Chapter Text
School
Isn't that where all the great stories start? Or that's what I was told. Extended family calls it the best years of a young person's life- I've never really understood that part. Waste of time really, only about half the teachers care about the students and most of us are either just trying to get through school or have read way too many stories about high schools...
Though this was the last place I had expected to spend my last day of school before summer break.
"Mr Reed, please sit down"
‘I have always tried to be a good kid, I stayed out of trouble-’
"Your daughter physically attacked another student, she had to be taken to the nurse's office, unconscious mind you."
‘Until this one time…I just didn't.’
"And what happened to provoke my daughter into doing so?"
‘I never knew I could be blinded by such rage…’
"None of the teachers saw the incident, nor have either of the girls spoken. Ms. Clinton has yet to wake up and Ms. Reed has been crying ever since."
But because of my actions I was sitting in the principal's office, my hands tucked on my lap as my dad and principal spoke. Hot tears streamed down my face as the incident replayed in my head…
Her insults
Her taunting
My bottled up emotions
Her bloody face-
My stomach twisted as I thought of her face, bloody and broken acid burned my throat as my body wanted to heave. Though I still tried to listen to the adults.
"Ms. Clinton has minor injuries to the face, and her parents wish to press charges. They are also demanding that Reagan be sent to juvenile detention- Mr. Reed, I have never known your daughter to be violent. Ms Clinton however has had detention on multiple occasions."
"I see... may I talk to my daughter, alone?"
"Of course, Mr. Reed."
With that Mr. Wolfe exited the room, his sympathetic glance made me want to curl up and hide.
"Rea, sweetheart. What happened?"
Looking up at my father's kind expression as he rubbed my shoulder, I couldn't hold it in any longer. "S-she pulled my hair, she's been doing this for months daddy! She spreads rumors and has gotten Dai in trouble a-and I just got so mad… then she hit me…I didn't mean to hurt her Daddy, honest I didn't!"
Dad pulled me into a tight hug, as I spilled out the problem. Almost going on to continue the list of school problems though I stopped...he was already gonna be worried enough.
"Why didn't you tell us?" He asked, his tone made my heart sink, how could I have been so stupid? He didn't need to know-
"I'm sorry dad..." I muttered, I needed to control myself...I couldn't let this happen ever again.
After our little talk Dad thankfully didn't press any more. Keeping my eyes glued to the floor, I tried to calm myself down as the principal came back to speak with my dad.
Feeling a nudge; I looked up at my dad. Confused until he motioned to the window. Seeing Dai with her face pressed against it caused a light sense of relief to rise.
"You can go out and wait," dad said, immediately I hopped up and scrambled to the door. Fumbling with the knob before getting it open, letting it close behind me Dai scooped me into a big hug.
Choking out another sob as I buried my face into her shirt. Feeling her comfort allowed my heart to pace itself steady as she fully embraced me.
"Heyyy girl, don't worry. That papa bear of yours can settle anything!" She exclaimed, in such an uncharacteristically cheery way for her that I pulled back just to stare. Blinking up in confusion she smiled awkwardly. "Too much?"
Giggling at her attempt, I wiped the tears from my eyes.
"Hey! There is no school tomorrow- so why don't we go to Jeepers at...one in the afternoon? Would that be okay?" Her eyes shifted to my dad -who had at some point showed up- looked at me before nodding in agreement. A soft smile
"That would be acceptable if. Reagan is up for it."
Nodding my head, I liked the thought of going to my favorite shop.
"See you then Dai-"
♤
Dai
hey i'm running a little late go ahead and order without me i'll pay you back later
Rolling my eyes at the text, smile tugging at my lips as I texted back 'Sounds good, see you soon' it was a bit uncharacteristic of Dai to be late, but she usually had an interesting story behind it when she did.
"This was your idea too." I muttered to myself, as I went to open the door of our favorite little cafe.
"REAGAN REED!"
The familiar screech caused my blood to run cold as I slowly turned to see the bruised face of Nellie storming towards me. Without a second thought, I turned my heels to scamper in the opposite direction, pushing through the crowd of people, my vision blurred as my eyes stung with tears.
