Welcome to Westwood

CHAPTER SEVEN: THE WOMAN IN HOOD

 Chapter Seven 

Every bone in his body was telling him to let his rage come out the moment he saw the woman in the hood. He knew her very well as she was the last image he saw before he was murdered back home. Fitz refused to believe it but there she was, standing in the same building as he was. Before she could attack once more, he had to think on his feet.

He ran and before Beck could stop him, Fitz had already shoved the woman by the lockers. Seeing her face for the first time, he was surprised because this isn't who he thought she would be. In fact, he doesn't even know this face so, could he be wrong? 

"What the hell?!" The woman said angrily, shoving Fitz off of her. 

"Tell me your name and why have you come here?!" Fitz asked in response, his anger from the inside just came out to the tone of his voice. 

Beck, Penny and Gus rushed towards them to stop the commotion. But Penny had to speak up first. "What the hell are you doing, Fitz? That's my sister!" Penny said angrily, checking to see if her sister is okay.

"Your...your sister?" He asked, confused as hell as he felt his heavy breath try to calm down. "I just...I thought she was…" He couldn't even finish his sentence, still in shock of what's happening. Turning to Beck, he saw the disappointment on her face. "I'm...I'm sorry. I thought she was…" He paused again, seeing as they've gained an audience for this.

"Park, you okay?" Penny asked her sister and she nodded, removing her hood to fix herself more. "I'm fine. Just...a lot startled. Do you know this guy?" The sister asked and Penny nodded. 

"I'm sorry, Parker. He's just...going through some stuff. He didn't mean that and he's sorry." Beck apologized on his behalf before turning to Fitz, giving him a look so he could apologize as well. 

"Yeah, yeah. Definitely. I'm really sorry. I just thought you were…" He paused but Parker continued it for him. 

"A ghost of the past?" She asked and Fitz had to swallow hard, nodding slowly. "Something like that." He admitted, watching as Parker took the hood off and put it in her bag instead. 

"I knew I shouldn't have joined the bandwagon. It's just that homecoming week is my favorite and I’ve always dressed up to the theme.” Parker explained, giving Fitz a curious look, sensing something different about the guy. Turning to her sister, Parker smiled and rubbed her arm. “Don’t worry. I’m fine.”

“I didn’t know you were back in town, Parker.” Beck said, nudging her best friend a little. “How come you didn’t tell us?”

Penny chuckled a little and shook her head. “I was gonna tell you today and I didn’t know she was gonna show up here in school.” She added, turning to her sister next. “What are you doing here, anyway? Alumna aren’t supposed to come till the game this Saturday.”

Parker shrugged, still giving Fitz a look from time to time. “I just wanted to drop by and check out the school. Something was pulling me towards here and...guess what? It’s the homecoming week theme. I love a good medieval period concept.” She added with a light giggle and the friends laughed along. Except, Fitz wasn’t feeling all that amused with the visitor.

“I’m really sorry about earlier.” Beck added another apology but Parker shook her head. “It’s all good, trust me. I’m definitely gonna see more of you around though, assuming you’re now part of the friend group.” Parker noted and Fitz just had to nod along. Soon enough, the bell rang and it was time for everyone’s first period. Parker said goodbye to everyone but kept an eye on Fitz specifically. “I’ll see you around.” She added with a smirk as she walked out of the school.

His classes went by so fast, mostly because his mind was too occupied about this morning. Fitz really thought he found the sorceress. It would’ve been his chance to get home and get back at the woman who killed him. Instead, he was slapped in the face of the reality that he’s not in the world where Truston exists. He is in a different world so he should definitely stop assuming his enemy is nearby. His enemy is literally a world away.

Lunch time came and Fitz had to pull Beck aside before they met up with Gus and Penny. He needed to talk to her alone and he couldn’t wait any longer. He had to let her know what was going on in his head. Pulling her to the lockers, he saw Gus and Penny heading their way so he needed to take Beck somewhere else. Going for the janitor’s closet, Beck was surprised especially when Fitz locked them both inside.

“What’s going on?” She asked, her voice trembling from the nerves.

“I need to tell you something. It’s about what happened earlier.” Fitz said and Beck was confused why he needed them both locked in such a small space. “I couldn’t say it in front of Gus and Penny — especially Penny so I had to bring you here.”

Getting an instant clarification, Beck was just filled with more questions, having the slightest idea on what it was about. “Is this about Parker? Do you know her?”

Fitz shook his head, letting out a deep breath. “I thought I did. When I saw her wearing that...hood, she looked exactly like the sorceress when she killed me. I had that same feeling I had right before she stabbed me, that’s why I acted on my feet and attacked Penny’s sister.” He explained more and Beck finally understood where that rage came from. 

