Scars Deepened and Masks Shattered
When Alana got to school the next day, Deborah greeted her with a smile. “I don't understand why you're not going after my sister. She's the warrior. I'm just the diplomat.” She rolled her eyes. Alana looked around and noticed Iris in the distance. Deborah put her arm around her and got close to her ear. "Diplomats are worse." She whispered as Iris walked up to them. “Its good to see you guys getting along!” She beamed. “Yep! Alana and I are like two pieces in a pod!” Deborah cheered. Alana quickly rolled her eyes and smiled. “I wouldn't call us best friends, but we've got a great start!” She cheered.
Throughout the day Alana had begun asking questions about Deborah in an attempt to understand her new enemy. Because of those questions, her fellow students had begun to get angry with her and give her dirty looks. "Deborah isn't like that!" Melody had said. “Alana! How could you accuse her of that?!” Iris blurted out. “Alana, you're just making things up. She's nice!” Alexy sighed. "Come on Alana, this has got to be a joke." Kim rolled her eyes. Even Violette didn't believe her. Lysander told her that Castiel hadn't come to school because he needed extra rest and that he was unsure about leaving the school to be Deborah's guitarist. Nathaniel wanted nothing to do with the situation. He told Alana to ignore it and that if Castiel gets hurt, it will be his “just deserts”. Of course, rumors began to swirl around about what Alana was saying about Deborah and Deborah just had to give her two cents. “I can't believe you're spreading such awful rumors about me!” She cried. "I'm simply asking questions." Alana rolled her eyes.
"I can't believe you went to Amber for help in your little crusade!" Nathaniel was steaming with anger. “There is something going wrong in the school! I was simply looking for allies!” Alana snapped back. “Alana, this is reality! Not your comic book or anime world! Sometimes bad people don't get justice!” He boomed. “Why not? Everyone deserves justice! Or am I not allowed even a molecule of that? I may not be a warrior like my sister, but I'll be damned if I go down without a fight! Now, everyone deserves the truth and I intend on giving it to them!” Alana spat as she stormed off. Amber knew that Deborah's sweetness and light was a charade but she had her own plans and she didn't want Alana in on them. “What is she planning? Something that'll probably get pinned on me, I bet.” Alana thought.
Kim, while giving her a dirty look, and with a snarky tone, told her to read the school newspaper. Alana grabbed a copy and quickly skimmed it over. “This isn't right!” She sighed as she ran to find Peggy. “What the heck is this?! Iris isn't even mentioned!" She boomed as she threw open the door to the Journalism Club. Peggy was a petite girl with cream colored skin, freckles along her cheeks, deep blue eyes and short wavy purple-black hair that stuck up in some places. She wore a green hooded sweater dress with a gold zip and drawstrings, and a tag on the left side of her chest. Alana could count on one hand how many times she had seen Peggy without her recording equipment underneath her arm, strapped around her waist, and a microphone in her hand. Peggy was the biggest source of gossip in the school, as well as the Journalism Club's President and Head Reporter. “Come on Alana. You know no one cares about Iris. Everyone only cared about the boys.” Peggy sneered. "Now, you know for a fact that isn't true." Alana barked. "Just like how I know that the "sweet daughter" of a famous sci-fi novelist isn't so sweet and has begun slandering a famous musician?" Peggy poked. Annoyance flashed across Alana's face. “Peggy, we both know I'm a diplomat. Sam is the one who goes on crusades. Not me. I'm the heir to my family. I must do what it takes to preserve our reputation, not tarnish it.” She explained. "So, you're saying that the rumors aren't true?" Peggy asked. “I'm saying that they spawned from me asking questions. Now, back to the reason I'm in here. Iris was as important to the concert as the boys and I'm sure the fact that you left her out has hurt her, so fix it.” Alana replied. “Fine. Oh, you know the best ways to out someone is by leading them on discreetly.” Peggy huffed. "Pray tell, how do you suggest I do that?" Alana asked. "Get a wire and record them in the act." Peggy explained. Alana rolled her eyes. “It wouldn't work. She's a popular musician. Anyone in higher social standing knows that's the first thing people go to. Heck, people have tried that with my mother, her boyfriend, my sister and me in an attempt to defame us.” Alana remarked.
"Giving up yet?" Deborah sneered as she cornered Alana in the hallway near the basement. Alana rolled her eyes. “I'm trying to see what fits you best.... God Complex? Bipolar? Leech? Or more two faced than Harvey Dent?” She pondered out loud. “Well, I know what fits you. You put on a façade of “sweetness and light” all while hiding the fact that you're actually a stupid, disgusting, wretch who only gets by on her family's reputation. You know? At least your sister is up front with how pathetic she is.” Deborah laughed. Alana cocked her head. “At least my family HAS a reputation I can get by on! You stabbed Castiel in the back and turned him against Nathaniel to get your career! You're not even that talented! I've heard you sing! You're not Taylor Momsen or Amy Lee! Oh, and as for my sister? Really? She may have a bad rep for constantly fighting, and she sometimes does stuff that crosses lines, but at least she has an actual code of ethics! You're morally bankrupt!” Alana blurted out, fed up. Deborah looked hurt for a minute, before running up the stairs and purposely falling down them. “ALANA! HOW COULD YOU!” She screamed. “Do you really think that will work?! I didn't go upstairs!” Alana called. "But you did shove her!" Peggy sneered. Alana looked in Peggy's direction. “I'd like to see your proof. Come on! Let's go to the Principal and have her pull the security footage!” She demanded. “Alana, we all know you don't like her. It's obvious you did this!” Peggy egged on before she ran off.