My name was called out again but it only spiked my panic, breaking out into a run as the words; "please leave me alone!" left my lips, I didn't want to hurt her, I didn't want to be hurt….
Bells rang as I ran face first into something soft yet firm. Getting a strong scent of herbal tea and sweating as I stumble back. Wiping the tears from my eyes as I tried to apologize, however it came out as a cry for help, "don't let her hurt me!"
"Reagan Reed? Hey what's wrong?" A calm yet raspy voice said as they steadied me looking up through my blurry vision I can make out the oddly familiar face of a young man, he had light hair, tanned skin and the most beautiful green eyes I have ever seen… for a moment I felt myself relax, feeling a calm presence from the somehow familiar stranger.
"Reagan! Where did you go!" Nellie called out in a sickly sweet tone, panic struck again as my body went into auto pilot. I clung to the familiar stranger, repeating the phrases, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it, don't let her hurt me, I'm sorry." softly to myself as I buried my face into his shirt and clung to him for dear life.
"Hey there cutie! It seems my friend got a bit frightened." her sickening sweet tone caused my stomach to knot up, wanting to heave. Feeling a strong pair of arms wrap around my torso as he responded-
"Really... What happened?" sounding terribly confused, guilt sunk in. I didn’t want to involve a stranger, however my body wouldn't move.
"We were just watching a horror movie and it was just a tad bit too much for her. Poor girl."
‘Lies’
"Well that would definitely scare the socks off someone." He sounded friendly, he rubbed his hand against my back as if he was trying to comfort me. Despite not knowing who it was…he felt rather safe.
"I'll just help her home, though thanks for stopping her. She's quite the runner."
"Right…so this girl ran nearly eight blocks and you followed her?" He sounded skeptical…he was pretty bright.
I'm sorry for dragging you into this mister-
"Oh no it was in that little cafe down the street, we were watching it on my phone!"
"Judging by her reaction I'm going to say she was running from you, not the movie."
"Now why would she be doing that?" She almost growled causing me to flinch, she was losing her temper-
“Typically people who are scared of a movie don’t run a marathon then ask a stranger for you to keep someone away only for someone who was clearly screaming in anger to appear.” he spoke calmly,
“What do you know?” She hissed, flinching at her tone. I felt the young man take a deep breath before responding.
"Miss, you're scaring her and causing an unneeded scene."
"Do you see what she did to my face?! She's nothing but a little h*e, all she wants is attention and-"
"Excuse us, we have to be going now." The blond spoke firmly, as he turned his back to her. Softy prying my arms from his torso as Nellie began to cuss him out.
Blocking her from my view as he placed his jacket around my body, only now noticing the crowd who gathered around. "Ms. Reed, why don't we get some ice cream?" His light hearted tone and his friendly expression caused my head to nod of its own accord.
"Great! I know a great place not too far from here, after some ice cream I can walk you home." He offered, wrapping his arms, around me as we walked off. My feet seemed to move on their own accord.
A small part of me wondered how he knew my name- and where I lived. Though another part reminded me that I was the daughter of a popular baker- news articles and that dreaded reality tv show- the very thought of all the publicity we got caused me to shuder…
"Miss, are you okay?" The young man asked, right as Nellie yelled.
"IF YOU KNEW WHO I WAS YOU WOULDN'T MESS WITH ME!"
To my surprise, the young man actually chuckled. "Don't worry about her, if she knew who I was she would be screaming at me instead." Scratching the back of his neck, as odd as his comment was...Nellie's screaming was what caused me to wrap myself up with the boy's coat.
Finding some hole to hide in sounded like a pretty good idea...or maybe moving? Anything to get away from her.
The scene replayed in my head, trying to figure out how I could have avoided this situation- over and over…there had to be something, anything?
"-iss, miss Read? You okay? You seem a bit spaced out-" the boy was waving his hand in front of my face. Looking at him, I did my best to give him a smile and nod my head. "Ah…okay, we are here-"
"Oh-" seeing the neon colored building, tilting my head slightly as he led me into the retro styled shop, with the white walls lined with bold neon colors… How did I not know about this place already?!
"...Miss Reed, what would you like?" The boy asked, snapping out of my train of thought I turned my attention to the selection.
