Disclaimer: I don't own The Covenant.

Co-Author: SkyyRyder

A/N: So, this is seemingly going to be the final chapter I wrote with Skyy. Unfortunately, we've lost touch, and I believe she just may not be on the site anymore. But fear not, I'm going to do my absolute best to finish this story. It is too good and had way too much effort put into it to ignore. So I hope you all enjoy, new fans and old, and please don't forget to review! On to the highly anticipated next chapter!

Fallen Now is Babylon the Great

Chapter 21: Stupid Girl

-Babylon's POV-

I was at my locker, pulling my dance bag out when Reid came up to me. It was the end of the day and I was on my way to dance practice, knowing he had swim practice today as well.

"Hey pretty lady. How ya doin'?" he drawled in a faux southern accent, bending his neck to press a kiss to my temple. I couldn't help but look up at the tall blonde and smile, though my thoughts weren't nearly as happy since I would be going to my first dance practice as a resigned captain.

"Just getting my things for dance. Shouldn't you be in the locker room? Your coach is going to kill you if you're late for practice again, especially with regionals coming up." It was no secret punctuality wasn't Reid's strong point, and the coach was already fed up with Reid's constant bickering with Aaron and his friends during practices and meets. I'd made it a personal goal to be certain Reid maintained his status on the swim team, as it was his key into Spenser. He couldn't afford anymore suspensions for petty little arguments with someone who was as moronic as Aaron Abbot.

Reid's blue eyes rolled and his gloved hand pressed into the small of my back. "He'll get over it. What's he gonna do; take me off the team? Spenser'd be screwed." As much as I hate to think this is how the school's authority was run, it was a true statement. Coaches would spare no expense despite low grades and bad behavior, especially not a Son of Ipswich; they were too good and too crucial for victory and funding.

"Well I hope you're right. We're both going to be late if I stay here with you much longer," I pointed out, earning another smirk from Reid. Nonchalantly, he threw an arm over my shoulders, pulling me forward in a casual manner and landing a kiss on my lips before he led me swaggering towards the auditorium where the dance team rehearsed.

"Relax, will you? You already know I go into Harvard. You don't have to keep worrying about me losing my ticket. We're gonna both go there, get a cozy little place off campus—"

I stopped in my tracks, though I'd been the one whining about not being late. However, Reid's words had shocked me. He wanted to go to Harvard with me, and live with me? Off campus? It shocked me because he spoke so casually about such a serious step. And though I considered myself to be serious about our relationship, I don't think I ever expected Reid to be at the same level so soon.

"Wait, what?" He was looking at me like I was beginning to grow another head or something. "You want to live together next year? You don't want to live on campus and room with Tyler. Have your freedom. Go to parties." It just hadn't been something I'd expected from him, not yet anyway, and to hear him offer it so leisurely had just left me a bit stunned.

His confused look kind of disappeared and a bit of a smirk passed over his lips. "Look, I know it's not exactly what my reputation would lead you to believe, but come on. You should've figured out by now that I'm done with all of that shit. And I've been rooming with Tyler for four years. Done the campus thing already. I'd rather sleep in a bed with you instead of Tyler," he snickered, making a joke of the serious situation that had just come up into conversation. "I'm not kidding about this B. You're it for me."

Hearing him say those words sent a delightful chill up my spine. He had changed so much, or maybe I had just never been exposed to the real side of him before. But more than that, he was changing me. He was showing me all these things I had let completely pass by me in my youth, everything I was missing out on; the parties and friendships and memories I could have been making these last four years.

He was also making me think hard about the commitments I had made to both myself and God.

My virginity was something I certainly wasn't ready to part with just yet, partially out of fear and partially out of the need to avoid eternal punishment. But for the first time in my life I was beginning to question my commitment to abstinence a commitment I blindly made at an age where I don't think I was able to fully grasp a true understanding of sexuality. And Reid, well, he was certainly showing me a different approach to it than my mother and the church had.

We hadn't done very much that would be considered riskay, but it didn't mean the thoughts hadn't crossed my mind, and I knew for a fact they were on Reid's mind on a more consistent basis. I also knew there would eventually be a time where Reid did try to make an advance, and I'd be left at the crossroads, wondering if my mind or my heart would make the decision. It would be a hard one to make, and at this moment, I had no clear vision of which I would choose.

I did however know one thing for sure. I loved him. Call me foolish, tell me it was too soon to feel that way; I don't care. Reid to me was everything I needed but never knew I did, and that would never change. Right now, at this point in my life, Reid was the only boy I'd ever loved. And he'd be my first love forever, regardless of what happened in the future.

