I need you, I need you, I need you

chapter 139-silent night

April 7th, 2020
Rachel's p/v
Despite the lingering uncertainty with how I will live with Tyler's mistreatment towards his mom, there's no reason for my outfit to reflect that. Something sophisticated and simple since I'm going to Sherlock Homes and his buddies for Quinn's investigation. I'll take any excuse to wear the top I bought at the Orange County antique mall.

White off the shoulder top, blue mini skirt, black docs, brown newsboy cap, gold moon necklace, and my new black long strap leather purse. My hair is in a low ponytail, warm tone eyeshadow, and hair slightly curled. And I'm not late for my morning hangout with Declan! That is, if Darry ever decides to leave the bathroom.

Declan smiles. "Rachel, you look cute with your newsboy cap. Special occasion or were you just feeling it."
"A special occasion so I suggest you sit down while I tell you." I gently push him to the bench.
"Well Aiden and Kyle stopped by to braid the plant's leaves and I don't think they're done so we got like 5 minutes here."
"Actually, I'm going to fill them in too. I know what you guys are doing to Quinn. But I wanted to ask you something that I'm sure Tyler didn't have the answer to. Are you guys investigating her agency for fun, or because of another reason."
"The main reason is to protect you. In case Quinn tries to destroy you, we have something to blackmail her with."
"But won't that cause more problems? If Quinn is in danger we need to help her, not make her life worse."
"She has no shame in making your life miserable. I understand you're concerned but trust me, she's not worth it. Join our investigation but just be careful. We don't want Quinn knowing that you're involved."
"You mean it? I can join?"
"I'm not totally up for it but I know I can't stop you. What I can do is have your back. But if she tries something I will force the guys to leave you out of the investigation."
"Deal. You were a lot easier to convince than Tyler. Almost like he has no compassion for anyone but himself."
"Rachel, don't diss him like that. I was the one who convinced him that it was a bad idea for you to know what Quinn thinks of you."
"That my life is boring so I need to keep myself entertained with hers? She needs genuine friends, not Instagram followers."
"Cecilia was her last genuine friend but she has entered the right side of history. Here, let me catch you up on everything we have so far."

Aiden and Kyle approach us with elastic hair ties.
"Hello there." Aiden says with a grin.
"I'm assuming the salon appointment isn't for me."
"We just thought the plants near the cafeteria needed to have that hippie farm look. Distract us from what's really inside those chicken tenders."
"Uhhh, chicken?"
"Very close, Declan, but the cafeteria lady, Winona Marques, told me that chicken wasn't ordered for this week's lunch meals."
"Yet we're having chicken tenders."
"The proof is right here." Kyle hands him a piece of paper. Declan holds his stomach and gags.
"What? What is it," I grab the paper, "is that-"
"Beef, bean and cheese burritos, cheese sandwiches, everything but chicken? I'd direct my attention to the beef."
"Maybe the cafeteria lady was just messing with you. This isn't proof that they're using beef-"

Kyle hands me another piece of paper. A picture of a cow.
"Word on the street is that this is the cow they killed.  Traci Dalton posted the picture on her Instagram. Her farm is the main resource for the school's meat."
"I think I'm giving meat up forever. Poor cow."
"Oh, they don't have to hurt the cows to get the beef."
Aiden laughs. "That's not true-"
Declan shh's him. Saving the world one at a time.

Quinn's p/v
"They promised me I would be included more but they broke their promises. Which is why I was thinking I could help you with the surprise party you're throwing them."
"I'm what?"
Erica tilts her head.
"Oh right! The surprise party. Well can I see their private accounts? Just to get a feel of what we're dealing with."
"Sure!" Erica hands me her phone. Oh. That easy.