Chapter 1: The Newsletter committee
Chapter Text
Tuesday,
December 10th 2010
It was a normal day, like any other boring and annoyingly celebrative Winter's school morning. Christmas was right around the corner, and this being one of those fancy private schools. it honoured it quite well, with the busy halls of Redcrest High filled with fabulous red and green décor with touches of gold hung around the walls. While the choir students could be heard rehearsing different Christmas carols from the music room. Students who weren't practicing anything were with friends hanging out since it was currently a free period.. It was a lovely time, for most that is...
The schools art room was one that was a bit more secluded than the other classrooms. Not like anyone came here anyway. Almost everyone at Redcross was all popular and sporty and took up something like cheerleading and gym or whatever. Not one girl, no. She was bit of a loner, didn't have many friends, and neither tried to gain any. She sat near the large, frosted windows that were covered in grey fog of the empty art room, giving a display of the of the white grounds outside. She diligently sketched away in her Leather journal, for once at peace.
Until abruptly a teacher walked in, looking for someone.
"Gwen, is that you?"
_______Gwen Ingrid_______
Ugh if you somehow have not realised yet, Hi, that's me Gwen, Gwen Ingrid . Stereotypical goth loner, is the weird 'outcast' of the school. Blah blah blah, Anyway the teacher that came in is the arts and drama teacher, Mrs Hatchet. Probably one of the only few who doesn't despise me at this god forbidden school. I looked up from my journal, and turned my view from the window to the Miss,
"umm hello?..."
before could I could ask what the hell Mrs Hatchet wanted, with the whole bothering my time thing, she spoke up, Hatchet seemed to be so overly excited as she took a couple steps closer to me, I instinctively shut my leather journal as waited for her to speak
"So Gwen, Do you know about the School newsletter, the one that's currently looking for volunteers to run?" I raised an eyebrow. Were was she going with this? I nodded my head signalling for her to continue
"Well...We need someone for the photography and I heard from a few staff that you are good at that..." Hatchet watched Gwen's expression as she continued "So we were wondering..."
i looked at her. Yes it was true I did do some- oh nuh uh I wasn't going to do some photography for school, and I sure as hell wasn't too keen on the whole working with other people aspect of doing the school newsletter.
"uh...yeah no thanks. I'm not doing that." I protested she quickly cut me off as her cheerful voice became slightly more persuasive
"Gwen dear, these could be great to add to your record as a extracurricular activity and new lettering is quite a big deal, you know?"
I blatantly rolled my eyes, extracurricular my ass
"Alright thanks, ill take you to the other newsletter committee students later bye!"
Hatchet rushed out quickly writing something on her notepad, and I was left dumbfounded, excuse me?
I didn't even agree?
"Wait Miss-"
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Soon the free period ended as the bell echoed through the pretty halls, students rushed through in stampedes, anyone could get run over at that rate. There was one girl, standing on the side of the hallway. She was screaming her head off at students to be 'orderly' and not to cause a ruckus as if she was any better with her loud obnoxious voice, and even more louder obnoxious whistle.
Meet
Courtney Satella.
She was of course a C.I.T.
She was tall, and had luscious brown hair. and basically had the perfect life. Great in academics, Great in social status, was even in a 'relationship' with the school's resident bad boy, Duncan Tarun.
Eh it had been a shocker for a while to the school. Nobody really expected the prim, proper princess of a girl Courtney was, to date a guy like well...Duncan. People got over it after a couple weeks, but it was still suprising none the less.
"Hey princess?"
Courtney on instinct turned around to see her boyfriend there, a small bit of annoyance crept up on the nickname, ugh it was written there right on page three section five on the handbook she had given Duncan. whatever. she was too busy to call him out in front of everyone in the busy hallway, she replied her voice deadpan and serious while looking into his blue orbs
"Cant you see I'm busy, What do you want?" Courtney snarled, hiding none of the annoyance in her her tone, she blew her whistle at another random kid before turning back to Duncan.
