MIA

Margo unzipped her book bag and sat her Macbook on the bar. Axel walked past with a rag in hand scrubbing down the counter—he paused by her and rested his chin on his hand.

"Any new leads?" He sounded hopeful but there was something behind his voice that held a somber tone.

"Nada. It's radio silence out here. But I found this." Margo pressed a few random keys before sliding the laptop around, the screen illuminating his freckled face.

"Dahl, this is a map of-"

"Alaska, I know. But hear me out, there was a siteing-" Eloise came up behind Axel and slammed the laptop closed.

"Of nothing. Let it go Margo. We have other things to talk about." She hung up her brown checkered apron and put on a seemingly bright smile. "Next friday is the Homecoming dance-and you know what that means."

Margo groaned and ran a hand down her face. "You're going to drag us into decorating." Eloise clapped her hands together and gave them her famous puppy dog eyes.

"Pwetty pwease?" She pleaded. Axel started whistling and walking away leaving Margo sitting there helpless.

"Alright alright. But you owe me, kapeesh Mccoy?" She nodded and once again smiled, Margo rolled her eyes and began putting her laptop and notepad back into her bag.

"Have you started the physics homework? I can't get passed question 13.." Eloise asked as she dug her mini umbrella out of her purse—rain was hitting the windows of the coffee shop with enough force she thought for sure they'd crack

"Yeah, i'll send you pics when i get home on how i worked through it." Margo stood and shrugged on her jacket. "Yo Marone!" Axel looked up from the register. "My house," She looked from Axel to Elouise. "7:30. Be there."

"Oh god don't tell me it's a party." Axel whined. She winked.

"It's not a party! Just a friendly get together" Elouise sighed and rubbed her temples.

"Will there be alcohol?"

"Oooof course not. Toodaloo you two, hope to see you later!!" She threw her bag over her shoulder and sauntered out of the shop, the small bell above the door jingling behind her.

Eloise and Axel made eye contact as if the same thought coursed through their head.

"I don't like how long she held that O." She sighed before following Margo's footsteps out the door.

Elouise padded down the street, her kitten pump heels clicking on the sidewalk as she passed store after store, her umbrella held high above her catching the rain as it trickled down. It was days like these that made her miss Quinn, her brother. When Elouise was four, Quinn just turning eight, he had taught Elouise to love the rain. To jump and laugh and play in it. Of course the next day she had gotten sick but that hadn't made the day before any less exciting. She wondered if perhaps it were raining wherever Quinn is.

She hoped it was.

___

The friendly get together was not just a friendly get together. Eloise stood on the front step in shock. About everyone from school was here, dancing, drunk. No alcohol my a—

"Elooooooiseee!" An arm slung around her making her hold the game of life box closer to her chest. She can't forget to smile.

"Oh hey Donnie, how are you?" She plucked his arm off of her shoulder. He was growing to be the class alcoholic.

"Great! Now that... that..." he stumbled back a bit in distraction at the squealing girls running by. "I love puSSYYY!" He wobbled off to find more drinks or girls. Eloise will definitely be giving Margo a stern lecture for lying to her.

With a sigh she forced her way inside with a smile and murmured her manners.

"EL!" A familiar voice made her a little happier. She walked into the emptier kitchen and saw Axel with a red solo cup in his hand. There was a couple making out hardcore, almost the forbidden act— to Eloise at least.

"I'm guessing you actually thought it was a friendly small get together, whatnot." He gestured to her board game.

"Where did you get that idea from?" She held a smirk and set the board on the counter behind them. This was more than what she planned for. This was just another party— that's all. She's been to one or two over time nothing too hard.

"You know you should loosen up and totally rock out on the floor— maybe someone will ask you out." He poked her side. Right sure-everyone thinks she's a plain Jane.

"Where's Margo?" He rolled his eyes when she obviously changed topics.

"I think she's just going around and hosting, like a host— hey!" He waved his hand to a teammate that greeted him. Ugh stupid best friend being a good host leaving Eloise alone in this house. She couldn't help but to feel slightly out of place, she's a preppy person— not a party person.

"There's my favorite two!" A voice made them both jump out of their skins. Margo walked in with a plastered on grin. Eloise placed any bet she was a little wasted.

"Oh lighten up, Princess, you've been a ball of nerves. Here," she handed her solo cup to the stressed blonde. "Have fun for once." She simply looked down at the drink before handing it to Axel.

"Mmno." Eloise gave her a curt nod.

Eloise coughed awkwardly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Isn't your dad going to like..freak out?" Margo laughed like what she just said was incredibly absurd.

"Not if he doesn't find out." She winked at the two-they both sighed in unison.

Axel doesn't mind parties, he's gone to a few before (most of them being Margo's). And he doesn't mind getting knocked up every once in a while, but he could tell Eloise was extremely out of her zone.

"Hey Dahl, El, why don't we go.. outside? Where there isn't any teenagers groping each other?" Eloise made a straight beeline for the back door and Margo only laughed again.

Once they were outside (and they were the only three outside besides two dudes chilling in the hot tub five feet apart), the three sat along the edge of the pool with their feet in the water. Margo continued to drink some odd smelling liquid from her red solo cup, Axel became lost in his thoughts, and Eloise fumbled with her hair in between her fingers.

Margo was the first to speak.

"Do you think we'll find him?" Her voice was calm, cool like the air before a storm.

"Margo, can we talk about this another time?" Eloise rushed out—these conversations always ended in questions hanging in the air and she hated it. She hated the fact she couldn't pin point his disappearance on one thing. She hated it was just a mess of lose ends leading in fifty different directions.

Margo sat her cup down and began swirling her hands in the water. "Maybe he's on a beach somewhere-living it up, getting a tan."

"Fucking bitches." Axel chimed in with a small smile.

"Maybe he's just discovered the newest species of plants in the African jungle." Margo once again speculated. Words where just flying out of her mouth like rain spouting out of a hurricane. "Or maybe he's mayor of a city in Alaska." She smiled down at the water before coming face to face with her own reflection. She swirled it away. "Or maybe he's dead."

Eloise stood up quickly.

"You know what? On second thought—I need a drink." She quickly, almost running, walked to the back door and stumbled her way back inside amongst the crowd of screaming, dancing teenagers.

"Nice going Mars." Axel spoke harshly and stood up, following Eloise into the house and leaving the drunk girl on the side of the pool.

Eloise weaves in and out of people in a desperate attempt to make it to the kitchen. After mumbling out a few apologies and 'excuse me's', she was downing a cup of something blue. And it tasted like battery acid.

"Oh if it isn't my good friend Eloise!" An overly friendly voice cheered behind her. Eloise sat her cup down before turning around and meeting the gaze of satan in a mini skirt.

"Hi Penny." She deadpanned.

"I wouldn't expect to see you at such an event. Normally the people that come here have social lives." The corners of her mouth tilted up in a smirk, it seemed like a red tail and horns suddenly appeared.

"Then how come i'm seeing you here?" Eloise grabbed her cup and started making her way out of the kitchen, her shoulder bumping Penny's as she passed.

"By the way, Goldie Locks," Penny called after her. "Good luck finding that brother of yours. Psychotic isn't he?" And with that, the calm before the storm vanished—as did the rest of the liquid in Eloise's cup as it was now on Penny's blouse.

"Oh you son of a bitch!" Penny screeched and only caught the attention of a few people. "I literally JUST bought this today!" Eloise simply hummed I'm approval.

"Oh Penny! Blue looks so good on you!" And just like that she was pushed to the ground and attacked by a vicious long nailed cat.

It didn't last long and no one really saw the two girls fighting— it was a normal thing now at Margo's party. It was Axel who detached the bratty brunette from Eloise. He knew that she didn't know a single thing of physical fighting... okay wait that's a lie she once tackled him for the remote when he wanted to change the channel to Saturday late night while she was watching tangled for the umteenth time.

"Break it up— BREAK it up!" He hollered over the music. One of his swimming pals assisted him pulling the psycho bitch off of Eloise.

"You good, El?" He patted her head. She only had a few scratches on her face— she looked more distressed at her untidy shirt and skirt. She wore the biggest pout.

"I would be better if people would stop bringing up my brother," she turned her attention to Penny, who was still being held back. "Why does it even pertain to you? Huh? OH look at ME! I know how to mentally hurt someone really really bad! Do you know how hurt I am?" She tried to mock Penny, but she was utterly pitiful. She was on the verge of tears. Axel bit back his laugh and started to pull the frantic blonde away. She must have been bottling all of this up for a while to be spewing sad insults at her mortal enemy. They can't even be classified as insults anymore— its ammunition for Penny later.

"Okay hotshot, back outside. I'm surprised you even got half a cup down." He tried to lighten the mood. "Let's just, hey- how about we, you me and Mars, go for a late night swim? Kay? How does that sound?" He honestly totally forgot she hated chlorine and water.

"How about you shut up before I throw my... my fist in your face!" She screeched begins him, but reluctantly followed.

"You do that." He rolled his eyes and opened the back door. Margo was just getting up when they were making their way back out.

"Is she already wasted?! It haven't even been two fucking minutes!" She immediately saw Eloise's distress. "God girl, you need to get out more." She went to comfort but was shoved away.

"No.. no! You know what I need I need to... to heckin vent real bad!" Now people who don't know the real Eloise McCoy would be confused why she was talking like she was forced to use good words when she wanted to curse the fuck out. But for Axel and Margo, they knew that she was beyond stressed. She never yelled at them. Let alone yell at anyone (minus Penny).

So you know what they did? They let her vent.

"I am sick and tired of this.. this fudging place. Everywhere I go i'm tormented by these memories of Quinn. Everything reminds me of him! It's like..like life is out to get me. To get back at me for letting him slip through all of our fingers because I didn't hear him leave that night." Her anger was beginning to fizzle out and turn to sadness. "I didn't hear the front door shut and lock. I didn't hear the ignition start. I never heard him leave.." Tears free fell and she sniffled, desperately palming at her face to wipe away the emotion.

Margo and Axel put a hand on her shoulder.

"We lost him too El." Margo was filled with empathy..and alcohol. "I know you've had these pent up emotions for a while, we all have. And some of us cope with it differently. Whether it be searching for any sign of him, erasing what happened from their minds, or bottling it inside until it just bursts. Either way, it's not healthy and I think it's going to ruin us. So, since our inevitable doom is awaiting us in the nearby future, why don't we just.. live?"

Margo's lips curled into a devilish smile and she began to undo her pants and throw her shirt over her head. She kicked off her shoes and socks and messily dove head first into the pool, though she made it look elegant.

"Did she just..?" Eloise left the question hanging in the air looking at her in disbelief.

"Yup!" Axel chirped and quickly followed suit, cannonballing into the pool right beside Margo.

"Come on Cupcake!" Margo spat water out of her mouth as if she were a fountain and floated on her back. "The waters clearer on the other side or however that saying goes.." She chuckled.

"If I get sick, you're explaining to my parents what happened." She began to unbutton her blouse and taking off her skirt—she resembled some sort of innocent school girl.

She fearfully stuck one toe into the pool but before she could back out, Axel grabbed her leg and pulled her forward. She crashed into the pool with a loud splash.

"Axel you hobnocker!!l Eloise screamed as she coughed on water. Margo and Axel suppressed a fit of giggles at the site of a somewhat flustered and soaking Eloise.

"Oh is this iCarly? I call dibs on Sam!!" Axel snorted.

"No one else is better fit for Sam than you Dahl." Margo didn't know wether to be offended or not.

"Looks like i'm Carly then. I'm okay with that though because she hooks up with some pretty hot guys." Her voice had a dreamy tone to it and Margo, being her best friend and all, read through it immediately.

"Are you, Eloise McCoy, crushing?" Eloise's cheeks, even in the darkness, grew a red tint.

"I'm not drunk enough to disclose that information." She muttered out.

"Oh I am!" Margo sung as she reached for her cup sitting beside the pool before Axel took it out of her hands and sat it farther away.

