine sniffed, a proud grin on her face as she looked down at me. "Oh Zoey what's wrong?"
"Oh, it's nothing," I brush away the tears. "Just thinking about the gymnastics thing."
"You know you should just go," Jasmine offered me a smile, her advice helping me slightly. "I know it seems obvious but maybe you need a change of atmosphere. This place isn't exactly the most healthy."
"It's toxic as fuck," Amy chuckled, resting an arm on my shoulder as she leaned. "Listen Zoey, go and do what you love. Trust me you won't regret it and if you do Chris'll have you back here instantly."
"Yeah he definitely will," Jasmine nodded in agreement. "Give it a shot though before he catches on. I'm sure it'll change things for the better."
Both girls then began to walk off, both starting a debate about something. As they left my thoughts began to buzz and whir, all sorts of ideas and possibilities filling my brain. Soon I was heading back to my dorm, nearly breaking into a sprint. I then unlocked the door and headed straight towards my room, logging onto my computer and then accessing my email account.
It was time to follow my dream for once and no-one, not even Chris, is going to stop me.
Sky's P.O.V
I sigh as I hold my phone close to my chest, my heart racing inside. During the past week my life has gone from terrible to amazing in the span of an hour. No really, an hour. That's all it took Sierra to change me from the outcast Sky to a normal everyday and happy Sky. I don't know how she did it, but I'm thankful that she did. I now have a dating life, friends and even a chance to live normally.
I know, crazy right. How can everything suddenly turn from good to bad? From bitter to sweet? I was even thinking about leaving town and starting fresh with a new name and everything! But somehow Sierra did the impossible and turned it around. Like a godsend.
As a result, I'm really thankful for what she's done and consider her as one of my closest friends. Someone I would do anything for if they were unhappy, as she has done the same for me.
The sound of my ringtone breaks my thoughts, my phone vibrating against me. I turn the device, looking at the name and then answering.
"Rena?" I greet her confused, questions firing around in my brain.
"Ah, thank goodness I could reach out to you," Rena sighed, her British accent as clear as ever. "I need your help with Sierra, she hasn't been answering any of the messages or calls I've given her."
"She hasn't?" My eyes widen at the news, my body tensing. That was very unlike the bubbly and highly social Sierra. She normally was the source of endless missed calls or text messages. Not to mention she seemed pretty serious about her show. Before shooting the episode today she seemed to be everywhere, triple checking everything was perfect before getting on set and doing her role. "That's odd for her."
"I know, it's worrying," I could imagine the assistant biting her nails or tapping a pen while pacing about. "She's never been silent for so long, and I've only worked for her for a few weeks."
"Well, she must have made quite the impression," I chuckle, trying to lighten the situation. It works as the assistant laughs slightly.
"Yes she did, Sierra is one of my nicer bosses," I could hear the smile in her voice. She then cleared her throat, clearing wanting to get business sorted. "That being said I want you to cheer her up and sort her out. I believe that Ms Campbell's going through some sort of personal dilemma."
That was obvious. Sierra wasn't usually the sort to drop everything so suddenly unless her emotions were in play. It had happened quite a few times throughout high school when Cody had 'made a mistake' or 'betrayed' her. However I had assumed she'd moved on from her Cody obsessions, she didn't seem too bothered about him last week after all. In fact she seemed to have moved on saying that hopefully she'll meet someone who values her the way she sees others value each other.
But if it wasn't Cody, what was it?
"So, you'll help?" Rena's voice snapped me out of my musings, her tone more concerned than anything.
"Yep," I nod as I rise off my bed, grabbing my jacket and umbrella from beside the door. Something tells me that it'll rain later. "Where is she?"
"She said she was at home, so I assume she still is," The assistant answered confidently, her tone unwavering. "I'll send you the exact details."
"Ok, I'll make my way there," I'm now closing my dorm's front door, not bothering to lock it.
Soon I'll be out of here, living in my own apartment in town. It'll probably be close to the building where they shoot Sierra's show since I appear on it regularly, but I can sort all those things out later. The main point is that I'm sure not gonna miss living on Chris' campus. Trust me, it's an experience I would've liked to skip if I had the choice.
"Great, thank you," Rena's voice rang with gratitude as she hung up.
I sighed as I shifted my shoulders to adjust my jacket. Hopefully Sierra wasn't upset over anything too serious.
Sierra's P.O.V
"It was a success!"
