As Evangeline drove, she looked serious and almost as if she was lost in thought. To be quite honest, she was lost in thought. What was Leo going to make her do? Did he have a certain number? She sighed to herself. It was probably something popish. Nearing her workplace she bit her lip, waiting for the light to turn green. "Drake or Leo will probably help you most of the night with telling you where you need to go. My guess is you will be in the back and if they want you up front..." She eyed him for a moment. "We have extra clothes you can change into. We always keep extras." She smiled as she started driving again, seeing Drake outside smoking and ruffling his hair.
As she parked she exited the car to the blonde whistling. "Look who finally decided to get her pretty talented a** here and you brought help." Evangeline rolled her eyes and took his cancer stick and put it out, tossing it to the curb. "If you have time to tease me then you have time to work." Looking at Josh she smiled. "Josh this is Drake...Drake this is Josh. I'm living with him and his family for a while. Show him where to go and be nice. I know how you are when another alpha steps into your territory." Drake went to grab her for a hug and she ducked his embraces. "Get to work before I have Leo come out here." Sighing Drake nodded as he gestured for Josh to follow. "Let's get you to the back and after we do some customer control, we can get you out on the floor. I will let Eva handle that." He opened the door for the female and turned back to Josh once again. "First we can watch her first performance. I don't know how close you two are, but I'm sure if you don't watch at least once you will get distracted."
Evangeline rushed inside and found Leo seeing him holding three plates. "Eva! Thank goodness!" She nodded and took a plate. "What table and what song?" Leo nodded as he started walking. "Table 14 and the second song of the fourth set." She nodded and placed the plate down with a smile, seeing some of her regulars. She bowed and rushed out, gathering the waitresses that were there. As she gave them the right information, she started to hook herself up to the right microphone equipment looking at Leo get the music ready. He didn't have to be told. As the music started, all of them quickly found their places and began to perform, Evangeline took center as she always was asked, knowing she was the lead vocalist most of the time. All of them sang in English and danced so naturally. All of them had worked hard on the performance. Drake made sure to watch, smirking as he leaned against an empty booth. As soon as the performance was done, the work place errupted in applause as Evangeline stepped down, seeing that there were plates to be delivered. She would go help Josh soon, but she left the rest of it to Drake for now.
Josh remained silent for the whole car ride, wondering just what he had gotten himself into. He hadn't thought that maybe they'd ask him to sing, and he was a terrible singer. He grew more and more nervous as they approached, but as she said he would probably be in the back, he felt himself grow more at ease. He, too, saw the guy named Drake smoking, and he longed for one; he hadn't had one since lunch that day. The thought to ask for one came across his mind, but then Evangeline threw it from his mouth and onto the ground. Obviously, that didn't fly with her. And the way he talked to her, seemed demeaning and almost womanizing. Sure, he got around. But, at least he was classy about it. This guy, Drake, had no class and obviously had a thing for "Eva" as he called her.
Once inside, Evangeline rushed basically right for the stage and started getting everything set up. As soon as she started singing, everybody stopped what they were doing and turned their attention to her. Drake was right about this: he would've gotten distracted if he'd tried to work. She was absolutely mesmerizing, and the fact that she could sing (and well) only added to the image she portrayed up on stage. Josh momentarily forgot that she was his roommate, forgot that she went to the same school, forgot that she got bullied and had bruises all over her body. Right then, she was a woman he found himself entranced by and entertained by; two qualities he'd never found in one person.
Drake had pushed himself off the booth and went to work, Josh following quickly. They went into the back and started to do the "customer control", whatever that was. Josh was new to this, not having worked in the food industry before. The guy he was with seemed nice enough. Until things had calmed down and he pulled him aside. "All right, Josh," he said. "I know you think that you have a chance with Eva because you live with her, but know right now, that I'm going for her. She's mine. I've known her a lot longer, and I know she likes me, so back off. Got it? Good."
Josh raised a slender eyebrow and looked eye-level at Drake. They were about the same height, but Josh was a lot larger in bulk. "Excuse me?" he said, crossing his arms over his chest. "First of all, how do you know she likes you? Second, you could have asked a little bit nicer. And three, don't threaten me." He turned to resume his work, cleaning up the kitchen and the bar when he felt something touch his back. He turned around, figuring that Drake was going to apologize or something, when a first flew into his face, causing him to reel back in surprise. He covered his face in one hand and held up his other hand in defense.
Evangeline took orders and did what she needed to do. It was easy work once it got down to it. She conversed with customers, played with the children a bit, and joked with a few of her regulars. She was a bright light on the floor. Most everyone knew her and she didn't mind. Despite what had happened, all they cared about was that their food was delievered safe and sound. She took the stage several more times and performed, each performance more fun than the last. This was her life and sometimes, she wanted more. That was selfish in her eyes. She had a decent life most of the time.
Once the place calmed down, she figured she would go check on Josh. She hoped he was doing okay. Just as she was thinking this, Leo rushed out. "Eva dear...the alphas are going at it." The female groaned. Drake had probably started it. He was a good coworker but to be honest, he annoyed her sometimes. His antics showed that he was interested in her and she had turned him down before. He would be a great guy to be with...but something about him annoyed her. This only proved to her that he would only be a friend and a brother to her. Nothing more...but could be something less.
Leo followed, as she entered the back area, seeing Josh get punched. That was all she needed to jump in. Grabbing a pitcher of water, she walked over and splashed it at Drake. The male sputtering and cursing in surprise. "Cool off Drake. You know better. Go clean off and take the rest of the day off. I'm taking over your shift." She had warned him and he didn't seem to listen. Drake glared at the female. "This doesn't concern you." Leo handed her another pitcher full of a mix of different sodas. She took it and glared, her eyes intense, her voice dripping with venom. "It does when you are hurting someone who is trying to help me. I do not care what you made up in your head. This is not the first time you have started something with someone I bring to help out. You are lucky he is here to help. Go home." As he took a couple steps toward her, she backed up into Josh and splashed the liquid at Drake. "Go. Home." she repeated.
One thing about Drake she really did hate was the fact that he didn't listen. His eyes held rage as he approached Evangeline and took her wrist, her hand letting go of the pitcher. She winced feeling his grip tighten. "Get out of the way." She shook her head, her rebellious eyes holding strong. "No." In a quick motion he threw her to the floor, her head hitting the tile sharply. Leo tackled the male in the same moment. "C'mon Drake. I will take you home." With that, they left, Evangeline wincing. Her chopsticks lay a few feet from her, her auburn hair framing her features in soft waves. She sat up, her head spinning. "Are you okay Josh...I'm sorry about him..he is a bit...over protective when it comes to me..." she said, her eyes shut tight, a little blood trickling down her face.
