Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Maggie was walking home, her legs skipping against the concrete. Her soccer bag bumping against her back. She turned up her music as she jammed out, the beat filling her soul. She knew she looked funny, but she was too happy to care. She had just led her team to another flawless victory, speeding them towards Nationals. Plus she had scored an invite to Sasha's party next weekend, finally Anne's party was in less than 3 hours!
She knew she wasn't formally invited, but Anne's mother had given her some khao niew bing before the game and she was craving some more. Maggie went over her apology in her head.

'Hey Anne sorry for this morning but you were right khao niew bing is really good!'

Maggie smiled as she unlocked her front door. She dumped her soccer bag onto the ground and bounced upstairs. After a quick shower, she changed into some nice clothes and grabbed her skateboard. She walked outside then stopped.

‘I need a jacket.’

She ran back inside and grabbed the first jacket she saw. Then rolled away and began looking for a present. She passed different shops and restaurants but paused in front of the local convenience store. They were having a sale on Anne’s favorite chocolates!

‘Lucky!’

Maggie thought as she walked inside. She went straight to the candy aisle and grabbed the largest box she saw, then she swung by the card section and began searching for the perfect one. Eventually Maggie settled on a card with a cute cat on it. She grabbed the items and excitedly put them on the counter.

"Good job at the game." Said the man.

"Huh?"

The man pointed at her jacket, in her excitement Maggie had grabbed her Captains Jacket instead of her school hoodie. It was her dirty jacket, it had grass and mud and various other stains on it.

"Thanks," She replied. Her words were confident but her face was red as a tomato.

Around 5:45 Maggie made her way to the Boonchuy family restaurant. But before she could open the door, she froze. Her hand floating above the handle. Maggie was suddenly unsure if she should go in, after all what if Anne didn’t want her there?

“Are you going in?” Asked a voice.

Maggie turned around and saw a family of four standing behind her, suddenly aware that she was blocking the door. Maggie quickly pulled it open and walked into the restaurant.

"Maggie!" Yelled Ms.Boonchuy with a smile. "Welcome! Take a seat at the booth." She yelled pointing at a 'reserved' bench.

Maggie sat at the booth and took in the restaurant. Foreign music and spices danced in the air. She pulled out her card and began writing.
It was 6:50 PM when she began thinking something was wrong. She sat nervous as she looked at the clock.

“Maggie, do you know if Anne is on the way?” Asked Mrs.Boonchuy.

Maggie shook her head no. She frowned for a second then stood up. “I’ll go look for them!” She said, grabbing her skateboard and walking out the door. She began skating away, her wheels rumbling against the concrete. She made her way towards Anne's street then stopped. She opened her phone and checked Sasha's snapchat location. 'Downtown? Why is she headed there?' Maggie turned and began skating in the other direction. 'Sasha and Anne are always together.' Maggie thought as she took a shortcut through the park.

As Maggie skated she looked at her phone. Checking Sasha’s location only to realize her phone was at 10%. Frowning, Maggie decided to switch off her phone. ‘Sasha’s location is headed in one direction, she’s probably on the bus. Which should take her towards the park.’ Maggie used her low level detective skills to decipher where the girls were headed.

It was 7:40 PM when she got to Downtown.

She continued to follow her intuition until she got to a park, there she saw a very familiar jacket.

"Anne!" She yelled as she got off her skateboard and began running towards her. But when the girl stopped, she saw Anne, Sasha and Marcy. And then they were gone, a flash of light. Maggie dropped her skateboard and it rolled away.

Maggie stood in shock unable to move. She hadn't even noticed that the Police had arrived. They ushered Maggie into their car and drove her to the station.

They pushed her into a dark room. With a one way glass and a concrete table. They sat her down in one of the two chairs.

"Where is Anne Boonchuy, Sasha Waybright and Marcy Wu?" The policeman asked.

"I don't know."

"It's easier if you tell us where they are." He said.

"I don't know."

"Just tell us the truth, it will be better for you in the long run." He said.

'Huh?'

"You can't think I Had something to do with their disappearance?" Maggie asked shocked.

"Can't I?" He responded. "Three girls have gone missing, we found you at the scene of the crime. AND we confirmed that you and Ms. Waybright had a fight earlier today. Now here’s my theory. You show up uninvited to Anne Boonchuy’s party when she didn't arrive on time, you left to find her. You found her and had a fight. Boonchuy’s friends stepped in and you panicked. In that panic you killed them." He concluded, "now where are the bodies?"

"I didn't do anything!" Maggie yelled.

*click* The officer cuffed the teen. Snapping the metal to her wrists. The foreign object dug into her skin.
Maggie began to cry. Which solidified the officer's suspicions. He left the teen in tears and left the room, the door locking behind him.

Hours later the officer returned and the grilling continued. He would leave and another officer would enter. The hours shot by. Maggie was unable to sleep with the constant interrogation. She was fed, she got water. She rested for an hour. Then it continued. Until it was late in the night again. Maggie was unsure of how many days passed.

"Thatcher." Said a voice.

Maggie looked up, her eyes red and bleary.

"You can leave."

Maggie stood up, the cuffs on her wrists had already left bruises. She stumbled out of the dark room and into the bright hallway. The officer roughly took off the cuffs and shoved a jacket and skateboard into Maggie's open arms. In shock the teen dragged her feet until she left the building.

She stood outside the main police branch. She began to blink rapidly. Trying to suppress her tears.
'Where did those three go?'

Chapter Text

It was 4AM when Maggie managed to make it back home. She opened the front door, dropped everything in her arms and walked up the stairs. Her legs shook as she collapsed into her bed. Her body crumpled into the sheets and she screamed.

Her alarm went off.

Maggie slapped the machine and groaned. Her face was red and she was so tired. She had been in jail for two nights. Arrested on Friday, released on Monday. Her radio clock began spitting out news.

"Once again the LA Rangers have won the West Coast Cup. We now wait to see who will win the East Coast Cup for Nationals." The announcer said loudly. "The East Coast Lobsters are a popular contender..." He continued talking as Maggie blocked him out. "We also have Breaking News Three children have gone missing in the California area. If you have any information please call..." The radio was shut off.

Maggie wanted to skip school. It was Monday, she was locked in jail for two days straight, she looked terrible, her phone was ringing, her eyes were red. HER PHONE WAS RINGING!!

Maggie shot up and ran down the stairs, slipping on the wood and falling face first. She quickly recovered and dove for her cell phone.

"Hello?" She asked out of breath.

"Were you arrested?" Her eldest sister Rose asked.

"It's 4AM." Maggie responded.

"Were you arrested?" Rose repeated.

"Yeah." Maggie responded.

"Look, we are on our way back, stay put."

"No! It's fine. I'm fine." Maggie said. "You don't need to come back home! You have a game coming up!" Maggie pushed.

Silence on the other end.

"Are you sure?" Her sister asked.

"It's fine, I'm gonna be okay." Maggie was lying. She was not fine. But it was fine, she could handle herself.

"I need to get ready for school. I'll call you on my break." She said.

"Hey Mags, Love you." Rose replied. 