"Besides, we can still do all that fun shit together. We'll just be the lucky ones who get to go back to a primo suite in some fancy apartment with a view and everything instead of a shitty dorm." I laughed at his idea, enjoying the confident look on his face.

"That sounds expensive…" I mentioned off-handedly. He gave me that look that said I was delving to deep into a situation that was nothing more than a future fantasy, but to my surprise he didn't seem to be taking the idea lightly.

"And, oh look, I have the money to pay for it." The Cheshire grin he gave me made my cheeks warm and his lips pressed against my temple. He knew I would never agree to that without an argument. I appreciate the attention and gifts he offered me, but I didn't want him to feel obligated to pay for things for me. I wasn't one of those girls. I was in it for the person he is, not the prestige and privilege that came with him. "We're not worrying about this right now, okay? Because now you're late," he mentioned, diffusing the subject.

"Shoot!" I swore, looking at a watch on my wrist, one that had coincidentally been one of those gifts I'd spoken of. "I have to go! I'll talk to you later," I persisted, but not before pecking his cheek.

I rushed away from him, hearing him call a term of departure back at me, but I was too flustered to even register it. I had resigned from captain and now I was coming into practice late. This would look wonderful; they already resented me for the time I spent with Reid.

Everyone was already warming up by the time I made it to the auditorium and I burst through the doors, probably looking a hot mess. As quickly as I could I made my way to the area we placed our things and readied myself, ignoring the looks the other girls gave me, mostly dirty ones.

Something else I noticed also was that Sarah was present today. She must have tried out through our new captain and been good enough to make the team. Before, the new competition would have put me on edge, but Sarah being my friend, that made relief wash over me. At least there was someone here who didn't hate me.

Sarah smiled as I sat down on the floor beside her, stretching my legs out some. She gave me a concerned look then though, glancing over her shoulder to where our new leader was, speaking to her minions in a huddle.

"So what happened. I thought you were the captain. I showed up for tryouts and you weren't there. They practically tore me to pieces, jealous idiots," she whispered closely, not wanting the other girls to hear. Every girl in Spenser carried animosity for both us and Kate, resentful of the fact we were with men they desired. It wasn't quite something I had gotten used to yet.

"I resigned. They weren't enthusiastic of the time I've been spending away from the team and I cant' really blame them. So I did what I had to do." My lips pursed and I wiggled my toes. "Reid is just more important to me right now."

A worried look crossed Sarah's features as she switched positions. "Reid makes me nervous. I'm waiting for him to just… slip up constantly with you I feel like, but on the other hand, I've never seen him like this before. Just don't throw your life away for a guy Babylon, any guy. Even a Son of Ipswich," she joked, a faux uppity tone overtaking ger voice at the end.

"I know. But right now… I just need to see what's going to happen. And if this is how I have to make time for him, then this is how I'll do it. Dancing is what I love to do, bit I've never had something like this before. Commitment means sacrifice, right?" Had Sarah heard our previous ocnversation, she may have a different opunuon of Reid. It was no secret his reputation was on the wild ide, but now, with me, he was so completely different.

"I was just totally infatuated at this point.

"You seriously sucked today Babylon. If you don't straighten out your act, you're off the team."

The words of our fabulous new captain still rang in my ears as I left practice alone, seeing as Sarah wanted to run right to the showers. I fought the urge not to cry and also not to pounce on her and rip her hair out like many of the less civilized girls at this school would end up doing as she spoke. I still had about an hour until I needed to be at work, so I made my way to the pool, wanting and needing nothing more than to see Reid.

When I got there, the boys team was missing and I assumed they must be done for the day. So I went over to the locker room door, sitting on a nearby bench and watching as fully clothed boys with wet hair filed out. It wasn't until Pogue came through the door, stopping once he saw me, offering a smile, and sticking his head back in. "Hey Reid! Quit making your woman wait!" The biker then waved a hand at me before he walked off and a second later Reid's head poked through the door, a smile spreading over his lips as he came out and walked over to me.

I stood up immediately and wrapped my arms around him tightly, burying my face into his neck and trying to force myself not to cry, but unfortunately it didn't work. I felt his body tighten and his hands start rubbing over my back. "What's wrong?" he whispered, not wanting to bring a lot of attention to us.

"The other day... I resigned as captain of the dance team. And practice was horrible today Reid. I was too upset about it to concentrate. I was horrible." I had fallen all over my feet the entire time we were practicing today, messing the routines and everyone else up also. And I would have reamed a girl for doing what I did, were I still captain.

"What? Why did you resign as captain?"