Before he knew it, Evangeline was in there defending him. Him! He was thankful for it though because a cut had opened above his eyebrow slightly and was bleeding down the side of his face. She came in like a furious Valkyrie and threw water in his face, the pitcher still in her hand. She was telling him to go home. Drake advanced towards her and she stepped back into Josh, he reached for her shoulders to hold her steady against him, but then Drake grabbed her and pulled her, flinging her to the floor. A growl escaped his lips, but then Leo tackled the other to the floor, saying he'd take him home. Drake gave Josh an evil look that said 'this isn't over' and left. "My god, am I okay? Are you okay? Jesus, look at you!" Josh said, kneeling down on the floor next to her. He pushed some hair from her face and noticed the blood. "The people you make friends with, Evangeline!" He reached up for a towel on the counter and dabbed her face.
A couple minutes went by as he dabbed her face in silence. "Thank you," he said. "For defending me. You should really go home." The number one thing Josh had learned from fighting was that you needed rest, especially if it was a girl. He'd seen girls fight before, nasty creatures when they got angry, and the girl he had been with slept for almost twelve hours the next day. He knew that Evangeline wouldn't go home though, so intent on her work and obviously she loved it. Leo would be back soon, and everything would return to normal like nothing had happened.
Evangeline sighed as he dabbed at her face. Wincing slightly, her body sore. "He isn't..all bad...he can be really kind but when he loses his temper.." She sighed as she took his wrist gently shaking her head. "He has been a great help to me and just sour because I've turned him down a couple of times and he doesn't seem to get the hint. I'm not interested in the types of relationships he is into." She took the towel from his hand and started dabbing at his own wound, leaning in close as she inspected it. She didn't need to be thanked or anything else. She should have assumed that Drake would act like this. He wasn't fond of other males around her and she knew that. She just hoped he would have overlooked it just this once.
Blinking stopped dabbing and held the towel in her hands. "You don't need to thank me...I just did what was right..." She wanted to do for him what she had not recieved yet. The female wanted to show him that she could handle herself if she so wanted to. It didn't take much for her to snap when it came to violence. She was normally very calm but when she snapped, she never backed down, even if she would get hurt for it. The bruises all along her body could prove that to anyone. Sighing lightly she shook her head. "Once he cools off he will be fine...but...I'm sorry...for the way he acted...I-" She tried to stand, feeling woozy as she did so. Her world spun and she fell to one knee, biting her lip.
Leo entered, seeing Evangeline on her knee. Drake had filled him in that she had had a bad day which gave his kind eyes a look of concern. "Evangeline...you over did it again.." he said as he knelt by her. He pulled up her sleeves, seeing the bruises and sighed. "Go home dear. You have had a rough day getting tossed around..." He helped her too her feet and let her lean against him, seeing that her eyes were out of focused. "The place has slowed down for now...I can manage. You need to rest up and heal. You have been through one hell of an ordeal that most people would not even be able to handle. Take the weekend off...it will be a paid vacation." He picked her up and set her on the counter, taking out two hundred dollars and handing it to Josh. "Thank you for your help. Take her home and make sure she gets some rest okay?" With that, he left the two alone, Evangeline holding her head, her world still spinning before her eyes.
He was surprised that Leo handed him money, let alone two hundred dollars worth of bills. Josh tried to protest, but Leo was out of the kitchen before he could give it to him and had left the two alone, Evangeline on the counter. He tucked the bills into his pocket and grabbed his female friends' car keys, hoisting her up into his arms. "I am so glad he's letting us leave," he whispered into her ear, holding her close to him. Once they were at the car, he opened the passenger side for her and helped her in, running to the other side so they could get home faster. "I know you're out of it, but do you want me to bring you some food before you go to bed, or do you just want to sleep?" They pulled into the driveway of his home, parking in front of the closed garage doors. Josh helped her out the car, up the porch stairs, and into the house, up the stairs to her room and into her bed.
"What happened to her?" his concerned father asked when they returned and Josh came back downstairs.
"Just some bullshit at her work," he answered quickly, grabbing some ibuprofen and water.
"Watch your language!" his mother said.
"Sorry. Some guy punched me, she came and defended me, then he pushed her and she hit her head. Like I said, bullshit."
"Joshua!"
"Sorry," he said and shrugged, running up the stairs, careful not to spill the water, to return to Evangeline and see if she was all right.
Evangeline sighed heavily as Leo left, trying her best to shut her eyes and not see her spinning world. She would make sure Drake got an ear full when she saw him next. This was not fair. She had off all weekend and nothing to do. She would have to be stuck in that house for an entire weekend to just heal. Even if it was a paid vacation it wouldn't be enough for her! She wanted to be out and about. This was just torture...She handed Josh her car keys, being smart enough to know she was in no condition to drive. As he lifted her into his arms, she blushed lightly as he pulled her closer and whispered in her ear. He may have been glad but she wasn't. "I'm not...on top of that I'm going to be off for the weekend...what I am going to do with all the spare time?" She sighed. She hated having spare time sometimes.
He eased her into the car and took off, the female letting her forehead resting against the cool window. Today had been anything but good. Why did people have to be so ignorant and difficult? As Josh asked her a simple question she opened one eye and looked at the teen that was driving. Sleep, food or both? She really didn't feel hungry at the moment. She just wanted to relax and get away from what just happened at work. "I'll just relax...maybe not sleep...but relax until my headache goes away." she said softly. Even as they pulled in the driveway, she let Josh help her inside, not caring how it looked to her.
Evangeline was the type of person to always look after herself, always be strong, and always come back from a fight still kicking These past few days have drained her of her willpower to the point that she was exhausted day in and day out. It couldn't go on like this..Lying on her sheets in the short dress, she sighed, her long hair curling around her. These sheets felt nice and cool against her skin. It was something she needed right now. Hearing Josh speaking downstairs, she quickly undressed and into a pair of black yoga pants with butterflies going up the left pants leg, a black sports bra, and a white zip up jacket with her work's emblem on the back of it. She zipped it up halfway and crawled into bed, curled up on the comforter and groaning to herself. Oh yeah.....Drake was sure going to get a piece of her mind....