Rumors spread as Alana and the principal looked over the security footage from the stairway. "Turn the volume up." Alana requested. "Of course." Principal Shermansky replied. “There. Start here.” Alana pointed out at the video. As the footage played out, the Principal was awestruck. "I told you I didn't do it." Alana defended. Principal Shermansky looked concerned. “This proves your innocence on this incident with me. However, the students are going to be harder to convince. Deborah was once a staple around here.” She explained. "So, that means she can essentially commit murder, and blame me in such a way that you know I'm not the one who did it, but the students won't care?" Alana looked baffled. “You know how ruthless teenagers are. Not everyone is diplomatic." Principal Shermansky sighed. Alana knew she was right. The growing hatred surrounding her was almost unstoppable. Most of the people she had spent the past few weeks getting to know and becoming friends with had turned on her.
Throughout the day, students gave her even nastier looks and had even begun to call her names. "You're all a bunch of bitches!" Sam called at Peggy, Iris, Melody, Violette and Kim as she, Ken and Armin walked with Alana. “I know I'm innocent, but this still hurts.” Alana muttered. She had talked to Castiel who, while mad at her, was still unsure about what to do. After voicing his concern for his situation, he proceeded to lash out at her, making her feel horrible. Nathaniel didn't know what to think about the situation and just wanted it to be over. Alexy made it clear that he had taken Deborah's side. Rosalaya had asked Alana for her side of the story and sided with her. Lysander was concerned, but didn't know what to do. "Why don't you just let Castiel get hurt?" Ken asked. “Because it's not right. Everyone deserves truth and justice! ” Alana replied with vigor. "Yeah, and the quiet, lying, prat is definitely the right person to serve it!" Melody blurted out as she walked past them. The group stopped. "You got something to say, sweetheart?!" Sam called as she got into punching position. Anger boiled through Alana. “You know what?! When Deborah's guilt is properly proven, so will my innocence! Quit taking lessons on how to be two faced from her and go read a Batman comic!” Alana spat. She could taste the venom that flooded her system. “You're not supposed to do that! You know what will happen if Carol finds out you're flashing out.” The voice in her head called. "Shut up." Alana told the voice. Melody looked shocked, huffed and ran off. “Go Mels! That was great!” Sam beamed. "I didn't think you could do that!" Ken cheered. "Nice one!" Armin smiled.
Giggling could be heard as Alana passed the girls' restroom. She looked in the direction of the giggling and noticed Amber and her friends leaving the room with a bucket of water. “What horrible thing do you three have planned this time?” She asked. Amber looked at her with a devilish grin and walked off without saying a word. She followed them upstairs and watched them position the bucket in an open window. Fear flooded Alana's veins. “Amber, stop this! It'll only make things worse!” She called from behind them. Amber looked pleased to hear Alana's fear. “Please Charlotte, don't let this happen!” Alana pleaded. Li's and Charlotte's grins only grew wider. “Amber, I'm sure you have more reasons to hate Deborah than me. I'm sure your reasoning is a lot more valid than mine. But, this is not the answer! Please! Don't do this!" Alana begged. Too late. While Alana was begging, Amber laughed and dumped the water. A scream resounded throughout the school grounds. Amber and her friends bolted out of the room, laughing. Alana, in a state of shock and fear, tried to think of what to do, but her body was already reacting. Without thinking, she had walked to the window and looked down at the soaking wet girl. There were students surrounding Deborah in concern. "Alana!" Deborah yelled as she looked up at the window and pointed at her. The other students looked at Alana, the wave of anger consuming them. “MELODY ROSTER! COME TO THE PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE!” The Principal called, angrily, over the intercom. “Mels! What happened!" Sam asked as she ran into the room. “I didn't.... I-It w-was.... A-Amber... Sami... I didn't...” Alana stuttered as she tried to hold back tears. “NOW MISS ROSTER! ” The Principal called over the intercom. “Come on. Let's get you to the Principal's office before this gets even worse.” Sam tried her best to be calm as she walked over to her sister, put her arms around her and started walking with her.
“Miss Roster! I am appalled!” Principal Shermansky started. “I didn't do it! There has to be security footage!” Alana defended. “I'm already tired of looking at security footage to defend you! You are worse than your sister! Samantha is up front with her toxicity!" The Principal boomed. Alana looked at the woman, insulted. "I have half of mine to expel you both so that I won't have to worry about what the two of you will cause next!" The Principal continued. "Judgment without a proper trial? That's REAL professional of you! And aren't you being a bit prejudiced?!” Alana snapped back. Principal Shermansky looked even angrier. “The only reason you are simply getting a detention is because of the pressure I'm getting from the board to keep you and your sister enrolled here! They said it's good publicity to have the heirs to the Roster clan at my school.” She continued. “And what will the board think when they find out that you're giving out punishment without proper trial?! This isn't America! That stuff doesn't fly here!” Alana blurted out. “ENOUGH! Now, I'm aware that your mother is currently on her book tour in the surrounding cities, so I called her manager, Carol, instead. She will be picking you and your sister up. And, you WILL be doing your detention tomorrow Melody!” Principal Shermansky barked. “Carol! You should have called Agatha instead! Do you have any idea what you've just condemned me to?!” Alana snapped. “It can't be any worse than what your peers are about to do to you. Now, get out of my office.” The Principal growled.