"Nope, lets keep the alcohol away for right now." He felt like some sort of overprotective dad.

~~~

"Gosh, why can we just float here forever?" Eloise asked to the both of them. All three of them just found a floaty— or in the swimmers case just floated, and looked up at the stars.

Axel signed dreamily. "I would pay everything I own to stay this age forever. No serious job. No bills. No extreme stresses."

"That last one is already in effect." Margo pointed out. "But yeah. Lounging all day everyday on Netflix would be the best."

"Do you do anything else other than watch... what was it? Vampire diaries?" Eloise spat in disgust. It's all her friend ever talks about anymore. (Take the fucking hint you bozo.) "it's like the vampires are sucking your brain cells away every second you watch." She added, but earned a title wave to the face.

"You take that back right now." A serious looking Margo snapped at her.

"Nope." Eloise popped her 'p'. Before she knew it she was pushed underwater by the pissed off drunk herself, not to harm her of course.

Eloise came back up coughing and spitting water out of her nose and mouth.

"Hey not fair! You can move faster in here than me." Eloise crossed her arms and splashed Margo back, equally as much.

"You know what's not fair? Matt's death. Tyler's death. Alaric's death. Elena becoming a VAMPIRE." Still hung up on the vampire diaries.
(... hm I'm leaving it here.)

Suddenly a wave hit both of them. "Shut the hell up BOTH of you! You are so annoying!" Axel whined, probably because he didn't have the girls' attention— but he wasn't going to say that to them anytime soon.

"We're annoying? Okay funny boy have you HEARD yourself sing. You suck. And you sing all the damn time." Margo waved a finger at him, crossing her own arms.

He gasped offended, clearly he wasn't. "I am a wonderful singer. Eloise tell her." He turned away from them in a pout. Eloise, in a corner of an argument, just shrugged.

"I'm not in this." Margo rolled her eyes. Eloise made her way to the side of the pool, having enough water time.

"He called you annoying too." Margo to her following her to the side, no intention of getting out. Eloise sat on the edge splashing with her feet.

"Sometimes we are, sometimes he is. Simple." She booped Margo's nose as she rested on the side next to her.

"Oh your too kind." Pure sarcasm came from the drunk girl.

"I try." A smile graced Eloise's lips as she held her hands on her lap. Axel swam up next to Margo and they all settled down. Each of them thinking of something else.

Eloise obviously thought of her brother. When the day comes he returns home and a huge party is thrown. Then she would secretly place a tracking chip in his neck Incase he wandered again.

Axel wished it could always be like this. I'm the pool, with his two favorite girls, just being teens. Goofing off, a little buzzed, and talking about deep shit.

Margo was thinking of when she would be able to have more drinks, or a way to escape the hawk eye'd Axel to snag a drink.

"Alright guys, i'll be right back!" Margo began to stand up and wrap a towel that was hanging over the porch banister around her body.

"You're going inside.. like that?" Eloise referenced to the lack of actual clothing on her body.

"It's my house, I can do what i want." She said rather matter of factly and spun around on her heels entering the still lively house.

A techno dance song shook the floorboards and walls as Margo tried to make her way upstairs to her room—she figured she probably shouldn't be walking around like she was with a million drunk horny high school boys scouting out prey like lions (not like Eloise hadn't just hinted at this). She finally reached her room at the end of the hall and turned the knob only to see none other than Jessica Syke and Matthew Cole making out on her bed.

"G.r.o.s.s. Seriously? Find another room. Out." She pointed to the door and moved out of the entrance. "Now." The teenagers huffed and stormed out, Margo slammed the door in their face.

After slipping into a blue tank with loose fitting jean capris and grabbing some clothes for the two losers outside, she made her way back downstairs making sure to lock her door on the way out.

"Hey, Margo right?" A voice spoke behind her.

"Possibly, who's asking?" She spun around to a beaming boy leaning against the doorway to the living room (or in its current state, the dance floor).

"I'm Wyatt." He reached a hand towards Margo's but she quickly recoiled and walked the opposite direction.

"And i'm leaving." She briskly made her way to the back door, as she has for what felt like the millionth time tonight, and plopped the clothes down beside Axel and Eloise.

"-just feel like she..." Eloise trailed off as she made eye contact with Margo (who now had her hands on her hips).

"And whose name accompanies those pronouns dear Elly?" Her eyes narrowed toward the two.

"W-we're talking about Axel's mom. Right Axel?" He shifted uncomfortably and nodded.

"Yeah.. she's been kind of a bitch lately." Margo sighed in understanding—parents can be a shit show sometimes and she completely understood that.

The back door flew open and a boy Margo remembered ditching mere minutes ago stood in the doorway.

"Yo guys! We're playing Circle of Death if you wanna come!" And with that the door shut and left them in silence.

"I know you're gonna say n-"

"No." Eloise quickly finished Margo's sentence.

"Please! Axel help me out hereeee." He huffed, why was he always their voice of reason?

"Okay Eloise, we'll only play for a few rounds okay? Just a few, kapeesh Dahl?"

"Yeah yeah yeah, come on!" Margo practically drug them back into the house and dressed them for themselves. She was excited to ease back into normalcy—Circle of Death was a game she used to play with Axel, Eloise, and Quinn almost every Friday last year.

"Gather round, gather round everyone! Take a seat on the floor and get your drinks ready. Remember, King's are rules, Queens are questions, Jacks are 'thumb masters' until another jack is drawn, 10 is categories, 9 is rhyming, 8 and below if red you have to drink that many drinks, if not red you hand that number of drinks out to other players, and Aces are waterfalls. Got it?" Margo splayed the cards across the floor so they made a perfect circle. Everyone in the circle nodded their heads in understanding of her instructions and readied themselves for a game unlike no other.

It was moments like these were Eloise wished she were dead. The round just begun and so far everyone took a shot, a few questions were asked people (ones Eloise would NEVER answer if she wasn't forced to) and, the worst of all, a rule was set for 'only chicks' to take their shirts off in order to play. Some freakish hormonal teen boy clearly had some weird kinks.

So Eloise sat on the floor, without a shirt, hugging herself in discomfort. If it weren't for Axel next to her, sort of shielding her from horny creeps watching them play, she would have had a panic attack.

"Axel..." Eloise whined to him quietly knowing full well Margo wouldn't help much. Not now anyway. "Please. Can we not. I hate this. Can 'I' not?" She gripped the shirt she held. Her shirt.

"You can't leave— it's the rules," He mocked her tone. "Or else you'd have to down that whole cup." He pointed her her solo cup and raised his eyebrow at her. Only a pout answered him.

Finally it was Margo's turn. "Alright.." she smiled and picked a card. The one that called to her... aka the closest one. Somehow that one was her lucky one. "Ooh! A queeeeen~" she showed the group. Scanning the circle of anxious teens. There was the bitches named Penny, Faye, and Willow, then Donnie, Russel, Eloise and Axel... oh and Wyatt.

Choosing to ignore him she snapped her head to the bored brunette. A grinch like smirk grew on Margo's lips.

"Sooo... Nickel." Penny glared.

"It's Penny."

"It's boring," without any hesitation Margo replied. "Now be nice for once and answer this truthfully. On the slut level one to ten— how slut are you?"

With a crowd now forming around them Margo believed this was the perfect time to humiliate her.

"I-I won't answer that." Penny picked her shirt off of the ground and stormed away. That, ladies and gentlemen, is how you get someone out. Most people cheered and a few booed, to be expected in a crowd. Now it was Eloise's turn.

With a small gulp she picked up a card... the tension was thick.

Margo and Axel were worried for her— only for a second before she smiled and showed a ten.

"Category is..." She thought for a moment. "Music." She said with a shrug.

"Gorillaz!" Margo yelled first.

"Twenty one pilots." Axel immediately shouted.

"Imagine dragons." Another.

"Fall out boy." Another one.

"Straight no chaser." A classy one.

"Uh.. glass animals!" Eloise watched as they all started shouting name after name. It was probably her favorite part. Soon, the yelling stopped when Faye, one of penny's henchmen repeated Florence and the machine.

Axel has his turn which was fun too— he was the joker now. So everyone watching him most of the time. Then it was Eloise's most most hated part. Willow's turn. Somehow she had gotten the last queen.

"Eloise." She smiled all cute at her. "What did you do do horrible that made your brother run away?"

The group fell silent. In all honestly she knew this question would pop up eventually, though even if she expected it— there was never enough time to prepare for that question.

And just like that she got up, her tight fist holding her shirt, and left.

Margo slammed her cup on the ground, it's contents spilling onto the hardwood floor of the family room.

"You know what?" Her words slightly slurred together but the burning rage in her chest held her composure together. "You're all a bunch of low life assholes. You're going to look back and think to yourself how much nicer you wish you were to people because you're going to go nowhere dragging everyone down. And you know what, if you're gonna drag us down? I'll drag you down to hell." She grabbed Axel's hand and started in the direction of Eloise—Wyatt whistled as she passed and Axel noticed a sly smile on his face. What a creep.

"You see where sh'went?" Margo asked, her anger fizzled away leaving her in a drunken stupor. Without Axel, he was sure she wouldn't be upright.

"No but- woah hey," Margo tripped over her own foot and nearly took out the nearest lamp. "Alright Dahl, listen you know I love you, but you are not gonna be able to help find Eloise right now. Stay right here on this couch and don't you move a muscle. Kapeesh?" He eyed her cautiously-there's no telling what'd she do.

"Ay ay cap'in Imma stay righttt here." She patted on the cushion beside her and melted into it. "not gunna move a musclee." Axel prayed for the best and quickly ran out the front door.

It seemed like the party wasn't just inside either—Groups of people covered the large front lawn just as they had inside. Axel made his way passed pine trees and weaving in and out of cars; where was Eloise's car? Surly, Axel thought, she would've ran to her car in an effort to leave but wouldn't. He continued searching for a blue Honda Civic.

"Ahah, caught yah bitch." He'd be lying if he said he wasn't slightly buzzing either.

Axel made his way to the car and elegantly slid into the passengers side.

"So, where we going?" Eloise practically jumped out of her skin, slamming her hand on the horn in the process.

"Effing christ Axel! What the hell are you doing?!"

"Looking our for you, duh." She swallowed visibly, the panic from the moment before dissipating leaving her face expressionless.

And that's how she felt. Expressionless. How could you pick just one emotion when you feel seventy all at once? So, she chose to not feel anything; she couldn't decide wether she wanted to be angry-furious, or maybe depressed, confused—utterly lost.

"Well, you don't need to do that Axel. I'm okay." She sighed heavily, containing all the tears threatening to peak through.

"Then what're you doing in your car? I don't see a party in here." He jokes lightly but it went past Eloise.

"I don't see anything here." Her bottom lip quivered, threatening to expose everything she's compressed. "I don't see a future here—a life. It all just looks dark. Cloudy."

"That's the thing about life El. You're not supposed to see the future. If it were predictable, it wouldn't be called the future. And it'd be extremely boring." He smiled contagiously, the edges of Eloise's lips tipped up just a little. "We're gonna get through this—okay? You Margo, and me. We're gonna find our way outta this puzzle. Sure there's one missing piece right now but it's just lying around-right under our noses. We'll find it."

"I don't even like puzzles." Eloise laughed—what would she do without friends like these?

"Now, let's get you back inside befo- oh my god." Axel started jumping out of the car like Eloise just somehow hit a person. "Oh my god oh my god."

Confused as she always was, Eloise hopped out of the car trying to see whatever he saw. "What are you freaking out ab-Oh my god. WHY IS MARGO ON THE ROOF?! Axel what the hell?!"

"Don't look at me! She said she'd stay put. Jesus christ, come on!" They took off running towards the house—crowds were already forming looking up and cheering her on.

"Do a back flip!" Axel heard someone yell. What the fresh fuck is Margo thinking?! It hasn't even been five minutes!

"How did she get up there?! Who just lets a drunk girl climb up to the roof?!" Axel panicked through the crowd. It's like taking care of two children, one who is being traumatically bullied, then running away every time, and one who drank too much 'apple juice' making her physically unable to say her own god damned name. He's going to buy those baby leashes after this.

"El, try and talk her down I'll climb up." He separated from her and turned to the crowd. "Okay people party is over! Get out! All of you! Out!" He waved people away. He's angry, he's a bit drunk, he's worried, he's stressed and tired, he's a single mom on a Friday night.

Multiple groans and boo's were shouted and the crowd was dwindling down. Axel jogged over to the shed next to the house and started his climb. Eloise on the other hand was trying to make Margo sit. She needs to stop wobbling.

"Okay, buddy?" Eloise called up. "Can we play the— sit and wait for Axel game? It's really fun!" Eloise was really not the one to do this job. She cant even handle her own emotions at the moment— how can she handle another person?

"I'm gonna play the— shut up and watch me jump in the pool game. THAT'S really fun." She giggled and crawled her way to the back of the house. Eloise has never ran so fast in her life, she needs to get her head together right now or Margo could get seriously hurt.

"Margo Diana Dahl." (Sorry I just came up with it on the spot) Eloise crossed her arms and glared up at the now confused girl. Don't get Eloise freaked out. "Get down here right this instant— or else your not invited to the movie night this Friday." A threat? To Margo? This is a no no to the woman— she's the one who threatens people. SHE'S the scary one...not Eloise.

"Are you like my dad now or something? You can't control me now! I'm a PArrrty animal!" She hooted out and started to stand up. Eloise started to panic. Oh dear god either Margo's going to die by missing the pool or Eloise is going to die from getting hit by Margo.

Eloise secretly wished she got hit, this is too stressful.

"Watch me now, dad." Margo called to Eloise. Eloise was slightly confused how she became the 'dad' but she cleared that out of her head once she looked ready. Eloise was going to faint.

"Young lady!" Axel yelled at her. While he scooted his way to Margo. "Don't speak to your father like that!" He wore a small grin, he's obviously trying to hide his obvious panic.

"What are you? My mom? Please." Rolling her eyes she was holding her knees at this point. Axel was now closer to her, and he was now looking down to Eloise.

"Are you just going to watch, 'darling'? Tell her to not talk to me like that!" He joked, he's not close enough. He's not close enough. They both knew it, and axel started to crawl faster, but Margo had different plans. Margo wore a shit eating grin and leaped.

"MARGO!" Eloise screamed and covered her eyes. Axel was frozen on spot. She's going to die! It was like someone hit the slow motion button, Margo was halfway to the pool, Eloise was screaming and covering her eyes, and— who the hell is that?!

A grunt, a yelp and a splash. Then everything was back into normal speed. A random guy had just caught Margo right at the edge of the pool— she was going to miss— but this guy totally saved her causing them both to fall into the pool. It looked more like he was launched into the pool but that's not important now— what's important is that margo nearly just killed herself!

No one in the vicinity spoke. Eloise was too afraid to open her eyes, Axel was silently making his way off of the roof, he was butt scooting back to the shed. He never moved so fast in his life. All that was heard was Margo's laughter and this random dude chuckles. He started to swim them both to the edge closest to Eloise—who was still frozen in place.

"Who— how?" Axel started pointing while walking up. He sounded like a squeaking dolphin. "How the hell did you do that? Margo you lil' shit! I told you to stay put!" Axel exploded and helped Margo out of the pool.

"Who's fault was it really? You left her alone at a damn party!" The dude snapped defending Margo. Axel's manly hood felt threatened by this bolt guy. It was like second nature to fight back. Testosterone and all...

"Don't even defend her for this— I didn't tell her to climb the damn roof and try and kill herself!" Axel basically shouted at the drenched guy. "WHo fucking jumps and catches a falling girl?!" Their fight continued as Margo saw her best friend a few feet behind them.

"I totally just flew!" Margo chuckled and stumbled over to Eloise who still had her face covered. Her best friend. Jumped. Could have died. She. What? She cant think straight.

"Elly! Did you see me? I was like— Whoosh!" Margo laughed at herself after making the funny sound. Eloise didn't budge. "I felt like a superhero!" Eloise didn't move, in all honesty it made her mad. How can she not be freaking out? She could have died. That's all that repeated in Eloise's head. She could have died. She could have died.

"Aw, its okay Elly." Margo pulled her hands away once she noticed Eloise's shoulders shaking. "You can jump with me next time!" She smiled to her crying friend.

"you could have died.." Eloise murmured not opening her eyes, not wanting to see Margo SMILE after jumping from the roof. It's messed up.

"I can't hear you when you go whispering all the damn time." Margo leaned in with another small giggle. That pushed Eloise's last button.

"YOU COULD HAVE DIED?!" She yelled, breaking up the two boys' argument. "DO YOU UNDERSTAND THAT? YOU. COULD. HAVE. DIED. MEANING I WOULD HAVE LOST ANOTHER PERSON IN MY LIFE!" She was pulling away from Margo who was shocked Eloise would yell so loud, especially just at her.

"Don't you ever. In a million years. Do that again. I swear I would drag you back and murder you myself!" She pointed in her face— resembling a angry father. "I-I would go insane without you.." She then walked up to her and wrapped Margo in a hug. "I couldn't live without you." She whispered into Margo's shoulder.

"Is she always like that?" The new guy asked to Axel. That only earned him a sharp glare. Axel walked up to them and joined the hug. He didn't need to scold the now crying drunkie, Eloise took care of that. He was just glad they were in one piece... typical mother.

"I-I'm sorry mom and dad. It won't happen again—I promise." Margo hiccuped into Eloise's now moist shoulder.

"Alright sweetie, we believe you. Now let's get you to bed okay?" She nodded solemnly and tried to shake some of the pool water out of her clothes. Eloise took her hand and led her back into her house (which was thankfully somewhat put back together..somehow) leaving Axel and Wyatt in the backyard.

"So, what're your intentions with my daughter mister." Axel glared at the boy as he hopped out of the pool, reaching for a nearby towel. He chuckled.

"You're welcome-by the way. You know, for saving her life." He wrapped the towel around his head and messily shook it around in an attempt to get dry. Axel wasn't having it.

"I've seen you around school before. A new slut on your arm every week. So let's get one thing straight-Margo isn't someone you can toy with. She's my best friend and all of us are going through a bit of a rough time so if you would do us a favor and not add to that stress-it'd be great." Axel wore a tight lipped smile with his hands on his hips. He meant business and he wasn't going to let some snot nose Sportacus wanna-be tear apart his daugh—er friend.

"Whatever dude." He hung the towel back across one of the beach chairs and took his shirt off, slinging it across his shoulder. "I'm pretty sure Margo is capable of making her own decisions." He started past axel but stopped before the gate leading to the front lawn. "Give me a call if Margo decides to take a swan dive again-I'll catch her any day." He winked and disappeared into the darkness of the night.

Eloise emerged from the sliding glass back door to a dumbfounded Axel.

"Did I miss something?" She asked.

"Well Edward Cullen just left, who I seriously advice to steer clear of, so that just leaves the three of us here. Is the house in bad shape? The last thing we need is Mr. Dahl having an aneurysm." Axel rubbed his temples and plopped down on a chair.

"It seems like our boy Edward cleaned most of the house up for us. I got rid of the cans and glass bottles after putting Margo down. Everything else was straightened up. Well, besides the dishes but I'll go inside and do-"

"No. El, you should go home. It's almost 2:00 am on a school night—you need sleep or your perfectly highlighted notes will be not so perfect tomorrow." Eloise laughed and Axel smiled. This should be their only concerns: the quality of their notes and amounts of sleep on a school night. Not a possible dead missing persons.

"But what about the-"

"Eloise." Axel spoke sternly, his mother side coming out again. "I'll take care of them before going home. I have some dentist appointment in the morning at eight so I can catch more Z's than you can before class. Go." Eloise sighed but complied.

"Fine. I owe you a ton-okay?" She hugged Axel.

"I'll collect debt tomorrow in the form of a venti vanilla cappuccino with two pumps of espresso." Eloise stifled a laugh and nodded.

"Got it. I'll see you tomorrow, Ax." She smiled and followed the trail of Wyatt, to the back gate and through the front lawn.

Despite the midnight May air being warm, Eloise wrapped her arms around herself. She hated how quit everything became without the raging party—it was like the world came to a halt. There was no breeze so the leaves of trees and bushes didn't flutter and the grass didn't move; all was quit, besides the sounds of Eloise getting into her car.

After putting on her seat belt and turning over the ignition, Eloise turned on the radio and started her drive back home to the soft voice of Katy Perry.

"Cause you're in and you're out, you're up and you're down, you're wrong when it's right it's black and it's white, we fight we break up, we kiss we make u-" Eloise stopped her slightly off tune singing when high beams flashed her. It was blinding, she had to shield her eyes from the light—But they weren't coming from another car in the opposite lane-that would be too easy.

It came from the woods.

"Oh you've got to be effing kidding me." Eloise rolled her car to a stop on the curb of some house. She was far too curious (because of everything that's happened) to just keep driving. What would've caused this? Is margo right—are aliens real?

Eloise hopped out of her car and locked it before turning to face the woods in front of her. "Dear God, please don't let my car get towed...and please don't let an axe wielding murderer put a hatchet in my back." She took a deep breathe, and jumped the guard rail, following a thinly worn path into the woods.

Dodging a low hanging branch and avoiding an oddly prickly plant, Eloise was probably five minutes away from the main road by now.

"How much farther can it be?!" Eloise yelled frustrated. The beams felt as though they were just at the edge of the woods but for some reason, she's been walking for what seems like years and there's no sign of anything. "You know what, this is a mistake. I'm walking into the beginning of a horror movie." She sighed and turned in a full circle, observing everything to make sure she wasn't missing something. She started to walk back when she heard a twig snap behind her.

She whipped her head around and shone the faulty flashlight on her iPhone in the direction of the sound. "Hello..?" She swallowed the lump in her throat. "I took five years of taekwondo! I can kick your butt ten ways into Monday!!" She began to laugh at herself when she realized she was threatening nothing but trees. "Gosh Eloise, get a grip." She spun around again in an effort to return back to the main road, but came face to face with a red Ford Fiesta.

THE red Ford Fiesta.

"Quinn..?" Her hands shook with the determined destruction of a thousand earth quakes. "H..how is this possible? I thought...the police scanned the whole town.." She inched forwards towards the car. Maybe he was inside, maybe wherever he's gone is laying inside with car waiting for Eloise to find it—to discover the world he's ran away to.

She pressed her hand against the hood of the car. It felt cold, desolate-like her. She walked to the window of the drivers side and pressed her face against the glass, her hands on either side of her to shield the moonlight from her gaze.

"What're you hiding..?" She opened the car door slowly to reveal a multitude of things.

A pair of tinted glasses resting on the dash. A stack of papers with a blue folder on top labeled 'Going'. A water bottle half empty, the lid still off as if he had just taken a sip of it. A book bag parted slightly with only a hoodie and lunch box inside. And the keys...in the ignition.

Eloise pulled the keys out of the ignition carefully, like i wiring a ticking time bomb; the car shut off leaving the night in silence again.

"What is going on.." Eloise couldn't wrap her mind around this.

The police search has been going on for almost two months now—they've turned this town upside down looking for Quinn but here, right off the main road in Pine Lake woods, is his car, completely untouched as if he had just gotten out of it. And how had it gotten here? There's no accessible path for cars—it's like it just materialized out of thin air from somewhere else, to here.

Eloise swallowed the emotion and quickly grabbed everything she could fit into her trembling arms. She'll call the police but she'd be damned if she handed over all of this evidence. All of these clues.

But what if they could solve it better than she could?

"I know him better than they do." She said to no one in particular and started off in sprint, bag slung over one shoulder and papers in arms, towards her car, which thank god-was still where she left it.

___

Axel leaned over to Eloise who was fiddling with the ends of the police tape. "So, you just found this last night..?" He kept his voice quiet and slipped on his coffee.

"Yep. Just like this.." She trailed off and tried to suppress the guilt of lying to the police.

"I don't understand how they could miss something like this. I mean-it's a fucking car!" Margo shouted while rubbing her temples.

"Dahl, you look like shit." Axel pointed out Margo's messy hair, tinted sunglasses, and horrid sweatpants matched with a 'The Cure' graphic T.

"Ah captain obvious so nice of you to stop by. Wanna point out the color of the grass next?"

"Well.. in any case i'm glad to see your suicidal roof jumping tendencies are at bay." Eloise spoke for the first time in a while—she was preoccupied with her thoughts.

"Yeah but not my homicidal ones. Those cop car sirens are so damn loud I could rip everyone's vocal chords out." Margo pushed the glasses she wore above her eyes and rubbed at them uselessly. Her head throbbed and her eyes ached.

A man dressed in a blue uniform and a shiny badge made his way past two other similarly dressed men and approached the three who were still bickering.

"Ms. McCoy?" It was less of a question and more of a statement. Eloise's head shot up.

"Uh, yes that's me."

"We have some further questions for you since you were the one who found it but that'll be after school hours. You and uh," He looked down at his clip board of papers and flipped through two before finding what he apparently was looking for. "Ms. Dahl and Mr. Marone need to get to school. Officer Ongaro will take you three to school." His clicked his pen and put it in his shirt pocket. "We'll be in touch." The officer spoke specifically to Eloise before turning away.

"Isn't that Wyatt's dad..?" Axel whispered and Margo nodded. Mr. Onogaro grabbed his keys and waved the kids towards his car.

Eloise clutched her bag on her lap while the three of them were stuffed in the back of the cop car. She gave weary glances to Margo and Axel who were to her right. Mr. Onogaro hasn't taken a breath in his rambling yet and it was slightly scaring both Axel and Eloise— Margo was rather impressed.

"—you'll never believe this but my son goes to school with you three, he's a lovely boy, very outgoing. His name is Wyatt, my pride and joy— hey do you kids know him? I bet you do, he's one of the most popular kids in school." Popular in a specific way... with the ladies. Thankfully for them they pulled into the school, catching everyone's attention. It wasn't everyday a cop car was pulling up in the morning— usually it was later in the day when a major fight went down.

"Well, have a good day kids— and don't worry Miss. McCoy we'll work everything out later today." He smiled back at them. Eloise slapped on a kind smile and leaned down to bid him a nice goodbye, sine the other two passengers were fleeing away.

"Thank you Mr. Onogaro, have a good day yourself." And with that she started her way to the large high school. Lakewood high, a nice school— sometimes nice food, but that was only sometimes. Eloise sighed and straightened her posture to fit her persona at school, always happy.

"Hi Eloise!" A 'friend' passed her while she was walking up the walkway to the main entrance.

"Hey Betty!" She smiled... oh boy only if they knew how she really felt.

The halls were crowded, most of the time the conversations blended together into background noise, but Margo couldn't keep count how many times she heard the topic of the new student from Shaggy Hallows private high school. it was an all boys school. Apparently this mystery student was kicked out of all of the private schools in this area, so the last resort was public... they were all rumors though, Margo had even heard someone saying he killed someone with his bare hands. That was a bit extreme, but it would be cool if it was true— imagine having a record like that... 'oh sorry man I can't legally give you a hand shake, these puppies can kill.'

She shook the though away and popped open her locker to tarp a few things before class.

"Mango, how's that hangover?" A familiar voice came from next to her making her flinch. She closed her locker to become greeted with the dumb face of the guy from last night... Wyatt right? "You probably don't even remember my name huh?"

"First of all, Wilson, the names MARGO, secondly I do remember you." She rolled her eyes and started her way to class. The five minute bell rang. Maybe he took the hint. Sadly that was not the case.

"Oh? You remember me?" He fell into step with her. She tried her best to ignore him. "So you remember me saving you life like a modern superhero?" Obviously he was still proud of himself, this guy is going to hold this against her now huh?

"Oh you were sooo cool, especially when you lamely flirted with me before that." She gave him a lazy glare. He plastered on a shit eating grin and continued to follow her.

"Are you lost?" She turned to go upstairs, he followed behind.

"Nope, but watching you walk up the stairs might make me disoriented." He was looking right at her ass, bobbing his head dramatically— as if it was bouncing with her butt. Margo knew damn well he saw nothing jiggle— the sweat pants were loose on her. She scoffed and forced him to walk in front of her. "Oh-ho, you wanna taste of my booty bounce? Aight girl I like your flow." He wiggled his ass as he skipped a few steps up the steps. Margo simply rolled her eyes, she wasn't up fo this BS today. She glared at him when she made it up to the landing.

"Just go to class you dick." She shouldered past him.

"Did you forget we shared first period together? Mr. Peterson; Anatomy." He walked next to her, giving Margo a worse headache. She begrudgingly walked into class with the twerp.

Eloise wasn't having the best time either. When she walked into class she was told to go to the office, she was ordered to show around the new kid. With all that's going on in her personal life she was oblivious of the rumors that spread like wildfire in the halls. She held the small grin that was the perfect mask to her classmates and walked into the main office. She waved to the secretary that was always nice to her.

"Ah, Miss. McCoy, good morning." Principal Roles spun around from the main counter and gestured her over. Beside him was a guy, he was handsome— she couldn't deny that, dark brown messy hair and freckles that scattered on his cheeks, his eyes were ocean blue. The only problem was that he was scowling at the principle. She couldn't blame him for that either— Principle Roles was an idiot most days. It was vice principal Myers who knew what to do for the school, she was really strict though.

"Eloise, meet Thatcher James. Thatcher, meet—" Thatcher scoffed and held his hand out to Eloise to shake while he glared at the tall man.

"Eloise— yeah I got it." He sighed and gave her a less menacing look, though the frown was there. "Nice to meet you." She smiled to him and greeted back.

"Well... Mr. James your grandmother told us to not deal with your crap... to use less vulgar words." He crossed his arms and gave Thatcher a disappointing frown. So much frowning in one room was making Eloise want to frown, but she couldn't bring herself to. "If I get a report back from Miss. McCoy here there will be... heck to pay." And with that he was walking away to his connected office. Both of them looked at one another, Eloise offered a small shrug.

"Do you have your schedule?" She asked him, he only shook his head. Gosh how dense could this principle be. First day and he was already bossing the kid around, but forgetting the main reason why he was here. "Don't worry about it I can help." She walked up to the secretary and got all of the papers he needed.

"well look at that, we have third together— that's good! If you want you can sit with me and my friends." She walked out of the office with him.

"Uhh, not to be rude, but I don't think I would want the whole school think I'm gay for sitting with the cheerleaders... or maybe they'll look at me like a perv." He walked next to Eloise silently as if he didn't just offender her. She held back all of the rude remarks she could have said and tightened her smile. She made her way to his first period, it was biology.

"Sorry to disappoint you, Thatcher, but I don't sit with the cheerleaders." She actually hated the cheerleaders. She shivered and thought of Penny freaking pain in the behind.

"Okay, well, I think I can handle myself." He scoffed and continued to follow her. "I don't need you mothering me because your the school's perfect golden child. Most fake person ever.." He mumbled... sounds as if there was bad history there. Note to remember; Thatcher doesn't like preppy people. She had to keep her image perfect in order to stay as the best president of student counsel— she was their rock... well that's what she thought. She wouldn't be surprised if Penny was turning people on her.

"Then you really won't like Penny Whence, she's worse than me, miss. Little prick." She spoke out loud. She hasn't ever talked crap of Penny with anyone at school— minus Margo and Axel. She spun around once she realized what she just said. With a pitiful menacing look— that reminded Thatcher of a child, and pointed at him with a small frown. With a warning tone she told him, "You didn't hear me say that. There's like this deep hatred thing we share and I swore I would never stoop as low as her— except last night at the party... oh gosh people probably think I'm worse than her! Ugh no doubt she was over exaggerating the story." She ended up biting her nail. What if a student had heard them talk about her rival. The walls had ears.. the walls ALWAYS have ears. Glancing around the empty hallway she relaxed.

A low laugh surprised her. Thatcher actually was smirking— he looked so different with an emotion other than anger.

"What's your game here?" he glanced at her and leaned down to whisper to her. "Why are you pretending to be perfect? From what I just heard she's a bitch." Oh great another potty mouth.

"I don't know what you mean. I never said that." She folded her arms. He mocked her pose and held his smirk.

"I didn't say you did, short stack." Pet names now? He was literally insulting her less than two minutes ago. It didn't help he was so smooth with it either.

"Okay fine, I've got secrets— I bet you do too.. Tall.. stack." She tried to look cool like he did to her. Obviously it didn't work. That only caused him to chuckle. "Whatever." She graced her lips with a smile and pulled his schedule back out. "Let's find that class of yours."

___

Axel looked up briefly from his text book (which was only hiding the phone in his hands) as Eloise and the supposed new kid walked in. Margo leaned over and whispered in his ear.

"Yo check it out—John Bender just walked in." She smiled and repressed the urge to laugh at her own joke; Mrs Jay would clock her upside the head with a copy of Ethan Frome if she made yet another disruption.

Mrs. Jay cut her sentence short and cleared her throat. "Class, I'd like you all to welcome our newest addition to the class: Thatcher James. It's a pleasure to have you with us Mr. James—feel free to sit in any empty desk." She smiled before turning back to the board and drawing heinous connections between Ethan and Mattie's relationship and some pickle dish.

Eloise took her usual seat behind Margo, diagonal from Axel. And to her surprise, Thatcher took the seat beside her-behind Axel.

"I thought you were too cool for me and my friends." Eloise smirked and patted herself on the back for her witty remark. Perhaps Margo was finally rubbing off on her.

He leaned back in his seat and he wore a smirk that topped whatever Eloise was trying to pull off. "Well blondie," He side eyed her before looking back to the front of the room. "If you'll notice, this is the only other empty desk in the room."

Eloise could feel the heat rising to her cheeks—she hadn't noticed. And now she feels like an idiot because of it.

"I hope you're more observant than this." He teased.

"Ahem, Mr. James. I hope you won't be a disturbance to this class room already." She lowered her glasses. "You and Ms. Dahl might become very good detention buddies." Margo scoffed and threw her hands up in the air in exasperation.

"Come on Rebecca! I thought we were making progress!" Mrs. Jay glared at the use of her first name before writing the words 'pop quiz' on the board in big abrasive letters. The class groaned.

"Nice going Margo. I didn't read the chapters for last night." Axel mumbled before slamming his head on his desk. Margo only chuckled.

"I know, because you were at my house. Partying." She smiled a toothy grin before ripping a piece of notebook paper out of her empty notebook and scribbling down half assed answers.

In all honesty she knew the correct and perfect answers-she read the whole book the day it was assigned and quite frankly she enjoyed it (she too wished to slam a bobsled into a large ominous obstructive tree), but why on earth would she give Mrs. Jay the satisfaction. She was the first to turn in the quiz.

Margo spun around in her seat and tapped on Eloise's desk, who was still writing down answers.

"Psst!" Margo half yelled half whispered.

"Hush!" Mrs. Jay huffed-Margo glared before turning her attention back to her friend.

"You got any ibuprofen I can have—my head is killing me." Eloise stuck her pointer finger up to her mouth and shook her head mouthing 'no' and signaling for her to turn back around. She rolled her eyes.

"I think I have something." Thatcher spoke as he dug through his black leather bag and eventually pulled out two small tablets. She looked from his hand, up to him, then back to his hand.

"Thanks but no thanks, Roger. I don't want to pass out in ten minutes stuck in some acid trip. That happened once and never again.." She trailed off lost in thought before blowing a piece of fallen hair out of her eyes and twisting back around in her seat.

Thatcher recoiled his hand backwards and stuffed the pills in his pocket. He guessed he couldn't blame her—his outfit inspirations on the daily are loosely based on the fashion senses of various punk musicians. He watched as Eloise stood up gracefully and handed her assignment to the teacher (whom of which he already disliked) with the delicacy of a doe. She sat back down in her chair, folding her skirt as she did, and smiled at him sympathetically.

"She's not always like that." Eloise whispered as quietly as she could. "Well.. it just kinda grows on you."

"Yeah I can only imagine."

___

"So you mean to tell me you're on babysitting duty for serial killer?" Margo asked in between bites of bubblegum ice cream. All other foods made her hangover state nauseous, so she's stuck on a strictly soft serve diet till it blows over.

"Yeah-have to help him join clubs. 'become an avid member of Lakewood High society!' Go cougars!" She mimicked the smile and wave of one of the many fictitious cheerleaders before slumping backwards in her seat and closing her eyes.

"Sorry, El. I'm sure he'd be good at..fight club?" Axel threw out ideas but Margo nearly choked on her ice cream.

"Axel! First rule of fight club is we DON'T talk about fight club!!" Axel rolled his eyes, avoiding the scowl on Margo's face.

"Come on, seriously guys! What kind of stuff would he be interested in?" She opened up a manila folder and flipped to a page titled 'biography'. "It says here he's interested in: rock climbing," Margo cut her off with a buzzer sound as if she answered a question wrong in a game show.

" 'Don't got a rock climbing club-continue." Eloise made a small note before going through the rest of the list.

"Music?" Margo seemed interested.

"What kind specifically?"

"Uhh..it says here classical and punk." Margo hooted.

"I knew it! He screamed Green Day the second he stepped into Rebecca's. Anyways, won't work. Don't have a Bach or Dead Kennedy's club. I bet he could totally shred Holiday in Cambodia...Eloise this is important I need you to figure out this information." Eloise sat her pen down and rested her hands in her head.

"Alright you two are completely unhelpful in this situation." She put her pen back in her pencil pouch and zipped the folder into her book bag. "Guys I gotta get home. It's," She rolled up her sleeve revealing a rose gold watch. "going on 4:30. I have to make dinner tonight for Harriet and Richard." She stood up to leave and Margo stood too.

"Yeah I gotta get home and keep my bed warm. Maybe separate my head from neck while i'm at it—say hi to Dick for me McCoy. And Axel, pet Lucille six times approximately and tell her it's from auntie Margo. Toodaloo!" She clicked her tongue and disappeared through the library doors.

"Axel, aren't you going home sometime soon?" Eloise asked, he still sat in his chair cheek resting in the table.

"Mmm I might just go practice for a little. Mia comes home today and I just need some time to work it all out before I face the wrath of her superiority." Eloise rested a hand on his shoulder and squeezed supportingly.

"Just send a text in the group chat if you need either of us. Catch you later Ax."

"See yah, El." And he was left alone despite being surrounded by a million universes in paper.

___

Margo parked her car in the double garage and made her way into the kitchen, dropping her bags off on the table.

"Hey dad." She kissed his cheek and hopped up on the kitchen counter next to him.

"What's crackalackin, Mango?" She punched his arm lightly and chuckled.

"Daaaad stop trying to be cool."

"Sorry sweetie, I know you're jealous of my uber cool swagger." She fake vomited on her grey vans and stood up.

"Did you get the mail yet?" He chopped up a few vegetables and threw them into a pot, rubbing his hands on his jeans.

"Yes, it's on the counter over there. But, I think uh..something came from your mother..I put it on the desk in your room." He coughed awkwardly and she eyed him suspiciously.

Veronica never calls, texts, or sends anything.

She kissed his cheek lightly, a small unconvincing smile spread over his lips and she jogged up the stairs, turning once into the poster lined walls of her room. She dumped her book bag on the unmade bed and approached the desk as if approaching a crime scene—is it a bomb? Will it explode in her face leaving her feeling like it's happening all over again?

She picked up the envelope labeled 'Miss Margo Dahl' in large cursive letters. She ripped the top open revealing a letter made up of hasty writing along with what appeared to be a picture.

'To my dearest Margo Luisa Dahl, I'm sorry it's taken me this long to write—i've been consumed by the affairs of certain things I can't disclose. I promise I'm doing better to become the mother you need and the mother you deserve; perhaps we could construct some sort of meeting? I'd love to see how far you've come. I have so much to tell you and i'm sure you feel the same.
Best Wishes,
Mom.'

She let the letter flutter to the ground with a sigh and tried to look at the picture without passing out. The polaroid included Veronica and what appeared to be a boy of about eight, hiking on some mountain. In small handwriting below the picture, it read: 'Sam and I's first adventure! '17'

"Fuck you and everything you stand for." Margo huffed and threw the picture on top of a stack of papers scattered on her desk.

She didn't care whether or not Veronica was trying to be a 'good mother'—she wanted absolutely nothing to do with the disaster of a woman. Nothing about her is motherly and people don't change--she would know.

She quickly pulled out her phone and opened the group chat 'vote for pedro' (an inside joke related to Eloise's latest run for presidency).

Mars :
- I completely changed my mind about keeping the bed warm, anyone up for doing something tonight after dinner.

Axe :
- Yeah, i'll be finishing up at the pool in thirty or so. I need a good escape from Mia

Elowheeze :
- Richard is being a.. 🍆 and Harriet is screaming about gosh knows what—after this spaghetti cooks i'm ready for whatever.

Axe :
- sOmeBoDY ToUcHA My SpAGhEt

- Mars has left the conversation.
- Axe has added 'Mars' to the conversation.

Axe :
- MARGO IM SORRY

Margo sat her phone down and sighed for what felt like the millionth time. She was beyond tired and the headache that was finally starting to dissipate came rushing back like a tidal wave. She'll figure out what to do with her mom but for right now there is only one important matter at hand—finding Quinn.

She stood at her 'Missing Board' and followed the trails of red and blue and green.

"I'll find you Quinn. I swear I will."

___

Axel broke the surface of the water and spat out the substance, gasping in whatever air he could into his tightening throat. Three four hundreds IM's were a perfect distraction but also an extremely painful death.

He placed his hand on the wall reading to leave on the bottom when a voice shouted down to him from the balcony. Axel stopped in his tracks and glanced up to the voice from above. He was honestly shocked to see none other than Wyatt beaming down at him, and he wasn't happy about it either— that dude was probably here to pick a fight with him.

"Nice to see you splashing around, Princess." Wyatt leaned on the railing with a smirk, anyone around (which there isn't) could tell he was just as annoyed as Axel was.

"Did you just call me princess? What are you— gay?" Axel stood up and crossed his arms to glare at Wyatt who simply rolled his eyes.

"First of all, There's nothing wrong with being gay, homophobe," Wyatt glared back, probably less intimidating than Axel—only because his shirt is off... *cough* "and secondly you look like Ariel the mermaid. You know red hair and a green shower cap—"

"Swim cap." Axel corrected sharply.

"Right. Like I said shower cap." Wyatt frowned right when Axel cut him off— that little tick didn't pass Axel at all... Wyatt probably hates to be interrupted. Immediately Axel had a devious plan.

"What do you want, fuckface?" Axel held his smirk in. Wyatt simply rolled his eyes at the lame name.

"I just wanted to as—"

"You wanted to spy on me swimming? You creep!" Axel gasped and covered his chest. "You just awarded yourself the perv of the year." Wyatt slightly gripped the handle bar.

"No... I didn't finish—"

"Taking pictures of me?!" Axel yelled dramatically. Wyatt's jaw clenched. "I'm calling the police, stalker!"

"Dude, get over yourself already. I have a fucking question abo—"

"My cup size? I know they are quite impressive if I do say so myself," Axel finished his sentence while cupping his pecks... they weren't even that big. Actually he didn't have any he was flat like a cork board— you know a swimmers body. Axel glanced up at Wyatt, who was indeed growing angrier. "And I do."

"Okay you, prick. Stop talking about your tits and let me fucking talk. All I wanted to know is if you thought the new guy was a bit weird!" Wyatt barked out and fumed afterwards. Axel was actually confused.

"Why on earth would you care what I think? And more importantly— why would you care what I think of another dude?" Axel then quickly gasped. "Wyatt Onogaro, Don't tell me you're worried I would run off with him." Axel couldn't ever take a conversation seriously— unless if it was with Eloise and Margo... occasionally Margo that is.

"I'm not worried about YOU running off with him— I'm worried about the entire female population running off with him. Did you see how he was all try hard and cool when he entered first period? Then he like— ugh he pulled that secretive cool guy attitude with your banshee friend from the party." Axel was at a loss of words. Was Wyatt jealous of Thatcher's growing popularity? Or was he jealous that thatcher wasn't doing that to him? In this moment Axel couldn't tell.

"Dude you either are really gay or really sad. Right now I can't tell." Axel held onto the side of the pool. "You came to me, out of all you're buddies, to tell me that you were jealous of Thatcher? The dude doesn't even talk much, if he does it's an insult. Yeah it's a little offsetting to know he was at least a little decent to Eloise— not a banshee— but she's probably the nicest in our grade." Axel couldn't believe he was trying to calm down the dude that drove him crazy from the night prior.

"Whatever man. Just you wait— he's gonna swoop in and steel both Ella-something and Margo and you'll be left in the dust." And with that he stormed away. For some odd reason those last words of his stuck in axels brain. Thatcher might steal his friends away... no no— Wyatt is an idiot. A hormonal, preteen esc, idiot who can't keep it in his pants.

Axel sighed and rolled his neck. He had to trust his friends a bit more.

___

Eloise wrapped her hands around the rusting metal of the parks just-barely-holding-it-together swing. She swung her legs forward and backwards helplessly, the wind rushing her hair forwards as she descended and ascended again. Closing her eyes and leaning her head back, she pretended Quinn was still here. He was in the swing next to her telling her about how God awful Mrs. Richards was. 'The fourth essay of this week was assigned today!' He'd say. And he'd throw a handful of mulch at the sky and yell: 'Fuck you Mrs. Dicks! Choke on yourself!' She smiled at the legitimacy of it but when her stomach lurched to her throat as she descended once again, the happiness faded and her eyes opened.

"So when were you planning on telling us this El? That's kinda really big." Axel sat on the swing beside Eloise but didn't move-simply watched the sun as it made it's slow descent passed the tree line.

"Yeah Eloise! Stealing evidence from a crime scene? A crime scene that impacts all of us?" Margo was slightly hurt her literal bestfriend didn't inform her about her findings sooner--she knows how much Quinn means to everyone.

"Listen guys," Her swing came to a halt as she stood up and began to pace. "I can't change the fact I didn't tell you both sooner so get over it for a minute. Secondly, It took me this long to even look, let alone touch, the papers. So can you give me a break please, for the love of God?" She huffed and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. Axel whistled.

"Alright, all things aside--can we see the papers now? We oughta let Margo at them. Afterall, she's our detective, right Mars?"
"That's Sherlock to you mister." She smiled, though it went unnoticed in the fading light.

Eloise picked up her book bag from the mulch and sat it on top of her vacant swing, opening it and pulling out a thick wad of papers in folders.

"Here, let's go up there so we can sit and lay them all out." She motioned towards the steps leading up to a landing on the playground set. The two followed and sat in a small circle, the light from Axel's phone illuminating the space and papers surrounding them. "I looked them over once or twice but only to group them into categories. This," She sat an orange folder in front of Margo. "is a list of places with other gibberish that correlates but just barely. And this," She sat another folder, but blue that was almost falling apart from the amount of paper shoved inside, in front of her. "Is a ton of most likely illegal documents on multiple cases involving 'strange disappearances'." She made air quotes with her fingers and even through the darkness she could see their confused looks. "I know. I don't understand it either. But then again I didn't look into it with much detail so I'll leave that part to you. Please...just whenever you think you've come to some conclusion, even a crazy one, you have to let us know." Margo nodded robotically and lightly traced the outline of the folders.

"Oh, and one more thing." She sat her backpack in front of her and pulled out a journal with a map inside. "This was his journal. Maybe whatever doesn't make sense in there," She pointed towards the papers. "Might make sense in here." She slid the bundle of leather towards Margo and sighed. She felt like she just lost Quinn a second time. But Margo was the only one that could read all of this and make any sense of it.

"Wow, this is heavy El. Are you sure you want me going through all of this?" She nodded.

"I trust you. But again, you have to keep both me and Axel in the loop of how things are going."

"Yeah I don't like being left out." Axel spoke up from his spot.

"Okay okay, I promise I'll update everyone in day to day increments- assuming I have the time to figure things out that day. You know me and my busy schedule." She taunted.

"Of what Margo." Eloise deadpanned.

"Self-loathing?" Axel questioned and she snorted.

"Wow yeah, you guys really have me figured out."

"Well I mean it's not that hard. You are kind of an open book." A new voice spoke from somewhere below and the three jumped to their feet in what would've been one swift movement had it not been for the fact they were all well above the recommended height limit for this playground set--they all hit their heads.

"Excuse me?!" Margo yelled and desperately held onto the multiple folder and journal.

Thatchers face was illuminated by moonlight overhead and by the small light emitting from his cigarette.

"Is this what you do-follow people around at night? No wonder you were kicked out of your old school, fucking creep!" Margo backed up as far as she could, the other two holding their positions as if this were West Side Story--who would be knifed first?

"Yeah um Thatcher..this is a bit..odd..were you listening to us..?" Eloise was much more composed (as usual) but the fear still shook her voice. She hardly knew him at all. Definitely not enough to run into him in the middle of the night at a playground and be cool about it.

He shrugged. "I was just walking by and heard people talking, thought i'd see what the commotion was. Not everyday you find cult meetings on the playground."He flicked ash from his cigarette on the ground and walked up the small stairs before sitting on the top one. The three stared at him.

"Sorry Donnie, but you're not invited to sit here with us-" Eloise interrupted him.

"Actually we were just finishing up, weren't we Axel? It's late, have a calc test tomorrow. We should all. be going. home." She gritted her teeth and faked a smile before slinging her bag over her shoulder and grabbing both Axel and Margo's hand, pulling them down the opposite set of stairs.

Thatcher blew and thick cloud of smoke up towards the sky and hummed. "See you in class tomorrow" he mumbled.

"Hope you choke on that death stick asshole!" Margo yelled back at him which resulted in a jab to the side from Eloise as she hurriedly rushed them in the direction of their homes.

___

Axel parked beside Margo's 4Runner and Eloise's Honda Civic and hopped out, as did the other two.

"So is anyone gonna say anything about what happened last night?" Axel began.

"I did" Margo said, he sighed.

"You cursed him out in more than one language."

"Yeah well he's a creep that needs to stay away from all of us and that's final." They made their way to the double doors crowded by students trying to get in.

"Guys, maybe it was just a major coincidence—wrong place wrong time, and it came off completely weird? Never judge a book by its cover, right?"

"Eloise now is not the time for one of your spiritual wisdom speeches." Margo whined and Eloise huffed. "Either way, we have another test in third—Jay didn't even give us a study guide. So, we have bigger things to worry about." Axel nodded in agreement.

The three friends made their way past the doors and into the bustling building. For some reason, it seemed that this morning there was more commotion than usual. What was everyone crowding around looking at? Few had their phones taking pictures and other were laughing and pointing—the usual stereotypical high school bullies.

"What's going on?" Eloise whispered and clutched the straps of her bag tighter.

"Hey, move out of the way! Watch it!" Margo pushed through the crowd of people and finally came face to face with what was so comical.

Their lockers. Covered in red spray paint. Axels read 'Freak', Margo's read 'Psycho', and Eloise's read 'Murderer'. Each had their pictures attached with their own sharpie scribbles and harsh words.

"Thatcher." Margo growled. Who else just sauntered up on their little conversation last night?

"Look!" Someone shouted. "There they all are! The three outcasts!" People laughed. "Class president? How could she ever retain a title like that when she should be in jail! It's obvious she killed her brother!"

The voices all swam together and it suffocated them.

Freak.
Psycho.
Murderer.
Freak.
Psycho.
Murderer.

All three of them felt so...
claustrophobic. How should they react? What would be the appropriate actions to take in this situation? Tell an adult? Leave?

No. No no. Margo's first instinct was to brush it off like it's nothing. Don't show them it affects (effects? Idk too sleepy) her. How dare that just all assume that? They don't know what happened. Hell. She didn't even know what happened.

"Real funny guys— oh totally." Margo scoffed and shoved past a few students to get to her locker. Even though there was sharpie on her locker she still had school to get to.

"Watch out guys, the psycho is walking through." Someone called out.

"Watch out guys— the douchebag is talking." A gruff voice shouted back almost immediately. Wyatt popped out of them swarm of people right to Margo. "What the hell is happening?" He asked quietly to her. Margo clenched her teeth and glared at the worried teen.

"I don't know, Wyatt. Why don't you look at our lockers and find out." Motherly instincts kicked in for Axel. Protect. Protect. Stop the tantrum that is building up within the brunettes body. Protect.

"Alright! Alright! You all had your fun!" Axel held his arms up and started wave people away, he was good at that for some reason. "The joke is done and over— congrats you prepubescent pranksters. Go away." He actually got a good portion of people walking off. He was scanning the area when his eyes caught thatcher's. How ironic was it that he was there for this AND last night. What a real dick.

With a cold glare, Axel sent him away too.

"Those dicks. I bet you anything it was Penny." Wyatt picked at the black sharpie on Margo's locker.

"Or Thatcher." Axel said while turning to him. "I saw him watching the whole thing." With a lazy thumb Axel point back to the direction he walked away.

"I bet you it was Thatcher, that guy just gives off vandalism vibes." Margo grumbled while opening her locker, after shooting away Wyatt's hands.

"Murderer..." A weak whimper esc voice caught all of their attention. Eloise held her hand on her locker, re-reading the word over and over. "I.. I'm a murderer." She wore her far off look. Margo and Axel shared a look knowing full well she's in deep thought. They bet that she didn't even realize she said that.

"El, you know you didn't kill him. You didn't even know he was going to leave." Axel patted her shoulder.

"Yeah... that's the problem. I didn't know. I didn't notice what was wrong with him. I didn't bother to ask him how he felt," Eloise fisted the hand that laid on the locker. "Or check up on him while he was locked away in his room doing homework. I was so blinded by my pitiful first world problems to notice the suffering he went through." She looked as if she was going to start crying.

"None of us noticed, El." Margo sighed, she hated how much her best friend blamed herself for it. She's not alone. "We all didn't see his pain."

"Yeah? Well you didn't live under the same roof as him, Mar." She snapped her head to her, saying her name rather sarcastically. Almost immediately covering her mouth in shock. It wasn't often that she blindly snapped at Margo. Usually there was a good reason behind her flared anger, but this time was really unnecessary. Eloise whispered a quick sorry and brushed past Axel.

The three of them watched her scurry away before turning to one another.

"So far she just seems like a snippy person. Is she okay? Who hurt her." Wyatt teased lightly. He hated the awkward atmosphere Eloise left behind.

"Your face probably." Margo rolled her eyes and closed her locker. With one more glance at the locker she, and the two boys, headed down the halls. "Let's hope the janitors handle that by tomorrow."
___

The first two periods flew by, not much had happened in that time. Other than Axel accidentally touching old chewed gum under his desk, during a test, and internally screaming.

Margo and Axel gave Eloise some space. They knew not to anger 'father'.

Eloise on the other hand wanted them to talk to her, she wanted to act like her little outburst never happened. She even headed to third early to catch them before the bell. Once she walked in though see was greeted with Thatcher sitting in the wrong seat. Hers.

"Excuse me." She held her backpack strap with one hand and the other on her hip. "This is my seat, would you kindly move to yours?" Thatcher wore a tight grin, a small one at that, then lowered himself in her seat.

"I really don't think you want to sit here." He said innocently, which was weird because Thatcher and innocent never work in the same sentence. Unless it's 'Thatcher took my innocence.'

"And why is that?" Eloise brushed that last thought away and glared at him. "I really don't need your pestering before class even starts. Plus I need to talk to my friends once they get here— so please. Move." She sat her bag on the desk. I'm all honestly Thatcher was a little shocked that she was able to snap at him and not curse once— unlike the usual teens nowadays.

With a great sigh he got up only to be mere inches away from Eloise. He leaned down and whispered quietly in her ear.
"If you change your mind, I'll be right beside you." He frowned and plopped in his own seat. It was then that Eloise could see what was written in gold sharpie.

'Property of sibling stabber.'

She looked up at thatcher who was looking at her in a weird way. She couldn't tell what he was thinking but for an unknown reason she knew he had nothing to do with this.

"Were you trying to..." she trailed off. But before either of them could continue a sharp gasp came from beside Eloise.

"Thatcher! What the fuck?! Was the lockers not enough for you?!" Margo snapped with venom in her voice. Fight or no fight Eloise was still her bestie. Don't mess with Margo's bestie. "Yeah— we get it. You're soooo cool to fuck with us. You know what no one likes a new guy." She brushed past Eloise.

He sat there dumbfounded for a moment before speaking. "Wait wait slow down firecracker—you think I did this?" Axel scoffed as if he said something blatantly stupid.

"Obviously. Last time I checked you were the one stalking us last night." Axel sat down in his chair and dropped his stack of books on top of his desk.

So far he's had to deal with multiple different people asking him his role in American Horror Stories Freak Show. Since when did this even become a crude joke? Nobody ever really bothered him..well any of them before, unless it was Penny getting at Eloise over something idiotic.

"It wasn't me." Thatcher stated slightly confused. "I didn't hear any of your conversation last night—I only walked up on you after it looked like Eloise handed something to Margo. I heard noise but not actual words. That was it, I swear." His voice was leveled and calm, but urgent. He wanted them to believe what he was saying—afterall, he was just starting to consider them...incidental aquanetics?

"Save it for someone who cares Thatcher. I've had enough of this today and it's only third." Margo spoke abrasively and laid her head on her hand.

Axel nor Margo believed him, but Eloise looked over at him with cool eyes and nodded. Part of her wanted a face to blame for the drama, but she truly knew he wouldn't do something like this. Why would the cool new guy concern himself with the lives of three people he only just met? It really didn't add up. But clearly, Axel and Margo are too quick to jump the gun when it comes to placing blame and.. anger in general really. Thatcher frowned but faced forwards once Mrs. Jay's obnoxiously clacking heels entered the room.

"Alright class, any last minute questions before the test? Whatever you heard from second period, forget about it because I made different copies for each class." Everyone groaned.

"Yeah, I have a question." Penny rose her acrylic covered hand in the hair and wove it around as if nobody noticed her already.