Josh knocked on the door before entering, carrying the glass of water and the painkillers in the other hand. He sat down on the bed next to her, the bed creaking beneath his weight as he set the items down on the bedside table and handed Evangeline the ibuprofen. "I don't know if you remember, but I mentioned a party this weekend," he said, rubbing the back of his neck with one hand. "And since you're free from work now..." He trailed off, letting the silence do the work for him. Perhaps it would be a good thing for her to get out and meet some new people, even if she wasn't that much into parties. And he'd be there to keep her safe, so she wouldn't have to worry about getting bullied.
As Josh entered the room, the female sat up and groaned a bit. Tomorrow would be one hell of a morning to wake up to. Seeing that he had medicine in his hand, she thanked him as she took the pills and popped them into her mouth. She swallowed them and grabbed the glass of water to help ease them down. As she took a few sips, she heard Josh bring up the party again. Was it such a big deal that she went? Seeing the look in his eyes and seeing that he was being genuine she smiled. "Sure....why not? Its better than being stuck here right?" She would do anything to get out of the house, even if it was going to a party she would rather not go to.
Evangeline settled back into the sheets with a small sigh, closing her eyes and waiting for the medicine to kick in. Half an hour to forty-five minutes could not come soon enough. "Thank you...for today..." she said with a small sigh as she pulled the covers over her and curled up. Sure the day had not gone as planned and yeah she did seem to get hurt a bit, but at the same time...she had made a new friend. That had to count for something! He may not have defended her at school and he may not...but...knowing she had someone in this house that acted like she was a person and not the devil's spawn or some charity case...it meant a lot to her. Before she knew it, her hair seemed to fall gently over her face as she fell asleep, the days events being too much for her to stay awake any longer.
He nodded at her notion of thanks and smiled to her. She fell asleep within thirty minutes, Josh sat there the whole time just looking at her and listening to her breathing. Not in a creeper way, but just in a friendly 'I'm-looking-out-for-you' kinda way. Evangeline's hair fell over her face then, and the urge to push her hair behind her ear was too much. His hand trailed her hair behind her ear and trailed down her face, feeling the smoothness of her Asian-American skin. Suddenly, the song 'Just the Way You Are' by Bruno Mars popped into his head and he couldn't help but chuckle to himself.
He went back downstairs and explained the scenario to his father, not particularly wanting to talk to his mother anyways, ate some dinner (spaghetti with meatballs), then went to bed himself. Tomorrow was Friday, the last day of school and the night of the party that he was proudly taking Evangeline to. Hopefully, school would be easy tomorrow and he wouldn't have to defend her, but Josh knew better than that. Children at school were jerks and liked to cause trouble, because they thought they were hot s**t. It was stupid! The assholes.
The next morning, Josh got up to the sound of his phone alarm ringing and he jumped up, stretched, did his normal ten push ups and sit ups and walked out of his bedroom in only his boxers. His mother came out of the bathroom, a towel around her head and around her robust bosom. His friends always teased him about how hot his mom was, but how bitchy she was. He smiled to her and ran a hand through his brown hair. "Mornin' Mom," he said and kissed her on the cheek as she walked by. His turn for a shower. He closed the door, leaving it slightly ajar as he stepped into the warm water producer.
Her sleep was peaceful, being to tired to dream or do much else but sleep. Her phone went off, "Express" by Christina Aguilera from the movie Burlesque blaring in her ears. Sitting up, she stretched her arms in the air and yawned. Her head felt a lot better but it still stung just a little. Swinging her legs out of bed she stood, hearing Josh in the hallway. He was up already it seemed. She turned her alarm off and sighed to herself. Today was going to be a long day. Going to her closet she pulled out a pair of jeans that hugged her waist, a pair of black flats, a long sleeve white shirt, and a black vest to put over top. As she changed, she decided she didn't need make up today. She would have to put some on before the party more likely than not. Besides, why wear something that was going to get messed up during the day. She would have to redo it anyway. Flipping the switch to her room, she turned the light on as she look at herself in the mirror.
For a while she just stood there, contemplating on how she should do her hair. She decided down with a loose curls would make a nice look. She waited for her iron to heat up as she gathered her school things. Hopefully today would not be so bad. She doubted it but she could hope and dream right? Seeing the red light go off on the iron, she went to it and began to work on her hair. She already knew that wearing earrings or anything like that would be fair game to get them ripped off. She knew it was better to wear the jewelery places she felt safe. Sure she didn't like it in this home, but it was safe..even if she only felt comfortable in their guest room.
As she finished her hair, she noticed all the extra time she had and sighed. She could have time to run by Drake's and see how he was fairing...or maybe not. She opened her door and sat down by her keyboard, letting her fingers trace up and down the keys lightly in thought. She wished she could do anything but go to school but getting an education was important...or so her parents had raised her to believe. At her old school she was accepted and was never treated so harshly. "So your parents going against the law means I will have the live with it the rest of my life? Seems pretty messed up to me..." she mumbled to herself as her fingers stopped on the keyboard. She needed to get her attitude together and face today head on. If she didn't, then she may just well crumble.
Josh came out of the shower with his hair still dripping wet, and a towel around his waist, his boxers in the hand holding the towel up. "Oh, you're up!" he exclaimed as he passed Evangeline's room. He smiled to her, not realizing that he was basically naked and sopping wet. "You look good, gal!" He winked to her and went to his bedroom, readying himself for the day as well. He closed the door and threw his bottoms into the laundry hamper, dried his hair with the towel that had been around his body and searched through his dresser. Pair of jeans, black Iron Maiden t-shirt, and ran hands through hair. Done! He looked like a Greek god! He chuckled to himself at his corny antics, deeming himself stupid and in need of a good girl to help him dress properly.
Tonight was the party. He'd have to change before he and Evangeline left, but the jeans could stay. It was just a party after all, and it was mostly his friends who had seen him in the worst of shape before: sweats, no shirt, lazing around the house. A total mess. He walked back out to Evangeline's room and knocked on the open door lightly. "Comin' down for breaky?" he asked. Josh was surprised at himself for how much he was talking to her, but he liked it and she definitely needed it.
Hearing Josh speak from the hallway, she whipped her head around, her face turning a bright red. Did he not realize that he was just in a towel. As he winked at her she scurried over to her door and shut it, letting out a puff of air. That was...unexpected. Sure she had seen guys like that before but she had known them for a long time. Drake often did it to tease her because he knew how she got, but she had never thought Josh would do that...and so early in the morning. She calmed herself down and grabbed her messenger bag. She needed to get to school early to go pick up her books.