Duncan rolled his eyes, he was too used to this Courtney, He used to love the feisty and stubborn girl he fell in love with. But now it had just become to much. She was controlling, Heck she gave him a 32 page handbook essay contract on how to 'fix himself'.
well more like terms and conditions on the 'rules' of their 'relationship'. and there where all sorts of shitty rules like how Courtney was allowed to use pet names while Duncan couldn't, or how he had to pay her a compliment every hour. Duncan thought, maybe she would change...just maybe?
"Aw, princess don't get your panties in a twist, just came to check up on you." Duncan sweet-talked his tone flirty as usual, Courtney glared at him one last time before rolling her eyes. she noticed how everyone had gotten to class by now, and stormed off to English class.
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_______Gwen Ingrid_______
After I was unwillingly put into that shitty Newsletter committee, I headed down the rushing halls. and I regret not taking the other way around to get to class. because as soon as I stepped out of the art room. I was immediately bombarded with screaming and loud whistles to the ear. ugh. I turned around to see of of course that priss Courtney.
I've never liked her ever since middle school. She's always been too polished and annoying for me, anyway.
I went down the hall avoiding getting too close to her unless I wanted to go deaf from that crappy whistle.
Reaching my English class, I took my usual seat at the back of the classroom, nearest to the window. As expected I got paid little to no attention, other than a couple glares and whispers behind my back.
Cant people ever just mind their own business?
I tried my best to ignore it, but even if the people talking behind my back had become a usual thing for me, it still hurts sometimes...but I brushed away those thoughts away as one of my only friends came and took a seat next to me.
"Hey Trent!" I chirped trying not to make the joy in my voice obvious. Trent sorted down some of his textbooks on the desk and placed his crossbody bag on the floor before turning around and speaking up. "Hi..." He paused, before speaking up.
"I was doing choir in the music room, and right before the bell rang, Mrs Hatchet walked in.." ugh of course, that Hatchet woman, I am still pissed about being put into that shitty newsletter thing. Trent continued. "And get this, I overheard her speaking to one of the school councillors and she apparently got you to join the 'Newsletter committee', and I was honestly surprised like there was no way the Gwen I know would join something like that, right?"
I rolled my eyes and groaned, "its true and if I hadn't been basically forced I wouldn't of joined the stupid committee." I ranted as I started to explain the events from that morning as other students got settled into their respective seats.
Mr Willison, our English teacher started the lecture but as soon as he did within two minutes there was a loud door knob turning, and entrance by the one and only prissy brat Courtney...ugh
Trent leaned over and whispered into my ear "Damn, I didn't know she even knew the word late"
I snickered quietly, watching as Courtney profusely apologised to the teacher, I whispered back "That Duncan must've had more of a number on her than we first thought.."
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Chapter 2: The Newsletter Committee PT2
Summary:
yet Again Duncan and Courtney are fighting, Gwen also seems to end up arguing with the priss when she is called in randomly
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
_______Duncan Tarun_______
that's me Duncan, known for my late-less had somehow came to class before his girlfriend, I'll admit I am a troublesome bad boy. shocker that I come from a family of cops,
pffff fuck them.
I leaned back on my seat as I spoke to my friend
"I don't know man, lately Courtney's been...so controlling, she seems to get annoyed if I even look at her the wrong way"
the girl turned as spoke back, while adjusting her long dark locks. will this guy shut up about his girlfriend problems for once?
"Firstly how is any of this my problem? and second try to, I don't know. Actually spend time with her or something?"
I scoffed, but I had to admit I had been ditching her often now, like I was going to say that out loud. I watched Courtney come closer, god...she was beautiful, if only that attitude of hers was the same.
"Heatherrrrr hey, petty and grumpy as per usual? she said, damn it, that silky voice. Heather smirked, as she turned and looked at Courtney pausing her hair brushing momentarily.
"mmm hey princess!" her tone sarcastic as she chuckled. ugh so she stopped brushing for my girlfriend yet she wasn't paying attention when I was speaking, whatever, typical Heather.
"Oh...and Duncey...hey!" Courtney spoke to me directly, and took me off guard, it was so obvious how fake her nice tone was, it was more passive aggressive than anything, what the hell is her problem??
I rolled my eyes in exchange, whatever two can play that game "What is your problem?"
