Chapter Three:
Rachell's POV
Rachell opened the door to her house, hanging up her backpack and putting away her things. Her stomach growled, so she decided to get a snack from the kitchen before she went into her room to do homework. On her way down the hall she was interrupted by her mother- a slender woman with sharp features on her angry looking face.
"Rachell!" She hissed, stopping her.
"What?" Rachell asked, annoyance in her voice.
"I got a call from the school today. You're in big trouble!" Her mother said, leading her into her room to sit down. Another scolding.. Rachell thought bitterly, remembering the time her mother had torn her apart for having a crush on a girl. Rachell kept her thoughts from drifting back to Lilac as she sat down on her Mother's bed.
"You got in a fight?" Her mother asked.
"More like a skirmish.. And the girl was practically stalking me!" Rachell protested.
"I don't care! You hit her first, according to the teachers," her mom paused, "You're not hurt, are you?"
Rachell shook her head, trying to reassure her mother. "It's not like she was really hurt either.. And hey- we're friends now!"
Her mother snorted in faint disbelief. "Well, I'm grounding you, friends or not. You're lucky the school didn't punish you- but I can cover for them. No more electronics for three days, and you'll do a lot of chores for your free time."
Rachell's gaze hardened. She knew it wasn't right that she'd attacked Reese, but she felt as though her mother didn't understand what she'd been through. Not only did you separate me from Lilac purely because she was a girl- But you've been neglecting me ever since! Rachell thought angrily, rage and sadness bubbling up inside her. I just want my loving mom back!
"Fine," Rachell said, letting the venom and hate seep into her words, "I'll do that. Let me chill out from school now, will you?"
Her mom nodded, and Rachell left, stomping into her room in frustration.
"This is so unfair!" Her other side shouted when they were in her room, "Can't she realize that we've gone through so much? We're bound to lash out sometimes!"
Rachell privately agreed, but she didn't want to encourage her other side's anger, nor make things with her mother worse. She sighed and rolled onto her bed, pulling out her computer to get started on homework.
…
The next day Reese sat with Rachell on the bus to school. "Hey Rachell," Reese greeted putting her bag down.
"Hey Reese, how's it going?" Reese smiled at Rachell.
"Well it's going good for now." Reese said, looking at Rachell for a moment, "And I hope it stays that way.."
Rachell hummed in response. Soon the bus stopped and they were at school, both girls walking down the hallway. But something seemed off. People were whispering in their groups, in hushed tones. Something must've happened. Rachell's heart lurched. I hope it's not about me..
"What's this about?" Rachell's other side asked. Rachell shrugged. "I dunno," She then turned to Reese, "Do you know what this commotion is about, Reese?"
She shook her head. "Let's find out- we've got a few minutes before the bell rings."
Reese, seeming happy about another mystery, walked off to eavesdrop. Rachell did the same, by a group of girls.
"Really? I wonder what she's like.." One of them was saying, "I never knew Bendy had a little sister."
"What was her name?"
"I can't remember. I just know that she wears dresses all the time."
"That's weird."
The chatter continued as Rachell shifted her attention to a group of boys, "You're always caught up with drama, Carlos."
"It's not drama- I just overheard it.. She's coming sometime this week."
"What- you gonna have a crush on her?" One of them teased, shoving at him. Rachell laughed to herself and turned back to where Reese was waiting.
"New girl," They both said at the same time.
"Did this happen before I came, too?" Rachell asked self-consciously.
"Nope. There's some reason why this girl is special.."
"I heard she's Bendy's little sister?" Rachell tried.
"Maybe. I think he's mentioned Linda a few times."
"He is decently popular," Rachell observed, "I guess we'll find out what happens."
Reese nodded and turned to go to class. As students realized the time and broke up, Rachell joined them and headed to Math. Bendy's here, she remembered as she walked through the door.
And there he was- sitting by her assigned seat. She joined him, feeling a little guilty for snapping at him before.
"So.." she said, "I'm guessing you've heard the rumours?"
Bendy nodded, "It's true. My sister Linda is going to be here tomorrow," he said, "What are people saying..? I don't want my sis to have a bad reputation before she even gets here."
Rachell remembered the girls judging her for wearing dresses, and replied, "Oh, just say'n how you two are related.." she lied. It's not like he can do anything about gossip. Maybe it's best if he doesn't know.
