Mafia by Blood (wlw)

16 - Mother?

Mac spent the whole weekend at Charlie's, which wasn't really the plan.  Calling in sick at work was the only way she could avoid facing the managers, especially knowing what she did about their involvement in shady business. The thought of resigning crossed her mind, but she refused to let them win so easily. Despite having incriminating evidence in her possession, she hesitated to take it to the police. Part of her craved an explanation, hoping there was more to the story than she knew. She also couldn't bear the thought of her sister or Noelle facing imprisonment, despite their crimes. She would also put a big target on her back if she sold them out.

"Finally you're well from the flu," Marley smiled when she saw her friend enter the classroom, a few minutes before class started. The flu was the best thing Mac had come up with, she wanted to keep her friend far away from dangerous world she had stumbled into.

"Yes, finally," Mac smiled and plumped down on the chair next to her. Luckily there was no sign of Christina yet, which made Mac exhale. She had barely thought the thought before she came walking hand in hand with Jackson. Mac's jaw dropped. Had they gotten back together? They shared a brief kiss before Christina came smiling into the classroom and gathered with her gang. Mac had not been in touch with him, since she hadn't been to school for a week, and beside, she hadn't worked much either. Mac made a mental note to ask him about Christina later.

Throughout the day, Mac found herself lost in thoughts of Noelle and Charlie. She wanted to ask Marley for advice, but the urge to protect her friend was bigger. Despite spending the weekend with Charlie, nothing had happened, though the temptation had been there. They made dinner together, and cuddled on the couch while binging Harry Potter. After the first night they also slept in the same bed, yet Noelle's presence loomed heavily in Mac's mind. She missed her smell of vanilla and mint. All Mac wanted was to take a bath in that smell. She was so attracted to it it was stupid. But the hatred also grew, to the point where it was difficult to separate the two strong feelings. She was terrified of meeting Noelle again, since Mac knew that Noelle knew she knew.

As the last class of the day was almost over, Mac was unexpectedly summoned by a random teacher knocking on the door to the classroom. Mac followed the teacher to the basement of the school, with no words exchanged between them. Mac felt an uncomfortable vibe coming on and the atmosphere grew increasingly tense as the teacher left her outside the janitor's closet, leaving Mac with a sinking feeling in her stomach. Before she could comprehend what was happening, the door swung open, and she was forcefully dragged inside.

"Noelle?! What—," was all Mac got out before she was forcefully pressed against the wall. Noelle was so close that Mac could feel her warm alcoholic breath from her mouth. The butterflies returned for a brief moment, but disappeared when she realized everything Noelle represented. Madison also became visible behind Noelle, which startled Mac. Two against one. In addition to the fact that both were taller, older and undoubtedly more skilled in combat. 

Mac tried to push Noelle off her, but Noelle gathered her wrists with one hand and held them behind the younger girl's back, making Mac feel vulnerable. Her free hand rested gently on Mac's throat, a silent threat of what could come if Mac resisted. Madison stood by with her arms crossed, and a deadly glare.

Mac was terrified, but tried her best not to show it. She didn't really think they would hurt her, but she wasn't sure anymore. Not the way Noelle held her, or Madison looked at her. The silence that felt like it had lasted for minutes finally ended.

"Tell us what you know," Noelle's demand cut through the tense silence, her hand on Mac's throat no longer offering comfort but reminding Mac of the power she held over the younger girl.

Fury took over Mac's eyes, and the hatred she felt before, only grew. She didn't want to tell her anything, so she didn't, she only stood there in silence, pressed against the wall. Noelle wanted to tighten her grip around the blue-eyed girl's throat, but couldn't bring herself to cause her pain.