She left the Principal's Office and walked towards the stairs. “Great, now you get to be subjected to another one of Carol's patented lectures. Good job, idiot.” the voice in her head spoke and she realized the stairs were occupied. "Castiel..." Alana began. Castiel looked at her, angrily. "Go away." He growled. "I didn't do it." Alana stated. "I said go away." He growled again. “Castiel, listen to me! I didn't do it!” Alana continued. Castiel got closer to her, anger flooding every inch of him. “I said go away! Shut up and go away! Go away, stop talking to me, just forget I exist, and don't get close to anyone I like!” He yelled. Tears began to blur Alana's vision. "It's like that then." She began, her voice wavering. “Well fuck you Castiel! You're a self-centered jackass!” She cried as she began walking away. She could hear Castiel curse and punch the wall, but she knew better than to turn back around. She looked around and saw nasty faces everywhere, causing the tears in her eyes to become more prominent. “Sam needs to be warned about Carol.” She thought. "Alana." a voice said in front of her. She looked up and saw Nathaniel. Without thinking, she fell into his arms, wrapped her arms around him and began crying. He held her close, wrapped his arms around her and tried to comfort her. “Nath, everyone hates me. Everything has gone wrong!” Her voice wavered. "Alana!" A voice called from the distance. Nathaniel wiped her tears away as she looked up. Rosalaya was walking towards them. “Sam told me the truth. And, I have good news. I've come up with a way to expose Deborah to the entire school.” She explained. Sam walked up behind Rosalaya. "How do you expect we discuss this?" Alana asked Sam. “We go to the apartment! No one is there.” Sam beamed. Alana shook her head. “The Principal called Carol. She's coming to pick us up.” She whined. “Shit. Well, Achille and Edgard are in Australia, so I'll call Verity and tell her what's going on. She'll come to our aid.” Sam groaned as she walked off. "Who is Carol?" Rosalaya asked. “Mom's manager. She's the person primarily responsible for perpetuating the whole idea of Sam being mom's rebellious daughter and me being the “sweet, obedient” one. Mom's fans have eaten it up. The whole Roster Family story of “rags to riches” over the generations has aided in mom's notoriety.” Alana explained. “Carol is a bitch. She's been obsessed with turning the family into proper aristocrats for years. The only reason why I'm allowed to “rebel” is because mom adopted me when Mels and I were babies.” Sam blurted out as she walked back up to them and looked at Rosalaya. “Oh, and Verity is currently on her way to the apartment. She's mad. So, Carol won't be there long.” She explained to Alana. "So, we'll be okay?" Alana asked. "Yes." Sam replied.
★
It didn't take long for Alana and Sam to gather a group of students to come over. “Alana...” Castiel began as he reached out to her. She huffed and walked off. Deborah passed her and snickered. Alana rolled her eyes. “We'll see who is laughing by the end of this!” She thought. Lysander had told her that he had something to do and he'd be late to her apartment. “Hey, Mels, Carol is here to pick us up. Verity is at the apartment waiting for us. Guys, I will text you all when it is safe to head over. Trust me, you don't wanna be there when Verity sees Carol.” Sam called as the group gathered. Alana suddenly looked lifeless. Sam put her arm around her sister's shoulder. "It won't last long this time." She sighed. "It shouldn't last any span of time." Alana sighed. "Anyway, come on." Sam urged. “See you guys later! I'm sure it won't be too long!” She beamed as she turned and waved at the group.
Carol Dubois could easily be described by one word. That word being “Karen”. She almost always looked like she was about to step into an aristocratic gala. Donning a swanky knee length black skirt, frilly red blouse, black pumps, a pearl necklace, pearl earrings, and a pearl bracelet on her left wrist. Her platinum blonde hair was cut into an inverted bob style. She wore black butterfly shaped sunglasses over her hazel eyes and carried a black designer bag with a crown on it. “Good god! How is their mom connected to that woman? She looks like she could be Amber's future self!” Armin called from behind Sam and Alana as the girls walked up to Carol. “Girls. Your principal has already filled me in on what's happened.” She evilly grinned as Alana's eyes dropped to the floor and Sam looked angry. “It's all bullshit and my sister is innocent! ” Sam snapped. “Now, Samantha, that tone and language are not proper! You will refrain from using it.” Carol's voice always had a sense of condescension in it when she spoke to the girls. Alana had heard whispers from people around her mother that Carol was livid when she and Sam came along. Carol has been trying to break into the aristocracy for years. When she realized that none of the born blue bloods would take her, she latched onto her mother. “Better a dyed blue blood than not a blue blood at all." Her aunt Cosima had told her when she was young. The girls death marched towards Carol's car. "Here we go." Sam rolled her eyes as Carol began talking to Alana. “Melody! You know you're supposed to be the “good girl”. You can't be running around, getting into trouble, like your sister!” Carol barked. Alana spent the entire drive trying to daydream, but each time she'd drift off Carol pulled her back to reality. “God damn it! Let me drift off!” She thought.
