Tuesday morning at school Richard felt awful, he was pacing back and forth in front of Rachel's locker feeling so sorry and so bad. Richard was holding a bouquet of flowers for her as an apology, they were lavenders to match her violet orbs.

"Richard." Rachel said quietly almost a whisper, interrupting Richard's thoughts and he turned to see Rachel. She looked so small and delicate. Richard ran to her and swept her up off her feet and into a big hug.

"I am so sorry. I should of never forced that on you. I will listen next time."

"Just shut up and hold me." Rachel said to Richard. She held him so tight and she buried her face in his stomach crying a little. Richard held her close not wanting to let go.

"I'm so sorry Rachel, please forgive me."

"I get my shopping trip right?" Rachel spoke out softly.

Richard laughed "Yes of course. You can have whatever, I will buy you whatever. I am just glad you are okay." Rachel stepped out of the hug and looked down at the floor. "He hurt you more when I left didn't he? Damn it. This is all my fault. Where?" Richard said. Rachel was wearing a Red and black patterned flannel opened to show the small black tank top she was wearing that showed some of her stomach with some ripped jeans. "Show me." Richard said scanning Rachel trying to not get caught up in her amazing curves of her body. Rachel lifted her sleeve and there was a long cut then she lifted her tank a little to show a big purple bruise. Richard turned from Rachel. He couldn't stand the sight because the marks were his fault. He caused that pain on Rachel and Richard would never be able to forgive himself. Rachel put a hand to his shoulder to get his attention.

"Those flowers are beautiful." Rachel said trying to change topic.

"They are for you." Richard said, sadly handing her the flowers. Rachel reached up to touch his cheek to try and make Richard feel better. Her touch was very comforting to Richard. He leaned into her touch.

"Lets go to class." Rachel said. And they walked to class silently. What the couple didn't see was Roy in the back watching everything.

"If I can't have her no one can." Roy said to himself and walked to the principal's office. He snuck in the office putting an envelope on the desk. Back at Rachel and Richard's first class they were having a ton of fun doing a group project. Rachel was finally settling down at Gotham High and she was beginning to like it here. She had Richard to thank for that. Now that they were doing a group project Rachel began to make some new friends. There was Jinx who was pale and had pink hair and loved all the stuff Rachel did like reading, tea shops, and of course the being alone, but now they had each other. Also in their group was Victor who Rachel already knew, but she became friends with his girlfriend Karen who was a tall African American girl who was amazing at Volleyball. Karen was very nice and she always did everything at hundred percent. Rachel really bonded with the girls. Jinx was a best friend to Rachel and Karen and Victor were like older siblings. Then there was of course Richard who was Rachel's best friend but secretly she wanted that to be something more and so did Richard. Everyone knew this accept them two.

"Are you guys going to the dance this Friday?" Jinx said directed to Rachel and pointed to Richard who was sitting with Victor. Rachel just looked back at Jinx with a straight face. "I'm going with Wally, and Victor is going with Karen. I think it is obvious; you two should go together."

"Were not a couple. You and Wally are. Karen and Victor are. Richard and I are not."0 Jinx gave Rachel a look. Jinx and Karen knew how Rachel felt about Richard just like how Victor knew how Richard felt about Rachel.

"Its the last day before winter break, come on it will be fun." Karen said.

"I have nothing to wear." Rachel stated.

"You and my mom are going shopping tomorrow. Remember?" Richard said joining the conversation and trying to hint he wanted to go to the dance and with her.

Rachel glared at him. "You are not in this conversation."

"I am now." Richard smiled at Rachel.

"I don't have anyone to go with." Rachel said smiling pretending Richard wasn't even there.

Richard laughed and caught on to Rachel's game. "Rachel, will you go to the dance with me?"

"No." Rachel stated. Everyone looked in shock. "Just kidding." Richard let out a sigh of relief. He smiled and was happy to see that Rachel was able to joke after yesterday. That was one thing he worried about, she was able to hide and put on a mask when something was wrong. Richard was scared something awful could happen and he wouldn't even know cause Rachel would conceal it so easily. When the bell rang their group went out in the hall and were joined by Jinx's boyfriend Wally the fastest kid in school. Their group was laughing and talking in the hallway until they were interrupted by the principle on the microphone.

"Will Rachel Roth please report to the Principal's office immediately." Rachel looked at Richard right away with a worried face, and Richard looked at her in concern. Richard left the conversation with Victor and Wally to join Rachel by her side.

"I didn't do anything Richard. I promise." Rachel pleaded.

"I know, relax. It could be anything. Do you want me to go with you?" Richard asked and Rachel shook her head and solemnly walked to the principal's office. Rachel went into the office and the principle looked mad.

"Rachel you looked surprised to be here." The principle stated.

"I am. I didn't do anything."

"That's a shame you won't own up to your wrongs. This will be your second strike."

"No, please I didn't do anything. I actually like it here I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize that." Rachel stated.

"Really?" The principle said putting an envelope in front of Rachel. She opened it and there was a list of people all saying Rachel yesterday at lunch helped spray paint graffiti on the bleachers."

"Okay first I wouldn't do that, second you can't just trust this list."

"Theres a picture too. Is that not you in the hood?"

"No that's not me. You can't even tell who that is because they are wearing a hood. Please listen to me, I am telling the truth. Wait did you say yesterday during lunch?" The principle nodded. "I get out of school before lunch and I went out to eat at this sandwich place with Richard." Rachel explained. The principle phoned for Richard to come to the office and he came to comply with Rachel's story.

"I am sorry Miss. Roth I was mistaken and I should not of jumped to conclusions. I will try and find out who to tried to blame this on you. In the meantime be careful and stay out of trouble. To show I am truly sorry, I will take away your first strike, please do not let me regret that." Rachel nodded and Richard and her left the office.

"Richard someone is trying to get me kicked out of here." Rachel said once out of the office.

"I know, and I won't let that happen. Do you have any ideas who it could be?" Richard asked.

"I have no idea." Rachel stated and they walked back to class. Roy watched them walk off, he was seething with anger and jealousy. The rest of the day went by fast but Richard and all of Rachel's new friends could see that something was bothering her. When the last bell rang Rachel jumped out of her seat and stormed off. To say she was angry was an understatement.

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