Chapter 8

Let the Games Begin

Minutes before the game, Matt placed Hermon on top of his helmet in her locker. Everyone else around them was getting ready for the bookball team's first game against their rivals, Wonderland High. Saying that Matt was nervous would an understatement. He was terrified. Not only because he was considered the "secret weapon", but because he would be facing the kids he grew up with.

"No, you can't watch," Matt said suddenly, trying not to activate a whole new set of nerves.

But I want to! Please! I just want to cheer you on!

"You could get hurt or spell or-"

"Or I can take him," Chester's voice echoed. Matt took his face out of the locker to see Chester's hovering smile.

"No," Matt shook his head. "You'll only frighten him."

"That was a joke," Chester fully appeared. "I came in here to wish you luck. I know you've been stressing, but you'll do good. You'll do even better if you have your lucky rat cheering you on." He held out his hand. Matt was unsure of what to do.

I'll be alright. I can bite him if he tries anything.

"Okay," Matt took Hermon into his palm. "Stay safe."

Don't worry about me. Worry about the game. Good luck!

Matt gave Hermon a little scratch on the head with his finger before handing him over to Chester. The little mouse walked up Chester's palm and up onto his shoulder. Chester made a small hiss when Hermon crawled up to the top of his head. The mouse settled himself between Chester's ears. The Chesire winked before disappearing-Hermon included.

Matt sighed before gazing at the helmet in his locker. There was a lot of pressure on this game. Since they were facing Wonderland for the first time, both Maddie and Wade were coming to watch. Even the Mad Hatter was going to be in attendance. Matt had gone over to the tea shop earlier today. His grandfather was quite excited as they sipped upon their jasmine tea.

"Hatter!" Coach Gingerbreadman called across the room. Matt grabbed his helmet and closed his locker.

"Yes, Coach?"

Coach Gingerbreadman out his baked arms and placed them on Matt's shoulders. "Don't get nervous. Everything's going to go right as planned. Just remember your positions. Keep your eye on the ball."

"I will uh-sir," Matt said before he fastened his helmet to his head.

"Let's show em' who's boss!" Mitchell called over the crowd of boys. The team cheered as they ran out to the field.

Laura held her bag of snacks close to her as she walked up the stands. If anyone knew, then she would be bound to share. Laura had made it successfully to where Oakley and Eliza were sitting. She squeezed between them. It was their usual order. Both Eliza and Oakley automatically reached inside Luara's tote and grabbed their desired snacks.

"Was Fauna nervous?" Laura asked.

"No, actually," Eliza shook her head. They both gazed down at the field where the cheerleaders were warming up the student section. Or as Laura likes to call them, the people who actually cared. She would watch the game, but the cheering just wasn't her thing. She could see Molly down with the crowd, handing out some buttons and taking some shots with for her mirrorcast.

"She was just a little disappointed you weren't there to help her with her hair," Oakley shrugged. "I did my best with the braid, but you're the only one who's got those magic touches."

"Literally," Eliza added.

"Well, I was...busy," Laura said with a slight cringe.

...

In Sorcery class, Laura and Felicity were trying out more advanced levitation spells. Only this time, they were testing it out on Hermon. Matt wasn't a fan, but he didn't have a say after Baba Yaga gave him more homework. Laura was lifting Hermon, who was struggling in the air. It was harder to keep focus that way, but she pressed on.

Placing Hermon on the desk, Laura let out a sigh. It took more out of her than she had anticipated. Felicity smirked and rolled up her sleeves. Hermon was once again in the air. He was struggling for a moment but then stilled. "It's not the object's float, it's the object itself. You have to focus on Hermon before you can make him fly."

She set him back down on the desk and grinned again. "Very good Felicity." Baba Yaga complimented as she took Hermon back to Matt's desk.

"Showoff," Laura mumbled as she folded her arms.

"What was that?" Felicity raised a brow. Laura stayed quiet. Felicity flicked her finger.

"Showoff," Laura said louder. She didn't do that willingly.

"Ah," Felicity laughed. "I should've known you'd be jealous."

Laura didn't say anything. She was about to turn away when Felicity's braid suddenly whipped her in the face. Hard. The angered expression on her face was everything Luara needed to manage a grin. Surely, it was Chester, because he suddenly reappeared in his chair. "Madam Yaga! I need some help with the worksheet you gave me. I don't speak warlock."