Hearing a knock on her door, she stood and tilted her head to the side, her soft, loose curls following the tilt of her head. Breaky? She smiled softly and shook her head. "I have to go grab my books. The teachers told me that they would have them ready for me on Friday. So I should get there early and beat most of the people there......" She shrugged and walked past him. "See you later I suppose...." She knew at school he may not talk to her like he had been doing but she could be surprised. Standing at the top of the stairwell. her phone buzzed lightly. It was Drake. Blinking in confusion she answered the phone. "Hey Drake. You cooled off yet?" She walked down the stairs, hearing him try and explain what happened but she sighed. "Look...just..don't let it happen again. I'm heading to school now. Are you helping teach today? Don't you start that today? What school?" As Drake named the school her mouth fell open. "That's the same school Josh and I are attending...." She exited the home and got into her car with a small sigh as she finished her conversation. Things just got a little more complicated.
Her drive to school was uneventful. She parked, went to the office, and was sent to gather her books. The halls were quiet as she carried her books to her locker. Today was going to be a long day. Being Friday she probably wouldn't have too much homework but she could never be sure. As she opened her locker and set her books down, a hand slammed on the locker next to her, the female jumping slightly as she was forced around. Three boys stood before her, the same three that had constantly harassed her since she had enrolled. The three surrounded her, sneering and grinning as if they had found some form of entertainment. "Aren't you here early? Didn't we warn you about coming here?" Evangeline glared back at the three not two trusting of them. "Well...funny thing about living in a new home, I don't have a choice where I attend." The boys didn't find it amusing. The larger of the two lifted her and slammed her into the locker, holding her at arms length. A little dazed from the initial hit, she kicked her legs out, hitting the one on the right in the groin. He groaned as she struggled the middle teen's grip on her tightening. She screamed, her eyes burning with fire and fight. She wasn't going to give up though on the inside she was breaking. Where were the teachers when she needed them?
He was slightly disappointed that Evangeline wouldn't stay for breakfast, but he said nothing as she walked away. Josh followed her down the stairs, but turned into the kitchen as she stood at the door getting her coat and shoes on. Evangeline was quite the multitasker, he had to admit. Definitely something he was not good at. There was a sandwich in the fridge for him to take for lunch, but he decided to eat it for breakfast and leave right after his roommate, in case she needed help at school this early in the morning. He knew some people liked to get to school early, especially some of his friends so they could roam the hall for nerds and pick on them, and he had promised to protect Evangeline now. And he owed her, especially after what happened at her restaurant.
When he got to the school, he saw her walking down the hallway to her locker to put the books away. He was surprised he had gotten there on time, and just in time to see three teens he knew start bullying her. Seriously!? It's not even 8:30! he said to himself in dismay. People could be so pathetic. He started walking towards them when one lifted her and slammed her against the locker, she in turn kicking him in the groin. That-a girl! he thought. He picked up his pace then and was about four paces from them when he shouted: "What the hell are you doing? God dammit Garrett! You're not supposed to hurt girls," Josh said, ramming his shoulder into him which caused him to loosen his grip on Evangeline. One of the other teens turned to him.
"What do you care, Josh? I thought you supported this kinda thing?" he said.
"Not when it's girls," he said, just as a wicked idea popped into his head. "Especially when it's my girlfriend. Now, ******** off!" Josh walked over to her and held her close to him.
Evangeline struggled as best she could. His grip was choking her slightly. She closed her eyes and struggled her mind panicking. Let me go...please...It hurts... She felt tears sting her eyes but she refused to let them fall. This was not how she wanted to start her morning. She didn't even hear Josh yell, a little stunned as the grip loosened and let her go. She coughed, her hand going to her throat in response. She could breathe again. What happened? She opened her eyes, Josh speaking to the boys. Did he know them? Supported this kind of thing? Josh didn't participate in this kind of thing did he?
Her eyes widened in shock as he pulled her to him, his words causing a tinge of pink to be added to her cheeks. What was he thinking? Why was he telling them that? Girlfriend? She wasn't used to hearing the word. She could feel the tension in the area, the three tossing her books to the floor from her open locker, stalking off leaving her and Josh in the hallway. She blinked slightly, confused by what had happened. Did Josh actually defend her? She thought he wanted to avoid her during school hours. Her legs began to sink beneath her, the fear of what just happened getting to her. Two tears flowed from her eyes and down her cheeks. Someone had stood up for her....Josh had helped her.
She let go of Josh and sank to the floor by her books that were scattered on the floor. "Arigatou gozaimasu....I mean..thank you..." she said as she wrapped her arms around herself to ease the shaking. She seemed so fragile in that moment as she gathered her books and set them beside her. "I'm fine....I promise..." she whispered, her hair hiding her face. She felt her heart race at the thought that Josh had defended her. Though reputation didn't mean a lot to her, to him she assumed it meant a lot. She was so grateful for him being there for her that she didn't think she could ever express her gratitude. At this moment she was just a fragile teen, trying to pick of the pieces that her parents and the media had destroyed.
Josh bent down to help her with her books, and noticed she was holding herself to keep from shaking. What an awful high school life this girl had. Stupid jerks! "What's goza...gozza...? Whatever that last word was. I know the first part is thank you," he said, leaning his back against the locker and pulling Evangeline to him. There was only one downside to saying she was his girlfriend, and that was he had to play the part. Sure, it'd be fun, but what about all the other girls he wanted to hook up with? He hadn't thought thoroughly on this, and he kind of wished he did, but right now there were more important things.
Hearing Josh's question she forced a smile. "Its used as a formality. It is used at the end to indicate being polite." The female sighed to herself if this was how the day was going to be, she might as well head home now and just pick up the work from her teachers. High school never had been this bad before. She used to go down the hall with her own friends and speak to the many students and teachers of the school. Now she was barely hanging on. People could be real jerks! There were a couple of things she needed to take care of first before she went to class.