"What is it Miss. Whence?"

"You know," Penny bit on an acrylic tip to refrain from laughing before continuing. "I feel unsafe in a classroom with those three." She pointed towards the back at Margo, Eloise, and Axel. "Don't you guys?" A few snickered and agreed while the majority just scrolled through their phones completely unfazed by whatever stunt Penny was pulling now. Margo stood up in her chair quickly, adrenaline coursing through her veins fueling the anger.

"You know i'm not fucking surprised the only thing that comes out of your mouth is absolute dick since that's all you ever fucking have in it. Why don't you get over here and show everyone how God Damn tough you are, huh?" Margo was fuming and Eloise was desperately tugging on her arm to get her to sit back down. A chorus of 'ooohs' echoed around the class and Mrs. Jay stammered for words.

"Margo! Penny! Settle this now or you're both dismissed to the principal's office!" Her usual pale complexion was red with embarrassment. Penny hummed.

"Sorry Mrs. Jay. I know people with mommy issues tend to be a little bit more on the explosive side. It's not her fault, she can't control it." Penny smiled bitterly and it's as if time slowed down.

Margo was jumping across Axel's desk, swiping at papers and ripping Penny from her seat. Her cheek collided with the tile as Margo took one converse back and swung it into the girl's kneecaps—the sound of shoe on bone was like nails on a chalkboard. Penny was screaming and a fake nail scraped across Margo's cheek leaving a red line behind.

Thatcher, the only strong male in the room with enough sense to break them up (because why would Josh break them up when this was perfect for WorldStar?), rose from his desk quickly and maneuvered between chairs and students to intervene. Axel and Eloise watched with open mouths as Thatcher finally tore Margo off of Penny, who was now on the ground clutching her leg, her once perfect bun was disheveled and falling out at places.

"Don't fuck with me and don't fuck with my friends, kapeesh?" Margo huffed. She shook her arm loose of Thatchers grasp and stormed out of the room. Thatcher, Axel, and Eloise shared similar looks before following suit. The door slammed behind them and Axel swore he heard Mrs. Jay mumble something along the lines of 'about time'

____

The four sat in the empty gym (third period the gym was always empty) and ate in silence waiting for the other to break the tension.

"Aren't you glad we missed that te-" Axel began but Margo interrupted him.

"Who does she even think she is? Nobody fucking likes her and I'm damn glad I got to beat her stick legs into a pulp. Bitch." Margo was still slightly heated and sighed before laying down, arms sprawled, and staring at the gymnasium ceiling. She was in a similar position freshman year after she fell from climbing to high on the ropes—at least this time her lungs were full of air.

"I have a switchblade if you wanna knife her later." Thatcher mused and opened his pocket knife, waving it around. Margo's head popped up and Eloise immediately dismissed the idea.

"Thatcher do NOT give anyone any ideas." He shrugged and put it away. After a few more moment of silence, Axel chomping on a candy bar and Margo popping her gum, Eloise spoke again. "So.. what're we gonna do about this mess? It must've been Penny that spray painted our lockers."

"Yeah, what a bitch." Axel agreed.

"So does that clear my name?" Thatcher questioned

"For now," Margo warned. "But you're on probation, kay? No slip ups or you're getting it next." She raised her eyebrows and Thatcher lifted his arms in surrender.

"Yes ma'am." He said cooly before they fell back into their silence.

"Well..." Axel bit off a chunk of his candy bar and eyed the two people he knew would help him with his sudden plan. "What if we got revenge?" All heads snapped to him. Thatcher and Margo looked slightly amused with this idea while Eloise looked disappointed.

"Axel... we'd be stopping just as low as them." She signed and rested her head on her knees.

"Oh! I love this idea." Margo grew a grinch like smirk. "Think of all the time we have too. No one is in the halls." She looked over to thatcher. "Would you like brownie points?"

"Would it actually count towards anything?" He asked with his usual tone. Margo and Axel nodded.

"Appreciation." They simultaneously answered.

"Eh, I don't see why not." He smirked before glancing over to Eloise who looked as if her clan had just betrayed her.

"Oh— El." Margo rolled her eyes. "You have to. If Axel and I do it— it must mean it's okay because you trust us right?" Margo always played her cards with Eloise in these sort of situations. It's called... guilt tripping.

"But.. but what would you guys even do?" She eyed both the red head and the brunette.

"Well I was thinking about spray painting her locker back, but that's too obvious." Axel piped up. "We have to find something that really would hurt her mentally." They all fell into a silence again thinking.

"She likes her makeup." Margo stated. "But we cant exactly do anything to that if it's locked in her locker."

"What about..." Axel thought harder than he has in months. "Oh! Oh oh! I got it!" He cheered and stood up before grabbing Margo and pulling her out of the gymnasium.

Both Eloise and Thatcher curiously glanced at one another before getting up to follow them. Eloise knew their game they played. They would run off after saying they had an idea, and wait to do the idea when she would catch up to them. So technically Eloise helps with the pranks... by being there.

"I mean... from what I heard from you and literally the whole school; Penny is a bitch." He fell into step with Eloise, just like they did when they first met. She scoffed.

"I never called her that."

"You implied it." He countered back smoothly. Eloise only looked up at him with a pout but continued to begrudgingly wall to the prank in session.

"She did call you a murderer, and Margo a psycho. Which I only believe a small big. Axel is apparently a freak. That's crossing the line." Thatcher continued and stuck his hands in his pockets. "I'm sure what Axel and Margo are planning isn't that bad." He reassured her. Eloise knew Penny had crossed the line multiple times before. Either to her or to Margo and Axel.

Once Eloise and Thatcher followed the two snickering part outdoors they stopped in front of Penny's bright Barbie pink convertible. The roof was down, the white leather seats were asking to be shit on by passing by birds. It was really an amazing car.

To bad Margo was pulling out her keys. Eloise was quick to get between the car and the key welding hot head.

"Woah woah woah! Margo! This is a bit too far! I mean yeah she spray painted our lockers— but that was school property. This. This is literally vandalism." Eloise held her hand that held the key. "You know she could buy the best lawyers in town and sue our butts."

Margo rolled her eyes and gave Eloise a pointed look. "Yeah. So can you, Miss.McCoy." She had her there. Eloise signed and stepped back to let the loony bin, aka her group of friends, loose to trash her car.

"Okay so I was thinking a giant dick. Back to front." Axel was squatting down on the other end of the car. Margo peered over at him from her side and held her hips.

"I feel like she would take more offense if we gave her smaller dicks."

The two boys nodded in agreement, Eloise simply palmed her face.

They all got to work, Margo on the right side, Axel on the left. Thatcher took the front hood while Eloise sat on the curb facing Margo.

She felt sticky for being involved with this, but honestly she felt worse with more than half of the venom Penny spits. So it balances out.

___

Twenty minutes and at least thirty dicks later, Penny's pumped up convertible was ready to work the corner. Thatcher, Margo, and Axel stood back to admire their handywork and Eloise wrung her hands nervously.

"I'm all for reveling in your accomplishments, but can we please get back to class before anyone notices we're gone?" Eloise rose her wrist and checked the time on her gold watch. It read 1:11..two minutes until the bell for fourth period would ring. "Guys! We have two minutes to sneak back into the building and high tail it to fourth—I have to run the whole way over to AP Gov.!" She hurriedly shoved her phone into her bag and gave a small thumbs up before dodging off in the direction of the school doors.

"Alright one quick picture," Margo pulled out her phone and motioned for the boys to pose. "Act like you're sucking one-yeah yeah perfect!" She snapped a few photos before shoving it in her bag as Eloise did. "Good work today fellas. Stick around later for the real show." She snickered and started running after Eloise. "Don't be late, 2:40!" She called back after them and slipped into the school.

Thatcher and Axel fist bumped before too following suit of the other girls.

___

Elowheeze has added Thrasher to "vote for pedro"

Mars :
-Really? Thrasher?

Thrasher :
-This wasn't my idea,,little sister can't pronounce 'Thatcher'

Elowheeze :
-Awe that's cute

Axe :
-Stop txting i'm taking an econ test!

Mars :
-Well stop taking a test we're texting

Elowheeze :
-lol

Mars :
-so when was the vote to add T-man to the sacred group chat?? don't know if i support this

Thrasher :
-ouch

Elowheeze :
-he's already committed crimes with you mango, i think it's safe to say he's partially initiated into the group

Thrasher :
-mango?
-initiation ?

Mars :
-A. Don't ask
-B. Duh..initiation isn't over ;)

Thrasher :
-can't wait

Axe :
-seriously stop it! Miller is giving me his scary eyebrow raise thing!

Axe has left the conversation
Mars has added Axe to "vote for pedro"

Mars :
-penis
-...okay i'm done

___

2:35–Five Minutes Till Dismissal

Margo slid out of the art class doors and rushed down the west wing stairs, she was determined to make it to Mrs. Rachel's, grab Eloise, and make a B-line for the student parking lot so she could catch everything on video. What fun would it be if she couldn't reflect on her injustices later on?

She tiptoed down the History hallway and carefully approached Room 156. Margo peaked her head just above the doors window and stared directly at Eloise—lucky for her, Eloise was positioned facing the door. After a lot of attempted telepathic communication, Eloise finally looked up and jumped a little when she did; had Margo been staring at her like that for the last ten minutes?

Margo motioned for her to leave the room-luckily, class was over and people were just standing around talking, so Eloise complied and silently slipped out the door.

"What're you doing?" Eloise hissed.

"Come on, we've got something to see." Eloise rolled her eyes and followed the psycho to the student parking doors.

___

"3...2...1!" Margo whispered from her hiding spot which wasn't really a hiding spot..it was her car that was parked one row over with complete view of Penny's.

The bell for dismissal filled the hallways like a hallelujah. Students filed out of classrooms and filled the hallways, the student parking lot doors finally banging open by kids demanding fresh air.

"Oh this is gonna be so good." Margo positioned her phone so it faced Penny's exactly and pressed 'Video'. "I got to kick her ass AND her car all in one day? This is heaven."

Eloise shifted uncomfortably in the passenger seat as Axel and Thrasher slid into the back—the sudden movements made Eloise jump.

"Nervous?" Thatcher mused. She scoffed.

"Hardly...just a little on edge with this whole thing." Axel leaned over to Thatcher.

"She's not really one for breaking rules, vandalism, you know, that kinda stuff." Thatcher smirked.

"Trust me, I knew that from the minute she walked into the office." Eloise glared daggers in his direction

"Yeah, I'm that much of an open book?"

"No, the office lady told me you were the class president and I made a wild assumption—I was right though wasn't I? And your skirt looked like it was flat ironed the night before." Heat rose to Eloise's cheeks. Was he really checking her out the minute the met?

"Okay creepy. You might've regained your stalker status-" Margo cut Axel off.

"Shh! Everyone shut up! It's happening!!" Margo beamed like the sun and sat on the edge of her seat waiting for Nickle's to lose it.

The bimbo, who now had a slight limp, dropped her keys halfway to her car in utter disbelief. She screamed and stomped her foot into the cement nearly breaking her kitten pump heal.

"Who did this?!" Penny screeched. Some students took picture snickering, other skirted around the whole scene avoiding any confrontation with the she-demon. "My daddy will crush you like a grape!" She cried and picked her keys up angrily from the ground.

"Woohoo!" Margo cheered. "Margo 2, Penny...1" Her smile faltered at the realization they weren't that far apart but either way, her handy work was good enough to last her at least another month (then she'd have to do something equally as malicious..it kept her sane).

"Alright then," Eloise began and shifted in her seat so she could address everyone in the car. "The test was postponed till tomorrow, I emailed Mrs. Jay-"

"Of course." Margo whispered which she then received a glare.

"As I was saying, she's added vocab to it. Do you guys wanna come over later tonight to study? I can make tea or hot chocolate. Richard has to take Harriet to ballet so they won't be home for at least two or so hours after 5:30." Margo gave a thumbs up and axel pretended to check his calendar.

"Mm think I can fit that in my schedule." They laughed but Thatcher remained silent.

"Are you coming?" Eloise asked.

"Oh wait, that invitation was extended to me too?" Margo rolled her eyes.

"If you wanna be apart of The Mangos™️, you gotta catch up Thrash." He frowned at the nickname (which he's already received multiple from her) but settled for a small smile—he was making friends and maybe they wouldn't be so bad after all.

___

"For the last time Margo, you can't make brownies with plants—I don't know why you guys are laughing." Eloise held her hips after giving up trying to concentrate and talk. Both Margo and Thatcher came over a tab bit early, early as in a half an hour.

"Are you being serious?" Thatcher asked and leaned on the counter. To say the least he was highly amused that anyone this innocent made it through high school. He turned to Margo with a bit of a goofy grin, a small one. "She's kidding right?" Eloise rolled her eyes and continued her work.

"I'm afraid not. This is our Elly. She's too clean for our world." She patted his shoulder. "You should see her sister. Those to always amaze me how... how..."

"How cool we are?" A small voice chirped and bounded into the kitchen in her pink and white ballet uniform. Margo's face lit up immediately, she spin around on the bar stool and faced her favorite McCoy—But don't tell Eloise that.

"You got it kiddo." She smiled and held a finger gun to her. Harriet snickered before continuing to walk to the corridor. She and Richard were just leaving.

"Bye Sis, bye other sis! Bye stranger!" Harriet called out before opening the door. "Oh hey Axel, and stranger 2.0." They hear her chirp from the door.

All three of them glance at one another. Who could be the other stranger?

"Hey squirt." (sobs. HANE.) Axel patted her head. "Go have fun dancing to the nutcracker or whatever." He teased her. She puffed her cheeks out in a pout, much like her sister does.

"Very funny, Axel, sorry to inform you but I don't dance to that." She said with a humph. Axel rolled his eyes and smiled down at her. She was the little sister he never got.

"Harriet! Time to go!" A deep voice echoed in the house. Richard was walking down the stairs, in business casual with a deep frown. "I have a meeting once I drop you off— you'll need to find a ride." He walked past the kitchen. Margo, Axel and Eloise knew all too well that his meetings were to just get away from his family.

"But... But." Harriet stammered. She doesn't have many friends in ballet— they are all petty rich kids.

"Harriet, what did I say about stuttering— you'll never get anywhere with your whining." He walked up to the door with Eloise and Margo tagging behind him. Axel wanted to glare at the man, even with his son's missing, he's acting like nothing ever happened.

"I'll pick her up." He voiced to their horrible father. Richard simply looked him up and down then rolled his eyes.

"Do what you want. Harriet," he glanced down at her. "Lets go." And with that he got her into the car. He glared at the teens for a moment.

"If the house looks any different than it does now, you're never—"

"Allowed back here again." Margo mumbled along with Richard. This wasn't her rodeo. She rolled her eyes and got a glance at the stranger. "Wyatt? What on earth are you doing here?" She asked once Richard got into the car. The chauffeur they had started driving them off.

Axel and him exchanged glances. He sighed and brushed past both girls. Wyatt smirked at Margo.

"I missed you so much." He mused. With no change of mood, she turned away and followed Eloise indoors. "I couldn't just stay away." He followed her.

"Why are you trying to kiss my ass?" Margo asked without turning around. How was it that Wyatt was always just.. showing up?

"It's called being nice, Mars. Ever heard of it?" She scoffed and turned to face him-he still wore his ridiculous yet captivating smirk.

"Ha. Ha. Wyatt, why are you really here." She crossed her arms and studied the other boy. His black hair was slightly disheveled as if he had just ran his hands through it multiple times and the red and blue flannel fell off a grey covered shoulder. He seemed taken back by the sudden inquisition.

"What, I can't hangout with a couple of buds?" Her gaze narrowed.

"Dude, we've hung out once? And that was in a group of like..seven people. We talk twice a week and it's you usually saying some dumbass pickup line to which you get ignored. Why now would you want to hangout with a 'couple of buds'" She mocked his tone but his smirk never fell. His facade was difficult to crack.

"Maybe I want to get to know everyone? It's called making friends."

"It's called he doesn't have any friends and needed something to do." Axel piped up from behind Margo in the kitchen. "I invited him, plus he did actually want to come--I hope that's not an inconvenience?" He poked his head around the corner to stare directly at Margo, since clearly she would be the only one to pick a fight. Part of her regretted questioning his intentions since they were clearly good (although with him it's hard to tell).

She rubbed the back of her neck nervously. "Sorry Wyatt." His pale green eyes looked sad but he smiled and patted her shoulder.

"Considering that will probably be the only time I ever hear that, I fully accept your apology." He smiled again and walked into the McCoy's giant kitchen. It was full of stainless steel appliances, shiny pots and pans, and eloquent decor.

The five of them perched themselves around the island on bar stools that lined it. They appeared to be made out of mahogany (which Margo may or may not have stabbed a few years ago in an attempt at recreating The Hunger Games), and stood tall-much like everything in their house. There wasn't a dull fixture or a single lampshade out of place. All picture frames hung exactly straight, Axel measured it once to test the theory-and to Eloise, it just didn't feel like home. The shoes were never cluttered by the door after a long day of just wanting to sit and relax. There was never ice cream in the fridge or gushers in the pantry waiting to be guzzled down by hungry children.

This wasn't a home. It was a waiting cell.

Eloise was snapped out of her thoughts when Wyatt cleared his throat. "So, this vocab huh.." He tapped a dull yellow pencil atop his vocab sheet and narrowed his eyes at a particular word. "Pretty..importunate..." Eloise and Margo snickered.

"Honey, I don't think that's how you use that word." He scowled and slammed his hand on the table.

"This is stupid anyways! When will I need to use Bivouac in everyday context?!"

"Stop being querulous." Thatcher spoke triumphantly besides Eloise.

"Up top!" Axel shouted and high fived the other boy at his use of a vocab word.

"Oh yeah? Well.." He glanced down at his sheet before retaliating. "Stop acting like a patriarch."

"Yeah, dad." Margo teased. Thatcher smirked-he wasn't finished.

"It's odd seeing you so pensive over these words—you don't seem to be the type to look at school work intelligibly." He scoffed and whisked a hand in the air.

"Well aren't you specious. You act like you're all cocky and cool and nothing bothers you-but I bet deep down in there," He leaned forward for more emphasis. "you're just like the rest of us."

"And what's that—I'm capable of magnanimity?" Wyatt shook his head before continuing.

"You have sentience. You feel just like any other human being—despite your superfluous attitude." He air dropped a microphone and stood up to fill his mug with more hot chocolate.

"Wooooh. Is it appropriate to call you T-pain now? Because you must be feeling the burn." Margo fanned him from across the countertop but sadly it didn't blow away his horrid scowl. She wondered perhaps, if someone scowled that hard would their face get stuck in that position?

"Anyways!" Eloise piped up enthusiastically. "Maybe we should take a break from vocabulary." She laughed nervously and there was a hum of agreement from the others.

"Yeah. It's T-minus an hour and forty five minutes till Axe here has to go pick up Harry—so we have plenty of time to play a game or something."

"A game?" Eloise questioned. It seemed like a childish thing, but she did love games.

"Yes, you know those things were you follow rules and try to win." Margo's sarcasm was exquisite, as always.

"Monopoly!" Axel chimed excitedly.

"Axe, I said we have an hour and forty five minutes—not two days." He pouted.

"Oh come on! The only reason our last game took that look is because somebody was a horrible banker." He looked pointedly at Eloise who merely shrugged innocently.

"Sorry you're a sore loser."

Thatcher sat back and watched the three go back and forth on what game they'd rather play (or what games they have played and haven't ended well). It was comical—Eloise was becoming agitated by Axel's accusations of her cheating at shoots and ladders (to which she explains, 'you can't even cheat in that game!') and Margo backed her friend up, as she always does.

"What about hide and go seek?" Thatcher intervened. It seemed silly but maybe it wasn't a bad idea? "I mean, this house is huge and all. We could set boundaries?" He hoped he didn't sound as childish as he thought he did.

"Actually, that sounds like fun." Wyatt spoke in between sips of his drink.

"Then it's settled!" Margo clasped her hands together. "First, second, and third are game—basements off limits. That cool, Eloise?" She nodded and smiled. Of course she'll win-after all, this is her house.

How hard could it be?

After a brief argument on who would count first, it was settled after a game of rock paper scissors (to which Axel lost) and also decided they'd do it in the dark besides a few nightlights. The seeker would have a flashlight and all had to promise not to jump scare—though that promise will most likely fall flat, each assumed.

Axel stood in a dimly lit corner in the living room counting down from thirty. The house was so vast, they had to decide upon a high number so that everyone could find a space in a decent amount of time.

"5, 4, 3, 2...1!" Axel shouted and spun around, tapping a finger on the flashlight. A beam of light cascaded across the room, making it look even creepier than usual. "Ready or not, here I come!"

He moved forward into the living room, checking behind chairs and couches. He opened a few cabinets expecting Margo to be inside one, as she usually is-but the room appeared to be empty. He continued on into the kitchen, suffering heart palpitations as he perceived the shadow of a hanging pot to be one of his sneaky friends.

Elsewhere on the third floor, Thatcher slipped quietly into a room at the end of a hallway. He looked around for a place to crawl under or into, but did a double take as he noticed the mint green walls lined with pictures and inspirational posters. The bed was made in a floral comforter and the pillows placed exactly-like someone took the time to line them up perfectly. There was a white cloud light hanging from the ceiling and a Purple painted E hanging just above a body length mirror. Realization hit him-

This was Eloise's room.

His heart thudded in his ears-of all rooms to run into he chose this one? He felt like he was intruding and spun around quickly reaching for the door.

"You guys are good!" He heard Axel yell somewhere down the hall. Shit, there's no backing out now.

He scanned the room quickly and decided the only non-creeper place he could fit into was behind a white armchair that was cater cornered to the right of the room. He made a dash across the plush carpet with the grace of a bull and jumped behind the chair just as Axel was pushing open the door.

"Yoohoo, big summer blow out!" He stifled a laugh at his own joke.

Thatcher held his breath, for some unknown reason he acted like this was life or death situation. If he was found in Eloise's room he was sure Margo or even Axel will give him an ear full.

"...in the..." Axel murmured, thatcher didn't dare move. "CLOSET?!" Axel yelled and ripped open the pulling doors. Thatcher was going to pass out if he didn't start breathing soon. His heart rate was going bananas right now, he dislikes the feeling of being hunted.

"Uhh gross El, when was it the last time you cleaned this black hole out?" Axel grimaced and moved around the room. Eventually Thatcher heard him walk out and whistle down the hall.

Once Thatcher knew he was gone he let out the largest breath.

"I need to get out of here." He started to move out of the room, but was stopped by a framed picture on the wall. It was obviously enlarged from the phone camera, but that didn't mean it was any less clear. It was too dark to see the clump of people in it, but Thatcher wasn't dumb. He knew it was probably Eloise with Margo and Axel.

Quickly he flipped on his phone light and saw Eloise talking a group selfie with Margo and Axel, Harriet, and an older dude. He looks almost identical with Eloise, except his eyes were like Harriet's.

"Come on guys! This isn't far!" Axel shouted from down the hall. Thatcher quick turned his light off and crept over to the door, brushing the thought of the picture out of his mind. He peeked around the door and saw the hallway was dark, and axels retreating light was walking down the other hallway that was joined at the end of this one. (It's like an 'L')

Thatcher quickly but quietly zipped out of the room and to the stairs. He ran to the living room and straight behind the curtains.

"Woah woah, asshole there's only room for two— get out." Wyatt whispered sharply to him. Thatcher only scoffed.

"Bitch." He whispered to Wyatt and scurried off to the kitchen. He made sure to maneuver around the stools and the pans hanging on the center.

"Guys this isn't fair!" Axel yelled from the stairwell. "I literally looked everywhere." He whined like a two year old and stomped down the stairs. Thatcher panicked and ripped open the kitchen closet and shut it behind him, a small yelp scared him half to death but realized it was only Eloise.

"Thatc—" He covered her mouth and pulled her closer so they had more room. Eloise was wrapped up in his arms. Nothing at this point could stop the blush creep up to her face. She's being wrapped up in a tall boys arms and hidden in a dark closet... what could go wrong?before Thatcher could say anything, Axel came into the room stomping away. It was a little shocking at how quiet the rest of the mansion was compared to Axels feet.

Something of this setting was making thatcher panic. He's feeling déjà vu. Dark closet, angry steps, hiding. He didn't realize he was shaking before Eloise turned around in his arms.

"Thatcher?" She whispered up to him. "Should we quit" She watched as his eyes were sealed shut. He only shook his head and covered his eyes with one hand. In all honesty he looked frightened. Thinking fast, like the older sister she is, she quickly bent him down to a warm embrace. "I don't know what's wrong but I'm here okay?" She rubbed his back in warm circles. Thatcher simply tucked his head into her neck and held her close.

"Thanks."

Meanwhile Margo was having less of a caring time and more of a glaring time. Wyatt followed her to the curtains after he followed her to the bathroom, master bedrooms and the library. This was where she had given up.

"What a prick, huh?" Wyatt whispered to her. She only wished to play a simple game of hide and seek— but no. It's a game of keeping Wyatt quiet.

"Wyatt you are really getting in my nerves.." she whispered back. "Axel is like in the other room— probably eating, while you're here yapping away... shut the fuck up." Hoping that he would get the point and go away, she folded her arms and nodded to herself slightly.

"Babe, If you think harsh words could take me away from you you're wrong." He leaned to her ear and whispered lowly. He was half teasing and half telling the truth, but Margo didn't need to know that.

"okay, 'babe', how about this—"

She was stopped by Wyatt when Axel came back into the room whining. Margo didn't care at the moment, she was only thinking about the warm hands covering her lips. Why are they so warm? Does he use moisturizer— if so which one?

She looked up at him who was looking down at her, trying to tell her something with his eyes. She only raised an eyebrow.

"Margo, I-"

"AHAH!" Axel shouted as he whisked away the curtains, startlingly Margo and Wyatt five feet apart. Wyatt smiled sheepishly (he definitely didn't scream) and Margo wiped the back of her hand across her mouth. "About damn time—you two know the whereabouts of the other ninjas?" They both shook their heads and he shrugged before continuing back into the hall leading to the dining room.

A silence hung in the air between them—the moment shattered when the curtains opened (which Margo thought was moderately amusing; normally it's the other way around), and the words Wyatt wanted to say died on his lips. They sat on the couch, a cushion apart, and stared at the black tv screen.

"Hey Wyatt," Margo leaned over whispering.

"What?" His voice was softer than he had wanted it to be.

"Words can't describe how beautiful you are, but numbers can. Solid 3/10." Of course all things with Margo were an insult, but Wyatt couldn't hold it in. A laugh bubbled from his lips and filled the tension surrounding the room. Thank god for the darkness—Margo was smiling too.

-

Thatcher coughed awkwardly, the motion disrupting the cans behind them perched on a ledge. They shared a knowing look just as the entirety of a shelf of varying soups and bottles rained down from the kitchen heavens. Thatcher quickly shielded Eloise from the aluminum hail, wrapping arms around her for the second time and bending her over so her back and head were completely safe.

Once again, heat rose to Eloise's cheeks and she struggled for air. She's only known him for three days—how is this possible?

The door to the pantry opened sometime during the avalanche; Eloise and Thatcher rose to meet the eyes of an unamused Axel whose hands where on his hips disapprovingly.

"You mean to tell me I searched this whole house for thirty minutes to find all of you on the same floor, two people in the same place at a time, AND YOU GIVE YOURSELVES AWAY?!" He sighed, exasperated. Before stomping to the living room and plopping down on the couch, he dropped the flashlight on the island and flicked the light switches, illuminating the stark mansion.

Eloise looked up at Thatcher, who still clung to her. She coughed and he quickly realized the situation.

"Oh uh," He let go of her quickly and rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry about that." He tried to smile and quickly shimmied around her to get out of the closet as fast as possible.

She was left standing in a mess of cans and a moment ruined by stupid inconveniences—she's starting to become well acquainted with those.

___

"Margo, if I have to hear this song one more blessed time, I'm going to put on Harriet's tap shoes and tap all over your little face." Eloise grumbled from the backseat.

The four had piled into Axel's car to go pick up Harriet-as Axel had offered. Axel drove, Margo called shotgun, which left Eloise squeezed between Thatcher and Wyatt (this technically meant there wasn't any space for Harriet, but Thatcher and Wyatt agreed to lay down in the trunk together—'we need to practice for when we're running from the cops!' Wyatt had said.

"It's a damn good song, Eloise! How many times have I listened to American Pie?! Don Mclean up your music taste." Eloise scoffed from the backseat over the electronic chorus of Could By Elderbrook. Thatcher held her hands down (she was seconds from strangling Margo).

"Both of you shut up. It's my turn to pick a song anyways." Axel huffed and picked up his phone (they were stopped at a redlight), quickly typing 'Cold Blood
By Bruno Major' into youtube. The soft verse began immediately and the car descended back into a peaceful stillness.

Which of course was broken once the grand jeté-ing child leaped into the backseat and nearly took out Eloise with a light pink shoe. Eloise shoved her into the seat next to her and Margo leaned back to ruffle her hair.

"Axel..is this a speedo?" Wyatt voiced from the very back of the car. The car came to a quick halt as Axel slammed on the breaks.

"Stay out of my stuff!" The car of teens repressed their giggles, but Harriet was lost in a fit of laughter.

In the end Axel had to pull over so Wyatt could get himself in the truck, there was no room in the back and Harriet wasn't about to be the baby and sit on someone's lap— god forbid. Most of the trip back 'home' was consistent of radio wars, Wyatt snooping though Axels trunk then immediately showing everyone the item he had found, and awkward glances™️ between Eloise and Thatcher. Neither of them wanted to talk about the closet incident quiet yet.

Even through all of that they managed to drive safely to the long driveway of the McCoy's. If anyone saw them get out of the car they would have thought it comical; a clown car. The teens filed out of the car and ventured their way back into the building.

"Okay, okay, but why did you need ten coupons saved for Johnny's Pizzaria? Just use them everyone you order." Wyatt chuckled while the rest of them were trying to keep their lungs from giving out, this was the majority of the car ride.

"Well, Wyatt." Axel, who had no amusement in any of this, snapped while opening the door. "For you information I was on a diet and I saved them up for my cheat day next week— this type of body doesn't come naturally." He gestured towards himself.

Their laughter echoed through the empty house.

"Axel the only reason you have those coupons is because your uncle gives them to you whenever you see him." Margo snorted and gave him the eye.

Eloise helped carry Harriet's bag to the living room while the group settled back into the kitchen. The bag felt like there was lead bricks in it. With a grunt she tosses it to the couch.

"Are you actually struggling with your sisters tap dancing class bag?" Thatcher snickered at her and held his hands into his pockets. Eloise only rolled her eyes, but her lips failed her.

"I was not," She folded her arms and smirked with a tilt to her head. "Plus, couldn't you be sucking up to tweedle dee and tweedle dum to be official welcomed to the cool kids gang?" She teased him and looked into the kitchen that was through the arch. She saw they were all in their own conversation. He probably didn't want to interrupt them. I Eloise only felt sympathy for him— she had been there far to many times.

"Don't sweat it, That." (Not That but like TH-at, you know? The first half of his name?) She waved the clueless group off too look up at him. "They can get lost in their own world most days. One time Margo spent a whole hour trying to explain why cool whip and readi whip were entirely two different things." She changed topics and plopped down onto the leather couch. Thatcher merely huffed out a small laugh and sat next to her. He propped his feet up on the coffee table, which is a rule not to do— but Eloise liked the feeling of rebellion.

"Did you just call me, That?" He coyly asked and watched her blush. He chuckled while resting his arms on the top of the couch. "You know that's the first descent nickname I've ever had."

"I doubt that— your dad probably called you bud or something." She pouted while covering her cheeks. She didn't see him lose his smirk, nor did she see him pale— like he just remembered something.

"Uh- no he never did." He clears his throat. Eloise noticed his sly tone of voice was now tense. She quickly looked up to see him already looking at her. His eyes darted to the wall clock. "I should get going."

"Oh- um wait Thatcher you'll need a ride. Let me take you." She quickly followed him up. She realized she made a mistake, and since he saved her from the chair in class, she thought she could repay him.

"No!" He shouted, making her jump. "No... it's okay I'll walk." He shuffled away from her to the hallway.

"Thatcher. Please let me help you this once— you helped me earlier. It's getting late. Please." She reached out to hold his arm while she begged with her eyes.

"It's okay, Eloise, I can walk." He brushed her off. He started his way to the door, but Eloise had one last card to play. She followed him outside and plucked her keys off of the rack.

"Friends don't let friends walk." She firmly stated and planted her feet. Thatcher froze on the spot. He really liked these people, probably the nicest (also weirdest) group of people he's meet in a long while.

"Fine." He signed turning to her. "But don't take me as a desperate loner who needs friends." He pointed accusingly at her. Her smile lit up her face once she realized he was opening up to her slightly. Like only a nick in the brick wall, but it was more than before.

"Alright!" She hooted and brushed past him to her baby, her little blue Honda Civic. "Hello beautiful, blue." She cooed to the car and patted the top.

"What is it with you and naming things poorly." Thatcher asked and opened his side of the car. A sharp gasp was heard from Eloise, once they both sat into the car they looked at one another.

"Excuse you, That, I think I'm great at naming things." She stuck the key in the ignition and let her little blue purr.

"Okay, Lui." He jested back at her as she pulled out of the driveway.

"Lui, huh?" Her eyes never left the road. "Well, Lui needs the way to your house."

Thatcher reluctantly gave her the directions to her house, slightly hoping she would forget the way to his house later on. The closer they drove to his house the more he held himself. At first, his hands were in his pockets, now they are folded tight over his chest.

"Turn right and it will be there on our left." He mumbled out. Eloise noticed it all, from the way he tapped his feet to the constant hair brushing. She kept quiet and did as she was told. Once she pulled up to the peaceful one floor house she locked the doors.

"Eloise, please." He grumbled while gripping the handle.

"Thatcher. I know it's not my place to pry—"

"It's really not." He pried and gave her a lukewarm glare.

"But I hope you know as friends—" he held his hand up.

"Friends whom I just met three days ago."

"Yes. Recent friends." She signed and rubbed her face. "I want you to know that we are here for you— I am at least." She gave him a worried glance. She wasn't just saying it to say it, she honestly hoped he was okay at home. He let go of the handle.

"I-" before he could finish someone called to him.

"Thatcher!" Catching both of their attention a sweet elderly lady was standing on the porch. "Pumpkin, it is you!" She started her way to the car. She quickly noticed Eloise next to him. "Oh me oh my— hello dear, I assume you bright him home?" She smiled ever so sweetly to her. Eloise was skeptical at first, but when she saw thatcher visibly relax in the older woman's presence she smiled back.

"That's right ma'am." She said while unlocking the car. "He needed a ride and I basically had to force him in the car." She said with a chuckle.

"Yeah, well that's my Thatcher Alright." The elderly woman lovingly looked at him. "Why don't you come in for a few minutes? In graduate for keeping my grandson in check." She winked at her. Was she implying something? Both teens flushed red but agreed to the sweet old lady's request.

"Thank you, Mrs..." Eloise stepped out of the car.

"Oh! Call me granny will you?" Granny clasped her hands. Eloise nodded and followed the two inside where they talked about all sorts of things. In all honesty Eloise liked this side of Thatcher— he was relaxed and sweet around his grandmother.

Eloise also liked his grandmother due to the fact a picture book was whipped out. Baby Thatcher had puffy cheeks and the brightest blue eyes she has ever seen.

"Grandma I think Eloise has seen enough." His cheeks were tinted pink and there was a smile on his face—happiness looked good on him.

"Oh I'm sorry deary-it's just not often Thatcher brings a lady friend home!" She closed the book and sat it on the coffee table, her small hands clasping together and resting on her lap.

"It's not often he brings anyone home." His grandfather grunts from the recliner.

"Yes, Eloise, if you haven't realized it yet, I'm a major loser." Granny swatted at his shoulder.

"Oh hush you, you've just got a bit of the 'antisocials'."

"Don't we all!" Eloise laughed and checked the watch on her wrist. "Oh my, I'm so sorry i've completely lost track of time! It's fifteen till eleven! I better get going," She stood up and gathered her coat and purse from the banister lining the stars. "Thank you so much for inviting me in!" She shrugged her jacket on and smiled.

"You're welcome here any time! Isn't she Thatchy?" Thatcher rubbed his temples and groaned.

"Thatchy?" Eloise suppressed a laugh and Thatcher opened the front door for her.

"We do not speak of this." She nodded and saluted him.

"Ay, ay Captain." She began making her way out the door but he caught her arm.

"Thank you, Eloise. Really." She looked at him for a moment before the smile finally registered.

"Of course. Anytime!" He let go of her arm and she spun around walking to her car.

Although, halfway towards her car, another car viciously pulled into the driveway—it seemed as if the high beams were on freezing Eloise in her spot. Loud music (which Eloise perceived to be death metal) pumped from the speakers and smoke emanated through the slits of the doors.

"Eloise!" Thatcher shouted and bolted to her. He grabbed her wrist quickly and immediately started pulling her in the opposite direction—back into the house. Adrenaline was coursing through his vein and his grip might've been too tight but honestly? That didn't matter right now. Getting Eloise out did.

"Thatcher, what's going on?!" She tried to keep up with him.

They entered back into the house, the frantic look on his face resulted in a confused look from both grandparents.

"Thatcher..?" His grandma questioned.

"He's here." Was all he could get out before he was maneuvering Eloise and himself through the living room, into the kitchen, and bolting out the backdoor.

___

"Thanks again for the ride, Axel." Margo voiced from the passenger seat. She was fiddling with the radio as Axel turned onto her street—Wyatt sat quietly in the back.

"It's no problem, Mango. I had to take Wyatt home anyways and it was clear Eloise was gonna dash at any opportunity to spend time with Thatcher." Wyatt snorted.

"Yeah, that looks like it'll be a mess." Axel hummed in agreement-Margo changed the station for the fifth time.

As Axel pulled up to the curb lining her house, another car seemed to be parked in the driveway. Her father's car was already in the driveway, and Margo's car was parked just by the mailbox, in front of Axel's. It was too dark to make out the markings...are those sirens at the top?

"Uhh this is strange.." Margo opened her car door apprehensively and squinted against the moonlight.

"Wait, Wyatt, isn't that your dad?" Axel gazed out the car door into one of the windows on the first floor; it was a dining room window, and in it-Mr. Onogaro and Mr. Dahl sat at the table seemingly deep in conversation.

"Yes..?" Wyatt grabbed his jacket and slid out the car standing on the sidewalk alongside Margo. Margo shut her car door and gave Axel one last 'thanks' before starting towards the front door.

"Text me if anything happens." Axel yelled to Wyatt out the window before pulling away and continuing down the street.

Margo and Wyatt gazed at each other anxiously—Margo twisted the knob and walked in, Wyatt following suit. The conversation (which Margo just clipped the end of: 'I just don't think any of them-') came to an abrupt halt as Mr. Onogaro spun around in his chair and Mr. Dahl stood up.

"Margo!" Her father sounded surprised and concerned. "And Wyatt..?" His face contorted in confusion, as did the deputy's.

"Ah right-uh, we were at Eloise's together studying for a test tomorrow and Axel was taking us both home. We noticed Mr. Onogaro was here and Wyatt decided to stop here too." Mr. Dahl's eyebrows decreased and a smile delicately crossed his lips—too precisely, Wyatt noticed.

"Well he's always welcome of course! Your father and I, Wyatt, were just chit chatting. Nothing bad!" He laughed. "We're almost done though, right?" Onogaro nodded and offered a smile matching Samuels [this is her father's name incase you forgot].

"Why don't you two hangout..upstairs or something for a little until we're done. It'll only be a few moments." The oddity of the whole thing laid heavy like a blanket atop the house. Margo was beginning to question whether Axel dropped them off in the right plane of existence.

"Uh..sure. You can follow me..?" Her words twisted into a question, brows furrowing as she lead the way up the stairs and down the hall. She took a left and pushed open the door to her room.

"Honestly this night can't get any weirder than it already has so welcome to my 'humble' dome and all, ignore the cd mess over there- Oh watch!" She splayed her hands forward just as Wyatt was beginning to step on a record lying in the middle of the floor on a black rug beside a brown record player. She bent down and cautiously returned the record to its rightful home inside it's slip (which was black with a circle of yellow in the middle, labeled 'Parachutes')

"Sorry." He rubbed the back of his neck with one hand, a sheepish grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. She waved a hand at him in reassurance as she went around various parts of the room trying to shove things into corners and under the bed.

"Make yourself comfortable-there's a bean bag over there." She pointed to the corner where a lumpy navy sack was positioned beside a bookshelf.

He spun in circles admiring the room that was just so.. Margo. Cd's and records were quite literally everywhere; vintage looking sweaters were creeping out from her closet in heaps on the floor; there were multiple cacti and other plants in small vases adorned around the room; various artists (both musically and artistically) posters hung around—a million eyes following you as you walked; glow in the dark stars were positioned so specifically on the ceiling, Wyatt thought for sure he could just make out the big dipper; lastly, there was a giant board above a small writing desk stacked with papers and folders labeled 'Murder Board' in messy red hand writing. The board was covered in pictures, maps, news clippings, string, and all sorts of markings. Margo caught on to his newest interest in the thing and eyeing him warily, quickly pulled down on a handle that drew down a covering—the covering, a constellation map.

She finished whatever last minute cleaning she was attempting to do and plopped backwards on her bed, her shoes hanging off one side. Silence ran through the room before she attempted conversation.

"What's going on down there..?"

Wyatt sank lower into his bean bag. Not only was tired, he was confused. "I don't know— I didn't know our dad's knew each other before tonight."

"Same here." Margo rolled into her stomach facing Wyatt. "Actually I'm more surprised you're not flirting with me now." She teased him, but only got an eye roll in response.

"What? Am I wrong? You flirted with me all night!" Her hands flew out in defence, though it really wasn't necessary. She secretly, deep deep down, sort of kind of liked it. It's not like every guy at school was teasing and flirting with her.

"I didn't see you stopping me." His eyebrow raised while he folded his arms. Her face lit up like it was on fire. He caught her red handed. She glanced up to retort something but she saw how... not Wyatt he was right now. He looked tense sitting in the bean bag.

"Hey are you okay?" She sat up to face him. His head popped up to look at her. He reminded her of a deer in headlights.

"Oh uh— yeah. I'm fine, just tired." He shifted in the bean bag again. With an eye roll she lamely pointed to her bed.

"You know if it's uncomfortable there you can sit up here with me— just no funny business, buddy." That made Wyatt tense more.

"No thanks, I'm good here." With his arms folded he cocooned himself in the bag. As if he wasn't already. Margo felt bad for some unknown reason, he literally looked like a little boy.

"Wyatt really are you okay? I didn't say something stupid right?" She said with a slight pout. It's not like she asked to stay in this room with him— he shouldn't be getting all weird on her now.

"No you're fine— I guess I'm not comfortable in rooms that have a murder board in them." He teased while pointing up to it. "Man I sure hope I'm not up there." Rolling her eyes she stood up to look at her handiwork.

"It's just little things I hear now and then about recent cases— Incase anything related to Quinn." Margo shrugged. "I wish I could get more information about things." Wyatt sat up more.

"Hold on. Wait I'm having an idea." He stood up and smiled at her. "I can get that information. In fact I usually snoop around in that sort of stuff for the heck of it." He pointed at a picture of an old man.

"That's David Brumer— he didn't die of old age, Margo." Wyatt said a little too excitedly for Margo. She went along with it anyway to see where he was going with it. He seemed to be having a breakthrough. "He OD'd on cocaine, but the station didn't want that rep labeled on our town. So the towns counsel all agreed to cover it up."

Margo was slightly impressed. "How can I trust you?" She asked folding her arms. Wyatt merely scoffed and pointed to himself and said.

"Sheriff's son. Aka; privileged boy." That seemed to be enough for her.

"Okay? So how does this lead to Quinn?" She remembers her previous conversation. Wyatt only rolled his eyes with his cheeky smile.

"Mango, oh Mango. I though we were on the same page?" He chuckled at her while she started to glare. "I could keep tabs on the information in the station for Quinn— right now they openly stated that he was just missing... I don't doubt they are hiding things from the public, most importantly his family."

"You would actually do that? Wait- why?" She leaned in to glare harder at him.

"Well, I find it weird my dad suddenly started talking to your dad. You can't not find that weird Margo." He leaned down to give her a playful glare back. "And since you know Quinn quite well maybe my dad thinks your dad knows things." Margo gives him one last mean glare before signing.

"I wonder if what they were talking about downstairs right now would explain a lot." She agreed with him. "I heard my dad say something like 'they aren't fit for yatta yatta.'" She mocked her dad. Wyatt only chuckled.

"Maybe." He nodded with her. They made eye contact, Wyatt smiled down at her before holding his hand out. "So— will you let me help you?" She thought about it for a bit, but caved. They shook on it with smiles on both faces.

"Alright kids!" Samuel barged into the room, something he's never done before to Margo. "It's late and I'm guessing you wanna go to bed— studying uses a lot of brain power." Her father continued without looking— or noticing Margo's death glares. He was only acting like this because a boy was in his little girls room... A L O N E.

"Yeah, Margo really likes to study, she's probably exhausted." Wyatt gave her a teasing glance before walking over to the door. Was... was he flirting with her in front of her father?!

"Oh. Well that's great, Wyatt." Samuel directed him out of the room with a strong hand. Her dad's head snapped to Margo with a glance that she knew all too well. 'Daddy, daughter talk' time.

She followed the two down stairs to say goodbye. Margo and Wyatt gave each other one more curt head nod before they left. Once the door close Samual turned to her with a questioning eye.

"No. We didn't do that. Yes we studied... we possibly played hide and seek most of the time though." And with that the conversation was over, to her relief.

___

"Thatcher please tell me what's going on." Eloise begged him for the thousandth time. He was taking her somewhere, but she didn't know where. They walked in the dark in his neighborhood, what bothered her the most was that he kept glancing back.

"Thatcher!" Having enough she ripped her arm out of his grip stopping him immediately. "Thatcher what is happening? Who was that? Will your grandparents be okay?" He growled in frustration.

"Eloise you don't understand, and it's really hard for me to explain it to you." He snapped at her. She had not time to feel hurt of offended by his burst because a roar of an engine broke the conversation, coming up the road was the car from earlier.

"Run." Thatcher took a step back and reached out for Eloise's arm. "Lets go!" He yelled, pulling her along with him. He cut into the neighbors yard.

This time Eloise didn't question it. Whoever was in that car was actually crazy because angry yelling called after them.

Unlike Eloise, Thatcher knew exactly where he was going, he's been in close situations at his grandparents house with his dad before. As they darted through the dark woods the sound of the angry engine died down, not only that but the everyday town voices Eloise was used to was vanishing as well. Eventually it dawned on Eloise that they have been sprinting into the woods for a while, she was more shocked that she had sent run straight into a tree yet.

"Thatcher—" she gasped out while running. "Thatch. I think-" she tried to kept up with him, but ended up slipping and face planting on the ground.

"Oh shit." Thatcher stopped right away. "Eloise, are you okay?" He came up to her equally exhausted. He knelt down to see the damage.

"Ah, yeah." She moves to sit up and brush off her knees. "I-I'll be okay." Her voice quivered while she started to stand though her ankle was killing her. Thatcher wasn't just born yesterday to see she was in pain, he didn't even need to look at her face to tell she was hurt.

"You sure?" He held his arms out close to her Incase she fell. Almost like someone would around a toddler just learning to walk. Holding her breath she nodded. As if she was going to baby out while a maniac is still on the loose. Thatchers scoff, that's shes heard one to many times now, broke the silence they held.

"That sucks. I don't believe you." Before she knew it she was being cradled in Thatchers arms. He didn't bother to run, they were deep enough into the woods.

"T-Thatcher!" Eloise squeaked out, no one has just willingly picked her up like this before. Over what? A bruised ankle?

"Just keep it down." Thatcher mumbled while walking through the moon lit woods. Seeing, well hearing how serious he sounded she obeyed. They ventured further into the woods away from town.

The adrenaline dying slowly with each step. In all honesty Eloise enjoyed being held by thatcher, he didn't make it a big deal, he was really warm and he had a nice chest to rest her head on.

A few moments past, it was quiet in the woods but in Eloise's mind it was loud. It's always loud there but tonight so many questions popped up, so many that she didn't know which one to ask first. Glancing up at him she realized he was back to his stone face, like the day she met him.

"Thatcher?" Her heart was set on a question she knew he would answer. He simply hummed in response. "You're not going to tell me who that was are you?" She frowned up at him when he didn't say anything right away. He started to put her down on a soft surface, it was a pile of blankets, clean ones. That's not too shocking it hardly ever rains in town.

Suddenly there was a few clicks and light was surrounding them. Thatcher turned on the cheep battery powered lights that were sold at the dollar store. He must have hung them a while ago, considering that some of the tiny bulbs were burnt out.

In the small clearing was the blankets, where she sat, and across from her was a worn hammock. Somehow this area was really comforting.

"Let's see your foot." He sat in front of her and lifted her foot to his lap. He carefully untied her shoes. Eloise couldn't take her eyes off of the boy in front of her. His brows were scrunched in concentration like her foot was a confusing novel.

"That looks pretty bad." He signed and turned her leg to the side. "Ugh, Margo is going to kill me." He rubbed his face again. Eloise stayed quiet and held his cheeks, his eyes broke from her foot and to her eyes.

"I won't let that happen." She boldly stated. "I won't let any one kill you okay? Whoever that was will have to do more than make me twist my ankle." His eyebrows rose, with every vow she spoke.

"El.." He sighed and held one of her hands from his face, he took it off. "Eloise you can't do much." He looked away from her.

"I'll try." She frowned. He doubted her. That was the main problem. He doubted everyone a lot. "Thatcher you might not want to open up, and I'm not going to make you. But if someone is chasing you like they want blood— I'm going to start pressing for answers." She pushed his head up again to look at her.

"Please trust me." She gripped his hand that was squeezing hers. As if she peaked back a later of his defence she watched him tear up.

"I will. I promise I will, but give me some time?" He asked and leaned into her hand. She smiled softly at him and nodded.

"Of course."

___

Mars has added 'Whyatt' to 'vote for pedro'

Mars: Hi hello welcome

Mars has changed name to 'i can't sleep'

Elowheeze has changed name to 'shut up its 3:30am'

Axel has changed name to 'stop communicating through the name of the group chat and actually text'

Mars has changed name to 'and what're YOU gonna do about it'

Axel has changed name to 'I know where you live'

Mars has changed name to 'yeah well i know where YOU live'

Whyatt: What the fuck is this
Mars: this is you being invited into our group
Whyatt: Was i not already?
Mars: hmm.. well now it's official. Although initiation isn't over.
Whyatt: Initi-who now?
Axel: Yeah Mango, we still need to initiate Thatcher.
Axel: I'm thinking friday night.
Mars: Yep. Friday night.
Whyatt: ...can i back out
Mars: noPe
Axel: no
Whyatt: Why are you guys up so late
Mars: I could be asking you the same question
Axel: yeah what she said
Whyatt: I'm just doing some last minute researching
Whyatt: for psychology
Mars: You take psych too??
Whyatt: yeah..? Margo we sit three seats away from one another.
Mars: oh.. i never look around the room
Whyatt: I know.
Whyatt: You're always writing stuff down or on your laptop
Axel: That's her in every class
Axel: or she's insulting someone and starting fights
Mars: shut up
Mars: where's eloise and thatch
Elowheeze: he's sleeping - and i was trying to b4 u guys starting blowing up my phone
Axel: sorry
Mars: uh wait
Mars: .. what?
Elowheeze: ???
Mars: he's sleeping
Elowheeze: uhh yeah? that's what people do at 3:30 in the morning Margo
Mars: Yeah the sass was not needed—how do YOU know he's sleeping
Whyatt: oof
Axel: spill it. now.
Elowheeze: guys >:/ it's no big deal—there was a .. slight problem and now we're just chilling
Mars: chilling where
Elowheeze: ...in a tree house?
Whyatt: i've seen this six times in different 90's slasher movies
Mars: thrasher movies*
Mars: why on God's Green Earth™️ are you with Thatcher.
Mars: in a tree house.
Mars: three hours till you need to get up for school?!
Elowheeze: listen. It's a LOT to explain right now and I, which i respect his decision, don't know the full reason why exactly we're even here. So just..take a chill pill and we'll touch base in the morning at CeCe's—meet us there at 7:00.
Axel: Okay, i'll be there.
Whyatt: am i invited..?
Elowheeze: Of course Wyatt-you're apart of this now ;) no backing out or we'll have to kill you for knowing to much.
Whyatt: hey you can kill me either way
Mars: I'll be there
Mars: reluctantly
Mars: but i'll be there.

Mars has started a new conversation with 'Whyatt'
Mars has named the chat 'Fbi Agents'

Mars: Hey Wyatt?
Whyatt: what's up?
Mars: can we keep what happened tonight between us..? and our plan to work together to find more clues?
Mars: I know they're my best friends—it's just i don't want them to be worrying about more than they need to.
Whyatt: Of course. It can be our secret lol
Mars: phew thank you so much
Whyatt: anytime
Whyatt: now go to sleep.
Mars: yes dad
Whyatt: kinky ;)
Mars: G O O D N I G H T

___

The group of five sat quietly at a table positioned near a corner of the coffee shop. Each fiddled with their drink and stared out the window watching the sun rise. Eloise looked like she had sophomore year after her research all nighter; Thatchers hair was pressed on one side and the other was spiked in multiple directions—he wore the same outfit they had last seen in him; Wyatt looked as Wyatt normally does- a grey sweater accompanied by jeans and sneakers, although he avoided everyone's gaze; Margo (who also was up all night partly sorting through Quinn's papers partly reorganizing her entire room out of sheer boredom) was falling asleep on her hand that was resting on the table, drool slightly falling out of one corner of her mouth; Axel looked the sanest out of all of them.

Eloise cleared her throat, the gaze of the others shifting to her. Wyatt nudged Margo in the ribs and she jolted awake throwing her arms forwards.

"Good morning Margo." Eloise's laughter slipped into her words and Margo groaned. She rubbed at her eyes and sipped slowly on her coffee, obnoxiously slurping as she did. "Anyways, um.. how's everyone doing?"

"Skip the formalities McCoy. What happened last night?" Axel questioned. He leaned forward over his coffee as if they were at an elementary school lunch table and Eloise was about to tell him her biggest crush. Eloise looked at Thatcher, whose eyes were unreadable and responded with a nod, before turning back to Axel.

"I took him to his grandparents. All was fine and did you know Thatcher was an adorable baby! Oh my gosh he had the chubbiest-"

"Eloise." Thatcher's cheeks were turning pink but his expression stood firm. She laughed awkwardly before continuing.

"Anyways, I was going to leave and this car came whipping into the driveway. So, Thatcher and I bolted. We ran down Bakers street, you know by Hakes, and then we turned back into the forest..the one where we found that thing..and we just stayed there? Thatcher said it wasn't safe." Margo seemed to be more awake now.

"Who was it?" She questioned. Thatcher sighed and stared past all of them.

"It was my dad. I didn't realize he was back in town.." He trailed off staring out the window.

It was a peaceful morning. The sunlight was shining through the window casting a golden glow on the brick walls. The air outside was slightly frigid, but as the sun rose above the clouds, the bite dissipated and warmed the people walking about town.

"So, he's bad news?" Axel asked. He nodded-it was clear he was done with the conversation.

"Alright, what does he look like? So we can you know..avoid him at all costs." Margo was blatant

"He drives a red Camaro, buzz cut brown hair, as tall as me, tattoo on his left bicep of a skull with its jaw hanging." He seemed uncomfortable by this whole situation—the others could tell that he clearly isn't kidding around when he meant this guy is bad news.

"Wait. Jackson James?" Thatchers gaze quickly snapped to Wyatt's

"How did you know that?"

"The dude has an insane criminal history! He fucking strangled his wife with his daughters baby blanket!" Wyatt didn't make the connection till it was too late. "His son and daughter were taken from him and put in some foster care system I think? Cops chased him down for five years! Apparently he just got out of...oh." The whole table was staring at Wyatt with wide eyes, jaws slightly hanging open. Thatcher stood up, pushed his chair in, and walked out.

"Shit. Fuck-I didn't." Eloise's brows creased together as she frowned at the boy.

"Good job." Was all she said before she slung her book bag over one shoulder, grabbed her coffee, and ran after Thatcher.

Axel, Margo, and Wyatt looked at one another then back to the door the two had exited from. Wyatt sighed and Margo was actually.. laughing?

"Wyatt, you're a fucking idiot." She chortled and took another sip of her coffee.

"Welp. I guess that's our que to leave!" Axel yelled and slapped Wyatt on the back.

___

The school was bustling. Some kid was passing another kid (freshman she assumed) something in a plastic bag as another group of girls were 'fangirling' over the new science teacher. This school was hell on earth.

"Losers." Margo mumbled under her breathe as she reached her locker, fumbling with the lock as Eloise finished putting her last book into her bag beside her. "How's our buddy Thrasher?" Margo questioned, head deep into her locker searching for her psychology book that was just there yesterday.

"Well, Wyatt upset him pretty badly. Wouldn't talk to me." She slammed her locker shut and leaned back against it staring at the clock on the opposite side of the wall. "I think he's considering running away.." Margo finally found what she was looking for and shut her locker to stare at the concerned Eloise.

"He hasn't been initiated yet, so I won't allow it. We'll hold some sort of," She waved a hand in the air. "Intervention-group therapy." They started walking down the hall towards their first periods.

"Yeah. We saw how great 'group therapy' works twenty minutes ago." Margo sighed.

"El, don't worry about it too much. Like I always say—all things happen for a reason." She gave Eloise a reassuring smile.

"Thanks Mars. I'll text you later." And with that, Eloise disappeared behind the doors of her first period—Physics.

___

The first half of the day few by for all of them, mostly because the day prior was so eventful it was the only thing on their minds. Margo was secretly texting Wyatt, mostly memes from instagram and other stupid crap she found. Eloise, having a less fun time, has been trying to get Thatcher to talk to her again— to no avail. Axel, oh axel. The poor boy. Dealing with Margo alone was hard enough— now he's got an angry husband; aka Eloise, one idiot man-child with no filter, and a bipolar tall boy. Margo seems sane compared to these three, the worse part is he's somehow keeping them ALL in one piece. Soon he'll join the loony bin and they will be taking care of him as if he became one of the elderly who would piss themselves in bed. That's the only thing running through Axel's head. He finally snapped at lunch when no one would talk to one another— correction the two people he was stuck between weren't talking.

