Chapter 23

During lunch period, before The Rejects met on the roof, Emma told the group "I'll meet you on the roof later".

"You have something to do?" Wyatt asks.

"Yeah" Emma says, "I've got something to ask Principal Schafold. It has to do with the club".

"Alright" Emily says, "let us know what's up when you get back".

When Emma shows up at Ryan's office, Ryan was rather surprised. "Emma" he says, "what brings you here?".

"I have a favor to ask after all" Emma says.

"I thought you didn't want our help?" Ryan asks.

"It's not about that" Emma says, "it's mostly for my friends. We're planning on forming our own club as soon as we can, and I have a question about where we can set up the club".

"Do you have a room in mind, or did you want to ask about where you could set up the club?" Ryan asks.

"I wanted to know" Emma says, "can we use the roof as our club meeting spot?".

"The school roof?" Ryan asks. "For which section of the building?".

"The first year's section" Emma says.

"It's rather unorthodox for me to allow this" Ryan says. "Why the roof?".

"Our club" Emma says, "is not really my idea... but it's supposed to be a safe place for people like laibah and their supporters. A quiet place for us to be, for those who... fear being themselves during school. It's also a club meant for us to help each other think about what we want to be before we graduate college. The roof is the only place we can really relax and be ourselves away from the rest of the classes, so if we could reserve that spot, it'd work in our favor".

"The roof is supposed to be off limits" Ryan says. "You know this, right?".

"Y-Yeah..." Emma says, her head hanging.

"However" Ryan says, "I don't recall anyone ever telling me I can't allow students to be there after some point". Emma looks up, surprised. "I'll tell you what... I know it's probably hard for you to ask for a favor after feeling so strongly about our support before. So, just this once, I'll allow it".

"Thank you" Emma says as she begins to leave.

"One more thing" Ryan says.

"What?" Emma asks.

"Thanks for letting me help" Ryan says.

"So?" Aeris asks when Emma arrives on the rooftop.

"I asked about where we could set up our club" Emma says. "I got the confirmation that we can use this roof as our club spot".

"Wait, for real?" Jessica asks. "I didn't think the school would actually allow that".

"Me either" Emily says. "How'd you do it?".

"I... I just asked" Emma says with a shrug.

"Well, then it all works out" Wyatt says. "We come here often, so it won't create much of a change in our routine. However, if we get people from other classes that are in a year or so higher than ours, then second years and maybe even third year students will be coming to the first year building. This brings the numbers to the other first years to see, so it should act as a deterrent more effectively".

"I didn't... think of that" Jackson says. "Good job, Emma. Guess you two aren't totally clueless".

"They did say they were like... honor students or something before" Aeris says. "They get good grades here too, so it's not that unexpected".

"Still though" Emily says, "that's very helpful. It's like we have two strategists here".

"Speaking of which" Aeris says, "I know we were thinking about who would be the president of the club before, but I think either Wyatt or Emma should lead the club".

"Why's that?" Wyatt asks. "I'm no leader...".

"And I don't wanna do it" Emma says.

"Then, Wyatt, you do it" Aeris says.

"B-but!" Wyatt complains.

"You said it yourself" Aeris says. "Emma can use her clothier skills to create our symbols for our uniform, and you both seem to be thinking a lot into how to make this work... so if anyone should lead it, it should be either one of you two".

"But why me?" Wyatt asks.

"Because Emma already said she doesn't wanna do it" Aeris says.

"Sucks to suck, huh?" Jackson says.

"Don't make me take out the notebook again" Aeris says.

The next day, the morning before homeroom class began, Marcus and his friends started off the day finding subtle ways to aggravate The Rejects. Every few minutes, they would throw a tiny folded up piece of paper at one of The Rejects, with things like "Die", "Laibah trash" and "Leave" written on them. Most of the time, the folded pieces of paper were aimed at Jackson. Although, as angry as he would get, Aeris would keep reminding him to calm down. "Don't let it get to you" she says, "they're not worth the time and effort. Besides, your future is at stake too and they know it. Remember, Ms. Weber said they'll expel people for fighting".

"Yeah" Jackson says as he clenches his fists, "I know".