Maggie said nothing and hung up. 

She walked back up the stairs and plugged in her phone. Then she went to the bathroom and looked into the mirror, she looked like a depressed raccoon. Growling she opened the drawer and grabbed some supplies. She began fixing her face, erasing under bags and tear lines with the magic of makeup.

Maggie grabbed her book bag, her soccer stuff and her skateboard. She locked the door and began making her way towards school. Roughly 10 minutes before the bell went off. She arrived safely and walked to her locker. She dumped her things into her glorified cabinet then rested her head against the metal. She was unbelievably tired, with a sigh she grabbed her science textbook and made her way to Advanced Chemistry. She slipped into her seat.

'Huh? Marcy isn’t here yet?' Maggie wondered where the girl was, the bell was about to ring. 'Oh... Right, Marcy has gone missing.' Maggie frowned as she put her head on her desk.

Maggie tried to remember the events of Friday. She tried to piece together what she had seen. The bright flash of light had been what had taken them away.

'I need to go back to where they disappeared.'

Maggie's eyes began to flutter close as her vision blurred. Stubborn Maggie sat upright and stuck out her left leg. Leaving it to float midair, with her body focused on keeping her leg muscles active Maggie was able to stay awake for all of her morning classes.

Maggie stumbled to the cafeteria, her body slowing down. She grabbed some food from the vending machine then sat down at a table.

"You okay Mags?" Asked Ash joining her. The darker haired striker looked at Maggie with a concerned face. "You look like a zombie."

Maggie struggled to open her food. Her fingers clumsy tearing at the plastic packaging as she failed to respond.

Ash sighed and grabbed the snack from Maggie's hands. The striker opened the granola bar and handed it to Maggie. Who hungrily scarfed it down.

"Is she okay?" Asked Sapphire. The goalie slipped into her seat and pulled out her salad.

"I'm fine." Maggie replied angrily as she struggled to open another granola bar. The pair watched their friend scratch and bite at the packaging before giving up and handing the snack to Ash.

"So do you guys know where Anne is? She has my science notes." Ash asked as she opened the snack and handed it back to Maggie.

"Maybe she skipped? Sasha wasn't at cheerleading today either." Sapphire answered.

"I keep forgetting you joined cheer." Ash said as she grabbed a sandwich from her bag.

Technically Ash was eating a sandwich, but the thing had a stupid amount of meat. Also the “sandwich” had nothing but meat, no cheese, no mayo, no nothing. Just meat and bread. Maggie rolled her eyes at the sight.

She looked at her granola bar in silence, suddenly aware of how little she was eating. Then her phone rang, Maggie checked the ID and frowned.

"Hey," She said as she picked up the phone.

"So how is school going?" Rose asked.

"Fine, I’m eating lunch." Maggie answered curtly.

"What are you eating?" Rose said.

"Salad." Maggie lied.

"Oh okay, make sure to take breaks."

"From Salad?"

"You know what I mean!" Rose answered with a laugh.

"Mrhmmm love to talk but my break is about to end." Another lie. Maggie hung up.

"Salad?" Sapphire asked, looking at Maggie curiously.

"Hush, my sister's will nag me if they know the truth." Maggie complained.

"Mags, you should tell them the truth." Ash said, nudging her. “They would totally send you lunch money.”

"No." Maggie responded.

Her friends frowned. Sapphire slid her Salad towards Maggie. "At least eat some salad."

Ash nodded as she slid half of her sandwich to her friend. 

"Now why are you so grumpy?" Ash asked.

“I’m not grumpy, just tired.” Maggie responded.

“Girl, you can be Grumpy And Tired! Now what’s going on?” Ash countered.

"Nothing, I was just up all night playing video games." Maggie lied.

"What game?" Ash asked.

"Candy crush." Maggie lied again. "I ended up deleting it after I realized I wasted like 6 hours of my life on that game."

"Oof, I know the feeling." Sapphire answered. "Now eat the salad." 

"And don't forget the meat!" Ash added, pushing her ungodly looking sandwich towards Maggie.

"I'm full." Maggie lied.

"Eat or we call your sisters." Sapphire threatened.

"What did I do to get stuck with the two of you?" Maggie groaned as she picked up Sapphire's fork.

"Repent Sinner!" Ash laughed as Maggie ate her friend's offerings.

Maggie did feel bad about the lying, but it's not like white lies ever hurt anyone right?

Chapter Text

Maggie was now at the hardest part of her day. Soccer practice.

She took a deep breath, her shoulders tense. The team was practicing free kicks and Sapphire was not making this easy. The teen was annoyingly good at stopping kicks.

“Hurry Up Thatcher!” Yelled someone from the stands.

Scowling Maggie kicked the ball, it was heading straight towards Sapphire. But in a strange twist of fate it curved away from the goalie and flew into the net. 

“No my Streak!” Sapphire yelled. “Mags I love AND hate you!” 

Maggie grinned as she high fived Ash. Maggie grabbed another soccer ball and placed it on the ground. She took four steps back then stopped. She took a deep breath and ran forward, she kicked and missed the ball. Maggie fell backwards and was laying on the ground. Everything was spinning.

"You okay Mags?" Ash asked from above her. The striker held out her hand as Maggie closed her eyes.

"Never speak of this again." Maggie replied as she reached up and grabbed Ash's hand. Letting her friend pull her to her feet. Maggie's vision swayed as she forced her eyes open.

"Maybe you should take a break." Ash said worriedly.

"I slipped, not the end of the world." Maggie responded as she lined herself up with the ball. This time Maggie made sure to plant her feet. And like magic the ball flew past Sapphire's head and into the net. "See? I'm fine."

“I despise both of you.” Sapphire said as they changed.

“You said that already.” Ash replied.

Sapphire shot back a response and the two began teasing one another.

Maggie blinked slowly, her eyes unfocused. Dizzy, she sat down on the bench, her head bobbing back and forth. 

She heard mumbling as someone tried to speak to her. But the words were lost, like she was underwater. A hand landed on her shoulder.

“Maggie?” Ash asked, looking into her eyes.

“Huh?” Maggie responded zoning back in.

“Are you okay? Do we need to call your sisters?” Sapphire asked, pulling out her phone.

Maggie looked at her two friends. “Nah, I was just thinking about advanced chemistry. It’s so gross.” Maggie said lying. She stood up and straightened out her back. “I need to get ready for my test on Friday. Catch you guys later?”

Her friends shared a glance. 

“My brother said he can give you a ride.” Ash said.

“I will take you up on that. But he better not kick me out for singing again!” Maggie responded by nudging her friend.

“To be fair you are a terrible singer.” Sapphire replied clearly satisfied by Maggie’s answer. 

“HOw dare You!” Maggie responded with fake shock.

The trio began laughing as they walked to the parking lot.

Maggie waved at Ash before turning and unlocking the door, she entered her house, then turned and waved one final time before closing the door. She locked the door then collapsed. Her legs shook as her hand stayed on the lock. Her fingers gripped the top of the metal latch as Maggie cried. Hot tears dripped down her face. She wiped her eyes and swallowed, she wouldn’t be able to visit the park. She had homework to do, if her grades slipped then she would be under suspicion for sure. She had to prove that she could handle this.