When they got to the apartment, they were greeted by Verity Mekina. Verity was a spitting image of her daughter, Severina. Long black hair that was tied into a low bun with hair sticks in it, dark eyes, and warm beige skin tone. She wore a blue, floral, Chinese, Cheongsam, split dress, a diamond bracelet on her left wrist, and blue closed toed pumps. Carol instantly looked more annoyed at the sight of her. “One of you warned her.” She growled at the girls. Verity came to the car. “Don't make me get Lynne, Carol. You don't want this fight.” She smoothly warned. “The Principal called ME.” Carol growled. “You are classified as a “last resort” on their paperwork. That means the Principal must not have not cared to go down the list and call Agatha, Seraphina, or me before calling you. This means that I'll have to have a talk with the school board in the next couple of days. Now, let the girls out before I not only call Lynne, but the police.” Verity commanded. Carol looked at her angrily. "Or I could always call the tabloids." Verity suggested. "You wouldn't." Carol spat. “The manager for a popular sci-fi novelist has been verbally, mentally and emotionally abusing the novelist's daughters for years, right under the novelist's nose. Now, that wouldn't look good for Lynne's reputation or yours. Would it?” Verity explained, condescendingly. "Girls, get out." Carol barked. The girls grabbed all of their stuff, got out of the car and walked over to Verity. “Now, that wasn't hard. Was it?” Verity smiled as if she was speaking to a small child. "This isn't over." Carol growled as she drove off. “Okay, girls. I'll call your mom. Neither of you are in trouble. Go ahead and have your friends come over.” Verity smiled. "Thanks V!" Sam smiled. Tears came to Alana's eyes. "Thanks aunt V!" She cheered as she hugged Verity.
“Girls! The snacks are here!” Verity called as she got her phone out. She didn't want the girls walking the streets without their friends, just in case Carol was lurking and waiting for an opportunity. While Alana didn't think Carol would actually “kidnap” them, she knew Carol would take any opportunity to verbally harm them. Alana thanked Verity's driver after he set the bags of snacks on the table and tipped him. "Ma'am, you know you don't have to tip me." The man sighed. “But I want to. I was raised to show my gratitude.” She smiled. He looked at Verity, curiously, who nodded in approval. "Thank you ma'am." He grinned as he pocketed the money and went back to the car. Verity had told the girls that she was going to call Lynne and the school and that while she'd love to meet their friends, this was important for their safety. The girls were disheartened at the thought of their godmother not being able to meet their friends, but Alana was pleased that Verity was stepping up, even if it was just while her husband was away. It didn't take long for Sam to text everyone and for them to all show up to the apartment. "Welcome guys!" Alana beamed as they walked in. “Wow! This place is cool!” Rosalaya beamed. "Hey, Sylvester!" Nathaniel cheered as he petted the tuxedo cat that walked up to him. “Will we be seeing Verity?” Kentin asked. "Yes, but she's quite mad at Principal Shermansky and Carol, so she's going to be focused on handling that." Alana explained. "So, you all won't be properly meeting our godmother." Sam added. "Why is she mad at the Principal?" Lysander asked as they all walked to Alana's room. “She was far less than professional with me. She doesn't appreciate that.” Alana replied. “Woah! This place is cute!” Rosalaya cheered as Alana opened the door and they all walked in. Alana's bedroom was a massive tribute to all of the fandoms she loved. There were several shelves with Sailor Moon collectibles, several shelves with books, movies and videogames. There were framed posters on the walls of Sailor Moon, The Beatles, Wonder Woman, and Harry Potter. Her bed was galaxy themed with a Sailor Moon throw blanket on top and another one folded at the foot. Even her curtains were celestial themed. Rosalaya and Alexy immediately darted to the closet. "Sam wasn't kidding when she said you've got several styles in here!" Rosalaya cheered as she came out with several punk t-shirts and Alexy came out with a couple of school uniform type articles. "What? I like those bands and school uniforms are very crisp and cool to wear.” Alana sighed. Alexy dipped back into the closet and came out. Alana's face went ghost white. "How do you explain these?" He asked as he held up a pair of green and black plaid, black laced trimmed, panties with the Slytherin crest on the crotch. Nathaniel's, Armin's and Lysander's faces all turned beet red. "Those look like they were bought to impress someone!" Rosalaya blurted out. "They were bought because they're cute!" Alana snapped as she snatched the panties from Alexy and put them up.
After a bit more playing around, Alana called them all to sit down and get to business. "Alright, here's what's gotten us to this point." She began as she explained everything that had happened in the past couple of days. "Castiel is such an ass!" Armin boomed when she got to the point where he had made her cry. Nathaniel nodded agreeably. "Okay, I still wanna do a full blown Kamehameha on her.... But, I can definitely settle for a swift karate chop!" Armin blurted out when she finished her story. “Yeah! Let's kick her ass!" Kentin cheered. "I'm in!" Sam devilishly laughed as she cracked her knuckles. “Now, wait a minute! What I've got planned gets on her level and doesn't have violence!” Rosalaya announced as she stood up. The group quickly fell silent as Rosalaya explained her plan. The plan was to tempt Deborah with a manager who can promise her a chance to stardom, so she'll leave her current manager. However, Leigh will be the bait. “Tomorrow, we'll split into two groups. Kentin and Nathaniel, you will go Leigh's shop to help him with his outfit. Armin, Lysander, you two will be doing research on managers in the music industry.” She ordered. “Sam, Alana, you can choose whichever team you'd like to be with. But, I request that you two stay together." She continued. "I'll go with Nath and Kentin." Alana piped up. "I was gonna say the same thing." Sam stated.
