I am not sure if you guys remembered that Ella and I are in the same class for every freaking subject. It was an awesome and lucky thing when we were best friends. Now? It is the most awkward thing. I didn't really mix around with other students previously, as I would just stick with Ella and her group of friends. Thus, I sat by myself for all those lessons that the boys are not in it. At first, I found sitting alone weird. But, as time goes by, I sort of get used to this new arrangement.

There was once I went to the bathroom in between changing of classes. I was about to unlock the door when I heard a group of girls coming in.

"Have you heard about Zachary dating Rachel Williams?"

"Who is she? Oh wait, she's the one, Jane apologised to?"

"Yeap! She's also friends with Ella Chance. Can you believe it? I heard Williams still agree to date Zachary after knowing Ella likes him too! Ella knew that Rachel was new here and made friends with her. This is how Rachel return the favour to Ella. What a bitch!"

Bitch. I am labelled as that now.

*sniffed*

There were other murmurs that I couldn't hear clearly. My grip on the door handle tightened as I refused to let those tears to roll down my cheeks. My whole body shook with anger as I can't literally scream out loud. I was still contemplating if I should run out and give them a piece of my mind. When I heard the soft click of the door being closed.

Silence was left in the bathroom and I came out of the cubicle feeling like a coward. I quickly washed my hands and rushed to my next class.

"Ms Williams?" Someone called to me and my mind's replaying the scene at the bathroom. It took me a while to realise that my surroundings have became quiet.

"Huh?" I belatedly answered that person.

"Class is over. Do you still want to stay in here?" Ms Winston asked gently as she noticed the bewildered look on my face.

"Oh my. I'm sorry, Ms Winston. Have a nice day!" I hurried out of the classroom after throwing all my belongings into the bag.

"Hey, Rach." Zachary slung an arm over my shoulders which caused tingles to run down my body.

"Hi!" I beamed at Zachary, as his presence brightened up my moody day.

"Sorry for interrupting. Rach, can we go somewhere else to talk?" Helen was catching her breath after she spoke.

"Yeah, sure. Zach.."

"No worries, I'll call you!" Zachary gave my shoulders a squeeze and walked towards the canteen.

Helen pulled me towards the door and we were walking in the direction to the gym. Relax, we're definitely not exercising there.

"What do you want to talk about, Helen?" I asked and successfully made her stop in her tracks.

Helen looked left and right, seemed to make sure no one is lurking around the corners. What's the secrecy? Anyways, back to my first question.

"I just wanna make sure if you are alright. I kinda know how it felt to be the center of unwanted attention." Helen replied softly while we continue walking to our destination.

A smile of gratitude was pasted on my face as I said, "I'm still okay. Thanks for your concern."

"Well, that's what I could do for you at the moment. Ella's being a drama queen right now. To be honest, I couldn't comprehend why Ella's reacting with such exaggeration." Helen rambled on and on while I giggled a little.

"Rachel, you're quite something uh. Able to find humour in this situation."

"If not, what can I do? I cannot control how Ella or the others think of me." I simply shrugged while tucking a lock of my hair behind my ear.

"Well, you've got a point there.."

We sat down on a bench and stared at some random tree.

"Helen, wouldn't Ella be mad if she found out that you're talking to me?" I broke the silence and kicked away some dirt on the floor.

"She will be if she finds out." Helen added with a wink.

I smiled at Helen's considerate gestures on making sure I'm fine even when she knew Ella wouldn't liked it. At least I didn't lose Helen as a friend. *touched*
____________________________________________

Zachary's POV

"Yo dude. Where's your girlfriend?" Jake's bag was thrown to my side before he's even here.

"In my heart. Where else?"

Dylan and Jake both scrunched up their faces as they muttered 'I can't take it anymore'.

"Zach. Rach's not even here you don't have to be so sweet." Dylan chuckled lightly as Jake went to get his lunch.

"I'm just practising." I huffed and that made Dylan chuckle even more.

"Hey, Zachary." Someone called me from behind. I immediately recognised whose voice was that.

Jake was approaching us and his eyebrows shot up. Dylan shifted uneasily on his chair as he focused his attention on the table. Soon after, I felt a pair of hands on my shoulders. Ella face was next to mine when she leant forward. My whole body tensed up and I did not dare to move an inch.

"Where's Rachel? Don't tell me she's already tired of you?" Ella whispered into my ears and goosebumps spread through my skin.

I steadied my voice as I replied her, "Nope. She's with.." I trailed off as someone interrupted me.

"Ella! Aren't we supposed to sit at the back?" Helen's voice reverberated around the canteen. I belatedly realised that the canteen was much quieter than before. Ella stood up straight and planted herself right beside me.

"Nope, Helen. We're sitting right here."

Suddenly, everyone started murmuring among themselves. Nicole tried to persuade Ella in finding another seat but Ella insisted on her decision.

What's taking Rachel so long? Helen's back already. My hands itched to get my phone and call Rachel.

"Wow guys. It's a little squeezy now isn't it?" Rachel asked which made everyone to turn their head and face her. I let out a breath of relief and shook off Ella's hands.

"No, I don't think so. Nicole, Helen we'll be sitting here with the boys."

I swallowed down my saliva with difficulty. How would Rachel react?

"Well then. The more the merrier." Rachel gestured me to move aside as she sat down in between of Ella and I. Jake offered Rachel his food before getting another plate. Obviously, everyone was gossiping about us.

"Zach, my mum wants to invite your family over for dinner tonight. You'll be there right?" Ella informed me and Rachel shot me a warning look.

"Um, I'll pass the message on to my parents. But sorry, I've agreed to meet the guys for a baseball match."

Dylan and Jake are cooperative as they backed me up.

"Oh, not spending quality time with her?" Ella questioned with sarcasm laced in her voice and hooked a thumb at Rachel.

"It's none of your business." Rachel refuted back heatly.

"What's wrong with my question? I'm just concern for you both." Ella answered sweetly which made Rachel curled up her fists.

"Erm, Ella. I've got to borrow a reference book from the library. Let's go!" Nicole announced and picked up her bag, signalling Helen to do the same.

Ella let out a defeated sigh as she stood up. All of us who are sitting down could finally relax. However, right before Ella went out she bent over and said, "This is not over."

Author's note :
Hey! Hope this chapter is worth the wait! ;) Guys.. I'm gonna have my term tests next week. So these 2 weeks I won't be updating much.. :( I've gotta focus on my tests. Don't worry, I'll update after my tests! Please remember to vote/comment/share my story if you like it! ♥ Thanks for reading!