Fundamental Affair (IILWTE sequel)

Chapter 3: What I Believe

Vivian's P.O.V.

" What's got your face looking like that?" Kim asked after taking a sip of her vanilla shake. We were seated in the food court of the mall. I raised my eyebrow.

" Kim Rivera, was that your way of asking what's wrong?" I joked. Kim rolled her eyes, and Gabrielle chuckled while her eyes never left the screen of her phone.

" Careful there, Rivera. Your bitchy reputation will be destroyed if someone were to hear you." Gabrielle said nonchalantly. Kim turned to glare at her.

" I'll show you how bitchy I can be." Kim growled. It resulted in a snort.

" Great comeback. I'm shaking." Gabrielle shot back in a monotone voice.

" Will you guys stop? For fuck's sake." I muttered. Kim and Gabrielle shared a look of truce, and turned back to face me with questioning eyes. I felt a little uneasy being in the spotlight.

" What's wrong?" They questioned in unison. In any other situation, it would have been comical. At the time, not so much. My eyes averted to the table top.

It had been a couple of days since I saw James' note. Quinn had been acting strangely ever since, and I was growing suspicious. I would catch her staring at the bottom drawer of her desk constantly. I made several plans to open it. If only she didn't keep the damn thing locked. When I asked about it, she naturally brushed it off. I knew then that she was hiding something. Something big.

" Quinn's acting... different." I started slowly.

" What kind of different?" Gabrielle asked curiously.

" Yeah, we can't read your mind." Kim drawled out. Gabrielle glanced at her with an expression that shouted Shut up. I wasn't offended in the slightest. Quite the opposite actually. Kim's cold demeanor meant she cared. In fact, her attitude within our family was tame. If you messed with someone in our family, she'd go bat shit crazy.

" The other day, I found a note from her friend, James. There's something wrong. It was like he knew she would be pissed off, and doesn't expect her friendship anymore." I rambled. Kim raised an eyebrow.

" What did Quinn say when you confronted her?" Gabrielle asked. 

" Never mind that. What I want to know, is why I wasn't informed of this until now?" Kim glared. I rolled my eyes.

" Kim, I love you. I really do, but shut the hell up for a second." I ordered. She huffed, but remained silent. " You should have seen her. She had a full blown panic attack. I thought she was going to faint. I only read a few sentences before she quickly ripped the letter out of my hands." I told them.

" I think she's hiding something." Kim stated. Gabrielle pinched the bridge of her nose.

" I think she is wanting us to reassure her dumb ass." Gabrielle snapped at the blonde.

" Don't I get to give my thoughts on this?" Kim asked sarcastically.

" If it's asked for, go right on ahead. If no one asks for your opinion, keep your damn mouth shut." The brunette quipped.

" Do I get to finish my story or what?" I asked. I was growing tired of their bickering. 

Kim and Gabrielle's relationship was a rocky one. When they first met, the two were at each other's throats constantly. The mere presence of one was enough to send the other out the door. Now, the two were at least civil towards each other. Kim wouldn't admit it, and she'd deny it after she murdered me if I said anything, but she stuck up for the twenty-six year old. It seems like no one could mess with Gabrielle unless they were in the family.