An: NymhadoraTonks: Hehe, that's why I put that transition in there. Luara's like he ain't my problem then BAM! He's now dating her bestie. Yeah, Eliza may seem to have a strong will now...but you'll see what happens to that.

Thank you!

Chapter 10

A Better View

"I'm sorry, practice ran late," Matt said as he ran the last few steps to Eliza. She had been waiting for him at the edge of the Enchanted Forest, bundled in a green coat and matching scarf. He was glad to see her after a long day.

"It's alright," Eliza grinned as she straightened. It was Thursday night, and they planned to go on a walk twenty minutes ago, but the practice had run late. "I figured that you'd be late. I showed up about three minutes ago."

"I thought I was supposed to be the one who could read people easily," Matt mused. She chuckled, which made him smile like an idiot. Getting her to laugh even a little bit was always an accomplishment.

They continued down their usual path. Matt put his coat on. After practice, he thought it was rather hot outside. But now, in the last week of September, it was getting a real chill in the fall air. He wasn't really used to the cold. Wonderland was pretty moderate temperature year-round. Except for the solstices, which were mixed up every year. So if it snows and drops below zero in July, Wonderlandians can check off that solstice for the year.

"So, you ready for the game tomorrow?" Eliza asked.

"Yeah," Matt nodded. "It's just Neverland High. I think I'm going to play for most of the second half this time."

"That'll be nice," Eliza said wholeheartedly. "To see you play."

"Yeah?" Matt grinned. "I hope you'll stay warm. The temperate is supposed to really drop on Friday. I've never been in a world where the weather changes so much."

"It's called autumn," Eliza unwound her scarf and placed it around his shoulders. They stopped walking for a moment, so Eliza could wind it around his neck. Her hand lingered a moment on his shoulders. They gazed at each other. for a moment, Matt thought he was about to lean in, but they both pulled away. "You'll get used to it."

"Thanks," Matt said with small blush forming on his cheeks. "I like the changing leaves. They look like your hair."

"Well, according to Laura, I should go from fall to summer," Eliza said with slight annoyance.

"I'm not following," Matt raised a brow as they continued walking.

"She found some spellbook," Eliza continued. "And she wanted to dye my hair green or at least the ends."

"And you said no?" Matt asked. She seemed to be the type to go in on dying her hair. The nose ring and the leather jackets gave him a slight inclination to her style.

"I don't know," Eliza folded her arms. "I was just unsure of magic. But everyone's raving over Laura and Fauna's new looks, now I"m just in the background."

"Is that so terrible?" Matt had always been in the background, until just recently.

Eliza flushed, slightly embarrassed. "I didn't mean-"

"No," Matt cut her off. "I know what you mean."

"Well, I suppose it isn't that bad," Eliza nudged him on the arm. "Since we're two loners together." Matt smiled in remembrance. It always felt good to talk to Eliza, it reminded him of who he truly was. No player or hotshot, just a boy who was a loner, and liked it that way. As long as he had her, he wouldn't forget himself.

"Why do you suddenly agree that you're a loner?" Matt wondered aloud.

"Hey," Eliza nudged him again. "It was just a two-time thing. Besides, now that you're mister hotshot, you're far from the shadows."

"Yeah," Matt shook his head. "Right. I had one lucky play. Besides, I'm not the face of the team. Mitchell and Lee take up enough limelight."

"I suppose you're right," Eliza agreed. "Even in Wonderland, you were alone?"

Matt took in a small breath. "Not always. I was always friends with Chester until he moved. Then I was just friends with his friends, but I mostly observed."

"Are you happier here?" Eliza suddenly asked.

"Everything here is a little more...sane."

Eliza let out a small chuckle. "I wouldn't be so sure."

"Oh?" Matt raised a brow.

"I think you'll want to go back once you see Molly and her usual festivities."

"No one really likes her here, do they?" Matt asked without much thought.

"She has her posse," Eliza shrugged. "My friend Oakley has been her victim for the last few years."

"Poor guy," Matt said in a considerate voice. He had heard that name before. Perhaps Chester had said something about him?

"You didn't answer my question," Eliza said as they stopped walking again and stared into each other's eyes. "Are you happier here?"

Matt looked to the ground before meeting her eyes again. He gave her a small grin as he nodded. "There's no way I couldn't be."

Eliza's face looked shocked by his words, then her ivory cheeks turned a pale pink. A small grin touched her lips as she faced forward, tucking her hair behind her ear. Matt turned away and started to walk again. She followed his steps but what Matt didn't expect was to feel her arm looped through his. He gave her a quick glance before locking it, and enjoying the rest of their walk together.

"Where's Oakley?" Eliza asked, sitting next to Laura. They were crowded into the arena. Many more students came to watch bookball games now that they were actually winning. They were sitting even closer towards the field, two rows above the student section.

"I'm not sure," Laura looked around. "I thought maybe he was helping Molly. I heard something about her campaign speech being tonight."

"Ugh," Eliza groaned. She didn't want to have to sit through that whole thing. "How are we gonna sabotage."

