Falling out

Crystal's POV

A shrilling scream woke me up, and probably the rest of the building. It was early, the sun was shining in through an open window in the dorm, but unlike most times this happened, Ashlyn wasn't breathing heavily while sitting up in her bed.

She had nightmares pretty often, or at least, that's what she told me, so I've gotten used to waking up this early, although she doesn't know that. The issue was, her screams were never this loud, meaning it was a really bad nightmare, or someone else

The room was dark besides the light pouring in from outside, the lights were still off as usual, like they always were when this kind of thing happened, but this was different, it wasn't her scream, it was someone else's. I mean, it could've been her, but if it was where did she go, I mean, where is she now? Maybe Ben came by early, but it's not like he would've bothered telling me he was taking Ashlyn somewhere anyways, whether I was asleep or not. He still hates me.

Ashlyn keeps telling me he doesn't hate me, but even she's unsure of it herself. We used to be best friends, and then the accident happened and he hardly ever talks to me anymore, and when he does his voice is laced with venom.

I mean, six years, and he still hasn't forgiven me. When will he learn it was a fucking accident?

Out of curiosity I creaked open the door to our dorm, giving me a vision of the outside of the dorm. It was silent, although I could feel a slight breeze. It wasn't coming from behind me, so it wasn't our open window, and my suspicions were confirmed as I walked a bit further down into the hall, noticing an open window against the wall.

Who would open the hallway window at this time?

Not to mention that scream, who could've-Ashlyn. She probably went on a short flight to clear her mind after a nightmare, but no matter how many times I ask, she never explains to me what they're about, but I still do my part as her friend and console her after them.

But then what was the scream? If she went on a flight she wouldn't be screaming, at least not that loud, and why? Maybe she brought someone with her, I mean, Ben's the only one who could be up right now, but what would he want with her? Mal wouldn't try to kill her this early, right?

But if she did, that would explain the scream, and why Ashlyn is missing and- would mean she killed my best friend- no, no, that can't be possible, right? Ashlyn's strong, really strong, she could stand up to Mal, and why would the window be open, wouldn't anyone be calling for help or- no, that just means that can't be what happened, but if it's not, what did?

Maybe I should go check to make sure Mal didn't kill her, I mean, I watched them the night they went to the museum, what's the difference between that, and sneaking into her room early in the morning to make sure she didn't kill my best friend?

It can't hurt to make sure, can it?

Evie's POV

There was a loud scream causing me to jolt awake, my mind instantly flashing with memories, memories I wished to forget. The Isle, all the pain, the suffering, the screams, everything, I just wanted to forget it, but we have a mission, and we have to go through with it.

My eyes flickered open only for a slight second, but what I saw in that time put a smile on my face, Mal and Carlos were cuddling in her bed. So much for the rules, but so cute!

My mind started to flash towards the events of yesterday, Ashlyn's plan to make her jealous, her breakdown, me snapping at her, God, she must hate me right now. I'm surprised she let me sleep in here still. Ashlyn however, well, Mal probably won't forgive her so easily.

Ashlyn's been a good friend, I didn't have many of those other than the gang back on the Isle, and Ben is okay too I guess. He stood up for me, so I'm thankful for that, even though I almost killed him he stood up for me and the Isle, but, I don't think I can ever be around a guy without almost killing them anymore.

There were a few close incidents, mostly with Jay, considering whenever it happened with Carlos, Mal would beat the shit out of me for trying to hurt him. Painful, but sweet for him, I guess. Jay had a black eye and has a small scar from me, but around them I'm usually fine. I'd like to be around Ben a little more, just to thank him, but it might be difficult if he even gets close to me.

Maybe I could tell Ashlyn to thank him for me, but knowing her, she'd pressure me into doing it, but it doesn't hurt to try, I guess.

My thoughts were interrupted by groaning from behind me, followed by small bits of laughter, I turned towards the source to see Mal nuzzling against Carlos' chest as she squirmed a bit in her bed.

Nightmare maybe, or maybe she's awake and is taking any chance she gets, no, probably nightmare, or at least some type of dream.