“Are you saying Parker’s the sorceress?” She asked and Fitz was quiet. Beck knew he thought about it so she shook his head. “No. It can’t be. I’ve known Parker more than half of my life. She isn’t from another world. We grew up together.”

“I’m not saying she is but…there’s something about her. I can’t quite shake it but it’s either I’m too paranoid or she knows something. And the way she looked at me, it was like…” He paused, remembering the feeling of being stared at by a stranger that didn’t feel like one. “It was like she knew I’m not from here.”

Beck took a moment to try and understand the situation from his point of view but she couldn’t accept that he may be right. She’s known the woman most of her life but it’s been proven time and time again that her known reality has a whole new meaning. “Let’s not draw into conclusions, okay? I’ll see if I can find out what she knows but Penny can’t find out.”

Fitz nodded, knowing it’s in Penny’s best interest if she’s unaware that her two friends are investigating her sister. “Okay. Until then, I think it’s best if we stay away from her. I just don’t want to risk anything happening to you.”

Beck furrowed her eyebrows, confused at what he said. “Why would anything happen to me?”

“The sorceress rarely goes after her enemies. She knows the attack would be more fatal if she goes after those her enemies care about.” He explained and a c***k of a smile came up on Beck’s face. Did he just admit that he cares about her? Not wanting things to be any more awkward, she just nodded at him. “Come on. It’s time for lunch. I bet they’re waiting for us.” Beck insisted, opening the door of the closet but as they got out, all eyes were on them. 

She didn’t need to hear the whispers. The way they were looking at them says enough about what they’re thinking. Suddenly, some girls started giggling and one of the guys had to whistle at them teasingly. Feeling her cheeks blush, Beck turned to Fitz and saw his cheeks getting rosy. They stood there awkwardly for a couple of seconds before Beck noticed someone from afar. Tom was looking at them and he was either angry, hurt or both. 

“Hey, uhm… I’ll meet you at the table in a while.” Beck told the Prince and Fitz saw Tom looking at them so he figured Beck needed to talk to her ex. Nodding, Fitz then walked away. As the hallway cleared, Beck came up to Tom who was shoving books in his locker. “Hey. That was uhm...what you saw...that’s not what it looked like. We were just...looking for my bracelet and thought it dropped in one of the janitor’s stuff.” She explained, hating that she felt like she needed to explain herself, especially since she’s no longer in a relationship with the guy.

Tom was silent for a bit and once he closed his locker, he finally turned to Beck. “That sounds like a lame excuse. Are you two together now? Is that why you don’t want to get back with me?” He questioned and Beck shook her head, sighing at the repetitive conversation they’d be having again.

“We’re not together and like I told you, whatever reason I have for not getting back together with you is because of you and I. Things got messy and then, it just got messier and it was too damaged to be even fixed.”

“I’m trying to change, Beck. For you. I’m trying to be a better man. To be good enough for you.”

“I know, Tom. And I see that. What you did for Fitz at the party...I couldn’t be more grateful. But if you’re going to change, do it for yourself, not because you want me back.” She told him, hoping his reasons would be more aligned to his actions. “And who knows, maybe we could...go back to being friends before senior year is over.”

“Friends? Just friends?” He asked, hoping for a different kind of relationship with her in the future.

“Well, for now, that’s what we need to aim for. I wanna see my good friend first before I dive into a romantic relationship with you again.” She added, stepping away as she needed to go have lunch with her friends.

When Beck got to their lunch table, Gus was sharing a random story about his class before the bell rang. Seeing Beck come, Fitz had to check on her. "Are you alright?" He asked and Beck nodded.

"I'm fine. I just...had to clarify what he saw out there." She assured him.

Fitz looked at her, a little confused. "What do you mean?"

"Well…" She let out a sigh, figuring the guy felt the blush and flush but was unsure what the looks they got meant. "Everyone saw us come out of the janitor's closet so...usually, people don't hide there unless... they're doing something...that needs hiding." She explained and Fitz raised an eyebrow at her. "But...we were doing something that needed hiding. We were hiding from…" He paused, motioning his head a little at their friends across them.

"Yeah, of course. But...they looked at us... weirdly because they thought we were...making out or something. I don't know." She had to say it, feeling her cheeks burn from saying it out loud. 

Fitz's eyes went a little wide as his lips curved up in a smile. "Making out...like kissing?" He asked and Beck could just feel her face turning into a brighter shade of red. 