"Oh-Kay." He slammed his hands on the table. "This ends now. Wyatt- apologize like you mean it. Thatcher.. try and tolerate it." He glanced between the two. "Now." Wyatt immediately leaned in to see him as if he was waiting for permission he started talking.

"Listen, Thatcher— I know nothing I will say can take back though memories, but I never meant to purposely hurt you like that. I get it if you are still angry at me for this— I one hundred percent get that, I just want you to know I'm really sorry, man." Thatcher glanced at him, then to Eloise who had been eagerly watching him from across the table for a response, then back at Wyatt. With a great sign he gave him a small (barely even there) smile.

"It's okay, I'm not mad at you." His eyes fell to the table. "It was like a slap to the face, yah know? Like at the time it was sudden and quick— now I'm just... used to the pain?" He said like he was asking them.

"woah. Deep." Margo commented and was nodding along. Thatcher only rolled his eyes, but smiled some. Eloise smiled softly at the four of them, considering the short amount of time she had known them, Thatcher and Wyatt, they make the group feel complete. They just spice up the group a bit more.

"Oh Eloise- I see you didn't bother trying today." A nasty, nasally, whiny sounding voice came from behind Eloise. Knowing her protocol she slapped on her smile and turned around to her.

"Hello to you too, Penny." She ignored her rude comments. She just spent the night in the woods (Awe mae and Gregg) she wasn't about to have penny make today any worse. "What do you want now? Attention?" Eloise asked in all innocence, but behind that mask was a conniving little devil.

"Oh you're so cute when you think you can hurt me. I just wanted to remind you that the homecoming dance was coming up in a few days— and I don't remember anyone asking you to the dance... meanwhile I have Brad—"

A large yawn came from beside Eloise. Margo slowly turned around while yawning. "Gosh guys, for some reason the vibes died just now. Shucks... they were so good before Penny came." Margo said while glancing up to Penny. With a swipe of her hair penny stood her ground.

"Thats funny Margo, the only vibes I get from you are gay." Wyatt scoffed, it was half intentional and half not.

"Oh thats rich coming from the girl who literally only hangs around other girls." He rolled his eyes. "Plus I don't think anyone in this room cares about Brad Knoles and his jock cock slapping party." Wyatt didn't realize how loud he actually said that because kids around them started ooh'ing. Eloise bit back her laugh while Axel and Margo let it ripple out. Penny looked like she was ready to pop.

"You think your clever for your stupid rhyming— but it really sucked. Anyone can do it you... pretentious prick." She snapped at him. Eloise actually covered her mouth to stop herself from laughing. "Eloise, god you are so annoying— you got something to say than say it!" Penny glared daggers at her, but stopped once she connected eyes with the new kid. Thatcher was glaring equally menacing eyes as she was.

"Oh~" Penny grew a devilish smirk. "Looks like Eloise got a new friend. Or did you pay him."

"Like how you got payed to—" Margo was cut off by Eloise.

"Okay— what are we four?" She directed at Penny. "Jokes over Penny, just grow up and go away." Eloise spoke with her 'future class president' voice. "I thought you were mature enough to run against me in the upcoming votes, but now I can see you aren't." Eloise gave her a fake smile while the other kids were ooh'ing once more. Penny actually growled and pointed her finger real close to Eloise's face,

"Don't be surprised when the football team comes and wipes the floor with your ass." She warns before storming away. Eloise wasn't fazed by any of her threats— they never hold up to their name.

"Dang— the only time I ever see you being a boss ass bitch is when you're in the same room as Penny Whence." Margo signs happily like a proud papa. "You grow up too fast." She cooed and pulled Eloise into a side hug.

"Yeah yeah, stop it— you and I both know no one likes her." Eloise released herself out of Margo's grip just as the bell rang. "Perfect timing." She smiled to Margo. They all, including the rest of the cafeteria filled out to go back to their third period.

___

"So, please set your books on the front table and pick up a copy of Ethan Frome—chapters 1-5 are due this friday." Margo groaned and slammed her head on the table. "Is there a problem Mrs. Dahl?" She lazily rose her head to glare at Mrs. Jay.

"Yes. That's two days from now." Eloise kicked her from behind.

"I could make it tomorrow if you-"

"Nope! Friday's fine!" Mrs. Jay nodded.

"That's what I thought." She clapped her hands, Margo threw daggers in her direction.

The class rose and started making their way to the front-dropping off old books and picking up new. Eloise nudged Margo in the side.

"Why do you bother picking fights Margo. You finish half the books in a day anyways." She shrugged and pulled her copy of "Great Gatsby" from her book bag. She tore out multiple sticky notes and dropped them in the trash.

"Like is exciting living on the edge" Eloise rolled her eyes and handed Margo a blue book.

The class took their seats once again and Mrs. Jay droned on about the study guide that is 'absolutely necessary for understanding the plot'. Margo doubted it. She pulled out her phone and opened their group chat.

Mars has sent an image

Margo saw Wyatt out of the corner of her eye open his phone and snort, his eyebrows creasing in mild confusion.

Whyatt: mars what the fuck
Mars: do you love it

Axel opened the messages to her left and sighed, his eyebrow ticked.

Axe: STOP SENDING ME THE ASIAN BOY MARGO I'M TIRED OF THIS MEME FIND A NEW ONE

Mars has sent an image

Axe: THAT DIDNT MEAN SEND PICTURES OF ME
Elowheeze: Oh my god Axel when did you put on a one piece?!
Axe: it was a dare at the christmas party
Axe: OKAY?!
Thrasher: Wow Axel
Thrasher: That's impressive
Axe: why thank you

Axe has sent an image

Whyatt: ..is that
Axe: mhm!
Thrasher: and i thought i went through an emo phase
Elowheeze: you're dead Axel-she's gonna kill you

Margo picked up her phone to see what they were talking about and actually choked on her spit. A few people looked at her as she started coughing. She spun to face Axel, her glare nearly burning a hole through him.

Mars has sent an image
Mars has sent an image
Mars has sent an image

Elowheeze has sent an image

Axe: DON'T GANG UP ON ME
Thrasher: dude how did you even fit that many hot dogs in your mouth?!
Whyatt: are you making out with the mannequin?
Elowheeze: yes and he's also wearing my mother's diamonds in that third pic

Mrs. Jay cleared her throat from the front of the room-her arms were crossed over her chest.

"I'm sorry, am i interrupting something?" Eloise, Axel, Margo, Wyatt, and Thatcher all looked up from their phones.

"N-no Mrs. Jay! I was researching the Great Gatsby movie!" Eloise explained and quickly typed 'Great Gatsby movie' into google and showed Mrs. Jay her phone. "See!"

Mrs. Jay rolled her eyes and sighed just as the bell for dismissal rung. "Don't forget about the reading!" She yelled before sitting down at her desk.

Students filed out of the classroom one by one, desperate to get out and go to fourth (not that fourth was really that much better for anyone). The five of them stood up—Axel was still glaring at the others (who were of course, still smiling). They made their way out the doors, Axel and Wyatt heading down towards the weight rooms, Margo and Eloise heading towards the west wing stairwell, and Thatcher disappearing down the history hallway. Once Margo and Eloise had reached Eloise's class (they usually walk together considering their classes are merely a hallway apart), Eloise stopped Margo for a moment.

"Hey, um .. have you looked into the stuff i gave you of Quinn's?" She avoided eye contact. Margo's blood suddenly ran cold.

"I've just started reading through it all and taking minor notes—i haven't made any theories yet though." She laughed awkwardly and tugged at the strap of her book bag. Eloise eyed her warily before smiling and turning to go into her fourth period.

__

Wyatt racked the two hundred and fifty pounds he had been squatting and breathed heavily—Mr. Green really knew how to make fourth period miserable. He began taking the weight off and putting them back in their appropriate spots as a familiar tuft of red hair came into his peripheral vision.

"So, Onogaro." He leaned against the weight rack smirking.

"Marone. I don't like that look." He walked around to the other side of the bar and began taking off the last one hundred and two (.five) pounds.

"I know you've been hanging out with Margo." (I saw you hanging out with kaitlyn yesterday- R-REBECA IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK. I WON'T HESITATE, BITCH) Wyatt scoffed.

"And? What's it to you?" Axel's eyes narrowed and followed the boy to the leg curl machine.

"I don't want you hurting her." Wyatt frowned and tried to keep his tone level. Why was he labeled as such a bad person?

What happened freshman year wasn't his fault.

"Marone—relax. We're just friends it's not a big deal." He added forty five pounds, though he could've sworn there was another five pounds around here...

"Wyatt you have a remarkable reputation for screwing people over." He crouched low and sorted through other weights, where was the damned thing?

"Axel." He looked up, brows knitted in annoyance. "I appreciate your concern for your friend but it's none of your business what Margo and I do." His gaze returned back to the set of weights. "You know nothing about me." Axel rose his hands in surrender

"Alright alright. Listen, since you're like .. apart of our group now, I don't want us to be on each other's bad sides. I just care a lot about my friends." Wyatt nodded, finally finding the five pound weight that was hidden. He stood up and looked at Axel.

"So are we cool?" Axel questioned. Wyatt nodded again, dropping the weight onto the machine and clipping it in place.

"Yeah we're cool."

___

"Dude, you cant even come out for a quick trip to ice cream?" Margo whined and leaned on the lockers next to Eloise's.

"No Margo, I feel disgusting and just tired— thank you by the way; three in the morning is a great time to talk." She gave Margo a glare, then continued to put her books away. "Harriet's been home alone these past few days, I want to hang with her too— I think she wants to bake something again." Margo only groaned, earning a sideways glance from Eloise. She was about to tell Margo to stop whining but something caught her eye. Wyatt and Axel walking down the hall they seemed to be looking for someone discreetly. A small grin spread on her lips. "Plus I think someone is looking for you— maybe spend some quality time with him." She sent Margo a wink before locking her locker and walking away. Margo stood there confused. Who was looking for her?

"Oh! Mango!" Wyatt wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Margo sighed, this is who Eloise was talking about.

"Hello Wyatt," She released his arm from her shoulder to face the two boys. "and Axel— hey did you know Eloise just ditched us today?" She pouted and glanced back at Eloise walking out, also talking to some students.

"Meh," Axel shrugged. "She's stressed— you don't want her exploding on us now." He means that too, the party was just a snip-it of her stress levels. One time in eight grade she was being bombarded with questions and tasks from the swim team, she ended up crying in a puddle in the pool area (Idk the terms). Eloise crying is probably one of the worse things in his book of bad things, the number one bad thing is the color serpentine green, it sounds to evil. He doesn't like it.

"You guys wanna go for ice cream?" Margo asked them. Both nodded to her offering and started following her out.

___

Eloise was humming along to her current favorite song, Silver Lining (By Mt. Joy), while she got dressed. Once she got home she immediately got into the shower to clean off the night prior. She stood in the middle of the bathroom and looked at her reflection, her damp hair was up in a bun- she wore her old sweatshirt and some pajama pants.

She looked at her bags under her eyes, she's never had such horrible baggy eyes in a long while. She can vividly remember the last time she had been this stressed— it was a month ago when Quinn went missing.

For some reason though, her mind isn't focusing solely on Quinn— she's more worked up over Thatcher. It doesn't help that she knows Thatcher's father is... well a psycho murderer. It gives her chills just thinking the 'What if's'. If Thatcher didn't help her get away from the loud car, she could have met the man first hand. She could have seriously gotten hurt— her ankle was already swollen (not that she was going to tell anyone) but it could have been worse. Thatcher must have been through worse, the thought of that made Eloise's heart strings tighten— He doesn't deserve that (no one does).

She looked down at her hands, the very hands that held his face when he was broader line freaking out. She could remember how soft his cheeks were. How his eyes were the softest looking eyes she has ever looked at. She remembers how gently he looked at her ankle.

"Elly!" Harriet knocked on the door, making Eloise screech. Blushing suddenly when she realized she was basically day dreaming about him. "Hey, are you almost done? I wanna bake before Richard and Delilah get back." She groaned from the door. Holding her chest Eloise stabled herself. Brushing away everything she was thinking before, she snatched up her clothing from the floor just before another knock came from the door.

"Give me a moment! You nearly killed me, Harry!" She called and dumped her clothes in the hamper. "Lord, child, you need to learn patience." She said while grabbing her phone from the speaker dock.

"There you are!" Harriet cheered when Eloise opened the door. Harriet had her hair tied up in a little bun, just like Eloise's. "Lets go!" She grabbed her hand and hurried her to the kitchen. Eloise couldn't help but compare her to Margo in some ways; too energetic(when they want to be).

When they entered the kitchen, Harriet had all of the pans and ingredients out for her favorite snack. "Cookies again?" Eloise smirked down at the bouncing girl.

"Yeah! I also had a mouth full of chocolate chips." She smiled wide up at her before skipping to the island counter.

"Well, that explains it." Eloise chuckled and started helping her with the mixing. Both girls had a system down, Eloise would stir while Harriet would measure and dump in the ingredients. No music was aloud, because this was their girl time when they needed it, even when Quinn was around he wasn't aloud to cook with them. Time passed them by too quickly, they made three batches of cookies, the last one they were working on making was leftovers.

"No no!" Eloise shouted while Harriet poured more sugar into the bowl. "Harriet Marie McCoy!" Eloise laughed while scolding her. She started scooping out the sweet powder to the counter. "They wont ri-rise! They need to rise in order- in order to be cookies!" Eloise tried to say without laughing. Harriet only held onto the bag of sugar and tried putting more into the bowl. Both girls were in the middle of their giggle fit when their mother walked into the room.

"Good lord, what did I say about making a mess before guest come over? Clean this up immediately before six." She rolled her eyes at them and walked off mumbling something about disgraceful children. Eloise and Harriet only stuck their tongues out at her once she left. They continued to goof off but this time they started cleaning up.

"Do you know what guest are coming over?" Harriet asked Eloise while they wiped the counters. Eloise only shrugged.

"I have no idea, but its not like they ever tell us who comes over." She didn't look away from the counter that they were cleaning. Harriet stood there and fiddled with the towel. She obviously had something to say, and Eloise noticed. With a sigh she held her hip and leaned on the counter giving Harriet all of the attention.

"Whats wrong?" Harriet glanced up at her before she hid her face a little. If anyone thought Eloise was on the shy side, they should really see Harriet. She's the definition of shy— yes sometimes she can be quiet loud, but thats with close friends. When shes faced with a problem or stressed and she cant find the right words to say, she locks up.

"I- well- you know I was just wondering..." She looked everywhere other than Eloise. "This will be our first time having guest over without..." She choked up. Eloise immediately felt bad for her, she had been so wrapped up in her own grieving and didn't notice Harriet's. Eloise wrapped up Harriet in a loving hug.

"It will be weird, but we will make it. When Quinn comes back to us we can give him an earful." Eloise rested her head on the top of Harriet's. "Then everything will be back to normal." She rubbed Harriet's back. Harriet only nodded.

"Okay break it up, the chefs have to start cooking, and you two need to get dressed— there is no way that is presentable." Their father walked into the kitchen with his phone to his ear. "Yeah yeah, tonight is still on— no don't worry there will be enough room." He continued his conversation and went on his merry way. Eloise looked down to Harriet.

"If things get bad tonight we can go out and get some food or go to the park or something." Eloise shrugged and held Harriet's hand. "Now let's go get pretty." She winked at her.

-

Elowheeze: Dilemma one tonight.
Thrasher: what is that?
Axe: seriously? That's low for them, it's like they don't even care about there missing son.
Mars: I'm sorry, but my house cant be a good hideout tonight— too many chores. :/
Thrasher: what is happening? What's Dilemma one?
Elowheeze: my parents hold dinner meetings with other big company owners, unfortunately Harriet and I have to attend.
Thrasher: why is that bad? Free food.
Mars: four words, her parents are dicks.
Axe: No lie.
Elowheeze: Harriet and I will most likely sneak out and get ice cream later— it will be fine.
Axe: oh sure, remember last time you said that? You were ready to rip your mother's head off...
Elowheeze: L I S T E N. She was being more ridiculous than normal.
Elowheeze: oh, they're here— wish me luck.
Thrasher: good luck
Axe: break a leg
Thrasher: hah get it? Because she did?
Elowheeze: Thatcher! No I didn't — it doesn't even hurt anymore!
Axe: woah what?!
ELowheeze: BYE!

She turned off her phone's notifications before her phone was blown up with texts from the group. Stupid Thatcher...

Harriet and her were playing a game of tic tac toe on the napkin, a paper one, while they waited for the parents to stop greeting one another at the door. They wanted them to sit down for dinner, they weren't going to lie— they were pretty hungry.

"Ha, I win again." Harriet said happily while Eloise pouted.

"Yeah well... I'm older." She smirked and watched her sister become a little riled up. They were going to start another game, but the chatter had gotten louder. Both of them straightened up and flipped the napkin over. Sure enough about five rich snobs walked in and settled down. Eloise recognized about one of them, but she forgot her name.

"I'm sure you all remember our children?" Richards gestured to the girls. They both gave a small wave. Before they knew it, dinner started, and their conversation changed to future business plans, for an hour or so they were just discussing things, and being all...adult like. Eloise and Harriet were the only kids to show up, well they live here.

"You know, I cant necessarily see Eloise taking over the company, Quinn would have been a much better choice— no offense dear." Eloise looked up when her name was called. She only gave a small smile in return.

"None taken." She lied. Its not that she wanted to be the new owner of the company, but the fact that they brought quinn into it bothered her.

"Quinn was such a fine boy— to bad he ended up a nut case, and decided to run off." Another spoke up. Soon bought everyone in the room was trash talking Quinn. Saying wrongful accusations of her loving brother.

"Yes, even though he was my son, I'm glad he scattered off— he wasn't ready to take responsibility in the world." Richard agreed with the crowd. Something snapped in Eloise, like her last string of sanity was just broken.

"Oh yes, of course he wasn't ready for the responsibility. Its not like he raised his two sisters on his own, because his parents were to lazy to." Eloise spoke up and wiped her mouth from the food. The chatter immediately died down once they realized Eloise was speaking, and with such authority. "Or was it because he was showing to many signs of bettering his parents? For some unknown reason I feel like his parents were scared that their son would make the business more successful that what they could have ever done. Not only that, but he was just a better person in general who actually cared for the people he talked to and wasn't fake around them as you are doing now. Wasn't it just last week, Richard, you told Delilah that the Landgroffs were just sitting on old money, and they really had no potential in your business? Or was I hearing things." Eloise looked directly at her father. "Correct me if I'm wrong." She dared him. The room stayed silent, no one thought she had the backbone to speak up like that.

"If you don't mind, ever so dearest, loving, father." She gave him a fake smile and laced her voice with pure sarcasm. "Your last two remaining children are going to scatter off. Don't worry— it's not like we were ready for the responsibility anyway." She finished off her preaching and reached down to take Harriet's hand. She then pulled her out of the room to their bedroom floors. She told Harriet to grab a few nights worth of clothing, they weren't coming back for a while.

___

Eloise and Harriet sat at the park with an ice cream cone each. They both didn't talk, not because they were mad at one another— they enjoyed the sounds of the park. It was only eight in the evening, so the park was actually quite quiet.

"So, where are we going?" Harriet asked after talking a lick of her ice cream. Eloise shrugged and opened the group chat— about a million texts were there, all she knew was Margo was a no go. Axel's house situation was never a good place to go to, and Eloise didn't know Wyatt enough to stay there.

"Uhh..." Eloise looked at Thatchers number. "Let me call someone really quick." she glanced up to Harriet, who was already entertained by the little ants running along the table. She got up to throw out her cone while she pressed the call button.

It took four rings before Thatcher picked up.

"Eloise? I thought you were dealing with the first kind of Dilemma." He chuckled lightly. Eloise rolled her eyes but laughed too.

"Yeah well it turned to a Dilemma twelve real quick." She signed and leaned on the tree next to the trash can. She watched Harriet squish an ant, then silently freak out for murdering a small soul.

"Oh? And what would that be?" He asked with amusement lacing his voice.

"Its when I need a place to stay because I sort of— kind of told my parents off..." she signed and looked down at the ground. "Would it be okay if we crashed with you?" She bit her lip. Please say yes. He was quiet for a bit, probably a moment too long for eloise.

"Listen it's okay if we cant, i can—"

"No no its fine, I had myself muted to talk to my grandfather. You never know what he's going to say next." Eloise couldn't hold back the laugh, she didn't know the man well enough but she could definitely see him saying something rather embarrassing.

"Are you sure its okay? Harriet and I can sleep on the floor in any room." She didn't want to pressure him into anything.

"Wait, gram no—" Thatcher's voice was cit off and a slight fumbling was heard. "Hello deary!" His grandmothers voice cheered. Eloise mood immediately changed.

"Hi Grandma!" Eloise mood reflected hers almost immediately. "How are you?"

"Oh I'm great— i hear that you need a place to stay?" She got on top of the topic at hand. Eloise started her way back to Harriet.

"Thats right, My sister and I sort of had an issue with our parents..." she gave an awkward laugh.

"Well come on over, what are you doing dilly dallying? You can stay as long as you can, we have a spare guest room." She sweetly demanded, like how a grandmother would.

"Thank you so much, I swear my sister and I will help with anything around the house until we get everything organized." She swore and made eye contact with Harriet, she nodded to the car.

"That wont be an issue dear." She could hear her smile. "Come on over and get warmed up— its nearing winter." She said with a that same grandmother demand. Its the beginning of the school year, its not even nearing fall yet, but eloise had no heart to tell her otherwise.

"Yes ma'am!" She saluted on her walk to the car. "We are on our way, see you soon!" They finished up their conversation just as both of the girls sat in the car.

"Who was that?" Harriet asked while finishing up her cone. Eloise was actually excited to stay at Thatchers, not necessarily because of thatcher (well...) but because of his grandparents.

"That was my friends Grandparents, we are staying with him for a little." She said while starting the car. "This is a place where we will respect everyone there, this isn't the Dahls okay?" She told her before they started their journey to Thatchers house.

"Why couldn't we go to Margos again?" Harriet asked while they pulled up to the house. Eloise tried to remember what she had said, in all honesty she couldn't remember. They both filed out of the car and looked at each other while grabbing their belongings.

"Because shes being anti-social today." Eloise joked earning a small glare from Harriet. "I think she said she had some people over at her house? I'm not sure." She shrugged and slung her book bag over her shoulder. "Ready?" She asked the smaller person.

"As I'll ever be." With that they walked up to the front porch.

+ + +

Margo sat puzzled on her bed next to Wyatt, who was equally puzzled.

"I just don't understand." He said while tilting his head to the right. Margo tilted hers to the left.

"I sort of see how..." she started to nod, she then thought about it and shook her head. "No— I cant. I don't know how he did it."

"I mean how can someone just be magneto in real life? He just sticks a spoon of his forehead and it stays." Wyatt whined. "How...?" He was actually upset over it. They both had been working most of the day on Quinns case, but gave up about an hour ago... their stress relief was YouTube and falling down that rabbit hole. It's not their fault the papers Quinn had were confusing. They just didn't make sense— there was coding all over it, and it was formatted like a letter. He was trying to contact someone... and he obviously had to have these all written before he disappeared.

"Ugh, Wyatt this isn't what we should be doing." She flopped on her back. "I mean obviously Eloise wants me to find something— I want to find something, but Quinn made it so ungodly hard to debunk this." She whined and looked over to her alarm clock. With a groan she rolled her eyes. "And now its nine at night."

"Hey, at least we know he's trying to reach out to one of you guys— i'm sure we will figure it out eventually." He reassured her. "And I need to get home before curfew." He grumbled.

Margo just groaned angrily before pouting. "I just want to know."

"I do too, we can meet up tomorrow and work on it more— its going to take a while. Station reports don't come in until Friday, three days from now." He said and stuffed his phone in his back pocket.

"Wait, Friday? As in homecoming?" She asked while still laying down. He nodded. "Don't most of the police officers hang around the school during homecoming so no one is fucking in the bathrooms?" She asked again, and Wyatt nodded again. She and him shared a look before he gasped.

"Ohhh you want to sneak into— on Friday— ohh yeah thats.." he cleared his throat. "Yeah I was thinking that too." He made his normal not sound like a prepubescent boy. Margo couldn't help but to laugh at him.

"Ahhh, yeah, sure— go home before you have another brilliant break through." She teased, and didn't bother to move. He smiled, saluted and made his way out of the room.

"See yah tomorrow!" He said before walking out. She smiled lightly and looked up to the ceiling.

"Yeah, see yah." she whispered and smiled. She then closed her eyes, with a blissful smile— one she hasn't worn in a while.

___

Eloise and Harriet sat bundled around the fire, granny insisted on wrapping them in three blankets each ('Wouldn't want you two catching a cold!')—with mugs of hot chocolate. Thatcher was positioned behind them on a couch scrolling through something on his phone and his grandparents were in the kitchen cooking.

"Eloise?" Her grandma poked her head out the kitchen entrance. "Do you and your munchkin like spaghetti?" Harriet jumped sky high, her blankets falling around her.

"SPAGHETTI? I love spaghetti!! Mom hasn't made spaghetti in years!!" Joy radiated off of her, lighting up the room. "She says it's not 'proper food'" Harriet mumbled and plopped back down on her mess of blankets. Granny laughed.

"Oh child, I'll make extra just for you!" She disappeared back into the kitchen and Harriet groaned falling backwards to stare up at the ceiling.

"Thatchy can we live with you forever? Pleeeaaaase?" Thatcher slid off the couch to sit with them on the floor.

"Will you pay rent?" He smiled and laid on his stomach in between the two.

"Uhh.. Hmm.. I have a piggy bank?" Thatcher laughed. "I think I have a diamond neckla-" Eloise reached across thatcher to punch her in the side—Thatchers eyes grew wide.

"We're not that rich." Thatcher turned to look at Eloise. He noticed the earrings she was wearing and reached out a hand to tug on one.

"Then what're these?" She frowned.

"They were a birthday gift." Eloise sighed. "From Quinn." Thatcher pulled his hand away, his smile falling.

"Shoot Eloise..I'm so sorry." She stood up, setting her mug on the mantel and stretching her limbs.

"It's all good Thrasher." Although, he could tell it wasn't.

"Alright kiddies! Supers ready!"

___

"Wyatt, are you even listening to me?" Deputy Onogaro questioned. Wyatt was busy doing research on his laptop—he had taken a couple of screenshots of the murder board and one thing just wasn't adding up: how did his car get in the woods?

"Wyatt!" He snapped out of his trance and looked up to see his father glaring down at him, arms crossed over his chest.

"Yes dad?" The deputy sighed and walked around his desk to sit next to Wyatt.

"What're you look at anyways?" Wyatt quickly shut his laptop and laughed

"Nothing! Just trying to find an online version of this book! haha.." His laughter trailed off and the deputy eyed him cautiously.

"Is something going on Wyatt?"

"Of course not, Dad!" Wyatt stood up and dropped his computer into his bag, zipping it up and slinging it onto his back. "I'm gonna head out, okay? I'll text you when I get home." Mr. Onogaro opened his mouth to respond but Wyatt quickly ducked out the door before he could say anything.

"Close one, stupid." Wyatt mumbled to himself as he followed the hallway to an opening—the main desk was to his left, and other desks were set up throughout the area. Everyone seemed to be busy...and that gave Wyatt an idea.

To his right was the hall that would lead him to the room of case files and items that were found at the site of crime scenes. It's not stealing if you'll bring it back, right? He took one last look around the area before quickly turning and ultimately, breaking the law.

"Room 108, 109, ahah! 110." He quickly opened the door (which somehow wasn't locked. So technically they're just asking to be broken into) and ran inside, shutting it behind him and turning on the lights.

The lights turned on in a domino like pattern, exposing the first set of files, then the next, and so on. The room was massive—there were at least twenty different rows of case files stacked neatly onto shelves. Thankfully, they were organized by crime, then last name. Wyatt sat his book bag down and cracked his knuckles.

"Alright. Missing Persons.." He's been in here before, so he kinda knew where he was going. He walked forward past two sets of metal shelves then took a left walking past more, then a final right. The 'missing' shelf was somewhat bare (especially compared to the manslaughter shelf..jeesh). "Mccoy...found yah!" He grabbed a manila folder labeled 'Mccoy, Quinn" and quickly made his way back to his book bag. Just as he reached to turn off the light switch and open the door, he heard voices.

"Yeah, I don't understand why they didn't just bust the guy." Came a muffled voice.

"It was so obvious! He was- wait did you see a light on in there?" The other voice questioned and the footsteps stopped right outside the door.

"Fuck." Wyatt hissed and looked towards the back of the room. Windows! Fourth period weight lifting was about to come in handy—these windows were a good eight feet above the floor.

Wyatt took off towards the back of the room, weaving in and out of shelving units. He could hear the door knob beginning to twist—he jumped and grabbed onto the window sill. Despite the pain in his arms (he was never good at holding his own body weight—pulls up are a no go), he pushed the window up and threw his book bag out, It landed with a thump on the grass below. Wyatt took one last glance back and just as the row of lights were flickering on, he heaved himself through the window and slammed it shut.

"Huh. Are you seeing things again?" An officer spoke.

"Honestly Ron, with the shit coffee you make? Probably."

Once the pain in his ankles from the land subsided, Wyatt picked up his book bag and opened his phone, clicking the only number he had on speed dial. It rung for a few moments before a voice finally answered.

"What do you want?"

"Margo-you're not going to believe what I just did."

___

"Good morning LakeWood High Lions! As you are aware, The Trip to The Moon homecoming dance is tomorrow, Friday the 13'th. Please make sure you pick up any last minute tickets. And would the planning committee please meet in the front lobby tomorrow morning before school starts to begin setting up decorations. Have a great day LHS!" The voice of Mr. Roles spoke too cheerily from the speakers all round the school. Eloise turned to Margo and Axel.

"Remember you two—you promised to help me decorate." Margo groaned. "Nope. No If's, and's, or but's! You're helping me. It'll only be like.. two hours tops."

"Two hours of plain torture. Taking directions from you and Penny at the same time? I'd rather take directions from Wyatt here." She pointed to Wyatt and he scoffed.

"Why am I getting dragged into this!" Axel chuckled.

"She'll drag anyone into anything."

"Speaking of dragging people into things.." She turned to face Wyatt and Thatcher and put on her sweetest puppy dog eyes. "Would you two help decorate also? The more people, the faster it'll go."

"I, uh got a dentist appointment.. at the doctors." Wyatt wasn't one for last minute excuses

"Awesome! So you'll be there!" She smiled and stood up, repositioning her hair.

"But I-"

"6:00am prompt!" She grabbed her phone off the table

"I-" Wyatt tried to speak again.

"See you then!" And with that, Eloise sauntered out of the cafeteria to first period—Wyatt sighed defeatedly.

"She always knows how to get what she wants, doesn't she?" Thatcher questioned. Axel snorted.

"You have no idea."

__

"I don't care whether Friday is homecoming or not, Miss. Whence. The reading is still due." Mrs. Jay answered from her desk. Penny huffed and went back to filling out the worksheet.

"It's about time a teacher stood up to the bitch." Margo retorted.

"Retweet." Eloise laughed.

"Uhh..what does this paper even mean? How is the stupid car a symbol?! It's literally just a car!" Axel ran his hands down his face and angrily threw his pencil on the desk.

"I think it has something to do with the main character wanting to escape her life." Thatcher spoke up.

"I think it has something to do with Mrs. Jay being batshit crazy."

The group continued to try and work on their packets that had accompanied a small reading out of their english text books—Axel was full of angry remarks.

"She should've just ran him over with the car. I'm sure that would've been symbo-" He cut his sentence short as the door had opened and somebody walked in.

"Oh goodness me! I forgot you were coming today!" Mrs. Jay jumped up from her seat and met the girl at the front of the classroom. "Everyone if I could have your attention for a moment!" The class stopped working and for once, gave Mrs. Jay their full attention. "Class this is Victoria Magoveny. Her and her family have recently moved here from Russia!" Victoria smiled and tucked a strand of gorgeous chocolate hair behind an ear adorned in crystals.

"Thank you for such a warm welcome Mrs. Jay!" Her accent was there but almost non existent—her english was spot on. "I'm more than excited to be here. All the teachers are so lovely!" Mrs. Jay blushed faintly and patted her shoulder.

"Please great Miss. Magoveny with the utmost respect." She smiled again and pulled Victoria over to her desk to give her a run down of all the materials and classwork she's missed. The class resumed their work and Margo had a scowl plastered onto her face.

"You've got to be fucking kidding me." Eloise flicked her arm.

"Language, Margo. And what? She seems nice!"

"She seems like a russian spy sent here to tear down our government!" She cried dramatically and saluted the flag in the corner of the room.

"Margo, we're in high school. What for government could she possibly destroy?"

___

The school day finished in a flash, teens where shuffling out like cattle. The group didn't make plans together tonight, actually they all went their own ways. (Other than Margo and Wyatt)

Margo and Wyatt went to her house and reviewed over the file Wyatt was able to snatch. Axel went to work. Thatcher went home, after Eloise told him to. It took her a few tries and reassuring statements for him to leave. He just wanted to make sure Penny wouldn't pull something fishy again.

Eloise had to stay after for last minute meeting for student council. They had to go over the rules and regulations for the upcoming voting week, it was next week.

Eloise walked into the main office and saw Penny, with her usual abrasive stance, and— to Eloise's shock, Victoria Magoveny.

"Ah, Miss. McCoy!" Principal Roles cheered and welcomed her.

"Hello Principal Roles!" She smiled and walked up to the small gathering.

"This won't be long girls, I just wanted to go over some basic rules and FairPlay in these upcoming votes." He tapped the few papers on his desk. He looked between them all and continued. "First and foremost there will be not bulling your voters into voting— or any other kind of forced persuasion." He read off of his paper.

"There will be no sabotaging any other candidates work places publicly, on the other hand you cannot over crowd the public with your posters and such." Penny and Victoria gave each other a stern glance, that made Eloise confused. It's like they just got out of an argument.

"In addition, the last day of voting you all will give your final speech, then after the allowed time someone unbiased to the candidates will add up the Last remain votes. Then we will continue from there." He continued like he didn't see the two girls having a glare off.

"Lastly," He looked up right after the two stopped their stink eye war. "I want you three to have fun." He gave them all a cheeky smile. Eloise actually smiled at that. She loves doing this kind of thing.

"T-" Eloise was immediately cut off by Victoria.

"This will be such a fun experience for me. I'm excited to get to know the both of you." She turned to look at the two girls. Eloise was blind to her fake enthusiasm.

"And same goes for me," Eloise held her hand out to shake. "I hope after all of this debating we can become good friends." Victoria's cold hand shook hers.

After a little bit of discussion with the four of them, they were allowed to leave. Victoria walked ahead with the principal. The meeting only lasted at most a half an hour. Plus Eloise didn't have to worry about picking up Harriet, because thatcher already agreed to do so. It made her happy that the two of them got along.

Eloise's deep thinking was interrupted when she was quickly pulled into the adjacent hallway by Penny.

"Listen, McCoy. I'm only saying this to you because this new bitch seems like she's hiding things." Penny said lowly. "This Veronica bitch pulled me aside before the meeting telling me that she was going to squash all of her competition in order to win this." She folded her arms and told Eloise with a straight face. "I don't know what she is planning but I don't trust it."

"And why are you telling me this? Actually— Penny why should I believe you. So far Victoria hasn't spray painted my locker and brought up my missing brother every time we talked." Eloise folded her own arms. "This is really low of you to start messing with the new student whose just trying to make a name for herself." Eloise glared at Penny who was jut rolling her eyes.

"Listen. I don't like you— I really really don't like you. But my title of queen bee is being threatened by that bitch and I hate that so much more." Penny pointed the direction Victoria was walking. "So when you see the true colors of that whore, come to me and we can talk. Until then try taking your head out of your ass and look with your eyes." She finished and walked off, with her usual strut, down the hallway Eloise was pulled into. Eloise stood there in pure shock.

Did... did Penny just say she wanted to work together with Eloise?

Her phone rang loud in the hallway, breaking her out of the funk she was in.

"Hello?" She didn't bother looking at caller ID.

"Hey. Umm. I have a dilemma..." Margo sighed.

___

"Are you... telling me.." Eloise pinched the bridge of her nose in pure annoyance. "That you didn't get your dress yet for homecoming? You know. The dance in two days!" Eloise sounded like an angry father— which she was to Margo in a weird... friend group kind of way.

"Yeah yeah. Scold me all you want— I said what I said and now I need help." Margo crossed her arms while she stood in the middle of a dress isle

"Ooh Ooh! Guys what about this color. I feel like it matches my eyes." Wyatt came up from behind Margo with a dark green flowy dress. The girls both stared at him with utter dumbfoundment.

"And you brought the man child along?" Eloise hissed at Margo. Wyatt released a sharp gasp.

"El-o-ise." Wyatt broke her name up in a hurt way. "I am not that old. I'm more of a boy child— or a handsome young teen child. Thank you very much." He pouted and walked off with the dress. Eloise only gave Margo a distressed look.

"Yeah he was my ride. My car broke down." Margo pointed back with her thumb at him. "Listen. I'm sorry. I'm probably not helping your stress levels right now but—hey you're out of the house for a bit, eh? It can't be that bad." Eloise was going to correct her on that but decided to refrain. Knowing Margo she would only get offended that she isn't staying at her house. It's not Eloise's fault she had chores.

"Yeah yeah. Let's get shopping— find your son teen child thing please." Eloise waved her off and started sorting through the dresses next to her Margo saluted and went off to find Wyatt.

The shopping trip wasn't all that bad. Actually Eloise found herself enjoying the company of both Margo and Wyatt. They made such a fun pair. Their jokes were built off of one another, like a comedy duo. The only think that was a slight downer was the fact that Margo had to try on a million dresses.

"Okay. So this is the last dress. I swear it." Eloise draped over the short red dress over the door. "Please try to smile when you come out— remember you're the one who brought me out here." Eloise said with a smile. She only got a grunt in response. Both Wyatt and Eloise shared a vacant bench chatting away, mostly talking about things that happened at school, when someone stepped in front of Eloise.

"Eloise?" She looked up to see Victoria. She perked up and smiled.

"Hey! Victoria! Funny seeing you here!" Her smile was genuine until she saw Victoria's frown, or rather her unamused emotion.

"Listen. I already gave this speech to that Penny bitch. If you try and stand in my way for the class president— I will break you." She basically growled at her. Eloise, too taken back by this sudden declaration.

"Hey. Woah take a step back." Wyatt stood up and held his hand out as if it would sheids Eloise. "What is with the threats? Just do your part in the election and win it fairly. Don't be a bitch about it." He glared at the girl.

"Shut the hell up, man whore." She snapped. It was his turn to be offended. "Yeah. Don't think I didn't hear about you, pal." She prodded his chest. Eloise could feel her brain gears running on full speed. It was like a breakthrough was being made. She could feel the smoke being poured out of her ears— well not smoke because that's pollution. Steam. Eloise could see the eco-friendly steam coming out of her ears.

"Oh my god!" Eloise stood up quickly, she wasn't necessarily looking at anyone because she just had a breakthrough. "Penny was right! I can't believe— and.. oh my god." She looked appalled at Victoria. "I defended you. You made me just say Penny was right... I defended you!" Eloise was going to lose her mind. Her mouth was hung open in just... shock. Her world just flipped.

"Penny can tell anyone she wants. You can tell anyone you want. But I don't think that will stop people for voting for me, I have my ways." Victoria smirked at Eloise, closed Eloise's mouth, and walked off. "Have fun losing next week!" She waved without looking back.

Eloise just stood there. She just said her rival was Right. Penny Whence. Was. Right.

"Hey—get a load of this guys! The dress is like perfect!" Margo walked out of the fitting rooms right after Victoria made her grand departure. "Woah, what happened here?"

Eloise only looked up at Margo with teary eyes. "Penny was right."

"I told you!" She screamed. "I told you I told you I told you." She looked to Wyatt. "Didn't I tell her?" But he seemed just as upset as Eloise did. "Jesus, did she kill a puppy in front of you or something?"

"Just fractured my fragile masculinity." Wyatt teased and tried to brush off the annoyance. "Are you okay El?" They two looked to her—Eloise didn't handle confrontation or fights very well. She sighed. Come on Eloise, grow a pair.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm good." She took a deep breath and stood up a little straighter. "Even though she's rude, it'll only motivate me to beat her even more. Friendly beat her of course." Margo chuckled.

"What're you gonna do? Throw a cupcake on her that had a compliment written in icing?"

"You know that's not half bad.." The three laughed again.

Thought for the first time, Eloise and Wyatt finally got a good look at the dress Margo had tried on. It was a simple maroon colored dress yet it looked beyond elegant on her. There was a lace covering that had flowers lightly down into it—it was strapless though the lace continued out to her arms.

"Holy shit Dahl." Margo blew them a kiss and twirled in a circle. Eloise cheered.

"Finally! Take that puppy off and let's go buy it! I may or may not have my for 'emergencies' credit card that i'm just dying to get declined." Margo scoffed but smiled

"Perks of having a rich best friend I guess."

___

"So, Axel." His mother began from the other side of the table. "Do you have a homecoming date?" She slid a slice of meat into her mouth, looking up at him in between cutting her steak. It was oddly unsettling.

"Uh no mom. I'm just going with friends."

"Honey, isn't that what you did last year?" His father chimed in. He sighed.

"Yes. It was. And it's also what i'm doing this year. Can we change the topic now?" Though they weren't ready to let it go.

"Isn't there that one girl on the swim team? She's cute! What was her name..? Megan?" Axel choked on his asparagus.

"Margo?!"

"Yes, yes! She nearly got the record for backstroke! What a lovely girl."

"Mom—Margo is my best friend. You've met her tons of times?" Axel was beyond confused. It was like each dinner time he had to reintroduce everyone in his life.

"Yeah sweetie," His father tried to correct her. "She's the one that's class president." Axel actually dropped his fork in laughter. Margo? Class president?

"No Daniel, that's Eloise." At least she got that one right. "Oh my. We're sorry dear—we just aren't well acquainted with your..friends."

"But I'm sure you could name every award Mia's won since first grade.." He mumbled and pushed the food around his plate.

"Anyways, Axel sweetie. We've been meaning to tell you—your father and I are leaving tomorrow morning on the first plane to Boston. Your sister is accepting an award for her newest accomplishment in her major—She's developed a blah blah, blah blah blah!" Axel tuned her out, as he usually does when she starts ranting about Mia.

"Blaaaah!" His father cheered.

"Blah blah, blah blah blah. Blah blah bleh two hundred dollars on the table for whatever you'll need." He tuned back in at the sound of cash.

"Wait what?" She pinched the bridge of her nose.

"I said, I'll leave two hundred dollars on the table for whatever you need. We won't be back till late monday evening." Axel tried to keep the excitement from his face, but a smile still crept through.

"Awe look sweetie, he's proud of Mia! What a good little brother you are." They stood up and started taking their plates to the kitchen. "We'll make sure to send pictures!"

"I don't doubt it." He tried to sound unannoyed. Axel pulled his phone out of his pocket and sent a text to the group chat.

Axe: Guys the rents are out till monday evening
Elowheeze: Margo don't say it
Mars: PARTAAAYY
Thrasher: why do i feel like that's not a good idea?
Whyatt: last time we partied an angel landed in my arms...then we crashed into a pool
Mars: mm nope don't remember didn't happen
Axe: you know wyatt that moment was a whole lot scarier from on the roof
Thrasher: do i even wanna know..?
Elowheeze: nope.
Elowheeze: Anyways, we could just have like.. a small gathering after hoco at your house? like just us? no other annoying people
Whyatt: *cough* Victoria *cough*
Axe: already hating the new chick?
Axe: it's like thatcher all over again
Thrasher: you hated me?
Mars: to be fair, you stalked us at a park
Thrasher: that was a total misunderstanding
Mars: anyways axel, victoria is real bad news
Mars: she said she was gonna crush Eloise like a grape or something like that
Axe: huh. whatta bitch
Whyatt: i'd say
Mars: so it's settled? big slumber party at Marones?
Elowheeze: i'm in
Whyatt: me 2
Thrasher: me 3
Axe: we can make a fort in the living room
Mars: YESSSSSSSS ^.^

___

Margo sat in her room; Bruno Major playing softly from her record player on the floor, her chinchilla rolling on the blanket atop her bed, and her desk a mess of papers and sticky notes. Her homecoming dress hung idly on the door to her closet.

"Munchkin, why don't you just chill out?" Margo questioned her chinchilla.

"Oh so we're going with pet names now?" Wyatt's voice sounded from her phone that was perched upon multiple encyclopedias.

"Oh shut up Onogaro. Back to the matter at hand, what's gonna be our plan for tomorrow night? I feel kinda bad about ditching the others.." She bit her nail and sat at the edge of her bed, studying the board.

"It'll be okay—we won't miss much. We'll duck out like..fifteen minutes before the dance is over. The station is five minutes away from the school and it won't take us long at all to get in and get out." Somehow, what he said soothed Margo's nerves.

"I have the list here of everything we need." She stood up and grabbed a hasty list written on a yellow sticky note. Squinting at the names, she read them off "Laura Fischer, Kila Walkerman, Noah Trent, and Devon De Vaun. It also says here to grab the evidence from.. November sixteenth 2010. Do you guys even keep evidence from that long ago?" A low chuckle sounded through the speakers.

"Dahl, we have evidence from the 1980's. We'll find everything we need."

"Okay.." She hated how unsure she sounded, even though she was ready to go through with this.

"You trust me, right?" Wyatt asked.

"Sadly, yes."

"Then everything's going to be okay."

___

"And then, she said 'Have fun losing next week' in that stupid fake accent! I don't even think she's from Russia!" Eloise vented while laying on her guest bed, Thatcher sitting diagonal to her on a chair beside the Tv (which was turned onto Eloise's favorite—Food network). Thatcher tossed a piece of popcorn in the air and caught it in his mouth.

"Sounds to me like you need to beat this chick. Or I can if you need me to." She looked back at him, but of course from her line of vision, he was upside down.

"Violence is not the answer." He shrugged.

"It can be when you need to get your point across." She groaned and kicked her feet on the bed.

"Why is Penny right! She's not supposed to be right. She's supposed to be wrong so I can hate her for being wrong." She felt like an elementary student.

"Eloise there are a million other reasons to hate her."

"Yeah, well. Well." Eloise sat up, all the blood rushing to her head. She ran her hands down her face. "Why do they have to make life so hard."

"If life were easy, it wouldn't be worth living." She turned around to glare at him.

"Who invited Yoda?" He chuckled and threw a popcorn kernel at her.

"You know I'm right." She flipped around so she was laying on her stomach.

"I know. I know. I just don't know what to do about Victoria and Penny." She rested her head on her arms and watched Gordon Ramsay flip on somebody for over cooking their broccoli.

"Don't do anything. Be the bigger person. And if someone tries to start anything? Well..you know Margo will be all over that in a second." She chuckled.

"I'm trying to keep her out of detention so let's pray something like that doesn't happen...again." They smiled remembering their first crime together—vandalizing Penny's car.

"It's funny to think that was only last week. I guess life flies when your brothers missing, the town won't help you, a russian spy entered school, and there's a dance tomorrow." Thatcher stood up and threw out his popcorn bag and leaned against the frame of the door.

"You better get some sleep El, it's 10:34." She shuffled backwards and got under the blankets, beaming up at him.

"Alright dad. Better to get comfortable now before harriet gets out of the shower and hogs the bed." He rolled his eyes and flicked the light switch off. "Thanks again, for letting Harriet and I stay here."

"Of course." He lingered in the doorway a moment longer before turning and disappearing down the hall.

___

"Good morning guys, glad to see you all bright and shiny— just so you don't hate me I got you guys some coffee." Eloise walked up to the zombie esc friend group of hers. It was the last day of homecoming set up, sadly Eloise didn't get to the other ones so she plans of staying as long as she can— that's including the morning times too.

"McCoy. You owe us more coffee than this." Axel groaned but took a cup anyway. Five o'clock is way too early for him, for anyone really.

"Ah, yes I know—" Eloise nodded and set the cardboard cup holders. "I will probably get most of the snacks this weekend. Don't worry." She looked around for a certain someone.

"You better." Margo mumbled and rested her head on axels shoulder. "Tell me when they start." She dosed off. The collective of them were probably as useful as an empty can of flex seal this early on the morning, but it's the thought that counts. (I'm so sorry. I had to)

Eloise walked off and looked around for penny, she needed clear things up.

"Good morning, Eloise." She tensed, at the rather snippy tone, but knowing her protocol she smiled and turned to Victoria.

"Good morning, Victoria. How are you?" She stood square to her, she wanted to prove she wasn't backing down. Victoria's eyebrow twitched up ever so slightly.

"I'm doing wonderful. I wanted to ask you if you could help me carry these to the stor—" she was cut off by someone standing in between the two of them. Penny faced Eloise and wore her own tight grin. God, the amount of tension could be sliced with a knife.

"Eloise, I need you now." Penny said and hooked her hand to her arm, pulling her away. Eloise didn't bother to argue, she was looking for Penny anyway. Once they were out in the vacant hall their grins dropped.

"Do you see what I mean now?" Penny whispered harshly. Eloise only folded her arms close to her and stayed calm.

"I do, and I'm going to apologize for my outburst yesterday— though I really don't mean it." She sighed but looked up to meet her eyes. "Yesterday she said she had her ways of winning. Even if we told people she still has a trick up her sleeve." Eloise glanced back into the closed door windows and saw her chatting and being friendly to people, notably getting closer to the lazy friends of hers.

"There's no point in telling other people. That threat was just to get us riled up." Penny was looking the same was Eloise was. "But... we know the people here. We've been here longer— this is our domaine. Well mine, but you know what I mean." She waved her hand.

"Yes. I get it." Eloise deadpanned and gave Penny a sideways look. "Look all I wanted to talk to about was..." she took a deep breath. "I think we have to team up for this and get rid of her. Then we can settle the debate our way without her. I know it sounds crazy and a little sadistic but she's got bad vibes." Eloise leaned her back on the wall. Penny only looked in the windows of the doors at all of the students waking up before they had to start working, which was in five minutes.

"As long as we do things my way. Not your nicey nicey act way." Penny made a face at her.

"Fine, but we need to work on your insults." She held her hand out to Penny. "Ones that DON'T target emotional events in someone's life." She eyed the brunette. Penny only huffed a sigh and shook her hand.

"For now its a truce." They agreed.

When they walked back in Eloise was greeted with the loud instructor telling everyone to get ready.

___

The morning was rough for the gang, the coffee Eloise got only lasted about three minutes of energy— and that was when they were drinking it. The decorations were all done, and they weren't going to lie it looked pretty cool. They had a space theme going on and everything just worked. It look the crew longer than expected to complete the look though. Eloise glanced down at her watch while people just stood and talked to one another. She glanced over to the instructor, who pointed to his watch. She nodded and stood up onto a nearby chair.

"Okay, everybody!" She caught most of their attention. "First period is almost over, so you all would be going to second period, when the bell rings— thank you all for your hard work and dedication! Because of you the gym looks amazing!" She beamed a smile at them. The students clapped and cheered because they were done. "Have a great rest of your day— see you all tonight!" She wrapped up just as the bell rang.

Eloise, Penny and Victoria had to meet up with their instructor for a little longer to make sure everyone last minute things are set up.

"Great job ladies, this place looks amazing— the food and drinks will be here later." He smiled at each of them. "I'm gonna be honey this years polls will he a toughie." He waved them off. All three of them glanced at one another.

Eloise knew next week would be actual hell.

___

The school day went by like a flash, every student (mostly the girls) went home and got everything they needed done for tonight. That included Margo and Eloise. Eloise was pinning up her hair in an elegant hairstyle after she did Margo's. They decided to get ready at Margo's house.

"Eloise. I— when?" Margo started to stutter when Eloise showed her the tie she bought for Wyatt. It 'ironically' matched Margo's dress.

"I already told him I had his tie— I wanted to buy him one too... you know my part in the initiation." She shrugged, but deep down she knew what she did.

"Eloise now people will think we went together as a date!" If Margo could get any redder—well she couldn't.

"So? We all decided to go as a group." Eloise shrugged and continued to finish up her hair. Margo grumbled, while tossing the tie on her bed.

"Girls! The boys are here!" Samuel called up the stairs. They both stood up and straightened out their dresses. Margo's red dress was basically making her glow. Her hair was up loose and curled, she looked amazing. Eloise had a baby blue simple dress that made her hair stand out more.

They gave each other a smile, gathered up their belongings, and headed to the stairs.

"Holy-" Axel started.

"Shit." Wyatt finished.

The boys were all dressed nicely—Thatcher wore a black tux and a baby blue tie, his hair slicked back (Margo thought he looked very James Dean esc); Wyatt also sported a black tux but, as Eloise had told him to come, he lacked a bow tie; Axel was dressed like the rest though his bow tie was far from anything they'd ever seen—It was purple with blue space cats. Eloise couldn't help from laughing.

"Axel, is that the tie I got you for christmas three years ago?" He was beaming and readjusted the tie.

"Yep! Never looked better." He winked at the girls. Samuel cried.

"My children. So grown up." He sniffled and Margo slapped his arm.

"Stopppp dadd." She whined, though she was smiling.

"Alright everyone outside! You're not leaving till I get ten photos!" The trio groaned and made their way out the front door, the girl's heels clacking on the stone walkway. Suddenly Margo realized what she had.

"Oh uh, Wyatt!" She called after him and shuffled forward—she was never good at walking in heels. "I..have this for you?" One eyebrow shot up in amusement and Margo presented to him the maroon bow tie, identical to the color of her dress.

"I-" The gears in Wyatt's mind we're rotating and he finally realized why Eloise had told him to come bow-tie-less. He took the fabric out of Margo's hands and smiled, he wasn't really sure what to say. "Thank you." He made a mental note of the red blush coating Margo's cheeks.

"Do you want me to help you put it on?"

"As long as you promise not to choke me." He teased as she walked behind him and lifted his collar up, positioning the bow in the front and bringing the sides to the back so they met. "I mean unless you're into th-" Margo pulled on the straps—he started coughing. "Alright alright! No more innuendos." They chuckled and stepped back to admire one another.

"Okaaay!" Margo's dad stepped in between the two. "Line up! First one over there by that tree! Then we'll do the brick wall and then out back and then.." They continued on like this for another thirty minutes. They ended up with a million photos together—lots of normal photos, a singular one with Margo and Eloise, another with just Eloise and Thatcher, then Margo and Wyatt (though they both just look extremely awkward; Margo couldn't understand how Eloise and Thatcher were so comfortable with each other? It's like they live together or something she presumed). But their favorite was a candid of all of them laughing—it was like the old days.

___

"Alright kiddies. You know the rules. Never go anywhere without a partner!" Margo joked from the front seat and repositioned her jewelry in the mirror. "Also, if anyone encounters the bitch squad or Victoria, avoid at all cost! I'm sure she'd jump at the chance to ruin our night or our outfits. Kapeesh?" The group mumbled in agreement and stepped out of the car.

The air was chilly but buzzing with excitement. Other teens were entering the building with dates, friends, whoever—but no matter the pair, they wore bright smiles. All worries aside, tonight was their night. And nothing was going to get in their way.

Once they had entered the building, they were finally able to truly admire the handy work that had taken nearly three hours earlier that morning. The lobby was adorned in a million silver glistening balloons, the ceiling coated in glowing stars and faux 'moon rocks' made from paper mache were scattered across the floor. And if they thought the lobby was impressive, the gymnasium was another galaxy. The same decorations were scattered around but with such precision, they looked as if they were really in space. How did they even manage to get that many glow stars on the ceiling? The dance floor sparkled as if they were dancing on top of space itself—and it felt like they were. The DJ (who was wearing a space helmet) was positioned at the front of the gym blaring, thankfully, tasteful music.

The group of five maneuvered in and out of dancing teens to an empty table and dropped all of their things. This, of course, included the girls taking their heels off.

"Holy cow guys we did a really good job!" Eloise has been beaming since they walking into the school.

"I thought I broke my back getting those stars up there." Wyatt groaned. And finally after all night, Thatcher spoke up.

"Yeah, this place looks amazing." Thatcher said in wonderment, still gazing around the gymnasium.

"Ah, he speaks!" Margo shouted. Eloise nudged her side.

"Ahah, sorry." Thatcher chuckled awkwardly and rubbed the back of his neck. "This is actually my first school dance." The other four were left with their jaws on the floor.

"What?!" Axel shouted.

"Yeah..I've been in an out of different schools so much, I never really had time to settle down and go to any type of school held activities."

"Welp Thatchy boy, lucky for you, you found us! We are the party animals of LakeWood High!" She hooted, Eloise joining in. Margo grabbed her hand and they scampered into the hurricane of teens tightly squeezed into the middle of 'space'. Axel slapped Thatchers back.

"We're not gonna let the ladies have all the fun, are we?" And with that, the three boys followed Margo and Eloise into the center of it all.

___

"I feel so alive!" Margo screamed as her and Eloise bumped hips to Beyonce. Thatcher was doing a horrible robot, Wyatt whipping, and Axel actually found room to do the worm. The group of teens lost it and cheered for him.

"Oh my gosh, look at him go!" Eloise couldn't stop laughing—these were the moments she cherished.

The group kept dancing and dancing, their calves aching with the amount of jumping and on the spot choreography they were doing. Though the second act of their third world tour came to an abrupt stop as the chords to a slow song Eloise knew well blared through the speakers. She spun in a circle realizing Axel was no longer in their group.

"Guys where's.." She trailed off upon finding the red hair fein perched atop the DJ stand, an MP3 plugged into the turntables. He was smirking at her and Margo.

"Make your move!" He mouthed to them and gave a thumbs up. Margo scowled but was quickly swept off her feet when Wyatt came up from behind and twirled her in a circle. He wore a similar smirk.

"Are you from space? Because that body is out of this word!" Margo laughed and stomped on his foot.

"Shut up before I dip you and let you fall." They laughed again, the dark lights of the gym just hiding their blushes.

