Wicked Love

Chapter 9

Mal was just leaning back on her locker, chewing some bubble gum. Her phone beeps, meaning someone just texted her. It was Carlos.

Carlos: "Enjoying the gum I made for you?"

Mal: "Yes, I am. It takes wicked good."

Carlos: "By the way, are you available after school?"

Mal: "Depends. What do you have in mind?"

Carlos: "R.O.A.R. practice. Care to help me train? I know you'd love it."

Mal: "Considering CJ is still out there, I could use some fencing lessons."

Carlos: "Okay. See you then. I ❤ you."

Mal rolls her eyes in response. She didn't text him back. She just puts her phone back in her pocket and blows a bubble.

"I see you've learned how to blow a bubble."

Mal looks to her left and sees Ben.

"How was business at Northern Wei?" asked Mal.

"Lonnie didn't threaten to pull out her sword this time," replied Ben.

"The girl needs a purpose in her life," said Mal. "You really need to talk to her about it."

"So... um... I saw the pictures," said Ben.

"He was just helping me learn how to bowl," said Mal.

"You looked pretty flustered," said Ben.

"Only because this is making me really uncomfortable," said Mal.

"So, how's the whole letting-him-down-easy plan going?" asked Ben.

"Honestly, not so good as of this point," said Mal.

"Jay told me about his plan to spell yourself," said Ben. "Are you sure you don't want to try that?"

"Again, no," said Mal. "But trust me. I got this taken care of."

"I can wait," said Ben.

"Uh, Ben."

Mal and Ben see Audrey walking towards them.

"Why are you talking to the girl who cheated on you?" she asked, crossing her arms.

"Ugh," Mal reacted.

"Audrey, trust me. Everything is not as it seems," said Ben. "You see..."

"Don't bother, Ben," said Mal. "I don't trust her with this."

"Trust me with what? To be your bridesmaid at yours and Carlos' wedding?" sassed Audrey.

All of a sudden, Mal grabs Audrey by her dress and slams her to the lockers, surprising Ben and everyone nearby.

"May I remind you that you posted that picture," said Mal, sounding furious.

"Uh, FYI all eyes were on both of you before I took the picture," said Audrey. "Word was gonna get out one way or another."

Mal's fingers curl into a fist as her arm shook. Ben knew where this was leading to and grabs Mal's arm.

"Mal, please, don't," pleaded Ben.

Mal smacks Ben's hand off her. She lets go of Audrey and walks away. As she walked, her eyes glowed green as she cited an incantation.

"Slipper of glass, shoe of steel, break thy princess' heels," she said softly.

Suddenly, Audrey's heels snapped off, causing the daughter of Sleeping Beauty to fall back, hit her head on the locker, and crash on her right elbow.

"Are you okay?" asked Ben.

"Mal," growled Audrey.

"I'll get the nurse," said Ben. He turns around and sees Aziz. "Please watch over her until I get back."

While Audrey whines in pain, Mal smirks.

- ROTTEN TO THE CORE -

Meanwhile, Carlos was at Remedial Goodness class all by himself, doing some research on his laptop. He wasn't going to be alone for long as the daughter of Evil Queen makes her presence known.

"Hey, Carlos," she greeted.

"Hey," greeted Carlos.

"So, Mal tells me you want to teach her how to fence," said Evie.

"I get practice for the next match and she learns how to defend herself against CJ. Seems like a beneficial date," said Carlos.

Evie grabs a seat and sits down in front of Carlos, smiling.

"Why are you smiling like that?" asked Carlos.

"I have a suggestion for you," said Evie. "It's about your date with Mal."

"What?" asked Carlos.

Evie opens her bag and takes out a folded piece of paper. She gives it to Carlos.

"After you two are done fencing, take her to this place," said Evie. "Trust me. She's gonna freak."

"In a good way or bad way?" asked Carlos.

Evie responds by asking a question of her own. "Do you really love her?"

"With all my heart," answered Carlos.

"Then trust me. You're gonna wanna do this," said Evie.

Evie takes her chair back to her desk. While Carlos unfolds the paper and takes a look at what's written, Evie puts on a mischievous smile on her face.