Stolen Kisses, Pretty Lies

~Chapter 15~

"Nine, you've gotta talk to Rep today, she's doing my head in," Lover groaned as we sat down for lunch. "I can't even mention you without her getting all sour."

"I'm sorry, I will," I sighed. "I've got the same class as her after break so I'll talk to her then."

"Is Midnights gonna be there?"

"No, why?"

"She'll be easier to talk to, then. Really has it out for that poor girl."

I nodded with a small hum. "Yeah, I'll talk to her."

Lover chewed a mouthful of her wrap and I heard a voice behind me. I turned around to see Midnights and Folklore walking over to us.

"Hi guys," I waved with a small smile, having to squint due to the sun.

"Nine!" Midnights sat down beside me and opened her tin foiled bundle of chicken tenders. "Guess what."

"What?" I chuckled, her happiness radiating.

"I got an A in history!"

"Oh my god, good job!"

"I've never got an A before, ever," she bit into a chicken tender, her eyes twinkling with something bright and childlike.

"Aw, I'm so proud of you," I grasped her free hand and squeezed it.

Midnights beamed and continued munching.

Much to my dismay, she pushed a chicken tender into my hand, and I gave her a look, immediately passing it back.

"Don't push it," I pleaded. Midnights forced food on me nearly every day now, and I'd begun to resort to purging. It was possibly the worst thing I could put myself through on the daily, but even facing that fear was easier than watching myself gain weight.

While I knew that Midnights was always only doing it out of love and care, I couldn't help but feel myself slowly becoming sick of her always being on me about it.

My girlfriend gave me a disappointed look, and took the tender back, a slight tension now between us.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, almost beginning to tear up out of shame and fear of disappointment.

Midnights shook her head slightly and looked away from me, expression melancholy.

We sat in a calm silence, the only noise being the yelling from the oval and groups of people walking past

"I'm gonna go- toilet," Midnights suddenly murmured, crumpling her lunch rubbish into a ball and getting to her feet.

She was met with a few nods and then exited, walking quickly away.

"Mid?" I contemplated following her, but when I saw her lower her head and lift a hand to her eyes my mind was made up. I got up quickly, feeling a momentary wave of dizziness which I forced off.

I dashed after her, going as fast as I felt safe moving. Midnights slipped into a bathroom, and I followed her inside. Immediately I saw her pacing, breaths racing and face pale.

"Midnights!" I rushed to her side, "what's wrong?"

"Flash- flashbacks," she swallowed, tears beginning to spill down her cheeks.

I nodded, not wanting to question her anymore. "You should sit," my hand grazed her arm and she flinched, causing my heart to ache.

"Sorry," she croaked, to which I shook my head vigorously.

"Don't apologise, just sit down, you're okay," I put a seat down on a toilet and gently guided her into the stall.

Midnights sat down, now sobbing. I bobbed down in front of her, and slowly placed my hand on her knee, which thankfully didn't get a reaction.

"Shhh, deep breaths," I soothed, taking her hand in mine and stroking the back gently.

"Po- Poets," she choked out, and my heart crumbled into pieces.

"I know, I know," I pressed her hand to my lips, kissing her knuckles. "She's okay, Mid, she's okay, and she's here with you."

"N-no, she's dead."

"She's free. And she's right here," I pressed Midnights' hand to her heart. The girl looked at me, eyes bloodshot and wounded. "You're so strong, Mid. Deep breaths."

She nodded and her lips parted as she inhaled shakily. I murmured words of encouragement and continued to caress her hand, pride making my heart swell.

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The rest of the day was smooth, up until PE class. I'd be dreading the lesson all day; the fact it was a double gave me twice the fear.

A meek upside was that my only friend in the class was Reputation, meaning we'd likely have to converse at some point.

I tugged my shoes on, dragging my feet as I unwillingly entered the gym. Our teacher was a muscly man, who had an odd obsession with some popstar.

Taking my place next to Rep, I was met with an unsavoury glance which I ignored. We spread out as we were instructed to begin stretching, and I made eye contact with the girl.

"Rep," I hissed, her eyes flicking toward me before her expression dropped into one of ignorance. "What is your deal?" I asked, frustration leaking into my tone as I demanded answers.

"You wouldn't understand."

I almost chortled. "How am I supposed to understand if you can't humour me with a little information?"

"Maybe if you opened your eyes," she drawled, crossing her toned arms. The majority of our class were still stretching, so I put an arm behind my head and pulled on my elbow in a half-hearted attempt to look productive.

"I'm supposed to be keeping eyes on you at all times so I can sniff out your jealousy?"

Reputation flashed me a glare, which to the trained eye was clearly faux. "I'm not jealous."

"Yeah, and I'm a chicken. Once it got pointed out to me it's been very obvious."

I got no reply. "Rep, you've got no reason to be jealous,"

"Yes I do! Ever since Midnights fucking appeared, you've been all over her, and its like our entire friendship never existed!"

Her words sent guilt rippling through my veins. I dropped my arms down, slight dizziness giving me the urge to sit down. "I'm sorry, Rep, she's just going through some stuff."

"So you drop me entirely? I'm going through stuff too, I need you, Nine," her voice flickered with hurt and the guilt gnawed at me.

"I'm sorry. I didn't realise at all what I was doing, I won't do it again," I rested a hand on her bicep. "What will it take to earn forgiveness?"

"Just be my friend again."

I smiled slightly and pulled her into a hug. "Of course."

~~

Bruhhhhhh why are vampires so hot. I want one.