"Well," Laura folded her arms. "I was contemplating a mute spell I read about last night, but I think I better not."

"Have you finally got some sense about that book and its danger?" Eliza asked with more sincerity than let on.

"It's not dangerous," Laura shook her head. "I mean if I wanted to stay in the good graces of the Locks family before I meet Mitchell's parents, messing with Molly must be kept to a minimum."

"Are you feeling alright?" Eliza asked. She had never heard "Molly", "messing", and "minimum", all in the same sentence.

"You're in a relationship now," Laura reminded. "You'll understand soon enough."

"We both got boyfriends at the same time," Eliza raised her brows. "The exact same night, actually."

"But Mitch and I have...history," Laura said as she looked down at the field with a small grin.

"You're really crazy about him, aren't you?" Eliza asked. She had never seen Laura act like this.

"I would never say I'm crazy over a guy," Laura shook her head. "Morely just...I like him a lot."

Eliza opened her mouth to say something about Matt, but that was when some random girls sat next to Luara. They were both slim and pretty with sparkling blue eyes. "Hi, Luara," the brunette one said with a wide smile.

"Eva," Luara smiled back. She then nodded at the raven-haired one. "Fen." Eliza eyed them curiously, she had never seen these girls before, and they were suddenly friends with Laura?

"Now that you and Mitchell are official," Eva continued. "We just wanted to let you know that you can sit with us down by the front rows. That's where all the girlfriends sit."

"Oh," Luara exchanged glances with Eliza. "I'm good for this game, but I'll think about it for next week. Thank you though."

Both Fen and Eva looked at Eliza suddenly. Their excitement dropped, but they kept smiles on their faces. "Well," Fen shrugged. "I hope to see you there next game. You'll fit in just fine, I know it. Everyone would love to get to know you."

"Really love your new hair, by the way," Eva added. They both rose up from their seats in sync and then walked away. At the stairs, they both turned and gave a small wave goodbye and continued their journey to where the rest of the girlfriends sit.

Eliza never felt more invisible in her life. Her insides burned slightly of frustration and embarrassment. "Who are those girls?"

"Fen and Eva?" Laura asked. "They're just some third years that date guys on the team. Fen is Lee's girlfriend. Eva is Lee's sister, and she dates Fen's cousin. Apparently, it was a whole dramatic time last season, but they've made their peace with it."

"They seem like a cult," Eliza said without thinking. A cult she suddenly desired to be in. She was Matthew's girlfriend now, and she should at least be recognized by the others.

Laura laughed a little. "They're just in a clique. Their little support group is very tight. I met them during lunch the other day."

"You didn't say anything about them," Eliza said with a slightly cold tone.

"Are you jealous?" Laura asked with a small laugh.

"No," Eliza lied. "You just didn't say anything. "

"Cause I thought you wouldn't care," Luara said, keeping her smile. "But you do. Oh, Eliza, you can't keep your feelings from me."

"Whatever," Eliza folded her arms and watched the game.

At halftime, Molly was making the campaign speech that Oakley had helped her write. He was standing on the side of the stage, clearly out of sight, but he could see the back of Molly's head through the peak of a curtain. He had been busy this week. Helping Molly with her posters and speech took a lot of his time after school. Then he had homework on top of that. He was just glad that he could finally catch a break.

"That's a nice speech you wrote," Chester's voice called before he appeared next to Oakley.

"You're not allowed to be back here," Oakley scolded with a grin on his face.

"Believe me, I'm not allowed practically anywhere," Chester said with a grin. "They're afraid I might just blow up the world."

"You haven't been pranking lately," Oakley raised a brow. "Feeling alright?"

"Better than ever," Chester said, looked towards Oakley. Their faces were a few inches apart, which made Okaley's cheeks heat up. Before Chester should lean in, Oakley looked down at his feet.

"You really think the speech is good?"

"Yes. But I think it could be better if you were the one who said it," Chester said so quickly.

"Yeah, I-" Oakley stopped himself. "Wait, what?"

"Why don't you run?"

"What? Why would I do that?" Oakley asked. "I'm already too busy helping Molly."

"No," Chester stepped in front of Oakley. He refused to make eye contact until Chester lifted his chin with the tip of his finger. "It's her face with your ideas and style. You deserve the glory. Not her."

"But I- I just can't," Oakley backed up till his back hit the wall.

"Yes, you can," Chester had the mischievous look on his face. "You can finally stand up to Molly and truly get what you deserve."

"What's that?" Oakley asked hesitantly.

"Happiness," Chester said in a soft voice. Oakley took in a deep breath before allowing himself to give a small smile. He didn't even notice the applause that erupted when Molly had concluded her speech.

"Thank you, Molly," Apple said into the microphone. "Are there any more candidates?"

That was when Oakley felt Chester's arms on him. Before Oakley knew it, he was on stage. He stared out to the crowd with a blank face. He could feel all of the blood fall from his cheeks. There were so many people, staring at him. He swallowed. His feet were frozen on the stage.

"Oakley," Apple called in a cheerful voice. "Do you have anything you'd like to say?"

