Chapter 20

Lila's POV:

I stared at Paige and her soft smile, wondering why she would want to offer me help. I would've agreed, but I remembered Zoey saying that I should stay away from her.

"Well… No thanks." I replied, pushing the hair dryer back to her. "I can manage."

"Oh…" she muttered, looking disappointed. I smiled apologetically and combed dry my hair. She didn't leave, however, but stayed on my bed watching me comb my hair.

"I like your hair…" she said after a while. "It's so full and long, wavy too. Where'd you get it from? Your dad or mom?"

I momentarily stopped. I don't know, I told myself. I don't know my parents. But I couldn't say this to Paige.

"My mom." I lied.

"Wow… I wish I had a mom with a hair texture like that. Mine is quite thin as you can see."

I glanced at her and nodded. Then kept combing.

"Are you sure you don't want any help? A blow dryer could dry it faster."

"No thanks," I replied.

"Leave the girl alone," Zoey spoke up. "If she says she doesn't want, then she doesn't want it."

"I wasn't talking to you," Paige shot back.

"Chill down you girls, it's no big deal." I said, as I packed my hair up into a messy bun. It was still wet, but I was tired of combing and didn't want to get in any situation where I would be pressured to use a blow dryer on my hair.

"What's that?" Paige suddenly asked. I turned to her.

"What's what?"

"That thing… Behind your ear. What is it?"

"Oh… It's nothing. Just a scar." I quickly replied.

"Are you sure? It doesn't look like one." She pointed out. I smiled nervously.

"It's really just a scar." I said and changed the topic. "I'm hungry, let's go eat," I announced.

"Is it dinnertime yet?" Zoey asked.

"It should be," I replied.

"Then I'd better grab something." Zoey said and came down from the bed, wearing her slippers. I smiled and wore a dress. Just as were about to leave, I turned to Paige.

"You coming?"

"No thanks. I don't have any appetite."

"Then I guess it's just me and Zoey then. Let's go," I said and Zoey came to meet me. We both walked down the hall.

***

Paige's POV:

Sure they had both left, I hurriedly went to Lila's table and picked up the comb in which she used to comb her hair. It had some hair strands stuck into it and although they weren't much, I think it'll do. Once I picked up a desired content, I put it into a Ziploc bag and kept it in my drawer.

Mission accomplished, I sighed in relief. Now all we have to do is wait.

***

Nikita's POV:

I paced around in my office, wondering if I should call the girl I spoke to yesterday or not. She looked like she wouldn't agree, but after I said those words to her last night, she wore a doubtful look.

Unable to take it any longer, I picked up my file and phone. Typing in her personal number on my phone, I called her up. It rang for a while, but eventually she picked up.

"Hello, who is this? She said into the phone."

"Hi, sorry to call you on such a short notice. This is the woman you talked to last night. Remember?"

"Oh… Yeah, I remember you. How did you get my number?"

"I have my ways. Well, I wanted to ask if you have clearly thought about it and what your response is."

"Actually…I have what you want. She replied.

I was stunned. She already has Lila's hair? This is so much easier than I thought!

"What do you mean? You have Lila's hair strands?"

"Ye…es."

"Awesome! We need to meet up tonight. Where should we meet?"

"I don't know. You decide."

"Okay … I'll send you the address of the restaurant where we should meet up. I'll be waiting for you."

"Okay. See you soon." She said and hung up.

I punched the air in excitement! Yes! Things are going right according to plan. Watch out Lila, you're going down.

***

Paige's POV:

I hung up and laid on the bed. I had agreed to help this woman on whatever her mission was. And I don't even know her name or why she wants this so badly. I have to make sure I ask when we finally meet so I can know if this is all worth it.

After a while, my phone beeped and I picked it up. It was a message. I checked it and discovered it was an address for a restaurant. Better get prepared and start going.

***

Zoey's POV:

I was at the dinner with Lila and keeping an eye out for Paige. She had refused to join us for dinner, which is unlike Paige because she is always hungry. It could only mean one thing. Something's up.

After waiting for quite some time, Paige was yet to show up. I felt this overwhelming urge to check up on her. I immediately turned to Lila.

"Lila?" I asked.

"Hmm?" she replied, her mouth stuffed with food.

"I'll be leaving now. There's something I forgot to do."

"Oh… Okay." Lila said, and I nodded and stood up. the dining area and walked out the hallway where our rooms were located. I had barely gone any distance when I saw Paige coming out of our room. I immediately hid myself. She looked dressed to go out, but she wasn't coming to the dining table. She was headed out.

Curious, I stealthily followed her, making sure she didn't see me. When it got to a point, she went to one official and made a conversation with them. It seemed like she was asking for permission to go out. But to where? They let her go and I watched her walk out and board a taxi.

I don't know why, but I really wanted to follow her. So I went to the official she spoke to earlier and stood in front of him.

"Sorry for disturbing you ma'am, but I was wondering if I could get permission to leave the base."

She stared at me, indifferent.

"No. Why?"

I wore a very sad and crumpled look. "My brother got into an accident in town. I just got the news from my mom who isn't in the country at the moment. She had asked me to go check up on him in the hospital and see how his condition is before she would be back in the states." I lied and sniffed, hoping I sounded convincing.

Her face melted.

"Oh dear, I'm so sorry. Which hospital is he in?"

"Oh… It's not too far from here. St Hopkins Hospital." I replied.

"Okay… Hurry. Quickly go. But be back before lights out!" She warned.

"Yes ma'am. Thanks ma'am." I said and ran out of the building. Once I got out, I looked around and saw Paige. She was still walking down the road to get a taxi. I followed her until she finally stopped a taxi and got in. I stopped one as well and got into the back seat.