Meanwhile, in the principal's office, Rose shows up to speak with Ryan. "Rose!" Ryan says as she enters, "How's my favorite illegitimate grandchild?".

"I'm not here for games this time" Rose says, "what's this I've heard about a club being set up on the roof?".

"Ah, so you've seen the chart already?" Ryan asks.

"First off" Rose says, "it's not even the time of year for the first years to be forming clubs! And what's more, you allowed them to reserve the roof? Who's club is this?".

"Hard to say" Ryan says. "I don't know which of the students is leading the club, but what I do know is that laibah girl, Emma is the one who requested the roof".

"And why do I care about this... Emma?" Rose asks.

"Because" Ryan says, "from what I've heard, it's a club to help those who are laibah and those humans who live with laibah or their supporters. It's supposed to be a safe spot for them. As well as, from what I've heard from Refus, Emma and Emily have been staying pretty close to each other. Chances are, if Emma is there, then so is Emily".

"What's with your obsession with Emily!?" Rose demands.

"I'm trying to help those who are less fortunate" Ryan says. "You understand that better than the other staff do".

Rose sighs and says "Look, gramps, I know you're trying your best to help them out. I know that all you try to do is help... but isn't this like bending the rules in their favor?".

"I don't see why it would be considered as such" Ryan says. "They need a quiet place, I gave them a quiet place. Besides, you understand their position well too, seeing as how I'm not the only one trying to help laibah students get by".

"Yeah... you're right" Rose says, "but it's just... it's a part of the job isn't it? It's what we do as teachers. Sometimes we have to be strict, sometimes we have to help them on even a personal level. I did my part is helping Darren, but you seem to... do too much... and I'm worried about you".

"There's no need to worry, Rose" Ryan says.

"Of course there is!" Rose says. "You know the board of education is already on our asses for several issues involving laibah! More than that, even the other staff are looking to remove you from your position!".

"Who would that be?" Ryan asks.

"I-I... I've said too much" Rose says.

"Quincy?" Ryan asks. "He always seems so tenacious, but I don't blame him".

"B-but what about-" Rose starts to say.

"Look" Ryan interrupts, "you don't worry about me. There is more going on than you can see. Besides, I don't blame Quincy, but I also can't just give in and let him win. I'll be staying right where I am, and you will not be starting a conflict with the other staff".

"Yes sir..." Rose says.

"Hey" Ryan says as he leans a little closer to Rose, "cheer up. I may not be your actual grandfather, but I still try to look after all of you guys as well".

Rose laughs softly and says "Well, you're definitely crazy like my actual grandpa... but thanks, Ryan".

After Rose leaves, Ryan takes a sigh a relief. "I wish I could break the news to her" he says to himself, "but I'm sure it'll come back on her sister... Sarah made a hard choice, but at least I can tell Sarah that her daughter is doing well".

The school day goes by like every other school day. Jeff returns to take over his class like normal, whenever Refus leaves, and everyone tried moving through life one day at a time. The only difference, The Rejects had to withstand receiving several threats from Marcus and the others. Day after day, the tension built up between the students. Before they knew it, it was already the last week of November. Jackson's anger was beginning to drive him into a corner, as each passing day brought him more anger towards Marcus and the other students. All The Rejects could do was try to bear through it all. However, being unable to retaliate only made some of The Rejects more angry.

Their only safe haven was waiting for the weekends. Finally, Saturday of November 30th, 2019 arrived. Each day was becoming increasingly cold, so Wyatt and Emma went out together to buy some winter clothes and jackets. They ended up going to the clothes store that they know the best, Savvy Threads. "Emma, Wyatt!" Matilda says as they enter, "how are you guys doing today?".

"Well, it's finally the weekend" Emma says, "so better than usual these days".

"Having a hard time at school still?" Matilda asks.

"Yeah, still" Wyatt says.

"Just make sure you two stay out of trouble" Matilda says in a joking manner. "If I hear that either one of you two got expelled, I will personally kick your butt".

Emma laughs and says "Anyways, I brought some stuff to sell and we're here to buy some winter clothes, as well as some jackets".

"Ah yes" Matilda says, "t'is this season already, after all".

After Emma sells the clothes she's made, Wyatt and Emma look through the clothes together. Emma was wearing the beanie hat that Aeris gave to her long ago, but that was the only winter apparel she had. After choosing out some stuff, Emma says to Wyatt "Thanks again for doing this".

