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Within five months of returning to Woodsboro, Annie had built a reputation of the sweetheart with a fierce heart. Her and Randy would hang out every Thursday night watching horror movies or reading mystery murder books where they tried to solve the case before the reveal. They had become fast friends and were seen around each other a lot however, nothing more would develop between them but they didn't pay any mind to that. Annie didn't have any friends back in New York so having someone like Randy to hang out with was something she had greatly appreciated more than anything.

The friend even had two new additions to it, Tatum Riley who was a sweet girl who got along with Sidney more than the rest and Melinda Cassian who was Billy's cousin from Louisana. The larger group spent most of their time either at the Macher home or the Dalton household, watching movies or studying together in hopes to eventually end up in the same college or ones near each other. Annie had fallen into her place in the group fairly easily and her parents were happy to see her happy. Billy and Stu were dotted on everytime they walked into the Dalton household, it was their favourite place due to that and Annie.

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Annie was sleeping when she felt a cold breeze followed by the dip of her bed, she rolled over and looked up to see Stu sitting there with saddened eyes. "Stuey? What's wrong?" Annie's voice was raspy with sleep but Stu found it comforting. "Casey broke up with me... I think she was cheating on me," Stu whispered in a defeated tone that tore Annie's heart to pieces, her anger with Casey was rocky at the sight of Stu's broken expression. "Oh, Stuey... come here, darling," Annie threw the covers aside and opened her arms for Stu to crawl in next to her, he immediately laid himself half on her with his head on her chest.

Annie's left arm wrapped tight around Stu's back while her right hand lightly brushed over his cheek causing them to redden. "It's all going to be okay in time, Stuey. It hurts right now and you're allowed to cry if you need too but know this, this isn't a bad thing because it just shows that something better is coming your way. And I believe in that wholeheartedly," Annie whispered to Stu who closed his eyes and tightened his arms around her. "And if you need anything... and I mean anything from me, Stuey. I'll be there for you," Annie added softly, "Even if it's beating up the ex for you." Stu laughed at her words before biting his lip.

"Being here with you is enough," Stu whispered back to her, Annie pressed a kiss to Stu's forehead before pulling the blankets over them.  "Get some sleep, darling," Annie whispered, Stu smiled as he closed his eyes and melted into Annie's arms. He had been heartbroken when Casey broke up with him, he had gone back to try and talk things through with the blonde but overheard her on the phone to Steve Orth telling him that she had ended things and they didn't have to keep their relationship a secret anymore. Stu Macher was hurt, his old insecure thoughts of not being enough came storming back to his mind but with Annie there, he felt better; even just a little bit.

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"BILLY! STU! I NEED YOUR HELP!" Randy shouted as he rushed towards the best friends, they shared a confused look. "Why? What's happened?" Billy asked, he had just been informed about Stu and Casey's break up. "Annie is beating Casey up!" Randy exclaimed before rushing off, the two boys were quick to follow the geek. The three stopped at the crowd and pushed their way through to the front near Tatum and Sidney who were watching with mixed emotions. Billy's eyes were wide as he watched Casey hit the ground harshly before Annie threw a punch to her jaw, she stood up straight and blew her hair out of her face with a calm expression.

"If I ever... and I mean ever hear you talking shit about my best friend again, Becker. And I'll do so much worse to you, cheater," Annie threatened, her dark cold stare caused the blonde to whimper and look away as blood dripped down her head and nose. Annie straightened out her shirt before turning and walking away, the crowd parting in awe and fear at the girl who let her hips sway as she pushed some gum into her mouth ignoring her split lip that was bleeding. Stu's eyes were wide and his mouth agape knowing that she was defending him.

Billy and Stu followed after Annie while Tatum and Sidney turned to Randy who was equally impressed and terrified of his new best friends actions. "Did that really happen?" Tatum asked the horror fan. "Yes... that really happened," Randy replied to the girl who nodded silently before grinning, "It was kind of hot." Randy nodded in agreement before the two laughed together. "Casey looks messed up," Sidney pointed out when Steve Orth helped her up, the bruising was already forming and her eye was swelling up from the punches. "At least we know Annie will defend us if something happens," Randy spoke up with a shrug.

