Katie and Emily~1

Today was the day the whole year had been leading up to, what they had been preparing for for months — but it seemed like the least important thing right now. Tess always messed up exams anyway. Always overthinking things, changing her answers a hundred times, forgetting everything she had worked for. And a full week of them? Pure hell.

This time, she was even less prepared. With everything going on, she had completely forgotten to study — at least properly. She'd tried last night, but after 20 minutes of flipping through pages about the human brain, she'd fallen asleep with her face buried in her book. History was up first, probably her worst subject. Half the time, the lessons were drowned out by Cook and Pandora's torturous chatting, and the other half, she zoned out because Tom was the most painfully dull teacher she'd ever had.

As she trudged into school, Doug was waiting at the door, handing out exam papers.

"Here you go, Tess," he said, beaming far too brightly for such an awful occasion. She mumbled a distracted "Thanks" and took the paper.

As she made her way down the corridor, her stomach twisting with a mix of nerves and dread, she spotted a familiar figure out of the corner of her eye. Katie. Tess froze mid-step, her eyes widening.

"What are you doing here?" she blurted, her voice sharper than she'd intended. Katie wasn't supposed to be back yet — not after what happened.

Katie turned toward her, her expression unreadable. Tess noticed something was... off. Her walk, the way she turned her head – it all felt wrong. But before Tess could process it fully, JJ appeared beside her, cheerful as ever.

"Alright, Katie?" JJ said, flashing a quick grin at her. Katie gave a small awkward wave, before running away down the corridor.

JJ frowned, watching Tess go. "What's up with her?" he asked, more to himself than anyone else.

"Something's off. Katie at school with a black eye? Not a chance"

JJ opened his mouth to speak but suddenly stopped in his tracks, his face scrunching up like he'd just remembered something important.

"Fiddlesticks, I'm mad at you," he said, pointing a finger at her, almost guiltily

Tess blinked, her heart sinking. "Oh come on J!"

"No, no! You slept with Cook," he said, crossing his arms in a way that was more dramatic than threatening. "And you were supposed to be my friend."

Tess let out a long breath, guilt tightening in her chest. "I am your friend!"

JJ narrowed his eyes at her, but his resolve was already cracking. He could never stay mad for long. "Friends don't do that do they?"

"JJ please," she said again, softer this time. "Cut me some slack. I was... I don't know. I was being stupid."

JJ hesitated, then sighed. "Yeah, stupid."

A small smile tugged at the corner of Tess's mouth. "So we're ok?"

JJ nodded. "I'm more mad at Cook anyway"

Tess let out a laugh "Me too."

They walked in silence for a moment, the tension between them easing slightly.

"Have you seen him?" JJ asked suddenly, his voice quieter now.

Tess shook her head, her expression faltering. "Haven't seen him since the party."

JJ nodded, looking thoughtful, though his brows knit together like he wasn't sure whether to believe her. "Neither."

Tess turned to him. "He hasn't even said anything to you? It's been ages JJ. Shouldn't we be worried?"

JJ scoffed, although a hint of concern could be heard. "No, it's Cook, he always does this. He's probably just hiding in his room that's all" he said nodding as if he was trying to convince himself

Tess nodded again, her chest tightening with an uncomfortable mix of emotions. She wanted to say more, to fix things properly, but the words didn't come.

Instead, they walked the rest of the way to the exam room in silence, their awkward truce hanging in the air.

—

Tess walked into the exam room, her stomach twisting into knots as she scanned the rows of desks. The weight of the looming exam made her chest feel tight, and she wanted nothing more than to get it over with.

As she moved through the room, searching for a seat, low voices reached her ears from a group of girls nearby.

"Did you see Katie Fitch?" one girl sneered, her words dripping with judgment.

"Yeah, what's with the black eye?" another chimed in, her voice full of mockery. "What's she done this time?"

"I heard that psycho Stonem girl's involved," the first girl said, lowering her voice just enough to sound conspiratorial, though still loud enough for anyone nearby to catch every word. "Wouldn't surprise me if they were scrapping over some guy. Skanks, the lot of them."

The second girl giggled, the kind of laugh that made Tess's blood boil. "What a mess. Imagine showing up to school looking like that."