Thinking back when Josh had called her his girlfriend she sighed. That was just a big mess to clean up. She pulled away from him and shook her head. "You don't....have to pretend to be...with me. I think that is just going to put extra pressure on you." She smiled at Josh. She didn't want anyone to pretend to be with her. It just...wasn't right or fair. Especially if there was another girl he liked. "Besides I think I am going to have a little help from Dra-" Her words were cut off by the sound of hurried walking, hearing a familar voice down the hallway. "Evangeline? What happened?" She whipped her head around and saw Drake hurrying to her. He knelt down and shot Josh a quick glare before helping the female to her feet. "I'm fine...just...some kids being ignorant." Drake put his finger under her chin and raised her face to look at him. He search her eyes for a moment and smirked. "You are lying and you know it."
Evangeline crinkled her nose and pushed him away from her and she picked up her books. "I hate it when you do that. Josh helped me so go back to your teaching duties." She paused as she put her books back in her locker. "I'm still mad at you because of yesterday. You should have acted more mature. How do you expect me to ever see you as more than a friend when you constantly try and be somewhere...where quite frankly...I don't want anyone to be." Drake rolled his eyes and crossed his arms in front of him. "You can't be serious that you aren't even interested in dating anyone." Evangeline shook her head. "Well I'm not interested. Right now I have too much to worry about with my parents, getting bullied, and working." She slammed her locker shut as she grabbed the books she needed and turned to both boys. "I'm going to class now...See you later Josh..." She turned on her heel and walked down the hallway, ready to get into the safety of her first class.
osh looked down the hallway and frowned when he saw Drake approaching them. What was he doing here?! Great... He helped Evangeline to her feet and shot him a dirty look, so he returned the glare. What an a**. He pulled himself up from the ground and leaned against the locker, listening intently to their conversation. So she had no interest in dating anyone? Well, on the one hand that was good, but on the other hand, he kinda wished he could pretend to date her, hell even actually date her! And that's not just to spite Drake, although that would be very nice. Evangeline said goodbye to him and he smirked, waving at her. Josh turned to the other male. "Are you going to apologize for yesterday?"
"Why should I?" he asked, his arms still crossed over his chest.
"Because that was a stupid thing to do and a lucky shot."
"Lucky!? That was skill," he countered.
Josh snorted. "If you and I had a proper fight, I don't think your 'skill' would suffice," he said, holding up his fingers in quotation marks.
"Fine, you and me. After school. The parking lot. We'll have a 'proper' fight," Drake said, mocking Josh with the same hand signals. He turned around and walked off then, more students arriving.
"So cliche," Josh said to him, just as he turned around. He went to his own locker then and pulled out his books for first period, which happened to be mathematics. Why he took the class, he would never know.
Evangeline had her own reasons for not wanting to date anyone. Sure she had interests...but right now it just wasn't the right time. She had other things to focus on. Out of the boys she knew, Drake acted first and thought about it later which got him into trouble nine times out of ten. Josh...well...she didn't really know him well enough. Even if he did try and pretend to be her boyfriend, she had to admit, she wouldn't deny him. She blinked a couple times at the thought. She wouldn't deny him? That was strange. She shook her head and laid it down on the desk. That was not a thought she thought she would ever have about any boy at this time.
She lifted her head as she saw Drake walk in. She had science first, mathematics next, english and history were the second half of the day. She had a lot to catch up on..well...not really. She was far ahead in her school than they were here but still....she needed to see where they were at. Drake had a scowl on his face until he caught sight of Evangeline, grinning. Oh great...she had to deal with this in the morning. This was not going to be fun. They had a lab today anyway so no doubt she would be working by herself. Which meant Drake would come and work with her. That was just asking for something to happen. She didn't need rumors getting started.
Drake approached her and leaned against her, smiling. "So, you doing anything for lunch?" Evangeline shrugged. "Hiding out in the music room most likely....why?" Drake smiled smoothly. "I can take you off campus and we can go-" She didn't want to hear anymore. "Stop....look...I like being in the music room. Its safe, its hidden, and no one goes in there really. Please...I'm still mad at you and until I calm down...stay away from me and from Josh. He already did something that is going to get both of us into trouble." Something flashed in Drake's eyes that she couldn't exactly place. She tilted her head as he raised an eyebrow. "He said that I was his girlfriend to the guys that had tried to intimidate me.....so...its probably around the school by now." The female sighed as she heard the bell...class had begun for now and she counted down the hours until the bell rang for lunch.
Class went by uneventfully, as did his second class, his science skills not doing so well but at least he was passing. He counted down the minutes until lunch. He was hungry! He had eaten his sandwich that morning, and he had a couple bucks in his pocket, so lunch would be in the cafeteria. Josh tapped his foot impatiently. 3...2...1...The bell rang, announcing the start of lunch. He picked up his books and headed to his locker to throw them inside, slamming the door shut. There were some girls around him then, their eyes wide with sadness. "Is it true?" one of them asked, her hands held tightly in front of her.
"What?" he asked, looking at them in confusion. He knew them all, having hooked up with or dated one of them at some point or another. They were all friends, too, finding pride in the fact that they had all gotten with the handsome sports player.
"That you're dating that new chick whose parents are murderers?" another one asked. There were about four of them in total. No, five. A small, shy looking girl was at the back. Jenny. She was cute, but he had broken up with her because she was way too short and it hurt him to kiss her, having to bend down almost fully at the waist.
"Um...where'd you hear that?" Josh grew a little concerned, wondering if he should carry on the charade. If word got out already that he was dating her, word would definitely get out a lot faster if he said he wasn't. A quandary. Again. What to do!?
"It's all around the school. It's the buzz of gossip," another one said. She scrunched her nose, not knowing if her sentence had been correct or not.
Well, I guess I should make this official, he thought to himself. "Yeah, it's true," he said. The girls awed in protest and sadness, all secretly hoping that he would've ended back with them. Where would Evangeline go for lunch? I need to tell her the charade needs to continue...or that it needs to be real. Somewhere isolated...band room? "Sorry, ladies. I have to go find my girlfriend now." He walked off and stood at the door of the band room, looking inside for Evangeline...
Evangeline scurried by in science, Drake working with her as predicted. As soon as she could she hurried out of class, Drake walking with her to make sure she got to her next class okay. In math class she was ignored most of the time so she didn't have to worry about much. Science she was caught up and in math she was far ahead. The female closed her eyes and sighed to herself, people looking at her and whispering. What else were they going on about? As she finished the quiz, she was excused early, the teacher not caring what she did. "Gotta love the education system.." she muttered as she left. The female hurried through the halls and found the music room, disappearing into it.
