Welcome to Westwood

CHAPTER TEN: DANNY AND ELIZA

Chapter 10

The entire weekend, Fitz couldn’t stop thinking about what happened during the dance. Just when he was finally having the courage to ask Beck for a dance, Tom swoops in and takes his place. At that moment, he didn’t care about the crown or the recognition, something he was used to back in Truston because in the end, he didn’t get the girl — something he was not used to. He was the prince and future king of Truston and their stories usually conclude with getting the honor and the girl. Thinking about it, he’s not exactly the prince in this world. He’s just a regular nobody so maybe, getting the girl isn’t exactly part of his story.

Beck was silent about it, as well. For someone who got cheated on, it was brave for her to say yes to Tom when he asked for a dance. But to her, it was just a dance and her reasons for it were far more different than what happened to their relationship. He saved Fitz when no one else was willing to. Surprisingly, after that night, she hasn’t heard much from him all weekend. Apart from that, they haven’t encountered anything unusual like an ogre attack so to say that this weekend has been peaceful and quiet is an understatement.

“How’s the new bling?” Beck finally spoke up when they got in the car. It would take them about 10 minutes to drive to school. 15 minutes, if you count the Monday traffic so that’s 15 whole minutes for just the two of them, with no interruption whatsoever.

Fitz was confused with her question, letting out a soft chuckle. “Bling? What’s that?”

“Oh. Your bracelet, I mean.” Beck clarified, giggling lightly as she started the car.

Looking down at his new ‘bling’ as Beck called it, Fitz smiled before looking up at her. “I like it. It brings peace, I guess. At least, now, we wouldn’t have to worry about getting ogre attacks.” He added, chuckling again. “I…I saw you and Tom at the dance. I mean, I saw you two dancing.” He finally opened up which made Beck swallow hard, trying to keep her focus on the road while dealing with this awkward discussion.

“It’s just a dance.” She clarified. “He just asked me to dance and no one really asked me to dance that night so…I just said yes.” She wasn’t ready to be vulnerable and put her walls down as early as Monday, and admit that she did it in return for saving the guy beside her.

“Well, I was gonna ask you to dance but… I was called to the stage.” He admitted, looking out the window, not wanting to see her face’s reaction. What if she found that weird and she didn’t like what he said?

She didn’t expect that but she’d be lying if she said she wasn’t hoping for that to happen. Swallowing hard, she had to shake the incoming questions in her head like how and why he did not do it sooner. “Everyone knows that the king always dances with the queen first.” She said, trying to sound unaffected.

Fitz pressed his lips together, wondering if that’s how Beck wanted things to go. Maybe she knew her place in Fitz’ life and that applies to both worlds. “Yeah.” He just responded, letting out a breath.

The rest of the drive to school remained quiet, with only the sound of the stereo filling the room. Once they got to the parking lot, Penny and Gus were already waiting for them. The moment Penny saw her best friend, she gave her a big hug.

“Parker told me everything. I’m so sorry I made us keep our phones in the bag.” She said, feeling guilty that because of her plan, they were attacked unguarded that night. “It’s okay, Pen. Parker was there to help. One Schwartz is better than none.” She assured her.

Penny then turned to Fitz and gave him a big hug too. “I told you my sister’s not evil. She’s…well, I still don’t know what exactly she is but she promised to help us from here on out.” She added and Fitz nodded at her. “Thanks, Penny. I really appreciate her help.”

As they walked inside, Penny held Beck’s arm closer, walking ahead of the boys. Clearly, she had something to say that was a discussion exclusive for the girls. Beck immediately sensed this and felt the back of her neck heat up.

“What happened? I thought you were avoiding Tom. Now word on the street is that you danced with him?” She asked, wondering how the night ended that way for her best friend.

Letting out a breath, Beck shook her head as they kept walking. “I was caught off guard. One minute, I was fighting an ogre with Fitz and the next, he’s the king of homecoming. When I turned around, Tom was there, asking me to dance.”

“Oh, so you said yes to Tom because you were jealous that the homecoming king is sharing a dance with the queen? Got it.” She snapped her fingers teasingly, giving her best friend a thumbs up for going for the revenge route.

“What? No. I wasn’t jealous.” Beck scoffed sarcastically but for a minute, she asked herself the same thing. Was she jealous that Fitz was dancing with someone else? Shaking her head, she just laughed it off. “I was just making it up to Tom, for saving Fitz’ ass at the party before.” She added, sticking with the same excuse she saved in her head.

