Echoes of Wonderland

I'm hooked

Chloe's POV

What the heck was that? 'Ravishing and guarded.' What did she mean by that? I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled that Red has my back. I look out for her too, but this felt... different.Red's been sending me all kinds of mixed signals lately. First, there was the pause before defining us as 'friends', then the whole 'You'll have to make it up to me' tension and that intense stare-down, and now she's acting all protective of me?

I've definitely thought about her in a different way before. Sometimes I catch myself seeing her in a new light, but I've been too confused to acknowledge it. She's just so perplexing. She always knows exactly what to say when I'm having a meltdown, and somehow, she always finds a way to calm me down. It's like I start feeling better the moment I see her. She's been working hard on herself, trying to be a better person, which I think is unnecessary because she's perfect as she is. But I admire her dedication to self-improvement.Lately, she's been showing interest in things I love, like reading and horseback riding. And then there are those small, meaningful touches: a hand on my shoulder, a gentle nudge at my waist to move me aside, or that knowing smile we share when our eyes meet in silence. And the hug. I can't explain the butterflies that flutter in my stomach. It was warm, cozy, unexpected, but so incredibly sweet. It felt like... it felt like home.

The sharp blast of the coach's whistle pierces through the air, scattering all my thoughts. The game starts, and Red and I, along with our team, sprint toward the middle of the field to grab the ball before anyone else. The court quickly turns into a chaotic battlefield, with players dropping out one by one as they're eliminated. Before long, it's down to just Red and me against Uliana, Hook, and Morgie.The tension in the air is palpable as Morgie accidentally steps over to our side of the court, eliminating himself and leaving us in a 2v2 standoff. Red's focus is unwavering as she aims for Hook, hurling the ball with precision. His reflexes fail him; his hair falls into his eyes, blocking his view. Just as the ball is about to hit the ground, Uliana's tentacles lash out, catching it in midair. Her sticky oceanic limbs grip the ball tightly, and with a surge of power, she flings it straight toward me, aiming for my head.

- Hey, that's not fair! - Red yells, rushing toward me.

The impact knocks me to the ground, and as my vision blurs, all I see is Red's concerned face before I drift out of consciousness.

-----

I awaken in my dimly lit dorm room, the pain in my head and neck a relentless throb. My vision swims, and I feel dizzy.

- Red? - I call out weakly, trying to sit up.

- No, no, stay down, alright? - She says gently, placing a pillow under my head so I'm not lying flat but also not sitting up. - You've got a concussion.

- What time is it? It's dark, - I ask, noticing the night outside through the open blinds.

- Yeah, you were out for a while. It's like 5ish, - Red replies. - They gave you something for the concussion that makes you sleepy.

- You haven't changed out of your gym clothes, - I notice, and then my gaze shifts to the cut on her cheekbone. - Wait, is that a cut on your cheekbone?

- I just got back from detention. I haven't had time to change, - Red says, avoiding eye contact.

- What happened to your face? - I ask, my worry growing.

- It's nothing. I've had worse. Don't worry about it, - she replies, trying to sound nonchalant.

- Red, tell me what happened, - I insist, my voice firm.

Red takes a deep breath, her eyes momentarily closing as she gathers her thoughts.

- After you lost consciousness, you were taken to the nurse. I was waiting outside, and then the VKs showed up and started making fun of how you fainted because of dodgeball. So, I went up to that evil little pirate and hooked his face.

- Hook did that to you? - My heart sinks as I realize she got hurt because of me.

- No, this? - She gestures to the cut on her cheek. - Maleficent tripped over Morgie's foot and one of her horns scratched my face. They didn't get a chance to retaliate because Head Master Merlin stopped them. He threw Uliana, Hook, and me into detention. Them for hurting you and me for fighting back, which I think is really stupid and unfair.

- Red, why would you do that? I don't want you throwing punches at people because of me.

- They were looking for trouble, and they found it! - Red says, a defiant gleam in her eyes. - If Merlin hadn't shown up, I would've taken them all down.

- No, Red, you could've gotten hurt too, maybe even worse than I am right now! - The pain that once overwhelmed me fades as I rise from the bed, my voice firm. I step closer to her, my heart aching. - I don't want you getting hurt because of me, getting in trouble, or hurting someone else just because you feel I need to be protected!

- But you do, Chloe! - Red's voice softens, her gaze dropping to the floor. - You need to be protected. That's the whole reason we're here in the first place, so I don't lose you! I could never lose you, Chlo.

The sound of her calling me 'Chlo' makes butterflies erupt in my stomach. I struggle to focus, pushing aside my own feelings because she's clearly hurting.

- You're not going to lose me, alright? I'm right here, and we still have time to figure out what to do about your mom and my parents. - I gently place my hand on Red's cheek, lifting her face so our eyes meet. I've never seen her so vulnerable, and it breaks my heart. - We'll be more careful. You try to stay out of trouble, and I'll avoid anyone who's bad news.

- Alright, - Red agrees, her voice barely a whisper.

- Let's go get something to eat. It'll make us feel better, okay? - I suggest softly, hoping to lighten the mood without startling her.

- Yeah, let's go.

As we leave our room and head toward the school cafeteria, Red's expression shifts, as if she's putting up a wall to hide her feelings. I feel a pang of confusion, unsure of what to say or do.On our way, we bump into Bridget.

- Oh, hey, girls! Chloe, how are you feeling? I heard you got a concussion in P.E., - Bridget asks with genuine concern.

- I'm all better, just a bit dizzy, but nothing I can't handle, - I reply with a small, grateful smile.

- Good, that's good! Are you girls on your way to the cafeteria? - Bridget inquires.

- Yeah, we were about to grab something to eat and then just relax, - Red responds.

- Oh, fun! I was actually about to cook dinner in my dorm. I've got enough supplies and ingredients for the three of us. Are you up for some mac and cheese? - Bridget's eyes light up with excitement at the thought of us joining her.

- Sure, why not, I'm up for it, - Red says immediately, then looks at me. - You, Chlo?

- Sounds great, - I say, my smile widening.

There it is again, 'Chlo'. God, heavens and stars. Princess Red of Wonderland, you've got me completely hooked.

____________________________________

YEEEEEES

Finally one of them realized their feelings!

Will Red be able to destroy the wall that guards her heart and do the same?
Maybe she'll stop ignoring her feelings.
Does Red even like Chloe as more than a friend?

Let me know what you guys think!