"They said I wasn't dedicating myself enough anymore. But I'd rather spend time with you. So I told them I wouldn't be captain anymore," I revealed, tears streaming down my cheeks.

"You shouldnt've done that B." Reid's voice scared me. He sounded so hollow at that moment, almost emotionless

"Why? It's just dancing. I'm being a baby. I mean, it's not as if it's important to my future. You are though."

He unwound my arms from around his neck and sighed, licking his lips and avoiding my eyes. I wondered what was wrong for a minute before he smirked a little, eyes flashing up to mine once again. "Maybe I can cheer you up."

I wondered if he would always leave me guessing like this, just waiting to see what he'd do next. He was such an unpredictable person in a sense. "Oh?"

"My parents want you to come over for dinner tonight." I was flattered, knowing Reid had been so worried when they'd shown up on Thanksgiving. He tried not to show it, but it was in his body language and those expressive eyes.

But there was a flaw in this plan. "Oh. Reid... I have to work."

His face fell a little and he groaned. "Really?"

"Yes really," I said regrettably.

"So, you can't call out or anything?" The way his eyebrows were raised and he had all that pleading hope in his eyes... I almost said yes. But I can't. I need the money. And I can't keep blowing things off for him. So I shook my head.

"No Reid. You know I can't. Besides, it's too short of notice. I'd get in trouble." Reid sighed and pulled me closer to him.

"Yeah I know." Groaning again, he rested his forehead against mine. "You realize I have to go alone now, don't you?"

"I'm sure you'll survive," I assured him.

He pressed his lips into mine, his aggression getting the better of him as he pushed my back into the wall. But restraining himself, he moved his lips off of mine, putting them next to my ear. "You owe me princess."

The innuendo was in his voice, but the expression on his face told me he knew his boundaries as he pulled back, taking my hand in his and walking me out to my car.

Reid's POV-

Babylon had to work tonight, which means I have to go to this dinner thing by myself. I didn't particularly care for this idea, but I agreed to come when I thought Baby would be coming with. I couldn't necessarily back out now, could I?

That would be rude.

I laughed at my own thought. Since when did I give a flying fuck about being rude? I must be delirious.

I couldn't help but think that it royally sucked how she had to work tonight, especially after what she went through today during dance practice. It was times like these that I wish I were a chick. So I could bitch slap those snooty whores without feeling bad or like I've crushed my own set of morals.

Yes. I, Reid Garwin, do have a set of morals.

Speaking of morals, God, it was getting difficult to keep this shit up. Sure, I had it in my head that I could get away with all of this, get the girl and win the bet, Babylon being none the wiser. But a big party of me knew that the chances of that happening might be very slim. She was just so smart, too smart.

I just wish she hadn't resigned as captain. That shit meant something to her, and she just gave it away for me, the asshole that's playing her like an instrument. I hated myself sometimes.

I drummed my fingers on the steering wheel looking up at the enormous structure in front of me. The large Victorian style house was frightening to some, looking like it belonged in some creepy horror flick, but it was home to me during summer vacation, if I was in Ipswich for that long.

I took a few short breaths and willed myself to get out of the car. I was worried because I wasn't sure what I was about to walk into. Me and my parents, we didn't exactly have that same warm, homey feeling Babylon's family seemed to have, even without her father around.

I figured my mother would be donning her usual Suzy Homemaker routine tonight. Especially if she thinks Babylon is coming. She wanted to look like the perfect mother, perfect wife, perfect everything. Everything she'd expect Babylon to be too.

That was Meredith Garwin's forte. Perfection.

Actually, she might've ended up sorry if Babylon had shown up. Babylon was a lot more independent of a woman than my mom would be used to. For one thing, my girl had a brain; she wasn't programmed like some Stepford Wife. And she hadn't spent her whole life knowing she'd marry rich and be taken care of forever like my mom had either. She was just a smart girl who worked hard and happened to be severely attractive without even being aware of it.

Damn, would I'm going to love parading her around my dad though. My dad was just like me; he loved fast cars, and even faster women. He was always messing around on my mom, but she didn't seem to care, spending much more time than necessary with her personal trainer, while my dad shuffled interns and secretaries around like a deck of cards. Hell, maybe this is why I have no real faith in monogamy. All I know for sure is though, Babylon on my arm sure as shit would earn me a solid pat on the back from my old man. He'd already been impressed at Thanksgiving; I could tell.

Alas, I wouldn't be able to see mom stumble over her words when Babylon started rambling on about trigonometry or my dad discretely flash his eyes to her chest before he even made it up to her face, grinning like an old perv. Nope, it was just going to be another awkward night at the good old Garwin home.

