Welcome to Westwood

CHAPTER NINE: HOMECOMING II

Chapter Nine

The music was loud and it filled the gymnasium. The homecoming committee did a really great job at decorating the place, even if the lights were quite dimmed, every detail was still highlighted. Walking inside, it was definitely unlike any dance Fitz has been to. People were up against each other but they were having fun.

As they stepped inside the dance floor, most eyes were on Fitz. He was easy on the eyes and caught most of the girls’ attention. It wasn’t something new to him as he’s always been looked up to when he enters the room, mostly because he was the prince. Unlike tonight, he was looked upon because of his charming face that stood out.

“Come on. Let’s get something to drink.” Beck insisted and the group followed. Non-alcoholic drinks were served and finger foods were displayed at the long table.

As they were getting something to fill their stomachs a bit, Maureen spotted her daughter quickly. “There you are! I’ve been calling you.” Beck excused herself from her friends to go to her mother. She and Penny had a last minute agreement about using their phones tonight and now, she was realizing she should have told her mother first.

“Penny and I agreed to keep our phones in the bag, in the car.” She said, sighing as she looked around and remembered the real reason why they did that. “Tom has been trying to message me all day about the dance and…I didn’t want to be rude and say no to him so I’m just…ignoring him.” She told her mother honestly.

“Well, that explains it. He’s been asking about you.” Maureen told her. “He says he just wants to talk. Have you not sat down with him and talked since the break up?”

Beck bit her lip and shook her head. They haven’t really sat down and talked about it because she’s already made up her mind. But then, he also saved Fitz so she kind of owes him at least a conversation, a proper one.

“Is it because…there’s someone else?” Maureen finally asked the unsung question.

“What? No. Fitz and I are just friends.” Beck said in defense.

Maureen smirked at her daughter, already reading a c***k of what’s going on in her mind. “I didn’t mention anyone, sweetheart. You’re the one who dropped a name.” She teased.

Beck scoffed at her, holding back that awkward laugh but it still came out of her lips. “Well I can see from your smile that you’re insinuating it’s Fitz.” She added, giggling awkwardly as she shook her head. “Everyone’s thinking the same thing and I just wanted to make it clear.” She clarified, turning her head to the guy who looked interested in the balloons around him. “I mean, he’s sweet, he’s charming, he’s kind. I’m not sure if I’ll find someone like him in this world anymore.”

“Then maybe it’s time to stop looking because you found him.” Maureen added but Beck shook her head.

“But he’s married, mom. And he’s not from this world. The purpose of him meeting me was to help him get back to his world, his home. This is just a stop over from his journey back.”

Maureen nodded, understanding her daughter’s situation. But then again, as a mother, it’s her job to assure her that she has her own journey to go through. “You don’t always need a man by your side, Beck. Sometimes, the journey’s a lot lighter on your own. Gets you faster where you need to be.” Maureen said, rubbing her daughter’s arm. “And wherever you, however you get there, your mama always has her arms wide open for you.” She added, which earned her a big hug from her daughter. “Alright. Go back to your friends and have fun.”

Beck went back to where her friends were but noticed they were missing one. “Where’s Fitz?” She asked, suddenly a little concerned.

“He just went to the restroom.” Gus said, putting his drink down. “I told him to just meet us in the middle of the dance floor.” He added.

Penny looked like she was itching in place already. “Yeah, come on Becks. Let’s get dancing!” She said before leaning up to whisper in her ear. “If we stay in one place, Tom’s gonna find you so let’s go!” Beck let out a soft laugh and nodded at her, figuring it’s best to move around than just stay in one place. The three went to the dance floor and started getting their groove on.

Out in the quiet hallway, Fitz used the light on his phone as he walked around. Obviously, he lied about going to the bathroom. He’s out there, in the dark and quiet halls of the school because his eyes could not deceive him anymore. He knows what he saw and it was an ogre. It’s best if he faces the creature on his own, not wanting to put his friends in harm’s way.

Realizing he was going into war defenseless, he snuck in the boys locker room to get himself a weapon. Finding a baseball bat, he settled with that since the only other weapon he could find was a long stick ruler. Going back out the hallway, he made sure to check every corner. Everyone’s at the gymnasium so if anyone makes a sudden move, he’ll know who it is.