That night, Alana was plagued by nightmares of the day’s events. When Carol wasn’t lashing out at her, the girls were calling her names while Amber and Deborah laughed. She tossed and turned, begging them to stop and leave her alone. She tried looking for Nathaniel, Armin, and Sam but they were nowhere to be found. “Someone! Please! Help me!”, “I didn’t do it!”, “Please believe me!” she muttered as her body whipped around in bed. Then her mind turned to Castiel. “GO AWAY!”, “SHUT UP AND GO AWAY!”, “FORGET THAT I EXIST!”, “DON’T GET CLOSE TO ANYONE I LIKE!” He yelled. “Castiel, please!” She begged. Deborah walked up behind him, wrapped one hand over his eyes, ran her other hand along his stomach and got her mouth close to his ear. “Don’t believe her. She’s lying. She just wants to keep us apart. I came here for you and only you my little kitten. She just wants to hold you back from the success you are due.” She mused. Deborah’s fingers started to become thinner and more spindly as she continued to caress Castiel’s eyes and chest. “Don’t believe her! She’s using you!” Alana pleaded. Deborah’s mouth became thinner and more inhuman, as the whites of her eyes turned black. “I think it’s time we get rid of this little pest, once and for all.” She growled. Suddenly, Alana found herself in a spider’s web, unable to move. “Come on my little pet. Let’s kill her.” Deborah’s features had become more monster than human, much like the Beldam in the movie adaptation to Coraline. She removed her hand from Castiel’s eyes, only for them to be covered in a thick black web. Deborah’s other hand moved from his chest and placed something in his hand. “A knife?!” Alana gasped. “Come on Cassy. Its the only way we can be together.” Deborah cooed as she stepped back and let out a heinous cackle. As the boy began moving closer to her, he raised the knife to a lethal position. “CASTIEL NO!” Alana screamed. “MELODY WAKE UP!” Someone called as they grabbed her shoulders. “DON’T!” Alana cried as she jolted up in her bed. She looked around for a second, her heart pounding, as she breathed quickly. Standing by her bed was a friendly face. “Aunt V!” She cried. “Melody, come on. I’ll make some tea.” Verity urged. “I’ll be fine.” Alana sighed. “No you won’t. You’ve been jerking around for a while. I turned on soothing songs with the hopes that it would calm you, and it didn’t. I even tried singing to you at one point and it only calmed you for a minute.” Verity explained. “It was just a nightmare. Please don’t worry about me.” Alana insisted. “No. What happened at school has had one hell of an effect on you. I have half a mind to keep you home tomorrow.” Verity replied. “No, I’ll be okay, I have my friends. Not to mention, Sam will be there.” Alana yawned. Verity thought for a couple of minutes. “Fine, but for the rest of the night, you’re sleeping in the living room with me.” She ordered.
School the next day was mostly quiet. Verity came to the school with a member of the board and had a heated conversation with Principal Shermansky. The board member was a young, smart dressed, woman with her brown hair in a bun. “You put your students in potential danger by not going down the list! Your negligence resulted in them feeling so unsafe that I had to be called! Madam, there's a list of people for you to call for the Roster girls and Carol is supposed to be a last resort. You did not call their mother. You did not call Seraphina Roster, Agatha Roster, or me. You went straight to her! And don't get me started on your SEVERE lack of professionalism! The incident from yesterday had to have been caught on camera, yet you REFUSED to prove my goddaughter's innocence! This is NOT how you run a school! This isn't even how a prison should be run!” Verity yelled. “Ma'am. I-” Principal Shermansky started. "Mrs. Shermansky, We have gone through the security footage from your office and the room that the water was dropped from. If you had simply looked at the footage, you would have seen that it was Amber Jacott who dropped the water and Melody Roster was begging for her to not do it. You judged her guilty without proving her innocence and acted very out of line. Mrs. Mekina explained to me the situation with Ms. Dubois' involvement in the Roster Family. While we cannot go after Ms. Dubois, the board can mitigate her position in Samantha's and Melody's lives while they are in our care. Melody Roster's detention has been revoked and her record had been cleaned. Now, while Mrs. Mekina has requested your termination, the board agrees that, as this is your first offense, it would be better judgment to simply put you on probation.” The board member announced. Principal Shermansky looked shocked. "Probation?" She asked. “Yes. Until the Roster girls graduate, we will be watching you closely. You have shown us that we can't trust you with high profile students.” The board member replied.
After school let out, Iris walked up to Alana and commented on how low profile she and Sam had acted all day. Alana rolled her eyes. "Unless you have an apology for me, then I don't want to hear it." She sighed. Iris looked hurt and walked off. "Damn sis, I didn't think you could be that harsh." Sam sneered as she walked up to her. “I've been getting nasty looks and assorted bullshit all day. I'm tired. The only comforts I have are that I have some friends around here and that Verity has a spine when Achille is away.” Alana remarked. "Yeah, mom is pissed at Shermansky and Carol." Sam sighed. "Your godmother was on quite the crusade today." Nathaniel commented as he and Ken walked up to the girls. "I don't think I've ever seen V that mad." Ken looked shocked. “Yeah, she's great when her husband isn't around. Achille forces her to act all “sweet, quiet and obedient”. Mom and Cosima are the ones who brought out the rebellion. When Cosima died, Edgard Chevalier became more susceptible to Achille's influence and Achille gained almost total control of V.” Sam explained as they began walking towards Leigh's shop. Ken and Sam started holding hands. Nathaniel looked at Alana's hand awkwardly. Alana looked at him and blushed. "Hold it you idiot!" The voice in her head yelled. “But…” She thought back. “I know I had been to your apartment before, but I still can't get over the different types of books in your collection.” He nervously commented. “It's nice to have a variety. That way, I can choose my own adventure.” She smiled. When they got to the shop, Kentin picked out a gray suit with a red shirt and black tie. Nathaniel picked out a black suit with a black shirt and yellow tie. Sam and Alana agreed on a pair of sunglasses. "This one is more classy and will work better!" Nathaniel argued as he and Kentin had begun having a spat about which suit to choose. "Grey is a classic color!" Kentin shot back. Sam and Alana looked at each other then back at the boys. "How about you try them on and show us which one is better?" Sam suggested, a keen look in her eyes. "That would be a good way for us to gauge which one is best." Alana grinned. "Fine." Ken huffed. "Okay." Nathaniel sighed as they went into the changing rooms. Sam and Alana looked at each other. "Black suit, white shirt, black tie and good shoes?" Alana suggested as the boys changed. “Yup. It's a classic look.” Sam agreed. When the boys came out, both girls blushed. Sam walked up to Ken and straightened his tie. "You clean up really well." She purred. He looked at her and blushed. "Was this an excuse to see me in a suit?" He asked. Sam looked at her sister and Nathaniel. "It cheered her up as well." She grinned. "You look great." Alana blushed as she looked at Nathaniel. "Do you think so?" He blushed. "Yeah." She smiled. The girls stepped back and looked at the boys. “Black is the best color because it is a classic. It's also the color most worn by professionals." Alana explained. “A white shirt and black tie will make Leigh look more formal.” Sam added. "It will also work well with black socks, black formal shoes and the sunglasses that we have picked out." Alana continued. “Nathaniel should also be the one to deliver the suit. It will be less conspicuous.” Sam insisted.