"Um…chocolate please."
"Cone or cup?" The worker asked.
"Cup please-"
"And you sir?"
"Dragon fruit in a cone-"
Watching the girl prepare the ice cream, a sense of guilt sunk in. Was this alright? Looking up at the boy, he had his eyes trained on the ice cream being dish- the look of pure excitement on his face was just enough to wash away any guilty feelings. He actually wanted ice cream-
After he paid and we headed out, following after him like a lost puppy as we walked in silence, eating our ice creams. While normally I'd probably be talking his head off, the silence was comfortable to say the least as we walked side by side until we reached the back door of my parents' shop.
Turning towards him, I give him a small smile.
"...thank you, the ice cream was delicious and for walking me home... you really didn't have to-."
"No problem Miss Reed," his tone slightly…squeaky? Looking up to see him open his mouth before shutting it and giving me one of the brightest smiles I had ever seen. "Happy to help! Bye-" watching the boy whip around and run off, hitting his head on a fence post…was he okay? He proceeded to turn and give me a thumbs up with a goofy grin before continuing to head off.
Shaking my head, I let out a sigh entering the house. Only to be greeted by my sister
"Reaaa if that's you, Dai is blowing up my phone! Answer her or something!" Ruby screamed out from upstairs, blinking as I remembered that I was supposed to be at Jeepers-
Grabbing my phone from my pocket, I saw the mass amount of texts and missed calls...when did I put my phone on silent??
Swiping calls on her contact, "THANKS RUBY!" I cried out before running out the door as Dai answered the phone.
"REAGAN WHERE ARE YOU? WHY HAVEN'T YOU ANSWERED FOR THE PAST HALF HOUR! FRED NEVER SAW YOU COME IN! WHAT HAPPENED?"
Laughing nervously as I sprinted down the road, waving at the confused boy as I passed "I can explain in like 15 minutes!" I panicked, hanging up the phone. Running as fast as my little legs would carry me, taking a shortcut through an alley or two, over a dumpster, past Mr. Macgregors rat pack, before finally reaching Jeepers once again.
My lungs were on fire as I gasped for air, opening the door in the most non dramatic fashion I could do and trudging to the usual booth. The ground wobbled beneath me, trying to keep my balance before just collapsing in the booth.
"DID YOU RUN ALL THE WAY FROM YOUR HOUSE OR SOMET- Reagan where did you get that jacket." Dai's tone went from panicked to pure confusion.
Lifting my head from the table, I looked from her then down at myself. My eyes widened as I saw the man's oversized dark green jacket, "oh…I didn't get his name…"
♤♤♤
Tick
Tick
Letting out a huff as I watched the clock from behind the counter, with the lack of customers the day seemed to drag on painfully slow. Watching the clock strike 5, I rested my head against my folded arms, my mind wandered to what happened yesterday.
It felt like a weird dream a crazy person would have- however the green jacket at the foot of my bed up stairs was proof it was reality.
ding a ling ding
Shooting up from my position my eyes locked on- a mother and her little boy. Finally I wasn't alone! "Hello and welcome to Ninjago's Okashi, I'm Reagan Reed though you may call me Rea!" I introduce myself in a chipper tone.
The woman looked at me with a soft smile as the boy hid behind her slightly; "hello; it's my son's birthday and he's been wanting to come in here for a while." She explained, motioning to the wide-eyed little boy.
Giggling slightly as I watched his eyes light up in wonder of the various baked goods. "Well then; may I ask what the birthday boy's name is?" I questioned as I grabbed a little box from under the counter."
"...Elijah." he squeaked as the doors jingled once again, glancing up. I couldn't help but stare for a moment- it was the boy from yesterday! The young man seemed to notice me, as he gave me a rather friendly smile along with a wave.
"Just a moment sir, I'll be right with you." I squeak out, sounding more like a confused chipmunk as I tried not to stumble over my words as I turned back to Elijah and his mother. "It's very nice to meet you Elijah, what would you like for your birthday? "
His big eyes scanned over the contents of the display cases before his little finger pointing to one of the regular favorites.
"Ninja sugar cookies! Who is your favorite?"