“Oh, please. Stop giving him credit for doing the bare minimum. It’s like you’re giving a kid a lollipop for breathing.”

Beck shook her head, knowing she was probably right but she’s too stubborn to admit that now. Lately, Tom has been nice enough that maybe, he does deserve a lollipop. But that doesn't mean he gets free access to the entire candy jar.

Behind them, a bit farther from the ladies, the boys were having their own conversation. Gus noticed something different about the guy and he wanted to know about it. "You seem a little off, man. Are you still a little disturbed about the ogre thing?"

Fitz shook his head as he stared ahead. Fighting an ogre wasn't unusual to him but feeling annoyed at a guy dancing with the girl he's getting close with is definitely new to him.

"You sure? Or is it because of Tom and Beck?"

Fitz turned to him in surprise, wondering if the guy could read his mind. It was exactly what he was thinking about but he just fell speechless to Gus' words.

"I told you to ask her for a dance. Too bad, someone just beat you to it." Gus added teasingly but Fitz had a reasonable excuse.

"I was busy fighting an ogre, dude. When I planned on asking her, I was called up to the stage. I didn't care about the crown but Beck told me to go for it. When I got up there, Tom was already with her." He explained, shaking his head as he brought that image back to his head. "I told Beck about it this morning and she just brushed it off. Then the entire ride here was pure silence."

Gus felt for the guy. He knew how painful it was to be friendzoned by a girl he really likes so he just patted him on the back. "If you really like her, then just say it, man. But...only if you're ready to risk ruining that friendship."

"Ruin it? How?" He asked, needing a deeper explanation.

"Well...I'm not saying this is how it'll go but...if she doesn't like you back and you tell her how you feel, then it's definitely gonna be awkward from here." He explained, thinking about how complicated their situation would be. "Everything will definitely change since you live together, you go to school together, we all hang out together...and she's kind of the person who's doing everything to help you get back to your world."

Fitz puckered his lips as if he was thinking hard about this. Is he ready to risk all of that just to let his feelings be known? If he doesn't tell her how he feels, what if Tom sweeps her back to his arms? And when he admits his feelings and she doesn't feel the same, he'd just lose her all together. "Yeah, you're right. It's too big of a risk." He murmured, letting out a deep breath.

They were all called to their classes and weirdly enough, Fitz and Beck would be sharing the same first class together. Smiling at each other awkwardly, they walked towards their classroom. It's a good thing their elective could cause a distraction to them. Both are fond of books and writing so this was the perfect class for them to take, without focusing on something else other than reading.

Sitting beside each other, the teacher came in and brought the book they'd be discussing for the coming weeks. "I believe most of you here are seniors, right?” The teacher said, taking front and center as he leaned by his desk. “I’m not gonna give you something that will make your brain work by analyzing what the theme symbolizes or how the characters relate to our current running politicians. We’re going for something simple, something that touches the heart.” He added, raising the book and showing it to everyone. “We’re diving in on a love story.” He proudly announced with a big grin but that garnered him groans and sighs from students.

“What? Everyone loves a good love story!” The teacher reasoned out with a chuckle.

“Mr. Carlson, we’d rather discuss Stephen King’s books than some sappy love story that’s most likely outdated. No one wants another Romeo and Juliet.” One student expressed and some guys agreed with him.

“You see, this isn’t one of those old fashioned love stories. This is a book written by one of our alumni students in the 90’s. She’s kinda like a celebrity since she’s the first writer from Westwood to get her book published nationwide.” The teacher explained, giving the copy for the students to pass around. “The book is called Danny and Eliza and it’s about the love story of the titular characters dealing with their feelings for each other. Your typical will they, won’t they story because…well, they’re best friends. So the question is…is it love or friendship?”

Suddenly, a student came to the room, out of breath. It was Tom, who was clearly late for class, as usual. “Mr. Bailey. Congratulations on being…” Mr. Carlson paused to check his invisible watch. “Whatever minutes later. I call it ‘whatever minutes’ because whatever your excuse is, you’re still late.” Most of the class laughed and Tom shook his head. “Take a seat, Tom.” The teacher added and Tom just took the only available seat in the room, one that’s quite far from Beck as much as he hated it.

“I didn’t know he’s in this class.” Fitz quietly told Beck.

