By the time December reached her room, Raven, Brooke, and Serena had already gathered around.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHpAilg4Oe 維尼
"You look like someone punched you in the gut." Brooke commented, unaware of the irony of it.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡAl65uCc5X1 維尼
December felt her lips twitched. "Is it obvious?"8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEqZ3r2PpM 維尼
Brooke stared at December, her eyes wide in surprise before furrowing her brows. "Okay, is that a joke? For the first time, I can't tell."8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKatZKEuNz 維尼
"By the way you said that, I can't even tell if you're joking, Brooke." Serena said lightly.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTQUlsyDBI 維尼
Raven had been observing December; the girl's face was a little pale but she thought there was something amiss with her eyes.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yqVHlnhsY 維尼
"D, have you been crying?"8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtWfb8ApTz 維尼
December looked at her in surprise which fueled the curiosity in Raven. And when her friend didn't answer immediately, she continued, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "This has something to do with you missing classes, right?"8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsWHlDTjAa 維尼
"It's Karen, isn't it?"8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3n9VUWTbl5 維尼
December looked wide-eyed at them, amazed at their quick deductions. "Yes, and yes," she sighed. At the look of their faces, furious yet shocked, she figured she needed to get things under control.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAtoosrlJP 維尼
"Wait, just listen. It's true that this has something to do with Karen, but me missing out on class isn't entirely about that." She started calmly.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡM86PauUQTT 維尼
"Really, you expect me to believe that? She's always got something against you." Brooke retorted vehemently, steam practically rolling off of her. Then, she made a show of rolling her sleeves, "Oh, I'm going to pummel that conniving bitch!"8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRLLp69Cgo 維尼
Brooke was always known to be the expressive and dramatic one in their group and while they appreciated her show of concern, their expressions faltered when they realised Brooke was actually not just expressing it, she was going to prove it with her fist.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kN3QVrq6Y 維尼
It was then December stopped her, pulling her with her and sitting on the bed. "Okay, I really appreciate this but there's no need for some action." At Brooke's incredulous look, December smiled a little, trying to appease her. "Maybe for now."8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGJncaa4Ve 維尼
Brooke nodded with firm satisfaction.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdHfoF74Rs 維尼
With Serena and Raven listening quietly, their worry apparent on their faces, December continued, "Believe it or not, I just didn't feel like going to class today. And I was deeply engrossed with something…" she trailed off and furrowed her brows.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡHioyRXjTLN 維尼
"Which reminds me, do you guys know that Pierre and Max are twins?" Then, she quoted his words, "Fraternal twins, to be exact."8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYXZThArkv 維尼
She got the reaction that she wanted – the appropriate reaction – regarding the situation.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrzqjsTDrS 維尼
Brooke's mouth was agape, her eyes wide. "Wait, hold up. Twins? How did you ever come to that? When did you know?"8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1LlutuF1a 維尼
"Lunch."8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡTG0trvAEiA 維尼
Serena blinked once, but she was still in disbelief. "That's very surprising. I never would have expected that."8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMV1BrN7or 維尼
"Right? See, this is the correct reaction to this. I hadn't even known that either. So, what I'm wondering now is why didn't Raven reacted the same way." December cast an accused look at her close friend.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62xRahpFl3 維尼
"Raven knew?"8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WwTPUK7wn 維尼
"Yes, Brooke," the girl in question chuckled before she sighed and said, "I've always thought there was something about those two and come on, December, when Max smiles, you can't deny the striking resemblance in that, especially when Pierre laughed – "8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xyr2Wdxa5 維尼
"Pierre laughed?" Brooke couldn't seem to get over what was being revealed to her. December patted the girl's shoulder understandingly. After all, she was in that exact situation earlier too. It still feels surreal, though.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiU0E0YcRC 維尼
Raven grinned and continued, "Still, I had to know, though and when Pierre confirmed it, it was like something in my chest got lifted, you know?"8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡayzICBSHJN 維尼
December, and the rest of her friends took that in.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFXzqycxre 維尼
So, Raven figured out it was their smiles too.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡftwVFYL7uF 維尼
It baffled December how she could have missed out on such things. After all, since she often bump into Pierre, meeting him at the oddest of places and they're friends now too, she should have noticed some things about him, shouldn't she?8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4FaZpzrce 維尼