The next day, Alana wore black jeans, a deep blue hoodie and black Converse. Agatha had presented her with a baseball bat and she was tempted to bring it. "It'll just cause more trouble." The voice in her head spoke. Peggy ran up to her, handed her the latest copy of the school newspaper, snickered and ran off. Alana quickly glanced at it and looked at Peggy. “Yeah, you must REALLY wanna be a journalist! You've turned the school newspaper into a tabloid!” She called after her. She could hear Peggy angrily huff and her feet stomp a little in the distance. It wasn't long before Castiel found her. He was angry at her for avoiding him. “Gee! I wonder why!” She sarcastically snapped as she walked off. Amber couldn't help but laugh whenever she saw her. “Watch it sweetheart, cackling like an old witch will give you crows feet.” Alana sneered. Amber huffed and walked off. Violette had run into her at one point. "Why didn't you defend yourself?" She had asked. “I did, to a certain extent. Why do you think Shermansky is in a heap of trouble?” Alana replied. "But, what about with the students?" Violette had asked. “None of you believe me. Which, proves to me that none of you have any real sense of justice.” Alana sighed as she walked off. Rosalaya had told her to lay low, to which Alana had responded that she was doing exactly that. Later, Castiel found her again and apologized to her for his harshness. He also explained his feelings towards joining Deborah's band. "It's the chance of a lifetime." He had said. He continued to tell her that he thinks she's trying to get rid of Deborah by lying. “Apology not accepted Castiel. And if you think I'm a liar, then you can go fuck yourself!” She yelled.
Suddenly, Alana was looking for a place to be alone, a hand grabbed her and pulled her into a classroom. Before she could scream and call for help, she realized that the hand was attached to Alexy. She looked at him, skeptical, as he explained that he actually believed her, but wanted Deborah to think that he was on her side. “I'm a spy!” He cheered as he continued to explain that he lied to Armin but told him the truth when he had gotten home. When the meeting was over Armin found her and told her to go to the park to meet up with Rosalaya. The rest of the day at school was a nuisance for Alana. The other girls continued their constant series of dirty looks, Amber and her friends continued to laugh and snicker in her direction, and Deborah's walk continued triumphant. The only things that changed were that Principal Shermansky told her that her detention had been terminated and that her mother had called her and told that she's not being punished. At the park, Rosalaya completely laid out the finer details of her plan, making Alana feel a whole lot better.
"Rosa! Stop!" Alana urged as she and Armin held Rosalaya back from lunging at Deborah. She, Rosalaya and Armin were hiding behind the lockers, watching Leigh and Deborah talk. The school day had begun as expected and the plan was in full swing. Alana expected Deborah to flirt with Leigh to gain favor with him. At that point, he had done very well in playing his part as a new manager trying to recruit her. Deborah had taken slight offense to his comment about having a better chance to become more well known under him rather than under her current manager, but Leigh made a quick comeback that she liked. "Rosa, let's go to the courtyard." Armin urged as he began to lead Rosalaya away. Alana stated that she was going to stay in her spot. "Keep us informed." Armin sighed. She heard Deborah tell Leigh that she needed to call her manager and that it would take around five minutes. Alana tried to follow Deborah, but ended up running into Nathaniel along the way. She updated him on how things were going and he told her to lead Deborah to the Teachers' Lounge once she realized that she'd been tricked. She asked him why he told her that and he said that he had something planned. The sneakiness in his voice and look in his eye made something in her stir. However, she knew she couldn't dwell on that feeling for long, as she nodded to him and ran off to find Deborah. When she found her, she was on the phone with her manager in a classroom. She heard her tell her manager that she wants him to treat her career better. “Well then I'll find someone who does! We're done!” Deborah shouted.
