Disclaimer: I don't own anything that has to do with "That's So Raven." Not a single thing. Not a doll or a movie or a game or anything. The only thing I own is my imagination, and even that runs away from me from time to time.

Chapter 8

The weekend came and went, Tanya returned from her trip, and Raven successfully avoided almost all questions on her life. She called Eddie and told him about the breakup so he would know what was going on before school. Then, she called Chelsea, but her mother said she was sick. "It's probably just a small cold from walking around in the rain," she said, and thanked Raven for taking her in and giving her dry clothes.

Monday rolled around, and Raven didn't feel like getting out of bed. Nevertheless, she did, and took her time getting ready so she could pretend she was late and run out of the house without being bugged by her family.

When she got to school, Eddie and Chantel were kissing by the lockers. In fact, they were leaning up against her locker. Raven stood there for a minute, clearing her throat a few times, but the two lovebirds were way too into each other to hear anything.

Finally, she said, "Hi Principal Lawler! Nice day we're having!" Eddie and Chantel immediatly broke apart, snapping their heads around wildly looking for the principal. When they realized that Raven was joking, Eddie glared at her.

"Rae, what are you doing?"

"I'm getting you two off my locker, that's what I'm doing." Raven said, gently shoving Eddie to the side and opening her locker. "You two wanna play tonsil hockey, take it to the gym."

Eddie rolled his eyes. Chantel looked at her watch. "Oh, I have to run to Mrs. Depaulo's real quick before class. I have to talk to her about the project."

"Okay, baby, I'll see you in class." Eddie and Chantel shared another quick kiss and Raven quietly groaned.

"Ew, please cut it out with the P.D.A.'s now."

Chantel laughed a little and left. Eddie turned to Raven. "So, you seen Chelsea around?"

"No. I called yesterday, but her mother said she was sick. She's probably not going to be in today."

"How is she?"

"I don't know Eddie. When I last saw her, she was a mess."

"Yeah well, Ben better be out too, cause if I see him--"

"Eddie--Eddie whoa, whoa, whoa there!" Raven yelled, gesturing wildly to grab Eddie's attention. "Now, you're not gonna do or say anything to Ben."

"Why not?"

"Because, would Chelsea want you to? No. Just leave it alone for now."

It took a minute, but Eddie finally agreed. The thought of hurting Ben for hurting Chelsea had also crossed Raven's mind more than once, but she knew that Chelsea would be furious. The last thing she needed was for Chelsea to be mad at her.

As Eddie and Raven walked toward their first period class, Ben walked by. Raven felt her face get hot with fury. Ben almost past them, but then turned. "Raven."

Raven kept walking.

"Raven. Raven!" Ben called, catching up with her.

"What do you want?" Raven said just a little bit snottier than she meant to.

"Have you seen Chelsea?"

"She ain't here. And if your wise, you'd be gone too." Eddie threatened, crossing his arms.

Ben gave Eddie a confused look. Clearly, Eddie was no match. He was shorter, definitely less toned, and seemed slower. But, Eddie was all heart when it came to his friends. He would've put up a decent fight. Ben was never a fighter though.

"Good. That'll make it easier."

"What?" Raven asked. If Ben was implying that he was going to see another girl in school because Chelsea wasn't here, should wouldn't hesitate to rip his eyes from the sockets.

"We need to talk."

"I have nothing to--"

"Trust me, you'll want to talk." Ben looked directly into Raven's eyes, and Raven found herself shrinking away from him. He knew something.

He knew.

Raven looked at Eddie, who looked at her in puzzlement. She turned back to Ben. Sighing and moving her jaw around a little, she finally said, "When?"

"Today, during lunch. I'll find you."

"Fine."

Ben nodded and walked away. Raven turned back to Eddie.

"Rae, you wanna tell me why you agreed to talk to him?"

"Not now Eddie." Raven shot at him quickly, speeding off to her class without him.