Tess clenched her jaw, her fists tightening around the strap of her bag. Hearing them tear her apart—especially when they didn't know a damn thing—was too much.

As she walked past them, Tess "accidentally" kicked one of their open bags, sending its contents spilling across the floor.

"Oh, sorry, girls," she said coldly, her voice flat and dripping with fake politeness. She glanced at them briefly, her eyes sharp. "Didn't see your stuff there. You might wanna keep them shut next time. Yeah?"

She could feel their eyes on her as she walked away, the silence hanging thick in the air. She found an empty seat near the back and dropped her bag, trying to calm the jittery feeling crawling under her skin

As she settled back into her seat, she heard one of the girls mutter, "What's her problem?" but Tess couldn't care less.

She turned back to her exam paper, focusing on the first question. History was as brutal as she remembered. She skimmed the question about the Revolution, but the words felt like they were blurring together. She had no clue.

Her mind kept drifting. She'd glance at the clock, count the minutes, and then back at the paper, trying to force herself into some kind of focus. Her stomach twisted in knots as she tried to recall the facts she'd studied, but they wouldn't come. She rubbed her eyes, trying to push through.

Then, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed something.

Katie was sitting a few rows ahead of her, fiddling with the hem of her shirt nervously. Tess didn't think much of it at first, but then she saw it—Katie was biting her nails.

That was when it clicked.

Her heart skipped. Katie didn't bite her nails. Tess had known her for years, and not once had she seen her do it. Katie hated nail-biting; she'd ranted about it enough.

But Emily? Emily bit her nails all the time.

It wasn't Katie at all. It was Emily, pretending to be her. The way she'd ignored Tess and JJ, the awkwardness in her movements, and now this nervous habit-everything started to make sense. They hadn't pulled a stunt like this for years.

---

Tess slung her bag over her shoulder, her head buzzing with frustration as she stepped out of the exam room. History had been a disaster. She knew she'd flunked it; the questions had blurred together, and every answer felt like a stab in the dark. Forcing herself to breathe through the rising sense of failure, she headed toward the lockers.

She spotted "Katie" there, fiddling with the combination on her lock. Her movements were rushed, her head slightly lowered as if she were trying to avoid attention.

Tess approached casually, leaning against the lockers beside her. "Nice makeup, Ems," she said, her voice light but with an edge of knowing.

Emily froze, her hand hovering over the lock before she slowly turned to face Tess. Her expression faltered for a split second, and then she gave a sheepish smile. "How'd you know?"

Tess smirked, reaching out and grabbing Emily's hand. She held it up, showing off the jagged edges of her bitten nails. "I've known you for 8 years, I think I can tell the difference."

Emily rolled her eyes, pulling her hand back. "Alright, fine. You caught me. Happy?"

"Delighted." Tess folded her arms, raising an eyebrow. "So, what's the deal? Why are you playing dress-up?"

Emily glanced around to make sure no one was listening, then sighed. "Katie still doesn't want to come back. She's... not ready."

Tess tilted her head, watching her closely. "So you just decided to take her history exam for her?"

"Pretty much," Emily said, leaning against the lockers with a shrug. "She's had enough to deal with lately. Thought I'd do her a solid."

Tess narrowed her eyes. "And your mum was okay with this? Doubt Jenna's big on identity fraud."

Emily winced. "She doesn't know."

"Impressive." Tess nodded, looking closer at the makeup job

"It took fucking forever," Emily complained "I thought I was gonna sweat it off in the exam"

"I would have If I was you. I was fucking dying in there" Tess said slamming her back into the locker

"I'm sure it wasn't that bad Tess." Emily said comfortingly

"Yeah it was. Katies lucky she missed it." Tess scoffed, "Anyways I'm gonna go see her now"

Emily smirked faintly but didn't respond. She noticed Naomi walking toward them. Naomi's gaze was locked on Emily, a mischievous look in her eyes.

Tess straightened up, giving Emily a pointed look. "I'll leave you two lovebirds to it."

Emily shot her a glare, but Tess only grinned as she walked away, throwing a knowing glance over her shoulder.

Tess rounded the corner and spotted Freddie slumped against the lockers, a photo clutched in his hand. He was lightly banging his head against them.

Tess raised an eyebrow. "Alright, Freds. Why are you standing here looking like you're in some tragic music video?" She caught a glimpse of the picture as she moved closer, "Is that Effy?"