Oakley felt an invisible push make his legs move towards the podium. Once he was there, he took another look out to the silent field. "Uh..." Oakley suddenly said quietly. The microphone squealed, trying to pick up the sound. Shaking, all Oakley could manage to say was, "Be sure to vote for Molly."

There was hesitant applause, but it let Oakley make a quick escape. He went off the stage, only to faced with an angry Molly. "You weren't really thinking of running against me, were you?"

"No," Oakley managed to sput out. "Never."

Molly's hard expression turned into a small smile. "Good."

She left him, and Oakley managed to let out a calm breath. "Why did you do that?" Chester asked.

"Why did I? Why did you?" Oakley's mind raced. "I was just starting to think it was a good idea but then-BAM! I was out there on stage."

"I just thought you needed a small push," Chester shrugged.

"I had nothing prepared," Oakley's breath began to quicken. He ran his finger through his hair. "And there were so many people I-" He looked for the nearest wooden object. The wall was closest. There wasn't much there, but it would do. Oakley merged into the wall. Using his gift always calmed him down.

"Oakley?" Chester called to the wall. Oakley watched him as he came up the wall. Chester placed a hand on it. Oakley could feel the warmth from his touch."I'm sorry," Chester said in a quiet voice. "I didn't think you'd freak out. Please come out of the wall so I don't look crazy."

After a moment of silence, Chester stepped away and turned.

"If you don't want to look crazy," Oakley said as he stepped out of the wall. "Not talking to the wall is the least you can do."

Chester looked back and grinned. He held out a hand. "Come on, I want to show you something."

Oakley hesitated, but then took Chester's hand. Suddenly, he was transported up into the rafters of the sage. There was a perfect view of the game from up there and they were out of sight from everyone else. "Is this where you always hide?" Oakley asked after they sat in silence for a moment.

"I wouldn't call it hiding," Chester shrugged. "Just getting a better view." His hand slightly tightened around Oakley's.

The whistle blew, and the game was starting up again. The two boys watched in silence, just enjoy the other's company. Oakley leaned his head down onto Chester's shoulder, allowing himself to take in this moment once again. Chester slightly stiffened at Oakley's sudden touch, but then leaned his head atop his.

Matt had won the game for Ever After once again, which came as no surprise for Eliza. She jumped up and cheered like everyone else though. She was proud of him, she was, but she found herself looking down at the girls down in the front row. They were wild. She spotted Laura looking down at them too. Eliza wondered if Laura wanted to sit with them too.

Once the game was over, the girlfriends were the first ones on the field. Instead of running, Eliza and Laura walked down to the field. Once Luara caught sight of Mitchell, she went straight for him. Eliza watched the two embrace and began her search for Matt. She didn't notice how many girls there were in the crowd until she saw Matt.

He was surrounded by a pack of second and first-year girls. They were all squealing, some tugging his arms. He looked at them all with smiles. Matt's eyes scanned over all of them, then they met Eliza's. He froze, and let his smile widen. She returned it as they made their way towards each other. That was when she was shoved by another giddy girl.

It wasn't intentional, but Eliza was thrown off course. She was sick of being invisible. No one would shove Laura all because she made her relationship public. Fury rose within Eliza as she pushed through the girls. As soon as she was in front of Matt, she didn't let him get a word in. She threw her arms around him. They never hugged before, but Matt accepted the embrace.

"Are you alright?" Matt asked in her ear. She leaned away.

"Of course," Eliza lied. She gave a quick glance at the girls around them, making sure they were watching. Eliza then leaned in and kissed Matt on the cheek. She wasn't used to showing so much affection, especially in public, but she needed to be seen.

Some girls folded their arms, but others awed them. Matt looked at Eliza with wide eyes, she shrugged before giving him another hug. Matt at first was tense, but he hugged her back more tightly this time. Eliza gave a quick smirk at the girl still watching them before finally feeling like she was no longer invisible. She wouldn't ever be invisible again.

That night, Eliza looked at herself in the mirror. A slight blush still lingered on her usually pale cheeks. She grinned. Tonight was a success and she was proud of herself. Her mother would be proud too. Duchess always liked making a mark. Good or bad. Eliza didn't want to become her mom, but she had to admit some of her mother's tactics came in handy.

"I'm glad you've changed your mind," Laura said, strolling into the bathroom. "Fauna was worried about leaving you behind."

"I mean, what's the harm?" Eliza shrugged. She looked at her plain red hair that she really like, but then she saw the fake nose ring on the counter. At least now she would look a little more complete.

"Ready?" Laura asked, propping the book open on the counter.

Eliza took one last look at herself. She then thought about how invisible she was earlier tonight. How her parents never let her get a say in the way she looked or did. How no one ever expected her to truly make her own choices. Just to hide in corners because he was scared to face the world.

Matt's voice echoed in her mind.

"And you said no?"

Eliza snapped back into the present. She opened her eyes to no longer see the scared, young, and naive Eliza she used to be. Now she was strong, bold, and distinguished Eliza she had just become.

"Yes."