Eloise turned slowly to face Thatcher. "Thatcher would you like to..?"

"Yes." He spoke too quickly. He coughed and tried to back track. "I mean..uh yes. Yes I would like to dance." He held out his hand and smiled—she took his hand, reciprocating the upturn of lips.

She could feel the warmth radiating off of his body as he held her close. Their feet fell into a rhythm. Step one two, step one two..

"You look amazing tonight." He breathed into her ear, shivers worked up her spine and she struggled to find air. Eloise looked up into his ocean blue eyes.

"Thank you. You look quite handsome yourself. Did Granny pick out the tux? And who told you my dress was blue?" He chuckled.

"Yes about Grandma, and a little birdie whom you room with may have let me in on the secret.." She gasped.

"Awe that rat! I told her not to tell!" He laughed again and tucked a strand of loose blonde hair behind her ear.

"I'm glad she did." The moment felt frozen in time—his hands resting on her lower back, her arms wrapped around his neck. It was beautiful...until Margo started singing.

"I would love you! Just the same!" Eloise heard Margo squeak over the song next to her. She looked over to see the girl wrapped in Wyatt's arms, doing a dramatic reenactment of the song. Her eyes were closed as she sung and Wyatt was smiling, head resting atop Margo's which was laid on his shoulder.

"Dorks." Thatcher chuckled. "Like you." Eloise gasped and feigned hurt.

"Me? A dork? Hardly!"

"Oh please, you're basically the dorkiest dork that ever dorked." She rolled her eyes and flicked his cheek.

"And you're the swaggiest swag that ever swaged." There was a moment of silence before Thatcher burst into a fit of laughter. He was laughing so hard, they had to break apart just so he could try to catch his breath. Eloise adored his laugh and she'd do whatever to hear it more often. Eventually, he found the will to breathe again and the song came to a close.

"Man guys, good thing I took ballroom dancing- is he okay?" Wyatt eyed Thatcher closely as he was still wiping tears out of his eyes. Eloise waved a hand in the air.

"Yeah yeah, he's fine!" The group smiled at one another, Axel rejoining.

"So my love birds, how did-Oof!" Margo punched him in the stomach, her grin never swaying.

"Anyone thirsty? I'm thirsty." And that's how the night continued.

The group danced to Shakira, Fall out boy, Gorillaz, and sadly..the Cha Cha slide and Cotton eyed Joe. Eloise only tripped once and Axel did a full out back flip—somehow nearing the end of the dance, a circle was created and Axel was always in the middle doing some sort of trick.

"Show off." Margo snickered and stood on her toes to see over the crowd of people.

"It's time to go." A voice spoke from behind her, pushing her hair to the side to whisper in her ear.

"Jesus christ Wy!" Margo spun around to glare at the smirking boy. "Don't sneak up on me."

"Don't be so tense. Just in and out. Quick and simple—are you ready?" Margo glanced back at Axel moon walking in the middle and Eloise and Thatcher laughing off to the side. She sighed. "Yeah, lets go."

___

Wyatt pulled up to the station and parked the car, pulling the keys from the ignition and turning to look at Margo. "So tell me one more time. The plan I mean." She fiddled with her thumbs.

"I walk in the doors, distract the officers at the front desk, you'll slip in behind me, I ask to go to the bathroom, we meet in the case files room, grab what we need, and sneak out the window." She took a deep breathe. "Did I miss anything?"

"Nope." He popped the P and grabbed one of Margo's hands, rubbing circles with his thumb. "Friends that commit crimes together stay together." He smiled and she laughed.

"Guess that's why Eloise and I are still friends." He let go of her hand as she reached for her door. "Alright let's blow this popsicle stand." Margo hopped out and made her way through the doors, silver stilettos in one hand and preparing herself for possible fake tears.

"Officer..?" She tried to sound as innocent and helpless as she could. The lady looked up from her paperwork and eyed Margo, looking her up and down.

"How can I help you miss?"

"M-my boyfriend..we were coming back from homecoming," She hiccuped and pushed her hair out of her eyes. "We got in a fight and he pushed me from the car. I-I don't have a way home..my leg.." She let tears free fall and sobbed into her hand.

"Oh honey!" The officer ran out from behind the desk and led Margo into one of the seats. "Stay here. Let me go talk to Officer Stover." She gave Margo a weak smile and patted her knee before running down a hall. The lobby was empty.

"Jeez that was too easy." Margo mumbled and shot Wyatt a text.

Mars: we're in the clear—run in now and meet me at 110
Whyatt: omw

Margo picked up her shoes and spun around the lobby one last time before taking off down the right hall. After passing a couple of doors, she found room 110 and bolted inside, shutting the door behind her and flicking on the light switch. Her heart was pounding—she's broken the law before but never like this. Margo wandered around the room just as the door opened and Wyatt slipped in, though he turned the lights off quickly. Margo yelped.

"Wyatt! Where are you!" She put her hands out in front of her to avoid crashing into a shelving unit just as Wyatt's phone flashlight lit up, illuminating a small space around him.

"Over here!" She made her way to him and sighed. "We have to keep the lights off—last time I was almost caught because of it."

"Oh that's great. This is great. I lied to a police officer! Maybe this was a bad idea.." He cupped her cheeks

"Margo, listen to yourself. Who are you?"

"Margo Dahl...?"

"And what does Margo Dahl do best?" He questioned

"Procrastinate?" He rolled his eyes and dropped his hands.

"No. She plots and sticks it to the man the best. We're already halfway done our mission. We just have to get the files, evidence, and skidaddle." She nodded and he continued. "Start over there in the manslaughter—second row, second shelf, should be D-F. I'll be over in suicide. Shout..quietly if you need me." They fist bumped and split up.

Ten minutes later—Margo had De Vaun and Fischer, Wyatt found Trent. The last thing they needed was the evidence and Walkerman. But time was running out.

BzzZtt "Yeah, she's not down the west wing—I'll check over here."

"Shit." Wyatt and Margo cursed in unison. Wyatt looked and Margo with frantic eyes. "Okay I need you to trust me. Get Walkerman and hop out the window, I'll meet you at my car in five with the evidence, got it? W's are in the eighth row, first shelf." He turned to leave but she grabbed his wrist

"Wait-but where are you going?"

"Just trust me." She let go and he raced back to the door, slipping quietly out.

Margo ran back to the aisle she had just been in and ran down six more rows, counting them out as she went. Once she found W-she opened the container and flipped through the tabs finally finding the golden ticket: Walkerman, Kila. She ripped the folder out of its spot and tucked it under her arm.

Hastily sliding the container back into its position, she picked her heels of the floor and made a beeline for the back windows—her feet softly padding onto the stone floor as she ran.

"I'm supposed to fit..through there..in this?!" Margo stared dumbfounded at the windows above her. "Well..here goes nothing." She jumped and clung onto the edge, pushing the window upwards as Wyatt had done two days prior. She pushed the folder and her heels out before taking a breath and heaving herself upwards, slipping a leg through the window. As she went to slide the other leg through, her dress caught on a ridge in the frame—what should've been a graceful leap, became a head first tumble as she fell to the ground, arms flailing at her sides.

She braced for the impact of the ground, but her body was caught in strong arms. Margo opened her eyes to see a stupid grin splayed across the face of none other than Wyatt.

"Mars, no matter how many times you fall for me-i'm gonna catch you." The air finally filled her lungs and a laugh bubbled up from her chest and escaped her lips. She jumped out of Wyatt's arms and ran to grab her shoes and the files before grabbing his hand.

The two ran like bandits in the moonlight back to his jeep. Once they reached it, they ripped their doors open and threw the files and evidence in the back as the car roared to life. Though before Wyatt was able to swing the car out of the station, Margo reached across the seat and cupped Wyatt's cheeks in her hands, planting a soft kiss against his lips.

Wyatt's eyes were wide open as Margo leaned back, smirking, and hooted in the air, turning on the radio as she did.

"Take us home, Mulder!"

___

Eloise sighed, rather frustrated, after being left on voicemail for the tenth time. Whatever Margo was doing she didn't want to talk to her about it. Eloise couldn't help but notice Wyatt is missing too. She leaned on the wall in a desolate hallway. She could hear the loud pounding of the music, it almost mimicked the throbbing in her feet.

"Hey." Thatcher popped out of nowhere. Eloise only yelped and held her phone closer to her chest.

"Lordy, Thatcher..." She exhaled and relaxed realizing it was only him. "Don't scare me like that." She smiled up at him who was leaning on the wall beside her.

"Sorry sorry, I was wondering where you went." He looked ahead at the lockers. "Axel's not much company when he's hoping to different groups of people every three songs." He rolled his eyes. Eloise couldn't disagree, Axel was a very popular person— even if he says he isn't.

"Well, sorry for leaving unannounced." She chuckled at him, but never took her eyes off of him. For some reason— with his hair slick back he was... she couldn't explain it really. He glanced down with a quirked eyebrow.

"Now that you're done here... there's still a dance... and there's two of us..." His sentence trailed of with a hinting tone. Eloise smiled, probably brighter than the sun in Thatcher's opinion. He have her a quick shrug. "And I heard dancing with someone else is better than dancing alone."

"You still wanna dance with me? I'm starting to think you are doing this for popularity— Mr. cant dance alone." She teased but stood up from the wall. Thatcher scoffed.

"Totally," He rolled his eyes but stood up with her. "That's why I'm going to dance with you in the empty hallway." He said and scooped her hands with his and started spinning her around to the music. Eloise couldn't help but laugh while he swayed them with beat.

"Thatcher what on earth." She giggled out and looked up at him. He smiled at her, then pulled her in so her head was resting on his shoulder. This is the most outgoing thing he has done all month.

"I'm being charming." He answered and spun them around. "Plus its really hot in there." He shrugged, he had discarded his jacket a while ago at their table. Eloise only hummed a response while she rested her head. This was a good break from the drama, no... it was a great break from the drama.

Thatcher wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his head on hers. He's never felt so relaxed in school. Actually he's never felt so relaxed around a person other than his grandparents.

Eloise felt him hum along to the random song blasting in the gym. Eloise never wanted to stop swaying in the dim hallway with Thatcher. Her heart stopped for a split second. Not only did she want to dance with him forever, she wanted to be with him forever. He brought out the better her, the not the fake Eloise. She was the real deal, all naturàl Eloise, with Thatcher.

"Thatcher?" Eloise pulled her head back and looked up at him. Her heart rate was picking up. They stopped swaying and just looked into each others eyes. She was about to say something, maybe something that could change their relationship, but whatever it was she wanted to say it now.

"Thatcher i-"

"Eloise! And—Thatcher?" The two were interrupted by Margo and Wyatt jogging down the hall. "What's going on? Why aren't you in the gym?" Margo asked with worry.

Eloise didn't hesitate to rip herself out of Thatchers arms and start pointing at Margo.

"Where were you two at? I called like fifty times— but nooo." Eloise flailed her hands up. "Everyone wants to make Eloise panic." She folded her arms and glared at the two shocked teens.

No one spoke for a minute. They just walk in on the two of them doing something Eloise would say was scandalous. Maybe it was the angle they were at.

"Except for me right?" Thatcher innocently asked. Eloise sighed and turned to Thatcher, giving him a brief nod. She then turned back to Margo for answers. The two, Margo and Wyatt, cautiously glanced at each other. Margo told him not to tell her, but what should they say now?

"Uhh. We were out on a walk?" Margo shrugged. Eloise didn't believe that for a second.

"Really? And a walk got your hair messed up?" She pointed lazily to it. She then looked over to Wyatt who was nervously looking down at Margo... something clicked in her mind. "Ooohhh." Eloise held a coy smile. The two of them were now confused, heck even Thatcher was confused.

"Oh what? What are we oh'ing?" Wyatt asked and watched Eloise step back to stand next to Thatcher.

"Don't play dumb with me— Onorago, you two know what you did. Messy hair, excitedly running down the halls together." She looped her arm with Thatcher, ready to go back to the party and collect their items.

"Whatever you say, McCoy." Margo rolled her eyes and started following the two linked arm teens. "If it lets you sleep at night, then yeah."

Eloise dropped their conversation and went back to the dwindling crowd, Axel was chatting away to a group of swim buddies when Margo snatched him away. They all decided that tomorrow night was going to be the party.

Margo took everyone back to her place where they could gather their things they left behind and go home.

___

Eloise couldn't move from the couch. Once she got back to thatcher's house she changed and went right to the living room. She was alone, Harriet was away at a friends house, and Thatcher was upstairs doing something else— probably showering.

"Fun night, huh?" She flinched a small bit when Thatcher's grandfather walked into the room to sit in his recliner. Eloise nodded and watched him get situated. "Yeah, I remember going out as a kid. Let me tell you all the ladies were on me like flees." He chuckled, Eloise sat up more to see and hear him. She couldn't tell if he was being sarcastic.

"Really?" He only scoffed, much like a boy she knows

"Don't sound so surprised, I didn't always look like an old raisin." He held the stubborn stare that he usually does. "I had women from all ages come up to me and ask me to dance and go to the pop store down the road. I had a grand old time back then." He was cracking a smile as if he told a joke. He waited for Eloise to laugh, but when it didn't he just shook his head. "No, That was a lie. I only had one woman in my life." He smiled. Eloise, assuming he meant Grandma, perked up. She was a sucker for romance.

"How did you meet gram?" He looked over at her with a dazed look and held a small grin.

"It's a long story." He warned. Eloise hummed in though and checked her watch-less wrist.

"It looks like I got a long time!" She smiled just as he did.

"I like your spunk kid." He pointed at her then leaned forward to, once again, reposition himself. Eloise took the chance to get closer to him and sit by the fireplace with one of the couch pillows in her lap. "Well, long ago before the dinosaurs, I was a young teen." He started making Eloise chuckle. "And I had just started freshman year when I ran into some trouble." Eloise only tilted her head trying to think of what he could have done to get in trouble.

"You see, back then there were more separated groups of people. Some jocks, some geeks and nerds. Some preppy pretty people. Then there was my group, The trailer park trash. Luckily though I knew how to keep myself clean unlike my neighbors at the time," he grew more and more enthusiastic about the story as he told it. "And one the first day I ran into some jocks, quite literally." He chuckled deeply along with Eloise.

"They has my head in the toilet in three seconds flat. Did that stop me from my day? No no no." He waved his finger. "I continued my day as if it were like any other day. I even had the chance to slick my hair back like a greaser because my hair was so wet— gross now but at the time I was slightly thankful to those jocks." Eloise made a face. "The day carried on and I was already in third, when I was seated next to a pretty girl—" Eloise gasped.

"Oh! You met gram in class?" He waved his hand.

"No no. That wasn't her. Just wait— just wait." She nodded to his orders. "She was the one who started nasty rumors about me, some that weren't even related to my social Statius just nasty remarks. It lasted for half a year. I was told I had to sit next to this girl for a full year, but god graced me. It was the day after Christmas break, we all sit down in class and I realize someone new was in the girls seat. I go up and tell her to move before she's the next victim too, but she was instructed to sit there." He sighed dreamily. "The new girl, prettier than anything I had ever seen, was my new seat partner. Somehow she liked me we talked and well... that's how we met." He smiled down at Eloise. His face then crunched up like he ate something bad. "Though it took me a million questions to get her to go on one date with me." He rolled his eyes.

"It did not." A new voice broke into the conversation. "The first time you asked me on a date you had just finished running around my neighborhood." Grandma teased. She glanced down to Eloise. "The second time, dearie he had stolen flowers out of my garden!" She laughed. Eloise only watched the elderly couple bicker, but nothing was ever said with venom. They were teasing one another.

"Great look what you started." Thatcher came into the room holding something gray and fuzzy in his hand. The elderly couple only continued their memory lane bickering as Thatcher sat next to Eloise. "They will be at this for at least an hour... or until the food is ready." He shrugged and let the little hamster crawl around on his legs.

"Awe, what a cutie!" She cooed at the little guy. "What's his name?" She held onto her pillow and looked down at him.

"Oscar. He's my pride and joy." Thatcher nodded and held the little rodent up to her. "Wanna hold him?" He asked.

Eloise nodded and cupped her hands. She chuckled and let the little creature adventure his new landscape, well not EVERYWHERE, but where he was allowed.

"You see that, Joan?" Grandpa whispered to his wife as they watched the two interact. She nodded.

"Just like us when we were young." She smiled sweetly at them.

___

The next morning, the gang was sending texts faster than Usain Bolt can run. Eloise knew she'd be buying snacks and good stuff to eat so she left around noon to buy all the essentials. Thatcher tagged along with her.

Margo and Wyatt went over to Axel's house to start setting up the speaker systems and putting away any important items that could be stolen.

To sum it all up, the day flashed by too quickly. Before they knew it the party was already in full swing.

"I wasn't expecting this many people to show!" Margo yelled over the speakers to Wyatt. He nodded and was shoved back by passing people.

"Yeah, do we collectively have this amount of friends on twitter?" He asked her. She merely shrugged and grabbed two cans of beer from the snack table.

"Who cares! Someone brought beer! Eloise is gonna be pissed!" She laughed, of course she finds Eloise's innocence funny.

"You sure you can hold yours? Last time I had to catch you from the roof." He took his and cracked it open. Margo took a swig of hers and clinked it with his.

"That's a lie, last time you caught me we were Mulder and Scully." She winked and started her way to the 'dance floor'. Wyatt smirked and followed her like a loyal dog.

Axel and Thatcher decided that they should start a alcohol challenge. Well, Axel started it, Thatcher was dragged into it. They were seeing who could chug a whole case of beers first, and whoever won... got bragging rights.

"Chug chug chug chug." The people chanted in the kitchen. Sadly Eloise was watching the two idiot friends ruin their liver with ever large gulp. She only rolled her eyes and started her way to the back porch.

Before she even left the house she had an arm slung around her shoulder.

"Eloise, you are needed ten o'clock!" Penny suddenly looped her arm with Eloise and pulled her back into the house. Eloise started stuttering out incoherent words, but let Penny drag her to the main room.

___

On the other side of the house Margo and Wyatt dance together, basically having the one of the greatest nights, other than their heist the night prior.

"I'm getting sort of tired— you?" She yelled over the music to Wyatt he nodded and pulled her away to the hallway leading to the office and bathroom.

Still hand in hand they caught their breath, the fresh air— not sweaty drunk teens.

"You know what this adrenaline feeling reminds me of?" Wyatt asked, they didn't have to yell as much anymore.

"What?" She turned to him. He smirked and leaned down quickly, cupped her cheek and gave her a sweet kiss. Margo noticed it was far warmer than the one in the car.

"That." He pulled back a slight bit and they looked at each other before going back at it. Wyatt had both of her cheeks cupped, and held her to the wall while they made out. They kissed until they ran out of breath.

Margo parted first and chuckled. "This is new for me at Axel's parties." She said before he kissed her again.

"Good, let's hope," Wyatt cut himself off with a smooch. "That I'm the only one that does it." Once again, their lips found each others.

___

Penny was by the kitchen and back door, talking to Eloise. They had just gotten there so their arms were still linked. "Victoria just came and she had friends. When we find her go talk her u—"

"Eloise! Penny! Lovely to see you two here!" A painfully familiar voice made Eloise tense. Both of them turned around to see Victoria with her 'friend' coming out of the kitchen. They both knew that the jock next to her was not just a friend. "Did you two finally realize no guy on the face of the earth would date you?" She gestured to their linked arms. She started fake laughing and wave it off. "Just kidding!" She obviously wasn't. Penny released Eloise and crossed her arms.

"Oh! Victoria! Did you suck his dick to be your only friend?" She said then started smiling sweetly. "Just kidding!" Victoria held her solo cup a little tighter.

"Yo, she didn't suck it." The tall football player started squaring up Penny. Eloise's eyebrows raised. Luckily Penny's henchmen- er her boyfriend slipped through the crowd and started defending her.

"Shut up, brad." Victoria held her glare to the brunette, someone bumped into her— as if it was planned. Her cup of bright blue drink was splashed on the both girls from their necks down, luckily for Eloise it was mostly on Penny, but her new white blouse was now a baby blue tie-dye.

"Bitch!" Penny screeched and lunches for her. "This was my new shirt!!" Before Eloise could even move she was stuck in the middle of a cat fight. They were crazy— the both of them were probably influenced by some alcohol. Penny tumbled back and smacked into Eloise's legs. She was slammed into the ground smacking her head on the floor.

"Someone break them up!" A guy yelled from the frowning crowd. Eloise was pulled back by someone as the two were broken up.

"Are you okay?" A deep voice asked and snapped his fingers in front of her face. She groaned and rubbed her head a bit.

"Yeah yeah, I'm good." She nodded.

"Are you sure? Oh man your shirt is wet too— you should take it off so you don't catch a col—" Eloise instinctively dropped her hands down to her blouse when she felt the hem of it rise.

"No. I'm saying it loud and clear. No." She started to stand up and realizing she was pulled— or carried she couldn't really remember, to the back porch.

"Hey! I'm just trying to make sure you're okay!" This random dude gripped her wrist and pulled her back and enclosed her in the fence and himself. "I don't think you're brain is working right at the moment."

"At the moment I'm saying no. So if you don't mind I want to go back in the house and find my—"

"You know I just saved you— you could say thank you." Her eyes widened and looked at the dark eyes dude basically breathing down her neck.

"Thank you. No let me go!" She started punching on his shoulders.

"That sucked. I want a better apology." He said lowly and started creeping His was closer to her. She covered his mouth and turned away.

"No, god can you not hear me? No! No no! No means no!" She yelled at him. Her head was aching, her eyesight was pretty bad everything was really blurry and now this creep is trying to kiss her, maybe do more.

"God damn just let me—" suddenly he was jerked back and tripped to the ground. It was a hard yank because Eloise heard some sort of crack. Either it be the dude or the wood underneath him.

"Elly? Hey it's okay it's me, it's Thatcher." Warm hands held her shoulders. She hadn't realized she had been crying this whole time until now.

"Bro, I think you broke my back!" The same dude from before yelled out.

"I'll break more if you think about getting up." Thatcher's lowly threatened. Eloise didn't care at the moment. She just wanted to get home, to Harriet and Grandma, and grandpa too.

"Chill I didn't do anything!" She watched the dude get up behind Thatcher. She looked up to him, he was holding himself back— he was probably running on his alcohol at the moment so it must be hard. They made eye contact.

Thatcher's heart squeezed when he saw her teary eyes, something deep within him snapped.

"God some people." The teen started to shuffle away. Before he could Thatcher stormed over to the kid, spinning him around, and gripped his shirt in the front.

"You ever try something like that to her again I will break you whole face." He raged. "Better yet, if I hear you've been doing this to any person you're going to have problems with me— got that?" The kid nodded. Thatcher glared and started pulling the kid back with him to Eloise. "Apologize." He held him by his neck and bent him foreword.

"I-I'm sorry! I won't! Bro, ow! I won't do it again!" He whined and gripped into Thatcher's hand trying to release himself. Thatcher did after a second and watched the kid scatter off. This was the first time he had spoken more than three sentences at one time. Eloise was in shock.

Thatcher got mad because she got hurt. It's not the first time anyone has gotten mad in her behalf, but Thatcher made it out like she had it way worse.

"Eloise, you with me?" Thatcher was standing in front of her holding her cheek. Those eyes she watched were the same worried ones that cared for her a few nights ago. She bit her lip and nodded.

"I'm okay." She sighed and reached out to hug him. He knew she was lying, but he didn't want to push her on it. He just leaned his head on hers and held her there.

"Eloise! Oh god I saw you get hit! Are you okay? Thatcher tell me if she's telling the truth." Margo shouted from the sliding door with Wyatt behind her.

"I didn't get hit, I fell." Eloise said but didn't move from Thatchers embrace. "I'll be okay— I just want to rest." She mumbled. Thatcher and the pair gave each other wary glances.

"We should at least check your pupils." Margo offered and walked up to the two of them. Eloise was facing Margo, thankfully Margo didn't tease them for their hug.

Margo sighed while looking at Eloise's struggling eyes.

"Axel is getting people out of his house, soon we can get you guys a place that's quiet." She told and looked to Thatcher.

"Thanks for watching her." She nodded.

Soon enough the house was quiet and the pair sat on the couch. Axel, going on Mother mode, checked her eyes and made her follow his finger. Margo gripped Wyatt's hand, she felt awful for leaving Eloise to fend for herself.

Sighing in relief Axel hung his hand. "She looks okay. I'm sure if she sleeps she will feel better." He told everyone.

"That a relief." Eloise chuckled and rubbed her head. "For a second there I thought I split my head open."

Thatcher rubbed her back while the other talked amongst each other. Basically they were apologizing for getting out of hand, Eloise was defending herself saying she was a teenager too and could handle herself while the other rolled their eyes at their friend.

Eventually they let Thatcher take her home, which they don't know is currently his home. Luckily Both of his grandparents were already asleep so they didn't question why he smelled of cheap beer. He helped her into bed, where Harriet was already knocked out, and tucked her in.

He may blame the alcohol later, or he won't, but once she was sleep he leaned down to kiss her forehead.
___

"You mean to tell me you've never had bubblegum ice cream?!" Little Wyatt yelled as he watched a young girl swing her legs back and forth, a spoon hanging lazily out the side of her mouth. She gave him a lopsided grin and sat the spoon back in the styrofoam bowl.

"Nope." She popped the p. "but I might have to get it more often now." The young girl chuckled just as a bird landed towards the edge of their picnic table—Wyatt always thought nature surrounded her.

She reached out her hand towards the bird; it hopped around the table, tilting it's small head as if questioning her outstretched hand. A whistle escaped her lips and the blue jay hopped on top of her finger. A smile reached her blue eyes and the girls missing teeth only heightened her innocence.

"I realized I never asked," Wyatt began and swallowed another spoonful of ice cream. "What's your-"

"—! Where are you?!" Someone frantically screamed. It sounded somewhere around the corner of the ice cream parlor. Panic crossed the young girls face as a figure sprinted towards them and pulled her from the picnic table, the blue jay flitting away, tweeting as it went.

"Wait-" He yelled as she turned back once more before disappearing.

"Margo!" Wyatt woke with a startle as a grandfather clock somewhere bellowed four times—when did he fall asleep?

He blinked a few times, his eyes adjusting to the darkness of what appeared to be a bedroom, but it wasn't his. Was he still at Axels? He couldn't remember anything past Eloise getting hurt...Wyatt outstretched a hand to rub his throbbing temples but his arm was trapped under the weight of something else. He huffed and scooted his body into a somewhat upright position looking down at what had kept him pinned—another body. A body whose arm draped across his legs now, a messy mop of short wavy hair attop their head.

Damn Margo.
___

Eloise yawned and stretched her arms, sitting up, and immediately regretting she did. Her brain felt as though it was trying to escape—no more drinking for Eloise. She pushed the covers back (mindful of the still sleeping Harriet) and slid her feet into her slippers, grabbing her phone of the nightstand, and heading to the bathroom to wash off all leftover feeling of last night.

She pressed the power button of her phone, a silly picture of Margo and her illuminating from the screen and also, sadly, the time.

5:47.

"You've got to be kidding me." She sighed and shut the bathroom door silently behind her.

Cursing herself for not noticing the fact the sky was still black, Eloise turned on the faucet and looked at herself in the mirror for the first time. A nasty cut crossed her left brow, surrounded by a bruise just turning purple. She reached up to touch it and hissed, pulling her hand back as pain echoed yet again through her skull.

"I guess that's what they make makeup for.." Eloise chuckled to herself and washed away the mascara clinging to her lashes and the smudged lipstick residing on her chin. She slid a cloth across her face and threw her blonde locks up into a quick messy bun before leaving the bathroom and heading for the kitchen—sure it may be nearly six now but hunger had no curfew.

The sound of feet padding on linoleum sounded through the room as she poured herself a glass of apple juice and grabbed the oreos off of the kitchen table. She crossed the opening leading into the sun room and sat, cross legged on the couch looking at the scene before her through the large glass windows surrounding the room—the backyard was encased in a dewy stillness and the edge of the forest laid just at the edge, beckoning with a creaking wooden hand. A hint of orange just barely touched the horizon; like picasso was in the middle of a water painting, spreading it so just a splash of color remained. Eloise couldn't help the smile spreading across her face.

"Thy glass will show thee how thy beauties wear," A voice cooed behind her and ripped her from her trance like state—apple juice nearly coating the floor.

"Thatcher!" She pushed the oreos off to the side and sat her juice on the end table, spinning around to glare at him. He wore a smug grin though his eyes seemed tired. "Is this the waking world or do I sleep?" He rounded the corner of the couch and plopped beside her, the smell of coffee filling the room.

"Oh I most definitely sleep." She chuckled and grabbed her juice, taking another sip.

"Why are you up so early?" She looked at him for a moment before gazing back out the windows.

"I could ask you the same question. But I heard you wake up." Suddenly nervousness filled her veins, she thought she had been quiet!

"I woke you..?" He seemed to realize her panic and quickly dismissed the idea.

"No no, I was already awake. I heard the bathroom faucet running and someone opening the fridge so I either assumed it was you or your gremlin sister hiding all the chocolate milk again. I thought I better check it out and keep this house free of dairy robbery." The smile never faltered and Eloise wondered how he did it.

"Don't worry, I'm only stealing your juice."

The two sat in a comfortable silence and gazed upon the rising sun—picasso was still painting. A few birds chirped across the lawn, Thatcher reached over Eloise to sit his coffee on a coaster and slipped his fingers into hers.

"If this be error and upon me proved, I never writ, nor no man ever loved."
___

Margo slowly came to consciousness, though her waking felt more like she had just been in a coma rather than a peaceful slumber. The hungover teen sat up to view her surroundings—she was in the Marone's guest bedroom and according to how sprawled out she had been, she concluded she must've slept alone. The alarm clock flashed 9:25 in red letters, the light reflecting off a gold watch thrown hastily on the nightstand beside a maroon bow tie...

"Shit."

-

"And sleeping beauty awakes!" Axel joked as he flipped another pancake onto a plate. Somewhere in between one of Margo's dreams, Thatcher and Eloise must've came over because she was almost certain she remembers a blurred boy carrying her blonde mess of a best friend out the front doors and to a car....that or she was abducted by a strange man. She swished the thoughts away from her head and plopped down at the table between Eloise and Wyatt.

"How's everyone feeling?" Eloise questioned. Her hair was pulled back neatly into a high ponytail and she sported a blue T accompanied by a grey zip up and jeans.

Margo sent a small glare to her overly awake friend. "I feel sicker than a dog." She grumbled while laying her head down on the table. Margo isn't, and probably will never be, a morning person. It's just her genes to be like this, because her father acts the same way.

"That's what you get for having that fifth beer." Wyatt rolled his eyes and patted her back. The look of worry and somewhat of sympathy was etched on Wyatt's face; even if Eloise only knew him for a little bit— she knew he cared a lot for margo. She smirked at them before turning away to Thatcher who was shoving a pancake in his mouth; whole.

"You know you can take bites." Eloise teased him while she sipped on her coffee, her sugar filled coffee. She chuckled at his half-assed glare directed towards her, right now all he cared about was devouring his breakfast. She rolled her eyes at him and continued to sip her drink, when Suddenly chimes from Eloise's phone made them all jump.

"Who could be calling you this early?" Margo whined while Eloise was digging in her back pocket to get her phone.

"It's literally like almost eleven o'clock." Wyatt deadpanned at the brunette.

"Well it's literally like shut up." Margo grumbled, not bothering to move.

"Hello?" Eloise answered her phone without checking who it was. For some reason they all watched her for a reaction, they wanted to know who it was too. Axel noticed her small smile fade, he knew it could be two options. One of her parents is on th either end, or one of her long distant relatives just passed away. Assuming that most of her relatives cut themselves out of her life, the former is the likely answer. Her face twisted into a scowl.

"Eloise?" Thatcher asked, after finishing his mouthful. She bawled her hand up in a fist, she knew better than to yell at her father, but after what had happened a week or so ago she had a short fuse with him.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" She snapped out. Talking everyone by surprise. Margo sat up to start comforting her friend. She knew when Eloise cursed, she was serious. "It's only been two months since— and you 'can't wait' to get his stuff out of his room?" She glared at the table before standing up abruptly. "Don't take anything I'm on my way over." She turned and snagged her keys off of the key stand. Cursing child friendly swear words under her breath.

"Woah, Eloise!" Margo got up after her. "Hey." She jogged up to eloise who was already out of the house.

"They decided to start moving Quinn's belongings out. They are going to sell it." She said while unlocking her car. Margo was momentarily shocked, but quickly found herself buckling up in the passenger seat.

"Lets make this snappy." Margo said while Eloise started the car.
___

The girls walked into the house brushing past a few movers who were carrying out a bedside table. They quickened their pace up the stairs to Eloise's' brothers room. There, in all of their stupid glory, stood Richard and Delilah, idly standing there as they watched the movers disassemble the bed and other large objects.

"Tell them to stop!" Eloise snapped while storming up to them. "This is too far and you both know that." If it were possible they could see the smoke coming out of her ears.

"Eloise, stop being a baby, this room will be a great addition to the office next to it." Delilah waved her off. "Plus I'm surprised you even came back, is your little rebellious phase done yet?" She glared at her. Margo took the chance to look around to see what's left. "You should know you embarrassed us greatly." Their conversation continued while margo walked up to his posters on the wall. That's one thing they did have in common, their undying love for the X-files. She can remember the first time the found out too... the house was filled with high pitch squealing.

She glanced back to see the discussion was getting a little heated, but noted the three of them to be very distracted at the moment. She quickly reached up and snagged the poster off of the wall. She knew all to well they would just throw it out if she left it there. While she was at it she took the next one down too. Eventually she had all four of his posters, and timed perfectly too when eloise finally snapped.

"God! You're the worst parents alive! You don't care for us, you never cared!" She poked Richards chest, growing louder while she did. "You're just lucky your son took care of us while you too were to preoccupied sucking the 'higher ups' dicks." Margo silently cheered for her, but also was slightly terrified of her. "I'm lucky that he was my brother, Harriet's lucky he was her brother. My friends are lucky because he treated them like a human should treat others! Why don't you both get your heads out of your asses and look at all the damage you have done to this family!" She teared up while standing back. Both of them were shocked. Too shocked to say or yell anything.

"Your oldest, and only, son is missing, and you don't care. Your two daughters are living away from home because living here is an actual nightmare, and you don't care." She hiccuped. "What do you actually care about in this family?" She held her stare, hoping that maybe they still had a heart and loved their kids, but when they stayed silent she dropped her gaze. They never cared. They both just called the workers out of the room and walked out with them, leaving the two girls alone in Quinn's room.
___

Wyatt's phone buzzed in the pocket of his jeans—ever since Margo and Eloise left, he and Axel had played Overwatch for the majority of the afternoon (Thatcher went home to be with Harriet and patiently wait for Eloise to return). Though, Wyatt would be lying if he said he wasn't worried about the well being of his friends; what were they doing anyways? Wyatt took his phone out to see Margo finally responded.

Whyatt: Hey what's going on????
Whyatt: margo??
Mango: long story—wanna come over 4 dinner?? dads making tacos
Whyatt: i'll be there in five

-

The air in the Dahl house seemed oddly tense Wyatt concluded. When Margo had let him in, she wouldn't meet his gaze and her father only offered a curt smile before going back to mixing what he presumed to be taco meat. What happened within the time it took him to drive over?

Margo had draped herself backwards over the body of a chair nestled into the corner of the family room—she closed her eyes and with her mouth slightly parted, sighed. Wyatt took a seat on the couch across her beside the piano.

"Mars?" Wyatt questioned.

"Hmm?" She sounded anything but enthusiastic.

"What happened?"

"It's nothing." Though it was everything—Margo could scream.

"Did something happen with your dad?" He questioned. He knew he was treading on dangerous ground so he tried to be cautious.

"No." She was as talkative as the chair he was sitting in.

"Eloise?" She shook her head. He sighed and leaned a hand on one knee, resting his head atop his palm. "Mars, if you talk about it, it'll help." Margo scoffed and flipped around so that she was sitting regularly in the chair and facing him. She seemed a bit frazzled (from what Wyatt could gather); her short hair was messily pulled back and her blue eyes hung.

"Wyatt. Talking never has, nor will it ever, help. I didn't ask for your help or your concern, so just drop it." She bit the inside of her cheek and stared at the floor. Margo looked as she did almost ten years ago. Wyatt stood from his chair and took the few strides to meet her at hers, kneeling in front of her. "Wyatt, what're you.."

He wrapped his arms around her back and pulled her close—she slid from her chair and sat there, somewhat confused and shocked. She hadn't expected him to hug her. If anything, she expected him to be angry and part of her had wished for that. She wanted to yell and be mad but somehow, Wyatt had a way of melting whatever hatred she held in her heart.

"If you hug back it'll make this less awkward." Wyatt teased and Margo chuckled. She wrapped her arms around his torso and leaned farther into his embrace. He smelled of Axe and lemon. They separated from the hug and sat back, simply gazing at each other.

"As much as I'd love to gaze into your eyes all night, Stacy wants tacos." She jumped up from the floor and sauntered to the kitchen.

"Wait, who the fuck is Stacy?"
___

Thatcher sat on the floor of the living room playing some sort of board game Harriet had found in the closet of the guest room.

"Thatcher that's cheating! It's called shoots and ladders not cheats and liars!" She squealed and moved his piece back down to the ladder it had just 'climbed'. He stifled a laugh and threw his arms up in defeat.

"Child, I have never even heard of this game until five minutes ago!" He rolled the dye and moved his red piece, counting the moves aloud to avoid being labeled a 'cheater' again.

"See that's how you-" Their heads whipped around to the front door as it slammed open and a distressed looking Eloise with two bags full of items stepped in a quietly and shut the door behind her with a blue flat.

"El?" He looked at her sympathetically but she merely glanced their direction before dragging herself to the guest room and shutting the door.

"Thatcher..is she okay..?" Harriet looked as though she was on the verge of crying. Thatcher had forgotten how sensitive children were.

"She's okay. Just stay right here." He hopped up from the floor and made his way to their room. Thatcher knocked on their white door and prayed she wouldn't shut him out. "Eloise?" He heard the movement from within the room stop for a moment before it started again, the sound of items being taken out of a bag and sat somewhere.

"Go away." He suppressed a chuckle.

"This is my house, I can't really go far..." There was a pause again and the door to their room clicked, then opened.

"What." She looked up at him, a black book with flames on the side in one hand and a snow globe in the other.

"Uhm..what're you doing?" He gazed around her to see into the room—there were various odd items laid all around the bed and decorating parts of the room. There were albums, a plant (he thought some sort of cactus), and a lot of other miscellaneous items. She moved to block his view.

"It's nothing, Thatcher."

"Well your 'nothing' sounds really different from my nothing." He jammed his thumb back at himself. Trying to lighten the mood was definitely not one of his qualities, he received a cold glance. Eloise stepped back to close the door, but thatcher had other plans.

"Thatcher please, not right now." She groaned while the door stopped on his foot. No, Thatcher was not wearing shoes... yes, Thatcher was internally screeching to the high heavens. He hung his head for a second trying to contain his throbbing toe (@ me). He pushed the door more and looked in her eyes, her miserable—pained eyes.

Holding his hand up to her cheek he frowned. "Eloise, you can talk to me— I know you've let me rant and rave to you, now I'm here. Whatever happened at your home you can talk—" Taking him by surprise she held her hands up to cover his mouth. Eloise usually was ferm and grounded when she was riled up, but this time was different. Her shoulders slouched, almost as if she gave up. He was trying to figure out what he could have said that made her so— defeated.

"That place isn't my home." She whispered to him, a soft sad smile graced her lips. "Thatcher that place was never my home— along with the two that own it." She dropped her hands and continued. "Home was was the people who welcomed me with open arms and warm hugs, Harriet, Margo, Axel, Wyatt, you," She took a step back and hung her head. "Especially Quinn." Her fists tightened. Thatcher noticed her shoulders were shaking, he couldn't tell if she was going to snap or if she was going to cry her heart out.

"Eloise?" He wanted to hug her, or even just comfort her, but a tiny voice in his own head prevented him from doing so, afraid he would make her mad at him. She looked up to him ever so slowly, hot bubbling tears started rolling down her cheeks.

"He's gone." She reaches up hand held her fist to her head to cover some of her face. "Reality came crashing down on me today— and— I guess I finally opened my eyes." She said and stepped back and quickly closed the door, leaving thatcher worried in the dark hallway.

+++

"Woah, wait Eloise too?" Wyatt asked Thatcher after he had told them what had happened once Eloise got home that night. The three of them stood by his locker.

"Yeah, the worst part of it was lying to her sister saying she was over crowded with new student counsel work." Thatcher sighed and rubbed his neck. Axel held onto his gym bag like it was a stuffed animal (but it was more of him strangling the poor bag).

"I can only imagine that it had something to do with her parents." Axel grunted rather peeved that his two favorite people where dealing with this, whatever, mess alone. "I bet they dragged Margo in it too, knowing that Eloise wouldn't let anything happen to her— or worse. They decided to tell Eloise to move out or something— fending for herself; balancing on the edge of insanity." Axel ranted finally cracking. He's not used to not talking to BOTH of his besties at one time. Thatcher and Wyatt deadpanned at his assumptions.

"Well, worrywort," Wyatt placed a hand on his shoulder. "Why don't we just try and keep an eye on them, whatever happened at Eloise's house must have been serious." He patted his shoulder just as the bell rang, signaling school was staring in five minutes.

The boys all split up for their first periods.

+++

Lunch was nothing what any of them expected. Eloise, of course, was off doing student counsel, so her seat was vacant. Margo hadn't spoken a word yet to the three anxious boys, she didn't know what to say.

"Okay." She snapped her head up from her phone. The three of them kept giving her worried glances, well Thatcher was staring at the vacant chair in front of him. "Guys. Stop glancing at me like I'm a delicate fragile box from fedex." She barked.

"Well it doesn't help that you haven't touched your food yet, and... well it's you." Wyatt stated, and gestured to her untouched chicken nuggets. That's more odd than Penny being friendly to Eloise. Margo loves chicken nuggets.

"Yeah? Well maybe I was just taking my time." She crosses her arms and turned away from him.

"Excuse me," a familiar snotty voice cut their conversation there. "Where is Eloise? She and I were going to go over pla— I mean we had a meeting to get to for student council." Penny's unpleasant attitude bummed everyone out at the table.

"No clue." Axel stated, partly telling the truth and partly trying to make her leave. "Try remembering where your meetings are." He rolled his eyes while fiddling with a fry.

"Try losing the attitude." She grumbled and stood straighter, looking— well, not how Penny usually would. She looked worried suddenly. She crossed her arms and started tapping her fingers on her forearm as she thought.

"That's odd.." she murmured to herself while walking away. That alone rubbed everyone wrong way. Why did Penny care if Eloise was at the meeting?

Margo glared at Penny and stood up. "Penny, why do you really need Eloise?" She asked while crossing her arms to match Penny.

"I-" she was cut off by the doors slamming open to the cafeteria.

"YO! Some girl got paint drenched over her head!! She looks ridiculous!" A student, that she recognized as Donnie, shouted to everyone. While laughing he continued "Who even has that much paint in school?!" He darted out as fast as he came in. As if the queen of England showed up; large groups of people swarmed out of the room, ignoring the adults shouting at them to get back.

Margo nervously glanced back to the boys. Dread set in all of their stomachs. She quickly jumped up from her seat, grabbing her book bag, and running out into the hallway—the boys followed.

"Oh my god it's like Carrie!" A group of girls giggled walking down the hallway. Margo grabbed one of them by the wrist and yanked them forward.

"Who and where." Margo struggled to keep her breathing calm as the other girl (who she believed was a sophomore) tried to wrangle her hand out of her grip. She sneered.

"Crazy bitch, I don't know who it was-do you think I care? It was in the auditorium." The red heads friend crossed their arms and watched in disdain.

"You're going to care." She squeezed her wrist tighter—Thatcher, Axel, and Wyatt finally caught up to her. "What did she look like."

"Woah Bruce Banner, let's calm down." Wyatt grabbed Margo's free arm and pulled her backwards, the sophomore hissed and rubbed her wrist (it rhymes).

"Control your psycho girlfriend, hottie." She winked and continued with her pissy down the hall. Margo was breathing fire.

"That little fuck-" She pulled her arm from Wyatt's grasp and started down the hallway towards the auditorium.

"Do you think it was El?" Axel asked the two other boys. Thatcher rubbed his temples.

"I hope to God not. Poor girls never catches a break." Wyatt huffed in agreement.

"You could say that again."

Margo burst through the doors of the auditorium, a crowd had already formed around the stage. And on it, a heap of blue dress and blonde hair coated in red paint. Though another girl (who Margo immediately recognized as Penny) was screaming at the group of teens who were still pouring in the side doors.

"You sick fucks get out of here! Are you that bored with your poor lives you have to laugh at someone else?!" That's rich coming from you, Margo thought. She made her way to the stage and hopped up onto it.

"Hey! Get dow-Oh Margo, thank God!" Penny turned from the crowd to face Margo. "I didn't do this, I swear! It was that damn russian brat Victoria." She sighed and looked down at her own outfit. It suffered from splatters of paint, but not as much as Eloise. "I couldn't get Eloise out. The crowd formed and all the doors were locked from the inside. What a fucking coincidence, right? Listen, I'm really so-" Margo put a hand up to silence her.

"Penny, shut up. I still don't like you. Make yourself useful for once and just get people out." Penny's eyes narrowed but she didn't retaliate. She hopped off the stage, kitten pump heels clacking on the ground, and started showing everyone out. Elsewhere at the front of the auditorium, the boys ran in.

"Elly, look at me." Margo kneeled in front of her and delicately lifted her head up. Red paint dripped from her hair and landed on Margo's lap. Sobs escaped Eloise's lips.

"I don't understand...why does this keep..happening to me.." She hiccuped in between her words and stared at the red paint in her hands. Eloise tried to wipe it off on the remaining clean cloth of her dress but it wouldn't budge—she thinks she knows how Lady Macbeth felt.

"I know, I know. You don't deserve this. None of us do." She pulled the broken girl into a hug, Eloise wrapped her arms around Margo's torso and cried into her shoulder.

"Jesus christ El.." Axel whispered and hopped up on the stage to join the hug. Thatcher spun to grab Penny.

"Did you do this?!"

"Get your man hands off me, new kid. This isn't my taste." Thatcher let her go, she adjusted her bracelets. "As I told Margo, it was Victoria. She's on some 'I-must-dictate-the-school' kick." Thatcher nodded and turned back to the stage. Margo and Axel were helping Eloise stand and slide off the stage—her paint soaked hair blocked her vision.

"You know, El. You look good in red." Axel teased and Margo leaned forward from the other side of Eloise to glare at him and smack his arm.

"What is going on in here?!" Principle Roles yelled as he stomped through a side door of the auditorium. The rest of the watching teens bolted through other doors. Eloise, Penny, Thatcher, Axel, Margo, and Wyatt all snapped their attention to Roles.

"Eloise?! What is the meaning of this nonsense! Penny?" Penny was the first to speak.

"Principle Roles! I'm so glad to see you—Eloise, Victoria, and I were in here working through presidential planning and activities, as I'm sure you were aware of, when suddenly Victoria disappeared and while Eloise was in middle stage, red paint fell from the ceiling and coated us both. It's clear who's responsible-"

"Victoria would never do such a thing! She was with me this whole time." The feeling of dread sank back into their stomachs just as the stone hearted bitch herself walked around from behind Principle Roles and waved, a coy smirk on her lips. "Everyone in my office, now."
___

Margo and the three boys were crammed into the Principal's office which only had three chairs (Wyatt sat on the floor beside Margo's chair). She rested her head on her hand and sighed.

"I am so over this." Thatcher sighed with her.

"Me too. This is only, what? My first month? Why are we even in here?" He crossed his arms and glared at the principles empty seat.

"Guilty by affiliation." Axel chimed in just as Eloise, with a towel around her head and oversized clothes (which apparently belonged to Thatcher they later found out) walked in, the principle following behind her. Thatcher jumped up and let Eloise sit in his chair.

"Alright. Would someone like to tell me the truth?" Margo scoffed.

"Penny already did. Surprisingly.." She mumbled. Mr. Roles clicked the back of his pen and wrote something down on a slip of paper.

"That doesn't make sense. Mrs. Magoveny came to me sometime in the morning asking if we could talk." The group sat there waiting for him to explain what they were talking about—he seemed to have understood the silence. "That's confidential." Margo rolled her eyes and sat forward in her chair.

"Listen, you don't have to believe us, but there is no logical reason to blame anyone besides Victoria. She clearly has a hard on for attacking us." The principle scowled at her innuendo and sighed.

"You know what, I don't even care who did it. I just want the paint cleaned up and for it to blow over." The others could feel Eloise stiffen. "So, because i'm generous, you can all go home. I'll write it down as emotional distress."

"Are you kid-" Thatcher began but Axel kicked his leg and shook his head. Mr. Roles ripped off slips and handed each of them one.

"I'll email your teachers. I suggest by tomorrow, you all forget it even happened."
___

"Okay, first on therapy food list; a tub of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream." Wyatt announced while walking into the supermarket with thatcher. "And two things of Arizona half and half." Wyatt glanced up to thatcher who was already scanning the area for foods. "What are classified as 'things'?" He asked aloud to him while they wandered into the isles. They were sent on a mission to get drinks and 'emotional eating' snacks for Eloise. Neither of them volunteered, dictator 'slash' overlord, Margo ordered them to.

"I'm assuming two bottles." Wyatt answered himself while thatcher read the hanging signs off to find the food. He grumbled and glanced down to Wyatt.

"Okay, where the hell is anything?" Thatcher gave up trying. Wyatt rolled his eyes and patted his shoulder.

"Okay buddy relax, it's not this hard. Let's start with the closest to us." Wyatt gripped the side of the cart to start pulling it, and Thatcher, with him.

Surprisingly it only took two small arguments and one mild anxiety attack to have a everything on their list completed. Thatcher and Wyatt where now looking though things for themselves to hoard away without Margo snatching it away.

While Wyatt was off getting his own snack, thatcher was having an internal battle between s'mores pop tarts or raspberry. He had s'mores last week, but he really really loved s'mores. Raspberry is his other favorite, and he hasn't had them for a while. There was no way in hell that he could decide this alone, and since Wyatt isn't here he might as well get both of them.

"What's you doin' buying a whole cart of food?" A sudden deep voice broke his thoughts. Chills ran down his back. He didn't dare turn around. How could he? "You can't even look at your father now?... turn around boy."

Thatcher set the boxes down and did as his father said. There he stood in all of his terrifying glory. His worn down, stained and greasy, gray sweatshirt still stuck to him. His small beer gut wasn't helping the look either. His jeans had oil spills and marks on it from his job during the week. Nothing changed. Not his look, and definitely not his attitude.

"You still too scared to come back home? Your damn old shits still have this restraining order. You know you—" his father stepped closer to thatcher. It was like every muscle in his body stopped listening to him and froze. He was a deer in headlights.

A strong hand; an implying hand, landed in his shoulder as Jackson gave Thatcher a knowing look

"You're needed back home." With a gulp thatcher was ready to just agree with him and not face the consequences, but luckily for him they were interrupted.

"Yo, Thatch, you think Margo would appreciate Chips ahoy or Tate's cookies?" Wyatt asked while holding up the two options. Immediately he saw what was happening, of course he knew who the man was. Not only was thatcher basically paler than paper, no one could forget Jackson James even if they tried.

"The Onorago boy." Jackson frowned and glanced back to his son. "You tryin' to rat me out?!" He snapped and gripped Thatcher's collar. Wyatt quickly set the items in the cart and started his way to the two.

"No sir." Thatcher mumbled while Wyatt stormed up to them.

"You might want to leave before I call my father down here. I don't think that would be a great idea now would it?" Wyatt pulled his phone out, ready to call his dad at any second. Jackson glared daggers, which Wyatt noted were very similar to Thatchers, at the two of them. He then pushed Thatcher back and stormed off.

Thatcher watched him leave in a hurry. The case of beer hadn't gone unnoticed by him either.

"Hey? You good?" Wyatt helped him to stable himself. Thatcher looked like he just saw a ghost.

"Yeah." He nodded, suddenly going back to his standoffish days, before they were friends. Wyatt didn't have any time to comfort Thatcher, he was already heading to the cart to get out of the store.

While watching him slowly wander off to the checkouts, Wyatt wanted to scream and punch something.

"God, between Eloise, and him, they can't catch a break." Then quickly caught up to him.
___

"Finally! What took you too so long? We ran out of tv shows to watch and resorted to the first two twilight movies— do you know how bad they are?" Margo hissed at Wyatt who stood at the door of Margo's house.

Wyatt rolled his eyes and walked past her. "Margo, this isn't the time, something happened at the store and it really..." he glanced back to the doorway to see it was empty. "Thatchers dad was there." He whispered down to her.

"Oh god..." she followed him to the kitchen. "Is he okay?" She helped unpack some things. "Do we need a therapy session for him too?"

"What happened?" Eloise popped out of nowhere, wearing the most bum outfit anyone could imagine. It doesn't help that her hair looks like a deluded strawberry milkshake.

"Uh—" Margo and wyatt both froze, while Eloise folded her arms. She looked so... how could they say it nicely? Tired?

"I'm fine." Thatcher came walking in setting two bags down on the table. "It's fine." He grumbled before walking back out for the other bags.

Eloise immediately knew his walls were back up, he didn't look as lively as he did before leaving. With a glance to the two teens by the fridge she then she followed thatcher.

Margo and Wyatt just looked at one another then smirked.

"They are so into each other." Margo whispered lowly. Wyatt nodded a little too quickly. "It sucks though. Knowing them they won't have the guts to ask one another out. They got so much... baggage..." Margo looked at the empty hallway.

"I bet they'll be dating by the end of the month." Wyatt nudged her side. She tilted her head in question.

"Did you not hear anything I just said?" She asked. "I'll give it two months."

With a roll of his eyes, Wyatt dipped down and stole a quick kiss from her. He leaned back and smirked.

"It's a bet then, winner has to pay for a date." And with that, he started organizing. "I should let you know I like laser tag."

"Yeah? Well I like go carts." She stuck her tongue out at him and helped.

"Ay, what's crackalackin?" Axel sauntered into the kitchen just as Thatcher (who was being followed by Eloise who had a sour look on her face) sat two more bags on the kitchen counter. "Why's it seem like somebody's cat just got ran over?" Thatcher looked up for a moment—everyone glared at the red head. "Oh my god wait did somebody's cat actually get ran over?" Thatcher squinted at him before walking back out of the house.

"Thatcher, wait!" Eloise ran back out and Margo sighed.

"Axel, your timing is somehow always impeccable." He opened a bag of chips and dipped it into a white bowl, plopping it into his mouth.

"What's going on between them? Sexual tension?" Margo glared and Wyatt nearly dropped his cup.

"See!" He yelled, his arms flailing in exclamation. "I told you Margo. They'll get together soon. Everyone sees it."

"I didn't know you and Axel was 'everyone'" He rolled his eyes and grabbed a handful of chips. "Anyways Axe, Thatcher's dad showed up and cornered him at the store."

"Wait, you mean psychopathic killer dad?!" She nodded and peered around the corner at the open door to make sure Thatcher didn't hear any of that. "Shouldn't we be like..I don't know? Changing our names? Hopping the border?"

"Stop being so dramatic. He doesn't even know who we are." Margo turned back to the plastic bags to finish pulling food out.

"Actually..he seemed to know who I was. How do we know for certain he doesn't know us?" Wyatt dragged a hand down his face. "I should probably tell my dad. I'll be back guys." He walked out of the kitchen, phone in hand pulling up his father's number.

"I think you're both seeing too much into this. Yes, I get it, he's a bad person. But we're not the one he's interested in.." She gazed down the hallway; Thatcher had re-entered, Eloise yelling something about trust.

"Yeah, but a little collateral damage never stopped anyone."

-

"Thatcher would you just listen to me?" Eloise quickened her pace to match his. He skipped steps—the first landing wasn't coming fast enough.

"I don't want to." He turned the corner, flying up the second staircase. She grabbed his wrist and pulled him back.

"Please! If you can't open up to me, then how.." She trailed off, leaving the thought they were both thinking hanging in the open. All love and compassion died on his lips.

"Nothing you say will fix this, Eloise. Stop trying to fix every fucking thing! This isn't even about you—leave my life alone! Don't act like you care. You're seventeen years late. Sympathy won't bring my mom back." The anger dissipated and his words wavered. Regret lingered in his eyes for a moment before he turned away once again and continued up the stairs—leaving her broken and alone on the landing.

Was that her problem? Why was she trying so hard to fix the unfixable? Her family, her friends, her brother. She huffed and slid backwards against the wall, hitting the floor with a thud. Eloise looked up at the ceiling, the lights started swirling in her vision.

"No. You will not cry." Her fist dug into the carpet and she closed her eyes. The thought wouldn't go away.

Then how will we ever be together.

She opened her eyes to go back downstairs, but it's as if she never did. The hallway, the whole house it seemed, was cast into a midnight shadow. She held her hand in front of her and could only make out a rough outline of her fingers.

"Uhh, guys?" She stood up shaikly and reached forward to find the banister. Making her way hesitantly down the stairs, Eloise heard shouting.

"What the fuck? Axel where are you?" Margo sounded less panicked and more annoyed—classic.

"I'm right here, you buffoon." She huffed and the sound of skin slapping skin rung through the house.

"I may not be able to see you but I can still swing." Eloise reached the first floor and called out for the others.

"Margo? Axel? What's going on?" She fumbled for her phone she remembers leaving on the bench by the door and turned on the flashlight. The hallway lit up somewhat before her, she followed the light into the kitchen where Axel rubbed his cheek and Margo just looked pissed.

