Marie goes around Edward to see why he stopped so abruptly, the new student is in front of them . A beautiful girl , a freshman like Marie . She is quite the eye catcher with her long silver hair , her slim yet strong figure and the most eye catching in the most literal sense , her crimson eyes . Marie just catches a glance of it and immediately feel intimidated by her when she returns the gaze with light yet subtle smile but Marie feels off about it , something doesn't feel right with that smile . The girl turns her gaze at Edward and Marie turns to Edward only see him having a strange yet not pleasing way , he seems to hate what he is seeing but Marie can't be sure of it till .
Edward: I'm gonna dip with Eddy , see you at lunch .
He whispers in her ear before tapping her shoulder then just hurry away . Marie is confused at what she just see as she returns to meet the new student. The girl step forward as she extends her hand for a shake as she introduced herself.
Tessa : My name is Tessa , Tessa Vincent. You can just call me Tess if you like , I don't mind .
The way she speaks is so casual but even so , something doesn't feel right to Marie . She doesn't sense any sort malice behind her words and her body language but yet , the dread doesn't seem to fade away . Even so , she has been tasked and the responsibility of introducing Tessa to her new school is on Marie's shoulders. Marie extends her hand and the two shakes .
Marie : I'm Marie Marion , we can start the tour after our first two periods. I'm sorry you have to go out of your way to find me .
Tessa smiles as she brushes off Marie's concern.
Tessa : It's nothing to be honest . The principal told me you were at the infirmary with a friend . I guess He was that friend, was he not ?
Marie : mmm, he ...
Marie stutters as she can't answer the question of her relationship with him .
Tessa : Or he is much more than that ?
Marie immediately panics at Tessa question to which Tessa chuckle.
Tessa: It's alright, you don't have to tell me although you should consider yourself a lucky girl to have someone so handsome to be your Friend .
Tessa makes these hints to Marie ,indicating she could already guess what they are up to but Marie continues to put on a front, too scare to admit .
Marie : Well , we are just ... mmm... friend.
Tessa : Ok then .
She raise an eyebrows in doubt as she leans in with a grin on her face .
Tessa : I guess we will have a long tour then. Let get to class , I don't want to make a bad first impression.
Tessa turns around and starts walking down the hall to her and Marie first class together. While Marie was walking with Tessa , she notices how confident Tessa is with her surroundings. For someone who is new ,she doesn't seems to be afraid nor intimidated . On the contrary, she is intimidating some of the students here with her fierce aura . Even the sophomore girls are feeling the competition from Tessa . Arriving in class , Tessa immediately goes to the back seat , the one Marie often sits next to , the one belongs to Edward. May be it is just a coincidence in Marie's mind but that unnerving feeling is still very strong .
Edward barges in the hide out , causing Eddy to drop his phone and it hit him in the face as he was lying on the couch . Ed is in class by orders so there is only the older boys are here .
Eddy : Yo , what the fuck man ? I thought you were the principal breaking in Swat style on me .
Edward: Not in the mood , Eddy .
Eddy: Since when you are ever in the mood when we are here .
Edward takes a sit by the desk as he puts his bag down and takes a few breathers as he analyze his problems.
Eddy : Is everything good ? Are we back at it again already?
Eddy turns to his brother , waiting for an answer.
Edward: No , we are good on that but there is something not right here . I can't tell what it is but whatever it is , it's not good for me or anyone we know.
Eddy : Jeez , what tip you off ?
Edward: Does it matter ? Just fucking stay on your toes .
Edward shouts at Eddy before crashing into sleep . Eddy has no ideas what the hell is going on but he listened to his brother and be a bit more cautious with everything. Back at the class , after her self introduction with the homeroom class . The next few hours go by without a hitch as Marie and Tessa weren't bothered by anyone during their study as usually , some girls would pick on Marie as the nerd girl but not today it seems . Reset arrive as everyone packed up their things for a quick break before the final morning class , Marie is packing up her books , so does Tessa .
