Roses and Hooks /// Harry Hook

Chapter 13: Friends in Need

I searched high and low, but I could find no sign of them. Maybe they didn't want to see me anyway. They probably had enough of us royals, and I don't blame them. I decided to leave them to themselves for the rest of the day.

The next morning, I wake up determined to find them and make sure they know that I'm still here for them. I even decide to dress in their colors to show my support. My dress is a dark blue and bright purple ombre that stops right below my thighs. I pull on a white leather jacket and black leather boots with a high heel. I'll at least reach Jay's chin now. I throw my hair up into a high ponytail and put in long dangly lamp earrings. Dress for the girls, jacket for Carlos, and earrings for Jay.

I do my makeup a little different today. I make my eyeliner slightly thicker to make my eyes pop out more than usual, and use my special mascara, which makes my eyelashes longer than my regular mascara does. I put a deep red lipstick on for my signature rose color. Can't go without a little piece to me. I leave my bag in my room because I won't be needing it today. I'm not going to classes, and I'm not listening to what anyone tells me today. I'm here to cheer on my friends and that is all I will be doing.

I run into my brother in the hallway right by the door that leads to the main courtyard where everyone hangs out. I figured that'd be a good place to start as any. He looks at me and smiles.

"I know that look in your eyes, Rose. I'm not even going to try to change your mind. I know I won't win. I did want to thank you for yesterday. You shocked everyone and I think even terrified a few people, but they needed to hear it. After you left, Queen Leah told dad that she likes you. That you have a strong backbone and a deep sense of unwavering loyalty." Ben hugs me and I hug him back. I thought my brother wouldn't approve of what I did yesterday, but as always, he comes through.

Walking outside, we look around the yard for the four people we wanted to see. Ben wanted to apologize for everything. I just wanted to be there for them. No one should have to go through what they did yesterday, and I'm disgusted by us royals. And everyone says they're the bad guys. I roll my eyes. By this point, I think being a villain is the safer option of the two. I eventually see Mal's famous bright purple hair across the yard, and I see the gang sitting at a table talking to themselves. With Audrey and Chad's group sitting directly behind them. There are literally twenty other tables, why did they have to choose that one?

"Hey, I just wanted to see if you were ok." Ben tells them as we walk up. I don't say anything as I sit next to Evie. She lays her head on my shoulder as they all just look at the table. If they don't want to talk, that's fine. I have no problem just sitting here in silence with them.

"Come on, don't listen to anything anyone says." Ben tells them hugging Mal. She chews on her lip as they all just look at each other. I wonder what's going through their heads. Maybe they're thinking about going home. Maybe they just want to keep to themselves. Maybe they're afraid that we'll treat them like everyone else does. Ben sighs before looking at the time on his phone. "Looks, I have to go to a few things, but I will see you later. I promise." He kisses Mal on the cheek and nods at me before walking way.

They look at me and I just look back. If they want a staring contest, I can do that too. I will not let them face this alone. After a few minutes, I raise my eyebrow at them, looking each other them in the eyes.

"If you expect me to get up and leave, then you have another thing coming. I will sit right here with you, whether we talk or sit in silence is up to you guys." I say as I look at them. Mal looks at Jay and Carlos while Evie hugs me. I hug her back and hold her for a minute. She seems to be the more sensitive one out of them all.

"Why aren't you wearing any roses today? That's your thing." Carlos asks me, catching the attention of the others. I smile at them.

"Today I'm your mascot. Want me to cheer you on? I will. Want me to chase people away? I can do that too. Want me to pound certain pathetic bullies into the ground? I will do that one without you having to ask." Though they shake their heads, I can see some amusement dancing in their eyes. "I promised you guys that I'd always be here, and I mean that. I will always be here even when you don't want me to be." Jay grins at me as I give Carlos a fist bump. I grab Mal's hand and squeeze it.