Bendy looked relieved, "Good."
The rest of the school day seemed to go by faster than usual. Rachell was adjusting to her school decently, and made some friendly conversions with who she hoped to be her future friends.
But at lunch she got an idea when she was watching Reese's table again. Hydro is probably mad at me for attacking Reese.. And I'd like to be on OK terms with him, Rachell thought, Maybe I'll write him a sorry note. And so she did. Rachell tore a slip of paper from her sketchbook and wrote in her neat handwriting. The note read:
Hydro,
Hey, I wanted to apologize to you. I'm sorry for picking a fight with Reese, and acting so afraid of you after I woke up. I hope we can be on good terms.
-Rachell
Not knowing what else to add, she folded it and put it in her pocket. I'll try to slip it into his backpack or something.. She thought.
Lunch soon ended and Rachell arrived at her art class. The next two periods went by quickly until she was in 5th period, with Hydro and Bendy. Maybe Bendy can pass the note, she thought. "Psst.." She whisper-called to Bendy, who sat near her, "Can you pass this to Hydro?"
Bendy nodded and took it, not pausing to read it as he put it into Hydro's hands. For a moment Rachell waited, watching him read it. Then he looked up at her, and started writing on it.
So long as you're sorry, it's alright. I forgive you.
Rachell couldn't suppress a sigh of relief. As she looked at him and smiled.
"Mission accomplished," Her other side noted with satisfaction.
The rest of the day was a blur. Rachell found herself stepping off the bus sooner than she had anticipated, and was nervous to return home. Chore time, she thought as she stepped inside.
…
The next day Rachell awoke more tired than usual, due to her chores and stressing. (Although she didn't stress nearly as much as she had for the past few days). When she arrived on the bus and sat next to Reese, there was someone sitting across from them. She looked like a cartoon version of Bendy, with big eyes and a big lace dress- straight from an old cartoon. Reese exchanged a glance with Rachell.
"I think that's her.." She murmured. Rachell nodded in response.
The girl was amazingly small, and looked like a child as she stared out the window anxiously. "Don't talk to her," Rachell's other side suggested, "I don't trust her."
Rachell glared at her. "How do you think she feels, being the new kid? I'm gonna talk to her."
"Don't talk to her," Her other side insisted again.
"I'm gonna talk to her."
"Dont!"
"I'm gonna do it- hey!" Rachell called greeting as her other side sighed.
The girl looked up and smiled, "Hi!"
Rachell leaned over into the bus aisle, "I take it you're new here?"
She nodded, "My name is Linda!"
"I'm Rachell! And this is Reese," She introduced, gesturing to her friend. Reese gave Rachell a warning glance, but nodded at Linda before she looked out the window again. Whoops..
Linda and Rachell had a conversation until the bus stopped. As students were filing off, Rachell asked, "What's your schedule look like?" Linda pulled hers out and they compared them.
"Looks like we've got Math and Science together.. I'll see you at the start and end of each day!" Linda said excitedly. Rachell waved at Reese and walked beside Linda to math, where she sat down and watched Linda greet Bendy.
"Hi!" She said, smiling warmly and sitting down next to him, (in an empty seat).
"Hey sis!" he greeted, returning the smile. "I see you've made friends with Rachell."
Linda nodded, "She's super cool."
Rachell, too, smiled and said, "You've been the talk of the school! Everyone's excited to meet you."
Bendy nodded in agreement. "I told her when I got home yesterday. She's excited."
That class period was full of talking and encouragement, and Rachell got to know Linda well.
After class Bendy walked up to her. "Hey, thanks," he said, "I was worried that Lin wouldn't fit in right.."
Rachell replied, "No problem." She quite liked being friends with the lively girl. He shouldn't be worried! Lin is fun to be around, she thought.
Some of the other kids, however, thought otherwise..
...
It had been two days since Lin's appearance and she already had a lot of friends. She sat by Rachell at lunch and sometimes Bendy or Reese would join them. Rachell was headed to her table and sat down, beginning to eat when Linda walked over gloomily.
"What's with the long face?" Rachell asked when she sat down. Lin sighed, "Nothing, it's fine.."
"Cmon', you can tell me.."
"Its just some stupid kids, that's all," She muttered, still keeping her face down.