Tessa : We have 30 minutes before class start so how about that tour , Marie ?
Marie turns to Tessa and smiles.
Marie : Of course , let me pick up my things then we go together .
The two leave shortly after their conversation as Marie introduced the first floor to Tessa . They walk through the halls of classroom and locker as Marie helps Tessa finds her locker . They stops for a moment as Tessa puts some of her stuff inside the locker , bringing only her phone and a small purse . Marie is not a fashionista but she can recognize brand and Tessa purse is a luxury brand item , she doesn't know the price but she can't guess it's not cheap in the slightest. They continue their walk as Marie shows Tessa the library and the computer isle . After they are done with the first floor , they check their clock and see they only have 15 minutes left .
Marie : We can check the stadium and theater after school if you want but I think we should head back to class .
Tessa : Ok , but you haven't really introduced me to any students so far ?
Marie : Well , I'm, I'm not the most popular person here so I only know a few .
Tessa : What about that boy you were with this morning? He certainly is among the top student here when it comes to looks .
Marie : Oh , he is , is ... . He is a friend .
That quick stutter just make it so easy for Tessa to knows how Marie feels about Edward so she presses on .
Tessa : I haven't seen him since morning so where is he if he is a friend of your ?
Marie : He , he has his reason and he doesn't like people getting into his personal life .
Tessa : but you are his friend , isn't that make you someone who is connected to him on a personal level?
Marie stops as she remembers Edward's words , his confession to her . She is very close to him at this point , they have been for most of their lives but never truly is , until now .
Marie : I suppose you are right but he is his own person so I can't really ask him anything.
Tessa : I wouldn't want to ruin your friendship with him so I won't ask further . How about we take lunch together to get to know the students better . After all ,the cafeteria is where most students socialize .
Marie looks at Tessa and sees that same light smile on her face . She wonders did Tessa really needed this tour or she was just fooling around with Marie to get something out of her , or may be someone . The two returns to class and just as they prepare to goes inside, they see Sarah's group of friends sitting around hers and Tessa desk . Marie is confused as she doesn't have any appointment with Sarah which she is awared off , may be Sarah has one with Tessa but since Tessa has been with her all morning so what is it . Marie decided to play dumb returns to her seat , Tessa followed Marie to return to her seat but when Marie asks the group to move to a different place, not only that they refused but Sarah plainly ignore Marie's attempt to ask for help . Marie knows that she can't ask for her seat back from the message that has been sent by Sarah so she opted to move to a different seat but Tessa wasn't gonna have it .
Tessa : Would you moved out of our desks, please ?
Asking nicely to garner their attention , sees how they would react.
Jimmy : I think you guys can just take the seat up front, since Marie is a teacher pet , I think it would fit her nicely .
Jimmy points to the empty desk which makes the others chuckle to Marie's embarrassment but Tessa only smiles deviously at the response as she answers back .
Tessa : But isn't Edward always sits with Marie in the middle , how would he react if he finds out that you not only made fun of his friend but also steal something from him . I'll guess I will have Marie ask him to find out .
The mere mention of his name speak terror to the group as all of them starts squirming before one by one leaves the scene,only Jimmy and Sarah are left as Sarah wants to call Tessa bluff .
Sarah : First off , how can you , a newbie knows Edward and second , what makes Marie has the ability to ask Edward for anything? May be since they have known each other for a long time then i will say may be but I'll say this , you are bluffing if Edward would even come to save Marie from this little charade you are putting on .
The kids around them starts to chatter as doubt begins to set in . They fear Edward but they don't know about Marie's relationship with Edward so they have reason to believe Tessa's threat .
Tessa : Then we will have to find out who is right but one thing would stay the same, Edward wouldn't be happy if you are taking his seat . Only 3 minutes left to test who is telling the truth , want to take that risk ?
The two girls stare at each other , both have the same devious grin on their lips as everyone around stay silent in suspense . Time seems to skip a beat as just after the two stops talking , the bell rings causing the both of them to break the silence . Sarah retreats for now as the teacher comes in . Tessa and Marie gets into their desk .