Going upstairs, he swore he felt a figure pass by behind him. Turning around, there wasn’t even a shadow so he figured it was just his mind, anticipating the worst. The second floor was clear, every classroom and even the library was safe. As he went out of the last classroom, Fitz heard someone coming up the stairs. That must be the ogre so he went after the stairs, keeping his light on forward.

The wall covered the area of the stairs so all he could hear was footsteps, trusting his instincts alone, blindly. He was getting closer and the sound of the footsteps were getting louder. When he finally saw the figure up on the same floor as he was, Fitz screamed in surprise and the woman in front shouted along. Thankfully, he didn’t attack her with the bat because it was revealed that it was Beck all along.

“What are you doing here?!” Fitz asked, holding onto his chest like he almost had a heart attack.

“What the hell are you doing? And why are you holding a bat?!” Beck questioned back. Clearly, he wasn’t in the bathroom all along. “Gus said you went to the restroom and I had a feeling you lied and guess what? I was right!”

Fitz pressed his lips together, clearly out of excuses and caught red-handed. Nodding, he turned off the light of his phone and kept it back in his pocket. “Okay. Don’t be mad but…” He paused as Beck gave him a look which instantly told him what her reaction would be. “Okay, you’re gonna be mad but hear me out. I thought I was dreaming too when I saw that ogre but when we got here, I saw it again. And this time, I’m sure it’s real. It’s not a student in a mask. It is an actual ogre from my kingdom.”

Beck sighed, shaking her head. She thought he actually let it go but he was being stubborn and kept insisting there’s an actual ogre out here, out to get him. So much for hoping one less worry free day if he’s not cooperating anyway. “And you’re out here because you’re gonna kill him? With a baseball bat?” She questioned and Fitz looked at his weapon. It’s not as strong as a sword but it’ll do.

“I’m not gonna kill the ogre. I don’t kill. I’m just gonna keep him captive until I figure out what to do with him.” Fitz said in defense. Looking around, Fitz figured he should clear this floor since there wasn’t any sign of the ogre. “I’ll check the parking lot and I promise if I don’t see anything, we’ll go back to the dance.” He said, walking downstairs but Beck was stopped in her place when he saw a giant ugly creature, which was perfectly described in Fitz’ story as an ogre.

“Uhm…Fitz. I…” She murmured, her voice trembling as she couldn’t come up with another word with her eyes locked on that one creature heading their way. Fitz just kept walking down the stairs so Beck tried to pat his shoulder repeatedly to call his attention. When he turned to her, Beck finally spoke. “Is that the ogre you were talking about?” She asked, her eyes wide, swallowing hard.

Fitz looked just as stunned, finding the creature taller than he expected. “Uh-huh.” He said, watching as the ogre got closer to them. “Maybe…he’s really just a kid in a mask.” He added, trying to be optimistic of their situation.

“Prince!” The ogre shouted in a garbled voice and that gave the two the green light to run.

“Okay, okay. He’s coming for me. Let’s go.” Fitz said, holding Beck’s hand to pull her so they could run. Going down to the first floor, the two kept running but Beck had to stop. Taking her heels off, she reached for Fitz’ hand so they could run again. Thank goodness the gymnasium was far from them. Then again, they couldn’t really ask for anyone’s help since no one knows about Fitz’ situation.

As they found cover behind the lockers, Beck wanted to know what the game plan was. They couldn’t just be running around the school and playing cat and mouse. “What if he gets to the gym? Everyone’s there.” Beck reminded him, trying to catch her breath.

Fitz nodded at her, breathing heavily as well, as he looked around for anything that could help them. Seeing a fire extinguisher at the end of the hallway, he knew he needed to get that. “On my second day here in school, they asked for volunteers at a fire protection seminar and I thought, ‘well I wanna know how you guys put out fire in this world so I joined’.” He shared and Beck was getting confused about where he was going with the story.

“Uhm…Fitz, your point? We’re mere seconds away from getting eaten by an ogre!” She reminded him, just in case he was forgetting about their situation.