What Deborah found waiting for her when she left the classroom was something she and Alana didn't want to happen. "YOU!" someone yelled. Alana turned her head in shock. Standing before them was a very livid Rosalaya and Armin trying to hold her back. "Rosa! Don't!” Alana called. Her words fell on deaf ears as she began to register that Rosalaya was past the point of no return. Armin's efforts to calm her down had failed, miserably. Deborah looked in shock as Rosalaya continued to scream at her about what will happen if she ever touches her boyfriend again. As Deborah called Rosalaya crazy and explained that she didn't even know she had a boyfriend, Leigh walked up and tried his best to calm his girlfriend. To clear things up, Leigh looked at Deborah and explained that the people he loved had told him that she deserved a little lesson. Deborah turned to Alana, her face growing more and more red. "The lesson?" She snarled as she began to charge at her. Remembering what Nathaniel had said, Alana ran into the direction of the Teachers' Lounge. As she ran, she passed Sam and Ken. "The bitch must have realized what was going on." Sam commented.
When she got to the Teachers' Lounge, it was empty. Deborah came in and closed the door behind her. “At last, we are alone... Just the two of us...” She began. Alana looked at her, her eyes almost hollow. “Did you have fun? Making me lose my contract.. Do you realize what you've done?” Deborah's voice sounded like she was speaking to a disobedient child. "I wasn't alone." Alana commented. “Do you think you've won something? Even if my manager has left me, another one will come along soon enough.” Deborah snapped back. "If the first one didn't want you anymore because of your plummeting sales, what makes you think another one will?" Alana asked, condescendingly. “But now, I have Castiel... The situation has changed.” Deborah sneered. “You don't have anyone yet. He hasn't made his full decision.” Alana raised an eyebrow as she spoke. “It's only a matter of time. That idiot believes anything you tell him as long as you look him in the eye. He is the worst one out of all the idiots at this school. He will come with me, he will help boost my career with his talent and style. And when that is done, I'll just have to play the same scenario as last time!” Deborah grinned. "You'll drop him again?" Alana asked. “Of course, two is a crowd under the spotlight. So, my dear, don't cry victory yet. I've got the whole school in my pocket, and its not you and your idiot friends that are going to bring me down. I haven't lost anything and will never lose.” Deborah's voice almost sounded cheerful. Alana cocked her head. "You didn't need to trap me to tell me all that... Why did you follow me here?" She asked. “Because you are a little too stubborn for my taste. Since the day I met you, you haven't stopped trying to trick me. And this time, you almost did. If I didn't have a backup plan you would have succeeded. So... I want to be sure that you won't go against me ever again.” Deborah's grin turned devilish and her voice started to become sadistic. “Oh? How's that?” Alana asked, curiously. "I've never had to turn to force... But too bad... You have left me without a choice." The sadism in Deborah's voice became more prominent. “Force? You do realize what will happen if you hit me, right? Not only will Sam come after you for the beatdown of your life, but my family will make it to where you never have a chance at stardom again.” Alana did her best to react formally, despite a flash of fear washing over her. “Not if I hurt myself too. I'll just say that I defended myself. After all, everyone believes that you already tried to attack me...” Deborah started to get closer to her. “Don't you dare!” Alana did her best to snarl, but it came out being closer to a whimper. "What is this?" Deborah asked, annoyed as she looked at an item. Sitting on the desk, behind the chairs, was a little red light... Right next to the microphone that the Principal used to make the school announcements. "Nathaniel you genius!" Alana thought as she realized why he told her to lead Deborah to the Teachers' Lounge. Deborah began to stutter in denial as her body language showed how much she had begun to break. Alana looked pleased as she sauntered out of the room and down the hall.
“You little PEST! You knew!” Deborah's voice rang through the halls as she grabbed Alana's arm with great force. "Let go of me!" Alana called. “HOW DARE YOU?!” Deborah yelled as she raised her fist to throw a punch. Rage had overcome the girl, but before the punch could be thrown, someone grabbed Deborah's arm. "An idiot... Is that it?" Castiel asked, angrily. Deborah did her best to “explain” everything that had been said, but Castiel wasn't having any of it. Deborah continued her attempts to defend herself and to try to demonize Alana. “That's enough, Deborah. We heard everything.” Rosalaya called as she walked up to them. "Y-You really think we are a school of...Idiots?" Violette asked as she joined the group. Tears came to Deborah's eyes as she told Violette that she loved her, while continuing to insist that what everyone had heard was a “tiny joke”. More and more students began to join the group. “I doubted Alana for a reason far less important than this one…” Iris piped up, sadly. "Castiel...Believe me...Please...Kitten..." Deborah begged. “I think it's time you leave Deborah. Definitively.” Castiel ordered. His voice was so icy that it sent chills down Alana's spine. A tear streamed down Deborah's face. “I just wanted…I was kid…ding…I…” Her voice wavered as she broke down crying and ran off. All the students had gathered in the hall by that point and were talking about Deborah. Alana looked for Castiel through the crowd. When her eyes found him, he looked at her, sadly, then left.