Beck turned to her ex-boyfriend and saw him waving at her before turning back to Fitz. “I guess he asked to be transferred to this class. Just ignore him.” Beck told him and Fitz nodded, biting his lip as he sat back in his chair. Looking at Tom, he clearly has a motive and Fitz wants to find out what it is. Listening to Mr. Carlson’s discussion, the teacher ended the class by telling everyone to partner up to discuss the following chapters of the book. Fitz smiled, figuring it was clear that there’s no partner better for him than Beck. They can openly talk about the book without having to be careful of what he might say. He was about to speak up but he was again interrupted when Beck’s phone buzzed. The girl opened the message and saw it was from Tom.

“Partners?” He sent with a smiling emoji. Beck looked up at him and saw his convincing smile. Turning to Fitz beside her, she knew what was gonna come out of his mouth. Clearly, she should partner up with Fitz but she did promise Tom she’ll make it up to him for saving Fitz’ life. “I…kinda owe him so…” She paused and Fitz pressed his lips together, nodding at her.

Of course, he had to understand. “Yeah. Sure.” He said, looking around for anyone who has yet to find a partner. Seeing the girl in the right corner of the room to herself, Fitz got up and went up to her. “Hey. You got a partner?” He asked and the girl looked up in surprise, smiling at him and shaking her head.

Tom sat beside her, proud that Beck chose him over the new guy. Even with Tom beside her, Beck couldn’t help but keep an eye out for Fitz. He seems to be smiling so that was a good thing. But why was he genuinely laughing when the girl said something that wasn’t that funny?

“Beck.” Tom said, for the fourth time, but Beck wasn’t sure if she heard it the first three times. Quickly shaking her head back to reality, she gave her partner a quick smile to pretend like she wasn’t lost in her own head. “I was asking if you wanted to read the first chapter separately so we can discuss it with each other on Wednesday.” Tom repeated his suggestion.

Surprised, Beck lightly giggled at him. “You read? Since when?”

Tom laughed along, expecting that response from Beck. He’s never really been studious, or even just given Beck’s writing a chance before but he wanted to prove her differently. “I can change.” He insisted. “I told you, I wanna work on myself to be a better person. For me, not for you, specifically.” He clarified, in case Beck lectures him again about changing for someone else. “But…if it helps my case with you, then great, too. I’ll take either way.”

She smiled at him, hoping he really is working on himself to become a better person. Turning to the other corner of the room for the last time, she saw Fitz laughing along with the girl and he seemed like he was distracted enough not to notice that she was looking at him. There’s nothing for her to worry about. If she wanted Fitz to be comfortably living a life in Westwood, she should just focus on herself instead.

“So? What do you say?” Tom asked again.

“We can read it together later. I know you’re trying but…I wanna make sure you’ll actually read the book.” Beck insisted and Tom laughed. She really knew him well enough.

“Perfect. I’ll have the study room ready tonight.”

“Tom.” Beck cut him off before he goes further with his idea. “I…I think it’s best if we…study somewhere else. We can go to Freddie’s.” She suggested, figuring a public place would be safe for just two high school students to study instead of a private place where focus can be shifted elsewhere. Knowing Tom, that could be very possible.

Tom nodded, agreeing to her terms so she’d believe that he wasn’t planning on anything that could ruin the trust he was trying to regain. “Cheeseburgers and two separate milkshakes. I promise. We won’t have to argue on who gets the last sip.”

“Good.” She agreed as they both laughed.

Hearing that genuine laugh, Fitz knew that very well. He’s heard it countless times from her whenever they’re talking. The last time he heard that, it was because of him but now, Tom was making her genuinely happy. Maybe he is a bit jealous but he couldn’t show it.

The class was told to be ready to meet up for library work the day after tomorrow, before finally dismissing today’s session. As they went out of the classroom, Beck felt her curiosity creeping in so once Fitz started walking beside her again, she just had to ask about his partner.

“What’s her name? I think I know her face but…I don’t really know her name.” She brought it up casually with a light laugh.

“Raven. Her name is Raven, like the bird.” Fitz answered.

“More like the psychic.” Beck responded jokingly but Fitz just gave her a look. “Sorry. It’s a tv show.” She added, giggling. “Anyway, I heard you guys were laughing so I’m glad you’re making friends with other people.”

So she’s been watching him like he was. “Uhm…yeah. I don’t really have a choice because she’s my partner for the book study.” Fitz told her. Speaking of the book, he figured he should get started on that. It’s been a while since he last read something anyway. “Where can I get a copy of the book?”

“We have that in the library. They have a limited number of that book so most students just get the soft copy.” Beck said, realizing she should explain more. “A soft copy is a copy of the book but instead of holding it, you can read it on your phone.”