“Okay, okay. We use an acronym to remember how to use the fire extinguisher. PASS. Pull, aim, squeeze and sweep. I just need to get past the ogre to get the extinguisher. I’m gonna attack him and once I get it, I’m gonna slide it over to you and you aim it at him when he’s distracted.” Fitz explained and Beck nodded. “PASS.” She repeated so she could remember how to use it.

“That’s right. PASS. After that, just run the opposite direction. I don’t want you anywhere near that thing.” Fitz added and Beck objected instantly. “No way I’m leaving you out here alone. What if he takes you?” She questioned but Fitz shook his head. “As long as he doesn’t take you. Promise me.” He asked but Beck wasn’t sure if she could promise that. Peeking again down the hallway, she realized that the ogre was gone.

Stepping out of their cover, Beck looked around and Fitz did too. The ogre was gone but he knew better not to keep his guard down. Beck started walking toward the direction of the ogre earlier so Fitz had to stop her. “Hey, hey!” He murmured to her. Catching up, he walked in front of her just to keep her safe. “Stay behind me.” Fitz said but Beck didn’t like that idea.

“What? No way!” She whispered, moving to his side instead. “I’d rather stay beside you. He can attack me from behind, you know?” She told him, following Fitz in his little steps as they looked around the hallway. Taking their chance with the silence, Fitz figured now’s the best time to get their back up weapon. “Okay. Go get the fire extinguisher.” Fitz told her so Beck ran to the corner but as she got there, she jumped at the sound of the ogre attacking Fitz, pushing him to the lockers.

“Prince! Dead!” The ogre said, throwing a big punch to Fitz but he was able to avoid it. Once he found an opening, Fitz hit the ogre in the back with the baseball bat. Unsurprisingly, the bat broke in half with the ogre just flinching a bit. The ogre threw another punch and it finally hit Fitz, causing him to drop to the ground.

“I’m coming, Fitz! Hold on!” Beck announced, carrying the slightly heavy extinguisher to where the two were. “Alright, pull.” She told herself, trying to find the pin. Once she did, she just followed the steps. “Aim… Squeeze!” She said, aiming the nozzle at the ogre before sweeping it side to side. As expected, it worked but the ogre was only distracted for a bit. Beck emptied the extinguisher just in time for the ogre to turn his attention to the girl. Now, he looked really pissed even if his face remained the same.

The ogre headed her way as Beck walked backwards, trying to find a way out. Instead, she threw the extinguisher at the ogre’s face before running away. The ogre tried to chase her but Fitz got up and jumped on the ogre’s back.

“No! Stay away from her!” He warned, pulling the ogre away and tossing him to the lockers. Fitz isn’t gonna let him get close to Beck, not even an inch. The two brawled by the lockers and thankfully, the music in the gym was so loud, no one heard a sound of the fight happening outside.

Beck kept running but she was surprised when someone caught her, covering her mouth so she wouldn’t scream. When she turned, she saw someone unexpectedly, offering to help.

“Where’s the ogre?” Beck was asked and she was so frazzled, she started mumbling. “By the hallway. Fitz. He—the ogre attacked us and he’s still in there!” Beck said, leading the way back to where the fight was.

When they arrived back at the scene, Fitz was tossed over to their feet. Looking up, he was surprised to see who Beck was with. “Parker?!” He asked in total surprise. He did not expect this at all. Parker and Beck helped him up as Parker handed him a small glass bottle with red liquid inside. “Throw this at him.” Parker instructed and right now, Fitz has no reason not to trust her so he just did what he was told.

Throwing the potion at the ogre, it exploded right at its face. The ogre fell to the ground and lost consciousness. The three walked over to the seemingly dead creature who wasn’t making any move. “What was that? Did you kill him?” Fitz questioned Parker and she shook her head. “I didn’t kill him. He’s just unconscious.” She told him, kneeling down to check the ogre’s pockets, as well as its pulse. “Still alive. But I need to bring him back to my shop to keep him contained.” She added, tying up the ogre’s hands and feet.