Marie : Why did you mess with Sarah ? we could have just sit in the back .
She whispers to Tessa while her hands are preparing her books and notes .
Tessa : You can't live in fear and doubt forever ,beside . What can she even do anyway , gossip about me ? like I actually care about that stuff .
Marie : But ..
Tessa: I can take care of myself, Marie . Thank you for your concern .
The teacher starts writing on the board as Tessa turns her attention to the front , ending the conversation . Marie looks over to where Sarah is and the gossiping is already happening. She is terrified as she worries about what could happen to her and her friends . Role car starts and as usual, Eddy and Edward can't be found . Marie worries he might skip the entire day and get into troubles so quietly and discreetly pulling her phone out , she sneaks in a text , asking where Edward is . Meanwhile, at the high out, Edward is just catching up on his hunt for a sweet motorcycle while he suddenly he received a text from Marie . It is quite out of nowhere that he would received a text from her during class hour since she is model student and wouldn't distract herself with activities such as texting ,so out of the picture, something is definitely off but he doesn't want to bother her with his concern for the moment so he told her that he is just not feeling well this morning and just resting with Eddy . Marie smile under her lips as she figured he is just skipping class with Eddy and yet he still concern about her . Not wanting to tell him about what happened just a few minutes ago , Marie just wish him good health then get back to studying . Edward got the text and smile at Marie . He just can't seem to stop loving this girl and for good reasons but his hunch is telling him something is off and it wouldn't be long till he finds out about it . Eddy , who has been just scrolling through social media all morning comes across some gossip about his school, a story about a nerd girl sold her body for protection. He might not be a high grade student but it doesn't mean he is stupid as he immediately figures out the person the gossip is about , Marie . He hesitate to inform Edward as he understands his brother feeling better than anyone so he digs a bit deeper into the story , to may be finds out some small details that can give him a better picture of what happened.
Lunch arrives and Marie messaged Lee and May to meet up for lunch which they all agree to. Marie starts packing up but notices how everyone in class has already disappeared rather quickly. Normally people would rush out to get lunch but the exit was way too quiet which make Marie uncomfortable till she looks over to Tessa who is just casually packing up as well . Marie notices someone is peaking at her from the door but when she turns to look at them , they flee from her sight . Feeling something is not right , she asks Tessa .
Marie : I have a bad feeling about this . Something is not right , don't you think ?
The shakiness in her voice indicates fear which Tessa immediately picks up and scan her surroundings, confirming on the off putting silence around them .
Tessa : May be someone just show their hands , we should be ready as well.
Marie : What ?
Marie is confused at the situation, as she doesn't fully realize the danger she is in .
Tessa : Time to put your friendship on the line , Marie . Call Edward to meet you at the hallway.
Tessa smiles brightly at Marie which terrified her as she stutters to response.
Marie : I can't, he , he is , mm , busy right now .
Tessa tilts her head and leans onto the table , holding on one arms as she elaborate.
Tessa : Marie , if you get it at this point , you will get prank on the moment you step out of that door( point to the main door ) . If you don't call him to come and save you , good luck surviving through 3 more years of high school.
Marie: If you put it like that , guess I have no choice then .
Tessa continues to smile as Marie pulls out her phone and calls Edward.
Marie : Hello , Edward? I was ...
Edward: No need to tell me , you got into troubles and now the cool kids are aiming for you . No worry , me and my brothers are coming for you girls so stay safe . Bye .
That was so fast and so planned that it just leaves Marie even more confused.
Tessa : I guess he will be joining us for lunch .
Just after Tessa finished speaking, ruckus can be heard outside as all the students who have gathered outside the classroom are now walking in droves to the cafeteria till there was no one left . Marie doesn't understand what is going until Edward barges in and walks inside with his brothers beside him .
Edward: Oh hi Marie .
He smiles at her as he waves his hand at her , suddenly all her worries and confusion just disappeared from her heart and filled with joy when she sees his smiles .
