BEASTLY || CHASE STEIN (EDITING)

chapter fifteen

“Hey, I think I saw a Kardashian. Definitely recognise the butt,” Molly says excited as she keeps looking in the same direction making Garfield follow her eye trail.

“What where? I wanna see.” Garfield whines as he searches for at least one of the notorious kardashians as all the girls roll their eyes.

“The red carpet is just another commodification of the so-called beauty industry and fashion designers who exploit garment workers and promote negative body images,” Gert rambles changing the topic.

“Gert, you look great and I know for sure that everyone is impressed by your outfit choice.”

“I guess one step-and-repeat wouldn’t hurt.” Gert says, making Molly and Garfield smile proudly.

The group had formed together as they watched from a distance as their parents were being crowded by photographers and got their pictures taken besides the model of the school they were building.

“It’s revolting,” Alex softly spoke so only the group could hear, changing the subject. “Not your dress Gert as you look pretty, I mean..I’m referring to how I can’t believe everyone here thinks our parents are some huge heroes.” The group nodded uncomfortably, watching as the paparazzi took multiple snapshots of PRIDE. The surrounding people showered the adults with such admiration and applause, which made Garfield think of the scene of Destiny being lowered into that mysterious box.

“Everyone thinks our parents are the heroes,” Chase shakes his head disgusted by the proud smiles the parents all collectively wore.

“Not after tonight,” Nico mumbled coldly as Garfield nodded, relieved that this nightmare was soon to be over.

“I hope they savour the last bits of the luxurious lives they lead while they still can, bet your prison doesn’t have foie gras or hors d’oeuvre. It’ll be the last fun they’ll be having for a while,” Gert sneers as she gives the parents a dark glare.

“If they go to jail it’ll be hard to talk to them, right?” Molly asks, trying to mask her bubbling worry with the implications of Catherine Wilder going to prison.

“I’m not too worried,” Karolina says as in that moment she wanted nothing to do with her lying murderous mother.

“It’s not as if our parents have a say in it anyway.” Garfield concludes, scanning the crowd for his own Mothers’ rich and luscious waves hoping she showed up for the event she usually tried to force him too.

●□◇□●

As the teens found somewhere to quietly go over the plan once more to make sure everyone knew what they were doing, Garfield’s mind seemed to wander to random things from homework to how many pens he’s got in his desk to how pretty Chase’s smile was.

“Garfield,” Chase whispered softly, taking him aback as he whirled around to face him in confusion, realising that he’d slipped by him without even noticing. “Woah, didn’t mean to startle you,” he snickered, chuckling under his breath as Garfield playfully shoved him, narrowing his eyes in feigned annoyance.

“I just wanted to know if you were okay? And if not..maybe  you would like a distraction..like having a drink?” Chase asked hopefully, offering him a small smile as Garfield looked over his shoulder at where his Mother was, now talking with Mr Wilder. “Unless..you need to talk with your mom?”

“Yeah..that’s a no, I'm a fan of ignoring the problem till it’s not a problem anymore which she won’t be if tonight’s plan works,” Garfield sighs, shaking his head in frustration. “But before I can have a drink with you I’m a go find glow stick,” Garfield added curtly before Chase could guide him away from the party to who knows where, Chase rolling his eyes mockingly in response, “You gonna join me after though right?”