“And people enjoy that? I can barely keep my eyes on my mobile phone for more than an hour.” Fitz added.

Beck laughed and Fitz smiled at that genuine sound, glad he could make her laugh like that again. "Don't worry. Most people get soft copies so we won't run out of the hard copy. I'd rather hold the book." She said, agreeing the experience is definitely better with a book than through the screen.

"Great. Let's get our copies and read together tonight after supper." He suggested. Turning to Beck, she was biting her lip and Fitz wondered if she had a problem with that.

"Actually…Tom and I are going to Freddie's to read together." Beck revealed, and even without looking at him, she was certain that he didn’t like what he heard. A part of her knew she was just waiting for him to object and she would cancel her plans with Tom tonight.

“I will just wait for you at the house, then.” Fitz suddenly spoke. It wasn’t exactly what Beck was hoping for but it wasn’t what Fitz wanted to say. He just didn’t want her to think that he’s getting in the way of her decision making. If Beck agreed to meet with Tom then he knew she thought about it hard before coming to that decision.

Beck was quiet, wondering if she was overthinking the connection she thought she was building with Fitz. Maybe this was just a platonic friendship he was offering her and her imagination was just playing with her feelings of what if’s. The two went their separate ways, with Beck stopping midway to the door of her next class and Fitz moving forward to the end of the hallway for his own class. Standing by the door, Beck stared at him for a moment, watching her fantasy that came to life was adapting to her real feelings.

Going inside the classroom, she failed to catch the exact moment Fitz looked back at the door. He waited too long to turn and see that Beck was just looking at him. Letting out a breath, he followed the students going to the same class as his to go on with his day.

Later that night, Fitz was having dinner alone with Maureen and Robert, which has never happened before so it was a weird and quiet night for the household. Their common denominator has always been Beck, so without her, what was there to talk about?

“This is refreshing.” Robert suddenly spoke with a light chuckle. “I’ve always imagined what it would feel like if we had a son.” He added and Maureen just smiled at him. Turning to the other gentleman, she saw him a little under the weather, just poking on his peas and carrots.

“How’s school lately, Fitz?” Maureen asked, directing the subject to him instead. “Is it anything like…back home?”

Smiling a little, Fitz politely shook his head. “Extremely different. I was taught everything by my mother.”

“Right, right. You told us that.” Maureen remembered, taking a sip of her water. “Socially, in school, how have you been? Are you making any new friends? Other than Gus and Penny, of course.”

“Yeah.” He said, thinking about the girl he met earlier. “My library partner for the book we’re reading. Her name’s Raven.”

Robert smirked at his wife but Maureen shook her head at him, knowing exactly what her husband was thinking. It could be that but they shouldn’t push the idea to Fitz when he clearly needs more peers right now than a relationship. “That’s great. You should invite her next time you guys go to Freddie’s.” The mother suggested but Robert had to butt in. “Or if you want to go out with just her, you can do that too. Like a date.” Robert added and Maureen lightly smacked him in the arm.

Fitz lifted his head up at them, curious about the guy’s suggestion. “A date? What does that mean?”

“A date is when two people go out to get to know each other.” Robert responded and Maureen raised an eyebrow at him. “What? He’s not gonna be able to enjoy living his life here if he’s gonna remain unaware of typical high school terms.” Robert reminded his wife and Maureen finally agreed, letting her husband talk. “Two people date when…they want to get to know each other better and possibly further that friendship into a romantic relationship. They eat, talk and do stuff they’re both interested in like bowling or watching movies.”

“Or reading?” Fitz suddenly asked, interpreting the word to what could possibly be happening right now at Freddie’s. “Is that what Beck and Tom are doing? They’re on a date?”

The parents were silent, a little stunned that Fitz had gone to that conclusion. Has he been thinking about that all night? Is that why he seemed bothered? Robert and Maureen looked at each other, signaling for the other to speak up first.

“They were together so yes, they dated but now, they’re just friends. They’re just studying together.” Maureen explained. “It’s a friendly date. That happens too.”

Fitz pressed his lips together, hearing those words made his skin crawl and he couldn’t deny anymore that he felt bothered about it. Or maybe the better term to use in this situation is jealousy. It felt inappropriate to respond accordingly in front of Beck’s own parents so Fitz just kept it to himself for now.

