The Calm Before The Storm

[Auradon Prep. 8:45 am]

Evie's POV

The next morning arrived. We got up and got ready for the school day. After Mal and I ate breakfast, we noticed we had some time left over. So we went for a little walk around campus. As we took our walk and enjoying the beautiful morning, we noticed more fish posters around. We stopped and looked at a poster of a tuna that was attached to the side of a building.

"This doesn't make any sense. Who would do this? Who would waste paper like this?" I asked.

"Well, Auradon has everything it needs." Mal said.

"Yeah, but this can't last forever." I said.

We walked to the school's main entrance and walked inside the massive castle. We noticed a bunch of students standing around the tourney trophy case. We walked up to them and couldn't believe what we were seeing.

"Oh my god." I said.

"I knew this was going to happen." Mal said as she laughed.

Someone has turned the glass trophy case box into a full blown freshwater fish tank with real fish swimming around. Like literary. It takes a lot of work to do something like this, and I can't believe someone or some people pulled it off overnight. Because it was not like that yesterday after school.

"Mal, be honest, and I know you are, but I have to ask. Did you have anything to do with this?" I asked.

"No, Evie, I swear. Cross my heart." Mal said.

"Okay. I just want to make sure." I said.

"I swear I didn't."

"Okay, baby. I believe you."

We kissed a few times. The kisses felt so good, we both moaned quietly to each other as we kissed some more. Afterwards, we left to walk to our lockers. But along the way, Ben approached us.

"Good morning, Mal. Good morning, Evie." he said.

"Hi." Mal said.

"Good morning." I said.

"May I talk to you both in my office?" he asked.

"Um, sure." Mal said.

"Yeah, no problem." I said.

Mal's POV

We followed Ben to his office. I figured the only reason he would call us in, is to talk about me. And I was right, like the last time he called us in.

"Now, Mal. I'm growing very concerned about you. I understand you are having some difficult times. Is there anything I can do to help?" Ben asked.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked.

Ben sighed.

"Ben, what's going on?" Evie asked.

"You both seen the new fish posters around campus? And the trophy case?" Ben asked.

"Yeah, we seen them." I said.

"Well, we finally know who's responsible." Ben said.

"Well that's good. This craziness can finally come to an end." Evie said.

"Indeed. The people responsible is a group of freshman boys. But I've called you in because...Mal, we know you're involved."

Evie and I had shocked look on our face.

"What?! No, I'm not involved in this fish stuff." I said.

"Mal-"

"She's right. I mean, how could she be? I would know if Mal was involved. Believe me, she wouldn't have been able to leave the room last night without me knowing." Evie said.

"Then you must know." Ben said.

"Know what?" Evie asked.

"Mal was involved with last night." Ben said.

I scoffed.

"Yeah, right. It's true I admire their work, but I was in no way involved with them." I said.

"I'm with Mal. There is no way she was involved. This has to be a mistake." Evie said.

Ben pulled out a laptop from his desk and opened it. On the screen showed a paused video of the school's entrance with a view of the trophy case.

"I thought so too. And I believed it, until I saw this." Ben said.

"What is that?" Evie asked.

"We put up some cameras around campus to catch those people in the act. And not only did we learn who did it, but we captured some disturbing things Mal did as well." Ben said.

Ben pressed the play button and Evie and I watched the video. Like I said, it showed the school's entrance inside where the trophy case was. The video showed the group of boys, five total, opening the trophy case, taking the trophies out, and one boy walking up with some building materials. Ben fast forward the video to where I came in. I was absolutely shocked when I saw myself. I was completely dressed, and I had a can of green spray paint in my left hand.

"Hey, guys." I said to the boys.

"Oh hi! You're Mal! " said one boy.

"I am." I said.

"Wow, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Please. No need to be formal. What are you guys up to?"

"We're going to turn this trophy case into an aquarium."

"Would you like to join us?" asked another boy.

"Sure. Actually, I'd be honored to help you. I admire your work." I said.

The boys were shown cheering and Ben fast forward the video to three hours later, when the trophy aquarium was complete. I looked at Evie, who had her head resting on her hands with her eyes closed.

"Mal, I can't understand why you would help them with that. And worst, why you would lie about it?" Ben asked.

I stuttered. I was at a loss for words. I could not believe this. I don't remember any of that. And that was last night.

"There's one more thing you need to see." Ben said.