"Why Am I crying?" Maggie asked out loud. She was just tired, that was it. "I need to do my work." Her voice trembled as she made her way up the stairs and into her room, she sat down at her desk and turned on her lamp. She pulled out her books and opened her notes. It was only four assignments and one 500 word essay. That would be easy. Wouldn’t it?

As it turns out, it was not easy. Maggie ended up pulling an all nighter. Looking like a depressed racoon for the second day in a row, Maggie fixed up her face and took a deep breath. She grabbed her soccer uniform and threw it into the laundry. She walked around her room and threw in all the dirty clothes from the last few days. Maggie then opened her drawer, she grabbed a fresh shirt and slipped it on. Content with her outfit, Maggie grabbed her skateboard and walked out the door. 

She made her way through her classes struggling to stay awake. Her body threatened to turn off at any moment. But she persevered, and at lunch she bought some Granola Bars and set them down at her table. 

“Did you see the news last night?” Ash asked as she slid into her spot beside Maggie.

Maggie didn’t respond, focused on her granola. 

Ash snatched it from Maggie’s hands and switched it for half a sandwich. 

“Guess Sasha didn’t skip cheer.” Sapphire said as she said down. She propped open her bag and pulled out a salad.

“You saw the news?” Ash asked quietly. The striker's voice was unusually soft.

“Who didn’t, it’s trending on everything.” Sapphire responded with a grim face. She showed the two her phone. On the screen was a photo of Anne, Sasha and Marcy. It was an older photo, Sasha’s hair still held a red streak and Anne was wearing her old Tennis jacket. Marcy was in the center, proudly showing off the medal she received from a Chess tournament. The words “Missing” were flashing across the image as the newscasters broke off into the details of the story.

Maggie closed her eyes. 'Where did those three go? They were gone in a flash of light. Anne was holding something. What was it?' Maggie racked her brain for answers. Trying to recall the event. She desperately wanted to think of something, anything that could explain what she had seen that night.

"Mags?" Sapphire said, interrupting her thoughts. "We got to go, emergency school assembly."

Maggie's eyes snapped open as she looked at her friend. She nodded as she stood up and she handed Ash the remaining half of the untouched 'sandwich' and grabbed her bag. “Sounds good, let’s go.” Confidently Maggie made her way to the auditorium. 

‘Whatever Anne was holding had to be the key.’ Maggie thought. 'Now I just need to figure out what it was'

Chapter Text

She had almost made it to the auditorium without a problem but then Maggie felt someone smack her on the back of the head, making the girl pause. She stopped in front of the door and frowned trying to find the culprit. But another student pushed past and opened the door, giving her a funny look.

Maggie felt a chill down her spine as she looked at the student, but they were gone in a flash.

Ash and Sapphire pushed their friend through the door. Together the trio sat with the other soccer players.

Whispers in the crowd dimmed down as the Principal put his hand up.

"As all of you know." He began.

Maggie tensed knowing where this was going.

"I will be leaving SJMS at the end of the semester..." The principal then went into a long story about his life.

This was definitely not where Maggie thought the assembly was going. She sat in the audience uncomfortable. Everyone was waiting for him to talk about the missing students. To even mention it in passing. But then an hour passed and not one word about the girls. Another hour passed, the entire school had lost interest long ago. Everyone was on their phones or whispering to their friends.

Then a teacher walked to the center stage, he spoke in hushed whispers to the Principal. The two adults nodded.

"Thank you for listening, section 1 may stand up and leave." One by one sections of the audience left the auditorium.

"What was that?" Sapphire  asked as they walked down the halls.

"Two hours of nap time." Ash answered yawning.

Maggie rolled her eyes. She took off her backpack and began rummaging inside of it.

"I need to get my math textbook."

"Why?" Ash asked as they walked towards their lockers.

"We have a test on Thursday." Maggie continued to rummage through her bag, trying to find her portable.

"No! Really?!" Ash asked with wide eyes.

"Did you forget." Sapphire teased.

"Shut up you egg." Ash replied with a laugh, but her voice suddenly trailed off.

"You okay?" Maggie asked as she looked up from her bag. Ash's mouth was wide open in shock.

"You can have my textbook." Sapphire said pulling Maggie away.

"What why?" Maggie asked. "My locker is right there."  She tried to turn around but...

"No!" Ash yelled, slapping a hand over Maggie's eyes.

"Ow!" Maggie yelled at the sudden eye slap.

"Mags, do you trust me?" Sapphire asked. Maggie shook off Ash's hand and looked at her friend.

"Yeah of course." Maggie was getting worried now, what was wrong with her locker?

"Then don't turn around." Sapphire said looking right into Maggie's eyes.

"Okay, but I still need to grab my stuff." Maggie responded.

"I got it, you guys go to Saph's locker first." Ash said. "Skateboard, soccer bag, wallet right?"

"Yeah."

From behind her, Maggie heard the familiar squeak of her locker opening. She shrugged her shoulders and walked to Sapphire's locker.

Maggie was at home about to cook dinner when she got a text from an unknown number. She checked the message and frowned.

'Hey Maggie, it's Vince can we talk tmr?'

'When did you change your number?' Maggie texted back.

'Dropped my phone down the bleachers this morning.'

Maggie shrugged, that seemed like a Vince thing to do.

'So can I see you at 8:30? At the Soccer field bleachers?' He texted.

'God that's early.' Maggie thought to herself. 'Eh whatever.'

'Sure' she texted back.

She put down her phone and began cooking some pasta.

But then her phone dinged, someone had tagged her in a photo. Then her phone exploded with messages. Yet before Maggie could open the texts Ash called her.

"Have you been online?" She demanded.

"Uh no?" Maggie responded as she put her friend on speaker.

"Don't go online. Turn off your WIFI!" Ash yelled. "Promise you wont go online!"

"Why?" Maggie stopped cooking, curious.

"Trust me"

Maggie rolled her eyes. 'What is it with trust today?'

"Okay fine I promise. Now I need to concentrate on my pasta." Maggie hung up the phone and went to turn off her WIFI.

Maggie arrived at school at 8:25, it was Wednesday. She sat on the bleachers with her legs kicking at the grass.

"I didn't think you would show." Vince said from behind her.

Maggie stood up and turned around. Only to get knocked to the ground.

She felt blood on her lip. "What the hell Vince!"

"Where is Sasha?" He asked coolly as his friends surrounded the girl.

"Why would I know?" Maggie answered from the ground, she stood up and glared at him.

"I know you did something to them!" He snapped, pushing her back.

Two guys grabbed Maggie's arms. She struggled against them as she glared at Vince.

"Don't play dumb Maggie, everyone knows." He said to the girl. "EVERYONE has seen it!"

"I Don't know what you are talking about!" Maggie said. She in fact did know what they were talking about. As hard as her friend had tried, Maggie could not resist the temptation. She had gone online and had seen the tagged post. It was her locker, with one worn spray painted onto it.