"So many viewers!"
"We may have to make more than just three seasons!"
"Would you like a contract with us Ms Campbell?"
I sigh as I massage my temples, all of the words mixing together in a loud hurricane. Words that were said by viewers, marketers, producers - even opposing companies! They all had something to say on my show and how it was received. How they could make money from my skills and people's emotions. That's all they cared about: money. Money, money, money...
"I don't care about the money!" I chuck one of my old stuffed animals at the wall, the words coming out inside of staying in my head.
I gasp as I realise what I'd done and quickly scoop up the thing, returning it to its post on my bed. I'd had that thing for ages, the animal being the only thing that's followed me throughout my years. It had witnessed all of my breakdowns, obsessions and even best moments. It was the one thing that had stayed with me throughout my life - unlike a lot of people and things.
"Why do I do this again?" I sigh as my mind goes back to the problem I've been thinking over for the past week. The issue that's been affecting all that I've done. Too bad it wasn't much since the first episode has come out. All I've really done is mope about, thinking about whether I report and snoop because it's what I do or if it's something I've developed to cope with being lonely. After all I haven't noticed my loneliness until recently. Until I've made a friend through something other than gossip or teenage backstabbing.
"You do it because it's your passion Sierra," I find myself talking in my mom's voice, a sort of coping mechanism I've used before. When I was little she always used to guide me with this stuff, however as I got older she focused more on work than anything. This left me to my own devices and so I began snooping to follow her in her career of celebrity reporting.
"Yeah but how do you know?"
"Because it's what us Campbells do."
"Well I'm not entirely Campbell am I?"
"Um...Sierra?" Sky's voice breaks the chain. She stands in the doorway, an odd expression on her face as she takes in the scene before her. I probably looked crazy talking to myself while pacing the room. Like a isolated and deranged person trying to convince themself that they're not mad while slowly becoming more and more deluded. So deluded that they talk to themseleves for a source of comfort.
"Yeah?" I give her a smile, shutting off the gate leading to my thoughts.
"Ok, I'm gonna be honest with this," Sky let out a sigh as she ran a hand through her hair. She looked concerned - and stressed. However she only had the expression after looking at me, taking in my state and most likely thinking of how to deal with it. How to make me feel better. "I think that you need a break."
"A break?" The words leave my mouth perfectly perplexed. I didn't think that Sky would recommend a break. I thought she'd say that I needed some mental help, a therapist or perhaps a mental hospital. A break was the last thing I expected from anyone. After all, why would I need a break when this issue seemed to be rooted deep within me. It was so ingrained, that I probably had to have a brain transplant or examination to really know why I have an obsession with snooping.
"Yes a break," She laughed, amusement and worrying mixed within it. A smile than sat on her lips, a stern look hidden behind it. "So freshen up and get ready because I have a surprise trip planned for you."
I blink, taken aback from her words. Surprise trip? For me? Why? Before I know it I'm scrambling for an excuse, my mind moving faster than my mouth can say the words at all. They come out in a jumble of gibberish and half-cut sentences.
"I - me - but I - " I close my mouth in defeat, a sigh escaping as Sky simply laughs.
"There's no excuses, you're going," Her words were genuine, serious. I was going whether I wanted to or not.
"Ok," I relent and she nods before leaving the room.
I sigh as I'm left alone, the silence encasing me and welcoming my thoughts. All my maddening thoughts. I look into the mirror, taking in my tired and clearly frazzled appearance. My hair was in a fuzzy ponytail, hairs sticking out at all angles since I didn't bother to straighten it. Creases and lines from lack of sleep framed my face and I could tell my eyes were dull. In short I looked like an exhausted wreck - similar to people who study all night or had a double shift before doing something important.
The look of someone who was warring inside.
However I don't dwell on it and before I know it I'm grabbing some clothes and getting ready for Sky's trip. Something that I hope will be fun.
Courtney's P.O.V
*New message - 10:30 AM*
From - unknown number
Anonymous: Your lawyers aren't working for you.
I can't help but stare at the text again. I've been doing it all day, staring at the one message and wondering if it was true. If my lawyers were actually going behind my back. But I already knew the answer to that. I had suspected it myself and confronted them about it after all. This text was just a confirmation to my gut feelings. The push I needed to begin bringing them down as well as Chris Mclean.
"You ok Court?" Amy looks at me, her brow raised.