Evie looked up as Ben played another video. This one was outside the library building. It showed me spray painting the words "long live evil" on the side of the building. And it also showed me helping the boys put up lots more posters.

"I'm sorry, Evie. But Mal has been lying to you." Ben said.

"Clearly." Evie said.

She got up from the chair and faced the side of the room. I got up and got in front of her.

"Evie, I don't remember doing this." I said.

"You don't? Mal! There is proof. They have video evidence of you vandalizing school grounds." Evie said.

"But I don't remember that. I don't remember being there last night. And meeting those boys, and helping them!"

"Just like you don't remember having a temper in your class and at the library yesterday?"

"Yes!"

Evie scoffed. She doesn't believe me. But then, how could she? There is video of me doing what I did. But I really don't remember. I felt really bad as I saw Evie starting to cry.

"Evie, you have to believe me." I said.

"I'm sorry, Mal. But I don't." she said.

"Evie."

"No. I can't believe you. You lied to me. I asked you if you had anything to do with all this. Twice. And you looked me in the face and told me no. You lied to me in my face. You swore you didn't, many times. But you did."

Now I feel like I could cry.

"When were those cameras set up, Ben?" Evie asked Ben.

"Yesterday evening." Ben replied.

"So we don't know prior to last night. But, I can't say I wouldn't be surprised if you weren't involved in this whole fish business from the very beginning." Evie said.

"But, Evie, I wasn't!" I shouted.

"Don't raise your voice at me. It's not even the end of the first week. Not the end of the first damn week, and you have to start causing trouble. Well, this time, it's come back to bite you. Hopefully you'll learn to behave from now on. Because, believe me, your anger issues are hard enough to deal with." Evie said.

I sat back in the chair and started to softly cry. Evie paced around the room, unable to think clearly.

"I'm really sorry it has to come to this. But I felt you deserve to know, Evie. Believe me, I didn't want it this way." Ben said.

"No, it's okay. I appreciate that Ben. She's in your hands now. You're king, and you do what you feel is right. Hopefully Mal will learn this time." Evie said.

Evie grabbed her bag.

"Is alright if I go? I really need to step out and get some fresh air." she said.

"Yes, go ahead." Ben replied.

"Evie, don't go. Please." I said.

Evie walked over to the door and put her hands on the door handle.

"I'm sorry, Mal. But I have too. This is too much stress for me. I still love you, Mal. I really do. It's just I'm very disappointed in you right now."

I shouted Evie's name as she left, but she didn't come back.

Evie's POV

I softly cried as I walked down the hallway in the administration building to the outside. I rested against a wall and tried to get myself together. But it hurt me that Mal lied to me. I kept thinking that maybe I'm being overly dramatic about this, but I couldn't shake off the feelings I was having. After I arrived at science, Mr Deley asked me where Mal was and I told she was with Ben. But no more. However, I was miserable during my classes up to lunch. A feeling I have not had in a long time.

Mal's POV

Lunch time arrived and I was allowed to eat at the cafeteria, but only supervised by a school staff member. I felt like I was a prisoner. Being escorted from place to place. I felt innocent. But I guess I wasn't. Even though I have no memory of last night. The last thing I remember is falling asleep next to Evie. I don't remember getting up and getting dressed and walking to the school campus. None of that. But it didn't help me. No matter how much I emphasize it. No one believes me.

My supervisor, as I'm calling it, allowed me to roam freely in the cafeteria, but is blocking the door so I can't escape. Not that I would. Not without Evie. I looked around and saw Evie at a table. I quickly walked over to her and saw Audrey sitting by her.

"Hey, Evie!" I said.

Evie looked at me, unamused by the sight of me.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"And how did you get away with what you did?" Audrey asked.

"I didn't. I got detention for the rest of the day." I replied.

"That's it?" Audrey asked.

"For now. Ben will call me up tomorrow morning before first period to discuss my punishment. Wait. Evie, you told her?"

"I had to. I needed to talk to someone. And Audrey is the first person I thought of." Evie said.

"I hope your punishment will be more dire than the last." Audrey said.

I scoffed at Audrey.

"Evie, may I talk to you? Alone?" I asked.

"Whatever you want to say, you can say it in front of Audrey. She knows everything." Evie said, leaning back and crossing her arms.

Sadness struck me again. I felt like I was unable to speak.

"Well? Out with it." Evie said.

I still was unable to speak.

"Come on, stop wasting her time." Audrey said.

