Chapter Nine - You Owe Me

I did not upload the picture after all.

As much as I hated Matt and wanted to give his ego another caning, he wouldn't find himself in half as much trouble as the poor girl who was making out with him would. Rebecca would eat her alive after making her life hell at school.

Also, I feared it would somehow reach the principal and she would connect the dots, which would land me in trouble as well.

Besides, the nasty rumours about me were dying down already so I was good.

Except in this very moment.

"Oh my God, excuse me, please." I tried to weave past the people in the hallway with urgency. I had to get to the bathroom, courtesy of the half a litre water I'd chugged during class because my phone reminded me to drink a glass for healthy skin. Stupid technology.

"Out of my way, people!" I shouted and swung open the bathroom door, thanking my lucky stars upon finding an empty cubicle. I didn't wanna have to pound on a door while some girl was doing her business.

I quickly locked the cubicle, got to it and exhaled in relief. Never drinking that much water in school.

I heard the bathroom door open and whoever stepped in sounded in a bright mood because they were humming a tune loudly. I knew the song but couldn't place it so I started humming along softly.

"Hey," an unfamiliar voice called. "How are you, Rebekah?"

My brows furrowed. Who is that?

"Fi—" I started to say but was cut off.

"Just fine. What do you want?"

Oh, that sounds like a bitch I know. None other than my namesake.

"Um nothing. Just saying hi," the girl replied nervously.

"To me?" Rebecca chuckled and I could almost picture her sizing the girl up snobbishly. "Do I know you?"

I rolled my eyes.

"Um no sorry. I was just heading out."

Silence followed and I could now picture Rebecca giving her a curt wave of her hand to get out.

After five seconds, the girl cleared her throat. "I just wanted to let you know there's this rumour going around about you."

"That I've slept with half the football team?" she asked, bored.

"Y-yes."

She chuckled, a dark witchy laugh I remembered from childhood cartoons. "That's not me. It's the blonde Rebekah."

"Oh." The girl let out a laugh. "What a hoe."

My temper flared. I knew Rebecca had been spreading rumours about me but actually hearing it happen live just hit a nerve. Who the hell did she think she was?

I snapped open the cubicle.

Rebecca had a whole-ass makeup kit open on the counter and she was too busy applying eyeliner to notice me. When she finally did through the mirror, she seemed a bit taken aback but it was just a momentary reaction. She went back to doing her makeup like I hadn't just caught her spewing shit about me.

My eyes snapped to the girl and she blinked, clearly sensing the tension. I'd seen her around before. She was probably a sophomore.

"Let me guess... blonde Rebekah?" She bit down on her lip nervously.

I only gave her a sarcastic smile in return as affirmation.

"Um... catch you guys later." She waved at us and slipped out.

"Hope not," Rebecca said after her and I walked up to the sink next to her and started washing my hands, keeping my glare firm on her. She caught it out of the corner of her eye but chose to keep doing what she was doing without paying me any heed.

"Quit that," I finally said.

Her eyes fell on me. "What?"

"I know you're spreading these rumours about me."

She chuckled. "Come on, Becks. Do you really think I've got the time—"

"I know it's you. Stop it." The fact that I had cut her off to accuse her did not sit well with her.

Her oblivious facade wore off in an instant and she raised a challenging brow. "Or else?"

"Honestly, I don't know what I'm gonna do but I definitely won't be asking you again."

"Are you threatening me?" She gasped, pretending to be scared.

"Not yet," I smiled. Bitch. "But if you don't stop, I promise I'll think of something much worse for a rumour about you. You know how gullible these people are. One rumour and you're a goner."

"Stop giving me more ideas, Becks." She blinked innocently while grabbing a makeup brush as she began dusting the excess compact off her face all the while keeping her eyes on me, her lips puckered out in an annoying pout.

I scoffed. "What can you possibly tell these people about me and keep them talking about it? I'm basically a nobody. Nobody cares about me. Look at this rumour. It's already dying down. But you have a reputation. One false rumour and it's all down the drain. Girls, especially, are gonna keep it alive because let's face it, you're a bitch and every single girl you've ever crossed would wanna take you down. I'll just give them the opportunity."