Courtney seemed to have not expected the response since usually I would've replied with something flirty, Heather meanwhile seemed to be actually tuning in to see some drama unfold. even if it was from her friend and his girlfriend. the lecture continued to go on, most of the class seemed to be zoning out, or on the verge of falling asleep.
"What's my problem? well what's your problem? you've been ditching me whenever I make a date for us, or even try to spend time with you." Courtney said bitterly, trying not to raise her voice. She didn't want to catch anyone's attention onto us.
I groaned, not this again. every single time 'Ooo you've been ditching me!!' dammit. okay fine I did ditch her, so what? she's a big girl, she can handle it.
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Gwen Ingrid
The lecture seemed to go on and on and on, I don't freaking care about Shakespeare and his stupid barely readable play scripts. I started to zone out, while Trent beside me, bless his soul. had fallen asleep like majority of the class. Just as my daydreaming hit its peak, I suddenly interrupted by a fit of bickers. I looked around until I saw in the middle row.
Duncan and Courtney where fighting, yet again. When where they not? Honestly even without knowing what they where bickering about I could guess it was likely Duncan's fault.
I used to date him for around six months or so. Worst decision ever. It started off amazing we loved each other, did all the holding hands, making out. you name it. but slowly he started to just not care anymore, started ditching me. He started hanging out with other girls. I ignored it for a while until I just snapped and we broke into a fight. and lets just say it got physical.
He thought it wasn't a big deal, but if I even spoke to a another guy he would get aggravated. During the fight it started off as just yelling, that soon turned into screaming. Did I mention he was sexist as hell?
He thought woman should respect men, that woman like me should shut up and listen to what men like him said. and that I should stick to keeping quiet 'like I should'.
I slapped him.
after that shitty day he ruined my life,
and I will forever despise him for it.
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The class was thirty-five minutes away from ending when the sir got a call from the school phone. it jolted awake some sleeping students, while others where still in a deep slumber.
"Hello?"
"Oh of course, I have them in my class I'll send them up in a minute"
people overhearing the one-sided call wondered what it could be for, did someone get in trouble or?
"Gwen, Courtney please head off to the councillors office"
The teachers voice seemed to snap out Courtney from arguing with Duncan, while Gwen was puzzled why she had been called up, and with Courtney of all people.
some of the more annoying students made a 'oooooing' sound,
childish.
-----------------
Courtney Satella
I was momentarily snapped out with my argument with that son of a bi-
I mean boyfriend..
I started packing my things, I shot a glare back at Gothie, I hate her. she's weird, barely ever speaks, and likes to brood corners with her loner-ness. I remember a bit back she wasn't always like this. She used to be just a bit more social, and I guess we were acquaintances...
until the incident.
god dammit Courtney shut up, that's your boyfriends 'toxic' ex.
I walked out the door, Goth-ball followed keeping her distance by walking on opposite side of the hallway, the hatred for each other was mutual, I gave her the cold glare every now and then, while she pretended to not notice, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. The hallways where mostly empty, the only noise being the occasional teacher speaking from one of the classrooms, or the snow falling outside. There seemed to be more snow falling than usual.
My thoughts meanwhile where trying to figure out why I had been called up along with Gothie, Maybe it was for an award? no I don't think she would be able to achieve one? Maybe some sort of education opportunity? again I don't think she is smart enough for that, I mean look at her, She looks like she came out straight from a hot topic store.
After a few moments we reached the office I of course the more professional and better person in the situation knocked on the door. Gothie like per usual was leaning against the wall doodling on her hands with a pen,
"Might want to stop doodling on those pasty hands of yours, its not very professional." I spoke up hiding none of my disapproval, noticing Gwen doodling on her hands, I didn't really care what she was doing, I just liked to show who was in charge in the situation.
Gwen rolled her eyes at me, as she put away her pen she retorted her tone sarcastic and annoyed. "And who are you to tell me anything? hope I'm not bothering your prissy presence."
My anger flared up I had already had a fight with my boyfriend and I didn't need one with his ex-girlfriend too, I was about to respond but was interrupted as the door opened, and there revealed Miss Jones a councillor in our school known for being strict and no-nonsense, she spoke up struggling to hold a few books and other random objects due to her old age, she spoke
"Hello ladies, You two might be wondering why you have been called up, and I was told both of you agreed to do the school newsletter?" she said
It had been true, I had a couple days ago, but wait GWEN??