There was no one in the music room. She heard the bell ring and sighed. Some people entered and she quickly went into the smaller joint room of the band room, the piano residing in it. She dropped her bag and sat on the bench, sighing at the piano. "Just you and me today huh?" She let her fingers glide across the keys as she began to play "Ordinary Day" by Vanessa Carlton, singing along. Her eyes closed as she play, letting the song that been so popular fill her ears. She could feel eyes upon her and whispers. She had even heard the door open.
Her voice was clear but with power behind it. Her emotions were poured into the song. She had to admit that this was strangely similar to what had been going on with her. Her parents loved her to sing this song all the time for them. For her mother's most recent birthday she was asked to sing it. At points she opened her eyes, filled with the emotion of her song. As she stopped playing and singing, she heard clapping several students cheering, surprised that she could do that. The female looked stunned, her face turning red. She loved performing but infront of people that hated her? She wasn't quite used to that. She needed crowd control....where was Josh when she needed him?
There had been a group of students gathered around a smaller section of the band room, in an adjacent space. Piano music and singing filtered out and Josh found himself drawn to the familiar voice: Evangeline. He pushed his way through the crowd when she was done, turning to everybody and waving them away. Some of them sighed and some of them grumbled, more because they had to move from their comfortable spots against the wall. Even if the people hated her, the people in the music room still appreciated music for what it was. When the crowd had finally dissipated, he closed the door slightly and crossed his arms over his chest. "So, any reason for that song or just because?" he asked, winking at her. "I have some news for you."
How was he going to tell her? Should he tell her they were dating for pretend? Ask her out so it could be 'real'? What about the party tonight? If they were going together, then they'd have to keep up appearances the whole night. Josh came to a conclusion, sitting down next to her on the piano bench. "Do you wanna go out with me?" he asked, looking straight into her eyes.
Evangeline sighed as she took her feet off the pedals of the piano, swinging herself around the bench. Seeing Josh she smiled softly as he managed to have people leave the area. Well, it was fun while it lasted. Sure they were only being nice because of the song being played but...maybe...after awhile it would change. She mentally sighed at that thought. Things changing around here as long as her parents made the front page? That was something to laugh at. Until her parents were tried and sentenced, she would still be pushed around and hated. Not much more to it than that.
Closing her eyes she let her fingers glide across the piano lightly, playing a few random scales, just letting her fingers move. She opened one eyes as the door was closed, the female curious as to what Josh was up to. "The song?" She shrugged. "I just felt like it. It was the first thing that popped into my head. Nothing more, nothing less." Well...it could have been more than that but she certainly wasn't going to let on that is was. As he mentioned news she raised an eyebrow. "News about? Look if its about Drake-" She was cut off by Josh sitting down on the piano bench. Something was really going on.
Josh locked gazes with her, the female blinking a couple of times. As he spoke she sighed heavily as she stood. "I already told you...You don't need to keep up an appearance. You said what you needed to because the situation...some how called for it." She closed the case over the keys and shook her head. What was he trying to? Was he trying to make it real? He had to be joking right? He had no real interest in her besides as a friend. She was sure he had plenty of other girls. Besides...she didn't want to date anyone right? She bit her lip. It would be troublesome for him too. "It would be troublesome for you too right? Putting up with a guise and being associated with me? You know the risks....you made that clear the first couple days..." The female smiled softly. "The fight is over and you don't have to pretend." She didn't understand what was going on. Was he actually being serious? She didn't think he was but she didn't know him that well.
He sighed in frustration and rolled his dark eyes. "If I was doing it for a charade, I wouldn't have asked you. And, I've already passed that whole 'risk' thing by saying you were my girlfriend. If you don't want to, you can say no, but I figured what with us going to that party together tonight, it would be easier if it was...well, real," he said, his hand moving over the closed lid of the piano keys. It was smooth under his skin, his fingers tracing the pattern of the varnished wood. "Like I said, you can say no. When we're at home, I'll leave you alone if you want." Josh looked back up at Evangeline, waiting for her official answer. If she said yes, it would give him extra incentive to protect her from here on in.
Evangeline crossed her arms over her chest, trying to wrap her head around the situation. Was he actually being serious? She couldn't believe it. As she listened, she could tell he was actually being sincere and doing what he could. Was there real interest though? Maybe she was over thinking it. She had thought at one point that she wouldn't deny him if he did ask but that was if it was to put on a show. By the sound of his words she wasn't sure if it was or not. He said it was not a charade yet he could leave her alone when they were at home? She didn't want to tie him down. She was sure he had girls that had geniune interest in him and she was just something he needed to protect....or...something like that.
"You are...being serious aren't you?" she asked as she found a spot against the wall and leaned against it. "Don't you have...other girls that you would rather date? I mean...if I say yes...you could still be with them if you wanted to.....I don't need to be an obligation...or just something you feel you need to protect." If she said yes...it would be temporary until things calmed down. Maybe if she thought of it that way things could be a bit easier to bear. His mom would probably hate and they had no feelings for each other right? It was an empty relationship at best. So why did he want it so bad? The teen sighed. This was all so confusing.
"Alright..." she let slide through her lips before she could stop herself. The approval seemed to hang in the air for a moment, the female still keeping her arms crossed over her chest. Now what was she getting herself into? She felt a light blush appear on her cheeks, her eyes trying to find something interesting on the wall. Drake was going to have a field day with this. She didn't know what she was getting herself into and frankly didn't want to know. The bell rang, bringing the female back to reality. "Oh geez...I have to run to the other end of the building to the trailers for the next class..." She gathered her bag and rushed out. "See you at home!" she said as she quickly ducked out of the music room. Maybe she would have more time to think about what she did after the fact but right now....she was more worried about getting to class!
Before he could say anything, the bell had rung and Evangeline was out of the room. But, at least she had said yes. Well, 'yes' didn't seem to quite fit the answer he had been given, but it was an affirmative answer nonetheless. Josh smiled to himself and got up from the piano bench, running his fingers over the wood once more before leaving as well. His next class was physical education, and he happened to share his last class with his new girlfriend, but they were so busy in class that they didn't speak. When school had finally ended, he waited beside Evangeline's locker, his backpack already slung over one broad shoulder.