"Never mind. You wouldn't listen." I said.

"I'm listening right now." Evie said.

"You wouldn't believe me." I said.

"What? You don't remember?" Evie asked.

I sniffed and walked away. I walked into the bathroom and cried quietly in front of the mirror. I then wiped my tears as I heard a toilet flush. I straightened my hair and looked normal as possible when I saw a stall door open. It was Lonnie.

"Hi, Mal!" she greeted cheerfully.

"Hi, Lonnie!" I greeted back, as cheerful as possible.

I thought I did a good job, but Lonnie instantly saw through me.

"What's wrong? You look like you've been crying." she said.

I scoffed.

"I wasn't crying. It's just allergies." I said.

"Everyone says that. Now come on. We're best friends. You know you can talk to me." she said.

I sighed and felt okay with it. I look around the bathroom real quick to make sure we were the only ones. After seeing we were, and as Lonnie washed and dried her hands, I told her a quick summary of what happened this morning.

"And you don't remember any of it?" she asked.

"No. And what's worse is Evie doesn't believe me. Now, I'm not denying that I helped those boys, because clearly I did. But I'm telling the truth when I say I don't remember. And no one believes me."

"I believe you." Lonnie said.

That was unexpected.

"What?" I asked.

"I believe you. It's simple. You have memory loss, Mal. A condition that is quite unfortunate." she said.

"How do you know?"

"It happened to some many people where I'm from. Even my mom. In battle, or practicing, their head would sometimes get hit by something hard. Which causes temporary memory loss." Lonnie explained.

"But I didn't hit my head on anything recently." I said.

Lonnie felt my forehead.

"Yeah, you don't have any bumps." she said.

"It's a sound theory, Lonnie. But, I don't know." I said.

It was indeed a sound theory. But it wasn't an injury that caused me not to remember. Or do the things I did.

"Well, nevertheless, I believe you. And I'm here for you."

"Thank you, Lonnie. That means a lot to me. You've been there a lot for me."

"And I always will. You're my best friend, Mal. Even like a sister to me. I'll always have your back."

Hearing that made me start to cry. But tears of joy. Lonnie pulled me into a tight hug and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I smiled as I really needed that.

"I'll tell you what." she said after the hug.

"What?" I asked.

"How about we hang out after school today? I need to set up the gym for a Swords and Shields team practice for tomorrow. How about you meet me at the gym afterschool and you can help me set things up? It's something you and I can do together."

"Sure, I'd love too. Thanks, Lonnie." I said.

"You're welcome. Have you eaten yet?"

"No."

"Neither have I. Shall we eat together?" Lonnie asked.

"Sure." I said. We walked out of the bathroom and walked to the buffet table and got some sandwiches, fruit, juice and some chocolate candy. I looked at my supervisor as my supervisor looked at me.

"Is that your escort?" Lonnie asked.

I sighed.

"Yeah, unfortunately." I said.

Lonnie did the best she could to get me to enjoy my lunch and the time I was having with her. After we ate, and the bell sounded off, we both hugged each other and gave each other a kiss on the cheek.

"Remember: gym, afterschool." Lonnie said.

"I won't forget." I said.

We hugged one more time.

"Bye, Mal."

"Bye, Lonnie. Thank you."

Lonnie smiled and waved before leaving the cafeteria. I was in the detention room for the rest of the day. But the thought of being with Lonnie afterschool and her believing me kept me going. One thing I didn't understand, she didn't seem upset that I vandalized the school and helped those boys. I'll have to ask her that later. Before I'd forget, I sent Evie a text telling her that I won't be at the dorm afterschool for I was going to be with Lonnie.

"How do I know you're not lying to me?" Evie said.

"You can ask her to confirm if you'd like." I said.

It was a few minutes before I got a reply.

"Fine. Just don't tick her off too."

I imagined Evie directly saying that to me and it made me sad.

Evie's POV

Mal and I never spoke to each other again for the rest of the day. When school was over, I went to my locker to put some things away.

"How are you doing?" a female voice asked.

I turned and saw Audrey.

"Oh, Audrey. I'm, I'm alright." I said.

"Are you?" Audrey asked.

"As well as I can be." I replied.

"Yeah. I hate to see you upset. Come to think of it, I don't think I ever seen you upset before." Audrey said.

"I never really had a reason. Until now."

I closed by locker and picked up my bag.

"How about you come over to my room right now, and I'll make us some tea to help you relax?" Audrey said.