I looked beside me giving her a confused look, as she spoke
"Mrs Hatchet put me into in this morning.." Gwen said, her voice timid with a hint of annoyance in her tone. Well I guess surprises do happen. Miss Jones gave a nod, before letting us into the office,
I had actually decorated the room myself with wellbeing posters, positive things and because Christmas was around the corner, Fairy lights. I had done this a few days ago since, this was actually also where I worked when doing my C.I.T duties and I was familiar with the place. but this time laying on the table there was a couple stacks of paper? photography equipment? stationary? and a few other things that I hadn't seen here before.
"Well girls since nobody else volunteered, you two will be working together for the committee.."
"WHAT?" Both pasty and I blurted in unison, at least the feeling was mutual, I gave a glare at Gwen and she did the same, Jones spoke up looking back and forth at the two of us "is that a problem Miss Satella and Ingrid?" she asked sternly.
crap the woman was scary when she wants to be, I ever the more mature one spoke up backpedalling a bit, gritting my teeth as I put on a fake smile. "No, no, not a problem at all!"
Ma says I need to do more extracurricular activities, I already do cheerleading, Councillor in training duties (C.I.T), play the violin and I'm even in the school's debate team, but mother keeps insisting to do better.
I want to do better
I need to be better.
I need this committee.
I need to make ma proud.
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_______Gwen Ingrid_______
I watched as Courtney started backpedalling, I was fighting the urge to burst out laughing. I didn't want be here anyway and especially didn't want to be working with her of all people, but I didn't say anything and simply gave a amused glare which also seemed to aggravate Courtney even more. It was hilarious to watch her keep up her 'nice' demeanour. Miss Jones seemingly satisfied with her response spoke again starting to explain how it would work
"great, you two will come here after school every Monday and Wednesday you can also do it on your free time as well. and work together on the newsletter and must attend any events that the school hosts and write some parts on that along with some photography, it should be submitted by Friday every two weeks"
Courtney yet again gave me another glare, what was her problem anyway? Meanwhile I gave a small nod to Jones, as she started explaining the other more boring side of things, we would officially start our first 'session' tomorrow since it was currently Tuesday, and with that she sent us back to class.
I was not look forward to any of this, but now since I was actually now in the committee there was no backing out.
_______Heather Kasuga_______
ugh,
English is already boring as it is, but now that my entertainment aka Courtney and Duncan arguing had left it was even more boring than usual. I mindlessly brushed through my hair while Duncan every now and then would rant about his girlfriend problems, like I was going to give advice or something.
Sorry I wouldn't know, I break hearts not win them.
I did wonder where Courtney had gone with Gothie, I mean they hate each other so maybe they had some fight or whatever in the hall? I'll ask Courtney about it later during cheer practice..
"ugh this is so boring, want to skip?" Duncan suggested, I immediately agreed I was pro at skipping classes one of my many talents, because of course it was.
we both discreetly stood up when the teacher wasn't looking making our way out the door in a flash, no one really noticed considering half the class was asleep anyway.
"Rooftop?"
he asked, too eager till we got up there that he started lighting up his cigar
"...mhm!"
Notes:
THIS AND THE LAST CHAPTER WAS ORGINALLY ONE CHAPTER ON WATTPAD SO EXCUSE THE WERID WRITING TYYY!
Chapter 3: restaurant running
Summary:
Noah works at a cool family restaurant. He meets a familiar face her preferably wouldn't want to see at his workplace.
Chapter Text
_______Noah Sterecra_______
Gee finally school was over.
I walked down the sidewalk with my backpack slung around one of my shoulders. ughhh five more minutes and then I can collapse into my room, lock the door and read my favourite novel or maybe play video games on my new ps4, I know, you might be wondering; seriously? why such an old model? and I say because sharing an allowance with two other siblings doesn't leave you with much to spend.
I was also trying not to break out into a coughing fit after I had smoke blown into my face from a certain duo on the school rooftop, smoking weed after I accidentally walked up on them.
disgusting.