Alana wanted to talk to everyone, but decided it would be useless, so she walked towards the courtyard. When she got to the main hall, Lysander stopped her. "It ended well, I see." He grinned. "Yeah, but I'm sure they all don't want to talk to me, so I'm gonna go outside and breathe." She sighed, relieved. "You deserve an apology... So why wouldn't they want to talk to you?" He asked. “Because they just had one hell of a revelation. They're probably feeling awkward towards what they did to me, horrible for believing Deborah, and just generally like crap.” She explained. He looked at her, slightly surprised. “I've got to go. I have something to do.” He rushed off. "Well, that was something." She thought. Before she could make it out of the building, Amber caught her. “That wasn't as fun as the bucket on that girl's head, but I have to admit the loud speaker was quite genius!” She cheered. “My, my... The great Amber is paying me a compliment?! I'm honored.” Alana chuckled. “Don't flatter yourself. I'm telling you this because my brother told me that he was the one who came up with the idea. It's great when he puts his mind to things like this... You know what I mean?” Amber rolled her eyes. "I have to agree with you there." Alana smiled as she continued to walk to the courtyard. When she found a secluded spot underneath a tree she sat on the ground and did her best to relax. It didn't take long for Sam to find her and hand her her bag. "Thanks, sis." She meekly smiled. "No problem. Text me when you're ready to go home. Ken and I will make sure you get there safe.” Sam grinned as she walked off. As she was listening to her music and drawing, someone sat down next to her. "Thank you, Nathaniel." She cooed as she pulled one of her earbuds out and smiled at him. “Of course. I must admit, when I heard Deborah over the loud speaker, I couldn't hold back the laughter!” He blushed. “It was a fantastic idea!” She cheered. “Thanks! Not many people know the Principal's microphone is in the Teachers' Lounge. Many think its in her office!” He beamed. She laid her head against his chest and relaxed into him. He tensed up a little and his blush became more prominent. “I'm glad that's all over. I just hope everyone can move past this…” She sighed. "I'm sure it'll just take t-time." He stuttered.
They sat there for what felt like forever, just breathing and casually chatting until Nathaniel felt his phone vibrate. He looked at it and groaned. “It's Amber. I've gotta go. Text me when you get home.” He sighed. Alana leaned back against the tree. “Oh…okay. I will.” She exhaustedly grinned. When Nathaniel had left the courtyard, she contemplated staying in her spot a while longer. "I should probably go home too..." She thought. As she got up, she gathered her things and dusted herself off, she heard several people walking towards her. She looked in the direction of the walking and saw Lysander being followed by Iris, Kim, Melody and Violette. The girls looked awful. Anyone could tell that they were upset that they had been fooled by Deborah and that they were remorseful for how they had been treating Alana, simply by looking at them. "Someone wanted to tell you something, but didn't have the courage." Lysander beamed. The girls confirmed Alana's suspicions. They had wanted to talk to her and tell her that they were sorry since the announcements, but they didn't know how. They explained that it was Lysander's idea for them to all come see her at once. Each girl apologized profusely and explained how wrong they were to not have believed her. “They betrayed you that easily? Don't forgive them!” The voice in her head spoke. "They're my friends. This isn't big enough for me to not forgive them.” Alana thought. When the girls stopped talking, she stood before them. “Guys, it really hurt that you all turned your backs on me like that. It didn't just hurt me, it angered Sam. I will forgive you for this, but she may not be so kind.” She explained. "We'll do anything to make it up to you.” Melody suggested. "For me? Just please don't do it again.” Alana sighed.
Later that night, Alana received a text from Castiel, prompting her to go to the front of the apartment building. “Going out in your pajamas? How rebellious." Sam commented as she sat in the living room playing video games. Alana was wearing blue shorts with the Spiral Heart Moon Rod along the sides, a blue sports bra, black slippers, and a blue tank top with the Cosmic Heart Compact surrounded by the phrase “Fight like a girl” on the front. “Castiel wants to see me. Its time we talk.” She sighed as she left the apartment. When she got outside, she saw him standing under a streetlight, looking down. He had reverted back to his black pants and red Winged Skull shirt. “I was wondering when I'd see you.” She mused as she walked up to him. “Alana…I'm…Sorry…” He muttered. She took a deep look at him, noticing his red eyes. “He's been crying. ” She thought. "It's okay Cass." She grinned as she sweetly put her hand on his cheek. He turned away from her. "No, it's not okay... How could I fall for her tricks again?" His voice broke. “She played on people's desire to view her through rose colored glasses. It's not entirely your fault.” She cooed as she stepped closer to him. “Alana…I was such an ass to you…” He muttered. “Yeah, you were. But, you weren't necessarily yourself when you did it... So, despite what I said when I yelled at you, I'm giving you a pass this time...” She sighed. “I just…” He began, tears coming to his eyes. Before he could finish his sentence, she stepped forward, wrapped her arms around him and held him close. “Its okay. I forgive you Castiel.” Her voice became even more comforting as she spoke. She could feel the shock in his body language fade away as he relaxed into her. "Thank you Alana." He growled. They stood there in each other's arms for several minutes when Alana felt her phone go off. “You gonna come inside? Does Nathaniel know Castiel is his love rival? Do I need to tell Viktor he's got two rivals now? Does Castiel wanna sleep here so he can keep your bed warm tonight?” The snarkiness in the tone of the text from her sister was more than abundant. "Everything okay?" He asked. "Sam's being snarky... But, it is late... We do still have school tomorrow..." She sighed, annoyed. “Oh…” He looked down. “Cass, it will be okay. This will pass and things will be back to normal in time.” She put her hand on his arm to comfort him. He looked at her and blushed. "Goodnight Alana." He sighed. She turned towards the door and looked back at him. “Goodnight Castiel. Please get some rest and I'll see you tomorrow.”
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This covers Episodes 16 & 17 of HSL.
Main Shermansky is significantly more bitchy in this. I decided to make her personality more of what I'm used to...
Yes, the last part of the Deborah Arc got it’s own chapter.
I made Verity more prominent in this chapter and properly introduced Carol. Carol’s personality comes from 2 points of inspiration... Those points being Alistair from What A Girl Wants and my real life abuser.
Credit to Chinomiko and Beemoov for MCL