Chapter Text
Manon wasn’t sure where it all went wrong. As a child she had been so bright and beautiful, a star. But ask anybody, and they’ll all know the truth.
The brighter you burn, the faster you go out.
Maybe it started when her parents decided they loved work more than her. Only sending checks once every week, more than enough to live a life. Never having truly felt their maternal or paternal love.
Or perhaps it was the drunk driver that T-boned her sister's car and killed her in the process. Losing the last member of the family she had.
Maybe it was the realization that nobody would truly see her, that scum was all she was and ever would be. Maybe that was simply reality.
Everyday felt like a never ending internal battle with thoughts like those. She tried her best to push and power through, it’s what her sister would've wanted. She promised that she would graduate high school and Manon was a woman of her word. She would work through all her baggage to walk across the stage as her sister intended.
Then she could rest, permanently.
Today, however, was certainly not a day of simplicity. Of course not, what about her life was simple?
She knew better than to be anywhere near the social circle of Gabriela. The infamous cheerleader whose father was on the school board.
On the outside, she was a kind, pretty and talented girl. But Manon knew a different side. The ugly part, and unfortunately as of late, she had been subject to the cheerleaders' latest cruelty.
————
ACKK
Manon cried out as she was yanked by the collar and shoved into a locker.
She had stayed behind after school to finish some homework, only to be caught by the one and only Gabriela, who apparently just got out of cheer practice.
“You bitch!” Gabriela spit out, “you made me fail that english test! You said you could give me an A and I expected an A!!” She growled.
Manon breathed heavy, “Gabriela… please I’m beggin’ you- I didn't know that Mr. Sohey had mixed up the questions. I swear to god!”
The excuse only fueled Gabriela’s anger further. She balled her fist and raised it, striking it across Manon’s face, slamming into her right cheekbone.
She could already feel the bruises forming as she clutched her face, crying out in pain.
“Bullshit!” Gabriela huffed, “You did this on purpose, didn’t you?! You were trying to get back at me? ME? Do you even know who my father is? I could destroy you. Just like that, and you won’t graduate.”
Manon paled, she couldn't afford to fail. Not when she was so close to being done. As much as she’d like to throw in the towel and quit now, she had a promise to fulfill. One that guilt prevented her from evading.
“Please, I’ll do anything just leave me alone. I’m sorry.” She pleaded to no avail.
Gabriela laughed- as though she had been told the funniest thing- and shoved Manon to the ground, immediately kicking a blow to her side.
Manon curled up in pain as blow after blow came her way. She didn’t try to defend herself, only wait for it to end.
That’s all she ever did anyway.
Then Gabriela paused her assault, “Such a pretty face, huh? Would be a shame if…” she kicked Manon square in the nose, not hard enough to break, but enough to send blood rushing down, dripping onto her shirt. “Oops! My leg must have slipped!” She feigned guilt.
Manon only cried out in pain as a response, holding her nose as though that might numb the burning pain across her body.
Covered in blood and tears, Gabriela smiled at the sight.
“Maybe now you’ll learn your place, yeah?” She said as she kneeled down, reaching for the other girl's collar.
As quickly as she was down, Manon was yanked down and into the locker once more.
Footsteps could be heard, but none of them paid attention to them.
A fatal mistake on Gabriela’s part. Because those footsteps belonged to the one person who rivaled Gabriela in anything- in everything.
“Gabriela” A firm voice called out from behind the cheerleader.
Gabriela turned, surprised somebody was still here, “What the hell-” she grimaced before coming into realization as to who it was that caught her.
Sophia LaForteza, Student Council President and every teacher's favorite pet. Not only was she excellent academically but it was said she had the voice of an angel straight from heaven. Hence, why she always got the main role for the school plays and always received the solos in choir. She was also the cheer captain. Gabriela's direct superior, capable of putting her off the team with one word to the coach.
Gabriela Froze as the realization sunk in, hands still tight on Manon’s collar as she stammered, “S-Sophia! What are you still-” she let out a nervous laugh “-still doing here… I thought there wasn't practice today-“
Sophia’s expression of anger remained stagnant as she spoke “who cares why I’m here. What the hell are you doing to her?!”