"I don't know, Audrey." I said.

"Please, Evie? You're under a lot of stress. And you know it's not good for you. I promise you won't regret it. Plus, I'll make you some more of my delicious cookies."

I laughed.

"You had to bring that up?" I asked.

Audrey smiled and shrugged.

"Alright. Let's go." I said.

Audrey put her arm around me and we walked to her dorm room.

Mal's POV

As I was walking to the gym, I kept checking my phone. Throughout the day, I checked my phone for any messages from Evie whenever I got the chance. I miss her very much, and I wished she would talk to me. I opened the double doors that were at the building's entrance. I jumped when they slammed shut. After walking a little more, I saw Lonnie.

"Hey." I said.

Lonnie smiled as she looked at me.

"Mal!" she exclaimed.

She ran up to me and hugged me.

"I'm so glad you're here!" she exclaimed excitedly.

"Me too. Thanks for inviting me." I said as I hugged her back.

"Of course!" Lonnie said.

We spent about an hour moving things around and cleaning up the gym. As I was moving a box of masks around, the door was heard opened and we saw Chad walk in. I wasn't bothered by the sight of him since he doesn't bother me anymore.

"Hello, Chad. What are you doing here?" Lonnie asked.

"I left my gloves behind. I came to get them." Chad said.

"Okay. I think I saw them over there." Lonnie said, pointing in a direction by me.

Chad looked that way and saw me.

"Oh great. I didn't know that was going to be here!" he said.

"That?" I asked.

Chad walked a little closer to me, but still kept his distance.

"Yeah, you." he said.

I glared at Chad. But this was the last thing I remember for a couple minutes. I wasn't told what I did until after the fact. It started with my eyes glowing bright green. And it freaked out Chad and concerned Lonnie. I walked over to where Chad's gloves were and picked them up.

"Let me show you what "that" can do." I said.

I ran up to Chad and threw his gloves right at him. Chad barely caught them and looked horrified as I was standing in front of him.

"Don't ever disrespect me again. Or I will hurt you. Badly." I said.

Chad nodded and ran out of the gym. That was the end of my little manic episode and I returned back to normal.

"Mal?"

I jumped when Lonnie's hand touched my shoulder. I turned around and saw her step back with her hands up.

"Oh, hey, Lonnie." I said.

"Are-are you okay?" she asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

I looked around the gym.

"Where did Chad go?" I asked.

Lonnie looked puzzled.

"Um, you just scared him off. You were...well...not yourself." she said.

"What are you talking about? What did I do?" I asked.

"Your eyes. They were glowing bright green, and you threw his gloves at him and told him you would hurt him if he ever disrespected you again." Lonnie said.

I rubbed my forehead trying to remember. It just happened, and I can't remember it.

"You don't remember, do you?" Lonnie asked.

I sighed and nodded.

"No. I can't." I replied.

Lonnie held my hands and looked at me.

"Mal, I think I know what's going on with you." she said.

"What?" I asked.

"I think you're under a spell."

I stood there, confused.

"A spell?" I asked.

"It only makes sense around here. Not all the time, but certain times." she said.

"But how?" I asked.

"I don't know. But I'm worried about you, Mal."

"But if that's the case, then that explains why I couldn't remember yesterday's and last night's events. And why I did the things I did. Because I would never truly do them."

"Something is influencing your actions and behavior."

"I have to figure out what it is. But I should tell Evie." I said.

I took out my phone and was about to call her, but I stopped myself.

"No. She wouldn't believe me. She would just tell me I'm making things up." I said.

I put my phone away and looked at a window.

"I'll help you, Mal." Lonnie said.

"I know, Lonnie. Thank you. But let's continue our time together. I'll think about this later." I said.

"Are you sure?" Lonnie asked.

"Yes. I'll be alright. I think. Besides, if whatever just happened happens again, I'll have you not only as a witness, but also one to stop me. I know I can count on you." I said.

Lonnie gave me a hug.

"You sure can." she said.

The rock from the mountain is what's causing me these little episodes. Only we didn't discover that until a few days later. After more damages were already done. After we finished setting things up, Lonnie invited me to her dorm. I didn't really want to, for I was afraid I would do something, but Lonnie said it'll be okay. So I willingly went along with her.