As she nuzzled against him I could've sworn I saw Carlos smile, but maybe it was my imagination, I mean, I've wanted them to get together for six years, is hallucinating a part of shipping your two best friends together?

I smiled softly, they're so happy, but I want to be happy too. But I can't, not after what he did. I'll just be alone for the rest of-

There was a small creak as the door opened slightly, but nobody came in. I walked over to the door slowly, resisting the temptation to pull out a knife, it was probably just Jay. However, as I peeked my head out I was met with silence, silence, and an empty hallway. Great, just great, now I'm hallucinating about things other than Mal and Carlos. But, the door was open…

There was a small gust of wind from behind me, causing me to turn around instantly, my hand digging into my jacket to grab a knife, something was wrong here.

But there was nothing, nothing and nobody, except for an open window, and a harsh wind blowing from outside of it.

Weird, I could've sworn I closed it last night. I walked over to the window and shut it before walking back over to my bed. It was morning, there was no denying that, but I don't have to be up for at least another hour, right?

I laid down in my bed, my eyes shutting as I began to relax, but images of Anthony flooded my mind, and then, there was a beeping noise, arguably the most annoying thing I'd ever heard. I mean, it kept beeping over and over, it was literally going to drive me crazy. I frantically searched the room for the source, my eyes landing on a small black box displaying red numbers. Without another thought I slammed my fist onto the box, hoping that the thing would just shut up.

My wishes came true when the thing sparked before going silent, thank god!

I was about to go back to bed, but a voice stopped me, "Sleep well, darling?" A menacing voice asked me.

My voice instantly disappeared at the sound of his voice, "L-l-leave me alone A-an-thony," I whimpered.

He chuckled, "You know, I'm glad I cheated on you with Harley, she was a much better kisser than you,"

"J-Just go away," I whimpered again.

"Oh, darling, you know I'll never leave. You're stuck with me, forever,"

I waited for another word, another rebuttal from him, my mind to trick me into thinking he was still here, but it was just silent. No memories, no voices, no pain, just me.

My mind is fucked up!

"You okay, Eve?" A calming voice asked.

I forced myself to nod, despite feeling the exact opposite way, "Yeah, I'm fine." I whispered. "Just go back to sleep, Carlos."

He sighed, "I wish, but we'll get in trouble if I stay."

I sigh, he's right. The stupid rules against co-ed sleeping arangements, we could get in serious trouble if someone catches Carlos sleeping with Mal on school grounds."I'll send her your way when she wakes up," I tell him.

He smiles softly, "Thanks Eve," He walks out the door, glancing back at Mal's sleeping figure as he closed the door behind him.

I sigh, both my best friends found love, but I never can, I guess that's just how life works sometimes.

Harry was just a fling and we were both using each other, no real love from either of us, just personal benefits. Not to mention Harry's need for action, we were both just flirts, a one time thing, that was all, that's all we needed. No real love from either of us, he just looked like he longed for someone, he seemed so down that one time, so I kissed him. It was a game, but he grew addicted to it, or at least the feeling, but it ended when I met Anthony. I haven't had a talk with him since, part of me wants him to be happy, despite being on Uma's side, but I haven't seen him happy in a long time. There was only one time, and since then, he hasn't. He's always been a manipulator, but it seemed real for one time, that happiness that radiated off of him, it seemed real, but disappeared as quickly as it came. Since that moment we haven't really had a real conversation, just action.

But it wasn't real. I couldn't even imagine me and Harry being happy together for a second. His mind was set on someone else, but it lacked action, that's where I came in. It probably was with Uma, they're close.

Then I met Anthony, Harry and I hardly talked since, not that I minded, we hated each other. Anthony was like my prince charming, came down and swooped me off my feet, I thought what we had was real, but he was just a fucking lying bitch. He didn't care about me, no matter how much I loved him. Then he used me, he broke me, beyond repair, and that can never be fixed.

I haven't loved anyone since, all I need is Mal, Jay, and Carlos. They're my family, but that family's starting to fall apart. Ashlyn accidentally broke Mal, even just for a second, it was enough time to make me snap, and likely ruin everything we've built in the last seven years. Jay has seemed distant since we got here, sure he was the last to join, but he was like an older brother, but since we got here he's seemed more distant, more lonely. And Carlos, well his mind is only focused on Mal right now, he doesn't have much time for me right now, but I'm happy for him.