"Dad paid electric this month—I watched him do it. I'll go check the breaker." Using the light from Eloise's phone, she grabbed hers and headed for the basement, hesitantly walking down the steps.

"Where's Wyatt?" She turned to Axel who had a mouth full of chips.

"I fon't bhow" He swallowed and tried again. "He walked out a little bit ago to call his dad. Where's Thatcher?" She smiled awkwardly and rubbed the back of her neck.

"I don't know either. Somewhere upstairs.." Axel tilted his head, he knew his best friends like the back of his hand and he knew right now she needed help.

"Eloise, talk to me. What's going on?" She sat her phone on the granite and sat down on a barstool.

"Thatcher's shutting me out again. I just want to be there for him..like he always is for me. I feel like I at least owe him that, you know? He does a lot for me. Hell I live with hi-" She looked up to see Axel's chin nearly on the floor.

"You live with-!" She slapped a hand over his mouth.

"Shut up! It's a temporary thing! Don't tell!"

"Woah woah wait, you didn't even tell Mars?" She sighed and rubbed her temples.

"So much is going on right now, okay? It never really came up in conversation..." Axel reached for her hand across the counter and held it.

"Eloise. You are too good for all of us—anyone would be lucky to have you. And from what I've gathered almost this whole month, you are helplessly in love—and with love comes complications. You and Thatcher aren't the best communicators and it's holding both of you back. Put aside how you feel for a moment; whatever he might've said, forget about it and put yourself in his shoes. He probably..didn't mean what he said and was just thinking with his frustration. If you two ever want a shot of actually functioning as a compatible couple in this world, you both need to see from each others shoes and open the fuck up." He finished his spiel and took a deep breathe. Eloise was at a loss for words.

"Am I that much of an open book..?" Axel laughed.

"El, you walk into a room and can practically change an atmosphere with how you're feeling. Your heart is on your sleeve." Eloise opened her mouth to retaliate but a crash sounded from somewhere in the house, it sounded like the basement. Their blood ran cold.

They both shared an equally terrified look. First the lights shut off, and now there was a strange noise coming from the basement where Margo just went to. Eloise found herself walking to Axel and gripping his arm. This is the horror movie stuff she hates, and now she's living in it.

"I... I bet Margo just tripped." Axel gulped and grabbed Eloise's phone. "Lets go get Wyatt, you know the sayings— always travel in three" Eloise snapped her head up.

"Isn't it death always comes in threes?!" She glared, then continued the saying. "I wonder who's next." Axel hated how... on top she was with everything.

"You're wrong. Let's get Wyatt and then Thatcher and call it a day; this is Margo's house you know." He said while picking up the phone and whining it in front of them. The dining room was illuminated by the light, it reminded him of a horror game he played a long time ago.

"Uh Huh, great pal you are. Remind me next time not to count on you to save my butt." She grumbled and tried not to look at all the shadows, and hear all of the 'house settling' noises. But that's near impossible when you're best friend is probably dying in that basement as they speak.

"God, this is just like the pizza delivery game." Axel hissed out under his breath while Eloise and him navigated to the back door. He quickly stuck his head out and looked before pulling Eloise through with him.

"Wyatt?" He called, but he was nowhere. All that was there was the old tree in the backyard that casted funky looking shadows from the moon (that was coincidentally a full one) "Welp! Oh Eloise look at the time, it's our dentist appointment!" He started for the gate door, but they never got more than two steps further.

A loud thump and a grunt was heard from the basement. Margo's basement had small windows just above the grass, so whatever that happened down there could be heard clearly from outside.

"Axel turn off the light." Eloise hissed and spun around to see the small, yet just big enough for someone to slip through, window hanging wide open. Neither of them said anything for a long moment. They had to process that someone had just broken into Margo's house and has her held hostage in the basement.

"Oh my god." Eloise covered her mouth. "Oh god." She turned to look at Axel who was equally freaking out.

"Travis, I found two more!" A slurred loud voice made the both of them skyrocket out of their skin. They both turned to look at the gate with a shadowed man in perfect silhouette. "Little bitches. Making my job more difficult." The man mumbled while wavering his way towards them. Axel's adrenaline kicked in and grabbed Eloise's arm.

"Eloise. Move." He tugged her back into the house, it was their only escape from the backyard. Once he closed the door, and locked it, they both rushed their way to the upstairs. Before they knew it the man, that had Margo downstairs came tumbling out of the door right next to Eloise.

"Woah!" Axel shouted and quickly pulled her away from the man. "What the fuck man! What do you want?!" He snapped and backed him and Eloise to the dining room.

"You... you guys have his son." The guy slurred and stumbled over to them. It was like a zombie apocalypse, brainless walking assholes are trying to kill them.

"Eloise go check on Thatcher." Axel pushes her to the living room, that connected to the foyer. She just nodded, still in a daze from what's going on. She noticed the front door was wide open now, they all just snuck in like silent drunk ninjas.

"Thatcher!" Eloise shouted up to him while she was running up the stairs. She was terrified for him, if Jackson was anything they said in the news... he was really bad news bears. "Thatcher tell me you're okay!" She continued and searched for him. There was a grunt and the sound of someone falling in the room next to her. Without thinking she opened it up to reveal Jackson above Thatcher. Thatcher gripped his stomach, while Jackson's back was facing her.

Again, as if her brain shut off like the lights, she ran in without thinking. She pushed Jackson forward with all of her skinny white girl might. Maybe it's the extra books she was carrying everywhere at school, or the fact that the grown beefy man was unbelievably wasted, that gave her the strength to push the man face first to the ground.

"Thatcher, it's okay I'm here- it's me." She knelt down and held his face. He was already pretty beaten up. He let out a small groan of discomfort. "Thatcher it's Eloise. You'll be okay." She kissed his forehead and tried to come up with a plan.

"Axel! Wyatt! Somebody!" She called out while trying to lift thatcher up, but she only got him to lean up right next to the door. She can't lift thatcher on her own, especially with her foot that's still a little touchy. "Help me please!" She cried louder than before.

A deep groan snapped her attention back to Jackson. "Man, for a rich preppy bitch, you sure do have one hell of a hit." He kneeled, trying to find his balance to stand.

"Yeah? Well for a wasted old man, you sure have one hell of a problem." She snapped back standing up easily. "What— Who in the right mind thinks about hurting his kid. Or better yet killing someone?!" She wasn't thinking— she was delusional. She's talking to a murderer.

"Wow, old man huh? I guess I am getting gray." He brushed off everything else. He still was having an issue with standing. "Let me give you some advice, bitch. Stay out of my way. And get away from my son." He threatened with a slur.

That rubbed Eloise the wrong way. No. She would not be listening to this man like he owned the damn place. Standing straighter, she blocked his view of thatcher. "Please, let me give you some advice sir." She folded her arms.

"I may not have enough strength to take you down, and I may not know when to stop and move out of the way when I should, but... god damnit! I won't. Ever. Let you lay another finger on him." She barked out loud enough to wake the whole neighborhood. She was so heated she hadn't even realized thatcher had woken up from his daze. "You can beat me, kick me, even cut me up— you'd have to kill me before I let you hurt him anymore." She glared daggers at the man. Thatcher's eyes widened after realizing what she just declared.

"Whatever you wish, princess." His face contorted into a crooked smile as he picked up a gold plated fireplace poker and charged at the girl.

It was as if time slowed down. The tip of the poker was mere inches from sliding through her throat like a skewer—Thatcher threw her out of the way, grabbed the front of the fire iron, and twisted it up and backwards so the pointed tip connected with Jackson's neck, piercing his jugular and sliding out the other side. His eyes grew wide in horror as he clutched at his throat like he could stop the waterfall of blood pouring from his mouth. Jackson's head was turned towards Eloise and she swears she could see his mouth try to formulate a phrase before the light left his eyes and his writhing body stilled in a puddle of crimson.

Eloise screamed.

She screamed so loud she was sure her vocal chords were fried and she'd never speak again (and quite frankly she wouldn't mind if she couldn't). She sank to the ground and pulled her knees in close, ducking her head so she wouldn't have to look at the scene in front of her. Thatcher ran to her and tried to hold her sobbing body.

"Eloise! It's okay, it's okay. Just breathe. Please look at me." He tried to lift her head but she only screamed and pushed him away.

"He's dead, Thatcher! There is a dead body on the fucking floor!" He was taken aback by her sudden curse but her language was the last of his concern.

"He's been dead for a long time now. Nothing but a walking corpse. Eloise, look at me!" She lifted her head slowly. He hated the way her eyes were overflowing with fear; was she scared of him? "I'm not going to hurt you. You realize if I wouldn't have done what I did—he was going to kill you. And he wouldn't have felt any sort of remorse afterwards. He would've gone after Margo, Axel, Wyatt. He would've torn this whole house apart until it was just him and I left in the middle. We did what we had to do." Her bottom lip still trembled as she tried to remember what it felt like to breathe.

"H..he's dead.." She pointed at his lifeless body. Arms outstretched in front of him, the fall had pushed the fire iron clear through his neck and it laid beside him, glinting in the moonlight.

"Shh, don't look." He closed her eyes and picked her up bridal style. Her body was rigid in his arms and he could feel her heart throbbing out of her chest. If he didn't remove her from the situation, she was going to have a heart attack.

He carried her down the two flights of stairs and stepped down onto the first floor carefully. The front door was swung open but everything was eerily quiet—were Jackson's buddies still around? Tiptoeing down the hall, he peeked his head around the corner into the kitchen. Once again, it was quiet; as if nothing had ever happened. He walked through the doorway and out the other side into the living room. Finally he felt some wave of peace.

Margo laid on the couch, Axel at her feet, and Wyatt was in the corner of the room making some sort of call he could only assume was to the police station. He thought he might've already heard sirens somewhere down the road (or maybe that was the ringing in his ears). Axel must've noticed his presence and jumped up.

"Jesus christ, what happened?!" Thatcher sat Eloise down on a chair and ran a hand through his hair.

"I think she's in shock. Can you get her a blanket or something?" Thatcher fall backwards into the chair opposite hers, trying to quell the throbbing headache. It was as if the whole thing was an acid trip and he was only now starting to recover.

"Thatcher. What happened." Wyatt turned back to the group—a cut ran down his cheek and blood was crusted on the sleeve of his t-shirt.

"He's dead." Thatcher mumbled. Axels head snapped up.

"What do you mean he's dead. Jackson? You killed him?" Axel couldn't wrap his mind around the fact there was a dead body in the house.

"He tried to kill Eloise. H-he came at her with a fire iron." He stumbled over his words as realization set in along with anxiety. Could he handle the responsibility? He killed his father. Killed. He figured he better stop stuttering or the cops will never believe his story.

"It's fine. This is fine." Wyatt tried to convince himself. Eloise thought he looked so much like his dad—taking charge, being calm."The other goons are in the basement. Very much alive but not going to be moving for awhile. I called my dad and explained to him what happened, he'll be here any moment with an ambulance. We'll all have to give statements." Thatcher and Axel nodded mechanically, the sound of close sirens filled their ears as red and blue streamed through the windows.

It didn't feel real. Axel, Thatcher, Eloise, and Wyatt carrying Margo stumbled out of the house, shielding their eyes against the sudden burst of light. Neither of them could decipher any words—it was as if the whole world was trying to speak to them at once. Deputy Onogaro was the first to run up to them and pull them all aside, directing them to the ambulance.

"Dear God, I'm so relieved you're all safe. You're all alive." Mr. Onogaro hugged his son and stepped back, taking in their faces before running back to the house and joining the other police investigating the crime scene.

Margo's father was the next to arrive. He wasted no time in screaming various profanities and bursting into tears. "What the hell?!" He kept yelling.

"Mr. Dahl. Please listen to me." Axel grabbed him by the shoulders. "We're going to be.." He turned around to look at Eloise, shuddering under a blanket with Thatchers arms wrapped around her; then to Margo, who kept wavering in and out of consciousness, Wyatt tapping her cheek and mouthing something to her Axel couldn't make out. He turned back to Samuel.

"We're going to be alright."

Between the five of them they were asked about two billion questions. Margo's house became a crime scene. Neighbors all came out to be nosy pricks. The teens were all moved out of the house, Margo was currently laying in a stretcher with Wyatt right next to her while they checked her eyes and head for serious injuries. Mr. Onorago and Mr. Dahl were talking to a few more officers and detectives. The whole place was lit up by red and blue lights. All in all, it was a shit show.

To add to that, Thatcher knew he'd be getting into some sort of trouble, he just killed his father, but at the moment— With Eloise ALIVE in his arms? He didn't care. He sat on the grass next to the curb, with Eloise promptly sitting on his lap. She hadn't spoken unless and officer asked her what had really happen after speaking to thatcher (in which she would defend him and tell the same story).

He never knew he could move that fast in his life. If he was even one second later... he didn't really want to think of what would have happen. With that last though he held Eloise closer to him.

"When will we catch a break?" Eloise broke his train of thought. "It feels like people are just throwing curveballs at our lives for entertainment." She held he head. "I need a year long vacation after this. With pina coladas and people surfing on the clear waters. Where no one is threatening your life, or— or moving your missing brothers belongings out of his room because your parent. Just. Don't. Care." She shook her head and leaned back against his chest.

"You're parents were moving his stuff out?" He asked, then it clicked he glanced down at her. That explains her sour attitude, and her horrible mood, and all of the random items in her room. "Are you okay? Where did— is that all the stuff in your room?"

Eloise nodded and pulled the blanket tighter around her. "Yeah... Margo even took some posters. She doesn't know I saw her though." She played with he hair. "And... and look at me! I've never in my life changed my hair from blonde... now I look like a stick of bubble gum!" She yanked on the lock of hair she was fondling. He sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Well... if that's the case you're the cutest piece of bubble gum I've ever seen." He plucked the lock out of her tight grip. "It brings your eyes out." Little did he know his words where striking all of her heart cords.

"Thatcher! Eloise!" A child's voice interrupted their 'moment' from down the street. Harriet ran ahead of Thatcher's grandparents while they were getting out of the car in a worry.

"Harry..." Eloise sighed in relief and opened her arms for the child to throw herself into. Momentarily forget what thatcher said.

"When we got the call we dropped everything we were doing." Thatchers Grandma came up and kissed both of them on their cheeks while Harriet was crying in Eloise's arms. "Are you both okay?" She asked while she kissed thatchers cheek again.

"We will be." He answered and glanced down to Eloise and Harriet. The fact that her parents just don't care about her and Harriet— they aren't even here to see if she's okay or not. That alone made him want to keep her and Harriet in a safe bubble.

"Well, when this is sorted out, there will be warm bed waiting for the two of you." Thatchers grandfather patted his shoulder. "And no one to harm you." He added with a small chuckle, though no one thought it was funny.

+++

Thatcher, surprisingly isn't in as much of trouble as he thought. The police called him a hero, Eloise certainly was starting to see it too— though the thought of thatcher killing his father because of her made her sick. They were allowed to go back home.

Margo was sent to the hospital to get a cat scan of the damage, though the paramedics said the most it would be a small concussion. Wyatt was the one to convince them to take her to the hospital.

That was two hours ago, now he sat next to her hospital bed while she rested. His hand wrapped around hers, as if he was her lifeline. He was told to watch her for a few moments while mr. Dahl talked to the doctors.

"Margo, I know your totally not awake and if you are this would be a real low blow to be faking it." Wyatt started talking to the sleeping girl. "But I really hope it's just a small concussion, I have no idea what I would do without you." He rubbed his face with his free hand.

"I mean, yeah I liked girls here and there, but, Margo..." he sighed out and looked down at her with a loving look. "I really really like you. A lot. I know it does sound like much but if you knew what happen..." he looked at the floor at his feet. Before he could say anything else Mr. Dahl was walking in while thanking the doctors.

"What ever happened in our house... to the five of you... I just want to thank you." He spoke up to him and found the seat across from him. "The doctors said it looked like she had been hit over the head—she only has a small concussion, and a few bruises." He smiled approvingly at the worried teen.

"In all honesty I don't know what happened either." He answered with a sigh and looked down at her. "All I remember was being punched a few good times then being literally dragged down the window to the basement. It was a horror movie classic at your house." He tried to make a joke but even he couldn't find the energy to laugh.

"Well, what happened happened, and you're all okay." He nodded and brushed the hair off of his daughters face. "I wouldn't know what I'd do if she had gotten seriously injured." Wyatt nodded in agreement.

"Neither do I."
___

Eloise laid in her shared bed, Harriet pressed against her side sleeping soundly. It was nearing 4:00 am but that couldn't stop the flashbacks of Jackson's dead body falling to the floor in front of her. It was on constant repeat in slow motion—skewer, waterfall, thud. Her mind wandered to a dark place. What if that happened to Quinn? What if he's dead somewhere, throat ripped open, lying in a puddle of his own blood. Stop! her insides were crying; she bit down on her tongue so hard she started tasting blood.

Eloise hoisted herself out of bed and repositioned the covers over Harriet. She smiled to herself—Harriet was her anker; she kept her grounded and reminded Eloise that though the world outside may be falling apart, they could survive this together. She looked back at her sister one more time before slipping out of the room and padding down the hallway towards a room she somehow has never seen the inside of. Eloise lifted her hand up slow and gently knocked on the door. And to her surprise, it opened.

"Eloise?" Thatcher gazed down at her; he still wore his jeans from earlier and a ratted black champion sweatshirt.

"I can't sleep..." She mumbled and fiddled with the ring on her finger. "And I figured you might've been awake too.." Thatcher studied her face and opened the door wider, inviting her in.

"Mind the mess. I was just..going through some things." Eloise took note of her surroundings.

The room was painted a dark navy blue and posters lined the walls (it reminded her of Margo's). Ranging from heavy metal bands to punk rock, different cd's and band paraphernalia was strewn about. In the right side corner pressed up against the wall, was a disheveled twin bed covered in a black comforter. Beside it, the nightstand held two prescription medications, a glasses container, and two books: "Catcher in the Rye" and "Fahrenheit 451". Lastly to the left of the room was a desk and a partly opened window. On the corner of the desk, was an ashtray with a cigarette; the wind outside carried the smoke out the parted glass. Atop the desk were multiple papers and pictures. One that stuck out to her, was a polaroid of four. A smiling woman aside a grinning man holding a small baby dressed in pink and in the front, a dorky boy with short black hair.

"That's a filthy habit" Was the only thing she managed to say. He seemed confused for a moment.

"Huh?" He followed her gaze. "Oh. I don't do it often." Thatcher rubbed his neck awkwardly and sat back in the grey desk chair. Eloise walked further into the room and sat on the edge of his bed, her eyes still wandering around.

"How long have you lived here?" She avoided eye contact and took notice to the soft radiohead pouring from a bluetooth speaker.

"Probably around seven years. It happened when I was seven, Dakota was turning one soon. We were in foster care for two years until Gran and Pap caught word and traveled four states away to get us. Then Kota went to boarding school just last year. " Eloise frowned. She hated knowing he went through so much.

"Why didn't your grandparents take you two in right away?"

"Leading up to the event, my..Jackson had changed everything on our files. He wrote we had no other living relatives outside of him and my mom. And of course, I was too young to be taken seriously.." The cigarette found his way between his lips again and he took another long drag.

"I know saying sorry wouldn't heal the years of pain...but I'm here for you, okay?" Smoke poured from his nostrils as he stubbed the cigarette out and nodded.

An uncomfortable silence filled the room, the music had stopped a while ago. Eloise glanced over at the alarm clock and noticed it was 4:57–she was beyond tired.

"Come over here." Eloise patted on the comforter next to her. Thatcher eyed her curiously before standing up and walking to sit beside her. She rolled her eyes at his rigid ness. "Lay down." She pushed his chest with her index finger and maneuvered so she was laying beside him.

Eloise laid her head on his chest and wrapped an arm around his torso—sure she may never fall asleep tonight but at least she'd be with someone else she genuinely cared about. They could lay together in silence and mule over what happened only six hours ago. Thatcher reached a hand up to toy with her blonde hair. He never said a word but Eloise could hear his heart beating.

And somehow the flashbacks of a broken body was overruled by the beat of a family still living.
___

Margo had always wondered how it felt to live out a horror movie.

It felt like an exploding brain and an aching body.

Her eyelids felt like thirty pound weights as she struggled to finally open them. The hospital room was dark—shadows danced on the wall and the heart monitor beeped steadily; she took notice to the green mountains once her eyesight finally adjusted. To the right of her, in a corner, was a chair with a body draped across it, snoring ever so slightly. Margo couldn't help from chuckling to herself. That boy never knew when to go home. She grabbed one of the four pillows stacked behind her and flung it at Wyatt, hitting him clear in the face.

"What the-?!" Wyatt fell to the floor and scrambled into an upright position, eyes darting around the room before landing on the giggling culprit. "Margo!" He screamed and ran to her bed, flinging himself on top of her and hugging her tightly. "Margo Louise Dahl. Never do that ever again." She coughed and patted his back.

"You're," She gasped. "Crushing my ribs."

"Oh sorry sorry!" He released his grip and sat back on the bed, inspecting every inch of her as if she might fall apart before his eyes.

"Wyatt, stop looking at me like that—I'm fine. Just a little sore. It's not everyday you get hit with a baseball bat." She rubbed her head and winced.

"I was so worried about you.." Wyatt whispered and caressed her hand, mindful of the IV attached. Margo's heart ached. She wondered what might've happened while she was out.

"Is everyone else okay?" Wyatt laughed awkwardly.

"Define 'okay'." Her gaze narrowed—was anyone else hurt?

"Is anyone else in the hospital." The heart monitor jumped in speed.

"Well someone's in the morgu-"

"What?!" She screamed and jumped backwards, hitting her head on the headboard. She groaned and laid back down.

"It's Jackson, Mango." Wyatt smoothed down her hair. "Thatcher killed him after he tried to kill Eloise." He kept out the gruesome details. Margo took a few shaky breathes and tried to regather her sanity.

"Thank god. I wish I could've been more help.." She avoided eye contact and looked past him.

"Shut up." He tilted her chin so she'd have to face him. "Margo, it wasn't the time to play hero. You or any one of us could've gotten fatally injured. You're lucky you're only suffering from a concussion and not serious head trauma. I could've lost you." The bags under his eyes were somehow accentuated in the dim light; they gave away just how tired he actually was. Margo reached up and touched a palm to his cheek—he kissed her hand.

"Once all this is said and done," She began. "You and I are gonna get massages and go on a sushi date. Maybe a therapy session too." He chuckled and curled up in the space beside her.

"As long as we're not running from the cops, or being hunted by anything that means harm, sounds like a deal."
___

"Shh, honey, just look." A quiet whisper woke thatcher up from his comfortable slumber. He had found that one spot that you never want to lose no matter the circumstances; if there's a tsunami coming? He's willingly drowning in his bed. His blankets were the perfect temperature. Nothing and he means nothing was moving him from this spot... Though, it doesn't really matter, in the current moment he was half awake (meaning he was too heavy to move anyway).

"Ew, look she's drooling." A snicker came from a younger voice. 'She'? Did someone just call him a woman? He gets he's not the most masculine but damn.

"Hush hush, you know drooling is a sign of trust." Another voice chimed in, a deeper one at that. There was a pause before someone tsk'ed.

"Since when?" A calmer, yet confused, voice asked.

"Since I saw these two." And with that thatcher decided enough was enough. He pried his eye open and saw the bright room, and three faces watching them with smiles, or in his grandfather's case, an amused smirk.

Thatcher groaned and tried to turn his body away from them, but there was heavy objects tangled in his legs and, basically, a seatbelt around his waist. He glanced down and saw it was a passed out Eloise, rather than some sort of restraint. He couldn't help but think she was incredibly cute curled up next to him while she drooled slightly on his shirt.. okay maybe not the last part.

"Well, good afternoon, sleepyhead." His grandmother moved first and kissed his forehead. "It's way past three in the evening, Don't worry about school they said you could have at least a week break before going back." She continued while starting to usher the two others, Harriet and his grandfather, out of the door.

"Whenever you want food you can come on down." She smiled back him and quickly left. Now thatcher laid grumpy from the sudden wake up call. He could honestly go for another four days of sleep, but he knew Eloise would kill him if he let her sleep longer.

"Eloise." He reaching his closest hand up to her slightly dyed hair and found a lock to play with. "Hey, bubble gum, it's three in the afternoon." He nudged her some. She on the other hand was to lazy to move. She hadn't really slept— it was an on and off thing. The last thing she wanted to do was get up.

"Five more years." She moaned and snuggled up closer to his warmth. "Unless there was something worth getting up for? I'm not getting up." She mumbled and hid her face under the blankets.

"Yeah? Well what if I told you that there was food downstairs?" He smirked at her.

"Meh, I've had it before." She shrugged and stayed in her position. Thatcher thought for a moment.

"What if..." he glanced around the room and ended up looking at Oscars cage. "What if I got Oscar out?" He asked her and waited for her answer. The only thing she did was uncover herself and navigate to the creatures' cage. Thatchers chuckles filled the room while she cradled the sleepy hamster in her hands. Thatcher propped himself up more while Eloise made her way back to the bed.

"Who's my favorite therapy hamster?" She cooed and petted the small things head. "You are." She laid back down next to thatcher and let Oscar get comfortable on his chest while she lightly patted the fur on its tiny back.

"Therapy hamster?" Thatcher glanced down at her with question. "You think that exists?" He pondered and watched the new scene unfold before him. Eloise lovingly staring down at the sleeping rodent, looking calmer than she has in the past two days. Pride swelled in his chest knowing he was able to relax her enough to get comfortable with him, just as she did with him.

"Eloise I have a question." He suddenly voiced out, unwillingly to his brain. His heart was taking control in the moment. She looked up at him.

"No I'm not using you to get to Oscar." She spoke before he could even ask his question. Which, by the way, was unrelated to her answer.

"No, not that— we both know that's a lie." He winked at her while she pouted and continued to wait for his 'oh so important question'.

"In a hypothetical world, where no stress, or heavy baggage existed on our shoulders..." He looked up at the ceiling and continued, "and where we could breathe without having a panic attack, and where we would have met at high school like happy, normal, teens who come from loving families. Do you think we would be the golden couple? A power couple of the ages?" He sighed and glanced down at her who looked slightly shocked before looking back down to Oscar.

His heart started beating like nuts, did he just say all of that? Why? Great! Perfect! Now he just messed up the only good thing he's got going for him.

"No." She said suddenly. "I don't think in this hypothetical world I would be happy." She nuzzled I go his chest. "I would much rather keep my feelings in this world— even if is super messed up and unrelentless. I'm glad I have you here with me in this very moment." She smiled softly at Oscar and petted him more. Thatcher was shell shocked. Not only did she give him a heart attack, but she also managed to make him one really really happy dude.

"Yeah, I guess I know what you mean." He said and raked his hand through her hair.
____

"Margo I know you are bored but this is what the doctors told me. Repetitively." Wyatt snatched her phone out of her hands.

"No phones, tv, and computers for two weeks." He scolded her while stuffing the device in his pocket. Margo grumbled and folded her arms, of course being careful of the IV still in her arm.

"Yeah yeah, grump-a-gus, pout all you want. That's why I'm here. To entertain you." He rolled his eyes at her sat promptly in his chair.

"Unless you're giving me a strip show? I'm not entertained." She turned to the window. Wyatt had to laugh, he couldn't tell if she was being serious or not.

"Well, I mean if you say so." He started to take off his jacket from the night prior. Margo, not really expecting him to do that covered her eyes rather quickly. "Ah! Ah! It was a joke! Just a joke!"

Wyatt chuckled at the blushing mess. He wasn't really going to do that, he was just hot.

"You're ridiculous." She chuckled as the hospital door opened and a young looking nurse walked in. She glanced down at her clipboard then looked up.

"Margo Dahl?" Margo nodded and she continued. "Doctor Monzac said you can be released. He just wanted to keep you overnight to make sure all the test scores came out negative—which they did. You'll probably experience some lightheadedness in the following weeks and sensitivity to bright lights, loud noises, those sorts of things."

"So like a long lasting hangover." The nurse chuckled and wrote something down on the clipboard.

"Exactly. If you have any serious complications, come back in. We'll schedule you for a check up two weeks from now to ensure everything is healing as it should." Wyatt piped up.

"Is she okay to go back to school? I think we have to go back in a week." The nurse nodded.

"She can't stress her brain. So things like heavy reading, math, research—you should avoid." Margo hooted. No math? No problem. "Here sweetie, I'll get the IV out." She sat her clipboard down on the nightstand and delicately removed the needle from her hand. Margo hissed. "Sorry, sorry. These things are always a bugger." She removed all the wires and smiled. "You father, I believe, is out front talking with the doctor. So whenever you're ready, you can head out to the front desks." The nurse smiled again, picking up her clipboard and heading out the door. Wyatt stood up and grabbed a neatly folded pile of clothes.

"Your dad dropped these off early in the morning before you woke up. I'll wait outside, though I hate to miss seeing you-" She hit him with a pillow. He threw the clothes at her and laughed, running out of the room before another feathery assault ensued.

"What a dork." Margo chuckled to herself and slid out of bed, slipping off the hospital gown and throwing a sweatshirt over her head. Putting on sweatpants proved to be the hardest task—her legs were sore and somehow covered in bruises. Was she ran over by a mini van too?

Grabbing her phone off the bedside table, even though it'd be pretty useless, she made her way to the door, pulling on shoes as she went. Margo opened the door and stepped out, Wyatt was leaning against the wall scrolling through his phone—he looked up when the door opened.

"Ready?" She nodded, shielding her eyes from the bright hallway lights, and they walked down the hallway towards the main desk. Somehow, they fingers found each-other and intertwined.

Once they reached the main desk, Samuel was waiting in a chair, foot tapping out of nervous habit. His right hand reached out to the other as if to twirl a wedding ring that no longer resided on his ring finger. Samuel sighed and leaned back, the air of the waiting room was the same. Tense. Somber. Though there was some serenity in the fact he knew his daughter was going to be okay; he knew she was going to walk out any moment. And when she finally did, his feet moved like lightening and Margo found herself in yet another tight embrace.

"Dad" She chuckled and hugged back.

"God dammit Margo." He leaned back and cupped her cheeks, glancing over her face as Wyatt had when she first woke up. "I am never letting you out of my sight again." She rolled her eyes.

"Daaad." Margo groaned.

"Nope. Don't 'dad' me. A lot of things could've gone wrong last night and I wasn't there for any of it. You're now on dad probation."

"Lucky me." She sighed and looked towards the floor to avoid the white beams above. "Can we go? Everything is bright and kinda loud." He nodded and dug the keys out of his back pocket. As they head towards the sliding glass doors he turned back to Margo and Wyatt. For some reason Wyatt wore a shit eating grin.

"By the way Mars, our house is technically a crime scene. We aren't aloud back in, not that I'd imagine you would want to go back right now," She shuddered at the thought. Her own home wasn't safe to her anymore.

"So where are we staying?" Though she didn't really need to ask—Wyatt's beaming face gave it all away.
___

Axe: hey..is everyone okay?
Elowheeze: hanging in there
Thrasher: dido
Elowheeze: how's mars?
Axe: ^^ I was going to go visit but my parents wouldn't let me leave
Whyatt: She can't have her phone right now but she told me to let you guys know she's okay but she'd rather take "eighteen shots of hennessy" then jump on a trampoline the next day
Thrasher: what does that mean?
Elowheeze: if she's cracking jokes that must be a good sign
Axe: you guys are together?
Whyatt: her house is a crime scene
Whyatt: my dad thought it'd be a good idea to keep them at our place until they finish the investigation
Elowheeze: hmmm;)
Axe: that sounds familiar
Thrasher: ...
Whyatt: did i miss something?
Elowheeze: No. Axel shut up.
Thrasher: Could we come over Wyatt? Maybe it'd be a good idea if we all just..sat together?
Elowheeze: that sounds like a good idea
Axe: I'll have to convince parents to let me leave
Whyatt: my dad said that'd be okay. but what do you guys wanna do? margo really can't do anything
Elowheeze: I'll make some tea!
Axe: mom made soup, i can bring that?
Thrasher: I can..bring my hamster?
Elowheeze: yes!!
Whyatt: I have to go to margo's house to get her chinchilla—bring all the pets. Come over in like fifteen
-
The doorbell sounded, ringing through the house. Margo groaned and threw a pillow over her head, mindful of Dandelion. Being in Wyatt's house was different—It was warm and smelled like vanilla. Pictures lined all the walls which had tall ceilings to match.

"Margo!" A voice yelled and pulled the pillow off her head. Elowheeze looked down at her, a look of concern and happiness to see her.

"Good morning starshine, the earth says hello!" She sarcastically responded. Moving her chinchilla to her pin on the floor, she sat up and looked at her four friends standing in the living room. "Why does everyone look constipated"

"Because you look like a truck ran you over." Thatcher blurted out honestly. Margo only rolled her eyes while Axel elbowed him in the gut.

"Margo don't listen to him, he couldn't tell you the difference between a pickle and a stick; even if it was ripping his scalp off. It's not that bad." Eloise wrapped her arms around margo's shoulders all the while giving thatcher a warning glare. "Plus. That's beside the point! Since you can't watch tv or play on your phone or things like that, we decided to go on a n(e)ature walk!" Eloise cheered while the three boys inwardly groaned. No one liked moving for fun— fun was sitting and watching movies... sucks that Margo had to get her head hit with a baseball bat.

With a sudden realization; Axel stepped forward ready to test the Queen. No one agreed on these plans in which she decided. In fact, she never even told the rest of them about these plans for their opinions.

"We? Eloise. None of us agreed on that, nature is dangerous and scary. There are bears and shit. What if I get eaten by a bear? What would we do then— huh?" He crossed his arms. "Plus what if I had plans?" There was no way, no possible, theoretical, or physical way that she could make him move from his very spot.

+++

"Well damn." Axel said, more surprised than anything. Eloise sang along with the radio while the four (kidnapped) teens sat quietly. No one knew how she managed it but it happened. Now they were just entering Park Gizmo; the home away from home. (As their slogan says, though it's really nothing too different from any other park. A large lake, a wooded trail that expands acres around the lake.

"How are those plans turning out for yah?" Thatcher grumbled from the front seat. Just as he was ready to answer with a snide comment Eloise stopped the bickering before it even started.

"Oh cheer up guys, the outdoors is a lovely place. Plus it's good for Margo to get out and not become depressed for this week or two because we all know that her entertainment is either technology, or pulling horrendous pranks." Eloise looked back through the rearview mirror at Margo. They locked eyes for a brief moment, almost like margo was daring Eloise to continue with her plan, but obviously she failed, since they entered the parking lot.

"Whatever, I'll be fine as long as I can climb a bolder." Wyatt relaxed and held his hands behind his head as if he was on a hammock.

Shortly enough Eloise found a decent spot, and before they knew it they all stood intimidated by the wooden structure welcoming the hikers to the creepy trail.

"Why didn't I know this place exist?" Thatcher asked while looking into the shadowed path.

"I guess because it's not a popular?" Eloise took a small step towards thatcher while looking into the dark path. "I mean look at it! I forgot that's why people never go here. It's spooky."

Margo eyed the back of her best friend's head in annoyance, she wanted to go here in the first place.

"Don't chicken out on us now! You wanted us out!" Margo marched up behind Eloise and gripped her shoulders to push her forward. "Lets go! You lead the way." She directed the reluctant girl.

"Margo!" She whines and held herself, "this is so uncalled for!"

"Getting me out of my bed was so uncalled for." She snapped and kept directing her. "I wanna see some god damn boulders now." Margo continued to push her into the dark woods.

+++ (there's a lot of skipping because Idfk what I'm doing)

"Wow..." Axel gapped at the view from the top of the large rock through his phone, this was one hundred percent going on his Instagram. He'd have to ask everyone then for some aesthetic pictures later. They all were up there looking at the lake and the small camp on the other side. He flipped the camera around and started taking selfies with the great view behind him. "Who would have thought this view would be here in these kinds of woods."

In all honesty the woods weren't that bad, it actually was pretty calming. The only issue was trying to stop Margo from spooking Eloise the whole walk. Looking at them now, it's like their little bickering in the woods never happened. They sat next to one another throwing tiny rocks into the water below them. Thatcher chose to sit next to Eloise while she lazily tossed a handful of pebbles in the water below. On the other hand Wyatt couldn't sit still, he was bouncing his knee while he sat crisscrossed next to Margo.

"Listen, okay— okay okay here. What if I just jumped in? I mean the opportunity is here!" He gestured towards the water. He was acting like he had three bags of sugar before this trip... and he did. I'm Eloise's car Harriet left her leftover sour patch packets there. Luckily for Eloise she doesn't have to waist them now. "Like it's RIGHT in front of us!" Margo rolled her eyes and laid back to soak in the last amount of sun before fall really hits.

"I see it— Do whatchu wanna do." She said with a yawn. Wyatt took that as permission. Immediately he started stripping his shirt.

"Oh my god! Wyatt!" Eloise covered her eyes and turned away. "What on earth are you doing?!" Wyatt was now shaking off his pants from his foot at this point, he was like a dog, eager for a walk.

"I'm living, Eloise. Try it sometime." He backed up before sprinting off the edge, plunging himself in the chilly water. She watched Wyatt pop back up with a beaming smile in utter disbelief, fall was right around the corner—no no it was basically fall already.

"Living?! I think you're trying to give yourself a cold— that's what!" She hollered down to the hooting teen. "You're the only one insane enough to do tha-"

"Heads up!" Axel shouted from behind and hurled himself, and his bright pink boxers, off the big boulder. He landed in the water with a large splash.

"Woah- ho ho! Atta' boy Axie!" Wyatt cheered, pulling over the hacking teen. "It's not bad at all! You all would join!" Wyatt shouted up while Axel tried to escape from his clutches.

"Yeah over my dead body." Eloise mumbled and held herself. Margo, on the other hand, was already stripping her clothing off.

"Alright losers!" Margo peaked over the edge of the rock. "The party has arrived." She jabbed her thumbs back at herself, before turning and saluting to Eloise and thatcher.

"As they say in French, are wev-rah." She then jumped off and joined the other two. Eloise and thatcher had to take a moment to realize she meant Au revoir, not... what she said.

Wyatt released Axel and went over to where Margo landed. She popped up in fits of giggles. He pulled her over while she clung onto him while she caught her breath.

"Nice tighty whities." She snickered at him. "I didn't take you as the type for them." She said honestly after a few moments.

"Yeah well, it's laundry day and I found an older pair in my drawer. Sue me." He rolled his eyes, but never loosened his grip on her.

"Guys!" Axel called up. "Please come down here they are acting all mushy and gross!" He continued, shooting them a stink eye.

"Oh shut up, Axel, I didn't want to keep a concussed child alone in the chilly water." Wyatt defended himself, while Axel TOTALLY beloved him.

Eloise pouted, she knew she'd be forced down there— either by Margo or peer pressure. She couldn't tell which one was worse.

"You know you don't have to." Thatcher nudged her side and leaned down some to talk quietly to her. "I won't go if you don't go." He offered but looked out into the lake, like he was in a drama movie or something. Eloise took a deep breath.

"Well if there's anything our near death experience taught me, it's that you have to live life one day at a time. And I'm going to live in this moment." The edges of her lips perked up in a devilish smile as her fingers clasped the bottom of her floral patterned T and pulled it over her head. She quickly kicked off her jeans, pulling her blonde locks into a messy ponytail as she did. Thatcher eyed her with an amused look—she shrugged. "You gotta snap out of it sometime." She winked and took off in a sprint towards the edge and jumped eloquently into the water, landing hands first in a picture perfect dive.

"Wahoo!!" Margo laughed and cheered once Eloise resurfaced. "With that straight of streamline, I would've thought you were on the team." Eloise splashed water in her direction and ducked underneath the dark water to readjust her hair.

"Come on Thatch!" Axel yelled up at him, hands cupped around his mouth. "The waters warm!"

"Yeah, why is the water...EW AXEL!" Wyatt shrieked and threw Margo towards the boy in an attempt to swim away. "Every man for themselves!"

"Wyatt!" Margo quickly got out of Axels immediate vicinity and grimaced. "Couldn't you have peed like," she gestured towards the bank, "over there where people AREN'T." He shrugged and went into a back float, still chuckling to himself.

"I'm only gonna do this once so you all better appreciate it!" The four heard Thatcher yell from up above. With peaked interest, the group watched Thatcher take a deep breathe, close his eyes, and jump into the lake arms and legs sprawled in a belly flop. He hit the water with a sickening smack!

"Oh my god my dick hurts just from watching that." Axel shivered, though the entertained look never left his eyes.

Thatcher broke the surface, shaking his head and whipping water at everyone from his disheveled mop of hair. His chest, from what they could see, was scarlet and his neck matched though in splotches.

"Jesus, are you okay?" Eloise doggy paddled next to him.

"If I'm Jesus, that would've hurt a whole lot more" He joked. She burst into a fit of laughter, nearly choking on lake water as she did.
_

~le time skip because a bitch needs them going back to school~

And as soon as their recovery week started, it quickly came to an end. Though it was mainly spent playing video games of sorts, making food, and Margo breaking every rule the doctor strictly set, it seemed as though the Earth was slowly getting back on its axis. It'll take months, years even, for the nightmares to dissipate behind everyone's closed lids—but the biggest nightmare of all stood right before everyone with two metal doors beckoning them in.

School.

"So if I vomit now, can I go back home?" Margo questioned Eloise. She had spent the entire car ride (Samuel doesn't want her driving yet) plotting every possible scenario of how their day might go—Eloise called her Dr. Strange.

"No, Mango. Just treat it like any other day." The blonde hooked her arm in Margo's and began carting her towards the entrance.

And thankfully-nobody seemed to pay too much attention. It was a monday; nobody was looking up from their phones or their last minute readings. Hell, the student body wouldn't have known they disappeared if it weren't for the articles and horrid news.

"Hey, Eloise! Hope you're feeling better." One student said as they past, patting her on the shoulder and throwing a look of sympathy. "Sorry about the break in." Another croaked towards Margo.

"So sorry both of you made it out!" A russian voice chirped behind them. Unhooking their arms, the girls spun around to find an ugly smirk to match the voice.

"And damn Eloise, I thought I was going to make it at least past the entrance without vomiting." Margo stuck a finger in her mouth and pretended to hurl. Veronica's smirk fell into a displeased grin.

"Do you have no shame?"

"You're asking me that question? I'm not the one who walked out of the house wearing a rug." Margo gestured towards her faux fur coat. Victoria opened her mouth as if to spew back another insult but closed it. She clenched and unclenched her fist before her lips perked up again.

"Eloise, I completely forgot! So sorry about your loss." She flicked a lock of iron curled hair behind her shoulder and sauntered off past them, through the double doors.

"What's that supposed to mean..?" Eloise's calm demeanor cracked and her eyes darted around campus like everyone was looking at her, though nobody seemed to mind the minor cat fight.

"She's just trying to get under your skin. Let's go." She grabbed her hand and lead Eloise through the school doors and back into student life.

Even though Margo told her not to worry about it, Eloise obviously did. What on earth could Victoria mean about 'your loss'. Eloise couldn't remember anyone related to her dying recently. Maybe she meant Quinn disappearing? But that's, dare she say it, old news compared to what has happened to her recently.

"Eloise you can't seriously still be thinking about that." Margo tsked under her breath while she noticed Eloise with her far off look. "She was trying to set you off, you know those Russians."

"Okay um, bigoted much?" Wyatt stated while he chewed his burger. Margo shot him a icy glare. "I mean yeah, damn them all." He turned away from their conversation in slight fear. Ever since the end of first period she had been more aggravated than usual.

"That's not what I meant," Margo made it known she wasn't like that, giving the group a pointed look. "It's just Victoria's an asshole. She's like Penny but worse... that's almost classified as a talent." Axel nodded, but quickly scrunched his eyebrows in confusion.

"What did she even say?" He leaned on the table more, like an eager child. He wants to hear drama that's not what had happened to him and his friends for once today.

"She said she was sorry for my loss." Eloise answered and looked over to Victoria, chatting away at her table. It's odd, she just moved here and she had so many people already kissing up to her. It's like she's the queen of everything...

"She has so many kiss ups." Axel sneered while following Eloise's eyesight. "What could have changed while we were away?" He turned back to her.

Eloise's eyes widened in realization.

"Oh my god, where's Penny?" Eloise stood up and scanned the room for the brunette. She was quickly spotted, due to her normal lunch table being full of other fake cheerleaders and beefy jocks; a classic high school scene. Other than Victoria's table, this was another spotlight in the room.

"Wait what?" Margo asked while Eloise made a beeline to Penny. "Eloise." Margo called after her but, she quickly sat back down holding her head as a surge of pain scattered through her brain.

"Woah, slow down bucko." Wyatt stood up and quickly held her from falling off her seat. "I'm sure Eloise can handle herself, you on the other hand can't quite yet." He told her while he, and the other two boys tried to convince her that she should go to the nurse.

Eloise was a woman on a mission though. Like a fat man tracking the person who stole his last doughnut. She needed answers. Now.

While walking up to the table, the rats sitting around noticed her marching up and already assumed a fight was about to take place.

"Eloise! Nice of you to actually show up." Penny sneered when she saw her. "Where were you last week? Oh that's right, playing the blonde in a horror movie." Eloise was actually taken back, she was used to Penny being on her side, she wasn't going to lie and say she wasn't getting used to the slightly less rude Penny.

"Okay, all snide comments aside, Penny." Eloise crossed her arms. "What happened to the election last week? Wasn't the rule said to be that all candidates must be present on Election Day?" Eloise snapped back into her mission side. Penny only rolled her eyes but looked to the girl next to her and twitched her head to the side, telling her to get lost.

"Sit." She ordered Eloise. The girl hesitated for a moment? Taking it in that she was going to sit with judgmental buttwipes, but business is business. She took her seat and held her hands like a business woman would. Penny took a long sip of her half and half tea.

"Ohh she's got tea." A girl whispered from beside Eloise, the table laughed as if she was Jeff Dunham on stage. Eloise was one hundred percent uncomfortable.

"Yeah, okay stop." Penny snapped and looked at Eloise. "Turns out that Victoria has some spy's on the inside that helped her with marketing and advertising herself." Penny rolled her eyes. "She probably gave the principle two hundred dollars or two hundred blow jobs. Either way she had someone help her cheat her way to the top. That's how she won." Eloise didn't put it past Victoria to do that. She was definitely two faced. "It doesn't help that the Vice President is her right hand man, Damion. That little baby bitch would follow her off the ledge."

"What do we do?" Eloise stupidly asked. Penny and her henchmen started chuckling like wicked witches.

"What we do is get revenge. Make her like unworthy of the spot. Make her lose her lap dogs and make the rightful queen the class president, you know how good that would look on my college application?" Penny laid a delicate hand on her chest. She certainly had the attitude of a queen.

In this moment, Eloise really didn't know how to feel. Penny wanted the title of class president, Eloise did too but, with all of the events in her this year so far... she's not even sure she wants to have the responsibility of class president. There was a part of her who enjoyed working as a student council member.

Eloise glanced at Penny before accepting that there was no point trying to fight with her, she obviously had people on the inside too.

Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

"I'll help you become president, but I want to be Vice President." Eloise looked over to Penny, as if to dare her to change her mind. Penny was surprised that Eloise had this much guts, compared to the beginning of the year. "You said it yourself, the kid would do anything Victoria would tell him to, so we need to get rid of him too." She reasoned.

"Eloise, I know you're going through shit, and I know this is a lot of pressure... you sure you can handle it?" Penny asked while resting her head on her fist. Testing her. Like a damn cat.

Eloise squeezed her hands, she's not a toy to play with. "Penny, you know I've been through shit. If I can be half a step away from death, what can't I handle?" She held her hand out, shocking the whole table, no one really heard her curse before. "Do we have a deal or what?"

Penny quickly sobered up. Eloise was most definitely ready for this. "Welcome to the team." They shook hands.
___

Margo sat in fourth period lazily dragging a blue covered paint brush up and down a canvas—her phone serving as a reference beside her, a picture of a cloud covered sky on the screen. Two girls walked back into the art room, Margo looked up for a moment but went back to painting. Though suddenly, their conversation had her sitting her brush down.

"Yeah," the one whispered. "Victoria was all over him! I guess I could've guessed the two newbies would get together." She tied her hair back as the other nodded in agreement.

"But wasn't he with that one chick...?" She shrugged.

"Even if she was, she isn't anymore." They chuckled and adjusted back into their paintings.

Fuck, Margo thought. As if they could just get a single break! Thatcher better hope these girls are lying because if they aren't, he's going to have a comfy grave next to his father.

Margo sat her brush down and quickly gathered her paints, setting the canvas back into the rack and cleansing off the brushes, grabbing her bag, and making a b-line for the door.

"Miss. Dahl. Where do you think you're going?" Mr. Holloway groaned from his desk positioned in the front.

"I..uh, the paint is giving me a headache and affecting my concussion. I'm going to the nurse." He nodded and she slipped out the door.

Halfway down the hall, she pulled her phone from her back pocket and sent a text to Wyatt.

Mars: did you hear.
Whyatt: uhhh i think..
Mars: so if you heard hat means she heard
Whyatt: probably....
Mars: you and axel take care of HIM. If i do, i'll kill him
Mars: i'm going to El's fourth now and getting her out of school
Whyatt: okay just be careful
Whyatt: I'll call you tonight

She smiled half heartedly and put her phone into her back pocket, halfway sprinting to AP Government. As she passed other groups of teens in the hallway, they eyed her warily and whispered as she passed. How does everyone already know?! Did someone post something?

Margo stopped momentarily and opened twitter, refreshing the page of the 'anonymous reporter' of Lakewood High—somehow constantly up to date on every single bit of drama and news. And sadly, there it was:

'Russian spy with convict-hero? A pair for the books I guess. But next time, save the PDA for the bedroom.'

Margo huffed in anger. They all are recovering from a traumatic event and he decides to slut around with Eloise's literal enemy? Hurt people hurt people, she guessed.

Somehow out of blind rage, she ended up in front of Eloise's classes door in seconds. She teetered back and forth on her toes, peering into the window seeing what was going on. In the front, Mrs. Rachels was at the front of the room pointing at a map. Meanwhile, Eloise sat in the back scrolling through her phone—her face distraught, eyebrows knitted together. Margo breathed and finally knocked once, then opening the door.

"Excuse me, Mrs. Rachels?" The class turned to look at her, Eloise's face snapping up. "I was in the office and they sent me to retrieve Eloise uh," she feigned ignorance—she never had her as a teacher so she prayed she didn't know they were friends. "McCoy. She has to leave for some appointment." A few sent a questioning look in her direction but the teacher nodded, grabbing some papers from a stack and handing it to Eloise as she passed by.

"They're due tomorrow." Eloise curtley nodded and slipped out the door. Margo grabbed her hand and spun her around the corner, out of view of the door.

"What the hell, Margo?" Eloise looked at her in question but her mind was clearly elsewhere.

"We're getting out of here." She turned on her heels and lead her towards the furthest staircase. Eloise fell instep behind her, toying with the keychain off her car keys.

How could he do this to her?

She confided in him. She thought he confided in her. Eloise was beginning to think they could have something beautiful. That something was beginning to bloom near the hole Quinn left. But look where hope and sacrifice got her? Right back down in the pit she tore the skin off her knees crawling out of. Margo snapped in front of her face and grabbed her hand.

"I know you're thinking about it-stop. We're going to his grandparents house and getting your things and Harriet's-" Eloise opened her mouth to protest but Margo kept going. "Axel told me everything. Dad said you two can stay with us as long as you'd like. I'm hurt you didn't just ask me earlier but consider it forgotten. Are you okay going back into the house..?"

Eloise avoided eye contact, searching the walls as if they held all the words she so desperately wished to say. She knew she couldn't stay with Thatcher anymore, no matter how badly she dreaded walking back into a crime scene-her heart laid shattered on the floor and it couldn't just be swept under the rug. Her whole life she's been a push over and this is one thing she will not let go past her.

"Yes." She mumbled softly. Margo squeezed her arm and they continued down the hall.
_

"I'm gonna," Axel groaned and pushed the heavy bar back up towards Wyatt. "kick his ass." Wyatt grabbed the bar and slammed it back into the racks. Axel sat up and ran a hand down his face as the other walked out from behind the bench.

"This has to be some big misunderstanding, right? Didn't you say they're living together?" Axel nodded, his frown only depending as realization struck.

"Dear God they're living together! I pray Margo takes her to his house and grabs their things! She never told me what was going on, I feel like I'm running blind here." Axel stood up and drank from his water bottle frantically as Wyatt walked over to the stacks of dumbbells and picked up sixties, laying back down on the bench and pressing them. In between a set, he sat back up to watch Axel pace.

"Dude. After class, we find him, and ask him about it. I know everyone is assuming the worst but I have a hard time believing he'd do something like this to El weeks after the incident and everything they've been through. Plus who was this makeout session with?" Axel thought about it before replying.

"Victoria." He said slowly.

"And who wants to see Eloise burn and would make up anything to make it happen?"

"Victoria...or Penny?" Axel answered again. Wyatt shrugged.

"Six to one, half a dozen to the other, but Victoria is still bad news all round. A liar and a cheat. We'll get to the bottom of this, don't worry." He clasped the boys shoulder and laid back down to do another set. Axel couldn't help but feel like the deputy was his weight lifting partner, not Wyatt.
_

"Eloise dearie, what's going on?" Thatchers grandmother answered the door to Eloise's tired, yet smiling face. How could she be sad around such a lovely lady, especially after all of hospitality she had down to both McCoy children. "Isn't it school time for you, and your friend here? Is thatcher okay?" The worry in the elderly lady made Eloise worry a little as well, will she be able to see this woman again? Even after all this washes over and thatcher is really dating Victoria. Even after all of the stuff she has done to her...

What is she even thinking?

"No! Mrs. James, you don't need to worry! I'm here just to move me and Harriet's belongings out, my..." Eloise glanced over to Margo, she's never been the best at lying, and when it comes to people she loves she's the absolute worst at it.

And Margo knows this.

"Mrs. James, Eloise parents called her from school saying if she wanted to really live out of the house, she would have to live with me, we've known each other for a very long time." Margo slipped in front of Eloise. "It's nothing against you, we don't want them to call authorities for accused kidnapping." She glanced at Eloise while Mrs. James took the bait hook, line, and sinker. She understood and invited them both in.

"I'm so sorry to hear that, I'm sure Thatcher is upset— he's never had a real friend like you." She spoke truthfully to Eloise as they walked in. Margo almost scoffed out loud, if he saw Eloise as a true friend, then he has a weird way of showing it.

"That's why I didn't tell him yet, I didn't want to ruin the rest of his day at school." Eloise smiled at the caring woman while Margo was basically gaging herself behind the lady.

__

It took them only a half an hour to gather up all of her and Harriet's stuff. And it took fifteen more minutes for Eloise to say her goodbyes and thank you's to both adults. She couldn't be more grateful towards that two of them.

Finally when they got into the car, school was already ending.

"The timing we have is uncanny, let's go pick up Harriet and go home... and snack our feelings away. Because boys are gross." Margo pulled out of the driveway, meanwhile Eloise only rolled her eyes.

"I know you and Wyatt are totally doing something on the DL." Eloise smirked towards Margo while she had a stroke. "It's so obviously." She added once Margo collected her thoughts (thots*) (thor**).

"Excuse me, no— it's not— how it's it obvious? If it was a thing." Margo gripped the whole and made a tight and fast turn once she realized she almost missed it. Eloise scrambled to latch into the door and ceiling handle. Margo was usually a good driver, but don't distract her...

"Eloise that's the dumbest thing I've ever heard." She continued her act of denial once the car was controlled.

"Oh keep digging your own grave, girl." Eloise snickered at Margo all flustered. "You have to remember I'm your best friend, I know these things. Like when you're in love." Eloise sighed dreamily and rather dramatically at her last comment. Margo hated this stupid, totally not true, topic they were on. She needed to change it.

"Right. And like how I can tell you like that back stabbing asshat named Thatcher." With a small curse under her breathe she regretted turning the conversation back around to him. "Shit. Sorry El, it was the heat of the moment." Margo glanced over to see Eloise's teasing glint in her eye was gone. Damn. She had it bad for him; even if she didn't even know it yet.

"It's fine." Eloise softly smiled. "It's not like he's dating me... and we totally jumped to conclusions— you know for a fact that the school news paper is right only forty percent of the time." It was now her turn for denial. "I hear that all the time." Eloise added as if that was enough proof to defend Thatcher. The nice sweet boy who quickly too her in while no one else would.

"Yeah? You think the school news is gonna make up fake news for their new class president?" Margo asked while keeping her eyes on the road. "Don't believe everything you hear, Elly." Leaving that last statement hang there for a while really spoke volumes to Eloise. Yes Victoria isn't great, or nice, or anything near sweet. But thatcher is; Eloise knows that, she has experienced it...