"Warlock? What?" Baba Yaga floated over to him. Laura was about to pack up her things when her bookbag was hurled across the room.

"What the hex?!" Laura said angrily as she faced Felicity.

"You're the one that started it," Felicity folded her arms. "Besides, you've got a little something there." She flicked her wrist. Laura's hair suddenly yanked back.

"Cut it out!" Laura said, trying to yank her long blonde hair back from the invisible force. Once she reversed the spell, Laura made a circle motion with her finger. Felicity's shoelaces came undone and tied her legs together.

Felicity grunted as she threw pencil darts at Laura. Dodging them, Luara knocked over Felicity's bag too. That was when Laura felt a strong force slap across her face. Her cheek burned. Felicity had crossed the line. A very thin line that was small but dangerous. Laura straightened slowly, then reached forward. The pink lines drew themselves to Felicity.

"What are you-" Laura closed Felicity's mouth. She then made Felicity slap herself across the face. She made her fall back. Laura liked to see Felicity struggle, it was...soothing. Laura didn't truly know what had come over her. She walked slowly over to Felicity. When she raised her hand to give a spell, Baba Yaga's voice screeched.

"Enough!" A wave of magic cut through the room. Hermon squeaked, and Felicity gasped for air. Laura suddenly snapped from the weird sickening trance that had washed over her. "I never wish to see you two duel again. Especially without permission or on school grounds. This is your one warning. Understand?"

"Yes, Madam Yaga," Felicity said breathily. Laura looked down at the girl on the floor. Did she truly hurt her? Laura didn't think her puppet powers were that strong. Besides, Baba Yaga was able to throw it over.

"Do you understand, Miss Fae?"

"Yes," Laura said quietly. Felicity got up and moved to collect her books. Laura did the same. She didn't really feel like using magic then. She only had this strange feeling inside. Something familiar, but entirely new.

"Hey," Laura said as she crouched down to collect her books. "I'm sorry if I hurt-"

That was when Felicity grabbed her by the shirt collar. Laura looked her dead in the eyes with slight fear as she whispered. "I don't know what you're playing at, Fae, but I know that you don't want to mess with me. If you dare do anything like that again, the retaliation will be ten times worst than you're a most terrifying nightmare."

Felicity then picked up her bag and strolled out of the classroom just as the bell rang. Laura watched her go with wide eyes. The boys filed out behind her. Laura stooped down to find her book that went under a desk. She reached under and pulled it out only to find it wasn't the book she was looking for. The book was entirely black with no title, but a ring of blue crystals on its cover.

"Laura," Baba Yaga's voice called. Laura quickly forced the book into her bag and zipped it shut. She stood up to see Baba Yaga on the other side of her desk staring coldly at her.

"Yes?" Laura tried to act innocent.

"Where did you learn that spell?"

"Which one?"

"The puppet one?"

"Oh, I don't know. It just kinda happened."

"I've only seen that spell used by m-" Baba Yaga stopped herself. "Never mind. Just, don't use it unless necessary." laura was about to leave, but then Baba Yaga cleared her throat. "You have dangerous power, Laura. Don't do something you'll regret."

...

Laura hadn't looked at the book since. It was still in her bag back at the dorm. After school, Laura had been trying to call her mom again. This time, she had made contact. It was a short conversation, but at least Laura was reassured that her mother was busy tending to patients at the magic hospital. As always, she had to go and get back to work before anyone noticed she had gone.

But Luara supposed it was better than having no mother at all. At least she had her aunt who never mentioned her existence. That's nice. She had some sort of vendetta against Laura's mother. Which Luara couldn't truly blame her for. Flora was always busy, no wonder they drifted apart. And that's why Laura doesn't exist to her either.

"I think the braids look fine," Laura shrugged. She peered down at Fauna, who was cheering. When she noticed Luara's gaze, Fauna smiled and waved. Laura waved back and gave her a thumbs up. "She looks like she belongs."

"Yeah," Eliza agreed.

They didn't say anything till kickoff. The Wonderlandian boys had a strange style of playing. They were very jumpy and fast. Immediately scoring, they were setting the bar high. Laura hadn't seen much bookball before, but she knew the basics. She could see Mitchell clearly. He was throwing the ball to Lee, a tight end. A strange move, but it seemed to work. She grinned a little bit.