"You're right. I guess I just never made that connection." December said, her lips curling into a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMwlLtOGsk 維尼
"So, tell us – oh, what's wrong?" Unaware of the tender wound, Brooke had jabbed December's side, making her friend wince in pain.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQHM96BPoE 維尼
December looked at them, their expressions alarmed. Despite her brave talk earlier, she still had some hesitancy in her, and she hated that even though she made her mind up, she still struggled with telling them. After all, it wasn't as though she had been upfront about the problems before and so this was a new territory for her.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXjN6YcwO4 維尼
She took deep breaths; in and out, in and out.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOO3zkyEXR 維尼
She hadn't showed them any proof of Karen's cruelty to them before, only verbal insults that they had been present to witness, but showing this would be on a new level. This was the main thing that she was worried to show them, but she knew she had to.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡnL0Ch1glLM 維尼
Without a word, she lifted up her dress shirt, showing them the bruise that had already formed, and waited.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHThANOiT1 維尼
None of them spoke, eyes fixated on the coloured bruised that contrasted with her fair skin.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡOb41OkXQpD 維尼
"Oh my God." Serena whispered in astonishment, her hands immediately went to her mouth.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVfN3x5Bu5 維尼
"Oh, D," Raven said brokenly, "how – what? She did this?"8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2K8A3phze 維尼
She felt the absence of Brooke rather than see her, but before the girl could leave the room, December had a firm grip on her forearm. "Brooke."8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQUryfgLpS 維尼
"No! December, I can't believe you're going to let her go after she did that to you." Brooke's blazing eyes looked at her. Overwhelmed with how much they care for her, December blinked her eyes from letting the tears fall.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5HwS8yusB 維尼
Brooke's gaze softened at that. "I'm not mad at you, I'm just so freaking mad that she thinks she can just bully people and get away with it."8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UX6qEF4gk 維尼
December sniffed and rubbed her eyes with her shirt sleeve. "No, I know but let's think this through, okay? Let me finish first."8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡgd7aNE8MJx 維尼
Brooke, torn with marching up to the enemy and staying there as her friend said, decided December had some point. "Ugh, fine! But make it quick. My fists can't wait."8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VO0exOhdl 維尼
At that, suddenly the tense moment was broken. Everyone found themselves chuckling at Brooke, even the girl herself who was moments away ready to create damage.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMZt3PP1j9 維尼
They sat down and December went into the full explanation; the moment she had been walking in the hallways to the showdown with Karen, and how she had been through them before but was afraid of what they would think of her, worrying that Karen would make her life more hellish than she had if she did something.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xTpEwbv4y 維尼
"Aw, December. We wouldn't do that to you," Serena said, gripping her friend's hands in hers as Raven hugged her friend, nodding vigorously.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCCKNQgtbP 維尼
"I know. I was just too scared back then." December said and giggled when Raven planted a kiss on her head. I'm really thankful to have them as my friends.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5n79tK4kA 維尼
"And now?" Brooke asked, her arms crossed.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡ736lmNZeUX 維尼
"I'll be honest, I'm still scared but I've just had enough with this. With her."8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQ7GKZ4IHm 維尼
Brooke grinned. "That's what I want to hear. You have to get her back, you know?"8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwJAf9M0wh 維尼
"How?" December mirrored Brooke's expression.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiO1viDZE9 維尼
Raven sat back and pondered. "Third floor hallways, right? Do you think anyone saw you?"8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBNRMVQaEO 維尼
December paused in thought. She had been too immersed in her thoughts to notice anything else, but she knew that it had been empty, and there was only Karen. She tried to think harder, in case she might have missed something but having found nothing, only shook her head.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3W03tTVr1U 維尼
"Hmm, without any witness, this will be a little hard."8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3qI4LT9I9 維尼
"But do you think having a witness will make things in our favour? She could have bribed them." December said.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdDhyzjCfD 維尼
"If she knows there's a witness." Brooke pointed at her in an 'a-ha' look before saying triumphantly, "But if there's none, we could just make one up."8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7dd0sX6gs 維尼
"Oh, Brooke, as much as that's brilliant, but do you think it would stop her?" Raven patted her friend's shoulder. "That's something that she would do, right? We can't stoop to her level."8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQJjZx7uW4 維尼