While she needed someone to talk to he was ready to listen to it all, or to care and help her when she couldn't see and was covered in paint. He protected her, risked going to jail to save her life. How could someone that brave and sweet hurt her like this? Why did it hurt her so much?

Eloise leaned her head on the window of the car and shut her eyes tight so no more tears shed in front of Margo.

Why now of all times to realize she liked him so much?

__

Axel was never eager to run in the halls after fourth period, but times like these call for drastic measures. He and Wyatt sprinted down the emptying hallways, red face, sore limbs, and all.

"'scuse me. Excuse me." Axel mumbled as he shoved pat people who where filing out of the doors. He was tired, hungry and he really had to pee. He was not up for shenanigans right now. He ran into the back of a student, and snapped at him before the dude had a chance to. "Hey, buddy, move it— I got a red code nine; on the brink of being a deadly code 'beat-the-fuck-up-a-dude-for-breaking-my-best-friends-heart' if you don't move!" Axel shouted fairly loudly, because shortly after that people made a path for them.

Wyatt, slightly impressed, patted axels back while jogging beside him to Thatchers car.

Luck was on their side for once.

There stood Thatcher in all of his glory, checking his phone before getting in his car. Axel couldn't help but to notice his small frown before looking up to them, like he was a god that had just been caught doing something entirely wrong.

Thatcher breathed heavily before stepping back out of his car, shutting the door, and leaning back against it crossing his arms. Once Axel and Wyatt got within hearing distance, he tried to reason with the two.

"Axel, Wyatt, it's not what you think." He tried to reach a hand out but his fingers shook so bad he shoved them back into his coat pockets. Axel looked far from reasoning with.

"Yeah you're asking for forgiveness from the wrong person." And before Wyatt could grab the boys arm, Axel threw his fist back and collided with Thatchers nose. Wyatt could hear the bones crack and crunch as Thatcher stumbled backwards, blood pouring from both nostrils.

"You're a fucking fake, you know that? She trusted you. We all trusted you." Axel rolled up his sleeves, Wyatt sending a fast text message to Margo.

"I didn't do anything!" Thatcher spat blood on the ground, a trail of red saliva hanging from his mouth. "If you would just let me speak for one god dam-" Axel wound up and punched him yet again in the cheek.

"Fuck you." Thatcher rolled his eyes and tried to maneuver out of Axel's way—he didn't want to fight him. Of course not out of the fear he'd lose, which he wouldn't, but out of the mere respect he has for everyone in the group; he would never purposefully hurt any of them. Any.

The boy pushed Axel backwards and spun around to reopen his car door, though a hand came from behind and slammed it shut.

"Where do you think you're going?" He hadn't even noticed the black 4runner pull up beside the group.

"Margo, I'm not going to fight with you too." The frown on her face clearly showed her anger, but the soft look in her eyes seemed to hope for the best. For once in probably the rest of their lives, Margo may not jump to conclusions and shoot first, ask questions later.

"You," she began harshly. "have a LOT of explaining to do. Eloise is picking up Harriet and they're going out for the night. Meanwhile, us four here are going to have a lovely conversation at my house. Got it?" He sighed and nodded. "Great. Axel, while I would never condone violence," Wyatt snorted behind them. "Thanks. Everyone-car now." She turned on her heels and hopped back into the still running car, slamming the door angrily behind her.

The three boys stared after her—Thatcher wiping blood from his lip, Axel nursing purple knuckles, and Wyatt seemingly lost in thought.
___

If the atmosphere in the house could get anymore taut, it'd snap. Margo sat at the kitchen table, feet positioned on its corner and reclined in her chair. She wore a stern look and eyed her guests; it was a murder dinner party.

"The peas are getting warm." Axel mumbled and removed the pack from his hand, sliding his chair back and walking to the freezer for a replacement.

"Thatcher?" Wyatt questioned-he was the least angry person present.

"Still cold." The frozen chicken muffled his voice, if it were audible without it anyway. Bruises lined his jaw and covered his nose. Black gives way to blue, Margo thoughtfully mused.

"Alright." Axel rejoined the table as she began, sliding her feet off the table, her shoes hitting the floor with a thump. "Let's start at the beginning. What happened." Thatcher looked at Axel as if expecting another punch and when none came, he started.

"I was walking to class, fourth period, like any other day. I started taking the back route through the west side staircase because less kids go that way a couple of weeks ago and I guess Victoria caught on. She walked that way with me for a while and I didn't think anything of it—we hardly spoke and I almost always had earbuds in. I assumed this was just another one of her plans to get to Eloise. Anyways, today, she had tripped and dropped her books," he looked up towards the ceiling in remembrance and swirled a hand in the air. "shit went everywhere and I'm not that much of a dick to not stop and help, despite what she did. When we both stood up, we made eye contact and she leaned forward and kissed me." Everyone remained silent, weighing his story.

"Did you kiss her back?" Margo challenged.

"Of course not! She forced herself on me and I wanted nothing to do with it. She acted all flustered and embarrassed and walked away quickly. I don't understand how it got out—nobody was in the staircase with us." Margo humphed and Axel rolled his eyes.

"Class A-bullshit." The angry red head chided.

"No, you know what's bullshit?! The fact you three believe everything you see on the internet but not what I'm telling you when I was actually there! I know Eloise! I would never do something that idiotic to hurt her. I would never hurt her." He slammed backwards in his chair and crossed his arms.

"Yeah I guess you know all about her since you lived together." Axel retorted. Thatchers eyebrows narrowed.

"How did you know about that."

"It doesn't matter how we know, what matters is that neither of you told us. If we're all supposed to be friends, how can you keep something that important from us." Margo's voice had softened from demeaning to hurt. He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.

"She didn't want to tell any of you because she didn't want to be a bother. I can't speak for her, but from what she's spoken to me about, that's it." Margo nodded her head.

Axel stayed concentrated on the table. Wyatt had been studying him cautiously the entire time—his dad had taught him a few telltale signs of lying. Though he presumed so far, everything had checked out. He took sideway glances at Margo, she was clearly hurt. After all, her best friend had been playing double agent this whole time and hadn't confided in her once—Wyatt would be hurt too.

"Well... I can definitely see her saying that." Axel crossed his arms while slouching in his seat. "But this doesn't change the fact that, one, she kept something big from us and, two, she's really really hurt out there watching a movie or something. Knowing her she's not even watching it..."

With that last comment everyone glared over to thatcher.

"Okay, that's enough. You all are seriously messed up. I didn't kiss Victoria— she fucking kissed me." Thatcher started to stand. "If you all would take a minute to be a friend— like I thought you all were to me— you wouldn't have fucking punched me and automatically assumed I would go out of my way to hurt Eloise. If you all knew me I would never hurt her, like that or ever. Now I need to cool off before I actually lose my shit." He grumbled out and stormed off to the back door.

The three of them stayed seated. Oddly enough, they all were in their own thoughts, but they all were thinking about the same thing.

"God, everything sucks." Axel exhaled and rubbed his face. "Why can't we be normal teenagers, with normal lives, and normal friends. Not the exact opposite! We suck at being good friends." He gripped his hair and started at the table below him. "What would Quinn do?"

Margo looked like she was going to puke. Yeah she was mad at Eloise, but she also felt so bad for her. Obviously eloise couldn't trust her enough to stay with her. For some unknown reason Eloise had put up that wall between them. That's the only thing Margo could theorize. What else could it be?

"He'd yell at me. He'd be furious at us for leaving her to think that's he can't even come to her best friends for help. Did I do something for her to think I didn't want her in my house? I didn't say anything stupid right? I mean yeah I don't alway come across nice..." Margo fiddled with her fingers on her lap. Wyatt watched as she twisted and pulled her fingers, she was going to break them off if he didn't stop her. Quickly he slipped his hand to hers and wrapped one of them up with his, giving her a reassuring squeeze.

Margo looked up to him with wide worried eyes, it broke his heart to see her like this. He hated seeing her so... vulnerable.

"Margo, I may not have known Eloise as long as you, or Axel, but I can tell she loves the both of you so so much... I think a little too much, actually. Obviously she doesn't want to drag you into her stresses or problems." He glanced over to Axel. "And we aren't bad friends— we're all just... oblivious." He put nicely.

"Yeah..." Axel responded defeated. "You know— I'm gonna go to the couch and... just," Axel thought for a second. "Just fucking sleep." He nodded and stood up.

"You do that, pal." Wyatt nodded, agreeing with him. He definitely need to take a break too.

"Wake me up when Eloise is here." He waves to them and wandered to the living room.

Wyatt sighed and took in the silence. He was thankful for friends, but he hated the drama it came with.

"Wyatt, what do I do? Im mad. I'm actually really mad at her, but I'm mad at myself. I feel like I didn't even bother to notice her problems or to help." Margo held her head with her free hand. "I'm her best friend for god's sake. I should notice the small things like that." Wyatt frowned. She was beating herself over something she had no control over.

Wyatt grabbed her chair and spun her to face him, and he pulled up her legs to hang off of his. They were so close that their chairs were touching. Holding her wet cheeks in his hands he gave her a quick sloppy kiss.

"Stop beating yourself up. None of this is you're fault." He ordered, still holding her cheeks. "You're beautiful, you're feisty, and you're definitely an amazing best friend. You know damn well that all of us, the group of us, had been through so much shit that no one had time to sit down and talk." He continued to drill that into her head.

"But—" Margo reaches for his hands, but he slapped her hand away and held her face closer to his.

"Margo. What do I have to do to make you believe me?" He asked. "You did nothing wrong. You can even ask her. I'll drive us there right now, barge into her movie— or wherever she is, and ask her myself, if you don't." He pulled her into a quick kiss again. When they broke apart they just stared at one another. Totally lost in the moment. Subconsciously, Wyatt's thumb rubbed circles on her cheek.

"Wyatt..." Margo smiled softly while leaning into his hand. "Thank you."

"Margo." He answered giving her the same smile. "You're Welcome." He kissed her nose.

"Wha— that dick!!" Axel yelled from the living room. Then they quickly geared by his thundering stomps to the front door. "Asshole!! Where are you going! You're looking pretty fucking guilty!!" His shouting had gotten distant.

The two of them shared an exhausted look before getting up and finding out why Axel was so angry.

"Axel?" Margo asked while stepping out side to the chilly air.

He was storming back to them. "That son of a bitch drove off." He brushes past them. "He hid our keys somewhere too."

Margo and Wyatt, once again, shared a look— this time more confused than ever.
____

Eloise was too depressed to get into the movie she was in. She would much rather complain about everything. The movie was a child movie, that she already forgot the name to. There was one loud couple further back doing something unholy (why in a kids movie she would never know), Eloise's heart was ripped out of her chest— then tossed into a blender, then peed on by the 'F U' gods.

"Eloise..." Harriet whined and laid her head on her shoulder. "It's cold." She whispered and gave her the puppy eyes.

Obviously she wanted Eloise's coat that she was wearing...

Obviously she gave her the coat that's he was wearing... Now Eloise had another thing to complain about. Goodie.

Shivering, she tried to find entertainment in the movie she paid for, but every time she tried, she would zone out— and when she zoned out she could only think about Thatcher and Victoria...

Gag her.

"Excuse me, is this seat taken?" A man broke her out of her nasty thoughts. She glanced up and low and behold she was going insane. Her daydreams were becoming reality.

"Thatcher? What are you doing here?" She whispered rather loudly while he sat down next her her.

"Didn't you know that... the Batman LEGO movie was my favorite movie ever?" He gave her a wary smile and got himself situated. Eloise could only stare at him in shock.

"Thatcher. What are you doing here?" She asked again, but this time with more demand than previously. He sighed and glanced around.

"I wanted to talk to you, without everyone else making things a big deal. Margo thinks you hate her, and Axel wants to kill me." He grumbled and looked at her. "I never wanted to kiss her. She kissed me when all of her crap fell. I didn't want it, I still don't want it, and I don't think I will ever want it." He whispered to her with so much force that she couldn't see a reason for him to lie. She knew thatcher, he didn't seem like the one to flirt around with a girl— especially not Vitoria. He had standards.

"I believe you..." she sighed and turned to look at the movie for a moment, leaving it hanging there. She wanted to say so much more. She wanted to tell him she was terrified that he was lying, and maybe he really didn't like her— or maybe he had always been apart of Victoria's devious plots to make her miserable... but the conversation was over. Thatcher wouldn't want to hear all of her nonsense.

"But..." He egged her on to continue. Her head snapped over to him. She's shocked.

"Well..." She folded her arms and rubbed them to warm up. "I—"

"Wait." He stooped her and took off his big leather jacket and draped it over her shoulders. He made sure she was covered and warm before he sat back and waited for her to continue.

Licking her lips, she sighed. "I'm afraid, Thatcher." She rubbed her eyes. "I mean I really do trust you, I can totally see Victoria pulling something like that— she is a conniving, sly, jerk... but that also makes me worried, because of those reasons." Eloise looked up at thatcher.

"Do you think I liked it? Eloise I just told you—"

"No!" She harshly whispered. "That's— it's. No. Thatcher I— I don't know yes? Maybe? I just know everything that girl does makes me hurt. She stole the campaign from me. I worked so hard on that. She stole dignity from me countless of times. I had freaking paint dumped on my head. Now she's going to steal the guy I like a lot and I can't do anything about it because I'm a loser baby loner—" a hand clasped over her mouth. She looked over at Thatcher.

Thatcher was staring at her with a dead serious stare. It scared her a lot. Did she say something dumb?

"What did you just say?" He asked, without moving his hand. She couldn't tell if he was serious. She glanced to him and back at his hand. She pointed to his hand. He ripped it off like her lips where burning coals, but he still kept that stare.

"I was just saying how she steals everything from me, like I have no control over it. Maybe I need to grow a backbone." She murmured, but glanced up to Thatcher. Quickly she remember what she had said, and in a slow, low, almost like she didn't want him to hear it.

"She's going to steal the guy I like a lot and there's nothing I can do about it..." She was barely audible, but he heard her loud and clear.

"There is definitely a way of stopping her." He smirked. Her heart skyrocketed when he started to lean down lower. He hovered in front of her and looked right into her eyes. Her big, beautiful blue eyes. "You just gotta move two inches to him..." he whispered.

She really couldn't tell if he was joking or not, but considering that she had nothing else to lose... she took the chance.

She leaned in and kissed him. The kiss was soft, and sweet. Nothing too crazy, but just enough to make her heart beat out of her chest.

When they broke apart Thatcher smirked down at her, he didn't expect her to be so fierce to kiss him.

"She never had a change with me." He whispered to her while she was trying to get her heart to calm down. "Brunettes never did it for me." He shrugged but glanced down for her reaction.

"Yeah? Well I guess I'm lucky huh?" She nudged him away.

Thatcher chuckled and found her hand to hold. They were okay, more than okay... they were great actually.

Eloise, still smiling, leaned down to take a sip of her drink just as Harriet scooted closer and whispered into her ear, "If you guys are gonna like.. do it..I can walk to Mango's." Eloise's eyes flew open in surprise and she spat her sprite on the back of someone's head. Her hand quickly flew to her mouth in embarrassment-Thatcher could hardly contain the laughter in the quiet theater.

"Oh my god!" Eloise hissed, both at her little sister and herself. "Alright we have to go-now, now!" She grabbed Harriet's hand and ushered Thatcher to shuffle down the aisle.

Once they finally made it beyond Theater 6's doors, the three looked at one another, a smile growing on everyone's lips until they were all doubled over with laughter. And suddenly, whatever drama carried on mere hours-minutes ago, disappeared with their laughter as it carried down the hall.
__

"I'm freaking out." Margo groaned. She sat on the coach, her head between her knees as she pulled on fisted brown hair. "What if he like..murders her. I think we all know now he's capable of something like that." She sat up and looked at the pacing Axel, as if he was somehow going to reassure her.

"Mars, I'm just as worried as you are. She isn't answering her phone, probably because it's turned off...so we can't reach her no matter how much we tried. We just have to sit," he plopped backwards into an armchair situated in front of the windows "and wait."

"Guys, just breathe." Wyatt, aka the voice of constant reason, spoke. "As someone who's been brought up around crime, I can..somewhat tell whether someone has good intentions or not. Thatcher doesn't seem like a complete dickwad. We, well you two, probably just overwhelmed him." Axel rolled his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Wy, my knuckles may be sore but I WILL still break your nose." The other boy shrugged and leaned back, playing with a lock of Margo's tousled hair.

"A: I lift more than you. And B: do you really want another enemy right now?"

"Touché."

Just as the three settled into a somber silence, a car could be heard approaching from the half open windows. Margo and Axel bolted upright, sprinting to the door and slinging it open—Thatcher parked his car along the street, followed by Eloise's who had pulled her car behind his.

"Oh, I'm going to-" Axel spoke between gritted teeth and stomped out the door, through the grass, and towards their cars. Eloise and Harriet jumped out, quick to diffuse whatever they had just walked into.

"Axel," Eloise's voice was the sweetest he's heard all night. "Please calm down." She quickly grabbed his shoulders and made her face him. "I'm okay-I'm alright. Thatcher told me everything and we talked it ALL out. Everything is okay—he didn't lie." Axel shifted his gaze from Eloise's to Thatcher's.

"How do you know."

"I don't. That's the thing about friendship and relationships, Axel. You have to learn to trust even when it's so hard to. Remember that time when you, Margo and I hang out and you thought I stole your Kidz Bop 22 CD? And I pinky promised I didn't steal it, even though you swore up and down it was me, but you took my word for it."

"Yeah and then it turned out to be that bean pole, Margo." The two chuckled, their laughs settling into a soft smile.

"I just want you to be happy, El." He pulled her into a hug, tightly squeezing her torso.

"I will be." She whispered into his ear. They broke their embrace, Axel patting her shoulder and turning to face Thatcher.

"Listen, I'm sorry about your," he swirled a hand in the direction of his bruises, "face and all, but you need to understand, as you probably already know, Eloise has been through some shit-I mean we all have, and I'm just trying to look out for the sister I wish I had." Thatcher nodded, his lips slightly upturned—though Eloise didn't look to happy about his curse word; Harriet didn't seem too affected by the "vulgar language".

"It's cool. Apology accepted and understood." Axel nodded.

The group turned to head back inside and saw Margo, Wyatt behind her, standing in the doorway. Her arms were crossed and she wore a look of disdain. She looked almost haunting, the light of the house casting shadows around them against the darkness of the night. Whatever smile Eloise wore, fell. She knew she had a lot of explaining to do—and as if on cue, Margo turned around and headed back inside. She saw whatever she needed to-Eloise was safe so she had no other reason to worry.

"Margo, at least stay to talk to her." Wyatt tried to reason.

"Rather watch an ice cube melt." She curtly retorted while hopping up the steps to her room—the boy sighed.

Eloise, Axel, Thatcher and Harriet made their way through the front lawn and stepped into the house. Thatcher nodded at Wyatt, who nodded back, and Harriet immediately headed for the kitchen.

"She's mad." Eloise assumed.

"She's upset. She feels like you, of all people who just gave a speech about trust, don't trust her enough to tell her what all is going on." Wyatt looked upstairs towards the landing she disappeared on. "She's in her room-please go make up." Eloise's nodded and handed her keys to Axel, who scoffed 'what am I the bellhop?', and shuffled up the stairs to Margo. She lightly tapped on the door.

"Can we talk?"

"Depends, who am I talking to? My best friend Eloise or the double agent whose been keeping secrets?" Margo bit her cheek, realizing she couldn't be too upset over the matter of secrets..her and Wyatt shared a big one.

"Uhh..your best friend?"

"Whatever." Eloise entered the room and looked at the heap of Margo on the bed—her arms and legs were splayed, she looked like a starfish gazing up at the stars illuminating on her ceiling. Eloise sat on the bean bag beside the bed and stared hopelessly at her. Is there really anything anyone could say right now to erase the guilt she felt and mend their rift?

"I'm sorry." She began. "I didn't tell you everything going on between Thatcher and I. The living together and the kinda liking him thing and all that...I just didn't want to be a burden to you, Mars. I can be a lot sometime, a lot of effed up things has happened to us both and I didn't want to add on top of your stress." Margo sat upright.

"That's what friends are for, Eloise! We're supposed to be burdens to each other—make eachother so angry and stressed out we wanna rip our hair out! I shouldn't be ripping my hair out worrying on whether you were going to come back alive after some lying bastard ran off after you. I can't keep worrying over your safety." Eloise nodded and played with the hem of her skirt. She sighed deeply and moved to sit next to Margo on the bed.

"There's nothing I can do to fix this besides a new pact." She rose her right hand in the air, pinky out. "I promise, no more secrets." Margo stared down at her hand, her own shakily lifting to seal her pinky around Eloise's. They shook hands and luckily for one, somebody's fingers were crossed.
___

Eloise padded down the stairs back onto the first floor, finding the others in the living room munching on snacks and watching an episode of the X-Files. They looked up as she entered the room, Axel quickly reaching to pause the episode and get out of the screen. Eloise put her hands on her hips.

"Axel, you know Harry can't watch stuff like that." Harriet groaned.

"Eloise, I'm 12! Let me live my life."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Whatever, continue with the files Skully." Axel resumed the episode as El took the open seat besides Thatcher.

"Where's Margo?" Axel questioned, Wyatt looking equally interested.

"We talked things out—she said she was going to go to bed. Stress of today and all that." Axel nodded, he too was tired. Wyatt put his bag of chips on the ground and stood up.

"I'm gonna go...to the bathroom." He headed in the direction of the stairs. There weren't any bathrooms in that directions.

"On the second floor?" Eloise doubted. The group chuckled.

"Safe sex is the best sex!" Axel yelled, Eloise hit him with a pillow-Harriet was giggling wildly beside him while Wyatt quickly darted up the stairs.
____

Friday had rolled around, and for once, the week passed calmly. Everyone minded their own business, rather than being in the five of theirs. Margo and Eloise had treated the week as if it was an extended sleepover, movie nights, petty gossip they heard throughout the day, 'boys'... this week felt refreshing to sum it up.

Currently the five of them were sitting at the classic wooden dinner table that was owned by the one and only Grandma James.

"Mrs. James, these cookies are very delicious!" Axel shouted with a mouthful, of said cookie. The elderly woman chuckled from the kitchen, while she mixed more batter with Harriet.

"Why, thank you, pumpkin!" She smiled sweetly at him, "Don't talk with your mouth full, it's unflattering." She quipped with teasing eye, then quickly started instructed Harriet how to stir properly without making a mess.

Axel was compelled to listen to the lady almost immediately.

"Yeah Axel, clean up, pal," Margo teased and grabbed yet another cookie, she was going on her fifth. "Or else no lady would want to date you." Axel quickly flicked her off and kept chewing, with his mouth closed. Margo, along with most of the table, chuckled. Everyone other than thatcher who was half in and half out of the conversation due to him glancing at the wall clock every few minutes. No one was paying much attention to it, than obviously Eloise. Miss. 'attentive-eye'

"You got somewhere better to be?" She asked quietly while everyone went on about... Axel being a loner forever or something?

"Yeah, at four." He quietly answered to her and chuckled at her obvious eye roll. "No, my sister is coming home today and I want to be the first one she sees." He declared, then turned to look up at the clock. "She should be here soo—"

In that exact moment the doorbell rang through the whole house; very coincidental if you ask Eloise. Thatcher bolted out of his chair and raced to the door. Eloise has only seen him run that fast one in her life.

"Oh that must be her!" Grandma James cheered and walked out with Harriet curiously following her.

"Bubba!" A high squeaky voice cheered catching the attention of all of the teens. It was followed by multiple giggles. Thatcher had picked her up and spun her around.

"Oh! Grandma, grandpa!" She released her brother and latched onto the elderly lady then over to the older man, who was minding his own business in the living room up until now.

Margo glanced to Eloise, for answers.

"Who is that?" Eloise was met with three pairs of eyes.

She shrugged and leaned on the table. "It's his younger sister, that's all I know." They all slowly nodded and waited for the awkward atmosphere to pass. What where they supposed to do during a family reunion, especially if the family wasn't even theirs?

"Kiddo's, Come out here and meet Dakota!" Grandma waved them over. The little girl was a mini (Harriet sized) , female version of Thatcher, but more outgoing. Eloise even noticed they had the same eye color... not that she memorized his eye color or anything...

"Hi! I'm Dakota!" She pipped up and waved.

"Oh my god you're the same hight as Harry!" Axel directed Harriet over to Dakota. "I've never seen someone as short as her." He was acting as if he was honestly shocked at this. "Adorable." He chuckled... maybe he actually was.

"Well, if you can't tell already, that's Harriet," thatcher spoke up and point to Harriet. Then proceeded to point to each name he called. "She's Eloise's sister, this is Eloise. That's Margo, Wyatt and the weird one is Axel." Even though he showed her each and everyone, Dakotas eyes lingered on Margo.

"You're cool! I can already tell." She walked up to her and observed her jacket, which was her knock off bomber jacket that was decorated with pins. Mostly weird pins Margo had found at random places, her favorite one is the sweeper that had big bold text, 'sweep sweep sweep', underneath.

"Awe, thank you!" Margo was honestly overjoyed with this child. She patted the child's head. Almost immediately the child's head snapped over to Eloise, as if she just noticed her.

"Why are you so pale?" She blurted. Thatcher tsk's rather loudly and ushered her to the living room.

"Let's all sit out here, out of the doorway." He gave Eloise a worried glance before seating Dakota down. Eloise glanced at her arms.

"I'm not that pale am I?" She glanced up to Margo. She only grimaced and shrugged.

"I mean it wouldn't hurt you to get out a little bit." Margo patted Eloise's back while they walked into the living room. "I love you no matter if you're whiter than paper." Eloise let out a squawk of shock.

"I'm not whiter than paper!" Eloise declared and looked over to Axel who was settling on the floor. "Axel, tell her I'm not paper than paper."

With a monotone, sarcastic voice, he did as he was told. "Margo, Eloise is not paper than paper." Eloise only rolled her eyes and took a seat by the fireplace. Glancing at her arms every few moments.

Margo took the seat next to Wyatt on the love seat and sighed. "That little girl is so precious..." she smiled at her. Dakota was already telling people about her time at boarding school.

"That precious child just mentally scarred Eloise." He chuckled at her, "you of all people should know Eloise can't take things lightly— next time we see her she'll have a fake tan and be the Cheeto that she was always meant to be." They both glanced over to Eloise pouting at her arm, and for once, oblivious to the world.

"Yeah... no. I won't let her. Remember she's roomin' with me so I'll keep a keen eye on her." Margo nodded, like she agreed with herself.

Wyatt only scoffed. "Margo Dahl? Having a keen eye?" Giving her a cheeky smile, Margo punched his shoulder. "I'm kidding, kidding... lord. You need to adjust this attitude of yours miss. 'Punchie'." He rubbed his arm.

"Keep you're attitude up and you'll be getting a call from your father." Margo warned and pointed at him. "You'll be put in the pound." She chuckled and turned away from him, noticing that Eloise was now missing. The smile fell from her face while Wyatt started to bust up laughing.

"Holy shit, how do I lose someone that fast?!" Margo exclaimed and shot up from her seat. "If she's getting her keys I'm gonna kill her." She murmured out and jogged out of the living room. Wyatt was hot on her trail wanting to watch this go down.

"Eloise?" Margo called to her and noticed her keys were still hanging in the rack, where Grandma told them all to place their keys.

"I have how many days to gather my things?" Eloise's stressed voice was heard in the dining room. This sobered up both teens, as they glanced at one another worried for Eloise.

Margo took a small step in the dining room and almost immediately make eye contact with Eloise why looked angry.

"Okay Thank you Officer Onogaro." She finished her call, catching the attention of Wyatt.

"Is everything okay?" Margo asked and walked up to her. Eloise only looked down at her phone. The rage she felt was like so other, but there was no other option.

"I have to go back home." Eloise held her hip and rubbed her forehead, a small habit that only showed when her parents were involved.

"What? No you don't have to. You know you can stay as long as you need, whatever problem your dealing with we can help with." Margo quickly denied it. Eloise, and Harriet are miserable at her house.

"No, Margo." Eloise sighed out and held the brunette's shoulders. "I. Have. To. Go. Home. Or I get locked up for keeping me and my sister away from my 'parents'. They will lock me up in jail in order to have their name clean." Her grip tightened. "I hate them so much." The tears started to well up. "Margo why do they hate us? Why do they have to make my life a living hell?" She was pulled into a hug by Margo.

The room was quite, apart from the chatter in the next room over and Eloise's sniffing.

Margo and Wyatt sadly looked at Eloise, both tried their best to calm her down. Even Wyatt knows Eloise will go mad in that house, it doesn't take a dummy to identify negligence towards a child. *** Wyatt drug his hand down his face and sighed.

"I can talk to my dad..I don't know how much we'll be able to do considering the family we're dealing with here. But I'll try, okay El?" He put a hand on Eloise's shoulder and tried to smile. She nodded, her head still hung, attempting to correct her makeup quickly.

From the other room, Margo could see Thatcher shooting her looks of concern around the corner. 'What's going on?' he mouthed, eyebrows drawn together. Margo shook her head in a 'don't ask' sort of way, and mouthed back: 'later'

"Alright, let's go back. Tonight isn't about me." Margo grabbed Eloise's hand and squeezed it. When they entered back into the living room, the family was gathered around the fire, aside from grandma who was still cooking in the kitchen.

"Margo!" Dakota yelled, announcing their re-arrival. "Axel just told a funny story about you at your first high school swim meet!" Margo's face immediately turned bright red and she glared at Axel so hard she might as well look like satan illuminated by the fireplace. November 22nd was a very horrid day—it took a lot to get the vomit off the blocks and out of the water.

"Oh, did he now?" Axel's face was still smug with a grin. Margo moved to sit next to Dakota, beside Wyatt, while Eloise slid in between Thatcher and Harriet. "Well did he tell you about the Great Fiasco of Clearfield?" Dakota shook her head, Axel's face fell immediately. Harriet leaned over to Eloise and whispered 'What does Fee-as-coe mean?'.

"So, we were all in the indoor pool at the hotel, right? And Axel was wearing his speedo," Eloise made a choking noise. "gross I know, and he went off the diving board. Well as soon as he hit water, that thing split open and it was Free Willy in the hotel pool." The teens burst into laughter, the kids laughing too though confused by the 'free willy' analogy—grandpa grunted. "Oh it gets even better—so he's trying to get back into his hotel room and he didn't have his key! He's standing there with this little towel wrapped around him and I came up and snatched it then bolted into the elevator." Axel stood up exasperated.

"That was you?! Oh my god, all this time I thought it was Daniel Harris and I've been glaring at him since sophomore year!" The room burst into laughter again. Axel picked up a decorative pillow and chucked it at Margo. It smacked her right in the face, landing with a 'plop' in her lap.

"Hey." Grandpa warned. "Don't throw things around the fireplace."

"So throwing Margo in is out of the equation?" Axel questioned, to which he received another grunt.

Once the laughter had died down, Grandma entered the room and declared the approximate eating time would be in fifteen minutes. The groups stomachs were growling and Harriet could practically taste the wonderful pies she helped/watched her make.

"So," Thatcher began. "Dakota, why don't you tell the group a little bit about yourself? I mean I could, but it'd turn into another Margo and Axel most embarrassing story contest." Dakota chuckled and rolled her eyes.

"Well..uh I'm Dakota." Everyone chuckled again, Margo mumbling something sarcastic. "My favorite food is dinosaur chicken nuggets. I love my brother," Thatcher thought he heard Eloise mumble 'me too'. "even though he's kind of a butthead. I also love Panic at The Disc-" Harriet jumped up.

"Oh my gosh, me too! What's your favorite song!" Harriet and Dakota both lit up.

"Build God, Then We'll Talk is so good!" Dakota shrieked.

"I agree! But have you heard the transition from It's Better if You Do into I Write Sins not Tragedies?!" Harriet was pulling out her phone to show Dakota just as Grandma entered the living room.

"Alright Kiddies! Dinner is ready! Dakota, you and Harriet can talk all about your little band once dinner is over. I wanna hear about school!" Dakota rolled her eyes at the mention of school—everyone quickly found a place in the dining room table.

On one end sat grandpa, on the other Thatcher. Beside Thatcher, to his left, was Eloise, then Harriet and Dakota. Across Dakota was grandma, beside her was Axel, Margo and Wyatt who had to pull up a chair from the kitchen table.

"Okay everyone, I'll say grace." The table grew silent as they closed their eyes. Though Margo kept one eye open and was chewing on a roll. "Thank you Lord for allowing us to gather here today and for bringing all these children into our humble home. These kids are all alive," She took a shaky breath before continuing. "and safe because of you—please allow them to keep coming back to us. Bless the food which we are about to eat, and let us give thanks for the blessing you have already bestowed upon us. In Jesus's name we pray, Amen." The table all chorused an 'Amen' and began digging into the food splayed before them.
___

Their stomachs were full as were their hearts. The five friends were readying to leave, milling in the entryway of the James's house.

"Thank you so much for everything." Eloise smiled and hugged grandma.

"Oh of course." She broke the hug and stood back smiling and all her adoptive grandchildren. "You guys come back whenever you want! I'm sure Thatch would love the company." He rolled his eyes and his grandparents said the last of their goodbyes and the group walked out the door. Axel headed to his car, he 'needed' to be home to see Mia; Wyatt and Margo were talking by her car; Eloise was trying to get Harriet to leave Dakota, but Thatcher saw an opportunity to get Eloise alone.

"Hey, El, can we talk?" She looked over at him confused but nodded. He walked over to the porch swing and sat-she sat beside him. "What was that? Before dinner, in the dining room?" Eloise sighed. Obviously he was going to ask.

"My parents. By law, since I'm underage, I have to go back home. They contacted Mr.Onogaro and if I don't bring myself and Harriet home willingly within the next 42 hours, they'll have to 'detain' me. I'm not some vigilante!" She huffed and leaned forward, laying her head in her hands. Thatcher patted her back.

"Is Wyatt going to talk to his dad?" Eloise nodded. "You know, I've been to prison a few times in the past couple of years...it's cozy...in an isolation-from-the-outside-world kinda way.." He was trying to cheer her up but his punch line fell short. She looked up at him and smiled weekly-he wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close. "No matter what happens, I'll help you out of it."

"Thank you." She kissed his cheek and stood up, grabbing her purse just as Eloise finally made it out the door.

"Elly, can we come back more often! Dakota is on break for two weeks!" Eloise chuckled and nodded.

"I'm sure we'll be here a lot."
___

"Eloise, is this a one eyed teddy bear?" Wyatt observed the old black bear and toyed with the only eye. "You still need it for bedtime?" With his baby voice, cooed at her while swaying it by its foot.

"Bro I wouldn't do that..." Axel stated while chilling on Margo's bed. Eloise had let out an unholy screech once she saw him holding her precious child so viciously (which he wasn't). She quickly snatched the bear from his hands and sent a glare towards him.

"If you touch fluffy again, I'll end you." She was serious, than that alone freaked Wyatt out— it's just a stupid teddy bear.

"Told you." Axel shrugged and helped Eloise pack her stuff in the comfort of a soft bed. Wyatt sighed and plopped on the bean bag in the corner and observed the cork board, behind Axel, that had been covered up by a large decorative hanging rug. It was a black and gray swirl, basically Margo's style.

Wyatt was more surprised that Eloise and Axel never noticed what was underneath of it, and for some reason Margo didn't want to tell them what little information they found yet.

"Wyatt, why are you even here? You're dad left like an hour ago." Eloise grumbled under her breath while she and Axel continued packing her belongings.

She really didn't want to be around people after the news she got this morning. Both her and Mr. Onogaro had discussed the situation she was in, but her parents had done nothing to extreme to be classified as negligence. Though he did agree with her that Richard and Delilah were horrible people to be around, and he hated that both McCoy girls had to go back and live with them.

Plus Thatcher was busy today so she couldn't complain and cuddle with him, which she had been dying to do for a while... In the end she's in a really really touchy mood.

"I'm supporting my friend who is going through a hard time." Wyatt couldn't have sounded more disinterested while he played a pizza game on his phone. Eloise had to stop and stare at him with a 'don't play with me, kid' kind of look. It took him a second to realize she didn't buy it.

With a tsk he answered more honestly. "I'm waiting for Margo to come back from the store so I can hang with her and eat the food she's bringing back."

"Ah, that's sounds more like it." Axel nodded and folded a shirt. Elise turned back to pack her things.

"You and Margo are really close, huh?" She started some small talk. Wyatt, half listening, 'mhm'ed.

"It's almost like you guys are doing stuff on the side... am I right?" She joked and smirked up at Axel after noticing he wasn't paying attention.

"Yeah." A simple answer. She couldn't tell if he was just saying yes to everything or he was answering honestly.

A little idea had popped into her head.

"Like... playing poker?" She crossed her arms and watched him studying his phone.

"No? That's dumb." So he is paying somewhat attention. Axel quickly caught on to what she was doing. He decided to join the fun.

"Like... making out?" She bit back a devious smile.

"Yeah, sometimes." He shrugged. "Other times we just hang ou..." he looked up and realized what he had just told Margo's two best friends.

"Hah!" She shouted and pointed at him. "I knew it!" She cheered. "I knew it I knew it! It was homecoming right??" She was so loud, so loud that Wyatt shot up from the beanbag and chased her around to smother with a pillow he grabbed.

Eloise quickly launched herself behind Axel and both were hit with Wyatt's wrath... or more commonly known as a pillow.

"Guys, shut up!" He cursed while Axel and Eloise cackled like children on Christmas morning. "Listen, you can't tell her I told you— she'd be pissed!" He was frantic, who wouldn't? Margo being enraged at someone is a scary scary thing.

"Okay okay, our lips are locked..." Axel made the locking motion with his lips. Wyatt sighed in relief, but it was quickly turned into horror when he saw the devil horns growing on both of their heads.

He cried out, "Oh god no. Please don't add a—"

"But!" Eloise interrupted and situated herself beside Axel. "You have to be our butler for the day." He knew he would have just left with Margo, why didn't he from the start?!

"If you don't listen to us you're secret is... not a secret anymore." Axel added whilst losing the threatening feeling. "Starting now! Wyatt, I'm thirsty!"

"Of course you are..." Wyatt— er, Butler grumbled and tossed the pillow to the floor. He made his way out of the room. The two on the bed chuckled at him, but continued packing up Eloise's stuff.

___

Eloise, and Harriet tried to stay at Margo's house as long as they could before they had to go home. All of their stuff was piled up at the door and the five of them. Margo, Butler Wyatt, Axel and the sisters sat lazily in front of the TV.

"Wyatt get me more food..." Eloise whined and held onto a couch pillow. "I'm sad and the only thing that can cheer me up is eating."

"Double that order, Wy." Axel kicked his feet up to the coffee table. Wyatt only grumbled a little while walking to the kitchen. Margo on the other hand couldn't have been more confused, she's never heard Eloise ask someone for something so... relaxed?

"Okay what's going on?" Margo asked the two of them while Wyatt was out of the room. "You two have been bossing him around like he's a slave or something." Axel lazily waved her off.

"Margo, he lost a bet to us, this is his punishment." Margo raised her eyebrow at them, expecting them to continue.

After realizing they weren't going to flat out tell her she pushed a little. "And this punishment was?"

"He thought we could pack all of Eloise's preppy, neatly folded, ironed shirts in her suitcase." Axel shrugged, "We couldn't. That girl has too many shirts it's kind of embarrassing." Glancing over to Eloise they chuckled. The look of fake shock was written all over her face.

"Excuse me, I'm sorry I don't live in two shirts all week, mr. 'Exclusively band shirts'." Margo snorted at that while it was Axels turn to act offended.

"Okay Ma'am, cool your jets! I was joking— is this the attitude I get for helping you pack?!" Axel grabbed the pillow she was hugging and whacked her face.

"Ow! Jerk!" She threw it back.

"Butt licker!" Axel slammed it in her face.

"Cheese snorter." Eloise sat up more and grabbed another pillow to slap him back with.

"Human shitstain!" And with that Eloise had tackled him to the ground. Eventually it became an all out pillow war between to two. Wyatt came back with snacks, but he and Margo shared them, and Harriet was trying so hard to listen to the TV, apparently her last moments of freedom didn't matter to anyone!

"Why can't you guys ever be quiet!" She grumbled and turned the volume up more.

All the while Samuel was trying to get some sleep before his shift started, of course with the shouting, and the cheering, and the obnoxiously loud tv kept him up. In the middle of their fight, Eloise's phone began to ring—a booming orchestra as if in a horror movie while the killer was creeping up on the innocent blonde. Axel, Margo, and Eloise both knew whose contact number holds the 1980 slasher film soundtrack.

"Mom." Eloise hissed and jumped over the ottoman to grab her phone off the couch. She clicked 'answer' and put it on speaker, signaling for Harriet to mute the tv and for everyone else to shut up. "Hello." She answered dryly

"Ah Eloise. So pleasant to finally hear your voice after what..a month?"

"Wish I could say the same..." Eloise mumbled.

"Honestly, how long did you think you could keep this little charade up? Your father and I are very displeased. You're intoxicating dearest Harriet with your.." she searched for the right word "teenage rebellion nonsense. You need to be home-"

"By tonight. I know." Eloise griped.

"Mhm, very well. We'll have a long discussion tonight about your previous and future decisions. Let that 'Margo' friend of yours know she's very lucky we aren't pressing charges."

"Why you fucking-" Margo began to yell but the line clicked and went dead.

The group sat there likes that for a while. Eloise's phone still rested in her hand—by tonight, her entire life would be over. She might as well walk the plank now and get it over with. Harriet held her hand, constantly reassuring her it wasn't her fault. Margo stood up, ready to stand her ground.

"Listen here McCoy. She does NOT control you and she does NOT threaten me. I don't care what happens tonight—your life is yours. Not theirs. You can go out with friends, or boyfriends, and have a god damn good time. If you get "grounded", I will personally help you sneak out of the house and I hope you'll have the same determination to stick it to the fucking man. And Harry," She turned to the small girl. "You give them hell, kid. Got it?" Harriet saluted and nodded. "Great." Margo huffed having spoken her peace and fell backward into the couch, still fuming. Somewhere in the house, the clock struck six.

"I'm not going down without a fight." Eloise reassured, though every part of her body was tingling with anxiety and adrenaline. "But, it's time to go.." She stood up, pulling Harriet with her. "If you haven't heard from me by this time tomorrow, assume the worst." She gave hugs to the group and started for the door, or rather, the ending of her life.
__

Eloise pulled into the driveway of their house and parked near the third garage—closest to her window and farthest away from theirs. She stepped out the door carefully, as did Harriet, and walked to the front door. It was already open, her parents waiting for them like executioners. Drop the guillotine!

"Eloise. Harriet." Her father spoke and stepped to the side so that they could pass the front door. "Christopher," he called to a nearby butler "get their bags from Eloise's car and take them to their designated rooms. Girls, follow me." He turned on his heels and led the three into the formal 'family' room.

He took the largest seat-a caquetoire-positioned in front of all the others, it had a massive curved back making him look like the heir of hell sitting in his throne. Delilah sat in the chaise longue opposite him leaving Harriet and Eloise to sit across from one another in maroon bergère's. For some reason, the separation from one another left them feeling isolated in their defense against evil one and evil two—like this was some epic boss battle ending. Richard cleared his throat and began.

"As I'm sure you've both considered, your wrongdoings with absolutely not be dismissed and will not go without punishment. You've defied our orders, made fools out of us, and especially yourselves." Delilah chimed in at the last comment.

"You should've heard the lady's at brunch! What nonsense of a daughter I have, out house jumping like some kind of mole rat! The least you could have is some self respect." She fanned herself with a paper copy of 'The Botany of Desire'.

"Don't interrupt me, Delilah. Anyways, aside from schooling, you'll both be on a non-documented house arrest. Meaning, it won't be on either of your permanent records and you won't receive an anklet, but if you leave this house and get caught by one of the many policemen I have informed, you will severely regret it. Your phone and internet plans have been stunted and blocked. If you go on a website or text a number we haven't allowed access to, your phones and other devices will shut down indefinitely. Harriet, your friends seem rather proper and well suited, nothing will change there but Eloise, I'm ashamed in the people you choose to surround yourself by. Perhaps that's why you've acted the way you have. Either way, you will say your final goodbyes to," he pulled a list out of his pocket and read it off, "Axel Marone, Wyatt Onogaro, Margo Dahl, and most importantly, Thatcher James. How dare a daughter of mine associates herself with a criminal. Is he some type of love quest to you?" Eloise shook her head, she was staring at the floor having lost all confidence Margo driven into her. "Well despite whatever you claim or misclaim to be the status of your relationship, you'll never be seeing them again. And if you do, I will know. Am I clear." He finished and both girls managed to utter a small 'yes sir'. Delilah looked somewhat pleased at the despair he was able to strike in them. "Alright, we're done here. You're dismissed to your rooms." Eloise and Harriet quickly ran out of the room and jumped the stairs, taking them two at a time and went down their separate hallways.

Once Eloise reached her room, she ran inside and slammed her door shut. She looked around at everything she's been surrounded by for the past seventeen years—she hated it. With all the fury built up inside, she ran around her room tearing down every family photo, every poster, sweeping everything off of desks and nightstands. She tore down the light blue elegant curtains with a hard yank and fell backwards with them onto the tan carpet. It hurt, but she didn't care. Every part of her hurt, she couldn't even cry anymore she was so broken.

"Fuck you!" She screamed at the top of her lungs and slammed a fist into the floor she laid on top of. Suddenly she was spiraling back to where she was when Quinn first went missing.

Nothing's worth it.

Nothing is worth it.

What's the point without Margo and Axel? Without Wyatt and... Thatcher. Oh god she missed his light kisses, his warm embraces to calm her down. She needed that right now.

Rolling to her side she held herself with an iron grip; it's the closest thing to his security. She could feel the walls trapping her like they had before, she can't breathe— she's dying.

That's what she believed. She would cry, but she can't force herself to, there are no more tears left. The throbbing pain surged through her chest making her angrily scream out.

Margo's smile flashed before her eyes, Axels obnoxious laughter sounded so close; was he here? Why is he laughing? Her heart was ripping out of her chest at this point. Why is this all happening to her?Why not some psycho who eats dogs or something. Of course it's her though... it's her luck.

"Please." She croaked out, hoping maybe someone could burst through the door and sweep her out of there.

But there was no one. Not anymore. Is this what Quinn felt like before vanishing? Another jolt of agony washed over her.

Eloise cried out, to release her internal torment, until her voice gave out... until she fell asleep in her mess.
____

Monday rolled around faster than anyone could say 'Oof'. Margo's foot wouldn't stop tapping on the cafeteria's tile floor. Eloise never texted anyone, she didn't sneak out and stay at Margo's house like she'd hoped for... Eloise had simply vanished.

That alone scared the shit out of Margo. If Eloise went missing like Quinn she'd never stop looking, she'd rather die than that happen.

"Where is Eloise?" Thatcher asked while approaching the table. No one was talking, they were all in their own thoughts. Her seat looked so... weird being empty.

"We don't know. Every text that we send never gets delivered— it's like she blocked us." Axel grumbled and barely touched his food, which is a first.

Thatcher grunted and stared at her chair, like if he looked hard enough she would appear. He said he'd be with her through it but how can he if she's not there?

"Maybe she's sick." Wyatt blurted. "You know it's season for it." He was really pulling at strings.

"She would come to school; sick or not." Margo murmured and held her head with her hands, she lazily scanned the cafeteria. The sea of kids where just a massive blur to her... but one stuck out like a sore thumb at penny's table.

"Eloise?!" She perked up and quickly got to her feet. What the hell was she doing with her? Why penny over her?! Margo pushed past some kids and was ten steps from their table. Margo made eye contact with Eloise, she looked horrible— a prime example of the walking dead. Never in her life had Eloise's begs been so dark, her eyes were bloodshot.

Margo was right there, she could reach out to her, but she could s hand gripped her arm tugging her back.

"Sorry, chick, this area is reserved." A beefy jock pushed her back into Wyatt, who had been following her. Axel, and thatcher were right behind them both.

"Hey." He glared at the sweaty giant. "Are you really trying to pick a fight? Don't touch her like that." Margo steadied herself before glancing around to see Eloise hanging her head.

"Eloise I just want to talk— what happened?! You look awful!" Margo was held back by Wyatt— he was still eyeing up the idiot blocking up their path.

"Listen, she doesn't want to talk to you guys right now." Penny calmly stated and looked at her latest nail polish, she then laid that very hand on Eloise's shoulder. "Plus I think she looks amazing." Penny lazily looked up at Margo. She's up to something, why else would Eloise sit next to the one person that tormented her not even two months ago?

"Says you, bitch— what did you do to Eloise?" Margo snapped. "Just leave her alone, she's going through enough as it is— don't fucking add to it." Penny scoffed and stood up. Eloise glanced up to Penny then over to to the scene that was about to unfold. While looking she caught Thatchers stare, he looked like a mess too...

God, this isn't what she wanted.

The urge to just run up to him and smother him with hugs and kisses almost made her get out of the seat, she can handle all the consequences later... but she can't. She doesn't doubt Richard would do something to him and his family.

Eloise looked down and bit her lip.

"Eloise is fine with me." Penny made her way over to Margo, the little ball of rage and... rage. She was mad to say the least. "I'm sure you can understand— you lose
friends all the time." She smiled innocently at her.

"I swear when I get the chance I'll rip that lip job right off of your face." Margo warned and took a step closer, Penny could smell her minty breath. Ever so quickly penny slipped a blue paged note into Margo's hoodie jacket.

"Go find your chance then." Penny jested, quickly Margo tried to pounced onto Penny but Wyatt once again held her back. While Margo struggled against his grip Penny took a step back. She sent her boy toy of the week a glance. On cue he and his friends started to usher the group away.

Once she saw they gave up resisting, Penny spun around and walked right back to her seat next to Eloise. The girl looked like she was going to be sick— if she even puked in a ten foot radius of her new vans she would kill her. Tough weekend or not, she wouldn't hesitate bitch.

"Eloise they left now..." Penny stated and nudged the blonde. "Sit straight— people are looking." Penny whipped out her phone and continued her mindless scrolling through Instagram.

Eloise sighed and held her head with her hands. Not only had she lost her voice due to the constant yelling, but her head was throbbing like a jackhammer was knocking on her scull. Stress was eating her alive too— she felt like she was backstabbing everyone, but Penny was the only one who would help... Well the only one Eloise knew would give in to her begging and pleading.

"Thank you..." Her voice sounded worse than a frog croaking to the brunette. Not only that, but it made Penny feel horrible for her— yeah she and Eloise never liked one another, but after hearing Eloise situation and her pleas for help she couldn't say no. What? She's not a demon like Victoria. Eloise cleared her throat and looked up to Penny. "I don't know wh-"

"Ah ah— stop right there. What did we say? You'll never get your mediocre voice back if you keep unnecessarily talking." Penny held her hand up to stop her. "You'll be fine here with me, I'll make sure of that." She set her phone down and scanned around the cafeteria then right back to Eloise once she spotted something. "Plus, if this means we can talk more about revenge on that bitch, 'Vic-terrible', then you're more than welcome to stay... just write it down on that nasty blue notebook." She pointed down to the thing in her hands. Eloise glanced down to the baby blue pages. It took Eloise a second to realize this was penny's way of saying 'no problem'. She has a system.

A compliment sandwich; rude comment, unnaturally nice thing, rude comment...

Eloise smiled softly and opened the notebook. She scribbled down something then showed it to Penny, who looked disinterested— but then again she wasn't interested in much other than sex, fashion, and making someone's life miserable.

Penny's eyes lit up while reading. "Do you know what class Victoria has gym?" Eloise simply nodded, then holding up two fingers.

"Oh! Yeah she's in my gym class, second period!" A girl, Wendy, spoke up.

"Perfect. Tomorrow I'll bring Toby's old axe and you can drench her clothes in prepubescent boy smell." Penny crossed her legs and smiled at Eloise.

Maybe she doesn't dislike her as much as she thought...
___

Eloise's classes ran slow. She was bombarded with new 'friends'—replacements her parents 100% arranged. They all just seemed like knock off Penny's to her; Quarter, nickel, and dime weren't much more interesting. She missed her sarcastic asshole best friend, and the best mom ever, Axel. But before she ever had time to catch her breath, third period was rolling around.

Eloise walked into Mrs. Jay's room clutching her purse. She began walking to her seat when she realized, she couldn't sit in her regular spot behind Margo anymore. In a panic, Eloise began glancing all around the room for empty desks. Margo kept trying to catch her eye, and when she failed, she hissed 'fuck it' to Axel and sat back in her seat, arms crossed. Penny seemed to have noticed her distress from her dear-in-headlights look and kicked Jenny out of the seat behind her, signaling for Eloise to take her place. She walked quickly and sat down with a sigh.

"Alright class, lets begin with discussing our latest readings from Ethan Frome. Who would like to begin?" Most of the class refused eye contact but Eloise's heart sank when Margo's hand skyrocketed. This couldn't be good. "Oh my, Mrs. Dahl. The stage is yours."

"Right yes, so in the last couple of chapters there's a very prevalent theme of giving up. Ethan and Maddie feel like there's no other options even though there are plenty. They could run away! Get away from the horrible household but they're so clouded by their own emotions. They remain rooted, stuck in a place they could've gotten out of while they had the chance if only they would've just talked to each other and thought with their heads, not their hearts." Margo finished her rant and looked Eloise square in the eyes.

"Very good observation, Margo. Does anyone have a follow up?" Eloise rose her hand and Mrs. Jay nodded, signaling for her to speak. She couldn't help but notice Eloise wasn't in her usual seat.

"While Ethan and Maddie are 'giving up' in a sense, we're only make these observations from an outside standpoint. If we were to step into their shoes and experience the torn love and brokenness between two worlds, perhaps we would feel like the only option is to end it. Yes, they could run away, but it would be constantly creeping up behind them like the ghost of a shadow. How could you leave such loose ends behind? It's not within our human nature to do something so obscure. So, I think, if we really want to understand the authors writings, despite how drastic it seems, we just need to put ourselves in their place." Eloise looked back at Margo who was frowning horribly—her face might get permanently stuck if she frowned any harder.

"Spectacular Eloise! I definitely agree..." And Mrs. Jay droned on for the next sixty minutes.

Eloise couldn't help but feel Margo's eyes glaring at the side of her head like hot coals. Occasionally, Axel would reach out and kick Margo's foot whispering something like 'cool down fire girl', all while Thatcher scribbled endlessly in a leather notebook. Wyatt kept his phone glued to his hands, texting probably both Margo and his father. Then like angels singing, the bell to move to fourth period filled the school.

Eloise quickly got out of her seat and made a beeline for the door but she wasn't quick enough, once they were out in the bustling halls, Thatcher grabbed her hand and pulled her back.

"We need to talk. Now." Thatcher guided her through the sea of students and pulled her into the men's bathroom, checking that no one was inside, and locked the door behind them. "What the fuck is going on." Thatcher demanded. Eloise stared around the bathroom in horror. God what if her father finds out?

"Thatcher I can't be here.." she croaked and brought her hand up to her face, chewing on the fingernail of her thumb and exposing bruised knuckles.

"Jesus Eloise." He pulled her hand away from her mouth and inspected the wounds. "What happened?" He asked more softly.

"Margo has the answers..." She looked up into his clear ocean eyes, a single tear sliding out of her own. He reached up to wipe it away and held her cheek.

"What does that mean?" He questioned again but she only smiled and slipped her hand out of his, quickly returning towards the door, unlocking it, and meshing into the student body.
___

Margo chewed on the back of her pen, staring out the window of the corner booth in CeCe's. "I have the answers.." She mumbled to herself again.

Thatcher had texted her during fourth period about everything that happened during their little randevou in the boys bathroom. But how could Margo have 'the answers'. She hasn't been able to speak, let alone breathe, near Eloise.

"Could I interest you in something a bit more tastier than the back of your pen?" A voice startled her out of her thoughts and she looked up to see none other than Orion Whence.

"What're you doing here?" She asked incredulously, even though it was obvious what he was doing here.

"Well, dearest Margo, I went through a rigorous application process-" She held up a hand—the only sarcastic asshole here was going to be her.

"That's not what I meant. What're you doing here-at my table." He shrugged and put his pen and notebook into the front pocket of his checkered apron, sliding into the booth across her.

"You looked like you were going to give yourself a hernia if you thought much harder. What's gotten you so worked up?" He propped his chin on his hand. She grimaced.

"Why do you care. Hey-!" Orion had grabbed the open notebook she had placed in front of her and held it out of her reach, attempting to make out the chicken scratch all over it.

"Eloise equals enslaved by parents...possibly what lead to disappearance of Quinn..?" He held the notebook closer and read another scribbled question. "Why is Eloise parading with Penny? She's doing what now? Margo, what's going on?" She ripped the notebook out of his hands and huffed, sliding it into her book bag and scooching out of the booth.

"A, ask your bitch sister. B, it's also none of your business. And C, it's none of your fucking business. So if you'll just excuse me," She flashed an annoyed sarcastic smile and stomped out of the coffee house. Once outside and down the street, she dug around in her pocket for her phone. Upon pulling it out, a small folded blue letter flitted to the ground. Margo bent down to pick it up and unfolded it curiously—skimming a few lines, she hurriedly placed it back into her pocket and made a call.

"Margo?" Thatcher sounded concerned.

"I found the answers."
___

"Eloise!" Her mother chirped from the kitchen upon her arrival home. "How was school? Meet anyone..new?" Eloise sat her bookbag on the table and began pulling out books and papers she'd need to complete homework.