All week he had been spending time with her. She told Eliza and Fauna about the proposition the other day. Although, Laura didn't quite know her answer yet. He was sweet, kind, and responsible. Unlike his sister. Laura wished she wasn't so head over heels for him, that way it would be easier to say yes. If she had just said yes, her wall wouldn't have come down so easily. But now she almost wanted to say no before he truly unmasked her.

But she liked him. She couldn't say no. Laura could give in a be happy.

That's what her friends would want for her, so that's what she would do.

The game continued back and forth throughout the first half. The score was even by halftime. That was when Apple White took the stand. "Good evening everyone, I am Headmistress Apple White and I-"

She continued to babble on, so Laura tuned her out. "Hey, isn't that the Wonderlandian's parents?"

"His name is Matthew," Eliza and Oakley said at the same time.

"Jeez, give me a break," Laura said as she tore open some fruit snacks.

"Yes, they are," Oakley said. The three gazed down to where a tall man with silvery-white hair and a short woman with the same mint green and purple curls as Matthew. "Maddie Hatter and Wade White. They were one of the most controversial couples back in the day."

"Controversial? They're both from Wonderland."

"Yes, but the White Queen did not approve," Oakley shook his head. "She left her son to rule by himself in Wonderland when the barrier closed between the land. But when the barrier came down he finished his high school career in Ever After, where he met Maddie. Which outraged her."

"I still don't understand," Eliza shook her head.

"Apparently, Wade taking on responsibility so soon made him sane. Since Maddie was known to be insane, his mother did not approve of the madness. But I think she was just mad that he was a better ruler than her. And he was mad at her for leaving him. I don't think they've talked since. She still teaches here, and he rules in Wonderland."

"How do you know so much about this?" Laura asked.

"Books, and my mom," Oakley shrugged. "I love history, especially Wonderland history."

"I can't imagine why," Eliza remarked. Laura laughed slightly as Oakley began to redden at the ears.

"Shut up," he said suddenly. "I don't think anything's gonna happen anyway." Laura knew he was lying, but let the conversation drop.

"We'll see at the after-party," Eliza elbowed him.

"Holy hex, the Wonderlandian's going in for the second half," Laura's jaw dropped.

"Matthew!" Eliza and Oakley corrected.

"He's just a freshman, they never play freshmen," Laura shook her head. That was when the play began. The three watched intensely as the third quarter began. Matt had only gotten his hands on the ball once.

Then it was the fourth quarter. Wonderland was up by two points. All Ever After needed was one more touchdown right before the buzzer. Matt had been sitting on the bench throughout the quarter, but then he was brought forward. Laura had no clue what the plan was. They were on defense, there was no way he was going to be any help. She looked to Mitchell on the sidelines. He looked hopeful.

As the play begins, Laura kept her eyes on Matt. He didn't even keep track of whom he was defending. Matt maneuvered to the left side just as the Wonderland quarterback threw the ball. Matt intercepted it easily and ran like the wind. Eliza stood up from her seat. She wasn't cheering or clapping, just staring straight at Matt.

They won. Matt had done it. He scored and Wonderland wasn't able to keep up. The crowd was wild. Maddie and Wade jumped to their feet and cheered with eh rest of the crowd. Laura was much overwhelmed as Oakley jumped to his feet. They hadn't beat Wonderland in years, and they just did their first game of the season. The cheerleaders were going wild. Fauna was jumping up and hollering.

When the final buzzer went off, the students began to flood the field. Laura was practically dragged down by both Eliza and Oakley. Once on the field, Laura searched for only one person. She tried to look for Mitchell, but it was hard to tell by the helmets floating among the crowd. That was when she saw him shuffling through the crowd.

Once Mitchell spotted her, his stiff body seemed to relax. He pulled off his helmet and handed it to another player beside him. His smile made Luara's stomach turn inside out as he closed the distance between them. Students moved aside for him to get closer. Laura noticed that Eliza, Oakley, nor Fauna was around them, which made her almost less nervous.

"Well?" Mitchell raised his brows. "Enjoy the game?"

"I did, actually," Laura grinned. "But I do think the quarterback could've done a little better." They both laughed.

"He might if he's got his girlfriend cheering him on," Mitchell grabbed her hands. "That is if she's willing."

It was time. Laura took a deep breath.

"She is."

