𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦// 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐎𝐂

𝐢

The unpleasant sound of the alarm woke Rachel from her dream. She slammed her hand down on the clock and rolled over, hoping to go back to sleep. No use. The female laid on her back, not realizing that she was at the end of her bed, causing her to fall onto the floor.

"Ow...." She groaned. "Well...that's a great start to my day.

Rachel got up and rubbed her head, tossing the covers that went down with her, back onto the bed and walked out of her room and downstairs to make herself some breakfast. Rachel's brother Jake was already at work and her parents were out so it was her. Again. The female got ready and headed to the bus stop.

It takes 20 to 30 minutes from her family's home in Queens to the Middle School Rachel was currently attending. This was her last year there so she was in 8th. She left late and got to school right before the bell rang. It was easy to slip into class since the female was the shy one and didn't talk much. Plus it helped that she was small for her grade. Time passed and soon it was time for lunch.

Rachel sat down in the cafeteria at a table in the back. Some other kids joined the table but she didn't include herself in their conversation. The girl just left and walked to her locker where she found herself in the presence of Brie. The leader of her so-called popular group.

"Well, look who it is. Raybird." Brie said as she put on a fresh layer of lip gloss.

Ray ignored her and continued getting her books for her next two classes.

"Hello? I'm talking to you. Don't you know it's rude to ignore people?" Her little bratty voice whined.

Rachel closed her locker and locked it before looking at Brie. What do you want now?

Her face turned all serious and she got into Ray's. "I deserved that spot on the team. You didn't work half as hard as I did. I can't believe the coaches chose some lowlife like you over me." She tossed her hair behind her.

The female looked at Brie and stayed silent. Before she could say anything more, Rachel felt an arm wrap around her.

"No she didn't work half as hard as you. She worked even harder. And I don't blame the coaches for choosing her over a bratty little bitch like you." Charlie said as she stood up to Brie.

Brie just huffed and walked away, glaring at us both. Thank you lord for sending Charlie to my rescue! Charlie was Ray's best friend. Who was also taller than her. Charlie looked down at her best friend and smiled.

"You need to learn how to stand up for yourself Ray."

She shrugged. "Maybe I will someday..." Ray spoke quietly.

Suddenly the bell rang. It's loud noise caused the tiny one to jump and make a little squeak.

"C'mon. Let's head to class. Don't want to be late...again" They both laughed and headed off.

The rest of the day was good and Ray walked with Charlie to her house after school. They always did this and sometimes Ray would stay over at Charlie's house. Charlie wasn't just her best friend but like a sister. They were as close as friends could get. But she had a secret that only Ray knew. Charlie was involved with a gang that did money laundering and drug deals and other stuff like that. Rachel worried about her when she snuck out of the house most nights. Sometimes she would bring her along with her if it was a quick little meet up. Ray didn't mind. But sometimes the men would get too "fresh" and Charlie would have to tell them to back off.

"Ray I need you to cover for me tonight." She said as she packed a backpack.

Charlie's best friend looked up at her and sighed. "Again? This is like the 4th time this week and I'm running out of excuses to tell your mother. And I think she's getting suspicious."

"It's not like I have a choice. My mother is too drunk to support herself and me...Plus my father is dead. I don't like being a street walker but it pays good. Better than a regular job."

Charlie also looked older than 13. Which meant she got different clients than other girls.

"F-Fine...I'll cover for you..." Ray said reluctantly, setting down the sketchbook she was holding.

Charlie smiled and hugged her. "I owe you big time." She let go. "Alrighty I'll be back later tonight. I'll text you when I'm on my way back."

"Yeah. You do owe me big time. And alright. Be safe." Rachel accepted the hug when she got it.

They both laughed quietly and she watched as her best friend opened the window and sneaking out. Ray looked at Charlie's cat and stroked it's black fur.

"Welp...looks like it's just me and you again Midnight..." The tiny female whispered, picking up the cat and setting him in her lap.