She jabs her hand out in Manon's direction, who is still whining beneath Gabriela’s grasp which hasn't subsided.
“Th-this? It’s between me and her, she just broke a promise-“
“Hands off of her. Now.” Sophia commanded.
The girl let go as fast as she had gripped on, leaving Manon still clinging to the wall out of fear and begun backing away. “Sophia… nobody has to know about this right? It’ll just stay between us three, yeah?” She panicked.
Sophia scoffed as she turned to look around for unwanted spectators.
Seeing none she turned back to Gabriela, marching up to her and poking a finger to her chest, “If I see you bothering that girl, or anyone else like that again, it's your word against mine. And I think it’s clear who they’ll believe.”
Gabriela nodded frantically, “Of course, Sophia.”
“Now get the hell out of here before I change my mind.” The fillapina gaze sharpened.
She wasted no time in turning around dashing out of the building, the door slamming behind as she ran through it.
Manon dropped to the floor catching her breath as she gasped and groaned, clutching at her now probably bruised abdomen. Her eyes blurred with the tears, unable to see her savior as she looked up into the girl's eyes, who was now crouched to her level.
“Oh crap, are you okay? I knew she was a bitch but…” she gave Manon a sympathetic look as she put her hand out for her to grab.
Manon didn’t answer, she only stared at the ground as she gently took her hero’s hand to brace herself as she pushed up to stand.
“Thank you-” The Swiss mumbled in her attempt to stand up, but only falling into Sophia’s arms as she held her steady, “Sorry.”
Sophia was baffled, Manon was all black and blue, nose bleeding (the blood dripping onto her sweater but she could really care less about that. She was insanely rich after all) and yet still apologizing for something she really had no control over.
“Sorry, what? You just got your ass kicked, what are you doing trying to stand, and apologizing for something that isn't your fault? Does she do that to you often? Is there anybody else doing this? I can go with you to report them, I’ll protect you I promise-”
Sophia was cut off by the Swiss’s ugly sobs as she clinged to the Fillipina. The adrenaline was gone now as the pain was beginning to set in, hard.
She knew better than to trouble others with her sorrows. It would only cause more issues after all, plus she knew Gabriela would be pissed now that Sophia was involved. She needed to get away before someone else gets hurt. Manon pushed off and away from her as she limped past, tears still streaming down her face, still grimacing with every step.
Sophia spun on her heels to go after her, “Hey! Wait up- You shouldn’t be walking around like that! You’ll hurt yourself more-”
Manon stopped and whipped around, eyes now red, “I’m fine, this happens all the time, I’ll survive. Gabriela was right- this had nothing to do with you, you should've just left me alone. Now she’s pissed and I’m the one she’ll take it out on!” She shouted.
The sudden outburst shocked Sophia, where was all this energy when she was getting her ass kicked?
“Did you even think about that when you decided to get in our business?! Of course not. Why would you? Too busy trying to be everybody's hero and-“
Manon stopped upon seeing Sophia’s face. It wasn't covered in anger or hurt (though it should have been in her opinion), but concern.
Guilt rose in her chest, she turned pink with embarrassment.
‘what am I doing? She doesn’t need to know any of this.’
“I just wanna go home okay?” Manon looked at the ground, her shame rising by the second.
Sophia’s heart broke for the girl, even though she had only just met her. She couldn’t just leave her on her own when she so desperately needed help (even if she couldn’t ask for it).
“Right… Can I at least walk to your car? Or wait with you until you get picked up?” Sophia pouted.
She didn't respond.
‘That’s sweet. She thinks somebody cares about me enough to pick me up. Or that I can even afford a car for myself.
Another reminder of how pathetic I am, I guess.”
The silence said enough, perhaps too much. It didn't take long to put two and two together.
Sophia put a hand to her chest, “Oh Jesus, don’t tell me you intend to walk home like this?! You’ll pass out from exhaustion before you get off the campus!”
Manon's face burned red with shame, “it’s fine really, I promise. I’ll be alright. I just need to get home, it doesn't matter how I get there or how long at this point.”