Mitchell kissed her hands before pulling her into a hug. It was strange, to have some else hug her besides Fauna, but she needed this more than she thought. She nuzzled her head under his chin and took another deep breath. Hearing his heartbeat made her long for human intimacy. Something that she knew she could never truly have. Because some things would never surface. Not even to Laura herself.

Students awing around them made Laura pull away. For a moment, she forgot people were around her. She blushed uncomfortably, but then Mitchell grabbed her hand and gave her a reassuring squeeze. "I'll see you at the after-party."

"Yes," Laura nodded. "Just be sure to shower."

"Is it really that bad," Mitchell was about to pul her in for another hug, but Luara pushed away.

"I can't take the stench," Laura plugged her nose. Mitchell winked before going with the rest of the boys to the shower. Laura could feel the permanent heat of her cheek even as she headed to the after-party.

Once again, everyone was gathered in the gardens. It was buzzing with Ever Afters and Wonderlandians alike. Many were on the dance floor once again, but Eliza had been staying on the sidelines with Luara, eating the rest of the snacks Luara's bag held. It was much more comfortable here. Besides, she would prefer a little more of a hard rock song to dance to.

They were waiting for the boys to come from the showers. Laura's new boyfriend was definitely the news of the night, but Eliza's realization was the news of the month- the week- the century. All week Eliza had been trying to get a hold of herself. She has a crush on Matt, and that just wasn't right. A wild card like her and a book nerd didn't belong together. But now, varsity bookball player and a wild card might mix.

It was clear now. Eliza knew she couldn't deny this crush. She actually didn't mind it when she saw Matt running across the field. He had proved her wrong, some people can change. It was crazy to think, but Eliza should've known. When Laura had told her about Mitchell, Eliza should have opened her mind to change. The only problem was, what would she change to? If she could, where would she go or what would she do?

Eliza didn't know.

Fauna suddenly came running in. "Oh my goodness! Girls! Wasn't that like the best game ever!"

"Yeah," Laura smiled and Eliza nodded in agreement. "You did amazing."

"Thanks! I-"

"Fauna! Come one the squad's waiting for you on the floor," a second-year girl came over and linked arms with Fauna.

"I'll catch you guys later!" Fauna called as she walked to the floor.

"I think it's safe to say we've lost her," Eliza folded her arms.

"Oh, come on," Laura nudged her. "She's happy. Besides, we're fairy friends forever."

"Fairy friends forever," Eliza repeated.

"Excuse me," Mitchell swept in suddenly. "I believe a freshly showered man deserves a dance with his girlfriend."

"Oh, really?" Laura raised a brow, but then she gave Mitchell her hand. Eliza was shocked. She had never seen Laura go so easily to the dancefloor.

Eliza was then alone. She gazed around for Oakley, but he was nowhere in sight. She then began to search for Matt. He had to be around somewhere. He was the player of the night. He should be in the crowds of people accepting compliments and cheers from students. But, that wasn't Matt. Or at least Eliza didn't think it would be like him.

She began a small quest to look for him. Peering at every bench she could find, Eliza couldn't see Matthew anywhere. She began to head towards the garden paths when she heard a group. Eliza crept into the garden path. When she turned the corner that's when she saw Matthew with a few other Wonderland boys. He didn't look very pleased with their presence.

"You think you can pull a stunt like that and get away with it?" One asked, cracking his knuckles.

"You've betrayed your own home," another took a step towards him. Matt took a step back but was caught by the bushes.

"It was just a game," Matt said with a nervous voice. "Don't hurt him!"

Eliza just noticed that one of the Wonderland boys was holding Hermon by the tail. Laura had told Eliza about his little mouse friend named Hermon. Eliza gasped as they poked at the mouse. Hermon squealed and squirmed. Matt tried to grab the mouse, but another boy pushed him back in the bushes. "I think we should feed him to Chesire."

"Hey!" Eliza called as she straightened from her hiding. All the boys turned at the sound of her voice. Eliza only just realized what she had done. She flushed away her nerves and marched over there. "Stop!"

"Ooo, Wonder boy's got a girlfriend," the one holding Hermon turned to her with a slick smile.

"Yes, he does," Eliza said before thinking. "And you don't want to get on my last nerve."

The boys snickered. "Oh yeah, what are you going to do?"

"Give you a gift," Eliza grinned. She held out her fist. The boy look at it confused. She held out her fist farther. Then, he held out his own, awaiting what she was going to place in his hand. While he was distracted, Eliza punched him with a swift right hook. It was a trick she had learned from her dad, that way she can't damage her playing hand.