We arrived at her dorm room a little later. We passed mine and Evie's along the way. Lonnie asked if I wanted to see Evie, but I told her no because I didn't feel quite ready to see Evie. Not that I couldn't anyway since she wasn't there. Only I didn't know that until later. I was impressed on how Lonnie had her room set up. Signs were obvious that she likes hip hop, but there were also some posters of chinese writings that intrigued me.

Lonnie told me more about her and her family and where she grew up. She told me some things I never knew about her and I told her a few things about me. We later had dinner together and just hung out. However, I fell asleep in her bed and woke up a couple hours later. It was dark outside and I panicked.

"Mal, it's okay. You're alright." Lonnie said.

"But I fell asleep here and-"

"Mal, relax. It's okay." Lonnie said.

She had me sit down and breath.

"You needed the nap, Mal. You had a rough day." she said.

"Yeah. I do feel a little better." I said.

"There, see? Now, I was about to have some ice cream. Would you like some?" she asked.

"Um, sure. That does sound good." I said.

Lonnie walked over to a small refrigerator and took a tub of ice cream out. She grabbed two bowls and filled them, and lastly got two spoons and walked back over and sat next to me.

"Here you go. It's strawberry." Lonnie said as she handed me the bowl.

I laughed.

"You know I like that." I said.

"I do." Lonnie said.

We spent a few minutes quietly eating our ice cream. After having another bowl, Lonnie put the tub back in the mini fridge and sat back down next to me. It was then something went off in me. Not more memory loss, but something else. I looked at Lonnie with admiration and couldn't help but feel what I was feeling.

"You know, I don't think I ever told you this, but you're beautiful."

"Oh! Well, thank you, Mal. You're beautiful too." Lonnie said.

"No. I mean, you're really beautiful." I said.

I took Lonnie's hands and held them close to me and looked into her eyes.

"I love your brown eyes. They're so nice." I said.

"Oh, um-"

"No need to say anything. Just be pretty for me."

I let go of Lonnie's hands and felt her thighs. Then my hands went to her sides. Lonnie looked at me with a very confused expression. Everytime Lonnie tried to say something, I hushed her.

"You have a nice shape. And a cute face." I said.

I cupped her face in my hands and leaned forward and kissed her on the lips. After the kiss, I left Lonnie completely shocked.

"Mal." she said.

"Shh. It's okay, E. No one will know." I said.

I pushed Lonnie down and almost got on top of her, when she grabbed me by my arms.

"Mal, stop, please." Lonnie said.

I didn't. When I went to kiss her again, Lonnie pushed me off of her. She tried to push me to the other side of the bed. But instead, I lost my balance and fell off the bed and onto the floor. It was then I snapped out of it and realized what I had done. I quickly got up and gasped.

"Oh my god. No." I said.

I walked backwards in the room until I hit a wall. Lonnie got up and walked towards me.

"Oh my god. What have I done?" I said.

I fell to the floor and started crying. Lonnie kneeled down to me.

"Mal. It's okay, sweetheart. It's alright." she said.

"No it's not. I kissed you. Against your will. God, I was just like Audrey!" I said.

"Audrey?"

I felt really disgusted with myself.

"Yes. She tried to make a move on Evie, except she didn't. But I made a move on you. I'm so sorry, Lonnie. I really am." I said.

I cried even harder as Lonnie held me in her arms. She rubbed my back and shushed me.

"Relax, Mal. It's okay. It's okay." Lonnie said.

After a couple minutes, I was able to get myself under control. Lonnie grabbed some tissues and sat on the floor next to me.

"I noticed what you called me." Lonnie said.

"You what?" I asked.

"What you called me. You called me 'E'. Isn't that Evie's nickname to you?"

"Yes."

"I don't blame you for doing what you did. You miss Evie a lot. Don't you?"

I sniffed and wiped my tears with a tissue.

"I do. Very much." I replied.

"Then go to her." Lonnie said.

"Go to her?"

"Yes. Go back to your room. Cause I'm sure she's there. Go back and talk to her. I'm sure you two can work things out. Your love for each other is very strong. And I know you both will be okay."

I nodded and got up.

"You're right, Lonnie. I'll talk to her. It may be a long talk. But in the end, we'll make up. We always did." I said.

Lonnie stood up.

"Atta girl." she said.

I gave Lonnie one last hug.

"Thanks so much, Lonnie. For everything." I said.

"You're welcome, Mal. Anytime." Lonnie said.

Lonnie walked me out and we waved to each other as I began the walk back to my dorm room.