“Wait a minute. Do you expect us to just trust you on this? You knew about me, you knew about the ogre. What else do you know about? Who are you, exactly?” Fitz questioned, needing answers now. She clearly knows more than what she’s letting on. “He’s right, Parker. You knew there was an ogre here when Penny said you were in Boston with Matt. Where is Matt?” Beck asked along, needing answers as well.

Parker looked up at them, figuring she should come clean now. There’s no point in hiding it anymore. “I have a gift. I’ve been figuring it out all my life but…I felt it become stronger when Fitz got here. I was called back to Westwood because I felt some sort of danger coming. I thought it was you but when you mentioned the sorceress…I panicked. I’ve been dreaming about a dangerous sorceress all my life. So if the sorceress killed you and you were transported here, in our world, that means she’s coming.” She explained, seeing the look on their faces that they were starting to believe her. “This ogre, this is just the beginning. How did she know where to find you?”

Fitz shook his head, unsure how the ogre got here and if the sorceress knew about him and Westwood. Just then, it clicked for Beck. “The post. In the story, we sent a message to your parents.” Beck reminded Fitz and he nodded at her, realizing they just gave the sorceress a chance to attack them.

Pulling something out of her pocket, Parker gave Fitz a bracelet, locking it properly on his wrist. “This is for your protection. Creatures like ogres were sent to attack you because they can feel you’re not from this world. You keep this bracelet on you and you’ll blend in like you’re one of us. They won’t know you’re from another world.”

“Are you saying the ogre was only meant to attack Fitz? But it was ready to chase me after I threw the fire extinguisher at him!” Beck said and Parker snapped her finger. “That’s because you attacked him. It will retaliate if you harm them but if you do nothing, then you’re merely a ghost to them. Just like Fitz would be if he keeps this bracelet on.”

“So that’s why he didn’t attack Riley earlier and she thought he was just a student.” Beck added, understanding it better now but she has one more question. “Where’s Matt? Does he know about this?”

Going to the parking lot, Parker opened the trunk of her car and showed Matt tied up with his mouth gagged — now awake. “What the f**k is happening?!” He asked in a mumbling voice, looking very upset and confused.

“I had to give him the same potion because I didn’t know how he’d react. But…it looks like the potion only works for four hours.” Parker said, shrugging her shoulder.

Beck removed the gag on her uncle’s mouth to calm him down but he’s clearly freaking out right now. “Becks, what’s going on? Did you know about this?” He asked, forcefully getting out of the car and struggling. When he fell on the ground, he realized he was on school grounds. “What happened? Why are we in school?” He asked, looking around as Fitz helped him out of the knot around his wrists.

“There’s so much you need to know but…” Beck paused, turning to Parker who looked guilty about what she did. But Beck realizes now that she only did it to help and protect Fitz. “But…I think it’s best if Parker explains it to you.”

“That is if…you still want to talk to me. I know it’s not normal for your girlfriend to knock you out and keep you tied up from Boston to Westwood.” She explained and Matt held her by the arms. “I just want you to talk to me. And be honest. Ever since we got to Westwood, you’ve been acting so weird.” Parker nodded at him, knowing she should come clean to him as well if she wants to stay together. “Okay. I’ll tell you everything when we get to the shop.” She finally agreed, helping Matt out of the rope around his ankles.

“Oh, and Beck…if it’s okay, I’d like to tell Penny about this myself. She deserves the truth from me too.” Parker asked and Beck nodded at her. Matt went to the passenger’s seat but screamed when he saw a creature tied up in the backseat.

“What the hell is that?!” He asked, keeping a distance from the car.

“That’s part of what I’m gonna tell you but don’t worry. He’s unconscious and he’s harmless.” Parker assured her, chuckling a little. “Come on, get in the car.” She insisted but before she could get in the driver’s seat, Fitz stopped her.

“Hey. I just want to apologize for everything. I’m sorry for doubting you.” He said and Parker smiled at him, nodding.

“Don’t worry. You’ll make it up to me when we figure out how to defeat this sorceress. She’s not only terrorizing your home but now, she’s coming for my home and I’m not gonna let that happen.” Parker assured him.