Her hands froze and she slowly lowered the brush, eyes narrowing. "You wouldn't."

"Try me." I winked and walked past her towards the door, really glad for gaining the upper hand for once.

"You—" Her voice was cut off with the closing of the door and I chuckled.

Now that was a win.

I looked down at my watch and blew out a breath. It was almost time for the assembly. The same one Matt had mentioned to the principal while getting detention the first time and for which Rebecca was currently painting her face, I was certain. Just as I was beginning to head towards the auditorium, my phone buzzed.

"Hey, Mee," I answered.

"How long before you get here? I'm literally fighting to save your seat."

"Just a minute." I chuckled.

"Hey! Is that Becks?" It sounded like Mack in the background.

"Yes."

"Give me the phone." There was a little shuffle and I heard Mack's voice next. "Hey, Becks. The tree offer still stands."

I deadpanned. "Bye."

"Wait wait." He laughed. "Do you wanna help with the costumes? They're running low on volunteers."

"Why would I do that when I can just watch the assembly from the audience and get it over with?"

"Because Sean's doing it too."

I stopped in my tracks. "Sean, the quarterback? Helping with the costumes?"

"He's friends with the drama club VP Oliver and stepped in to help him. I was offered too but I can just tell them you're filling in for me. Easy."

I gasped. "Are you serious?"

"If I were you, I'd hurry backstage just in case there are other girls who are looking for a chance to talk to him since he's with the common folk for a change."

I blinked, then hung up.

"Tell them I'm coming, Mack," I said to no one and sprinted towards the backstage area like someone's life was in my hands.

When I made it, I was breathless. I needed a few moments to calm myself before I could start looking for Sean. Or Oliver.

The place was bustling with people running around and some of them reciting instructions in air to no one in particular. I jumped in my spot when loud music blew out of the speakers, evincing the start of the assembly.

"Excuse me?"

I turned around at a girl's voice. She looked like she was in charge of the whole thing, holding a pen and clipboard in her hand as she impatiently tapped her foot while dialling a number.

"Are you supposed to perform? If not, please clear the backstage. It's too crowded already," she told me.

"I'm volunteering."

"We have enough volunteers. Thank you." She politely motioned towards the exit, cursing under her breath when someone bumped into her while walking past her, almost making her drop her clipboard.

I stood up on my tip toes to look for Sean amongst the swarm of people. I couldn't just let this golden opportunity slip.

"Please," she told me again, a little annoyed this time as she aggressively clicked on her phone screen to hang up.

"Um, performing. I meant I'm performing."

Her eyes narrowed. "Oh yeah? At what number did you say you're queued?"

"Um I don't know...yet." Her eyes narrowed even further but I continued, "I'm actually looking for someone. Can you tell me where Oliver—"

"Name?" she demanded while looking at her clipboard, too busy and annoyed to listen to me and in a bit too much hurry to kick me out if my name wasn't on her list.

"Rebekah," I answered.

I'd lied to her if I knew she'd give me the dirtiest look possible at the answer. "Are you kidding me? I've been calling you for the past fifteen minutes."

I looked down at my phone in confusion. "No, you're not. Oh wait! I think you have me confused with—"

"Come on!" She pushed me past people and the next thing I knew, a bright light was shining in my face. It blinded me for a moment until my eyes slowly adjusted to it and I could look around.

I was on the stage and there was a big audience right in front of me. The entire freaking school. And I was in the spotlight.

Oh God!

I broke out in a cold sweat and was seconds away from hyperventilating when a sound distracted me. The sound of someone singing—no, an understatement. It was more like they were weaving words into a silvery chime, the kind of music that could put me to sleep. In a good, calming way. I was completely enthralled and forgot all about the audience.

That's when I noticed the people on the stage. And the instruments. I had been pushed on the stage in the middle of a freaking music performance. Shit.