'Killer'

Vince punched her in the face again. Her skin got caught on his ring. Blood began pouring out of her cheek as she glared at Vince.

"What did you DO?!"

Maggie got punched again. Her vision swayed as she struggled to get the words out. 'What is with people and assuming I killed someone?'

Taking a deep breath Maggie centered herself. "I didn't do anything." She looked into Vince's eyes. Not breaking eye contact, they stood there for quite some time.

Suddenly she was released. Vince towered above Maggie and frowned. "See you later Thatcher." Vince and his gang walked away leaving Maggie in the field alone.

But as soon as they had turned the corner Maggie fell to her knees.

Blood dripped down her face as she coughed violently.

Maggie stood up, her vision swaying as she struggled to keep balance.

She stumbled to her things and picked them up. She considered going to her locker, but knew she wouldn't make it.

Instead she walked to Advance chemistry.

She collapsed into her seat and put her head down.

Maggie had somehow fallen asleep in both of her classes. At lunch she sat down at her table. Waiting for her friends to arrive. Instead someone hit her on the back of the head. But when she spun around, the assailant was gone.

"What happened to your face!" Sapphire asked shocked, she put her cold hand against Maggie's wound. Making Maggie flinch.

"Who did that?! I'll kill them!" Ash said practically throwing her bag onto the table.

Maggie swallowed. She considered telling her friends, but they would only get upset. If Vince was willing to attack her in broad daylight, who knows what he would do if she ratted on him. "I fell off my skateboard this morning." Maggie lied gesturing to her board.

"You... fell off your board?" Sapphire repeated in awe.

"You sure? Because you have a fist shaped bruise on your face." Ash said, doubting Maggie.

"Weird huh?" Maggie responded.

Maggie could feel them doubting her. Could see the question marks floating above their heads.

"You trust me don't you?" Maggie asked innocently.

"Yeah of course!" Ash responded shocked.

"Just be more careful okay?" Sapphire added.

Ash reached into her bag and slid a band aid across the table. It was tiny and basically useless against Maggie's cut. It was also a children's band aid which made it even more embarrassing. Sapphire grabbed the band aid and stuck it on Maggie's cheek.

"Thanks. I look like a 6 year old." Maggie complained.

"It's from the LA Rangers!" Ash said proudly. Ash pulled out a box of Band-Aids from her bag, it had popular Rangers like Bri Storm and Amelia Mar on it.

"Ash, We don't like the Rangers." Sapphire replied.

"But we live in LA!" Ash said with a pout.

"Just because my sisters play against the Rangers doesn't mean you can't like them." Maggie said nudging Sapphire.

Ash grinned when Maggie said that.

"But personally I don't like them." Maggie added.

Ash frowned much to Sapphire's amusement. The two pulled out their lunches from their bags.

"Hey Mags, where's your lunch?" Sapphire asked innocently.

"I ate already." Maggie lied.

"Dude you need to get better at lying." Ash said as she pulled out a second sandwich from her bag. The striker pushed the food to her friend.

"Why do you have two?" Maggie asked.

"Because you need to eat one."

Maggie frowned as she took the sandwich.

Maggie was at home. She was sitting on her milk white couch, an ice pack on her cheek, with the lights off and curtains closed. Maggie's fingers were getting cold with her feet propped up on the coffee table. From it's spot beside her foot, her phone began to buzz. Annoyed, she grabbed her phone and read the ID before swiping away. Her phone rang again. Maggie swiped away again. Her home phone rang, Maggie stayed on the couch letting the device ring. She watched as the red light of the voicemail blinked in the room. Illuminating the space around it. Her cell phone rang again, with a frown she picked up.

"Hello?"

"Why didn't you pick up sooner!" Rose yelled into the mic.

Flinching Maggie took a deep breath, "I was in the shower."

"Oh..." Her sister said.

"So... did you need something?" Maggie asked.

"Did you get into a fight? Because Ash texted and said you got hurt."

'Traitor!' Maggie thought as she frowned harder. "Nah, just fell off my board."

"How?" Rose asked.

"What do you mean? I fell and got hurt." Maggie responded. "I need to cook dinner, bye."

Maggie hung up the phone and frowned. Feeling slightly betrayed by Ash, she considered texting her friend. But decided against it. Instead she went upstairs and walked into her room. She flipped on the lights and pulled out her textbook, after all she had a test in the morning.

Chapter Text

Maggie was standing in a forest, the sky was a strange color. In front of her was a long road. Confused, she walked the dirt path and stumbled across a tower. She walked up past the gates and into the main area, the high stone walls were covered in scratches. She walked through the main dining area and up a staircase, all of the doors looked the same. But for some reason she was drawn to one room in particular. She twisted the handle and walked in. It was dark, illuminated by a single blue light. Chains littered the floor, thrown around before circling around a person. Maggie saw Sasha on the floor, unconscious. No worse, dead. Sasha's hand lay on the cold stone, her chest not moving as blood gushed out of her face.

Maggie stumbled backwards out of the room. Trying not to throw up, then she bumped into someone. Turning around she saw a human sized lizard. It's long hand-like claws held a sword in one hand. Horrified Maggie saw Marcy's body being held in the other. Blood seeping out of her chest, with a long red trail behind them. Terribly noticeable against the pure white stone. The creature smiled at Maggie, its horrible sharp teeth covered in blood before it waltzed away. Maggie closed her eyes, unable to watch as Marcy's small body was pulled across the floor.

"Hey" The voice was soft and kind, someone was holding her hands. Maggie opened her eyes. And for the first time smiled.

"Anne!" She tried to pull the Thai girl into a hug, but her friend turned into air. An untouchable ghost.

"You need to find us. Please, bring us home! Before this'' Anne said gesturing to the corpses of their friends. "Becomes a reality." Anne put her forehead to Maggie's before pulling away.

Maggie's eyes flashed open. "Anne had a box with a frog on it!"

Frantic she leapt out of bed and tumbled onto the ground she grabbed her pen and scrambled as she drew the box. It had a strange key on its side, three gems, a frog. It was gold and dark blue. She wrote down the description as quickly as possible.

A strange power overtook Maggie as she quickly changed and ran out the door. She grabbed her skateboard and went down the street. She raced against her imaginary clock as she skidded a corner. Half an hour later, she arrived. She jumped off her skateboard and ran into the park. She stopped and looked around. "Okay Maggie think!... They disappeared here, the cops already looked for clues. But they were looking for a kidnapping, not a magic act." Maggie looked around, she retraced her steps. "Anne opened the box and they dusted away right after. The box wasn't here when they left." Maggie took out her phone and recorded herself talking. "I was standing here." She said as she walked to her position. "I was about 8 feet away, so the blast zone of the magic had to be small," She theorized. "Since none of the playground equipment was taken either only living creatures get zapped or... More likely the equipment was too far from the girls." Maggie was walking in circles. She talked and talked until she had everything she needed.

At home, everything had been transformed. Maggie cut out every news article and printed every web story. Dead highlighters and crumbled papers littered the floor. Every wall was covered in tape and theories. She went mad trying to find the box online. By the time Maggie had taken a step back from her work, the sun had come up.