Freddie jolted, quickly stuffing the picture into his jacket pocket. "It's nothing," he said, too quickly, his voice defensive. "Just... found it earlier."

"Alright, weirdo," she said, pushing off the locker. "So what's got you banging your head against a locker? Exams?"

Freddie groaned, his head dropping back against the cold metal. "I wish. I thought I saw Katie."

Tess smirked. "Funny. So did I." knowing it was just Emily

"No, I mean... I really thought it was her," Freddie said, his voice low, like he was admitting something shameful. "She walked right past me. Looked just like her.."

"Don't worry it wasn't her" Tess let out a laugh, crossing her arms. "You're not the only one she's spooked today."

Freddie straightened up, his expression softening slightly. "Have you spoken to her? Like, properly? Since..."

"Not properly she's been avoiding everyone, and when I have seen her she's half asleep and drugged up." Tess shrugged, starting to walk down the corridor. Freddie fell into step beside her. "Im going over later though"

He glanced at her, his expression hopeful. "Tell her I'm sorry, will you? For everything."

Tess raised an eyebrow. "Why don't you tell her yourself?"

"I've tried," Freddie said, rubbing a hand over his face. "She won't talk to me. She's ignoring everything—texts, calls, the lot."

"Maybe because you were a massive dick to her," Tess said bluntly.

Freddie flinched but didn't argue. "Yeah, I know. I was. But I want to make it right."

"Then do it," Tess said sharply. "Apologise. Properly. No excuses, no deflecting. Just own up to being a twat."

"I will," Freddie said, his voice firm. "I just... I don't even know where to start."

They started walking toward the school gates, the cold air biting at their faces. For a while, neither of them spoke, the silence heavy but not uncomfortable.

Eventually, Freddie broke it. "Have you seen Effy?"

Tess's jaw tightened, her hands shoving into her pockets. "No. Not since...the hospital."

Freddie's face darkened. "She's been avoiding me too. And Cook..." His voice trailed off, his hands clenching into fists. "Don't even get me started on him."

Tess glanced at him, her voice measured. "What's he-"

"He's a selfish prick," Freddie snapped, cutting her off. "Does whatever he wants, screws people over, and then acts like it doesn't matter. Like none of it matters."

Tess didn't respond immediately, her gaze fixed on the pavement. Then she said, almost to herself, "I thought he was really changing. Maybe even a bit... Guess that was stupid of me to believe it for a second."

Freddie turned to look at her, his anger faltering. "You too, huh?"

She shrugged, her expression unreadable. "Yeah. For a while, I thought maybe there was more to him. Like he actually cared. That he really—" She stopped herself, shaking her head. "Forget it."

Freddie frowned. "No, go on. What were you gonna say?"

Tess hesitated before sighing. "It doesn't matter. Point is, Cook's always gonna do what Cook does. Fuck things up."

Freddie nodded slowly, his jaw tightening again. "I just don't get why they both keep running away, wouldn't be surprised if they were together."

Tess winced at the thought. "Don't we all have someone like that though? Someone we know is bad for us, but we can't help it anyway?"

Freddie didn't answer, but his expression said enough.

They walked in silence for a while, the weight of everything hanging between them. Finally, Tess broke it. "You're gonna fix things with Katie, yeah?"

Freddie nodded. "Yeah. I have to."

"Good," She smiled.

---

 Tess rapped her knuckles against the Fitch family's front door, the muffled sound of a TV game show and clattering dishes coming from inside. After a few moments, the door swung open, and Rob Fitch stood there in his signature "Fitch Fitness" shirt with the cringe-worthy slogan, "Don't get fit, get Fitch!" emblazoned across the front.

Tess fought the urge to roll her eyes. "Hi, Mr. Fitch."

"Ah, Tess!" Rob greeted with a wide grin, wiping his hands on a dish towel slung over his shoulder. "What brings you today? Come to whip Katie into shape?"

"Something like that," Tess replied with a smirk. "How've you been?"

"Same old, same old," Rob said, leaning casually against the doorframe. "Running the empire, keeping the troops in line. You know the drill."

"Wonderful," Tess said dryly.