"What are they saying?" Rachell demanded. No one should pick on her!
Lin sniffled. "They're saying that I'm childish.. And I shouldn't wear dresses- a-and.. I'm really dumb and.. Short.."
Rachell's anger bubbled up. "Do you know their names?"
Linda shook her head and looked up. She had a black eye. "It's ok.." She whispered, "I think they're only going to do it once.."
Rachell stared at her, shocked.
"They BEST BE RUNNING!" Rachell's other side announced.
"Yeah!" Rachell agreed so only her counterpart could hear. Then she turned back to the sniffling Linda. "Don't worry, If they ever touch you again you've got me, Bendy, Reese, and maybe Hydro on your side."
Linda looked horrified, "No! If y-you get them back.. They'll.. They'll be even meaner!"
Rachell sighed, and said, "Fine. We'll let the teachers know if it happens again."
But she inwardly promised to give them a punch or two. They're just like my old bullies.. She thought bitterly.
"But for now I'll try to cheer you up," Rachell promised. "What do you want to do? I've got some change if you want to get something from the vending machine.."
Lin brightened up, "Oh, sure! Thanks!" she exclaimed.
Rachell smiled and the pair walked inside, buying some chocolate and adding it to their lunch. But the whole time Lin was talking to her, Rachell couldn't stop looking at her black eye.
When lunch ended Rachell found Hydro, Reese, Bendy, and a few other kids chattering in the halls. She approached them and told them what had happened, trying not to eye Hydro. Bendy was frustrated, angry, and sorrowful. Reese only gave away a thoughtful and hateful look flashing in her eye, and Hydro glared into the crowd, his fists clenching.
"We're going to have to keep an eye on her," Reese commented, "I'll be in charge of finding out who did this."
Bendy and Hydro looked at eachother, "Yeah. We'll help," Bendy said.
Rachell nodded. "I think I can cheer her up for now.."
…
The next day Rachell got on the bus, and Linda was her usual cheerful self. Her black eye was faded now, and only a slightly swollen mark remained. It still made Rachell angry, though.
She sat with Linda this morning, and she went on chattering like a bird about how amazing cookies were. Rachell chuckled, "Cookies aren't the best food, but I suppose they're OK.." She conceded.
Lin gave her a defiant look, "Then you haven't had the good ones! The ones that make you get sugar high, hehe."
Reese, meanwhile, snorted and actually joined the conversation. "You two and your sweets.. The best dessert is dark chocolate, or anything bittersweet."
Linda scrunched up her nose(?), "You like bitter food?! Wow!"
Reese shrugged, "It's good.." she muttered, amusement in her eyes.
The bus soon arrived at school; Linda and Rachell headed to math while Reese went to language.
Reese's POV
Reese's mind was running with ideas for revenge on whoever had bullied Lin. Although she didn't show it much, Reese was outraged. Linda is one of those people that you just can't hate! Whoever's done this deserves something bad, especially if they try it again.. Reese thought as she sat in her seat for Language. Maybe I can convince the head teacher to let me see the cameras..? But she doubted that idea would work. She sighed in frustration and decided she'd have to wait.
Her class went by slowly, since everyone was still tired and worked slowly.
Then Reese headed to Social studies when the bell rang, where Hydro sat beside her as usual. Reese didn't recall yelling at him lately.
"Hi," he said when she sat down. Reese didn't reply, but just pulled out a pencil. Hydro looked at Reese with a puzzled look as to why there was no reply, but could see that she was focusing on something else so he let it slide. The teacher began to walk into the classroom and everyone went silent. The lessons went on quickly, and the second class period began. When Reese was walking through the halls, Hydro came up towards her for the rest of the walk- until both could hear grunts and banging. Reese looked up at Hydro and they both nodded to each other, running in the direction of the commotion.
Rachell's POV
Rachell had just finished her lesson in maths a bit earlier than expected, and began to make her way towards her next period that was until she heard someone.
"Heh.. look at ch'a, yer just a runt like the rest of your 'friends'! But more fragile and weak.."
Rachel could hear the voices, and turned the corner to see Linda in a corner with some bruises and a boy looming over her. "That must be one of those bullies!" her other side hissed, clenching her fists.
The boy kicked Linda.
"C'mon- get up looser!" The boy teased again, snickering at her pained face.