Several pairs of eyes were weighing me up with curiosity, except one. A single pair of eyes had me locked in a deadly glare. A glare that I was all too familiar with. It was none other than my nemesis. He was the one singing on the mic, because of which he couldn't strike me with his usual 'what the fuck do you want?' but I could tell that's what he was thinking.

Was I just mesmerized by his voice? What the fuck is wrong with me? Wait, I didn't know it was his voice. So, it's okay.

It should've been a crime for someone so detestable to have such a wonderful voice and talent. I blinked. Ew! What am I thinking?

"Um..." I looked back at the girl who had just pushed me and her eyes were wide as she motioned for me to go ahead with her hands. Go ahead where?

I looked ahead at the audience and caught sight of Principal Miller in the front row, holding her head in her hands.

I bit down on my lip as I stood there clueless, watching Matt sing and in that moment, all I could think was hey! I know that song!

As I slowly started to back away from the main stage area, one of the volunteers came out of nowhere and handed me a mic. I looked down at it, baffled. Was I expected to sing?

"...sail away with me to another world," Matt's deep voice filled my ears and once again, his eyes snapped to mine. And they held a warning.

And I didn't even know what I was being warned against. What was expected of me? But suddenly, it didn't matter because it was like a reflex from my random karaoke performances with my friends. The moment the beat dropped and it was time for the verse, I found myself singing.

"I can't live without you if the love was gone..."

A few gasps echoed from the crowd and I immediately found the source. It was my friends in the third row with their mouths hanging half open. I continued the song with a smile and gave them a little wave but they were still as a stone.

Oh God! Do I sound bad? Am I making a complete fool out of myself?

I nervously glanced around. The drummer seemed to be enjoying with the beats while the guitarist had a small smile directed at me as he hummed for backup. My lips stretched into a grin and I instantly eased up.

Then I turned to my enemy. His anger had been wiped out like the dinosaurs off the face of the earth, like it was never there. Moreover, to my satisfaction, his lips were slightly parted like he'd just had the biggest shock of his life. He only realized he'd been gaping at me like I'd grown two heads when I wiggled my brows at him with a smirk and he finally blinked, looking away and cursing something under his breath.

I must be good.

The song finally ended but I assumed that the performance wasn't over yet as the background kept playing. But I was done. With a smile at the audience, I started taking small steps to get off the stage until I felt someone tower over my side.

My enemy clamped his hand over my mic and lowered it. I lifted my eyes to his and once again, he was simmering with annoyance.

"What are you doing?" he demanded, eyes blazing.

"Oh nothing. Just feeling really good about myself after giving such a lovely performance. Why?" I blinked innocently.

His eyes narrowed. "If you try to sabotage this, I will make you regret it."

"Don't sweat it, Williams. I'm going back anyway."

"You better not—" He cut himself off abruptly as if just registering my words. His eyes flashed with incredulity as a deep scowl formed on his lips. He opened his mouth to speak, shut it, then finally asked, "you're what?"

"As much as I would love to, I wasn't here to ruin your performance. This was a mistake. They thought I was the other Rebecca when I told them my name."

He forced a smile on his face but I assumed it was for the spectators as he addressed everyone with it before facing me again.

"Where is she?"

"Don't know. Don't care."

His jaw hardened but for once, his frustration wasn't directed at me.

"Anyway, bye bye."

I started to walk away but he grabbed my arm. "Wait."

I almost yanked my arm free in annoyance but realized we had an audience and only shot him a glare. "Let go before I elbow you in the ribs in the middle of your performance."

I wasn't kidding. He knew that. So, he let go and held up a palm in surrender. Oh, I like this. We should always an audience during our fights.

"Look. I need your..." he paused like it physically hurt him to continue and I perked a brow. Sensing that I obviously wasn't going to go easy on him, he finally swallowed his pride and spoke, "there's...one more song."

"Sounds like a you problem." I shrugged, taking back another step.

"Wait," he spoke through gritted teeth, his brown eyes equally furious and desperate. I waited for a please but he was too arrogant and full of himself to use it, so he bargained, "I owe you."

