Disclaimer: I still don't own a thing.

Chapter 9

That Wednesday, Raven waited for Jason at his locker before the homeroom bell. Hopefully he wouldn't be with Chelsea this early, she thought nervously. Suddenly, Jason appeared by his locker. He was looking at Raven like she had three heads.

"Hi Raven." Jason said flatly.

"Jason, just the man I was looking for." Raven said, half-laughing.

Jason shook his head knowingly, letting out a big sigh.

"Is it okay if I talk openly with you?"

"Sure, go ahead."

Raven licked her teeth under her lips in preparation and then began. "Jason, I think you're a great guy. You've been sweet to Chelsea and you make her very happy. I don't think I have seen her this happy in a long time."

Jason sifted through his locker uncomfortably. He knew where this conversation was going. How in the hell did everybody know that he drank?

"And I want to make sure that she stays happy. Don't you?"

"Uh…yeah."

Raven smiled and looked down. "Good, good. So here it is. If you even think about drinking in front of Chelsea I will bury you, you got that?"

Jason was taken aback by Raven's forwardness and passion. Both of Chelsea's friends really cared about her a lot.

This crap was starting to make him mad though. He slammed his locker shut and Raven flinched a little. "Listen, what I do at home isn't any of your business. So why don't you stay out of it."

"Oh no you didn't." Raven exclaimed as Jason walked away.

Raven was about to just let Jason walk away, but if Chelsea got wind of this, she would definitely be mad. So, she caught up with him and grabbed his arm, stopping him. "Hey, I didn't' mean to come on so strong. I'm sorry if I made you mad, but Chelsea is a really good friend, my best friend in fact, and I just want to make sure that she's safe."

Jason looked directly into Raven's eyes. "Last time I checked, Chelsea was a big girl who could take care of herself."

Jason ripped his arm from Raven's grasp and continued down the hall. Raven stood wide-eyed, mouth open, and laughed a little in surprise. He has some nerve talking to her like that.

Thursday night, Raven called Chelsea. Chelsea answered the phone with a chirpy "Hello?"

"Hey Chels, it's me. You sound happy."

"Yeah, I'm so excited. Tomorrow's my second date with Jason!"

"I know! Listen, I'm not gonna be in school tomorrow. I don't feel too well, so will you drop the homework by?"

"But Rae, I have to get ready for my date. Can't I give it to you on Saturday?"

Raven thought of something quickly. "No, no. I have a doctor's appointment on Saturday."

"Why can't Eddie do it?"

"Eddie has a date with Chantel."

Chelsea sighed heavily.

Raven smiled, this is exactly the way she planned the conversation to go. "Why don't you just drop it off with Jason before you guys go out?"

"Um…I don't know." Chelsea whined.

"Yeah it's perfect. That way, you can get all ready and all you have to do is make a short pit stop."

Raven crossed her fingers, waiting for Chelsea's answer.

"Okay. Okay fine. I'll see you tomorrow at like 8:30."

"Great. Thanks."

"I hope you feel better."

"Thanks. Bye."

"Bye."

Raven hung up the phone and turned to Tanya. "They're coming over tomorrow at 8:30."

"You know, you skipping school wasn't part of the deal."

"Mom, what else was I going to do?"

Tanya rolled her eyes. "Okay fine. They'll come, I'll invite Jason in, and then I'll talk with him."

"Good. Maybe he'll get the message this time."

"Oh he will." Tanya said toughly and Raven smiled.

"Thanks Mom."

"It's nothing Raven. I care about Chelsea too."

Raven nodded.