She grabbed her phone and hit redial.

"Mags it's like 4AM, what do you want?" Rose complained.

"I got caught in the rain last night during my run, not feeling well so I thought I'd give you the heads up that I'm skipping." Maggie replied as she looked at her evidence wall. Maggie's eyes darted between the news articles. 

"Alright, I'll call the school at a more reasonable time."

Maggie hung up the phone and grinned. Dark circles clung to her eyes as she continued her research.

The library opened at 7 AM. Which meant Maggie wanted to arrive just when the doors unlocked. She skated down the road and through the familiar stop signs. Her body drifted as she struggled to keep her eyes open. Her body got heavy and suddenly she was on the ground. Panting Maggie tried to get up, but her body was stuck to the ground. Too tired to move, Maggie stayed on the ground and passed out.

In her dreams she saw Marcy. With a cape and a bow, stoic and cool. She watched in horror as Marcy jumped from a building and plummeted towards her doom.

"Marcy!" Maggie bolted upright and looked around frantic. She struggled to stand up as she continued to search for the missing girl. She slipped on the concrete and planted face first into hard rock.

"Maggie?" Cheyenne looked down at the teen. The punk rock girl was threatening to say the least. "Marcy is gone. Nay she's dead. Stop being delusional." It was worded as a threat, but there was concern in Cheyenne's voice.

Maggie stood up and dusted herself off. "She's Not dead! She… She's just missing!"

Cheyenne raised an eye. "Oh really? So I guess you tied her up in a basement instead of killing her?" She said it light heartedly, as if to tease Maggie. But Maggie knew the truth, Cheyenne was bullying Maggie.

"I... I didn't do anything! Why is EVERYONE so insistent on blaming me!" The words exploded out of Maggie’s mouth as she stumbled towards Cheyenne.

Cheyenne’s light blue eyes widened in horror as she backed away. “Maggie I’m not blaming you.”

“Aren’t you!” Maggie yelled at the girl. "Everyone Has it Out for me! Even your psycho Boyfriend! Maybe I should just Kill you too!" Maggie was spiraling out of control.

"Vince is not my boyfriend! And If You are gonna be so insistent on being a psycho. Then tell us where the bodies are!” Cheyenne spat back.

"Yeah Maggie, What the Hell did you do with our friends?!" Vince cut in. He put his scrawny arm around Cheyenne's shoulder.

"YOU Don't even Like Marcy!" Maggie yelled, she glared at Vince as he took off his shades.

"Just because we aren't besties, doesn't mean I want something to happen to her." He responded as he cleaned his lens. "Plus You were arrested for the murder right?"

Maggie stood in shock as Vince slipped his shades back on. Cheyenne pushed his arm off as they continued to glare at Maggie.

'How did he know I was in custody?'

"I didn't do anything!" Maggie was filled with more rage. She screamed the words, "IF Anything You guys probably did something! Where were YOU the night of their disappearance?!"

Then a slap echoed in the air. And Maggie stumbled backwards.

"Sasha! Was one of my closest friends! And Marcy and I may not have gotten along. But her Life Mattered! They matter!" Cheyenne’s eyes were filled with tears. "How dare you say that I would do something to Sasha! How dare You say I could Kill one of my close friends! Sasha and I shared a Bond! We were friends! Close Friends!"

"Close Friends? Please If you and Sasha were Close Friends then Anne and I are TWINS!" The vile words slipped out of Maggie's mouth.

Suddenly the air was heavy and Cheyenne paused. "Anne Hates you," she hissed. "Everyone Hates you!" The words were getting louder now. "The news Said! Sasha was in downtown, suddenly her phone's internal GPS went silent. The ONLY person nearby was YOU!" Cheyenne grabbed Maggie by the collar. "Their footprints were embedded in the sand! There were only footprints going In not out! And Unless they can jump to the concrete from the sandpit. YOU killed them and erased the evidence. Or maybe you lead them away! AND every second you spend yelling at me just solidifies my suspicions! So Stop lying! Either you Killed them OR you are covering for the person who did!" Cheyenne screamed into Maggie's face.

Maggie grabbed Cheyenne's wrist. "If Anne hated me, then Sasha despises you." The words were cold, but Maggie's eyes were burning with rage.

And just like that Maggie got punched in the face. Cheyenne's left hook decimating the raccoon eyed girl. Maggie fell to the ground in a loud thump.

"YOU said in the police report that Sasha got whisked away by some magic Light! Yeah I checked! YOU know why? Because I want to find the truth! EVEN if it Means I have to Bury my best friend!" Cheyenne was on top of Maggie now. Punching her in the face repeatedly. "MAGIC isn't real! So you Did something!"

"I would Never Hurt Anne. We've had our problems But I would Never kill her!" Maggie yelled back as she punched Cheyenne in the face.

"Just admit to the crime so we Can get Closure!" Cheyenne yelled as Maggie punched her again.

"Even If I'm Innocent?!" Maggie screamed back, Maggie punched Cheyenne in the face repeatedly before kicking Cheyenne backwards. The tween stood up before getting tackled to the ground. Maggie jumped on top of Cheyenne and punched her in the face again.

"YOU! Aren't innocent!" Cheyenne screeched as she punched Maggie in the nose.

"THEN WHY AM I NOT IN JAIL! IT WAS A WRONGFUL ACCUSATION!" Maggie screeched back as she punched Cheyenne in the eye.

Cheyenne forced Maggie off of her and stood up. Maggie followed suit and both girls stood panting. Out of breath with blood on their knuckles.

"We Need Closure Maggie and right now. You are the Only person who can give us that." Cheyenne voice was barely a whisper. "If you didn't kill her, just tell us who did."

There was hesitation, unsure if she should continue fighting Maggie stood and looked at Cheyenne. The two were locked in a staring contest. Eventually Maggie looked away, she picked up her skateboard and set it right-side up. Maggie got onto her skateboard and turned to look at her attacker. "I wish I could tell you Chey, I really do."

Chapter Text

The library smelled like old people. Filled to the brim with dusty books and lonely souls. Maggie began by researching boxes. She had tried the almighty internet but it failed because 'magic frog box' did not bring up the results she wanted. Maggie pulled out books from shelves, skimming different titles as she searched. Her journey gained the attention of one of the librarians. The old women placed a gentle hand on Maggie's shoulder.

"If you throw another book onto the floor I will snap you in half." The librarian hissed before walking away.

Afraid Maggie began putting her books back onto the shelf. Yet her hands lingered at one. Curious, she pulled it off the shelf and read the title. ‘Dr P's book of extraordinary things.' Maggie began flipping through the contents before stopping at a strange page. Maggie blinked before looking closer. She had found it! The answer was so simple! Anne and the others.. Had been taken by Alien Frogs! Satisfied Maggie snapped a picture of the page about Aliens before putting the book back. As she walked away she began surfing on the internet for clues about the extraterrestrials.

By the time she got home, it was noon. She unlocked the door and began walking to the living room. Then paused, there was someone else in her house. She held up her skateboard like a bat and crept around her house. She slowly peeked around a corner and saw movement. Not hesitating she swung with all her might.