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Annie was taking deep breaths as she leaned against Stu's car, her eyes were closed as she let the pain in her knuckles consume her. She wasn't going to do anything about Casey for how she hurt Stu, didn't find the effort worth it but then Casey opened her mouth and began making comments about Stu that didn't sit right with Annie; And its only natural to defend your friends by any means necessary, right? So the moment Casey began saying that Stu was too clingy and desperate for the attention his parents don't give him, she snapped and threw the first punch without hesitation.

"Annie?" Stu's voice was soft and cautious, he didn't want to set her off again and be yelled at; He didn't like being yelled at. "Stuey, can I have a hug?" Annie asked in a low tone, her anger simmering so the tall boy instantly wrapped his arms around her, one hand on her back while the other cupped the back of her head in a hold of comfort that eased Annie's anger and the shaking of her body she hadn't noticed. Billy smiled fondly at the two before noticing Annie's bloody knuckles, her form was right but the hits were strong enough to damage her as well. "We need to get those knuckles cleaned up. I doubt Casey will be willing to tell who fought her," Billy pointed out.

"Okay..." Annie whispered before letting Stu go, they all got into Stu's car and ditched school for the day. By the time they had gotten to the Dalton's, Annie had calmed down and wasn't shaking anymore. "I'm sorry for stirring up trouble... it's just... she started saying shit about you, Stu and I wasn't going to just stand there and let her," Annie apologised, she had bad anger issues that caused her problems in the past that left her alone. "You stood up for me and I really appreciate it, Anniebell. And besides, seeing you fight like that was really hot," Stu responded with a wink as he pulled into the driveway.

"I did some self-defence classes, living in New York meant precautions and I'm glad I did it," Annie told the two with a grin, Billy opened her door and lead the way. "Annie? Billy? Stu? What are you three doing home before school?" Fiona asked before noticing Annie's split lip and the slight bruise on her jaw, her eyes instantly went to her fist causing her to sigh. "Another fight, hunny? We talked about your anger, remember?" Fiona reminded Annie with a softer tone, she reached out to her daughter who fell into her arms with a sniffle. "She was saying mean things about Stuey, ma... I couldn't let her say those mean lies," Annie whimpered out.

Billy and Stu's eyes softened as Fiona ran her fingers through her daughters hair before sighing, "Did you at least win?" Annie and the boys laughed as Fiona pulled back, "So?" Annie nodded with a teary grin, "Damn straight I won." Fiona grinned at her daughter, "That's my girl!" Fiona helped Annie clean up before promising the three she'd cook them something to eat before she left to her office. The three friends had made themselves comfortable in Annie's room, a random movie on her TV as they ate the pasta that Fiona had made them. Annie had fallen asleep on Stu's chest with Billy laying on his back close to her.

"She stood up for me," Stu spoke out softly to Billy who smiled at his best friend. "Of course she did," Billy told him before looking back at the movie playing. "I want to be hers," Stu told Billy in a soft yet stern tone. "Well... you're single," Billy reminded him before looking at his taller friend, "Just wait a short time. The break up is recent and you need to be certain that you're ready." Stu nodded at Billy's words, he knew that his best friend was right and he was willing to wait. Annie snuggled further into Stu's body as her hand reached for Billy, the boy instantly linked his fingers with hers as he rolled onto his side allowing her to pull his arm over her; The three falling asleep that way.

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Rosemary Speaks

Another chapter to make up for the slow updates. So Casey and Stu broke up.

Should I have Stu and Annie start dating or should Stu date Tatum?

Who should I save and who should I make sure stays dead?

Any thoughts on this chapter?
Suggestions? Predictions? Headcanons?

See you in the next chapter!