It was true that there were a ton of other girls who were interested in him, and that he was probably interested in, but right now, he had too many things on his mind. And he knew, before even asking another girl out, that if he was to go and protect Evangeline, they'd accuse him of cheating or liking her or whatever bullshit girls came up with to get out of a relationship. Josh was always so nice to the girls, buying them whatever they wanted when they wanted, giving them back/foot massages without asking, always paying for dinner and stuff, even if she made more money than he did. It was a pain in the a** when girls threw all that away because of one tiny incident that meant literally nothing.
The day seemed to go slow enough. Nothing really happened much after lunch. She scurried to and from class quickly so she wouldn't be noticed long enough to be harrassed. In her last period that she shared with Josh she didn't even look at him, still embarrassed by what she had agreed to. What was she thinking? As the bell rang she rushed out and went to the science room, needing to pick up a workbook from the teacher. As she entered the room she saw only Drake there grading papers. She let out a sigh and shook her head. She did need to talk to him.
As she entered, Drake looked up and smiled. "Your workbook is right here. The teacher had to go take care of something at the office." Evangeline nodded and walked up to Drake, taking the notebook and sliding it into her hands. "You heading home Eva?" The female nodded with a smile. "Yeah. I have to catch up with everything and I'm trying to figure out what to do with a paid vacation." Drake rolled his eyes and sighed. "Lucky you...I don't get paid this weekend." The female crossed her arms. "That is what you get for trying to start a fight over something...silly." He stood and stared her directly in the eye. "You are not silly..." she sighed and shook her head as she turned around and left. "Hang on...I will walk with you! I have to go to the office anyway!" She smiled softly and nodded. It would be fine wouldn't it.
Drake walked beside her as she made her way to her locker, the male sending glares at anyone who dare try to get near them. "Knock it off with the glare will you?" As they neared her locked his glare seemed to darken. She followed his eyes and noticed Josh, a slight blush appearing on her face. They were technically dating even though she refused to believe it. "I think I just found a reason to keep glaring Eva." She rolled her eyes as she dropped her messenger bag by her locker. "Go on Drake...you had to go to the office remember?" Sending a glare his way, Drake let out a sigh and continued walking, sending a poisonous glare towards Josh as Evangeline opened her locker. "I thought you went home already. You haven't been waiting long have you? I had to go pick up my workbook for science. It just came in." She gathered her books she needed and carefully packed them into her messenger bag. She closed her locked gently and threw her messenger bag over her shoulder, gazing at Josh for a moment, her head tilting to the side.
When Josh had seen the other territorial male, Drake, approaching him with his new girlfriend, he sent him a deathly glare in return. It was silly to fight over a girl, but then again, that's what most fights were over, weren't they? Evangeline finally arrived to her locker and dismissed Drake so casually, Josh couldn't help but smirk at him. Another evil glare. And back to talking to 'Eva'. "Not long," he replied, watching her intently. It was weird watching her put her stuff away, now that he had a different interest in her. He nodded as she talked about her book, honestly not caring but feigning interest. "I figured we could walk home. Or you could at least drive me home, because you know...we do live together. And why was Drake walking you this way? I thought we determined you were my girlfriend?"
Evangeline shrugged as she leaned against her locker. This was just too weird for her. As he mentioned her driving she nodded. "I know we live together. I don't mind driving. I would rather not leave my car here any way..." The female loved to walk, but since she did have her car, walking seemed a bit counterproductive at the moment. The female still couldn't wrap her head around this entire situation. Was Josh actually being serious about wanting to be with her? He barely knew her? Was he just pretending this was real and making her believe it was real to protect her? Despite the reason, she still didn't think she could get used to this.
As Drake was brought into conversation she sighed heavily. "Now don't you start too....I already had to lecture him about the other day several times..." The auburn haired female sighed, her eyes closing as she pushed off the locker. "He came with me to make sure I didn't get attacked in the hallways since I seem to not get anywhere without someone trying to throw a punch or too..." she said softly. Drake walked by her once more and wave, grinning as he went back to his room. "I am your...your girlfriend but I do have to work with him you know." Taking out her car keys she swung them around her finger and walked past the male stopping as she spoke. "Lets go home...."
It was easy to tell that she wasn't used to dating. She had never considered it nor wanted to do it until she was free of high school. Now she was in a relationship that she wasn't even sure was real or not. Should she hold his hand, keep her hands to herself, kiss him? She just didn't know what he wanted out of her. Why was he being so protective now all of sudden. A couple days ago he could care less but now it had turned around completely. Her eyes seemed lost in thought as she waited for Josh to follow her. Her life just seemed to get weirder and weirder by the minute.
He followed after her, wondering most of the same things. It was different now, for some reason he couldn't pinpoint. Josh had been with lots of girls that he barely knew. Hell, some of them he didn't even know their name! But, with Evangeline it was different. Weirder. Maybe because they lived together. Maybe because only a few days ago he didn't really care about her at all. It made him suddenly realize how much he cared for women in general, to what lengths he'd go to to keep them safe. Did that mean he was only making himself think it was serious to protect her? She didn't need that; she needed somebody who would actually take care of her and love her. Both their trains lost in thought, he accidentally bumped into the car without realizing it. "God, I'm such a klutz!" he swore, kicking a rock away from him. What would they be like at home? God, it was going to be so unbelievably awkward...
Evangeline couldn't help but giggle as she watched Josh run into her car. Smooth...real smooth. She walked over with a sweet smiled and shook her head. "Are you alright? That looked like a pretty hard run in." Shaking her head once again she walked around to her side and climbed in, waiting for him to do so as well. Once he was in, she threw her bag in the back and started the car, letting her mind wander for a moment. Going home like this....this was just going to be terrible. What about at the party...? Maybe she shouldn't go or just tell him to call this whole 'relationship' off. As of now it just looked like some lame attempt to be close enough to protect her.
Sure she needed protecting but not like this...She wanted to be loved and protected. The female could handle herself until then. As she pulled out of the school and headed home, she brought her mind back to reality. Were they going to have to sit down and talk about this? She really wasn't ready for this. They didn't know each other and from what he knew about her he could probably tell her in a few moments. There had to be some other way for him to do what he wanted and not have to pretend to be in a relationship with her. What was his reason any way?
As she pulled into the driveway, she got her backpack and climbed out, shutting the door behind her. She made her way to the house and up the stairs to her room, seeing that Josh's mom was home. She didn't plan on saying anything about the relationship if he didn't. To her this didn't even feel real. She closed her door for a moment as she changed into a tank top and shorts, both showing off her hourglass figure. She tied her hair up off her neck and sighed. This was much better. She opened her door wide once it was done and sat on her bed, staring at her keyboard lightly. Now what was she supposed to do? Was he going to come in and cuddle with her or hold her hand for a while? Was he going to just retreat to his room or what? She sighed..."I really do over think things.." she said as she let her eyes gaze out the window.