"Green, fire, and earth!" He exclaimed happily as his mother smiled softly, and if I wasn't mistaken I heard a rather amused chuckle coming from the young man behind us.
"I also placed an order for a chocolate ice cream birthday cake for Emma Sanders." The mother added as I began to place the desired cookies into the bag.
Bobbing my head, as I placed the tongs down. "I'll run and get that!" I responded, jumping off my stepping stool and high tailing it to the back freezer. Looking through it to find the rather large cake...on the top shelf of all places.
"Father..." I whined to myself knowing my father probably only placed it up there thinking he was going to give it to Mrs. Sanders. But the fact was, there was no way I could get it without potentially dropping it...and none of the boys were home-
Wait a second
Peaking back into the main room and taking a glance at the blond-"he is definitely tall enough." I muttered to myself, while it would be a bit weird to ask a customer to help, especially after what happened yesterday… but better that then risk dropping the cake.
Biting my bottom lip, I slowly trudged out of the back. Having to swallow my pride as Mrs. Sanders looked at me in confusion.
Letting out a nervous laugh cleared my throat "Uh...excuse me, Mister?" I choked out causing him to turn, his golden brow peeked in confusion though a small smile was on his face as his head tilted slightly.
"Would you mind lending your height to reach a cake?" I fumbled with my apron. Regretting this plan of action as I painfully waited for his response, who asks a customer to get something for you?!
"Sure...?" He answered, much to my surprise his tone seemingly amused by my embarrassment.
Heat rose to my cheeks as I turned away from him and to the confused pair. "Sorry for the wait, my Dad put the cake high up and I didn't wanna risk dropping it." I explained quickly as I dipped my head and sped walked towards the back with the confused boy-
By jolly this is so embarrassing. Leading him to the freezer, I opened it then pointed to the cake in shame.
"You know it's okay to ask for help." He noted lowly as he grabbed the cake with no trouble, tall people-
Blinking in surprise I managed a shrug as I shut the fridge. "...yeah I know, but it's rude to ask a customer and especially after yesterday..." I muttered mostly to myself as I headed to the front where Mrs. Sanders was waiting.
Taking the cake from the boy and placing it on the counter with the cookies on top.
Ringing up her order, "$39.99 is your total; cash or card?" I asked as she pulled out some cash handling two twenties to me while putting a ten in the tip jar.
"Here you go." She answered as I took the money, marking them both with the magic pen before putting them in the cash register and printing her receipt.
"Thank you for choosing Ninjago Okashi, have a happy birthday Elijah." I sang out as Mrs. Sanders took the receipt and cake while Elijah took the cookies.
"Thank you Miss Rea and Mr Green Hoodie!" Elijah chirped as he helped his mother with the door, and like that the shop became rather quiet.
"Ahem."
Startled by the man clearing his throat, jumping slightly away from him as I raised my hands over my face. "Sorry! I forgot you were there! Not that I forgot you! But uh...how can I help you? Oh I still have your jacket! I washed it and everything, if you want me to grab it I can do that real quick!" I rambled, trying to make up for my lack of thought.
The boy let out a laugh, "oh that, you can keep it if you want. I have several just like it" Uncovering my face I saw he'd moved to the otherside of the counter, locking eyes with his, they seemed to almost shine with amusement, panic flooded my brain causing me to whip around, "NO I'LL JUST RUN AND GRAB THAT FOR YOU!"
Mentally facepalming at my outburst, pushing through it as I hurried through the back. Passing my mother who said something but I didn't hear her as I ran up the stairs-
"Why me, why me?" I repeated as I bursted into my room, startling my poor Jacki as snatched the jacket from under him. "Sorry baby-" I cooed to the confused Russell before running out, barely noticing the fact he was chasing after me.
"Rea- what's going on?" My mother asked as I ran back down the stairs.
"The jacket's owner is here, gotta return it!" I called out, causing Jacki to yip, before entering the shop I stopped in the kitchen. Snatching a gift box from the back and placing several different mint chocolate desserts I had made earlier, under Dad's guidance of course.
Shutting the box I took a deep breath before walking back out, seeing a stack of 7 boxes on the counter, blinking slowly. Was this all for him?! I looked from his slim built to the boxes of carbs- either he had an enormous appetite and sweet tooth or he had friends that did-
Placing the little box on top (with the help of a step stool) and the jacket on the counter I began to ring up the total, "...may I ask a question?"