Down at Freddie’s, Tom and Beck were sitting across from each other, as requested by Beck, reading the first chapter over burgers and milkshakes. They agreed to read a paragraph each after the other out loud. “The way she looks at him has always been the same. Forward with everything else out of focus, like she was the only person in the cafe; or rather the world.” Beck read before looking up and seeing Tom looking at her with all smiles. She wanted to say he was looking at her the way the book was describing but really, with his chin leaning on his propped arms on the table, he was just trying to be charming. Sure, she was charmed but Beck isn’t here to bring back old flames. “I thought we agreed to focus on the book.” She reminded him, giggling as she took a sip of her milkshake.

Laughing along, Tom shook his head as he took a sip of his own milkshake. “I am listening. It’s just…hard to listen and look at you at the same time — I melt. I always do.”

Beck rolled her eyes, knowing he was using his words to charm her again. It’s what won her over before but she knows better now not to easily fall into his tricks. “Then don’t look.” Beck suggested, closing the book for a bit.

“Fine, fine. I’ll cover my eyes.” Tom agreed, putting both palms over his eyes. “Go on, read.”

“That’s just weirder!” She said, failing to hide her laugh as she playfully threw a fry over at Tom which he caught with his mouth immediately. They both looked surprised and impressed as Tom shared an applause.

“See? Even when I keep my eyes close, we still make a great team.”

“You just knew I would throw the french fry at you because I used to do that.” Beck insisted, trying her hardest not to let her smile grow. This isn’t a trip down memory lane.

Tom smiled, sipping on his shake again. “Yeah. Just like old times, eh? I miss that.”

Beck bit her lower lip a bit, thinking of how to properly respond to that. Tom clearly has his intentions but she also didn’t want to assume anything, especially since he has been nothing but nice lately. Saving Fitz’ life was a really big thing for Tom, particularly because he always cared about his reputation. He really stepped up a notch that night. Speaking of Fitz, she had to quickly check her phone to see if the prince had sent any text or even a missed call. None from Fitz so she just let out a sigh.

“Why? Do you need to go home?” Tom asked and his tone was a lot more understanding than Beck had heard him before.

Smiling, she shook her head at him and opened the page from where she left off earlier. “It’s okay. We can finish the chapter first. And then the burger, the fries and the shake.” She insisted, willingly staying there a little longer.

The rest of the night, Fitz was just in his room after dinner. He did want to start on reading the book. Reading has always been his escape back home but now, it felt like a connection to his old self. He tried to keep his focus on the novel but when he heard a female voice outside his room, he had to quickly peek by his door. Seeing Robert there, he figured he’d ask. “Is Beck back?” He asked but the father shook his head. Pressing his lips together, Fitz closed the door again and continued to read. After struggling to keep his focus, he got up and went downstairs instead.

Maureen was closing down the kitchen when she saw Fitz flop on the couch, keeping his eyes on the door. Wiping her hands with a towel, she hung it on one of the chairs and checked on Fitz. “You okay? Can’t sleep?” She asked.

“Oh, no. I just…I wanted to read down here.” He said, giving out a half ass truth. “I’ll just wait for Beck too.” He added and Maureen felt her lips smirk a little before nodding.

“Don’t stay up too late.” She said, proceeding to go upstairs to the bedroom.

After what felt like an eternity, Fitz heard a car pull up in front of the house. He got up so fast, he just dropped the book on the couch and ran to the window like a little kid waiting. Beck got out of Tom’s car and said goodbye quickly. As she started walking towards the front door, Fitz ran back to the couch and laid comfortably with his head shoved into the book with focus.

Beck opened the door and saw Fitz on the couch. She closed the door and felt the curiosity cloud her head. “Fitz? What are you doing down here?” She asked.

Fitz sat up, acting surprised to see Beck back. “You’re back. I was just reading, actually.” He got up and walked closer to her. His eyes were laser focused like what she read earlier. That small smile was definitely attractive and the closer he got, the better Beck got a look of it and a smile on her own face grew. “How was your night?” Fitz suddenly asked and it brought Beck back to reality.

The smile on her face slowly faded, even if what she was about to say should be considered good news. Feeling her heart race, she figured it’s best to say it now rather than later. “Tom asked for another chance…to prove himself to me. I said yes.”

Beck saw the moment in his eyes when he broke into a million pieces but then again, she figured she was just looking at her own reflection. It broke her seeing him react that way but she couldn’t explain why. There was a moment of silence between them before Fitz finally spoke up, nodding gently at her.

“Sweetest of dreams, Becky.” He spoke like every night except this time, without any enthusiasm at all and it felt so much different than before.