Chapter 5 Unspoken feelings

"Don't touch me," Ella said firmly.

"And who's going dare to stop me?" Tiana sneered.

"I will," Richard said, causing everyone to gasp.

"Richard, stay out of this," Tiana snapped angrily.

"What if I don't?" Richard replied with a chuckle.

"Tiana, Mia, Eliza, you need to stop bullying and harassing your classmates," Richard said firmly.

Ella stood up.

"Please, Richard, stay out of this. I'm begging you," Ella pleaded.

"Fine, Ella. But if you harm her, you'll regret it," Richard said before leaving with Rayson.

"Emily, let's go," Ella said, leaving Tiana, Mia, and Eliza stunned.

As Ella, Emily, Richard, and Rayson walked away, the classroom buzzed with whispers.

"Did Tiana just get humiliated? Unbelievable!" one student said.

"I wish someone like Richard would stand up for me," another added.

"Tiana deserved it. She and her squad got what was coming," a third remarked.

**SS3c Classroom**

Ella, Emily, Rayson, and Richard sat together.

"Richard, thank you for standing up for me, but please don't risk yourself again. Tiana is dangerous," Ella said.

"She needs to be reported to the school," Richard insisted, but the room fell silent.

"What's wrong?" Richard asked.

"No one dares to report Tiana, Mia, or Eliza. It's too risky," Rayson explained.

"Anyone who tries will pay for it," Emily added.

"We'll handle this another time," Richard said.

**

"Can you believe Ella embarrassed us in front of everyone?" Tiana fumed.

"We'll deal with her at the party tomorrow," Mia said.

"Richard supporting her makes it even worse," Tiana added.

"You'll get him, don't worry," Eliza reassured her.

"Richard is mine, and I'll do whatever it takes to make sure of it," Tiana declared.

"Let's meet later. Closing period is almost here," Mia said.

"Same here," Eliza agreed.

**Closing Hour**

Ella, Emily, Rayson, and Richard left together.

"I'm starving," Rayson said.

"Same here. Guess what I'm craving?" Richard asked.

"What?" Emily chuckled.

"Don't mind these two. I think I know where this is going," Ella said with a smirk.

"Cupcakes," Rayson said, pouting.

"Cupcakes," Richard agreed, smiling.

*He looks so cute when he smiles,* Ella thought, blushing.

Everyone noticed Ella's smile.

"Hello? Earth to Ella," Emily teased, waving her hand.

"I was just thinking," Ella said, blushing again as Richard smiled at her.

*What's wrong with me?* Ella wondered.

"Alright, cupcakes are ready at home," Ella said, lighting up Rayson and Richard's faces.

"Thanks, Ella," Rayson said.

"You're welcome," Emily replied.

"Are you Ella?" Richard asked.

"I'm her sister," Emily said, smiling.

They walked to the main road, looking for a cab.

As they walked, Ella tripped over a large stone. She lost her balance, but Richard caught her, pulling her into a warm hug.

*This feels so safe and comforting,* Ella thought, resting her hands on Richard's back.

"Rayson, look at them," Emily said, grinning.

"Ella, are you okay? You seem out of it," Richard whispered.

"Nothing's wrong. Let me go," Ella said, pulling away.

Emily and Rayson exchanged glances.

"What's with you two?" Richard asked.

"You wasted ten minutes," Rayson teased.

"Sorry, Emily," Ella said.

"Here," Rayson said, stopping a cab.

"Where to?" the driver asked.

"The next street," Ella replied.

They got in, with Ella sitting beside Richard and Rayson beside Emily.

Ella felt weak and dizzy, her head nodding against the window.

Richard noticed and gently pulled her closer. She fell asleep in his arms.

*She's beautiful even when she sleeps,* Richard thought, smiling.

**

"We're here," Richard said, waking Ella, but she didn't respond.

He carried her on his back as they entered the house.

"Who's there?" Mrs. Spencer called.

"It's Emily," Emily replied.

"Come in," Mrs. Spencer said.

Rayson and Emily entered.

"Where's Ella?" Mrs. Spencer asked.

"She's coming, ma," Emily said as Richard walked in with Ella.

"Good afternoon, ma'am," Richard said politely.

"What's wrong with Ella?" Mrs. Spencer asked.

"She's in pain and weak. She fell asleep in the cab. Where should I take her?" Richard asked.

"Her room is upstairs, the pink one," Mrs. Spencer said.

"Got it," Richard replied, heading upstairs.

"He's such a kind boy," Mrs. Spencer remarked.

"Emily, who are these boys?" she asked.

"This is Rayson, Richard's best friend," Emily explained.

"Richard's the one carrying Ella?" Mrs. Spencer asked.

"Yes, ma," Emily replied.

**Ella's Room**

Richard gently laid Ella on her bed.

As he turned to leave, Ella began shouting.

"Leave me alone, James! Please, let me go!"

Richard rushed back.

"Ella, what's wrong?" he asked.

"Richard... is that you?" Ella asked, tears filling her eyes.

"It's me. I'm here," Richard said, pulling her into a hug.

"Thank you," Ella whispered as they parted.

"Come on, your mom's waiting downstairs," Richard said, wiping her tears.

**

Richard and Ella went downstairs.

"Mom, good afternoon," Ella said, smiling.

"How are you feeling?" Mrs. Spencer asked, hugging her.

"Better, thanks," Ella replied.

"Sit with your friends. I'll get some cupcakes," Mrs. Spencer said, heading to the kitchen.

"How are you feeling, Ella?" Emily and Rayson asked.

"Much better, thank you," Ella said.

"Cupcakes are ready. Eat as much as you like," Mrs. Spencer said, bringing out four cups of orange juice.

"Thank you, ma'am," they said in unison.

"You're welcome, darlings," Mrs. Spencer replied.

"Yummy," Rayson and Richard said, devouring the cupcakes as everyone laughed.

"Ella, eat more," Emily said, feeding her.

"Thanks," Ella said, managing a few bites.

They sipped their drinks and enjoyed the afternoon.

"Richard, thank you for earlier. Send my regards to your parents," Mrs. Spencer said.

"You're welcome, ma'am," Richard replied.

They played music and games before heading home.

**Next Day (Friday)**

**White High School**

**Restroom**

Tiana, Mia, and Eliza entered the restroom.

Ella was about to leave when she ran into them. She tried to walk past, but Tiana grabbed her hair.

"Where do you think you're going?" Tiana sneered.

Ella winced in pain.

"What do you want from me?" Ella asked.

"Let's see who'll save you now," Mia laughed.

"You think you can embarrass Tiana and get away with it?" Eliza added.

"No one's coming. We'll lock you in here, and Richard will be mine all day," Tiana said, laughing.

"Please, don't do this," Ella begged.

"She's begging," Eliza mocked.

"Let's go," Tiana said, locking Ella in.