Sophia pondered for a moment. She knew in good conscience she couldn't just let the girl go alone. If anything happened to her because she was too weak to defend herself or even process what was happening, she wouldn't be able to sleep at night knowing she could have prevented it.
Then she got an Idea, she did say it didn't matter how she got home… right?
“Okay, in that case- you can go home.” Sophia stepped to Manon's left side, staring ahead. “But I’m driving you, alright?” She smiled, turning to face her as she lightly jabbed a finger at her.
Manon was not a fan of the idea to say the least.
“As student body president, it’s my job to ensure the wellbeing of other students, including you! I simply cannot in good conscience allow you to trek home in such a state!” She said matter of factly, “therefore, I will ensure you reach your destination safely by escorting you myself!”
“What? No-” her eyes went wide, “that’s unnecessary you don't need to do that for me.” Manon protested
Was this girl for real? She had never heard of such a rule for student council. And even if it was a rule, she sure as hell never heard of anybody actually following it.
“C’mon- trust me, I know it sounds odd but you need help and you know it.” Her gaze softened as she put a hand on Manon's shoulder.
“It’s not as crazy as it sounds. Everybody needs some help sometimes.”
It was truly as absurd as it sounded. Too good to be true. Just what did Sophia LaForteza want from Manon? Would this turn into blackmail of some sorts? Of course it would. Why wouldn't it? After all, thats what had gotten her into this situation with Gabriela in the first place.
Accepting help from others.
“But-”
“No buts!” She chirped, scooping up her backpack with one arm and looping another around Manon’s waist, acting as a crutch as they continued to walk.
Manon felt the relief as her weight was distributed on Sophia.
‘this isn't so bad I guess. Could be worse.’
Famous last words.
————
After the short (and slightly painful) walk to the parking lot, they reached Sophia’s car. A black suv- it looked brand new. It was even nicer on the inside, she took notice as Sophia helped her into the passenger seat.
Sophia opened the trunk, setting down Manon’s bag before shutting it gently. Then making her way to the driver's side as she hops in, and starts the car.
“Here we go! Oh and here,”she passed her phone to Manon, “Type in your address- and go ahead and play some music if you’d like. I don’t mind” she grinned as she reversed out of the parking lot.
Manon only hummed as she typed in her address as commanded.
They drove in silence as Sophia hummed, fingers tapping lightly on the wheel. Manon wondered how someone so accomplished and probably overworked couldits be so joyful…
…Something she could never be.
She took out her phone, opening the camera to look at herself. Safe to say that she was fucked up pretty good. Her nose was red and filled with drying blood and a bruise beginning to form under her right eye. Plus she was sure that she definitely had some bruising on her stomach from the kicking.
At least now she looked as messed up on the outside as she was on the inside.
“I…I’m sorry I got blood on your sweater. I can buy you a new one or at least pay to get that one cleaned-”
Sophia laughed, Manon thought she was having a psychotic break for a second, given how loud it was.
“It’s just a sweater.” She made a right turn, “It’s replaceable. I could buy a hundred of these right now if I wanted. I’m more worried about you.”
Manon shifted uncomfortably in her seat as she felt the spotlight being put on herself.
“No, don’t be. I’m fine. Just a little sore. That's all. It looks worse than it feels, trust me.” She lied.
If Sophia could tell, she didn’t say anything or let it show, just a content hum in response. Not a “I don’t believe you” but not quite believing either.
The car went silent once again until Sophia made a little gasp, “I just realized- I’m so sorry, I never asked your name! Or really introduced myself- I’m Sophia, but you probably already know that, huh?” she smiled, eyes darting from the road to Manon and back.
The absurdity of the situation settled in, she was in a car with a random girl who she had never seen before, only hearing whispers of the same girl who basically just saved her a trip to the ER earlier.
And she didn’t even know her name.
I mean when Manon thought about it, why would Sophia go out of her way to save a girl who she never met or even knew. She could've risked being hurt too, but she stepped in to protect her anyway.
That was the difference between them, you see.
If the roles had been reversed, Manon would've immediately walked the other way without a thought. Leaving Sophia to be beaten further into a pulp. Her heart pulsed in a way that hurt at the thought.