Even better

I was utterly fond of the idea of a vulture who was always preying on the weak, now falling at my mercy. Seeing him at the weaker end, vulnerable for once gave me some kind of satisfaction. I felt at power.

"Damn right you owe me." I smirked. "Now say please."

He scowled.

"Fine." I shrugged. "You're on your o—"

"Please." He grinded his teeth together.

I smirked. "Good boy." I patted his shoulder and walked to the centre of the stage. "Okay! Bring it on." I threw a wink at the backup singer next to me. He looked kind of cute with his spiky hair and dazzling smile. He'd been humming with the background while Matt and I had been negotiating.

He winked back.

A person stepped up behind me and I could feel his irritation radiating off of him. Must suck to owe your enemy a favour.

"You have any song preference?" he muttered to me.

"I can choose?" My eyes lit up. "I've always wanted to sing 'I see the light' in front of people. I sing it in the bathroom all the time."

"What is that?"

"You haven't seen Tangled?"

"No."

"Figures." I rolled my eyes, making his lips twitch into what could have been a silent curse. "Let's go with thousand years. Everybody knows that. Come on."

I used to sing that in the bathroom as well.

"Fine. Don't sync your voice with mine at any point. We haven't tested how it sounds. You take on from the chorus and avoid going for any high notes. The background music should be able to cover any vocal flaws. Understand?"

I pretended to yawn. "Are you done? Can we start now?"

The backup singer chuckled, leaning away from his mic to whisper, "I like you."

I grinned just as the background shifted to the song's tune. Matt returned next to me after having a quick word with the rest of the guys, probably telling them about the change. Then he grabbed his mic.

"The day we met..."

He started off in his deep voice and for a moment, I just went...still. He wasn't sounding bad at all. For a fiend, he sure had the voice of an angel.

I found myself amazed at how coordinated it all sounded for something that was planned last moment. These guys must be functional as fuck.

As the verse came to an end, I prepared myself with a deep breath and an inner pep talk and started singing the chorus.

"I have died every day waiting for you..."

In the audience, my friends' jaws dropped further, if that was even possible. I smiled through the song, directing my eyes briefly over the boys on stage, the drummer and the guitarist still smiling while Matt was just looking ahead at the audience, face giving nothing away.

As I was nearing the end of the second chorus, a voice joined mine and I looked sideways to find him syncing his voice with mine. So much for following your own instructions.

I raised a brow at him and he returned the favour by raising one himself as if saying, 'what? You think you know better than me?'

He sang the last part and ended the song, and the performance altogether. Everyone started applauding and my lips stretched into a huge grin.

I bowed down typically in gratitude before leaving the stage with the rest of them.

"Holy shit, girl!" The guy who was playing the guitar walked up to me once we were backstage, grinning. "Who are you? Tell me why we haven't met before. I'm Will."

I smiled, shaking his hand. "Nice to meet you, Will. I'm Rebekah."

I'd seen him a couple of times in the hallways since he'd started going here in his sophomore year when I was a freshman. He was a senior now and I wasn't friends with any seniors except Mack.

If things go right, soon enough I'll be dating a senior.

"Another Rebekah? I'm shaking in my boots," he joked and pointed sideways to the drummer guy. "That's Parker."

"Hey, Parker! I'm Rebekah."

We shook hands.

"How come you're not in the music club already? You can improve your vocals. I mean, no offense, you sounded a little raw but it was good altogether. You've got a sweet voice. All you need is a little—"

"Parker," Will cut him off with a slight shake of his head and turned to me. "He's too honest. But trust me, for someone's first time singing on stage, you were way too good. Almost like it came naturally to you."

"Thanks, Will." I nodded and looked at Parker. "Thank you as well, Parker. I always appreciate honesty."

He gave me a little nod and walked away, saying, "hope to see you in the club, Rebekah."

Will nodded. "I second that. You're so much better than the other one."

"I second that," Parker shouted from a distance.