Serena, who had a pensive look on her face then piped up before looking at December. "Were there cameras around? People may lie but cameras don't."8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDOdW7g2ni 維尼
Everyone stopped, before turning to Serena and pulling her into a group hug.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxb2FTZuT8 維尼
"Of course!" December gasped as the thought occurred to her. She wasn't sure but there had to be a possibility, right?8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvkt3lilAx 維尼
"Why didn't I think that?" Brooke said out loud.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEdULlqAi2 維尼
"You're a genius, Serena!" Raven chirped, hugging her.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBDRHcuZV9 維尼
"I'm not sure but there has to be some around, right?" December grinned before it faltered a little. "But wait, how are we going to get our hands on it?"8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡksDfnQiOVA 維尼
Serena smiled, for once a twinkle of mischief glinted in her eyes, leaving her friends stupefied.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBbn7c43e1 維尼
"Leave it to me. I know a guy."8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdspdSCjC4 維尼
After telling them, December felt as though a chunk of block has been lifted off her chest. While they left the camera surveillance checking to Serena, they reminded her to be careful and be mindful of her surroundings.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tSu65tvVd 維尼
She couldn't argue any of that with her friends because they were right. They had left soon after, both having plans for the evening. Serena went on a hunt for the guy – Weston, she had revealed after they asked her persistently – to help her out. She wondered if he wanted to help them.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5ivTb9rOs 維尼
December also knew Weston was good with computers but she didn't know to what extent.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AtDQn8nyz 維尼
There was also a nagging thought that made her worry her bottom lip. She could only hope in doing this, none of them would be in trouble.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlTwcvBr7l 維尼
December had contemplated against seeing Nurse Olivia because surely the woman would recognise signs of accidental injuries and those inflicted by others, wouldn't she? After several moments, she decided to take the chances and go to the nurse. The injuries then hadn't been bad enough to require a trip to the infirmary or hospital, but this time, December had a feeling that she really needed the proper treatment.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGl24B4UWw 維尼
Thankfully the nurse seemed to buy the excuse, although she knew the woman's suspicions hadn't completely alleviate from the matter.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPS17Hkd04 維尼
She needed only a solid evidence to get Karen.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡiehHCvTRRX 維尼
December wasn't sure if there was any but maybe there had been at least one camera that captured their scene and she could finally give Karen what she deserves.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkoHin255A 維尼
That thought filled her with an adrenaline, but she focused herself to calm down. As much as she was tired and exhausted of Karen's bullying, she shouldn't get ahead of herself, due to the lack of evidence in her hands. When dealing with Karen, showing the bruise to the authorities simply wasn't enough.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcLHFOmfVA 維尼
December sighed, then made herself think about Zach. He was an effective distraction to her problems because her worries had disappeared as soon as she remembered the way he smiled at her, and that kiss back at the dorm the night of their date.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuJ77yN1pR 維尼
Subconsciously, she brought her fingers to her cheek where he had kissed her, and found herself blushing. His lips.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoAZxmNhPx 維尼
His soft lips on her skin…8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡsR2IuFITDZ 維尼
She brought her fingers to her lips and rolled herself on the bed excitedly, glad that no one was around and uncaring of her silly behaviour. Even though it was just a peck on her cheek, he had lingered there long enough that her body felt hot and her mind dizzy with euphoria.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cqmipB2z9 維尼
Now that she knew what it felt like, she wanted them on her lips. December imagined it would be mind-blowing. Stars and fireworks alike.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡKs4XI3qEdX 維尼
And earlier at the café, he had said they were going on another date….to any place of her choosing. Giddy with want and excitement, she decided to call him. Or maybe she could text him instead?8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡXn8QTzCIOi 維尼
But she wanted to hear his voice….8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5lzdOCMHK 維尼
December sighed. Stop being so indecisive already.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdfe1ezckI 維尼
She chuckled quietly to herself, thinking that if her friends saw her like this and knew of her indecisiveness, they would probably call him up themselves.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQzYzmY5r9 維尼
She shook her head and sat up, determined to just do it. Grasping her phone, she paused in thought, figuring what she wanted to say to him. Besides, wasn't he busy at this hour with the Student Council?8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8F4BQsh23T 維尼