"That was kinda already one, but sure- oh hi there fella!" His tone changed slightly as I noticed the scampering of little feet. My eyes widened as I leaned over the counter to see- an excited dog?
Looking up at the boy in confusion then back at my dog as he leaned down to give him…belly rubs?! "JACKI?!"
"Is something wrong?" The boy asked, looking up as Jacki completely ignored me…
"He hates boys! Especially ones your age!" Trying to wrap my head around the idea of my dog actually liking a boy other than my brothers…heck he even hated Camron-
"Oh- really? He's always been a friendly little dog towards me." He answered, tilting his head as an almost pondering look crossed his face. "...didn't you have a question?"
"Oh, right- what's your name? After what happened yesterday I feel as if I should at least know your name- and the fact my dog likes you is like a huge thing for me! You've definitely met him before and my dad didn't-"
The young man interrupted my ramble with chuckle, looking back at him I could tell he was rather amused...and I definitely just made a fool of myself-
"Sorry I talk a lot" I squeaked as I ducked behind the pile of boxes , "ninety five is your total, sir."
The young man's laughter died down as he stood up and took out his wallet, taking out a sum of cash, and with sheepish smile as he handed the money to me, "My name is Lloyd Garmadon"
Blinking slowly in surprise as I hesitated took the money from his hand, "Cookie crumbs-" this was THE Lloyd Garmadon, the poor kid who gets scorned by the city.
"Cookie crumbs?" He sounded almost nervous as I stood there with my mouth agape.
"Oh no sorry, I wasn't expecting to be in the presence of a celebrity!" I told him frantically, quickly counting the money before placing it in the register.
Lloyd scratched the back of his neck, "well uh, I wouldn't really call myself a celebrity…"
"Dude- the fact you are the most well known teenager in ninjago, makes you a celebrity- plus have you looked at yourself lately? Golly, you could be one of those influencers or Youtubers or something!"
"...if I'm so well known, why didn't you recognize me?" Tilting his head, for a moment I found myself completely at a loss of words as his eyes almost twinkled in what I could only guess was amusement.
"Wanna go roller skating next week!?" I blurted out, 'wait what?' The look on Lloyd's face told me he was just as surprised as I was.
"...sure?...yeah that sounds fun!" He fumbled over his words, scratching the back of his neck as he spoke. "...when exactly?"
"Uh...let me check really quickly!" Turning tail and running to the living room, passing a confused Jasper who began to follow. Practically sliding into the kitchen as I looked over the calendar and chalkboard.
"Not Sunday- Monday is practice, Ruby seems to be free Wednesday and Friday, but I'm busy Wednesday!"
"Rea- what was that?" Mom asked, startling me out of my train of thought. Giving her a sheepish smile before letting out a disgruntled sigh.
"I may have asked Lloyd Garmadon- the boy outside- to go skating with me next week." I admitted before frantically trying to explain myself, "Honestly it just came out! I don't wanna be rude and say I didn't mean it and he already agreed to it!"
"You go with your brother, Ruby as well if she's available." Dad spoke up, my jaw dropped as he raised his eyebrow. "My family always follows through with obligations, accidental or not."
"Oh...of course…" Turning to my older+q brother with puppy eyes, "Jasper wanna go skating next week on-...Tuesday? I'll treat you to lunch and dinner."
Jasper pumped his fist; "heck yeah! Free food and time on my blades."
Sighing in relief, I hugged my dad before running back out to find Lloyd still looking a bit dumbstruck. "11 PM on Tuesday!" I announced, "my brother and possibly my sister will be coming as well!"
"Oh? Yeah that sounds great!" He answered, collecting his merchandise. "Can't wait to see you next week Reagan."
With a rather happy grin, he exited the shop.
Letting out a deep breath I didn’t know I was holding in as I finally caught up with what had just happened. "...what just happened?"
"–you just asked a boy on a date sweetheart and made that kid the happiest boy alive." Dad answered, spinning around to see an unknown look on his face mixed with a bit of a smirk-
"...Huh?"