Marie : Oh , hi , Edward.
She stutters as she covers her blushing red cheeks , avert her eyes back and forward at Edward.
Eddy : OK, Ed , go buy us some lunch and brings the other two girls to our hide out . Here is the money , now shoo .
Ed : Ai Ai Eddy .
He salute Eddy as he runs right out of the room like a train , disappearing from sights . Edward comfort Marie by patting her on the head which made easy by how tall he is compare to her .
Edward: I got here as fast as I could , what started all of this ?
Marie doesn't want to answers cause she doesn't want to put Tessa in Edward's cross hair or even punishing Jimmy and Sarah for their behavior, she just want this whole ordeal resolve peacefully .
Marie : It was just some misunderstanding, you don't have to worry about it too much. I really appreciate you coming in to help after I called you . I wasn't .
Edward stops her by giving a kiss on the nose . The touch just ignite the fuse that blows everything up inside Marie's heart as she faints down in his arm .
Edward: Was my breath that bad ?
He breathe into his hand and sniff it , finds nothing wrong with it .
Eddy: May be she has more feelings for you than you ever thought . Now get her to our hideout , I will clear the way .
Edward : No , you should brings her to the hideout. I will have a talk with the newbie .
Eddy: Bro , are you already cheating on Marie ?
Edward: No , Eddy . Just make sure she is safe . I'll be there in 5 .
Eddy : Fine , whatever you say man .
Eddy sighs as Edward puts Marie on Eddy's back . Making sure she is secures, Eddy heads off first , leaving Edward with the new girl alone in the room .
Tessa : How much have changed, Edward?
She walks around the room, changing her attention to Edward then the room every few steps . Edward keeps his focus on her with a sense of anger and resentment in his eyes .
Edward: I don't even want to ask who you are since I already know who sent you here .
Tessa chuckles as she stops by a table , sitting on the desk ,legs crossed, body leans back with her arms holding her up . Tilting her head and with wicked grin on her face .
Tessa : Yet you always try to deny who you really are while I fully embrace it , monster .
Edward: Right, by acting , no , my mistake, being a sociopath who have no regard for others than your hellish family.
Tessa : ah ah ah .
Tessa points at Edward then wiggle at him .
Tessa : You are family too , remember? Brother , oh , my mistake, half brother .
Edward glare at Tessa .
Edward: I'm not your brother and he is not my father .
Tessa : Really .
She said it jokingly as she turns her head around , laughing menacingly.
Tessa : Said the numbers of people you sent to the hospital . I doubt father's guard would be enough to take you down with how much combat experience you already have , then again , I can always put you to the test .
Edward: I don't punch girl , even when they are despicable like you .
She laughs again as she leaves the desk and head to the door .
Tessa : don't sleep on that just yet , I'm looking forward to the days when you and me are going to spill blood with our fist . Till then, have fun , big brother .
Edward grunts and curses under his lips as he watches Tessa leaves the room with the same quicken grin from before . Not wanting to linger any further , he leaves as well . Upon entering back to the hallway, he sees Ed coming towards him with Lee and May by his sides , along with a large tray of food for lunch . He waves at his brothers , signaling him to join him at the hideout . When Ed catches up to him , they start walking together. Lee and May asks Edward what is going on but he doesn't answer them directly, just telling them to follow him for their safety . They don't want to cause him any troubles after what they heard earlier today so they keep their silence and walk with him to the hideout. Edward doesn't waste any time as he barge into the room , finding Marie soundly sleeping on the couch in the middle of the room while Eddy is just fiddling on his phone . Lee and May immediately runs towards Marie then formed a half circle around the couch at the front to protect Marie . Lee demanded some answers from Edward who was just done thanking Ed for the run and told him to get some lunch . He direct his attention to Lee as he slowly walks closer to Lee and May with his hands up .
Edward: Just relax , OK? I'm not going hurt any of you . For the moment , it's best that you stay with us for protection.