Wyatt leans in and kisses Emma on the forehead and says "No problem, Emma". Emma's face grows a little red, and Wyatt says with a laugh "Is your face red because it's cold outside, or are you still just being shy?".

"Shut up!" Emma says.

"You two finally done?" Matilda asks as the two of them return to the front counter.

"Yeah, this should be everything" Wyatt says.

"Wait" Matilda says, "one more thing!". Matilda takes out a small camera to take a photo of Emma and Wyatt. "You two look cute together" she says.

"Argh- Matilda!" Emma says with a red face.

"Say cheese" Matilda says, holding up the camera. At the moment Matilda snaps a picture of the two of them, Wyatt holds onto Emma and pulls her close. Emma's face grows visibly more red, and Matilda takes the picture. "There, done!" Matilda says.

"Wait a moment!" Emma says, "I-I wasn't ready! I demand a different picture!".

Matilda holds up the camera, looking at the photo on a digital screen. "But this one looks so cute!" she says.

"Matilda!" Emma complains.

After purchasing the clothes and jackets they wanted, Wyatt and Emma head back to the dorm. The end of the semester was approaching, and the time for them to finally make that club was near. However, they were more focused on how they're both slowly becoming more comfortable with being with each other.

"So..." Wyatt says after the two of them return to the dorm, "tomorrow is the first day of December, which means your birthday is coming up soon".

"Oh, you remembered that?" Emma asks.

"Yeah" Wyatt says. "Do you want anything for Christmas?".

Emma looks down and thinks for a moment. "I don't know" she says.

"You don't know if you want anything?" Wyatt asks, "or are you just not sure what you'd want?".

"I'm... not sure" Emma says. "I think what I really want is already right here".

Wyatt laughs and says "Now you're starting to sound cheesy!".

Emma almost seems to pout as she says "I mean it! I'm perfectly fine with just having the simple things in life. A place to stay, somewhere to belong... and someone by my side. That's all I really want".

Wyatt laughs and says "Super cheesy, but okaaay".

"Argh- Wyatt!" Emma pouts.

"Okay, okay!" Wyatt says as he throws up his hands in surrender, "I get it! I'm just joking, don't worry. Besides, I understand".

"Good..." Emma says as she crosses her arms.

"I'm still getting you something though" Wyatt teases.

Emma pauses for a moment, mumbling something inaudible, then says "Fine, whatever!".

Later that night, the two start going to bed. As they lay in bed together, Emma asks "Hey, Wyatt? Do you think everyone else will be okay at school?".

"What do you mean?" Wyatt asks.

"I mean..." Emma says, "do you think the rest are taking all the... abuse from those classmates well? I know it's been getting to some of them, and it's making me worry. What if some of our friends get expelled?".

"I'm sure we'll find some way to stop them" Wyatt says. "I won't let our friends get into trouble like that".

"I just hope everything will work out fine" Emma says. "Although, if you're there, I'm sure it'll work out somehow".

"Thanks for trusting me" Wyatt says. "Leave it to me. I'll make sure Jackson and the others don't do anything crazy".

Emma quickly falls asleep in Wyatt's arms, but Wyatt was kept awake from worrying about how to get through the rest of the semester. Wyatt eventually opens his eyes again and sees Emma sleeping with the beanie on her head still. "Even if the days get rough" Wyatt thinks to himself, at least I have you to come back home to". Wyatt then looks at the beanie and laughs softly to himself. "I guess she's still really worried about the others too" he thinks. "She must be so stressed out that she forgot to take off her hat... didn't Aeris give her this hat?". Wyatt gently slides the hat off of her head and sets it on the pillow next to her. When he lays his head back on the pillow, he notices something fuzzy tickling his face. Wyatt opens up his eyes and sees to fuzzy figures that were blurry because it was too close to his face. When he sits up, he notices they were fox ears sticking out of Emma's head. They were a snowy white color, with light purple fur on the tips of the ears. Wyatt feels a sense of worry and surprise swell up from within him. "Emma... is a laibah!?" Wyatt asks himself. "Why did she never tell me about that? Does she... not trust me after all?".