And wacked Ash in the stomach. Her friend toppled backwards and into the coffee table. Breaking the oak wood on her way down.

Stunned, Maggie didn't even notice Sapphire until her friend had knelt down beside Ash.

"Are you guys okay?!" She asked frantically as she looked between her two friends.

"Peachy" Ash responded from the ground.

Maggie suddenly realized what she had just done. She tossed her board onto the couch and extended her hand, helping her friend up.

"Why are you in my house?" Maggie asked, recovering from the jump scare.

"We texted you, saying we would visit at lunch." Ash responded, recovering from the attack.

"You didn't respond so we thought you were sleeping,," Sapphire began picking up pieces of wood off the ground. "Rose said you were feeling under the weather so we were gonna bring you some food."

"But it seems like you are just fine," Ash took off her hoodie and turned in circles, trying to check her body for injuries.

"I was feeling better so I went for a quick walk." Maggie walked past her friend and grabbed the trash can.

"Really?" Ash tilted her head to the side. "So the video of you and Cheyenne fighting about Anne is from a different day?"

Maggie froze, her knuckles turned white as she clutched the bin. Her throat was dry as she tried to speak.

"Mags, why would you lie to us?" Sapphire's voice was quiet as she gently took the garbage can out of Maggie's hands. The two made eye contact in uncomfortable silence.

"Well…" Maggie searched her mind for an excuse.

Her friends looked at her expectedly. Waiting for her reply.

Maggie struggled, unsure if she should tell the truth.

"I didn't want you to worry."

There was no way in hell, Maggie could tell them about the Aliens. They could be kidnapped or worse! In fact, being around Maggie could be putting her friends in danger!

"Mags this is the second day in a row you have been beaten up." Sapphire put the bin down and grabbed Maggie's hands. "We are your friends, we will always worry about you."

"So, you gonna tell us about this?" Ash said gesturing to the walls of evidence. "I mean…" Ash pulled one of the newspaper clippings off the wall. "This is almost impressive."

"I wanted to find out where they went." Maggie replied. "I know they are alive, I just have to find them."

Her friends looked at her, then back at each other. Ash glanced behind Maggie and frowned. Her eyes almost seemed to glow, flashing between blue and red.

"Mags" Sapphire gripped Maggie's hands tightly. "Listen… it's gonna be okay." Sapphire who was always so sure of herself, who was always so strong looked as if she could cry.

"Don't say anything okay? Ash was holding Maggie's hand now too, her voice wavered as she tried to reassure Maggie. "Remember It's better to stay quiet then to be caught in a lie, no matter how small."

"What?"

The door opened with a bang, and the sound of footsteps echoed in the house.

"Maggie Thatcher, you are under arrest for the Murder of Sasha Waybright, Anne Boonchuy and Marcy Wu."

Maggie turned around, and the officer from 6 days ago was standing in front of her. And he had a twisted smile on his face.

Chapter Text

Sapphire arrived at school, she fiddled with her phone as she searched for Ash. She walked to her locker and dropped off her things.

"Hey Ash!" Sapphire said as her friend walked by. But to her surprise, Ash walked past. In fact she seemed to speed away.

Unfortunately Sapphire was unable to speak with Ash for the rest of the morning.

'She's avoiding me.' Sapphire was playing with her pen as she sat in Math. Her head on the table as she wondered how Ash was predicting her movements? Unsure, Sapphire continued to think as she took notes. At the end of class she decided to try and find Ash during Lunch.

Unfortunately, trying to chase after the striker of a Soccer team is impossible. Every time Sapphire spotted Ash, her friend was already running in the opposite direction.

Sapphire began scrolling on her phone, she had already texted Ash but her messages were ignored. Then she saw it,

'the find my friend app'

Sapphire then made one of her smartest moves that day. She maxed out her brightness, turned on youtube and began killing her phone. By the time Lunch was over, Sapphire's phone was double dead.

She waited patiently in wait for Ash. Making sure the Janitor's closet was open a crack before she hid behind a corner. When she saw Ash with her head buried in her phone she took a running start and tacked her friend into the Janitors closet before slamming the door behind her.

"Saph-"

"Why are you avoiding me?" Sapphire cut off her friend. She walked towards Ash threateningly.

"I have to get to class" Ash was backing away, her shoulders touching the wall as she looked at her friend. Ash looked behind Sapphire, planning her escape route.

"Don't lie!" Sapphire slammed her hands on the wall. She pinned Ash in place. "Our free blocks line up."

"Right…." Ash nodded, she stopped to think before opening her mouth. "Maggie's arrest was something, I mean it looks really bad. There's talk that the Lawyer who was assigned to her case is Sabine Song! The most ferocious lawyer in town, she's never lost a case before!"

'Huh?' Sapphire froze as she tried to process Ash's words.

"So anyways." Ash continued to ramble ignoring Sapphire's stunned silence. "I have some ideas of what we can do." The striker began pulling out a folder from her bag. "What if we --"

"We are not breaking Maggie out of jail, like in escape from Alcatraz Island." Sapphire interrupted, regaining her voice.

Ash slid the folder back into her bag. "How about--"

"We are Not sneaking into the Police HQ and pulling a Batman to prove Maggie's innocence."

With a frown, Ash slid a second folder back into her bag, then began pulling out A Third Folder!

"We are not assassinating Sabine Song."

Ash slid the folder back into her bag. "I have no ideas."

"You aren't avoiding me because Maggie was arrested." Sapphire turned around and walked to the door. "But if you don't want to talk, I'll let you get to class." She hissed the last words, making it harsher than it could have been.

"Saph-'' Ash reached out and grabbed Sapphire's hand. "Listen…" Despite herself, Sapphire hesitated. As the two stood locked in place, Ash was desperately gripping Sapphire's hand as her friend refused to turn around.

"We already called Rose, there's nothing more we can do." Sapphire shook off her friend and reached for the door.

But then Ash's phone exploded with messages. Sapphire froze, she pulled her own phone out of her pocket and tried to check her messages. But alas her phone was dead.

"Saph you seeing this?"

Curiosity was Sapphire's downfall as she spun around and walked to Ash's phone. She looked over her friend's shoulder and saw a new's articale that someone had DM'd Ash. Sapphire nudged Ash, who clicked the article. The pair stood in silence as the video loaded.

"Breaking news, the murder of Anne Boonchuy, Sasha Waybright and Marcy Wu has been solved!" The anchor announced boldly. "In the case of the century, Detective Trevor Mclean has solved one of the highest profile cases in a week! A warning to all viewers, the following content may not be suitable for all ages."

The screen faded to black, and the closed captions flashed across the screen.

"What do you want to hear?" It was a young woman's voice. "I killed them? FINE you caught me Detective.'' It was unmistakably Maggie's voice. "Yeah I killed Anne, we had a fight and I murdered her." Her voice was shaking like she had been crying. But it was undeniably Maggie, her voice crack was very in character.

The heavy words echoed in the closet.

Ash and Sapphire stood in shock before looking at each other. Ash's eyes grew wide as Sapphire's face grew twisted. The phone slipped out of Ash's hands and landed on the ground with a crack. The clip was stuck on replay.