"Yes." She mumbled. Her mother fluffed the flowers in the vase she was arranging and turned to hand them to Eloise.

"Go take these up to your room." Eloise nodded and turned to leave. "Oh and Eloise, try not to make such a mess this time." She smiled and went back to cutting and placing flowers in glass vases.

Confused and annoyed, Eloise headed up the flight of stairs to her room. She twisted the doorknob and walked in—devastation hit her like a 2 by 4. Everything was as it was when she first arrived home. Clean. Neat. Orderly. New curtains were hung, pictures reframed, glass cleaned and swept. The swirls of emotions Eloise had felt, and are still feeling, were seamlessly erased with a fresh coat of baby blue paint. The only thing that seemed to be missing was the memories she held with her friends. Every picture with them was gone. Along with "The Cure" poster Margo had given her in an attempt to 'de-prep' her room, ticket stubs from late night movies they've seen all those summers ago, old art projects Margo had given her, a dried sunflower Thatcher put in her hair a month ago on a walk after dinner and everything else that connected her to the life she held just 24 hours ago.

Eloise was completely and utterly erased.

____

"I can't believe this! This has to be classified as abuse right?!" Margo raged at the James' dinner table. "I mean— she had to find Penny, of all people, for help." Wyatt had been calling his father, asking if there was anything he could do to help Eloise, in the end he'd have to read the note.

"I've never wanted to punch that man in the face more than I do right now. How dare threaten her?" Axel's foot wouldn't stop bouncing under the table. "She isn't allowed to speak to us or else..." axel rubbed his eyes in stress. He needed some of Eloise's brains to think through this.

Thatcher kept re-reading the note. What bothered him the most was that she wrote down her problem like it wasn't effecting her at all, yet when he had her in the bathroom she looked desperate for help.

Dakota clung to his arm, she was shaken up by the sudden news of her friend.

"Did she say anything about Harriet? What about her?" The room fell silent. No one knew, this note only gave the group a basic rundown of the situation and it doesn't go to the full extent of it. Thatcher, once again read the note— he could probably speak it verbatim at this point.

'I'm so sorry, I wish I could have told you the night it happened but everyone's numbers were blocked from my phone. I'm not allowed to speak to you guys or there will be severe consequences. I'm not sure what that means, but I do know there are officers around my house watching me like a loon.
Penny had agreed to help me with communication to you guys. I'm sure you can handle passing notes to her for a little while, but I'm on house arrest for who knows how long so maybe you'll have to put up with her for a long while. I'm really sorry if I hurt you during this— I never meant it! Please tell everyone I'll be fine, we can figure this out— we always do.
Love, Eloise'

Thatcher had to put the note down, he could basically hear her saying it— but obviously that's just him going insane. Or maybe it's the anger? He couldn't tell, all that he knew what he was going to get Eloise back; fight or not.

"Okay, my dad's on his way— Thatcher you have to remember and describe how she looked and sounded when you talked to her." Wyatt came back to the table and sat in his seat with a heavy sigh. "Let's hope he can find something to consider a crime against Richard and Diana..."

"It's Delilah." Axel corrected. Margo simply groaned and rested her head on the table.

"Who cares? Diana, Delilah, Dick." Margo felt the withdraws. She missed Eloise more than she ever thought possible. She's gonna have to live through the school days without someone to nag with and make fun of, and most importantly steal fries from. Now that best friend is forcing herself it sit with Penny and the loose change, just so she can secretly pass notes to her and communicate with Margo and friends™️.

Everyone was dumbfounded that this was happening, Eloise— believe it or not, was the most sane one in this group. Granny had heard all of it, she sighed and placed a plate of cookies on the table, briefly picturing her and Harriet making a batch only a few days before.

"I know times right now seem hard," she spoke up and clasped her hands, a small habit she did when stressed. "But we can't give up on them— I know both Eloise and Harriet are strong girls, just give them a little motivation and they'll be ready to go. So I'm only going to say this once and you all better remember it.." she warned with a pointed finger. "Don't start unnecessary fights. Don't add stresses to their life, and most importantly... remember that Eloise is still your Eloise and Harriet is still your Harriet. No matter what they do." She nodded to herself, proud of her speech.

"But what about Richard and Delilah— what will they do to them if she is caught passing notes?" Axel worried and balled his hands.

"Oh fuckin'-Fuddy-duddy on them, they sound like dogs with all bark and no bite." Grandpa snapped from the living room. "They can only do so much with the police force watching their daughter." Granny, appalled by his language started yapping and scolding the man, especially around the kids.

Margo and Wyatt shared a look, worry and fear written all over their face.

"Let's just hope he's right." Wyatt stated, never looking away from Margo.

____

"Eloise!" Delilah called with her overly fake, cheery voice, from in front of Eloise's bedroom door. "Some friends from school are here to see you, look presentable." Eloise waited to hear the clicking of her heals down that hall before leaving the comfort of her room. She wore a basic 'Eloise' outfit, a skirt and a nice blouse, to greet the sudden guest.

She was most definitely expecting other rich family kids who only cared for expensive things and gossip. What she didn't expect to see what Penny and a taller dude with dark hair just like Penny. He had similar face structure as Penny did, why is she thinking like that now? Had she finally snapped and driven to crazy town?

Penny wore one of her fake plastered smiles on while talking to Richard and Delilah in the foyer. Though when she saw Eloise her eyes seemed to brighten slightly.

"Elly!" Penny squealed and ran up to her, breaking of the conversation at hand. "I came as fast as I could, I heard that Jenny and Andy broke up and I needed to tell you how and when it happened." Eloise was shocked to say the least. Penny only gave her the eye before it clicked in.

"Oh! Uh yeah— let's go up to my room!" She said to both Penny and the taller male Penny. They ventured up the stairs in silence. It was quiet all the way to Eloise's room.

As soon as the door closed behind them Eloise held her hip, and with a scratchy voice, "Okay, cut the bull— what's going on?"

"Wow, you weren't kidding, Pen, she sounds horrible." The dude chuckled, then held his hand out. "I'm Orion, Penny's older brother." Eloise confused and weirded out, shook his hand anyway.

"I thought that you were already insane, but now I think you're just mental— do you not have any pictures of anyone in here?" Penny asked while looking around the room. Eloise frowned and crossed her arms for comfort.

"I did, they remodeled my room while I was at school." Was all she said before walking to her bed and sitting on it. The Whence siblings glanced at one another before taking their own seats. Penny took a seat on the desk chair across from Eloise and Orion took a seat uncomfortably close to Eloise.

"Damn this bed is so comfortable." Orion laid on his back and relaxed. "Yeah I can chill here for a few hours." Eloise snapped her head to Penny.

"No— we aren't staying all day, we seriously came to make sure you weren't cutting yourself in the bathroom." Penny crossed her legs, "also Orion's college semester ended a while back and he has been driving our parents to the brink of committing a murder." Penny once again found her nails to look at. Ah yes, Penny with the nasty mental imagery is back.

"Well I guess it's better than being alone in this jail." Eloise shrugged and scoot he'd about a foot away from the older kid who looked to be asleep.

"Did Jenny and adam really break up?" Eloise changed topics from penny's grotesque mindset.

"It's Andy? And no they are still grossly together— I saw them totally fucking in the janitors closet." Penny sighed, and glanced up to Eloise— but the jolted yo remembering something. "Speaking of janitors! Victoria will definitely need one for her locker, Danny had leftover white paint to ruin all of Victoria's books and shit after school today." Penny chuckled, evilly Eloise might add. "We should totally get there early just to see it."

"Okay...?" She played with her fingers. "What about the avoiding problem? I don't know how much longer I can handle it." Eloise sighed. "Do you know if they opened it?" Eloise asked Penny.

"Ah!" Orion raises his hand who'll lying down. "I saw Margo at CeCe's, she was really pissed off, then I greeted her and she got even more mad, cursed Penny out and left. But I watched her drop the note and open it up right after."

"Bitch." Penny whispered under her breath. Though no one cared. Eloise felt relieved they got her message.

"Well, maybe they will leave me alone tomorrow..." Eloise held a sad smile on her lips. It wasn't even a smile— a ghost of a smile. Penny saw that and sighed.

"Don't worry, I'll be there to help if they act up again— and Orion— you're definitely going to help too." Penny warned. He saluted and rested his arms back behind his head.

Eloise was more confused than normal. "Penny," she held her knees. "I thought you hated me? Why are you so willing on helping me and... hanging out with me? You could have easily taken advantage of this— make me miserable..." Penny sat back some and swiveled back and fourth thinking.

"Yeah, I really don't know why I wanted to help you— but since your parents had taken the joy out of doing that I guess I lost interest." Penny shrugged, but Orion's short cut them off.

"You got to be fucking with me." He lifted his head up. "She has been ranting and raving about those two dip-shits downstairs for as long as she's known about it. Penny secretly cares for you, girlie." He patted Eloise's knee and rested his head back.

Penny felt attacked. She knew bringing him was the worst idea— usually he was saying something funny to distract people, now he's totally stabbing Penny in the back. Now she looked dumb and pitiful next to Eloise.

"I do not! That's a lie— Eloise he's lying! You're just boring now!" Penny grew animated in her chair. "Orion, why don't you go put a dick back in your mouth, you fucking blabber mouth." Orion sat up fast.

"Says you Penny, you're the one with a new dude every three days. Whose it this time? Derek? Chad? David?" He spat at her.

"I've been with chad for three weeks!! At least I can get someone— you fucking loner!" Before Orion could continue, an unflattering laughter started out of nowhere.

Eloise couldn't control it, seeing Penny called out AND shit on by her one siblings something Eloise will never forget.

"Great, now her voice will never grow back." Penny snapped and flopped back into her seat. Orion huffed our and crossed his arms.

"I don't suck dick." He grumbled and crossed his legs.

"I call bullshit." Penny pointed at him. "I remember last year at Donnie Folls' party you totally went to the bathroom with that college kid and fucked." Penny must have had that information stored for this moment.

"Okay— once!" He held his hands up. The room was now settled and the argument had passed.

"Wait you're gay?!" Penny screeched once she realized what that meant. And it started all over again.

At least this was entertainment for Eloise, the perfect distraction...
__

Mars: guys I have an idea
Axel: i'm open to anything at this point
Thrasher: dido
Whyatt: I'm scared?
Mars: I need two boxes of maroon hair dye.
Whyatt: oh lord
Mars: listen. i'm going to talk to god awful penny tomorrow and I'm going to get into Eloise's house.
Mars: her parents have met me twice? maybe? Either way, they don't remember what I look like, only my name. I'll get in through that wrench and get footage and evidence we can use to get Eloise out.
Mars: Wyatt, can you talk to your dad and see if that'd be efficient enough to help our case?
Whyatt: he's right here beside me, if you can get actual evidence of the McCoy's abusing their children, we can take this far.
Thrasher: thank god. Margo you just have to be careful. If you fuck this up, it could mean seriously bad things for Eloise
Mars: thanks for the speech of encouragement-i know.
Axel: i'm assuming this will be happening after school, i'll be over to help you get ready around 3:00.
Mars: cool
Mars: plan #freeEloise is a go.
_

The group sat at their usual table during in the morning and as if on cue, Eloise and Penny sauntered into the lunch room arm in arm. Eloise looked slightly worse than yesterday, her gaze never leaving the tile floor.

"Alright, I'll be back." Margo patted the table and slid out of her chair. Eloise and Penny had just began to sit down when Margo approached and wrapped her own arm around Penny's.

"What the-" Penny was beyond confused and equally repulsed.

"Penny! Just the person I totally wanted to see." Penny tried to jerk her arm away but Margo kept a tight grip.

"I told you to stay away." She hissed glancing back towards Eloise whose eyes were full of wariness.

"Oh I'm not here to see your entourage, just you. Let's chat, shall we?" The girl reluctantly complied and followed Margo out of the lunchroom and into the hallway. The bell to first period would be ringing any minute now, she needed to talk fast. Once out of sight, Margo dropped her arm and took a step back glowering at Penny.

"I'm not going to like this anymore than you will and I'd rather do this myself but your money clearly gives you an in with Eloise's parents." Penny popped a bubble and resituated her shirt Margo had wrinkled.

"And? Where are you going with this."

"You're going to help me get into Eloise's house. They don't know me that well so all you have to do is introduce me as some high class prep and I'll be able to slip in unnoticed and get evidence of the McCoy's being dicks." Margo studied the girl's reaction carefully. Penny looked her up and down.

"You want me to introduce you as someone of class while you look like that?" Margo rolled her eyes.

"Are you going to help me or not." Penny shrugged, playing with a silver diamond encrusted ring on her finger.

"What's in it for me." Of course, Margo thought. Why would Penny help anyone ever.

"I won't kick your ass." Now it was Penny's turn to eyeroll.

"Whatever. I'll pick you up at four." And with that, she turned, swishing her peach scented hair in Margo's face and returning to her table of plastics. Margo was actually shocked at how well that went over—she was expecting, and hoping, a whole lot more fists would be involved. Back at the table, Eloise bombarded Penny with as many questions she could get out.

"What's going on?" She half whispered, trying to draw Penny out of her conversation with Jenny.

"Your stupid friend is going to do something uncharacteristically stupid and I'm going to help her. Obviously because she begged for it and who am I to refuse where I'm clearly needed." Eloise ignored her last comment—Margo would do a lot for her, and she knows that, but she would never beg Penny for anything.

"What is she going to do." Eloise worried for not only her own safety but Margo's too. Her parents could crush either of them like grapes.

"Stop talking and don't you worry about it. Just expect someone to come a knocking around 4:15." And with that, the bell to begin the day started but Eloise was unable to think about anything besides what Margo was getting them into.
_

"Are you sure it looks okay?" Margo asked for the fortieth time. Axel was ten second away from clobbering her with the brush.

"Margo shut up. It looks fine! And even if it doesn't, all you have to do is take three showers and it's out. Now stop moving or I'll burn you with this straightener." Axel and Margo had figured curly hair would be too close to her original style, considering it's hardly ever straight.

It's fifteen minutes till 4:00 and Margo was almost completely remade. Her deep brown hair was a soft natural maroon, thanks to the Marone Salon. Her makeup was only a dash of mascara and nude colored lipstick but Axel demanded she allow him to draw faux freckles—which somehow ended up suiting her. The last piece of the get up was her outfit; Axel had stolen a few clothes from Mia: nude pink high waisted dress pants that tied with a bow, a quarter length black shirt with a deep V-neck, nude pink pointed toe heels, and a 'prada monochrome saffiano leather shoulder bag'. Margo was beginning to think they were in over their heads.

"Magnifico!" Axel kissed his fingers and sat down the straightener, puffing her hair up in places and separating her bangs so that they swept over towards one side. "Go see what you think." He ushered her up off the bed and towards the body length mirror placed on the back of her door.

"Holy fuck." Margo spun in circles—she hardly recognized herself. "They're never gonna see me coming-I could kill them with these heels alone!" Just as she went to spin in another circle, she teetered a bit, catching herself on the door handle. The two laughed.

"Alright Miss. Melanie Delevingne, Penny should be here any minute. Think you can get downstairs in those stilts?" Margo rolled her eyes and headed out into the hallway, Axel following and spritzing perfume as they went.

Aside from tripping on the last stair, Margo made out relatively well and with no broken necks. While waiting at the door, Samuel walked past just barely glancing at the two.

"Hey Axel and friend, have you seen Margo? I haven't been able to..." He did a double take, nearly walking into the banister. "Margo?!" Axel and the 'friend' high fived. If her dad barely recognized her, how would Eloise's capiturers? Samuel pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "I'm not even going to ask—All i'm going to say is be safe and text me when you're on your way home. Now I'm gonna pretend I didn't see that and walk this way." He headed towards the kitchen and disappeared into the living room. Axel and Margo continued to snicker just as a loud horn sounded from the driveway, signaling the arrival of Thing One. Sadly, Margo was becoming Thing Two for the evening.

"Alright, you have my number, and everyone's number, if you need anything. If you're not home by eleven, I'm having deputy Onogaro go over. Wyatt wants hourly check ins so don't forget! And lastly, please keep all of Penny's hair intact. The last we need is you getting blood on my sisters clothes, got it?" Margo nodded and smiled, giving the red head a quick hug. "There's a recorder tucked into the bag, keep it on you."

"Aye aye, Captain." She saluted and headed out the door, heels tapping down the sidewalk and sliding into the passenger side of Penny's no-longer-dicked-pink convertible.

"How'd you manage those clothes and a prada purse. They clearly weren't in your closet." She mused and backed out of the driveway. Penny was impressed to say the least, but she would never let that on.

"How'd you manage those friends when you have such a bitchy attitude. Oh..wait..I guess you'd need friends first." Margo retorted. Penny scoffed and turned up the music. This was going to be a long night.
_

"Alright," Penny began, putting her car in park and looking over towards Margo. "you're going to follow me. You're not gonna try to be rebellious and pull one of your little 'look at me! I'm different!' stunts. Got it?" By the end of her sentence, Margo was stepping out of the car and fixing her hair in a little compact.

"The name's Melanie Delevingne, don't mess it up." She winked and started towards the door. Penny huffed in frustration—it was like trying to tame a three year old.

Once on the front porch, Penny knocked twice, picking up the lion door knocker and letting it fall. A man opened the door dressed in butlers clothes. Margo immediately recognized him as Christopher (her favorite of the help).

"Miss. Whence, I'll make Mrs. McCoy and Eloise aware of your presence, please come in." He opened the door further and escorted them into the family room, then disappeared down another corridor. Penny and Margo sat in silence for awhile before they both heard voices approaching.

"Ah! Penny, always a pleasure." Mrs. McCoy beamed. Eloise was close in tow, sipping out of a glass teacup. Once she had gotten further to the room and was able to see just who had came into her house, she choked on her tea sending her into a fit of coughs. "Jesus child, do you not know how to swallow correctly?" Eloise sat her cup down on a side table and finished the last of her coughs, eyeing Margo with the gaze of a hawk. The temporary redhead winked at her and returned her focus to Cruella De Vil.

"To whom do I welcome into our humble home?" Delilah asked, referencing Margo.

"Mrs. McCoy, this is Melanie Delevingne. She's a very close friend of mine, an heir to the Delevigne estate just off the coast of Playa del Carmen. She's home from her study abroad trip and I figured it might be nice to introduce Eloise to someone I find so..dear." She tried her best to smile but both Eloise and Margo could tell it was killing her. But either way, Delilah fell for it.

"How nice to meet you Miss. Delevingne! Please make yourself comfortable—Eloise would be honored to meet someone so rounded. Isn't that right?" Eloise found it hard to speak without laughing—something she thought she'd never do again.

"Of course." She rasped. 'Melanie' flinched at the sound of her strained voice.

"Well you three enjoy yourselves. If you're famished, call for Michael or Christopher, they'll be around." She flashed a toothy fake smile at the girls and turned around, the tapping of her heels fading down the hallway.

Once Eloise was completely sure she was gone and out of ear shut, she rushed forward and embraced Margo.

"What the fuck, Margo?" She hissed and stepped back looking her up and down. If she wasn't so used to seeing Margo in grunge and graphic T's, she'd assume Margo wore something this classy everyday—she pulled it off, easily.

"The name's Melanie." Margo teased and flipped a lock of dyed hair. "This is our plan to get you out. Don't worry about the technicalities, just know you're not going to be a prisoner forever. Okay, El?" Eloise nodded warily, looking between Penny and Margo. How the hell did they manage to survive ten minutes alone with each other?

"Alright!" Margo rubbed her hands together and looked around the room. "I'm here to collect evidence and evidence I shall collect!" Penny nudged her side.

"Shut your mouth! If you want to get away with this, play the damn part." Margo rolled her eyes, which she seemed to be doing a lot of with penny, and pushed the strap of her purse farther up on her shoulder.

"Let's start upstairs in your room. Penny told me about the remodeling." Eloise nodded solemnly.

They began making their way towards the staircase, Margo picking up the blue china tea cup as they went.

"What's in this thing anyways?" She lifted and took a sip. Though immediately disgusted by whatever was inside, she coughed and suppressed the urge to spit it out. "Jesus, El?!" She sat the cup back down and licked the back of her hand in an attempt to get the taste out.

"Mom said it's..exoctic herbal leaves from the philippines or whatever. I didn't think it tasted that bad..?" Margo grimaced and studied the discolored water.

"No. Something isn't right. Do you have an empty water bottle?"

"I do." Penny flipped open her Dolce and Gabbana bag, pulling out a metal flower patterned bottle and handed it to Margo. Margo unscrewed the cap and delicately tried to pour the tea—thankfully, minimal got on the floor.

"I'm going to have Wyatt's dad look into that. Something can't be right. I mean, do you feel okay?" Margo questioned. The more she started to study Eloise, the more she saw how hollow her cheeks had become and how sickly pale her skin was. Now Eloise was always pale, and Margo knew this, but this was a whole nother kind of pale. Morgue pale.

_____

"Other than my throat killing me; nothing. I must have caught a cold or something." Eloise rubbed at her throat. Though Margo didn't believe that for a second. Eloise has been pretty sick before, but never to this extent.

Eloise scoffed, but it sounded more like a hack. "What, You think they're poisoning me?" Margo wouldn't put it past them, but to keep Eloise from being paranoid she shrugged it off. They climbed the stairs to her room, and almost immediately she noticed the change. The walls were different, the setup was different, all of their pictures were taken— did they take away her poster gift?!

Only if Margo could get her hands on Richard's throat, he'd be a dead man.

"How is everyone? Please tell me they aren't mad at me." Eloise asked as soon as she closed the door. Margo shook her head and sighed.

"No one's mad at you, Elly. We are worried for you, actually the boys want to commit a crime on your behalf— I wouldn't mind joining... but no one blames you." Margo patted her shoulder and found a seat on Eloise's bed. That only relaxed Eloise a small bit. It killed her that she couldn't talk to them, she wished she could.

"Don't worry, Eloise, it will be fine. You have me to talk to for the time being— and once this blows over you can go back to those losers." Penny, who was promptly seated in her chair, sent a small glare at Margo.

Margo was quick to send a snide comment back. "Oh? Like you aren't one?" Eloise sighed and sat next to Margo.

"Guys, as much as I love witty commentary— this isn't the moment for it. Why did you decide to come here?" Eloise was quick to get back in topic.

"Right, well it's a shot in the dark but we figured If we can find evidence of abuse or negligence here you'll be free from hell." Margo explained. "Wyatt and his dad are backing us up too— so if there is a case to be had it will be taken care of as fast as they can." Eloise could only nod along, even though it was unlikely.

"You know there is no gain from abuse to them." Eloise toyed with her fingers. "They believe they are above that..." Not that she wanted to be abused, but I'd be easy to lock them up for it.

"At least they are above that..." Penny stated, thankful herself that Eloise wasn't getting abused.

"I know, but I don't think you guys will find anything— even if there was signs of abuse or negligence they definitely would cover it up." Eloise curled up and held her knees on the bed. Margo knew that too, her parents don't want to soil their name, so why would there loose ends.

"It's worth a shot." Margo sent her a small smile before rubbing her back.

___

The time passed for the girls, before they knew it it was ten o'clock, and Mrs. McCoy was ushering them out of the house. She kept saying something like 'Eloise needs her tea before bed'. Which only made Margo more suspicious about the damned drink than ever before, but she was playing the part of a snobby rich girl— so there was no room for questions or fights.

Margo was dropped off at Wyatt's house, she wanted to hand deliver this to Mr. Onogaro. Thankful it only took two knocks for wyatt to swing the door open.

"Margo! You made it in one piece." He teased, but made sure she was actually in one piece.

"Yeah, you should have seen it over there. It was basically a mosh pit." Margo rolled her eyes and pushed her way into the door. "I found something that should be looked at." Margo spun around and held the bottle up to Wyatt. He took it as she continued. Why on earth would tea be a clue?

"Eloise's voice sounds like a nail on a chalk board, she said she's caught a cold, but no cold she's ever had made her look and sound like she was dying. I'm thinking that they—"

"Are poisoning her?" Wyatt finished it once he realized what she was getting at. He didn't know if Eloise's parents were crazy enough to do that, but with their actions so far he could see them doing it. Margo sighed and started taking her shoes off.

"Yeah," she looked up to him, she was stressed— beyond stressed. Her best friend is basically being held captive and abused, but those damn parents of hers are great at keeping it down low. Wyatt reached up and brushed some hair out of her face. "I'm scared, Wyatt. If we do get this tea hybrid... thing checked out and there isn't poison... or anything—- Eloise will be stuck there. I'll never see her again unless I dress up like a snobby rich freak."

Wyatt pulled her into a hug, and kissed her forehead. "Margo, relax it will be okay. If there isn't anything in that tea we should be thankful they aren't trying to kill her." He held her tight. "And you look hot as a snobby rich freak." Wyatt chuckled while she scoffed in his arms.

"Whatever," she pulled back. "Let's get this to your dad and see what he can do with it." She started walking towards his stairs, but Wyatt pulled her back and cradled her in his arms again.

"Margo... it's almost eleven at night, he's asleep— and the police station won't be much help without him there." He rocked them side to side. "I'll give it to him tomorrow morning before school," he stated and spun her towards the door. "And you need to go to bed." He opened up the door.

"But—" she tried to turn back in to the house.

"Margo. I know you want to help Eloise but you can't do that if you're not taking care of yourself too. Now you can peacefully go or I'll drag you there myself." He said with a smile. Margo only pouted, and chose the peaceful route.

"Fine, I'll see you tomorrow." She reached up and gave him a quick kiss before heading out. Wyatt smirked and watched her leave before closing the door.

Man he had it bad.

___

Even though Margo and Penny were just there no less then a few hours ago, Eloise couldn't feel more secluded and lonely. It was twelve at night, usually someone would still be up doing something in the house, maybe Harriet would creep over and keep her company while they slept. Or Richard would be on some important business call, talking louder than he needed to.

Harriet was at her friends house. Richard was out still... Eloise's guess is having his way with some gold digger.

The only person she knew was left in the house was Delilah. She had no doubt that she was in bed by now.

Giving up on sleeping, Eloise got up to check where that woman was... maybe this was her chance to get out for a little bit. Quickly, that idea dissipated, she had no energy to run.

Eloise stretched, found her slippers in the dark, and wandered out of her room. Almost immediately she could tell something wasn't right, the hairs on her arms stood up. While walking down her halls the lights were mostly off, the air was cold— like someone had just turned on the ac to maximum overdrive.

She crept down the stairs to the noises in the kitchen, a woman was humming of a song she's never heard of. It struck Eloise like a lightning bolt— Delilah was awake and in the kitchen.

Hearing her hum alone was enough to make Eloise curious what was going on— she never sings or hums to a melody. Silently tiptoeing to the archway of the brightly lit kitchen she saw Delilah mixing a steaming cup of tea, something she made Eloise on a regular basis. Maybe she was going to have some herself, she didn't understand why though, they owned better tea in the house.

Disinterested, Eloise was about to turn away, but when Delilah reached down in the drawer and pull out an odd little container Eloise was intrigued. What was happening? She watched as she pinched out small doses of, whatever it was, into the tea. Then quickly the woman poured some lemon juice into it... something that definitely won't help her throat heal.

Eloise had to know what was happening. "What was that?" Delilah didn't stop stirring the tea, she was relaxed.

"Eloise, I didn't hear you come in, I was just about to wake you and give you your te—"

"That's not regular tea. You said the tea was in baggies— why did you add more to it?" Eloise stepped out from the doorway.

"That's not regular tea. You said the tea was in baggies— why did you add more to it?" Eloise stepped out from the doorway. Paranoia started eating away at her thoughts. Had she actually been purposely harming her throat?

Delilah froze, not turning to meet Eloise's eyes, but not trying to run away. She was a statue. "Delilah. What did you put in that drink?" Eloise demanded and stepped closer to the woman. The conversation back with Margo earlier that day had popped into her head. Had she been poisoning her? Her throat had been so raw and scratchy for a week now and nothing is fixing it— especially that tea.

"Eloise, dear." Delilah set the cup on the counter. "When did you stop addressing me as Mother?"

Eloise flinched once Delilah turned to her. She had crazy eyes— if a look could kill, Eloise would be dead. Delilah took her first few daunting steps towards Eloise who was rendered speechless. She's never seen her so... deranged.

"I— uhh..." she took a small step back. "I'm not sure.." she cleared her throat, but obviously to no avail.

"You're not sure, huh?" Delilah quickly caught up to Eloise and gripped her collar. "Was it when you started making friends with those hooligans? Or was it when Quinn left us to run away?" Her grip had tightened while she yanked eloise towards her. The older woman glanced at Eloise's outfit.

"Where got trying to leave?" The woman was in hysterics. Eloise knew she was in for whatever punishment they had been threatening her about.

"No! I... Delilah— I—" She was trying to find her voice, her train of thought, but this was so new to her she started drawing a blank.

"Call.. me... Mother. You little, bitch!" She snapped. Eloise held on thought to her hand while she was thrashed around suddenly. "You think you can get away with anything all of the sudden since your older brother isn't here. Well guess again, sweetie, because he was never in charge— I am! I always was!" She screeched out nonsense and pushed Eloise into the near wall. The air knocked out of her lungs while she slid to the floor.

The house grew eerily quiet while Eloise caught her breath. No one was home to help her, even if there was someone here— there would be no help.

Eloise stared at her hands that's rested on her stomach while she caught her breath. How skinny they had gotten— how pale she was really shocked her. Dakota wasn't wrong, she was pale.

Eloise humored the thought, but realized this wasn't her fault. None of this was. "I stopped calling you Mother once I realized you never considered me as your daughter." Eloise spoke up after a moment, and glanced up at the shadowed figure towering above her. "I can't believe I was letting you just... poison me? You knew it would be hard for me to eat— you knew I wouldn't talk much with this raspy throat yet you still... you still did it." Eloise held her head and laughed without a hint of humor.

"I had to keep you quiet." Delilah mumbled with that strange tone, the insane tone that only a lunatic would use. She sounded so sure of herself, she believed what she was doing was right...

"Once I get out of this house, I'm taking Harriet, and we are never coming back." Eloise declared while starting to stand up. "We are never coming back." She repeated and with that she started her way out of the kitchen.

"You have another thing coming if you believe you're gonna leave me too." A hand gripped her shoulder and spun her around. "I'll be damned if another person comes up to me and criticizes my NAME, because my goddamned son ran away, or because my husband fucks a new woman every other night!" Delilah used her other hand and held eloise's with and iron grip.

She pulled Eloise in to lowly whispered in her ear "I'll keep you locked up in this house forever if I have to in order to keep this family name intact." And with that's she started pulling Eloise with all of her force towards the stairs.

"Let go! No! What the hell is wr—" her throat was giving out, all that came out was raspy whispers and squeaks. It didn't take much effort to basically drag Eloise up to her room, she weight twenty pounds less.

Once they reached her door Delilah ripped it open and pulled her close again. She snagged her phone from her sweatshirt pocket and tossed her in her room.

"You're going to stay in this room for as long as I can keep you— don't bother calling for help!" Delilah bellowed and slammed the door shut before Eloise could rush out.

Eloise heard her lock the door from the outside— damn these stupid doors. No matter how hard or loud she slammed on her door she wouldn't be heard. No matter how hard she tried to yell, nothing came out. No one could hear her to help her.

All Eloise could do was pray, to any being in the damned sky, that maybe the sample Margo took today could be analyzed fast, because there's only so much she could take anymore.

"Oh god..." Eloise's wheezed and slid to the floor after giving up with the door. The walls once again started to capture her in the jail she has come to know. This time there was no screaming, there was no tantrums or crying... she just soaked in the silence and let it wrap around in her mind.

___

Lunch, the next day rolled around. Penny and her goons are all talking and gossiping like nothing was wrong, yet there was something wrong. Margo knew it deep in her gut.

"Where's Eloise." Thatcher sounded perturbed. It was one thing seeing her across the room, 'safe'. Now that's she's not even here today made his mind race with the worst possibilities.

"That's what I've been thinking— she seemed decent enough for school yesterday..." Margo bit her nail. She was really tempted to rush over and interrogate Penny. Before she could even move to get up Penny started her way over to them.

"Hey, fuckers." Penny sounded annoyed. "I need to talk to you guys about something— but I'll be damned if I sit here and be seen with you freaks. So here's my number. Make a chat with me and I'll tell you what happened this morning." She slid over her number written in a ripped piece of paper. With that she made her way back to her table.

Immediately Margo snatched it and quickly added her to the group chat.

Mars has added 'One cent' to the 'vote for pedro'

Mars : start talking.
One Cent : ... is the name really necessary?
Mars : sorry let me change that for you.

Mango has changed 'One cent' to 'Bitch'

Mars : better?
Bitch : whatever. I don't care.
Bitch : This morning when I went to pick up Eloise, but
her mom answered the door and told me she was sick, though when she said it she had... weird eyes. Idk how to explain it. Something definitely wasn't right. Eloise wasn't sick yesterday.

Margo glanced up to Wyatt. Everyone had been reading the messages.

"It's the tea. I'm telling you." She pressed. Wyatt rubbed his eyes. He really hoped they weren't actually poisoning her.

"I gave it to my dad this morning." He stressed. Axel and Thatcher glanced at one another.

"What tea? What's going on?" Thatcher asked. His heart was beating fast.

"Yesterday, when I was at Eloise's, she was drinking this tea that definitely wasn't normal tea. It tasted horrible— the worst part is that Delilah was making it for her." Margo told them, both faces etched with worry. Thatcher could only imagine what she was going through right now. She could actually be at home right now suffering and none of them could help her.

"Are you fucking with me?" Thatcher stood up abruptly and stared his way to the door. Wyatt had quickly stood up and held him back from leaving.

"Thatcher we can't do anything right now. You know that. The most that could happen is us getting in trouble for leaving school." Thatcher stared at him, processing what he had said and begrudgingly sat back down. He crossed his arms and sat back.

He missed Eloise... he hoped and prayed that she was okay.

*** "In other news," Margo began. "Axel you're going to kill me.." She smiled sheepishly and Axel began to frown. "So, I can't exactly find your sisters pu-"

"MARGO! That thing is worth $2,000!" Wyatt choked and Margo's face flushed. Thatcher groaned and sat his head on the table.

"Wait." Margo seemed to disappear in her mind for a moment before a wicked grin began to form. "I left the purse. In her house." Axel seemed to catch on.

"Eloise isn't here today...which means something must've happened." He formulated.

"And if we only think something happened, the cops won't take our word for it." Margo assumed.

"But if we have evidence.."

"Like a recording.."

"We can free Eloise!" Axel and Margo both yelled at the same time, jumping up and slamming a hand on the table. Thatcher broke into a grin, the first the group has seen since Eloise's departure.

"Well I'll be damned. Maybe our hands aren't as tied as we thought." Thatcher couldn't hide the giddy from his voice—though he wished he could do more to help them, he knew it was best if he stayed out of the way. No matter how much makeup and rich clothes they threw on him, he'd still look like a convict (a rather hot one, he hoped Eloise would say).

"Just sent my dad a text," Wyatt intervened "he said he'll be staying in the station late tonight so whatever evidence we get, we can take in right away." Axel and Margo high fived.

"Alright everyone! I shall go retrieve my beautiful prada purse," she mused in an uppity english accent "at 3:20 sharp. Plan to meet at the station at 4:30." The group buzzed with anticipation and agreement, though one thing they all knew for certain.

They were not going to fail.
___

"For someone named after fucking change, you don't make any sense!" Margo huffed from the passenger side of Penny's convertible.

She was able to get into her 'Melanie' get up relatively quickly, since the hair dye hadn't yet washed out the whole way, and get ahold of Penny to tell her the plan. Axel had let her borrow another outfit, thankfully—'make sure you don't leave the pearls there, airhead' he had yelled out the door. But now, Penny was coming up with some grand scheme to slip away while Margo grabbed the purse and kept Delilah busy, to find Eloise.

"Don't you, of all people, want to make sure she isn't somewhere gargling on her own blood?" She snapped back, making Margo think. Of course she didn't want that! But they had to go about this logically, right? Quick and reckless moves could put them in the same position as Eloise.

Before Margo was able to pick apart Penny's reckless plan, they were pulling into the McCoys driveway and Penny was hopping out the car as fast as possible and stomping towards the door.

"Penny!" Margo hissed and tried to catch up with her. As she rounded the corner of their walkway and reached her, Penny was already knocking on the door. "Oh my god she has a death wish.." She mumbled and put herself together for Delilah.

"Oh!" Delilah answered the door surprised in an apron, one hand covered by a glove. "I hadn't realized Eloise was..expecting anyone.." She seemed to look past the girls on the front porch for a moment.

"Sorry to interrupt your cooking Mrs. McCoy! But I seemed to have misplaced my shoulder purse..I believe I left it in your house?" Margo spoke. Delilah's face softened, the tenseness leaving her features.

"Of course! I was just baking some red velvet cake, I believe the cream cheese icing is just beginning to set-please come in!" She ushered them in and closed the door behind them. Margo and Penny both noticed it odd the butlers weren't taking care of something she normally never would, the door.

"It smells delightful" Penny commented

"You're too kind. Melanie, I believe I saw your purse over in the family room." Margo nodded and followed the hallway down to the living room and grabbed it, making sure the recorder was still intact, returning to the kitchen where Delilah was cutting two slices of cake and handing one to Penny.

"Yes, I'm afraid she's terribly ill. I was up with her all last night, poor thing. She can hardly stand." Though Delilah's words insinuated she cared, her eyebrows stayed level and her gaze remained on the cake.

"Well send our condolences." Penny half heartedly smiled and picked up a fork, placing a bite into her mouth.

"Good news! I found it." Margo faux cheered and slid into the bar stool beside Penny.

"Delightful. I cut you a piece of cake, dear. Don't feel like you have to run out so fast! My husband has been away on business endeavors—the extra company is always welcome." She smiled and began taking her apron off and cleaning things up while the girls ate, both sharing uneasy glancing at each other.

Delilah moved around the kitchen, her movements were so swift Margo noticed, it was like she was a whole different person from the last time they saw her. Like a tether that was being pulled so tight just finally snapped.
She seemed to move on ice, skating on top of frozen cash and tears.

They finished their cakes in silence aside from the off tune humming of Mrs. McCoy.

"Mrs. McCoy, do you mind if I use your restroom?" Penny asked, picking up her phone and leaving her car keys beside her empty plate.

"Of course not! Second door down that hall to the left." She smiled and turned back around, scrubbing the inside of a measuring glass. Penny winked at Margo and disappeared down the left past the foyer. She knew what this meant—phase one of Penny's disastrous 'check up' plan was in motion. Now Margo just had to keep her occupied even though everything inside her was screaming 'run while you still have the chance!'.

"So, Melanie," Delilah began "how did you and Miss. Whence meet?" Margo tapped the edges of her mouth with a napkin—thankfully she was quick on her feet.

"Preschool. Our mothers had both enrolled us in the same program through our church." Delilah hummed in response, as if she was evaluating the authenticity of her response, or was Margo just paranoid?

"Interesting. What do your parents do?"

"My father is an architect, and my mother.." 'Is a piece of shit', she found herself thinking "is an interior designer."

"How marvelous! So they work together then?"

"Mhm." Margo felt tired, her blinks becoming longer. Her phone buzzed in her hand—it took an unbearable amount of energy to focus on the wavering words.

Bitch : the cake wss deruggged, take pirse and GO

"Do you wish it worked that way, Margo?" Delilah had turned around and was staring at the girl, snapping away her attention from the phone. For some reason, fear wasn't setting in. Only an unbearable feeling that Margo has been here before.

"Yes.." She found herself mumbling. She wasn't 'Melanie' on a mission to rescue her best friend anymore. She was six again in pigtails, sitting in a strange office where everything felt too big and bruises covered her cheek.

"So you feel intervening where you don't belong and creating violence is your way of making up for what didn't happen?" A fan clicked on somewhere and voices seemed to carry up and down halls. Margo wondered what they were talking about.

"She hit me first." She defended herself and stared at the ceiling counting the tiles. 43.

"That doesn't matter. What matters is that you don't belong here." A cold metal pressing on her cheek where the bruises should've been woke her from her hallucination.

Margo flinched backwards causing the knife Delilah held to slice her cheek open, blood trickling down. She couldn't find the energy to wipe it away.

"You shouldn't intervene in family affairs when you have plenty of your own to attend." Delilah snickered.

"You're an evil bitch." Margo slurred and swiped Penny's keys from the table, jumping out of her chair and flinging it in Delilah's direction. The kitchen was melting in her vision but she managed to stumble towards the direction of the front door. Though the mad mother was hot on her tail.

"You should've stayed away! You know, kids have an awful runny mouth when you threaten their life." Margo assumed she was referencing Eloise but all she could focus on was purse, door, escape.

Margo was merely feet away from the door when she was dropped into a pond, slamming her face on what must've been the bottom—her blood ran cold and her clothes held her down like anchors of a ship. Coughing and breathing in water, a hand gripped her foot and pulled her deeper. She screamed and grasped for anything above her but her hands kept sliding as if she were on hardwood floor...then she realized she was.

"Let me go!" She screeched as her vision cleared and the searing pain of acrylic nails in her ankles became apparent.

Margo kicked the heel of her shoes as hard she could upwards and connected with the eye of Delilah, her grasp faltering and giving Margo the chance to pull herself to her feet and run for the door. She flung the door open and steadied herself in the doorway for a moment, looking back to find Delilah swimming in her vision still on the ground screaming—sound was only coming in her left ear.

"Purse!" A voice yelled from upstairs, Margo looked around and picked up the bag from where it must've fallen off of her and onto the floor. She thanked the angels watching over her and once she had it in hand, she raced-though it felt sluggish in her mind-out the door and towards Penny's car. "I'll be back!" She screamed thinking Penny might hear her and threw it in reverse, breaking the speed limit the whole way to what might be the police station—Margo couldn't tell.
_

Once Penny had rounded the corner and was out of the immediate view of Delilah, she crept through the large dining room and went back a side hallway which led to stairs.

"Bingo!" Penny whispered and climbed them, rounding the first landing and continuing up to the second when she heard banging on a door.

Fear coursed through her veins. She moved slow, though it was starting to feel like she wasn't moving at all, towards a door on the second floor which seemed to be shaking. Upon opening it, she found her father looking over her like a monster on a kids television show.

"Penny Elise. I'm very disappointed in you." He spoke. It sounded like a roar. She glanced down at her white Melissa Disney Flox sandals—when did she put those on? "By engaging in such foolish behavior, you make yourself look non-respectable. I'm sure you'll be facing extreme punishment in school, as you will here. You started it. And tomorrow you'll end it. Am I understood?"

"Yes." She squeaked. Her father rose a hand to smack her cheek and when his hand connected, his vision was replaced with a bedroom—a small girl lay in a bed positioned catercorner to the left, dolls and flowers strewn about. "M'god..Harriet!" Penny went to move past the doorway but fell forward, her phone falling next to her face.

Suddenly she though it might be a good idea to text Margo, was she even here? Lazily thumbing her fingers across the screen, she sent a warning and went back trying to check if the girl before her was breathing.

Crawling up onto her knees and reaching the bedside, she gripped the young girl's wrist and waited for a pulse. One second..two..three...there it was! She breathed a sigh of relief and sat back. But wasn't there somebody else? She made her way back into the hallway and continued up the main stairwell to the last floor when she tripped and fell forward.

Her nose hit concrete, it was for sure bleeding.

"You're an evil bitch!" A girl stood before her and yelled. Such harsh words for a six year old, Penny thought.

She rolled herself over and stared up at the clouds—there must've been 43 all wisped around. Was it going to rain later today? Either way, she pushed herself up off the ground and dusted off her knees. Opening her mouth to ask the angry girl what she was so mad about, her eyes refocused on the wall in front of her and the stairs she stood on. Screaming sounded from downstairs-she looked over the banister to find Margo in the doorway leaving. Why was she leaving without her purse?

"Purse!" Penny yelled, but the effort was too much and she fell backwards into a blacked out hallucination.
___

Wyatt tapped his foot impatiently checking his watch every other second. "It's 5:00!" He yelled and slammed backwards into the waiting chairs.

"I'm sure they'll be here any second." Axel tried to reassure him but Thatcher wasn't having it either.

"It shouldn't take this long to get a purse." He groaned, Wyatt threw a hand out in exasperation.

"Exactly!"

Though as the boys continued to bicker, a dazed redhead stumbled through the doors. It took a moment for the recognition to set in.

"Margo!" Wyatt was up out of his chair and rushing towards the confused girl whose eyebrows drew together.

"Margo? What— are you okay?" Wyatt held her up and examined her face, her deluded eyes and cut cheek. Nothing would make Wyatt feel better about himself right now, he had just let Margo waltz into that... mosh pit like she had joked about before.

"Delilah's cake was delicious, but now I'm seeing blurry!" The drugs started to kick in, and hard. Margo was wobbly and acting as if she was drunk. She leaned forward and rested her head on Wyatt's chest while he glanced back at the two others. He was angry, more at himself than the others.

"Someone get my dad." He snapped to them, causing Axel to find Mr. Onogaro. Wyatt helped Margo to a seat next to him. He wrapped her up in his arms while Thatcher took the purse from Margo's iron grip. They both prayed the recording had some answers.
____

No one spoke, they had replayed the recording about twenty times now. Every time they pressed it the more reality was slipping from their fingers. The thuds against random surfaces, the large gasps of air— what tore them all up was Eloise's sobs, her cries for help.

And god damnit, what Thatcher wouldn't give to have been there in that moment, he wished more than anything to have preventing this from ever happening.

"Jesus Christ." Axel rubbed his face and started pacing. The fumbling and hyperventilating, towards the end of the tape sent chills up his spine. What were they thinking? Sending Margo in to be some top secret spy— especially if its in a dangerous setting where is other friend was being held prisoner. "Holy fuck what did we do?" He found a seat next to, unconscious, Margo.

"Delilah's still in that house." Mr.Onogaro broke out of his own chain of thoughts. "Those kids are still there. We have to get them out." He snapped his head over to the lone officer in the room with them.

"Officer Jace, you take Margo and the kids here to the hospital," he nodded towards them, "I'll call in the other units and get down to the McCoy mansion stat."

"Yessir." The young cop snagged his keys off of the counter, while he ushered Wyatt, margo and axel out to the cars. Thatcher refuse. Hell no. There is no way that they could make him leave when he could he here helping. He stayed glued to his spot.

"James, get going." Mr. Onogaro ordered while walking off to the back room with the phone up to his ear. There was no way he wasn't going to help too, he's sat back for too long— eloise needs as much help as she can get (considering what had happened to margo).

"Mr. Onogaro— please just let me go with." Thatcher followed behind him. "Listen, I get that its going to get real... hectic over there— I get that, but I cant sit back anymore." A snort came from the man himself, he peeped his head into one of the office space's.

"Solomon! Gillian! Gather 'em up. We are heading to the McCoy's, its what we had thought." He closed the door and moved out of the way of a few officers.

"Thatcher you know I cant legally let you go with." He held his waist and looked the boy in the eye. "You'd, one, be placed in danger— and two, get in the way." He brushed past Thatcher. A grumble rolled out of the teens throat.

"Mr. Onogaro, If what you said was true then why'd you let Margo go?" Thatcher watched as the older man stopped in his tracks. "Why'd you let Penny go? If you suspected this, like you had said, then why the hell would you place those two in danger? Why not search the house, or sent in one of your undercove—"

"Thatcher this is not up to debate. What we did may not have been the wisest idea hindsight, but it got what we needed." Mr. Onogaro snapped, turning around to Thatcher. "There was no other way of getting past Delilah other than having someone she knew on the case, aka Penny Whence, and to some degree, Margo Dahl."

A few officers jogged by, getting ready to go. Their stomps filled the space, like a beating drum in Thatchers ears... matching his heart.

"I'll stay back, I'll even stay in the door way if I have to— just let me go."

"Thatcher. Kid. Seriously yo—" a hand clamped on Mr. Onagaro's shoulder, it was another senior officer.

"For god sake man, just let him come along and quit yappin'." He then pulled the serif to the main room, with thatcher now two steps behind.

++++

She cant remember how, or when she ended up on the floor. Her head was spinning a million miles a second. She swore she heard Margo and Penny earlier, yet she wasn't sure how long ago that was anymore.

Her arms were as heavy as her eyelids. It felt like a ball and chain was holding her to the ground below her.

Letting out a god awful groan she tried to sit up, but there was a pressure on her stomach preventing her. The weight wiggled around.

Cool clammy hands wrapped around her throat.

Who the hell was sitting on her stomach?

"Eloise~" a sickening coo from her mother snapped those chains from keeping her eyes closed. Only one eye met her gaze, she now remembers how she ended up on the floor. After she had heard margo and penny she had tried to call out to them— plea to whatever gods that they make it out alive from this hell hole.

Yet there was only a nightmare brewing downstairs, that came crawling up in wafts of poison and death, jumping her before she could even think about darting out of its way. Pinning her to the ground. Yelling. Screaming— hitting, scratching.

One of her blows to the face must have knocked her out.

Out of the corner of her eye a red bottle had caught her attention. She could only assume the worse.

"Oh honey, don't cry." A hand lifted up and wiped her cheek. "This will be quick and easy, I swear." She leaned over and plucked the liquid filled container up.

Eloise read rat and poison before shutting her eyes tight. Her lungs started heaving. Oh god. No please no... not like this. She hasn't lived enough, she hasn't breathed enough, fresh— liberating, air to die yet.

A snort startled her. "You remind me so much of your brother... the little whimpers— the teary eyes." Hearing Quinn's name from her mothers mouth made her nauseous. Her favorite person in the world— the sweetest bravest older brother, was gone because of her parents.

All of her theories she's had hidden away in her mind before were now swiped clean. In fact her mind was swiped clean, all of it. Gone. How could she think straight when she felt her own mother hand grip her chin as if to break it. How could she when her own damn mother was talking as if she killed her brother?! "His worried eyes all because your father had threatened sweet baby Harriet's life." she chuckled. "His pleas even made me laugh— that boy is just too pitiful when it comes to you two... go ahead Eloise. Plea for your life, just like Quinn. Do it." The grip was so tight around her jaw, she couldn't even move her lips if she tried. She didn't dare opening her eyes. She wouldn't, even if it killed her... and hopefully it just might.

Her hands reached up to Delilah's wrist, she couldn't even pull them off. When had she gotten so weak?

"Should I try convincing you too?" Delilah's thunderous voice rang through her brain. Pain pain pain. "Should I skin your siblings like wild pigs? Hang them from their necks like wanted convicts?! Do you WANT TO WATCH THEM BLEED OUT AND CRAWL TO YOU FOR HELP!? ELOISE. WHY? WHY COULDN'T YOU BE MORE? YOU PIECE OF SHIT. WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS TO US!" Her hand just about broke her jaw. Eloise's eyes poured buckets of tears, yet not once had she opened them. To scared to see what monster sat above her.

"P-please..." She sobbed. A deranged cackle filled the room. Her whole body was shaking, the hair on her neck stood as Delilah leaned down.

"Please what?" She loosened her grip. Eloise could only hiccup and press her eyes tighter.

"Ple...please, mom, I'm sorry..." She clenched her teeth as she could hear the lid pop open above her. Her heart pounded in her ears, her lungs burned with every gulp of hair. A pitiful cry slipped her lips.

"I'll never disobey you again— I'll never leave," her big bubbly tears stream down the sides of her face. Her freedom... her friends... she wouldn't be able to see them ever. "I'm sor— I'm sorry! Please mommy, please, please— Harriet and I will never talk out of terms. We will be silent angels. We will be good. I swear it. I swear. I will stay here. With you and Harriet. Just please don't hurt my siblings— please. I— I— Quinn... I miss Quinn, mom, I'm sorry."

Silence... stillness. God Eloise couldn't decide if that was a good or bad thing.

A quiet low chuckle echoed in her brain. A quiet, low, devious, chuckle. A mocking her— laughing AT her.

"That's all I needed to hear, pumpkin." Her cold hand lifted from her chin. "What a blubbering ugly mess..." The snap of the lid closing helped Eloise peek her eyes open. She sat calmly above her while she sat the bottle on the floor next to her head. The woman was bleeding from her eye, she had a bruise the size of a golf ball under the wound.

Her eye snapped down to her; cold.

"We aren't staying here. Pack your things in one bag. I swear to the fucking lord and back if you try anything I'll kill your sister." She had gotten up from her stomach. "If your good I'll let you see Quinn. He's alive I assure you— but test me and things will change. You hear me?"

Eloise could only bob her head up and down while sitting up.

"Good. Now get to it. I'll get your sister and the keys. You meet me by the back door." She brushed her skirt off. "Make its snappy." And with that she was gone.

Quinn. Quinn was... alive.

"Holy heck." She held her head while curling up again. Her whole mind had been pulled, flipped and stabbed about a million times in these last few months. "Holy shit.. holy... holy bitch." She raked her mind. How is this possible.. She thought he had run away. She thought he was dead. She didn't know what to think anymore.

"Eloiseeee! Hurry up!!" Delilah's sing song voice rang through the halls. "Your sister is being a little shit, but we are almost ready!"

She can't freak out now, it's not the time or place.

Carefully standing up, she had to use the bed as support, she took in a inhale of air before groggily answering. "Coming, mother!" She walked as fast as she could around her room. Gathering and shoving articles of clothing and extra belongings she would need.

Oh god. She stood by her door once she had everything she needed. Oh god this is it.

Eloise scanned her... her lavish prison cell and imagined a basement with rusty chains and dried blood... or wherever she might end up next.

But Quinn's alive... or so her mother says. Who knows, maybe that's giving her the extra boost to go this willingly. She'd be damned if she's not going down swinging.

She eye'd her notebook sitting at the edge of her nightstand...

+++

Wyatt gripped Margo's hand while she laid in the hospital bed. Her face was all red from the drugs in her system, and the cut on her cheek made Wyatt want to charge up to that batshit crazy woman and give her hell.

It had been nearly two hours since Margo came stumbling into the police station. It's been an hour since Axel left in a hurry after a quick phone call from Thatcher.

It's been twenty minutes since Wyatt had let himself break... and cry, and pray to let Margo wake up soon. To let her forgive him for letting her go.

"Shit, Margo— are you always trying to give me a heart attack." He gripped her hand and rested his head on her bedside. "I don't know what you're trying to do to me, but knock it off okay?" He mumbled. When was the last time they could casually relax together?

Oh that's right almost a month ago.

He sat up, scotching his chair closer to the bedside. The sound the chair made on the floor sparked a memory from long ago.

'A high string of giggles filled the room. Margo's cheeks were red with laugher while she gripped her tummy.

"That sounded nothing like twinkle twinkle little star." She glanced over at him.

He had his chair sitting right before her. He had thought of the bright idea of trying to play her a song with the sound of his chair rubbing against the floor.

"It so was! Didn't you hear the beginning— doo doo do do!" He then copied his own noise by rocking his waist aggressively side to side.

Another chime of giggles and snorts rang in his ears. He wasn't going to lie, he was proud of making her laugh so adorably.

"No it wasn't!! Let me show you!" She sat straighter, her little tongue popping out in concentration. '

Wyatt sighed and glanced down to the same rosy cheeked girl. "You jerk... I totally made that song. You were probably too distracted my my looks to have heard it." He held his hand against his chest.

Realizing she wasn't awake to scold him about his ego; he let it drop.

"It's not the same without you, Margo." He rubbed circles on the back of her hand while lovingly looking down upon her. "I know you don't remember me, but I could never forget about a girl like you..." He then rests his elbows on the bedside, letting go of her hand. "I mean yeah, it hurts a little that you don't... but I'm just glad you wanna stick around me now. I love that... I love..."

His eyes widened, looking at her sleeping form. His chest tightened, too tight, too soon... she wouldn't feel like that. They have only really talked in this past year, and whatever they were wasn't official. The thought of her running away from him, the mere idea of her hating him because he rushed to fast into things.

Hurting her. He couldn't.

"Oh god Margo." He held his head. "I love you."

++++

Empty.

The house. Is empty.

Thatcher's heart. Is empty.

When they had gotten Penny out of the house and to the hospital, they had scanned the house. Fully. At least three different times. The only thing Eloise has left behind was her phone, and there was nothing important on it. (Except for the heart next to his name, but he was a little preoccupied at the time to really think about it).

If the recorder was right, which it was, she was just here not even twenty four hours ago. She was here. So where the fuck is she now?!

"Thatcher." A hand rested on his shoulder. "Calm down. You'll kill their whole lawn if you keep it up." Axel has sat down next to him. Thatcher was taken out of the house after he had tried to sweep the house again for the fourth time. Basically it was time out for him, and he had to sit on the edge of the driveway— plucking blades of grass out.

He grunted her leaned on his knees. He'd rather not talk until he knows he wont start yelling (or crying).

"She's gone." Axel shook his head and held his knees. "They're really gone..." he laid his head down on his kneecaps.

Yeah. Thanks Sherlock, he didn't already know that. Like he didn't already know his Eloise and her sister vanished.

And now he was alone again.

But this time... yeah— this time felt so much worse because it's HIS fault for not seeing it sooner, it's HIS fault for not holding her a little closer when he last could. It his fault that he couldn't kiss her again— or play with Oscar together. He lost her.

"Thatcher— we will find her."

Knowing his luck; that's bullshit.