Tuesday morning at school, all of the seniors were talking about Esmeralda and Holli showing up at Phillip's party the day before. Holli had posted a video on her Instagram of the altercation between Esmeralda and Jasmine and word was circling around social media that there was a feud between the two.

Rapunzel and Esmeralda had become friends back over spring break when Esmeralda helped Rapunzel prepare to lose her virginity to Flynn. Rapunzel hadn't actually talked to Esmeralda since school ended, though. It did seem like Esmeralda had become a completely different person since she became famous, though.

"Morning."

Rapunzel jumped at the sudden voice. She had been so lost in thought, she hadn't even seen Thomas approach her. "You scared the crap out of me!" Rapunzel shrieked, swatting Thomas' shoulder.

Thomas laughed. "It's not my fault you weren't paying attention."

"I have a lot on my mind."

They walked over to her locker. Rapunzel was surprised at first to see Charlotte waiting for her; but then she realized Charlotte was probably there to get her answer.

"Hey," Charlotte greeted.

"I haven't made my decision, yet," Rapunzel told her, as she began working her combination lock.

"Decision about what?" Thomas asked.

Neither of them answered him. Rapunzel hadn't told him about Charlotte's ultimatum, yet.

"I'm actually here to apologize," Charlotte said.

Rapunzel opened her locker and turned to face Charlotte. "You had every right to be angry."

Charlotte nodded. "Yes I did. But, making you choose between cheerleading and the band isn't fair. I know they're both important you; I'm sure we can work something out."

Rapunzel shook her head. "No, you were right. I'm spread too thin. It's just not realistic to think I can maintain doing both. I'll give you my answer by the end of the day."

Charlotte bit her lower lip. "Are we still friends?"

Rapunzel smiled at her. "Of course!"

"Oh, good!" Charlotte hugged her. "I'll see you later."

After Charlotte walked away, Thomas prodded Rapunzel about the conversation. "What just happened?"

"Charlotte came over on Sunday and told me I should choose between the band and cheerleading."

"Is this about you missing the game Friday night?"

"You know about that?"

Thomas frowned. "Well, yeah. I was there. I go to every game to support you. But, you neglected to tell me you weren't going Friday night."

Rapunzel winced. "I'm sorry. I neglected to tell Charlotte, too. I completely messed up."

"You should choose the band."

"Yeah?"

Thomas nodded. "You know I've always thought you should quit cheerleading to focus on your music. You could go a lot further with the band than you could with cheerleading."

Rapunzel got what she needed and closed her locker. She sighed and leaned against it. "I know how you feel, that's why I didn't tell you about the decision I have to make. I need to do this for me and I don't want anyone trying to sway me one way or the other."

"I understand. You won't hear another peep out of me." Thomas pretended to draw a zipper across his lips.

Rapunzel laughed. "Finally, some peace and quiet."

XXX

After Andrina dropped her off at school, Ariel just stood on the sidewalk in front of the doors. She was hoping with the new gossip about Esmeralda and Jasmine, everyone will have forgotten about her. She was still nervous, though. She gripped the strap of her backpack and tried to force herself to go inside, but her feet didn't move.

"Did you forget how doors work?" Ariel looked up at Urchin, who was now standing next to her. He gave her a teasing smile. "You just pull on the handle and they open. Like a magic portal that takes you to last place on Earth you want to be."

Ariel laughed a little. After her talk with Urchin on Sunday, she was actually feeling better than she has since she found she was pregnant. "Thank goodness you told me. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come along."

"You probably would have continued to just stand there until you became a statue and a bird pooped on you."

Ariel laughed out loud. And it felt so good.

Urchin smiled down at her for a moment. But, his smile slowly faded and he cleared his throat, becoming serious. "Would you like me to walk you to your locker?"

Ariel pressed her lips together and nodded. "Please."

Urchin smiled at her again and took her hand. He started walking towards the doors, but Ariel didn't move. He stopped and looked back at her. "What's wrong? Did you forget how legs work, too?"

Ariel shook her head and pulled her hand free. "If they see us holding hands, they'll think we're together."

"If you're still worried about my reputation with being seen with you..."

"It's not that."

After Ariel told Urchin the truth about everything on Sunday, she told him how what she did had made her a pariah at school and that if Eric's friends saw him with her, he'd be outcasted as well. Urchin assured he didn't care about that and he wasn't going to abandon her when she clearly needed a friend.

"It's just..." Ariel paused and nervously chewed on her lip. "I don't want Eric to think I'm dating someone this soon after... everything."

Urchin nodded. "I get it." He opened the door for her and she walked inside.

When they reached the senior hallway, no one really paid much attention to them. Jasmine was at her locker, and all eyes were on her. Still, Urchin stayed with Ariel until they reached her locker. Ariel was immensely relieved there was no graffiti or unpleasant surprises. She gathered her stuff quickly, still eager to get out of the hallway and into the safety of a classroom.

After stopping at Urchin's locker, the two of them walked to Ariel's first class together.

"Thank you for walking with me," Ariel told him.

"My class is just a couple doors down." Urchin pointed over his shoulder. "I can meet you after class and walk you to your next one, if you'd like."

Ariel nodded. "I would like that."

Urchin gave her a reassuring smile. "I'll see you then."

And when the bell rang after first period, Urchin was waiting for her. Urchin walked Ariel to every one of her classes and ate lunch with her. For the first time since senior year started, no one messed with Ariel. She truly didn't know what she would have done if Urchin hadn't come along.