I had half a mind to switch families, and just go over to Babylon's and hang out with her Amma and sisters till she got home instead.

Groaning, I forced myself out of the car and up the long walkway to the front door. I wasn't about to knock or ring the doorbell; it was unlocked, as usual.

I pushed the front door open and saw my mother coming out of the kitchen, peeking to see who had come in. As if she didn't know.

A smile was on her face, as fake as it could possibly get, and she stood with her arms out like a normal mother might do to her son who had just come home from school.

"Reid, I'm so glad you came for dinner," she cooed sweetly.

This wasn't normal. Meredith wasn't exactly the hugging type. I stopped short of her open arms and she frowned, but not for long. Frowning caused wrinkles and Meredith Garwin didn't have wrinkles.

"I thought you might bring Babylon..." her lips pursed together, realizing I was on my own.

So that was what that little show was for.

I rolled my eyes, feeling like an idiot for almost being fooled by that phony display of affection. "She had to work."

"Work?" Meredith nearly choked on the word.

"Yes mother, work," I retorted walking past her. "Some people actually have to do that you know." Then I mumbled something about her never having to do a thing in her goddamn life, but she didn't hear it.

"I thought her family was wealthy; why would that poor thing have to work?" I could hear her footsteps behind me and I felt my body tense. Her hand landed on my shoulder and I shrugged it off, turning to look at her. Clearly, Meredith hadn't gotten the memo as to why Babylon's family didn't live in the huge house on Elm anymore. Then again, she wasn't around much these days.

"Her father left her mom years ago. Took it all with him..." I couldn't fight the need to roll my eyes yet again. There was something about my mother that just made me feel it was absolutely necessary. "You'd know that if you were ever around anymore," I added, remembering a time when I was younger and all my mom seemed to do was run around town gossiping. Despite that being an annoying trait women tended to come with, at least she gave a damn back then.

Meredith looked at me sternly and I lifted a shoulder in disinterest. "Where's Dad?" I questioned blandly.

"In his study," she snipped back. Clearly, I'd offset her mood. "I suppose I'll finish dinner anyway," I heard her say, though she didn't sound very happy about it.

This made me laugh. What she actually meant was that she would go tell someone else to finish dinner. My mother was anything but Betty Crocker. She'd never lifted a finger to cook or clean in all my life at least. Dammed if she started doing it now.

I'm almost sure that she probably never even changed a single one of my diapers. I was lucky that I even knew who my parents were. I remember the first person I called 'Mama' was not my mother, but instead a nanny that my mother fired shortly after, insisting that she was brainwashing me or something equally as retarded.

My father had been more of a parent to me than my mother, though our relationship had always been strained too. He was looking for perfection too, and well, he got me instead.

Nothing I did was ever good enough for Joseph, and maybe that's why I am the way that I am. Guess I just didn't get enough love at home, and all that stupid crap psychiatrists worry about. He'd trade me in for Caleb any day, I was sure of it. Caleb was the son he'd always wanted. Me, I was just a troublemaker and a liability most of the time, when we weren't talking girls, sports or vehicles. I just shrugged at the thought, brushing it off, and then poked my head in through the carved, oak door.

"Hey pops." I glanced at the blonde man behind the desk nonchalantly before I flopped onto his leather loveseat in the corner, diagonally in front of his desk.

He looked up, cobalt blue eyes staring back at me. Damn, it was like staring into the future. Of course, my dad (and Caleb) would both agree I'll look twice his age by the time I'm thirty-eight if I keep Using, oh how did they put it? As 'frivolously' as I do. "Reid my boy. Good to see you son."

Wow, looks like they were both ready to play it up for Babylon tonight.

"Sorry, Babs couldn't make it," I told him quickly before he asked about her whereabouts.

"Nonetheless, I'm glad you came for dinner still son," Joseph remarked, returning to whatever paperwork he'd been scribbling on once again.

I stared at him for a minute longer than necessary. He had a point I guess; I could have completely ignored the fact that they invited me for dinner and stayed at the dorms and sulked about not being able to see Babylon all night, but instead I came here. They probably expected me not to show up under a circumstance like this one.

Was that better than brooding over not seeing your girlfriend all night? I don't know. Seemed to make a good impression on Dad though.

Wait a second, what the hell am I thinking? I never brood over girls, girlfriend or not.

Agitated with myself, realizing I was becoming one of those guys, the kind of guys that only ever want to see their chicks and mope around with their phone in their hand, hoping for a text or something.

I hated guys like that.

I mean, what am I, Pogue?