"Yeah, I killed Anne." Repeated over and over in the custodian's closet.

"Why did Maggie just admit to murder?" Sapphire asked gently.

Chapter Text

Detective Trevor Mclean walked to the interrogation room. His shoes clicked against the cement like a steady heartbeat.

He grinned as he walked for in his arms was a box filled with evidence, files and other goodies. In his chest pocket was an itemized list of how it all connected to his killer. As he neared the door, he caught sight of a man standing in front of the door.

"Adam." He hissed as he shifted the box in his arms.

"You shouldn't do this." The man replied, red eyes pierced gold as the two men had a standoff. "You can't honestly believe that she killed them."

"All I need is a confession and I can throw her away forever."

"Even if she's innocent?" The words made the air heavier. Weighing down the two men.

Trevor said nothing, he simply pushed past Adam and reached for the door handle. But his coworker grabbed his shoulder.

"When I find those missing girls, I will make sure you rot in a cell for what you did to Maggie Thatcher."

It was a threat, albit an empty one. Adam would never find the missing children. They were gone like dust in the wind.

"If" Trevor corrected as he entered the room.

Maggie was sitting in the interrogation room again. Her hands tapped against the table. Heavy metal cuffs weighed on her wrists.

There was a loud click and a detective with a large box walked in. He placed the material on the table and looked at Maggie.

"Hello Margrett. To remind you my name is Detective Trevor Mclean, today is Friday X day in the year 20xx, 12:30PM. Now Margrett you are here over the murder of three girls from Saint James Middle School." He extended a gloved hand to her.

Maggie frowned, she hated that he was calling her Margrett." She opted to ignore his handshake.

"Why don't you start by telling me about yourself Margrett." He almost seemed to put emphasis on Maggie's name.

Maggie bit her tongue, she knew nothing about the law. But Ash had this weird cop show phase a while back, where she claimed they'd catch the villains via confession. So she decided to stay quiet.

"Margrett, you are going to jail. Either you can tell me what you did to the girls or you can rot in a cell forever." The detective frowned at her. After some uncomfortable silence he pulled something out of his box. Photos of Maggie's house. "When people have this kind of obsession with news articles, it means that they have a special connection to the case. So Margrett what's your obsession based on?"

He was pointing at Maggie's living room. Covered in red strings and tape.

'I am not obsessed.' Maggie frowned at the thought. 'Just heavily motivated.'

"Here's what I think." The Detective said. "I think you killed Anne Boonchuy in a fit of rage, when Marcy Wu and Sasha Waybright tried to intervene you killed them too. I know it's hard to understand your feelings, sometimes we do things we regret."

"What is with people and Accusing me of murder." The words slipped out. Maggie's anger caused her to speak.

"It's because we have evidence tying you to the crime." The Detective replied. "We have motive, you had a fight with Anne Boonchuy that morning. Opportunity, it was late at night, leading Anne away couldn't have been that hard. And we have Intent, we already interviewed your classmates. We know about your past with Anne." The man was speaking more carefully now. Thinking about his words. "How intimate and close you were."

Maggie's face flushed when she heard that. "It isn't even that dramatic. Intent, ooooh you make it sound so amazing." Maggie was ranting now, but she couldn't help it. "So what if we were paired together for doubles? So what if I was part of her squad before I quit the Tennis club? You know why I quit?" Maggie put her face as close to the Detective's as possible. Her wrists were trapped by her cuffs as she sneered. "Because Anne is a ball hog and when she failed she would blame me! Me! I didn't even DO Anything!" Maggie was too far gone now. "So what if she's a great Tennis player? So what if she's Varsity material? I Am Just as Good as an Athlete! But noooo, I need to stay out of her Majesty's way."

The Detective nodded along, following her story with cold eyes. "So you killed her in a fit of jealous rage."

"No you small brained Pleb, I joined the Soccer Club and never looked back. Christ you make it sound like we were dating." Out of breath from her rant Maggie slumped back into her seat.

"But you were in love with her, no?" The Detective reached back into his box and slid a red notebook across the table.

"Is that my diary?!" Maggie yelled in surprise. She snatched the book off the table and held it protectively.

"You can keep that, we already scanned the pages for our records." The Detective said with a smile. "I noticed that quite a few of your pages are about Anne and how angry you get around her."

Maggie stared in disbelief at the Detective. "That's what you care about?!"

"Well I am curious about why you write Sasha Waybright's nickname Sash with a capital 'S' sometimes but at others you call her 'SAsh' with a capital 'S' and 'A' but that isn't important to our discussion."

With wide eyes Maggie struggled to find her words.

"All of that is circumstantial evidence." Maggie managed to cough out. She wasn’t totally sure if she was right but it was the only thing she could think of.

"It would be, but we have this." The man reached into his box and pulled out a golden locket. He placed it on the table and slid it to Maggie.

Maggie frowned and grabbed the locket, twisting it in her hands, she pushed the button on the top as the piece clicked open. Inside was a photo of Marcy, Anne and Sasha. They had bright smiles and wide eyes. It made her reminiscent and sad. Maggie's eyes began to water.

"We found that in your locker and your prints are all over it."

"I have never seen this thing in my life." Maggie replied as she closed the locket, she slid it back to the detective and dried her eyes.

"Maggie where did you put the bodies? Did you bury them? Burn them? Dismember them?" The man reached back into his box and pulled out a folder. He pulled out three photos and slid them to Maggie. One was a tan skinned hand sticking out of the ground, another was a pile of ash with a skull on top while the third one had no body parts but was covered in blood.

Unable to help herself Maggie felt tears stream down her face. The gruesome photos freaked her out. Her breathing got unsteady and her hands began to shake.

"Did you do all three?" The Detective pushed and tapped his hand on the third photo. Rotting and covered in dirt. The skin of the hand was like Marcy's. In fact the color was almost identical.

Maggie was suddenly confused. She had seen the trio disappear… hadn't she? The gruesome photos were making her doubt herself. 'They wouldn't call it a murder without evidence right?' Maggie thought to herself. 'They didn't say disappearance. Every article after the first 24 hours called it a murder.' Maggie's world was spinning now. 'People can't disappear in a flash of light! Alien Frogs??? What, was she on drugs?' Maggie suddenly realized how crazy she had been acting the past week. More tears were racing down her cheeks as she struggled to breathe, Maggie was spiraling now as rational thinking slipped away.

"Maggie, did you kill those girls." The Detective asked. The use of her name snapped Maggie out of her trance as she looked at the Detective.

"No! How can you say that?" Maggie asked in shock. "What do you want to hear?" She yelled as her emotions took control. "I killed them? FINE you caught me Detective." Her voice was getting sarcastic as more tears streamed out of her tired eyes. "Yeah I killed Anne, we had a fight and I murdered her." Her voice was shaking as her hands trembled.

Then there was an audible click that echoed in the room.

Maggie blinked confused, the Detective smiled as he reached into his box for a final time. He pulled out a recording device and placed it on the table. The machine had four buttons, a small USB plugged into an outlet and a large LED screen. The Detective pulled out the USB and smiled. It was a mean and sarcastic smile.