The boy dropped Hermon, and Matt dove to catch him before he hit the ground. The rest of the boys backed away from Eliza as Matt got back up to his feet. "Don't make me call my friends," Eliza taunted. The boys shook their heads and backed away farther. "Let's go," Eliza said as she grabbed Matt's sleeve and lead him out of the garden.

She led him to the same bench where they had been almost two weeks ago. Eliza and Matt sat in silence for a few minutes. "Thank you," Matt said as he placed Hermon on his shoulder. "If you hadn't come, I don't know what would've happened."

"I didn't think they would be so cruel," Eliza shook her head. "Just because you came to Ever After doesn't make you a villain."

"They're just mad that we won because of me," Matt said, looking down. Eliza nudged him playfully.

"You've already got a big ego going for you." Matt looked at her and grinned.

"So, you're my girlfriend now? When did that happen?"

"I did what I had to do," Eliza shrugged. "I wasn't serious. Unless...if you're asking."

Did she really just put herself out there like that? What was she thinking?

"Uh..." Matt chuckled. "I guess so. That is if you're willing to break from your own stubbornness just like me."

It was an interesting proposal, but Eliza nodded. "In time, I think I can."

"So, do you want to go out sometime?" Matt followed up.

"Sure," Eliza said after a thought. What did she truly have to lose? Matt wasn't some weird Wonderland boy anymore. He was smart, the star player of the bookball team, and oddly enough her friend.

They sat on the bench in silence again. Only this time, Eliza slid her hand across the bench and placed her hand atop of his. They were loners together. Later that night Matt would be approached by hundreds of students. He would be the man of the hour. Popular even. But at this moment. Just this moment on the bench, they would be in their natural place.

Oakley had been separated from the girls as soon as they entered the party. Which was fine, because they didn't know what he intended to do tonight. Oakley searched for any signs of the Chesire boy. He was going to go with him to Wonderland, Oakley had decided. He had been debating it all week. It was only earlier that day did he truly make up his mind.

...

Oakley was in the greenhouse for Horticulture class. It was mostly a trimming day. Oakley was trimming another rose bush. He looked at the yellow buds. "Oh, aren't you looking happy today," he grinned at the roses. "I'm feeling more conflicted myself."

He paused for a bit as if the plant was talking. "Yes, it is about the good-looking cat. He wants me to go to Wonderland with him, but I'm just not sure. As much as I would love to spend time with him, I think he's still unclear of his feelings."

The flowers kept their silence.

"Yes, I like him," Oakley continued to trim. "I bet he doesn't even remember his proposition."

"Of course I remember," Chester's voice echoed. Oakley stopped trimming and felt the heat rise to his cheeks. He gazed around for the cat, but there was no one there.

"How much did you hear of that?" Oakley asked.

"Just the last line. Why?"

"No reason," Oakley shrugged. "Where are you, anyway."

"I'm everywhere, always," Chester said in a mysterious voice. He then laughed. "Nah. I'm just kidding with you. I'm in the space between fantasy and reality, but technically I'm by the bud on your left."

Oakley looked to see Chester's smile shining brightly. Oakley gave a small grin before the rest of Chester appeared. "Oh, I wouldn't-"

"Ouch!" Chester suddenly disappeared again. "Those thorns hurt."

"I tried to warn you," Oakley remarked.

"Are you going to the game tonight?"

"Of course."

"I was thinking we could leave sometime during the after-party."

"What makes you think I'm going?"

"I haven't pissed you off all week. That was the deal."

"You still have an opportunity."

"Fine," Chester sighed. "If you agree to come. Find me at the after-party, then we'll leave."

"No guarantees."

"We'll see." That was when Oakley felt Chester's lips press against his cheek before there was no presence at all. Oakley swallowed nervously before going back to his trimming.

...

Now all Oakley had to do was find Chester. His feelings seemed clear. Oakley was actually quite hopeful. He and Chester could make the most marvelous couple. He cared about the Chesire, and Chester cared about him. Oakley had never felt this way before. And having these feelings so soon had to be a sign of some kind. Oakley could see the bright colors and accepting arms of Wonderland now. As he saw the top of Chester's purple hair, Oakley smiled widely.

Until he saw Chester kissing a Wonderland girl.