“This is my home now too so you can count on me to help you protect Westwood. I promise.” Fitz added, knowing the battle has extended from just his kingdom to both worlds, which he now sees as both his home. “Alright, you two. Go back inside. They still have yet to announce the homecoming king and queen.” Parker teased as she got inside the car and drove away from the school.

Letting out a breath, Fitz turned to Beck and they both looked like they had a rough night. Obviously, they did. “Homecoming king and queen? What’s that?” He asked, chuckling and Beck laughed along, shaking her head as she put her heels back on.

“It’s just…this silly award they give to a guy and a girl who got voted by the students for looking like a king and queen the entire night. Basically, whoever looks the prettiest gets the sash and crown.” She explained as they both walked back inside the school.

“Hey, maybe you’ll win. I think you look the prettiest among everyone in there.” Fitz said and Beck just laughed. “I do not look graceful at all! Did you see how I used that fire extinguisher? I look horrible!” She added, laughing more and Fitz shook his head, laughing along. “Yeah, but it did the job. You saved me out there.”

“Oh, yeah? Maybe you should stay behind me from now on since I saved the day.” She added teasingly and Fitz smiled at her, feeling the blush on his cheeks but the dark hallways were the perfect cover up for it.

“What? No way!” He said, shaking his head a little. “I’d rather stay beside you.” He added, repeating her words from earlier and he could swear, he saw Beck smile differently from the side of his eye. She liked what he said.

As they got back to the gym, it was as if nothing happened because everyone was still dancing and having a good time. They went around to find their friends but Gus and Penny were separately dancing along with other people. Suddenly, one of the teachers went up to the stage and started announcing.

“Alright, the night isn’t getting any younger so we might as well announce it now. Your homecoming queen is…” She paused, opening the envelope before speaking towards the microphone again. “Riley Quinn! Get up here and claim your crown.”

The crowd clapped and cheered but one guy in the crowd had his focus elsewhere. Remembering what Gus told him earlier, he tried building up the courage to ask Beck for a dance and he didn’t think he’d be this nervous. “Becky, there’s something…I have to ask.” He tried to whisper to her ear within the noisy crowd.

“What is it?” She asked, turning to him with a grin but their attention was called when they heard Fitz’ name called through the speakers.

“Fitz Patrick. Homecoming king. Who’s that?” The teacher asked and the spotlight shined directly at him. “Oh, it’s the new kid.” The teacher said in realization. “Come up here so we can start the dance.”

The smile on Beck’s face slowly faded. His question was put to the side as the students around them cheered on him, patting him on the shoulder. “That’s…that’s you. You won.” Beck said, a little less excited than she should be but still, she had to smile. “Go.” She added, letting the crowd encourage him to go up. Playing the part, Fitz decided to do as he was told, going up the stage to accept his crown and sash. Looking over at the crowd, he gave Beck a smile and she clapped along for him.

Suddenly, she felt someone tapping her by the shoulder from behind. As she turned, she saw Tom, the guy who had been looking for her all night. She thought she could avoid him but she should know better. The music for the slow dance started and the teacher on the stand made one last announcement before getting off the stage. “Homecoming king and queen, head down to the middle of the dance floor for your slow dance.”

“I feel like I should tell you but…I got the whole basketball team to vote for you as homecoming queen. I guess Riley Quinn found a way to rig the contest.” Tom said, chuckling as more people partnered up for the slow dance. “May I have this dance?” He asked.

Beck looked around but only saw one thing. Fitz and Riley, in the middle of the dance floor, leading the crowd for the slow dance. Sighing, she turned back to Tom and figured this was where she was supposed to be before the break up and Fitz happened. So maybe, this is where she really is meant to be. “Sure.” She finally agreed, giving her hand to Tom as they danced along to the slow music like everyone else.

Fitz started swaying with Riley but his eyes kept looking around for the only girl he wanted to share the dance with. When his eyes spotted Beck, she made a turn which gave him a complete view on who she was dancing with. It was Tom, her ex-boyfriend, the guy she probably isn’t over with. His smile slowly broke as she looked down at Riley who was smiling up at him.

“Are you okay?” She asked and Fitz forced a smile on his face before nodding.

“Yeah. I’m fine.” He responded, trying to shift his focus on the homecoming queen in front of him.