Suddenly Maggie realized what she had said.

"Wait! I Didn't kill them! I'm Innocent!!" She screamed as the Detective stood up.

The man reached across the table and picked up the locket, he slid it into a clear plastic bag before zipping it tight. With a grin he put the plastic bag into his pocket before slipping off his gloves. Sliding the USB into his shirt pocket he walked towards the door. Ignoring Maggie's cries.

"I am innocent!" Maggie screamed.

"Not anymore you're not." He replied before opening the door and walking away.

That was the moment Maggie realized that interrogation room doors didn't make sounds.

Chapter Text

Marcy ran through the park, camera in hand. She moved swiftly as she moved around.

"Mar Mar slow down!" Anne yelled as she yanked her friend back. Saving her from the tree she was about to run into.

"Thanks Anne." The girl grinned with glee.

Sasha rolled her eyes as she trailed behind the duo, beside her Maggie gripped her Tennis bag.

"How are you still alive?" Maggie asked sarcastically. The light green and gold sports bag shifted on her shoulder.

"You won't always be around to save her." Sasha added as she lovingly bumped Anne's shoulder.

"Oh course she will!" Marcy said with a smile as she nudged Anne. The group continued their walk to the court, following Marcy and her camera.

The park was filled with people, each living their own lives. Maggie wore her SJES jersey with pride, two interlocking swords making an X. Hiding underneath was a green and purple Rose. The squad continued down the gravel path as they neared the courts, Marcy turned around.

"Smile!" Marcy snapped a photo of her friends before they could react. The camera let out an evil flash, blinding the girls. The friends scattered, hissing at the bright flash with a laugh. Unfortunately, Anne's bag got knotted on a low hanging branch and the Thai tried to fix her bag to no avail. The friends watched amused as Anne struggled. Marcy laughed as she snapped photos. With a dramatic sigh Sasha untangled the strap with ease, freeing Anne from her evil prison.

As the courts came into view, Maggie grew nervous. Today was the opening for the first tournament, failure was not an option. Feeling her chest compress, the child opened her bag and began searching for her medicine. Suddenly a second bag was dumped into Maggie's open arms.

"Hold this for me." Sasha commanded as she dug through her duffle bag. The blonde pulled out two pom poms then zipped her bag tight. Sasha shook them violently as glitter flew everywhere. Sasha then cartwheeled away leaving the bag in Maggie's confused arms.

"Wait! I need to switch out my camera lens!" Marcy yelled as another bag was dumped into Maggie's arms. The nerd quickly switched to her wide angle lens before leaving to snap photos of Sasha. Her excited hop away made Maggie smile.

"Maggie, hold this!" Anne dumped her blue sports bag into Maggie's tired arms. "Listen for today, let me take the lead alright? I want to win so…" The Thai girl trailed off before she patted Maggie on the shoulder. "As long as I'm the star then we can't lose."

Maggie nodded, she followed behind the trio with relative ease. They cheered as Sasha did a backflip before landing in a split. Her body sunk down into the concrete. Maggie smiled at the show of skill, Sasha was already set on being the future cheer captain. It was simply a matter of time.

As they passed by the Soccer field Maggie  saw other girls walking. They had the same Jersey as her but instead of a Tennis Racket on their chest, it was a soccer ball. One of the players waved at her, Maggie slowed down and returned the wave. She hoped they would win their game with ease.

"Maggie! Hurry up!" Sasha yelled as Anne waved her down. With a soft smile Maggie ran to her friends. As she got closer Anne grabbed the bags from Maggie's arms before pulling at Maggie's bag too. Her friend slipped the bag onto her shoulder and winked.

"I'll take it from here."

The first match went fine, Anne scored all of the points, stopped all of the attacks and gained the attention of various coaches. During their break, Maggie took a sip of her full water bottle before grabbing a tennis ball. She left the area and wandered around until she found an empty corner. She threw the ball into the air and slammed it down, the poor helpless ball squeaked in terror as it hit the wall and was decimated. Getting whacked over and over, until the green fur was floating in the air.

Now tired, Maggie walked back to the court, she took another swig of water before walking onto the court. Maggie spun the racket in her hands.

Maggie and Anne had won the second match… barely.

"Maggie what was that?" Anne asked, getting close to Maggie's face. "We could Have Lost!"

"It was pretty lame." Sasha added not looking up from her hello kitty phone.

Maggie felt her face go red as she bit her tongue. Anne continued to talk about her win streak while Sasha nodded along. Marcy was taking photos, her lens zooming in and out on her friend's faces. Maggie's mind began to wander as she tuned out Anne.

"Don't you want to win?!" The question snapped Maggie back to reality. She blinked in shock as she found her voice.

"Win? We can't win if you keep hogging the ball!" Maggie snapped back.

Sasha's head shot up as Marcy stopped taking photos. Her finger floated above the button. The silence was awful as everyone struggled to find a response.

"She wouldn't have to be a ball hog if you were any good." Sasha was the first to find her voice. Her voice was cold but her eyes were fierce and angry.

"She seemed plenty good to me." A voice cut in. The squad turned and faced the girl. "You could have doubled your score if you worked as a team." The girl continued as she smiled. She had short black hair, while wearing a jacket and backwards snapback hat.

Sasha frowned as she got into the girl's face. "Who do you think you are?"

The girl spit on Sasha's shoe.

Sasha's face turned red as she sneered. Anne dropped her bag in shock as Marcy unconsciously took a photo.

"Why don't we pause here?" Asked another voice. The girl had the same jacket but her's was unzipped. Maggie caught a glimpse of the SJES logo on her shirt. "We all play for the same team anyways." The newcomer had long brown hair in a ponytail. She had a small scar under her right eye as she stood between her friend and Sasha.

"She spat on me!" Sasha hissed, pointing at the short haired girl.

"You had it coming!" Short hair hissed back. She walked around her friend and sized up Sasha. The two began arguing, their voices growing louder with every word.

Uncomfortable everyone looked at each other before audibly sighing. Giving in, Anne pulled at Sasha's arm.

"Marcy's gonna start crying if you keep yelling."

Indeed the smallest of the girls had tears in her eyes as she looked between Sasha and her foe.

Sneering Sasha huffed before walking away, Anne and Marcy started to follow behind. But Maggie hesitated, she watched her friends as they walked off.

"Aren't you coming?" Sasha asked, not bothering to turn around. The girl glared over her shoulder as Anne raised an eye at Maggie.

Maggie continued to hesitate much to Anne's shock. "Maggie?" Her partner asked. "We have a doubles game to get to."

"What's the point?" Maggie asked, "it's not like I'll be doing anything." Maggie picked up Anne's abandoned gym bag; she extended the bag as an offering. But Anne frowned.

"I'll be kicked from the tournament if I don't have a partner." She took the bag back rather aggressively as she stared Maggie in the eye.

"Then you better start looking for one."

Maggie watched as her friends left her behind. They didn't turn around once as they went towards the courts.

"So… are you any good at Soccer?" Asked the short haired girl.