"That's...just...usually what people think but...don't worry. You don't have anything to worry about because that won't happen." She assured him, figuring he was worried about that since, technically, he's still a married man.

His smile fell but he couldn't show her the tiny sting in his heart after Beck instantly shut down the idea of them doing something as romantic as kissing. Why did it hurt a little? Forcing a lighter smile, he nodded at her before continuing to eat his sandwich. 

Once lunch was over, everyone went on to their classes. Beck and Penny would be sharing a class together so it was the perfect time to talk about Parker's sudden arrival in Westwood.

"So…how come you didn't tell me Parker was in town?" Beck asked curiously, clinging onto Penny's arm.

Penny shook her head, holding onto her best friend's hand as they walked. "She just got here last night, okay? I was just as surprised and I forgot to tell you. But she's here now and from what I heard, she's staying for good."

Beck got curious about that, remembering what the plan was. She needed to know if Fitz' gut feeling about Parker is true, which she really hoped is not. "Why is she moving back to Westwood?"

"Well, she's starting her own tattoo shop in town. She's been planning this for a while now but...she said, lately, something's pulling her back home." She explained, shrugging her shoulders as they kept walking.

"Something? Or maybe...someone?" Beck asked and Penny stopped the both of them from walking. Giving her a look, Penny got really curious. "What's that supposed to mean? Do you know something I should know about?"

Beck felt her sweat starting to build up, feeling nervous about her best friend's confronting words. Should she tell her the truth? No. She could get offended, no matter how nicely she tries to word it. Smiling, Beck shook her head. "Nothing. I just thought…" She paused. "Matt's in town too so it's just weird that we both have relatives staying in town for good." That'll take her suspicion off of her.

"It's homecoming week after all. I guess we can now call it a nationwide holiday." Penny added jokingly as they both laughed about it before heading to their next class.

Later that day, they finally got to go home and change into regular clothes, except for Fitz who was still enjoying the feeling of his own clothes in his skin. Resting in his bedroom, he perked up when he heard a knock on his door. Opening it, he saw Beck standing there.

“I spoke with Penny earlier. I’m not sure if I got something or I’m just overthinking.” She told him honestly but Fitz still wanted to hear it. “Okay. Tell me.” He asked.

Stepping inside, she figured it’s best to keep this conversation just between the two of them. “Parker came back to Westwood because she’s starting her own tattoo shop. She’s planned this for a while but apparently, something’s pulling her back home lately. She didn’t say what or who…”

“Who?” Fitz asked, feeling every nerve in his body shake. Could that mean she moved back in town now because she knows that Fitz is here? It could be a coincidence but the timing just fit perfectly.

“She didn’t say it was a person but whatever it is, something’s calling her back home.” Beck said and it just confirmed all of Fitz' suspicions. Moving towards the bed, he took a seat as he tried to gather his thoughts. No matter what her reasons are for coming back to Westwood, Fitz has to be prepared. And this time, he’s going to keep all his guard up and he’s not going down without a fight. 

“Let’s not assume anything so quickly. If you want, we can keep an eye on her after school just to make sure she’s not doing anything...harmful.” Beck suggested but their attention was interrupted when they heard the doorbell ring. Looking at each other, they both got curious about who it was so they went downstairs to open the door.

Their jaws dropped as their faces froze when they saw Matt standing by the door, holding hands with none other than the woman of the hour — or rather the woman of the day, Parker. To say that they were shocked would be an understatement. 

“Hey, guys. This is Parker, my girlfriend.” Matt introduced but by the looks of it, on the three of their faces, they already knew each other. “Right...I forgot to tell you, Becks. I know she’s your best friend’s sister but...we never really made anything official until we decided to move in town.” Matt explained but Beck was clearly out of words. She did not expect this at all, especially after her conversation with Fitz upstairs, she wasn’t expecting to see Parker anytime soon.

“Well, aren’t you guys gonna let us in? I’m sure your mom made the most delicious dinner.” Parker added, having a very dubious smirk on her face and as Beck turned to Fitz, she could tell he was torn with what to do and how to react. 

Maureen saw them by the door and waved at the special guest. “Parker, come in. Dinner’s almost ready.” She said so Matt and his girlfriend walked past the two high school kids to go inside. Maureen clearly knew about this so Beck was curious how much she knew about their guest and what exactly her intentions were. 

“Did you know she was coming?” Fitz asked quietly but Beck shook her head, starting to fear that the prince might be right about his gut feeling. “I didn’t. But my mom clearly knew.” She murmured, turning to Fitz like she needed a proper game plan with him. “Just...don’t do anything stupid, okay?” She said, remembering what he did earlier in school when he saw Parker in an all too familiar hood. “Just...act cool. Don’t let her see you’re guarded. Right now, she’s just a guest. She’s Matt’s girlfriend and Penny’s sister. That’s it.” She added, still whispering. Thankfully, Fitz nodded and agreed with her game plan. 