Anyway few moments passed and my 'house' came into view, I say 'house' in quotations because it isn't really your typical suburban dwelling. Rather its a shophouse, busy restaurant on the first floor, and a liveable space on the second, but considering my siblings that's probably a stretch. its family business or something..
Arriving at the restaurant door, there was a small ring, signalling I arrived. I could smell aroma of delicious food, the place seemed to be packed with various people, ranging from old ass 'hip' ladies in their 70's to students who looked about twelve.
I hate crowds, so much. Why couldn't my parents get a job that didn't involve there being tons of people under my room making noise 24/7.
groaning I rushed to the back where there was a small door leading to a staircase going up which led to the front door to the 'house' upstairs, I quickly opened it, revealing a empty place because duh, like usual mommy and daddy dearest were downstairs serving customers or something, but hey! I wasn't complaining, I get the whole area to myself, at least for now.
I discarded by backpack somewhere on the floor, as I made way to the kitchen. heating leftovers, and sitting at the counter to eat the spaghetti, I had finished all of my assignments and cleared out my schedule just so I could have free time for mysel-
"Ohhh Noahhhh~"
I scowled looked across the room as my older sister - Celeste, called my name in a cheerful sing-song, she leaned on the kitchen counter a smirk plastered across her face.
My fork held mid air. "right...silly me did I really think I was going free and alone for once?" I muttered in frustration. might as well see what the dipshit wants.
"hey twerp, apparently one of the waitresses couldn't make it today. and I said to daddy that I had 'homework', and since my twinnie, Charlie is at his friends house. there was a pause as Celeste giggled That leaves you, so in dads words 'get your lazy ass up and go downstairs!'"
I took multiple deep breaths, apparently it helps in fiction. oh? its real life. I was so close to just hitting my head against the wall, the one moment I finally get some free time, something comes up, and knowing my dad he wont take rejection lightly.
hesitantly and full of annoyance I stuffed my mouth in whatever food I could get into it, before putting on some casual clothes with a black apron over it, goddam it its so ugly. I gave my sister the F-finger, causing her the giggle once more.
"I'm going to tell mom that!" she mockingly called out, watching as I stomped downstairs, my footsteps echoing as I made way to the first floor.
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Eventually I was given the duty of 'serving customers' and wiping off tables. I got yelled at by my stupid mom a dozen times for not 'looking cheerful'. like who would be in my situation?
With a fake smile I approached another customer, I had learnt how to how to hold multiple dishes in only two hands after training from my father.
I gave the the food to the table that consisted with a lady with blonde hair, with...a weird haircut? and her son who seemed to be eight or nine.
as I was about to go back to the kitchen she screamed, the hell? "EXCUSE ME, YOUNG MAN, WHAT IS THIS?"
I groaned looking over to assist the screaming lady. I saw her pluck out a hair.
Mentally face palming, and a few fake apologies compelled with a yelling later I took the dishes back, heading to the kitchen when..
CRASH
Plates flung everywhere crashing onto the floor, I landed straight on my ass, catching the eyes of most of the diner customers. I was absolutely pissed and mortified looking up about to start blowing up at whoever bumped into me.
"What the fuck? watch where your goi- CODY?"
Looking up I saw a toothy mouthed and geeky boy, also known as Cody, who was...my...dear friend. I internally panicked at the thought of one of my closest Friends knowing were I worked and lived, something I had tried to keep hidden.
"Wait Noah? oh god, I'm so sorry I didn't mean t-" The shorter boy started frantically apologising his pure eyes full of sincerity.
"Save it, just go away." I averted eyes view, I would've usually blown up? but the look in his eyes just...just made me brush it off, he lent out his hand to me in a apologetic manner.
taking his hand and standing up, his hand was so warm, so...comfortable, like one of those gloves you wear in the cold winter but made out of flesh.
"Again I'm so sorry, I didn't know you worked here though..."
For some reason my grasp on his hand stayed longer than I would've preferred to, Looking at his eyes I mumbled a 'its okay..' before dashing to the back of the store and finding myself a broom and dustpan before my mom or dad, found out about the mess...
By the time I came back the geeky guy had most likely left, I rolled my eyes starting to remove any of the evidence of the scene when-
"NOAH STERECRA."
Yelled a stern voice which could've only been from one person...
oh fuck...