When The Puppet Falls For The Puppeteer

The Only Rule

Myra

"Excited for school?" Marcus asked, the corners of his mouth curling into something that looked like a smirk as we halted at the gates.

I exhaled. "Excited to see Jess, actually. I'm sure she's planned a little welcome-back nightmare for me."

He chuckled under his breath. "Well, you can fight her now. Violence seems to be your new language

"Here" he handed me my phone and tab. "See you around" I said unbuckling the seat belt

"Oh yeah" he said sarcastically hinting that I am trying to give some attitude, "I meant I will meet Ash and -"  I tried again, "Go" he said laughing at me lightly.

"Myra-bear!" I turned and she jumped on me "Finally" she dragged me inside.

Ash raised a brow behind her, and I offered her a quick nod. "Give me a sec," I told her. "I'll meet you at the lockers."

Ash blinked. "You just came with him, and you still need to go to him?" she asked, half teasing, half exasperated.

"No. I need to have a word with him, it will take only a minute babe" She left stomping her feet

"What happened ? You cut down Ash reunion for me" he asked getting down his car after parking

"I-I need to ask you something"

"Shoot"

"Can I tell Ash ?" I asked hesistant

"Tell what?" he asked quizzically and then realized looking at me "No" 

"Marcus please, Dan understands it, William knows it" 

"They don't interfere"

"She won't either. I swear. But it's getting harder to keep her in the dark — I can't even explain the simplest things without tripping over lies" I said, I really don't want to lie to her at every second

He stepped closer, slow and measured. "And what, exactly, are you planning to explain, Myra?" he asked softly — too softly.

I froze.

"What about us are you going to describe? Do you even understand this?" His gaze pinned me in place. I couldn't breathe.

"I-I am not, I-will tell somethings I mean just to clarify" I said stepping a little back, making some space between us.

He studied me, unreadable behind those eyes. Then, finally, he slipped on his shades."Fine, but I will not appreciate any interference. Until nothing changes, I am fine with it" He walked past me, leaving a faint scent of cedar and command behind.

"Thank you" 

"Don't make me regret it, Red" he said walking down

"Ahhh, look who's back," Jess's voice sliced through the hallway just as I reached the lockers.

"Cut it out, Jess," Ash snapped, stepping between us before Jess could drip more venom.

"It's okay, Ash," I murmured, eyes on my locker. "She must be tired from holding it all in."

Jess scoffed. "You slapped me, and now you're playing the victim?"

"And you got me suspended," I said calmly, shoving my books into my locker "I'd say we're even."

"In your dreams." She tossed her hair over her shoulder. "You and I could never be even. You're just a charity case."

Her words hit like a slap, but I didn't flinch. Just watched her walk away.