It was odd for her to see if I was distressed. In fact she didn't consider me as one of her closest friends, however we were civil. So for Amy to ask me how I was feeling was the perfect wake up call to remind me where I was. What I was doing here in the first place and how a text couldn't distract me from this important business.
"Oh, um - yeah," I give her a shaky smile, tucking my phone away in my bag. It can wait for later. Right now I had a rally to focus on and a shady college director to sack.
"Ok, just pay attention," She responded, focusing on the rough map Gwen had drawn for our meeting. It had everything on campus from it, the major landmarks highlighted in red while the more minor parts were highlighted in yellow. We'd been taught what the key meant ages ago to make sure that Chris couldn't know the meaning of it. So all we had to do was go over what group tackled which task. "We can't risk getting caught because you're distracted."
"Ok, I get it," I sigh as I turn all my attention to the map.
Then the meeting begins. Almost everyone who'd agreed to come to rally was here, refreshments and equipment brought in bulk between us. We sat in groups, each at a table in the venue that I'd helped rent out for this event. The table I was at would determine what went on and the most important issues and tasks, before passing news onto the other tables and assigning them into the groups that would each perform a certain task during the rally.
It was the only safe, assured way we could do this without Chis knowing all of the plan. After all if each student had a different piece of information, and not one had all he needed to know, then he wouldn't know where to start. Then Chris would most likely be blind to the resistance that we were plotting in this very room.
"Ok, so we know Chris has cameras everywhere," Gwen gestured to the cameras that she marked out.
"Yeah, they are the main issue," Geoff nodded as he spotted the clumps of dots that were cameras. "I mean how are we gonna do anything without Chris knowing?"
"Let alone calling the cops," Leshawna frowned, "We all know what we're doing isn't exactly legal."
"Yeah but it'll draw attention," Duncan countered, "And attention is what we need if we don't wanna live by those Life Plans."
That seemed to shut everyone up. In fact they all seemed to suddenly agree with risking it, despite all the cameras. This caused Gwen to sigh.
"As I was saying, I got Cam to deal with the cameras for us," She had a smirk on her lips as we all looked at her stunned.
No-one had managed to contact Cameron since he left the college. In fact he changed his number, email address - everything! Not even Dawn could truly say what he was doing or why he'd done these things. She said herself that perhaps it was just the trauma and he was looking for a way to escape. A way to stop all of the past memories from bubbling over. That wouldn't be insane as what he'd gone through was extremely traumatic. After all Cam was one of the few people to survive being a 'Living Dead' as the public dubbed it. All of the people who were 'Living Dead' were simply that, living but so badly treated and beaten that they felt dead. They were yearning for death. And Cam had been one of them. He had been in the worst part of it all.
"You mean nerdy, computer Cam?" Amy raised a brow. "High school bubble boy Cameron, cam?"
"Yep," Gwen nodded, "I got into contact and he agreed. So the cameras will be offline for a while."
Everyone seemed to cheer at her words pleased with the news. That meant that we didn't have to fear about having hard evidence against us. In fact if people knew why we were rioting, then the college would probably be caught for its inhumane ways. Maybe Chris would even go to jail!
"So...did you get any other help?" Amy asked, knowingly. She had a huge grin on her face, as of knowing that someone else would be aiding us.
As if answering her question, the doors banged open. A familiar redhead we hadn't seen in a while appeared, wide grin and usual ecstaticity on show. She bounced up to us, steps unusually happier than usual. Much more happier.
"It's been so long!" Izzy wrapped us each into a hug as she approached us. "So long!"
"Izzy!" We all greet her in different tones, some happy and some more cautious. I was definitely more cautious.
"Well, it's a good thing I went into FBI cop training," Izzy continued, unfazed, "You see when Gwen told me about the rally I had to come and help. That scumbag Chris can lick my ass for all I care! I'm gonna help you guys."
We all smile, glad to have the nutty but useful redhead on our side. In fact, I find myself calmed to know we have her with us. Izzy was usually the person who helped to push our acts of rebellion to success. The person who helped us to win. So having her on our side would prove useful and indeed more in our favour than her being missing.
Everyone else seemed to share those views as they greeted her warmly, asking how she's been since leaving. However she stops by me, a smile still on her face but I knew from the look in her eyes that she had something to say.
"I sent that text," She whispered. "I'll help you end them."
She then skipped away taking her seat and I blinked, stunned. What has Izzy been doing over the past few months?