That made me let out a laugh.

"Seriously though, Rebekah, singing with background can be a bit overwhelming, confusing if you're not used to it but you," he said with a grin, "you're a star."

"Thank you." I blushed slightly at the compliment. I must have been really, really good or Will was just a sweet talker.

I looked around for Matt. He owed me a major thanks but who was I kidding? He'd probably forgotten all about it. Or he was moping in a corner about owing me a favour.

"I gotta go to my friends now. See you around, Will."

"Sure." He smiled and walked away while I made my way to the audience where all three of my friends were charged with so much excitement that I was shoved into my seat by Cheryl so they could bombard me with questions.

"Holy shit!" Meera was the first. "I had no clue you could sing so good. Where did you learn that?"

Then Mack. "The more important question is when did you learn?"

Then Cheryl. "And why didn't you tell us? Oh my God! That was beautiful. I mean I've heard you sing during karaoke but what you just did on that stage was totally different. It was mind blowing," she said with wide eyes.

"Thank you, guys. But I didn't know I could sing either. Besides jamming with karaoke, maybe being a bathroom singer pays off."

"And you ended up on the stage with Matt?" Meera spat his name. "Seriously? How did that happen?"

"It was all a misunderstanding—fuck! I completely forgot about Oliver. I gotta go."

"Ah about that, relax, someone else showed up." Mack waved his hand.

"Was it a girl?" I was holding back tears.

"No. It was Chris."

"Oh, thank God. But wait! This means I blew my chance to get noticed by Sean." I sighed.

"Just another one of your many failed attempts. But that's okay. We'll keep trying." Mack patted my shoulder.

"I can officially mark off this day in my 'days left to get noticed by Sean' calendar." I huffed.

"Haha. That's funny," he said with a straight face and went back to watching the play, then after a moment of thought, he raised a brow at me. "Do you really have a calendar like that?"

"What do you think?" I pursed my lips. "I might be crazy for him but I'm not a psycho, Mack."

"Honestly, Becks? I wouldn't put something like that past you when it comes to him. You are psycho."

I smiled sarcastically, then grabbed his face and turned it towards the stage.

*****

"Vanished after the performance? Just like that? Didn't even thank you?" Meera asked while I put in my locker combo. "What a douche!"

"I know, right? I mean, enemy or not, if you ask someone for help, the least you can do is thank them. Just two words. How hard can it be? But it's Matt we're talking about, the guy doesn't have a pinch of morality in him so I'm not even surprised."

I grabbed my textbook and shut my locker only to discover that I no longer had Meera's attention. Following her gaze, I turned around. Matt was standing right behind me, his shoulder leaning against the lockers while his arms were crossed over his chest.

And judging by the indifferent look on his face, it could be assumed he'd been standing there for a few seconds now.

"Jeez!" I jumped a little, then glared. "What do you want?"

"Didn't know you were that desperate for a little thank you."

Oh! He heard that. Well, I wasn't gonna feel embarrassed for stating the truth. I sneered at him. "And look at that, I still don't hear it coming out of your mouth."

"And neither are you going to, seeing I lack the morals for that."

I smiled smugly. "Truth hurts, doesn't it?"

He scoffed. "You think your words can hurt me? Haven't you learnt anything, Becks?"

"What do you want, Matt?" I asked brusquely.

He took in a deep breath as he scrutinized my face and I braced myself to hear something that would piss me off so he could finally call it a day.

"What do you want?" he asked.

Huh?

"What?"

"In exchange for what you did."

"Oh." I smirked. At least he was true to his word. "I haven't thought about it yet."

"Fine." He stopped leaning against the lockers but before he could leave, I spoke up again.

"But I will, very soon. Just be prepared, Williams."

There must have been a spark in my eyes because he narrowed his. And we went into a stare down, neither of us backing down with our smug looks until he took a step forward and tore his gaze from mine to walk past me.

"Whatever. Let me know when you've thought about it."

"Oh, I will."

This was an opportunity I was going to use to my full advantage.