All I Want [Original Story]

Part 1: Chapter 03

"I'm so sorry, Blair," Rachel apologised sincerely. The pair were sitting at one of the many tables strewn about the courtyard. The blonde had her forehead planted against the painted wood. Blair groaned her reply. "I know how much you wanted this." Another grunt. "Want me to walk you home?"

"I'll do that," came a voice from beside the rebel. Glancing to the side, Rachel took in the redheaded girl she knew all too well. "What have you done to her?" She glared daggers into her soul.

Rachel threw up her hands defensively. "Nothing!" she protested. "She's just upset because she didn't get on the Paper."

"And I can guarentee it's all your fault."

"Give me a break, Jules!" Rachel rose to her feet, fury bubbling inside her like a volcano. "Why do you even hate me?"

"You're a bad influence on my brother," Jules retorted, eyes growing a tad bit more narrow.

Leaning forward, hands in pockets, Rachel gave the redhead a sly smile. "Your brother's a bad influence on me." She winked, triggering something in the redhead.

"You arrogant, irresponsible, pathetic piece of shit!" Jules expoloded, Rachel's smirk getting wider and wider with each insult. She pointed an accusing finger in the rebel's face. "How dare you insinuate that-" she cut herself short when she noticed that a certain blonde had vanished. Looking this way and that, she spotted her in the throng of students, heading out of the school gates. "Now look what you've done," Jules huffed, racing to catch up with Blair.

Watching the two friends walk away, Rachel sighed. Maybe there was something she could do to cheer her up?

~~~~~~~~~~

"I'm home!" Rachel called as she entered her home, immediately being greeted by Gizmo. Crouching down, she petted the doggo with a smile, happy to see her furry friend. When she got no response, Rachel lifted her head, only to find her brother leaning so far forward, he was almost toppling off the edge of the sofa; he obviously hadn't heard her.

Kicking off her trainers, the teen crept closer and closer, until...

"ETHAN!"

Squealing, Ethan leapt to the side, but misjudged the distance and landed flat on his arse, on the floor. "Rachel, what the hell!" he whined, his sister cackling like a witch and applauding herself. "I could've died!"

"You sounded like a little girl!" Rachel howled. "That was hella worth it," she finalised, wiping away a stray tear.

"What did you want, Rach?" Ethan asked, politely pausing the videogame and turning to face her.

"When do you have work today?" Rachel asked innocently, resting her elbows on the back of the couch and head in her hands.

Ethan lifted a suspicious eyebrow. "Six," he responded slowly and carefully. "Why?"

"I miss hanging out with you," Rachel replied honestly. "Yanno, just the two of us, not me beating you at Fortnite."

Ethan thought for a moment. He did have some time before he was due at work, and he did need some fresh air. Plus, there's a question he's been dying to ask. "I guess Gizmo could use a walk," he suggested, smiling down at the pooch, whose excitement seemed to quadruple.

Rachel seemed to mimic this excitement with the widest smile. Reaching up on the hooks by the front door, she plucked out Gizmo's leash and collar. Crouching, Rachel removed the dog's bandana and placed the collar securely around his neck, attaching the leash. "Let's have some fun!"

Gizmo barked exstatically.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Dude, throw normally!"