They were about to go to the dining table but Fitz had to stop her by holding her hand. Turning to him, Beck felt his cheeks burn up a little again, just like earlier outside the janitor’s closet. She was about to question it but Fitz spoke up. “Be careful. And stay close to me.” He asked sincerely and Beck nodded with a light smile, seeing the need to protect in his eyes. He does care about her. 

Taking their seats, Beck motioned for Fitz to sit beside him but she jumped a little when Parker pulled the chair beside her. "You don't mind, do you?" She asked and honestly, her smirk is shaking her core. Could she really be not who she says she is? Forcing a smile, Beck shook her head at her. "No." She responded before turning her head to Fitz. He seemed tensed but various. 

"It's fine, bro. You can sit with me.” Matt insisted and Parker giggled along as she took her seat. 

Once everyone got settled, Maureen started passing around the food so they could start eating. Beck and Fitz just kept giving each other eye contact, somehow like a warning to be careful whatever this dinner is for. 

"I haven't spoken to your mother in weeks, dear. What made you decide to come back to Westwood?" Maureen asked and Parker gladly answered. "I've always thought about setting up my own tattoo shop. It's been in my plan for the past year but...something was really pulling me back here." She said before giving Fitz a smirk that only he and Beck saw. It's the exact same thing Penny told her so Beck figured now is the time to get some further answers. 

"And that was? Matt?" She asked and Parker laughed lightly. 

Taking a sip of her water, she shook her head and swallowed first before speaking up again. "As romantic as that sounds, not really. I first decided to move back and Matt just followed. As for my reason, whatever that is...I guess I'm still trying to figure that out." Parker added.

"She came to school today to personally tell me about her relationship with Matt." Maureen revealed. "And trust me, I asked her multiple times if she was sure about him and multiple times, she told me yes." She added and everyone at the table laughed, except for the two students. "You've always been family to us so I guess this will just make us closer." 

Parker nodded, taking a few bites of the pasta before her attention was shifted to the only other non-related family member at the table. “And what brings you to Westwood?” She asked as Fitz kept his eyes locked on her. “You’re new in town, right?”

Maureen knew she had to step up and answer, just to make sure they’re all on the same page about their house guest. “He’s a transfer student. We’re taking him under our roof because his parents are one of the school’s benefactors.” The principal explained but Parker had more questions.

“So where are you from?” She asked more and Fitz could tell there was a hidden intention in her question. It was like she knew who he was and where he’s from. 

Beck gave him a look, hoping Fitz wouldn’t act on his feet with the bombarding questions. They agreed to act as if nothing was wrong. It took him a few seconds before he finally answered. “Argentina. That’s where my family’s from.” She spoke and Parker seemed impressed that he responded with a grin on his face. 

“Calm down, man.” Matt chimed in, laughing at the guy. “I know my girlfriend’s beautiful but...stop being so tense.” He added so Fitz just chuckled along lightly. If he’s gonna play a part, then he might as well play it well. “Did you grow up here? This is your hometown, right?”

Parker nodded, seeing that the guy was finally more open to conversation. “I was born and raised here in Westwood. I grew up with Beck, actually, since she and Penny had been best friends forever. But it wasn’t till recently that I met Matt.”

“And where was that?” Fitz asked as if he was waiting for an answer he already had in his mind.

“Jersey. We met again in New Jersey but...we had a summer thing here in Westwood before I had to move for college.” She added, wondering if that’s the answer the guy was looking for. “It feels...weird sharing a love story ‘cause I’ve never really been open about my relationships, or even just about myself.” She explained and Matt nodded. “Yeah, and I love the mystery of it. She just keeps me excited and hungry for her, you know?” He added with a wink at everyone.

“Matt.” Robert quickly warned, as Maureen did. “Matthew! We have children present here.” 

Matt just kept laughing as Parker tried to hide the blush on her face. “Mo, come on. They’re not children anymore. They’re young adults who take s*x education in schoo—.” Maureen raised both hands in surrender as Robert covered his eyes while shaking his head. Beck just couldn’t believe how messy dinner just got and Fitz couldn’t help but laugh quietly at everyone’s reaction.