She climbed the stairs, the sound of the TV fading as she reached Katie's room. The door was slightly ajar, and Tess peeked inside. Katie was sprawled on her bed, her face bruised and battered, a dressing near her hairline. Scattered across her duvet were the torn pieces of a photo—her and Freddie, now ripped to shreds.

Tess stepped inside, her expression softening. "Hey," she said, sitting on the edge of the bed. "How're you holding up?"

Katie glanced at her, her expression weary but not as defeated as Tess had expected. "Shit," she admitted, touching the edge of the dressing lightly. "I mean, look at me. I look like I've been through a shredder... But at least I'm not dead, right?"

"Silver linings," Tess said with a faint smile.

"I see you've been busy." Tess said, her gaze drifting to the torn photo. "I saw him at school today. Says he wants to make things right."

Katie let out a sharp, humourless laugh. "Yeah? He could've started by not shagging Effy. That would've been a good place to begin."

Tess raised an eyebrow. "He's beating himself up over it, you know."

"Good," Katie snapped. "He deserves it. He made me look like an idiot."

Tess hesitated, unsure how to respond. "You're not an idiot! He was acting like a dick and anyone in their right mind will see that." she said finally.

Katie's expression softened slightly. "Yeah?"

"Don't worry, your precious reputation isn't all ruined" Tess joked

"I, uh... I saw Emily at school today too. She did a good job, you know. With the makeup and all." Tess recalled

Katie's gaze flicked to a box on the floor marked in bold letters: "Emily Fitch - KEEP OUT." She slid off the bed and crouched beside it, fiddling with the lock.

"What're you doing?" Tess asked, frowning.

"Trying to figure out the combination. She's hiding something in here," Katie said, her voice laced with determination.

Tess crossed her arms. "It's private. Maybe you shouldn't mess with it."

Katie ignored her, still twisting the lock.

Before Tess could press further, James barged into the room. "That's secret, Katie!" he shouted.

"Fuck off, worm," Katie snapped without looking up.

"Dinners ready bitch." James scowled "oh and Mum says you can stay for dinner Tess, but I'd rather you didn't."

"Wasn't planning on it," Tess shot back.

Katie looked up, narrowing her eyes at her brother. "What did you just say to me?"

James shrugged. "Gordon Macpherson says 'bitch' all the time, so now I say it too."

"You don't say it to me, alright?" Katie said, grabbing his ear.

"Okay, sorry!" James yelped.

Katie didn't let go. "What's in the box, James? I know you know the combination."

James squirmed. "I don't! Emily changed it after I..."

"After you what?" Katie demanded, tightening her grip. "What's in the box?"

"It's a secret! Ow!"

"I'm waiting," Katie warned.

"Okay, okay!" James cried. "Fannies! It's full of fannies!"

Katie froze, her expression shifting to one of realisation before turning into fury. "I knew it. That bitch!"

"Katie-" Tess started, stepping forward.

But Katie cut her off, her voice rising. "She's been hiding shit from me! What else don't I know?"

Tess tried to stay calm. "Maybe there's a reason she doesn't want you to see it."

Katie spun around, her jaw tight. "She's my sister, Tess. She should have told me, asked me-."

"I said dinner's ready, bitches!" James shouted from the doorway, earning another smack from Katie as he fled.

---

Tess and Katie made their way downstairs, Tess hoping to sneak out unnoticed.

"You're staying for dinner, right, Tess?" Jenna's voice called out from the dining room, her tone warm and inviting. "Katie could really use some company tonight."

Tess hesitated, glancing back at Katie, who mouthed a silent sorry with an apologetic look. Tess sighed but nodded. "Guess I don't have much of a choice now, do I?"

Katie gave her a small, sheepish grin, and they both entered the kitchen, where the Fitch family was already seated at the table. Rob beamed at Tess, and Jenna set a bowl of steaming soup in front of her.

"So, how's school going, Tess?" Jenna asked with a mouthful of soup.

Tess forced a smile, trying to ignore the awkwardness. "Uh, yeah, just the usual. Exams. Lots of studying, you know."

The small talk quickly veered back to Rob's boring passion for fitness.

"...But Ken, he needed it. Poor guy couldn't even do ten reps on the bench press without retching like a baby."

Jenna smiled patiently. "That's great, Rob. I'm sure he'll appreciate it... eventually."