I guess I could call Ashlyn a friend, maybe. She's helped me already, getting me to stay here, but she's also the reason Mal won't talk to me, but that's also my fault. She's smart, I'll give her that, but I guess she didn't think her plan through. Honestly, I don't know if I'll even see her again after today, Mal might kill her for what she did.

She might be mad at me, but I didn't manipulate her emotions, intentional or not. She's my best friend, but I'm not gonna let her kill Ashlyn. She had the right intention, but the wrong execution. She made more progress in getting Mal to admit her feelings in a day than I've done in six years, she's just better than me, despite how brutal her method was. I don't understand how she's from Auradon. She seems like she would fit in well on the Isle with her personality and methods.

Then there's Ben. I almost killed him, but he stood up for me. Well, for the Isle, but for me. It was kind of sweet, but no matter how angry or threatening his tone sounded at the time, I didn't get scared or have flashbacks, or anything. I just watched in awe that someone cared enough to stand up for me, and a guy no less, I was convinced they all hated me by now, but the guy I almost killed, stood up for me…

There was a rustling behind me and I already knew it was Mal waking up. Her yawn is the most adorable thing in the world for being the daughter of the Mistress of Evil. No wonder Carlos adores it.

I glanced towards her, but as our eyes met she scowled at me. So she is still mad. She didn't even say a word, just got out of bed and walked out the door, not even glancing back at me.

It's all starting to fall apart...

Jay's Pov

The door flew open as a sleepy Carlos walked in, he probably went and slept with Mal again, he had been helping her calm down after a nightmare for years. He didn't say a word, just flopped onto his bed, not even bothering to pull the covers up, just knocking out as his head hit the pillow.

These pillows were weird, they were soft, and not filled with rocks. But they were the most comfortable thing I'd ever felt. Not to mention they had weird soft blankets instead of tarps, and there were these weird things that were super comfortable to sleep on and not as hard as the floor, it was amazing! But we won't be here long.

There never really was much for me on the Isle. Father would beat me if I didn't steal, so I did, even though he did it for fun sometimes. There never was much for me on the Isle, but maybe there can be here.

Carlos is lucky, he has Mal, no matter how much he denies it, they are not just friends. The smiles, all those nights sleeping in the same bed, that's couple material, even on the Isle.

But I've never had anyone…

My thoughts were interrupted by the door creaking open and Mal walking with a scowl on her face.

"What's wrong?" I asked her.

She sighed, "Jay, d-do you th-think Carlos like me?" She stammered. Oh my god, it's happening.

I stifled a laugh at her question, "I don't know, I mean, of course he likes you, you've been friends for-"

"As more than a friend." She whispered harshly.

I smirked, "Why not just ask him?"

She glared at me and slapped my arm, "You were supposed to be helpful." She growled.

I smirked again, she's like my sister, I can mess with her all I want, "I am being helpful," I start, causing her to smile, "By making you ask him yourself."

She rolls her eyes and slaps my arm again, causing me to smirk. "Just go ask him," I taunted her, pronouncing each and every syllable slowly.

She raised her hand to slap me again, but I saw it coming and walked towards the door with a smile, "Tell me how it goes."

I could see her scowl, but closed the door before she could probably attempt to kill me for pissing her off, with a small smile I started walking down the hall to her dorm, praying to god that nobody was following me.

That would only end horribly...

Mal's POV

That bastard, I could practically still see his cocky grin, taunting me as I walked over towards Carlos' bed, he had just been laying there, probably asleep while me and Jay talked, but he sat up as he saw me approaching and frowned, "You know, it's against the rules to be in the same room this early," He explains. "We'll get chewed out by Fairy Godmother."

"Fuck the rules," I growled without even thinking.

He smiled, "So then what are you doing here?"

I smiled softly, "I-I honestly don't know," I answered. "I guess I just wanted to see you."

"Well, I wanted to see you too," He says with the same warm smile I've grown to adore.

I thought he came to me, did he hear what I asked Jay? Shit, he probably did! Oh, God, he's gonna hate me!