"Looks like ya big bro ain't comin' to yer rescue." He laughed, continuing, "No wonder ya have no friends.. You're a complete baby! Keheheh.." He laughed again.
Rachell could not stand watching this- as the boy reminded her of her past, and he was bullying her friend. She decided enough was enough. Rachell dashed around the corner and just before he could kick Lin again she slammed into him, knocking the wind out of him as he fell to the ground.
"Pick on someone your own size, buster!" Rachel glared at him in a fighting stance. He didn't seem to get the message, and got back up with a scowl. "I can take you too!" He growled.
Well I'm not going down without a fight!
He came towards her with a punch, hitting her in the nose and making her stagger slightly. Pain shot into her face, but she returned the message by tackling him to the ground again and pummeled his face before he managed to heave her off of him.
They both got back up, and he rammed her into the lockers. Rachell hissed at the pain, as her arm had landed at an awkward angle and was now being crushed. Her nose now bleeding, the boy gave another punch but missed.
Rachell pushed him towards a locker on the opposite side of the hall, but as the motion was almost completed he managed to slip out of her grip, and gripped her own head. Rachell felt her face collide with the locker and she staggered back, hardly aware of the crowd that had gathered. Rachell looked dazed, and she heard Linda cry out.
Rachell felt more hot blood flow down from her head. I can't give up..!
But the boy had the upper hand, since Rachell was now injured and dazed.
He took the chance to tackle her to the ground, and Rachell yelled at the pain when she collided with the school floor. The boy was punching her face over and over until his weight was suddenly lifted.
Rachell slowly opened her eyes with a groan.
She saw Linda leaning over her, at her side with a worried expression. To her shock, Rachell spotted Hydro, pulling the boy back in a chokehold before he slipped out. Rachell closed her eyes again when her blood from her forehead tried to seep into her eyes. She heard voices raise as an argument started, but Rachell couldn't make out any words.
"Rachell, stay with us now..!"
But her eyes felt heavy, and she lost consciousness.
Reese's POV
Reese watched the boy in Hydro's grip slip out, gasping. She stormed up to him, trying to feel intimidating, and hissed, "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
The boy looked up at her, "Defending myself, that's what! This girl just barreled into me!"
"Oh really?" Reese challenged, "Then why is Linda beaten, too?"
The boy scoffed, "I don't know. I didn't do anything."
Reese backhanded him, and he flinched back with a stung glare. You little b-
"Reese! She's passed out!" Lin's voice called.
She looked over to see her friend unconscious, bleeding from a mark on her head. Reese whipped around back to the boy, rage boiling inside of her and kicked him in 'the spot', before she turned to Rachell as he crumpled to the ground behind her. A few other boys had split from the crowd and were helping their friend, shooting glares at Reese, Linda, and Hydro.
"I'm sure the teachers are coming soon," Reese said to Lin, and sure enough, some of the math teachers as well as the principal were making their way through the crowd when she looked up. "Let's hope Rachell doesn't get into trouble.." She murmured, "We can vouch for her, at least."
Lin nodded, and Reese noticed tears were sparking in the toon's eyes. "Hey.. It's alright- we're gonna give those boys some justice, and i'm sure Rachell will be okay. She's strong," Reese reassured Lin, wanting to put her hand on her back. Linda didn't say anything, but kept staring at Rachell as the teachers came up.
"Call an ambulance!" The Principal directed one of the teachers "And the rest of you involved come to my office."
Students began to disperse, running to their classes to make it before the bell rang. The boy's friends left as well, Reese noticed. Soon the bell rang and the hall was empty. Rachell was carried to the office to wait for the ambulance, and Hydro, Lin, Reese, and the boy all sat down in the head teacher's office.
"Alright. Who wants to tell me what happened?" The teacher asked when he had closed the door and settled in his desk.
There was silence. Then Linda raised her hand bravely, and earned an icy look from her bully. The teacher nodded at her.
"W-well.. I was heading to c-class.." She bagan, her voice becoming more confident. "And this boy called me weak.. So I turned to him and asked why.. He said I wore dresses and acted like a toddler.. a-and started making fun of me and I got sad. He then made fun of me for that, and pushed me to the ground..
"Th-then he started kicking me.. And calling me more names.." -she sniffed- "But then Rachell came and fought him off, but he fought back and made her pass out!"