The drive home was silent. Almost awkward, but not quite because each person was lost in their own thoughts. Once home, and realizing the entirety of the situation, it only got more awkward. Evangeline had gone straight up to her room without saying anything to anybody, which was usual, but the fact that Josh entered at the same time and not said anything, was unusual. His mother stopped him in the hallway before he could make it up the stairs, asking if he was okay. "Yeah, I've just got a few problems. Nothing I can't handle," he assured her and went upstairs as well. He didn't go into his new 'girlfriends' room, or his own; he stood at the top of the stairs, looking at both room, wondering which one to go to first. He decided Evangeline's. "So, you still going to the party tonight or...?"
In truth, at this point in time, Josh wasn't even sure if he wanted to go to the party tonight. He had told all his friends he'd be there, and he's never bailed on any of them. But, tonight might have to be the first. He'd come up with some excuse...he was sick. His mother was sick. His father went away on business and didn't want to leave his mother alone for the night. His friends would all know it was a lie, but what should he do? He decided to let Evangeline decide.
Josh entered her room, the female sitting up and letting her eyes meet his. Party? Oh right! That thing...she was off of work and didn't have any homework Besides...it did get her out of the house didn't it? Looking at his expression, he looked as if he didn't even want to go. What changed between then and now? Well...she could name a couple things but she pushed it to the back of her mind. He was just doing this to protect her. She would go along with it and stop trying to make it seem so...well..awkward. "I suppose. It is not like I have work or homework...and staying here is not on my list of things to do," she said with a bright smile, trying to ease the tension between them. Everything was fine until he had to bring the "G" word into it. Well....she did say yes so now she had to live with it.
She stood up and walked to him, standing closer than she normally would. "You have to keep up appearances right? So you said when you asked me to go the first time." She tilted her head to the side and shrugged. "Might as well go and try to 'make nice' hm?" She seemed more relaxed now than she had been earlier. Maybe it was because she had convinced herself of a reason why he was doing it so she didn't have to be attached or maybe it was because she hated tension. Whatever the reason, she seemed almost like she was at work. With her true personality starting to show, that had to count for something with him right?
Evangeline reached up and rustled his hair before she walked over and leaned against the foot of her bed. "I guess acting awkward and tense is going to get us no where. You asked....I accepted. Might as well go with the flow since the rumors have spread really fast from this morning." She really didn't understand how a rumor could fly that fast but with popular teens running the show, she could guess how. Technology did have its uses. She would try her best to keep up appearances with Josh and not let it get to her. She was over thinking it as always. He had no feelings for her and was doing this to protect her like he said he was going to. She just had to keep reminding her self that.
He frowned and playfully growled at her as she ruffled his hair, knowing that the tension was immediately gone now. Where had it gone? He didn't care, as long as it was gone. One of Josh's pet peeves was awkwardness, especially when he was in the midst of it. "Yes, make nice..." he said, trailing off in a questioning tone. "Who the hell says that? Really? Is that even a term people use?" He was kidding of course, but he wanted to tease her and make them more at ease. He teased people he liked, people he cared about, and people he didn't want to make awkward.
So, they were going. Together. To the party. Joy... Josh had to think about what to wear. Would it be too cliche if they wore something matching each other? Probably, and he'd get bugged for it as well. Okay, maybe nothing matching, but definitely something casual that says 'We're-together-back-off-or-I'll-pummel-you'. Black collared shirt and nice jeans. Perfect! What would she wear? This question caught him off guard as he thought about his past girlfriends' outfits on her...scantily clad, cleavage showing tremendously, and a round, luscious bottom. What the hell was he doing!? Thinking like that... It was disgusting for one thing, and it was Evangeline for another. His face had grown red slightly at this point and he coughed, lowering his hands into his pocket to keep his excitement unknown.
Hearing him tease her she puffed her cheeks slightly. It was a term that was used quite a bit. Her family used to use it all the time around her. Isn't that what she was doing anyway? She was trying to have other people be nice to her or at least tolerate her. If she could do that then her school life would be so much better and Josh wouldn't have to pretend to be with her. She studied him for a moment and smiled. He seemed like someone that had a lot of girls after him. She wanted him to be with someone that he could be happy with and not just doing it because he had a need or want to protect someone that was going through a hard time. She was a grown woman. She could handle herself.
She eyed her closet, thinking of what she was going to wear. Only one thing stuck out in her mind. Going to her closet, she picked out a black speggetti strap tank top, a long sleeve shirt made completely out of lace, and black skirt that had three short black layers. The skirt would fall to just above her knee. She grabbed a pair of lace tights and some high fashion boots that cut right above her ankle. Hanging it on her closet door she sighed. Now that she had an outfit, she could relax. She was probably just going to curl her hair into even softer waves, through on a bit of make up and she would be ready to go. At least the female knew how to dress.
Leaning back against the bed she crossed her arms for a moment and let a smile grace her features. "Thats what I'm wearing....is that fine for keeping up appearances? I have to make sure you look good right?" she teased with a small wink. The few parties she had been too the girl always made the guy look good and vice versa. They had to compliment each other accordingly with what they were wearing. If she at least looked the part then maybe it would be more believable. She was never one to go back on her word. She said she would go out with him and she was going to. The female got herself into this mess and she was going to make sure she saw it through. She blushed slightly think about what would happen if he kissed her or anything beyond that....She let her thoughts die on those thoughts. He was just protecting her so it wouldn't go that far right. She had never even been kissed before just because she had always avoided the situation. Finding the keyboard with her eyes, she tried to distract her thoughts as best she could not wanting to over think anything again.
He looked at the outfit and tried to imagine her in it, but all he could see was the tank top and a pair of black lace underwear under it. He was a guy, but it was still disgusting. Josh mentally punched himself and watched her look over to the keyboard. "It's perfect actually. I was just thinking a black collared shirt for me, so your little dressy thing is wonderful!" he said and smiled. "I'll leave you to it now. So, I'll pick you up at six?" He laughed, and walked out of her bedroom into his, pulling out the clothes he needed and then turning on his computer to secretly nerd out a little on a website called Gaia until six o'clock.
Phoebe Majere Community Member 
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