I sat down on the foot of the bed as he scooted over next to me, it didn't take much thought, if any, for me to lay my head on his shoulders. I just felt at peace in that position, that everything would be alright.

But what Evie said just couldn't get out of my head, "You're both head over heels in love with each other," or with Ashlyn, "Don't worry, he'd choose you," Or was it 'he'll choose you', huh, funny how my mind changes things like that unintentionally.

But the image kept playing through my head, the image, the vision, where I couldn't save him, and he paid the price. 'Carlos De Vil was dead' that's what kept echoing on and on in my head, but it was a dream, a nightmare, and I can't push someone away over a nightmare. Especially not him…

"Um, Mal?" His voice crashed through, louder than my thoughts, bringing me back to reality, realizing Carlos was staring at me, his hands on my shoulders, and...that I was crying?

"Hey, what's wrong?" He asked.

I shook my head, "N-nothing." I don't want to lose him, I can't let that happen.

"Hey, we won't lose him," He assures me.

Wait, did he hear me? "Did I say that out loud?" I asked nervously.

He nodded,"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," I said a bit more sternly, despite how much I wanted to cry into his shoulder and beg him to never leave me, that was just a weak thing to do, and mother would kill both of us if it were to ever happen.

If I was weak…

"Is this about your nightmare last night?" He asked, wiping away a few of my remaining tears.

"N-no," I stammer, shaking my head, it's like all my lying skills disappear whenever I'm around him, it makes me feel like I wasn't even raised on the Isle, it makes me happy. He makes me happy.

He gave me a look that definitely said, 'I know you're lying right now," but said nothing. "Care to tell me why you and Evie were fighting yesterday?" He asked.

Fuck, do I tell him? I mean, it's just crazy, there's no way he actually likes me back, right?

"E-Evie told me something crazy to mess with my emotions." I admitted.

He said nothing, but gave me a look that signalled to continue.

"She kind of was doing what Ashlyn was doing, playing with my feelings, but it hurt more coming from her."

He just stayed silent. He opened his mouth to speak, but said nothing, so I did, "She told me you liked me," I admit.

He stared at me in confusion, "Of course I like you, you're my best friend. I mean, y-"

"Like me as more than a friend," I corrected.

He didn't say anything, but his look said it all, he didn't like me. He didn't like me. Oh my god, it's ruined, everything is ruined. Our friendship, our family, it's ruined. I lost him. He's gonna leave and never talk to me again and-

"That's because she's right," He spoke softly.

I'm sorry, what?!

"What?" I asked softly, my voice barely louder than a whisper.

"I do like you," He repeated, "As more than a friend."

He what? He does like me back?! But...

I smiled softly, but it disappeared as it came, memories from the other night, from my nightmare surfacing. Tears welled up in my eyes, I couldn't let him see me cry again, not like this, not because of him. I didn't say a word, I just got up from his bed, ignoring his protests, his complaints, his questions, and walked out. It didn't take long for me to make it to my room, and noticing that Evie was no longer in it I burst into tears.

Why does my life have to be so fucked up?

Carlos's POV

There was silence, silence broken by my heart fluttering when she gave me a small smile, but as quickly as it came, it disappeared. Tears welled up in her eyes, and without another word she got up off the bed.

"Mal?" I asked.

Nothing.

"What's wrong?"

She said nothing. Not a word, she didn't even acknowledge me, she didn't turn around or smile or frown or-anything, she just walked towards the door.

"It's okay if you don't like me back," I called after her.

Still nothing.

She shakily turned the handle of the door, desperately trying to get it to open. I walked towards her, "Just please don't go. I can't lose you."

Nothing, No acknowledgement. Maybe she's confused, or scared?

"Can we still be friends?" I ask shakily, my voice quivering at the thought of never being friends again, of never seeing her beautiful smile, or her laugh. I'd feel empty.

But still nothing, she finally got the door open and ran out, not even bothering to close it behind her, she still said nothing, but I could tell she was holding back her tears, but why?

As soon as she disappeared into her room my knees felt weak, I could feel tears welling up in my eyes as I fell to the floor in the dorm. She was gone. They were wrong. She didn't like me back.