She glanced at her phone. 14:30.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcRpXvlTVq 維尼
She had no idea what he does at the Council or how long he spent there, but she decided to just ring him up. Hopefully he's alone and not in a meeting or something.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoZ5E5oU8N 維尼
She heard the phone ringing and as the sound drone on, her nervousness picks up. Maybe it's a bad idea to call him. I should have just start with texting fir –8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlM2rIqAWH 維尼
"Hey, December."8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xfbrJiiAc 維尼
And just like that, nothing else mattered. Hearing his smooth voice, she could imagine him sporting a boyish grin by the sound of it.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡHv7kVTjbYd 維尼
"Hey, Zach." She said, her voice taking on a shy tone. I don't think I'll ever get tired of hearing him.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTyH5DB0gX 維尼
"I was just thinking about you, actually, and I was about to call you since I'm done wrapping up in the Council." There was some noise too garbled that she couldn't differentiate them going on in the background that seem to drift away, but she heard him move to a quiet place before speaking again. She felt him smiling. "So, to what do I owe this pleasure of your call, Miss Scarborough?"8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmNpBsEANQ 維尼
She bit her lip as she grinned, and not knowing what to do with her other hand, played with the edges of her skirt. "I miss you." She said quickly, shy and a little unlike herself, to be saying such things boldly. She didn't know what to do with herself now, but it warmed her heart and face nonetheless to know that finally told him what she wanted to say.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXgOytHvdj 維尼
The line was quiet for a while and December's heart quickened in anxiety. "Um, Zach?"8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrYObnMcwZ 維尼
"I'm here." She heard him sigh before he chuckled into the phone. "You're driving me crazy…December. I miss you, too."8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nPvNCrXCX 維尼
She wanted to fly to the sky like the butterflies in her stomach and scream out in bliss because how much more perfect can this whole thing be?8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMjugXEGcX 維尼
You're driving me crazy too, she wanted to say. She giggled. "So, about our next date you were talking about…"8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PofBuaFJH 維尼
"Yeah, do you have any place in mind?"8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81W2LWthVb 維尼
She smiled to herself, mulling over the places she wanted to go in her head but seeing as she wanted to have another perfect date, she'd need to do some research about her choices and so, she told him, "Not at the moment. I'll let you know about it."8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMcja2a6ES 維尼
"Can't wait."8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0zCbiB0gn 維尼
When he suddenly groaned, December's brows furrowed in concern. "What's wrong?"8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFwaJo6YHH 維尼
"I just forgot about some papers and my assignment in the Council. I'm already walking towards my dorm and now I've got to make a second trip back."8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡ455D89apWX 維尼
December tsked. "Forgetful, are we?"8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDrHgQeu6z 維尼
"You know, that doesn't happen at all, and I'm definitely blaming this one on you, sweetheart."8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0Lv9QyAdI 維尼
Sweetheart. He just called her sweetheart. All she ever wanted was him, and now she had him and his term of endearment. She wanted to combust – no, she imagined herself already combusting into stars.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQODG0o3e3 維尼
Where was all this sweetness coming from? She knew he was a great guy but this was too much for her heart. If he doesn't stop making her insides flutter every few seconds, she was going to be in a serious situation.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YNXhldpWo 維尼
She covered the mouthpiece to her chest, took one pillow and scream into it, the sound muffled. Face red and breaths heaving, she quickly said, "Zach?"8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡe87WNjGaY2 維尼
He sounded like he was sprinting towards the Council. "December?"8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡZU0pjzh8N4 維尼
"That's a blame I'm willing to take."8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTpxooAsHR 維尼
Zach sounded a little out of breath, though he laughed a little. "I'll see you soon, December."8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuVkOw4MUi 維尼
"See you soon." She said softly, smiling widely to herself.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQ8DEK5nMm 維尼
After they hung up, December exhaled a sigh of happiness. Talking to him felt great and it didn't make her think of the unpleasant things that happened earlier. She still wasn't over her cloud nine moment but she knew she needed to clear her head soon or she wouldn't be able to focus on anything else.8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeBbIAreUT 維尼
December decided to freshen herself up before getting some snacks from the vending machines.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3enqdG8prb
8964 copyright protection501ＰＥＮＡＮＡQybrNWzO1f 維尼