‘Wow. I really am a piece of shit, huh? Maybe I did deserve that beating. God why do I suck so bad at everything. I’m a such a-’
Her thoughts came to halt, realizing Sophia had been waiting for a response for the last 15-20 seconds of internal spiralling.
“Oh” the Ghanian blinked, “Manon. Uh- Bannerman. Manon Bannerman.” she fiddled with her sleeve awkwardly.
Sophia just about beamed, “Manon? Oh that’s a pretty name! It’s french right? Are you from France or just French or something like that?” she gasped, “Do you speak French?!”
Manon couldn’t help but laugh at Sophia’s enthusiasm (which was comparable to that of a 5 year old on Christmas.).
“Oh uh, no. I’m actually from Switzerland and I do speak french. Swiss-German too.”
The Fillipina smiled harder, (if that was possible), “Oh really? You’re trilingual? That's so awesome! I guess I am too- I speak Tagalog and a little bit of Spanish because of my girlfriend. And English of course-“
“Girlfriend? You’re gay?” Manon asked, in shock. Not quite realizing her tone.
Sophia side eyed her, realizing that even now in such a welcoming generation that some people are still… stuck in an old fashioned life.
She cleared her throat, “uhm yeah! That's not- that's not a problem for you right?”
Manon's eyes widened, “Oh! No! Of course not, it’s not a- a problem, I’m uh… ha.. I like… girls too.” She looked down sheepishly at her lap.
Sophia's face softened and she nodded, not wanting to press further.
The drive continued in comfortable silence. Still a little awkward, but comfortable nonetheless.
————
They reached Manon's house within minutes, Sophia parked on the curb. Putting her car into park, she unbuckled herself and faced her passenger.
“Okay, as promised, you’re home. Are you sure you don't need help getting in, Manon?”
“Yeah I’m sur-“ she winced as her seatbelt brushed against her stomach.
Sophia raised a brow, as if to say, ‘that didn't sound sure’. And to be truthful, Manon wasn't sure. It hurt just as bad as it sounded, everything ached. She was afraid if she got out on her own, that she might hit the ground before reaching her doorstep.
“Okay, yeah, I need help.” She winced.
Sophia wasted no time jumping out and running to Manon's side of the car. She opened the door and slid a hand behind Manon's back. She started to slip a hund behind ber knees before Manon jerked the other way.
“Wh- what are you doing” she was crimson with shock and embarrassment, “I just need help standing, idiot!”
Sophia blinked, “I just thought it would be easier if I carried you? I’m pretty strong if that's what you’re worried about. More than I look-“
Manon could only feel her face heating up further, frustration on the brink of explosion.
“That's not the point!!!” She almost shouts.
Sophia gives her a look, one that clearly says she was serious and meant business. She wanted to help her new friend (?) out whether she liked it or not, and Sophia always got what she wanted
”just- Ugh! Just get me to the door so I can open the door.” She surrenders, wrapping her arms around the girl's shoulders.
Sophia lifts her up with ease, as they walk across the lawn and onto the porch. She sets her down as Manon pulls her keys out of her pocket, unlocking the door.
They step inside, Sophia shutting the door gently behind her as she let Manon lean on her for support as they walk together.
The house was nice, not too big but not small either. It didn’t quite give off the “homey” vibes a home should. The walls had no pictures- only paintings, ones Sophia had never seen before.
Many seemed to have women smoking, in various poses with different expressions. All of them giving their own feel and tone to them
They were actually quite nice in Sophia’s opinion. They were unique- she could tell that someone had put heart into it. She felt that was most important in regards to art, that feeling existed within it.
“These paintings… Where did you get them? They’re quite nice, actually” she asked as they stopped in front of a door, presumably Manon's room.
Sophia opened the door for her, and guided her to the bed.
Manon's room was simple. One bed, one nightstand, a desk and chair. In the corner, however, she noticed art supplies. Paints and canvases.
‘She did those?’
“Oh! Did- did you paint them? You’re an artist?”
Manon looked away, “I don’t know if I’d call myself an artist. They aren't that great.” She mumbled the last bit.