All these years, I didn't even realize how I felt, and now I wish I never did. It's all gone. She won't be there to help me with my nightmares, or to calm me down during an anxiety attack. She won't be there anymore, and it's my fault. It's all my fault, I should've just kept my mouth shut, then we would still be friends.

"It's me and you, forever," That's what I told her all those years ago.

"It's you and me, like always," That's what I told her before we came here, that's what i told her the night before.

"I'll fight for you. I won't let her hurt you, or him." That's what I told her. That's what I said to her when Maleficent took Alex.

"I won't lose you." That's what she muttered before she left.

And now all of that's gone, and it's all my fault.

But there's still a glimmer of hope. Maybe she just needs time to think about it, yeah, she just needs some time…

It's me and her forever, right?

Jay's POV

Three days, that's all the time I've been here, and I already hate it, mostly because of her. She's so damn annoying, refuses to shut up, so damn head strong, sly, cunning, I mean, for god's sake I caught her trying to steal my wallet. Not to mention the disappointed look on her face when she saw how little was in it, but she also did slip some money in it.

The jerk, I don't need her money. I'm fine on my own. But if that's the case, why do I keep coming here, I mean, I've been here for maybe three days and this is the second time I've come. It's not like she kept asking me to come, it was just my choice.

The first time I was bored, and frankly, I didn't want to go with Mal and Carlos to see Ashlyn, the girl honestly is a bit scary, like, she kind of reminds me of the girls on the isle, kind of, vaguely, seems very angry, and if the day we met was anything to go off of, I'd bet her parents are part of that.

So I just ended up aimlessly wandering around til I ended up finding her. Of course, I kept subtly slipping things into my jacket, but no one seemed to notice, except for her. I mean, I was on my way to my dorm and she just so happened to notice, called me out on it.

How fun was that! Refused to answer my question when I asked her how she knew, but I got my answer when I caught her trying to steal from me.

Honestly, I'd say I was surprised, who would expect a kid from Auradon, land of prissy princesses and stuck-up princes, to be an experienced thief. But apparently she is, not Isle experienced, but experienced.

I'm just thankful she didn't tell Ashlyn. I mean, Ashlyn would probably kill me if she saw me near her, and she can be a bit scary at times. Acts a lot like some of the girls on the Isle, and somehow resists my good looks, probably taken, but I could care less about her looks. The point is she'd kill me if she knew I was near someone she considered a friend, at least, according to her, they're friends. That is, if she's anything like Mal, and considering I could hear her screaming down the hall yesterday, that seems to be the case.

I groaned as I continued walking down the hall, it's been pretty quiet ever since I left the dorm. I can't even hear Mal screaming,so that's an improvement.

Despite the deathly silence I could hear soft footsteps behind me, gentle, that's for sure, I could also hear someone's light breathing, their breath hitched as I turned around and glared at them.

Of course it was her…

The silence was broken by her giggling. What else did I expect? I've known her for a day, and I already should've expected this.

"You can stop staring," She teased.

Oh my god. I hate her, if we were on the Isle I would've killed her by now, or at least tried to.

She is so damn annoying!

"I'm not staring," I retorted.

She rolled her eyes, "So what are you doing here so early, did you really miss me that much?"

"Am I not allowed to leave my dorm and walk around?" I retort, hoping to get away, I'm really starting to regret coming.

"No." She answers simply, "But we both know you came here to see me."

"And what makes you think that?" I challenged her.

She smiles, "The fact you haven't stolen anything on your 'walk.'"

Shit, she noticed that. I didn't even realize it, but it felt kind of nice, not having to be pressured into stealing, but I can't really tell her that. "Fine," I muttered.

She smiled, "So care to answer my question."

"No."

She just groaned, "Why?"

"Cause I don't have to." I answer simply. It's not like I'd open up to her.

She frowns, like me not trusting her upsets her, I'm not an idiot, I can see through her dumb act. "Okay, well, see you at class." She says with a small shrug.

I didn't even have a chance to call after her, not like I would, since she just walked off, probably towards her dorm.

God, she's so damn annoying, but for some reason I enjoy her company, and nobody can ever find out about that.