The teacher nodded, "So did-" He was cut off by the boy.
"She's lying!" he claimed, "I wasn't beating her, I just found her like that and the other girl thought I was picking on her."
Reese spoke out, "This isn't the first time you've hurt her." She pointed out, and the teacher looked at her in surprise. "You and your buddies were picking on her yesterday, weren't you?" She demanded. The boy looked guilty, and Hydro nodded in agreement with Reese. "And now," Reese went on, "you've hospitalized Rachell!"
The teacher put up his hand to stop the boy from speaking out. "Now- you mentioned Todds 'buddies'. Who else was involved?" He asked the boy. Todd finally broke. "Yeah, me and my friends have sort of been making fun of her, I guess.." He admitted, "But to be fair- that Rachell girl tackled me first!"
The teacher shook his head. "That doesn't matter. Even if that was wrong she's paid for it. Speaking of 'paying'.. I hope you've got money for Rachell's hospital fees, if any. You'll also be expelled."
Todd sighed angily, and Reese felt a twinge of satisfaction. That's right!
"In the meantime," The head teacher went on, "You, Todd, will stay here. Linda- you decide if you need to be on an ambulance too, or if you want to go home. As for you two," -he looked at Reese and Hydro- "Do you think you can go back to class?"
Reese nodded and Hydro said "Yes."
"Be off, then," The principal said, "And I don't want something like this happening again."
The three friends headed out the door and split ways after saying their goodbyes to Linda.
…
It had been one day since Rachell was put in the hospital, and Reese was talking with Linda at lunch.
"Me and Bendy are going to visit her soon," Linda was saying, "I want to thank her for standing up for me and all.."
Reese nodded, "That's a good idea.. I wonder how she's getting along. I thought she would be back home by now."
Then a thought crept into her mind. Should I tag along, too? It would be nice to see her friend again, but something told her that she shouldn't get too close to people. Reese tried to shrug it off and asked, "Do you think I could come along?"
Linda brightened, "Oh, yeah! I'm sure she'll want to see you. Maybe Hydro too."
"Eh.. I don't know about Hydro," Reese said, "But thanks. Are you going today?" Linda nodded. "Okay, I'll take your bus home today, then." Reese decided.
Rachell's POV
Rachell was sitting up in her hospital bed, playing on her phone and thinking. The nurse had said she was clear to go back home to rest if she wanted, but the thought of returning to her parents intimidated her.
"At least we gave that boy a good punch or two ta' the face!" Her other side said yet again, "That was quite something to watch."
Rachell sighed, "Yeah, I know. I just hope that he got in trouble this time.. Not like back at the orphanage."
"Yeah, I'm sure Linda told the teacher what-" Her other side's reply was cut off by a knock at the door. Turning off her phone and going over to it, her stomach clenched. Is it my parents?
But she was met with the friendly gazes of Linda, Bendy, and Reese. "Hi!" Linda was the first to speak, "Can we come in?"
Rachell nodded, smiling, "Of course! How are things? What happened after I left?"
The four sat down. "Well Todd, that boy, got what he deserved," Bendy explained, "The principal expelled him and is finding out about his friends."
Rachell nodded, remembering the fight, "Good. And they aren't bothering you, Lin?"
She nodded happily, "And Hydro and Bendy and everyone else is going to make sure of it!" There was a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Not that I need protection, that is.."
Rachell turned to Reese, who had been silent.
"Are you okay?" She asked, "I thought you would be healed up by now."
"Yeah, my head is fine and my arm is cramped up a bit," Rachell said, remembering the pain of when her arm fell wrong, "I'm just- uh.. Waiting for the day to end."
It was partially true- the nurse was going to make her go back home today.
Reese nodded, "Ok."
The four friends talked for a while, until visiting times were done and they parted ways. Soon the nurse came in with Rachell's parents, and she inwardly sighed as she knew she would have to deal with them.
It was good to be home in her room, but Rachell's parents had scolded her for getting in another fight. Rachell sighed and put her head on her pillow, falling asleep.
…
The next day things were sorted out. The bullies were found and punished, while Lin herself found her place in the school. Rachell, too, felt as though she belonged. Her other side even began to feel more comfortable as the weeks passed, and soon enough Rachell was adjusted, though she never forgot her past friends.