Sophia laughed, “Not great? I think they're wonderful! Plus I’m sure you can do more than that! Are you planning to pursue this in college?”
She scoffed, “No way.”
That's not to say that Manon had never thought about it. She knew she had talent to an extent and could probably get a scholarship if she tried. It had been her initial dream to go to an art school and become an artist fulltime.
But that dream died when she realized she wasn’t sure she’d make it to graduation anyways.
“Well, I think you could. That you should.” Sophia remarked.
Manon appreciated the sentiment, she did. But she knew when she had to draw the line between dreams and reality.
“Anyways… Thanks for getting me home. You can uh go now, I feel bad I kept you this long.” Manon said.
However… Sophia wasn't ready to leave quite yet.
“Nonsense! I just did what anybody else would! And don’t feel bad, I already finished my work for this week anyway so its nothing, really.” She smiled, “what are you up to this weekend?”
Nobody had ever asked her that, probably because everybody already knew she had no friends and would probably be rotting at home anyway.
“Oh uh… nothing. Honestly I’m just tired right now. So I’m gonna sleep-“
“Go to sleep looking like that?” Sophia gestured to her bloody clothes.
“Well… yeah? I’m just too tired to-“
Sophia grinned, “no problem! I have a kit in my car, hold on!”
Sophia left no room for a reply as she dashed out the door and to her SUV. She grabbed Manon's bag and her first aid kit, one her mom always made her keep, just in case.
‘I’ll have to thank mom later for that’
She came back into the house, locking the car from the porch. She reentered the room, kit underneath her arm.
“Sorry that took a bit- lets get you cleaned up yea-“
“Oh.”
Sophia looked to the bed which held a now unconscious slumped over Manon. Breathing gently as she slept.
‘oh poor thing… She's exhausted. Better work quickly then, yeah.’ Sophia thought.
She set the bag down, and pulled the desk chair to the bedside. Opening the kit, taking the wipes out as she cleaned the blood off Manon's face.
Only then did she notice how peaceful and gentle Manon looked. It only made her heart ache further for the girl.
‘Dammit, Gabriela. If only I’d gotten to her sooner. I wonder how long she’s been doing this to her. Are there others?’ Sophia pondered as she continued.
After she was wiped down, and everything was bandaged and cleaned up, Sophia looked through her drawers to find clean clothes.
In a top drawer, she found just what she was looking for. An oversized band T-shirt and plaid pants. Without looking, she changed Manon and tucked her into bed.
After a moment of searching, she found Manon's phone and plugged it in. Not before adding her contact and texting her so she’d known what happened once she woke up, of course.
She stood in the doorway taking a final look before leaving. Satisfied with her work, she gently shut the door to her bedroom and made her way out the front door, locking it behind her and climbing back into her SUV.
She drove home in silence, texting Manon before heading to bed herself.
————
It was 2:07 in the morning when Manon woke up.
She groaned, still sore from the assault. Clutching her side. She reached for the light, only to realize that once it was on, she could only see out of one eye.
‘what the fuck… ‘
She felt for her right eye, which was seemingly covered with something. Gauze or something like that, she didn't know what anything was called.
That's when it hit her, not only were her wounds dressed, but she had also changed into her pajamas. A moment of panic surged before remembering Sophia.
Who had evidently taken care of her before leaving.
She reached for her phone, checking the time, it was 2:09 now. And she had several notifications. Odd considering nobody had her number.
(Not that she had anybody to give it to in the first place)
7:06pm
Sophia :) : Heyy!! I unlocked your phone with face ID, hope you dont mind.
Sophia :) : And I gave you my number for emergencies in case something like yesterday happens again.
8:37pm
Sophia :) : also I changed you- don’t worry I didn't look. I just wanted you to get some rest in clean clothes.
9:58pm
Sophia :) : Let's hang out soon ! Tmr maybe? Since you said you have no plans. Text me soon! Goodnight! Xoxo
Manon almost smiled. almost.
Manon !! : sure. Thanks for today.
She shut her phone off and stared at the ceiling. God what had she gotten herself into?