"You know, Tess," Rob continued, oblivious to her distant expression, "no pain, no gain. You don't get those glutes and pecs taut without reps, reps, reps. I'm always saying that."

Jenna smiled politely. "Yes, you are." slightly strained

"Wow, great soup," Rob said, wiping his mouth. "What is it?"

"Artichoke and beetroot," Jenna replied.

Tess and Katie both grimaced.

"Babe, you're the best. You feed us like champions," Rob said with exaggerated praise, shoveling another spoonful into his mouth. "It won't make you fit, Katiekins, but it'll make you—"

"Fitch," Katie muttered without looking up, rolling her eyes.

Rob grinned. "That's right! Don't get fit, get Fitch!"

James, sitting at the table with his arms crossed, grumbled, "I want fish and chips. This tastes like bollocky wankshite."

"James!" Jenna scolded.

"What? They say bollocky wankshite all the time at Gordon Macpherson's house," James protested. "Mrs. Macpherson says as long as swearing is used in context, it's fucking A."

"Rob!" Jenna hissed.

"Gordon Macpherson sounds like a great influence doesn't he?" Tess whispered to Katie, causing her to snort into her soup

"Ten reps on the naughty bar, James," Rob said sternly. "And proper extension, boy. One, two, three..."

For once Tess was grateful for her own family. With these rules, she would be doing reps on the naughty bar every night but the sound of a slamming door woke Tess from her thoughts

"Emily, is that you, darling?" Jenna asked, her voice rising with concern as the front door opened.

Emily entered, looking a mess. Her hair was matted and tangled, mascara running down her face.

James made it back to the table grimacing at his sister "Ugh you smell!"

"Shut up," She muttered, Tess gave her a sympathetic smile.

"What have you been doing?" Jenna observed. "You look like you've been fighting,"

"Well I haven't," Emily muttered. "Look leave me alone"

"Ok" Jenna sighed, "Is it a boy that's upset you?"

Katie shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "Mum, I don't think she wants to talk about it."

"Well, I do," Jenna pressed, her tone maternal. "Because If there's a boy that's been- i mean you look like you've been roughed up!"

Emily interrupted flatly. "It wasn't a boy."

Katie's eyes widened. "Yeah, see so let's just-" she said, clearly trying to shut her up

But Emily didn't stop. "It was a girl."

Rob nearly choked on his soup. "You've been fighting with a girl? That's not very ladylike."

Emily rolled her eyes. "No, Dad. I've been making love to a girl. Ok? Everybody satisfied"

Katie's eyes narrowed, awkwardly laughing she said, "You're such a liar. Don't listen to her!"

Tess knew Emily was talking about Naomi, but she was trying to think of what could have happened between them that made Emily come home in this state? They seemed so loved up and happy just hours ago.

"Her Name's Naomi. She's rather beautiful" Emily began "So I was nailing her-"

Jenna let out a sharp breath, "Sorry?"

Rob laughed awkwardly. "Okay, okay, I get it. Very funny. Nice one. Had me going there. Funny. You gotta give it to her, she's convincing!"

Emily snapped her head towards him, "Dad! I'm trying to tell you something"

"Shut up!" Katie screeched

Tess lightly nudged Katie, "Katie if she wants to tell them she can"

"No she can't because it's not true!" She whined

Emily abruptly got up and stormed off into the hallway.

James, seemingly unfazed by the conversation and ignoring the tension, started, "Gordon Macpherson says you calls them dykes, because you have to stick your finger in them."

Tess opened her mouth stunned, this kid was something else.

"Umm lovely soup Mrs Fitch but I-I should, probably head off" She said grabbing her bag "I'll see you later Katie" she said giving Katie a disappointed look

Katie's eyes widened in protest. "Tess, it's not- wait"

But Tess had already grabbed her jacket and was making her way toward the door.

"Thanks again!" Tess called over her shoulder, before walking outside. She could hear Katie's protests from inside as she walked down the drive.

Katie's voice rose with frustration. "Mum, it's not true! She's just trying to cause a scene!"

Apart from it being one of the most awkward and uncomfortable times she had ever been at the Fitch's, she was glad Emily had gotten the courage to say something- even if it didn't go to plan. She was more worried about what Katie was gonna do next...