Lee stills hold the line , a bit doubtful but after what she heard in the cafeteria, there might be some truth to Edward's words .
Lee : Is this something to do with the rumor between you and Marie ?
Edward: I haven't told anyone about what going on between me and her but rest assured, her safety is my top priority. I care about her as much as you girls do .
Lee : So it's true , you and her are together. She always try to hide how she feel about you but i knew she would be with you one day , it was just the matter of when .
Edward: How so ?
The two puts down their arms as the tension eases .
Lee : We can talk about it after lunch since I'm starving right now .
Edward: Of course.
Lee and May makes their ways to the table to grab some food while Edward stays behind and observe Marie who is sleeping soundly on the couch like a princess. Edward goes over to the table as everyone picks up something to eat then start gathering around into a circle to talk things over .
Edward: I think it's best that me and my brothers explain what we know first then when Marie wakes up , we can ask her side of the story . Sounds good ?
He asks Lee and May nicely as he looks over to Eddy and he gives a nod to tell that he is also ready .
Edward: Alright, Marie was rumored to have slept with me which is not true , in exchange for protection.
Lee : Wow , that's not what I was expecting but to be honest but if I heard that , I would believe it, except for the protection part . You two would bang each other by Christmas.
Eddy and May laughs at Lee statement as Edward blushes . Lee chuckle and laughs under her lips along with the others as Edward can't hide his blushes no further . He doesn't lash out against them since at this point , they are friends now .
Edward: OK, with that out of the way . Let go over to Eddy .
Eddy stills laughing and wheezing as he pulls out his phone.
Eddy: OK , I have gathered a list of people who got into spreading the rumors. We can scare them into silent without much trouble since they are lightweight but again , it's that same person who leaked the story about Double D going to the infirmary. They are really good at hiding their tracks and without good evidence, we can't really touch them .
Lee : Why so ? Don't you guys just beat them up and be done with it ?
Edward: Not exactly, we don't pick fight randomly. Usually we do our own things till rival group tries to mess with us then we fight . That way ,we can always claim self defense if those coward ever tried to call the cops . Like with Jake and Zeke , we didn't start those fights . They came to us and starts the war , we don't want to fight but we will if push come to shove .
Lee : So we need proof of they started all this ?
Edward: Correct , we have dirt on some but not all . We can only stop the leak but the crack is still there , it's best that we take things slowly .
Lee and May nods as everyone continues to eat . 10 minutes passed and everyone is just relaxing after eating their lunch , May and Lee are enjoying some games with Ed on the side while Eddy is on his phone , leaving Edward on his own as he needs to go for a quick trip to bathroom. While he was away , Marie starts to wakes up . She rubs her eyes to make blurriness go away as she doesn't recognize her surroundings. Sitting up from the couch , she makes quick glance around the room and immediately spots Lee and May on her left . She let out a yawn as she tries to stand up which cause her friends to spot her as she wobble her way to the table . Lee and May hurry to support Marie , making sure she is OK as they get a bottle of water for her . Rehydrate and feeling the warmth of friends, she feels that she can start asking some questions now .
Marie : Where are we ?
Lee : At the Kanker Brothers hideout .
May : It's not that bad when you sits by the boiler , it's really comfy there .
Lee smacks May at the back of the head for getting off rail .
Marie : Why are we here though ?
Lee : Well , you got into some troubles and your boyfriend came then hide us here .
Marie: Well , I don't want to say Edward is my boyfriend although he is very hot and I would love nothing more than to kiss him right now and...
Marie continues her rambling in her hazy state of mind , not knowing she basically spilling her guts for May and Lee to see .
Lee and May tries not to laugh or even grin how clueless Marie is right now.
Marie : So anyway , yes , I want him to be my boyfriend because he has stolen my heart and I love him .
Lee : You love him?
Lee says it with an raised eyebrows to mock Marie but still she doesn't pick it up .
Marie : Yeah, I love him , I was on the thread before but after what he has done for me and what he said from before . Yeah , I love him , to be more precise , I really love him .
