A/N: New chapter guys! Hope you enjoy it!

Do check out my other EAH story - All is Fair in Love and War. One thing they have in common? Love Triangles.

Chapter 4: Unsettled Thoughts

*Still in the Past*

Raven peeked out from the bookshelf she was hiding behind.

She had been right, then. Maddie was keeping something from her.

She saw her talking, then giggling discretely behind her hand. Who was she talking to?

Raven tried to lean a little further, but Maddie was entirely obscuring the person from view.

She silently cast a magnifying spell, then cursed as she realized it was for magnifying sound instead of sight.

' - It's a date, then. Here again tomorrow at 5?'

Raven almost toppled over the bookshelf.

WHAT EVEN?

Maddie's going on a date? Huh?

With who?

She stared in disbelief as Maddie finally got up, giggling and waving her happy wave.

And then promptly went into cathartic shock after she saw who Maddie had been talking to.

FAYBELLE?!

HOW? WHAT? WHY?

HUH?!

Sizzle

And that was the sound of Raven's brain frying.

But all the shock and confusion melted away when Maddie suddenly swooped down to press a soft kiss on Faybelle's cheek.

In its place was a sudden spurt of fiery white-hot anger.

I HATE YOU.

I HATE YOU.

MADDIE'S MINE.

I WILL END YOU, YOU PATHETIC WEAKLING F –

Raven blinked furiously. Where had that come from? Her eyes stung and her heart beat rapidly, jealousy curling around and stifling her thoughts like black squid ink.

She trembled as Maddie flounced past, oblivious to the world. For a moment, Raven could catch a whiff of lemon. Her perfume, she knew. Her magenta streaked teal curls bounced in wild abandon, sun catching on her eyes, glinting like cobalt and agates and swimming pool tiles.

Raven stared, startled by the sudden exquisite beauty of her best friend.

The moment was shattered when she turned around and glanced at Faybelle, whose eyes were alight with the same rapture. A light shade of rose dusted her cheeks, her pupils blown wide in arousal.

Raven stormed out of the library, quietly seething in fury.

A pair of cat-like eyes watched the scene that was unfolding in front of her with interest.

'Hmmm…' she murmured as she saw Raven struggle with her wild thoughts. She glanced at Faybelle, noting the pink cheeks and her flustered air. She watched Maddie skip out of the library without a care in the world.

She licked her lips.

Interesting…

* Back in the Present *

'Well, what do you recommend?'

'Uh, the teas are always a good choice, and you'll never regret trying any of our biscuits, cupcakes and special range of Scottish shortbread. And if you're feeling especially adventurous, the Wonderland specials are a must-try!'

'Mmmm… I guess I'll have the herb tea and the treacle flapjacks, along with whatever special you recommend-'

' -the Mock Turtle Soup is always a favorite!'

'That, then. How much?'

'That'll be 8 sovereigns.'

'Right.'

Faybelle turned around to find an empty table to sit at.

'Say Maddie, when does your shift get over?'

Maddie bobbed her head at the clock.

'In five minutes. Why?'

'You'll join me once you're done, won't you?'

She smiled, and Maddie was once again struck by how beautiful Faybelle had become.

'It's been a long time since we had a tea party, cupcake.'

A flush rose unbidden to Maddie's cheeks. She'd forgotten that silly endearment that Faybelle had used to call her by back in school.

'Of course I'll join you. There's lots we have to catch up on!'

A/N: And that's that! Penny for your thoughts? Review! Submit prompts!