“My apologies for my crazy boyfriend.” Parker said, laughing along and shaking her head. “But I really do appreciate dinner, Mo. Pesto’s my favorite. Don’t tell my mom but it’s definitely better than what she used to make growing up.” She added and Maureen nodded, glad that the topic had finally changed. “Thank you. Apart from keeping the school together and Beck, my cooking is another thing I’m really proud of. You better save some space for dessert.” She noted and Robert had to agree. “Strawberry pie, my favorite.” 

Fitz just kept an eye on the woman across, still wondering if all of this was just an act. She grew up in this town and Beck grew up with her so it was impossible to grow up here and be causing havoc in another world. Then, his eyes turned to Beck who looked like she was pleading. She had her suspicions but now, she was seeing Parker as the same older sister of her best friend that she grew up with. “It’s okay.” She mouthed at Fitz, assuring him that there’s nothing to worry about for now. 

Parker started sharing more about her life in New Jersey and for a moment, it calmed Fitz down. Maybe Beck is right about her. There is nothing that screams she’s the sorceress apart from the hood she was in earlier in school. After a while, it was finally time for dessert. Maureen stood up but Fitz stopped her. “I’ll get the dessert.” He insisted and Maureen thanked him sweetly. “It’s just on the counter, Fitz. Thank you.” She replied and Fitz walked out to the kitchen.

“I’ll go help him.” Parker insisted, getting up and following Fitz to the kitchen. Beck suddenly felt nervous, leaving just the two of them in the kitchen but if she joined them, that would just be more suspicious for everyone else. Her dad just started talking about something else so she just turned her focus on that. 

Seeing the pie, Fitz went to one of the drawers to get everyone small plates of their own. Suddenly, he felt someone behind him and when he turned around, Parker held him by the collar of his shirt, her finger over his lips to keep him quiet. 

“If you make one sound, it’s gonna end badly for you. Trust me.” She warned and Fitz should’ve seen this coming. He let his guard down too soon. Nodding at her, he needed to hear her out so he kept his mouth shut for everyone’s safety. “Fitz, right?” She asked, shifting to a sweeter tone. “So...I didn’t really like what you did to me in school earlier. But according to your actions, you clearly thought I was someone else so...I decided to forgive you in that same moment.” She explained and Fitz just kept his eyes on her, trying to see if her eyes would glow the same way his murder did right before he was stabbed. 

“But the closer you got to me, I felt it. It’s the same energy that pulled me back in town so...you, Mr. Fitz, are definitely the reason why I’m back. You’re new to this town but I can sense you’re also new to this world.” She revealed and his eyes went wide. Parker knew that part about him and what else could she know about? “Tell me. Where are you from and what do you want from the Harrises?” She asked quietly and Fitz was confused. Did she think he was the villain in this story?

“I’m not here to hurt the Harrises. I’m here because I need their help to go back to my kingdom — back to Truston.” He finally revealed, needing his intentions to be seen clearly. “If anything, they’re gonna need protection from you. What do you know? Did the sorceress send you here?” He questioned back since they’re finally having an honest conversation. 

Parker gently pulled back, sensing confusion in the both of them. They clearly thought differently about each other and when he mentioned the sorceress, Parker was just filled with more questions. “Sorceress? What sorceress?” She asked, putting a bit of a distance between them. 

Fixing his collar, Fitz figured there’s no other way to deal with this than to talk about it properly and more honestly. “Back in Truston, a sorceress murdered me on the night of my wedding. When I woke up, I was sent here, to this world. I only know about the Harrises because...Beck, she’s the main character of the book I was reading when I was still alive.” He finally explained, wondering if Parker is going to tell Matt about all this. 

Parker felt shaken to the core. She wasn’t just dragged back to Westwood because of Fitz but there’s something more mysterious about this town that needed her attention. Suddenly, they were interrupted when Matt showed up to the kitchen. “What’s going on?” He asked, sensing the tension rising in the room. Both were quiet, letting the new knowledge sink in their system. 

“Nothing. I think it’s time to go home.” Parker said, turning to Matt with a forced smile on her lips. “Take me home, please?” She asked and Matt kept switching looks at both his girlfriend and Fitz. But if his girlfriend wants to go home, he’ll deal with that first before getting answers later tonight. “Okay. Come on. I’ll just save you a piece of the pie when you come back.” Matt said, extending his hand to his girlfriend so they could walk out of the house together.

Fitz stood by the counter, feeling shaken at the revelation he just heard. Parker knew about him but she clearly needed more to understand him and his purpose here in Westwood. After a few seconds, Beck came over, seeing the tensed Fitz by the kitchen counter. “Are you okay?” She asked and slowly, Fitz nodded at her. “I hope so.” He responded, letting out a deep breath, knowing there’s more for him and Beck to talk about later.