"Where is Babylon, if I might ask?" he questioned putting his pen down once again and looking back over at me.

The reason I never saw my father— his work. It always came first; he had to 'provide' for the family, even though we were one of the wealthiest families in New England. Old money doesn't just dry up. I stood up, glancing at the paperwork before him and then met his gaze.

"She had to work." I didn't owe him anymore than that, but his gaze uncharacteristically softened and my lips loosened. "Her father left her mother a couple of years back. Ms. Arnardottir works nights at the hospital and Babylon works to help her mom out. She's got two younger sisters. And her grandmother. I think she's had some medical issues or something recently," I shrugged, not completely sure of the situation. All I know is she seems to go to the doctor's more than what I'd consider average, but I'd never had the balls to ask in case it was a sensitive topic.

I saw a look cross my father's face that I hadn't seen in a long time. Not since he'd gotten the news about Caleb's father the night of the Putnam Barn fire. It was remorse. I could actually see something other than that over-animated lady-killer who was emotionally unavailable exterior my father usually put up.

"I remember." He shook his head with a tisk. I guess despite everything else, my dad at least stayed with my mom and put up a face instead of abandoning us.

I gave him a small smile. "I like her though. She's great." I fell in to the chair in front of his desk.

"Your mom orchestrated quite a show for tonight," Joseph picked up his writing utensil and glanced up to meet my gaze once again, before dutifully returning back to his work.

"I saw that," I cringed at the thought, looking down at my gloved hands. "She tried to hug me."

I heard a noise come from my father's mouth, it almost sounded like a chuckle. My gaze fell on him and he had one hand cupped around his mouth and his eyes were full of amusement, he was chuckling.

I couldn't help it; I joined in on the laugh.

"I wish I could have seen that," he responded lowly.

"It didn't happen." I settled myself as my father had. "That's just not normal, you can tell her she can cut the theatrics for Babylon, I don't want her to think that something like that is normal behavior for Meredith."

"Reid," Those cobalt colored eyes narrowed on me.

I nodded, he didn't approve of me calling my mother by her given name; though she was more of an acquaintance than a mother.

"Joseph, Reid… dinner is ready!" Her voice interfered in our discussion.

My father placed his pen down again and stood from his seat. He gave me a swift wave of his hand and I lead the way from the study to the dining room. The same dining room that hadn't been used since I was about ten years-old.

I took a seat across from my mother, my father sitting at the head of the table, leaving five empty seats around the rest of the obnoxiously large dining room table. I saw the place setting next to mine was still sitting there; Meredith hadn't had the maid remove it from the table.

"Just incase," Meredith quipped as the butler placed a plate of food in front of her, then my father and finally in front of me.

Yes, the Garwins are pretentious. And everyone wonders where I get it from.

I picked up my fork and knife and began to cut in to the large piece of meat that was sitting on my plate. Silence had fallen over the table and my mother quietly toyed with her small cut of meat. I felt uncomfortable with the silence, I didn't like it.

"So, Regionals are coming up." I cleared my throat a little, taking a sip of the water sitting in front of my plate.

My mother glanced to me, an annoyed look crossing her usually serene (definitely from too much botox) features. My father, on the other hand, looked mildly surprised.

"Regionals?" he questioned, sounding interested.

"Yeah and then if we win, like we will, State…" My lips pursed together for a minute.

"How are you doing with swimming, Reid?" Meredith questioned seeing her husband's interest in their son's extracurricular activities. All his swimming had him maintaining passing grades, and would make up for his laziness and

"Good, I hold the record for my swim…" I replied, not looking at my mother, but to my father.

"Regionally?" He questioned putting his fork down. "Or Statewide?"

"Regionally," I coughed and glanced down knowing that he was probably disappointed. Caleb had the statewide record for Freestyle, and I was waiting for that to be thrown in my face.

"That's impressive, Reid." He nodded his head, picking his fork back up. "When are Regionals?"

I nearly choked on the green bean that was about to find its way down my esophagus. I coughed and took a sip of water to clear my passage.

"Um, in a couple of weeks…" I replied.

Joseph shook his head and looked to Meredith before returning is gaze to me. "Let me know, I'd like to see my boy swim."

I believe my heart just fucking stopped. I cannot believe what I am hearing. Is my father, the forever busy Joseph Garwin, saying that he has time to watch one of my meets? No way, I must have something in my ears.

Absentmindedly I shoved a finger in my ear as if to clear the way for his words. He gave me a small smirk, which rivaled my own, and went back to eating. My mother looked just as shocked as I did, though she only showed it for a brief moment before going back to her emotionless revere.

This was just weird.