"Follow that cab." I said to the taxi driver.

"Yes miss." He said and began following Paige's taxi.

***

Paige's POV:

I arrived at the address the woman sent to me and discovered it was a restaurant. I paid the taxi driver and got down from the cab. Walking in, I texted the number in which she sent the address.

I'm here.

I sent to her and looked around, hoping I'd find her. Soon I heard a beep on my phone and I checked it. She had replied.

Use the elevator. Floor 6, table 34.

She replied. I looked around for the elevator and walked towards it. Getting in, I pressed the floor button and watched as the door closed. Then I waited till I got to the floor and the elevator bell dinged. I walked out and found out that I was in a reserved area for first class. I searched for the table, and soon enough, I found it. I walked towards her and, when she saw me coming, beamed. I cleared my throat.

Once I was close enough, she stood up and welcomed me.

"Hello Paige, it's so great to see you again."

"Same to you, ma'am… I don't know what to call you," I said.

"Just call me Nikita. Please sit," she said and sat down. I was seated as well.

"Soo… Are you here with the parcel?" She asked.

"Well… Yes. It isn't much, but it should be able to do what you want it to do."

"Marvelous. Let me have it."

I brought out the Ziploc bag containing Lila's hair and held it. Just before giving it to her, I asked.

"What's in it for me though… Like, what do I get for doing all of this?"

She stopped and smiled. "You really doubt me, don't you? Just wait and see. I don't break the promises I keep, that's what I'm sure of."

I reluctantly gave her the Ziploc bag, shaking in excitement. In all that happiness that she was expressing, I could still Sense some fear.

"Good girl. If you keep going at this rate, you'll definitely see yourself at the top." She muttered and carefully kept the bag in her purse. "So now that is settled, what will you like to eat?" She asked.

I was about to refuse, but my stomach grumbled, betraying me. She heard it and I felt embarrassed.

"We had better order some food." She said and called on the waiter. I waited, feeling indifferent about the whole stuff.

***

Zoey's POV:

I had stopped at the restaurant Paige's taxi stopped and after paying the driver's bill, came out. It was a really huge restaurant with lots of floors. It made me wonder how I would be able to find her amidst all these people. Is sneaking out really worth the stress?

Not deterred, I set pit to look for Paige and whoever she must have come here to see. First floor, nothing. I used the elevator and checked the second floor, still nothing. Third floor, same results. Fourth floor, same. Fifth floor, same. Till I got to the sixth floor. I could spot Paige and the woman she met. Whatever it is they had discussed was over, as they were already eating. But the woman she was with seemed familiar. Could she be the same woman that came to see her yesterday? If yes, what does she want from her?

I brought out my phone and took few pictures of them together. Once I was satisfied with the amount of pictures I had taken, I left the place. Back to the base… And maybe I'll question Paige tonight.

***

Paige's POV:

We were through with dinner and were about to leave. Once again, Nikita thanked me again. After sending me off with a tip that I gladly accepted, I walked out of the restaurant and boarded a taxi back to the base. I arrived before lights out. Thank God.

I paid the taxi driver and walked in. The official I had asked for my excuse to leave the base recognized me and let me in. Great, now I have to think of the lie I'll tell the girls when I arrived in the room. I had barely processed my thoughts when someone touched my shoulders.

"Argh!" I screamed, shocked. It was Zoey. "Zoey! Why did you scare me like that?"

She seemed impatient. "Sorry if I scared you. I was looking all over for you and don't tell me you were in the base cause I've searched well enough to know you weren't. What's up Paige?"

"N…n… nothing. I'm fine. Why are you worrying about me? Why did you even look for me?"

"Paige, where were you. I was worried, Lila was too."

"I went out." I replied.

"Out? To where?"

"Mind your business!" I retorted.

"What did you just say?" Zoey asked.

"You heard me. I told you to mind your business. What's up with you? Always sneaking around."

"Watch your tone, young lady. Just because we are roommates doesn't mean I can't scratch your face!" Zoey shot back.

"Why don't you go ahead? You're nothing but a bag of bones anyway!"

"Take that back!"

"I won't. Go ahead, scratch my face!" I dared her as she fumed. She almost charged towards me, but Lila quickly interrupted.

"Guys, guys! Take it easy! Why are you arguing?" She said as she came between us.

"Tell Zoey to stop meddling." I yelled.

"Oh, you better watch your mouth." She replied.

"That's enough!" Lila said aloud. "What do you think will happen if the officials saw us like this? We might even get disqualified! Whatever beef you have with each other isn't enough reason to raise your voice." Lila said as we stared daggers at each other, fuming.

"Paige, where were you? We were looking all over for you."

"I went to see my mom." I lied. Lila turned to Zoey.

"Zoey, she said she went to see her mom. Case settled. Please, let's go to our room before an official catches us here. It's almost lights out." Lila said, as she dragged Zoey away. Zoey glanced at me and gave me an I'll-get-you look. I shrugged it off.

She can do whatever she wants.

***

Nikita's POV:

I drove straight to the hospital after I left the restaurant. I had already called one of the doctors there who conducted DNA tests. I brought out the two Ziploc bags from my purse. One containing CG's hair strands, and the other containing Lila's hair. I really hope they don't match.

That's what DNA tests are for, aren't they? My subconscious reminded me. I pulled up in the hospital driveway and the doctor walked towards me. He was already waiting for me. I handed the bags to him.

"Conduct a DNA test on these two hair strands. See if they match," I ordered.

"Yes ma'am."

"When will I get my results?" I asked.

"Three days from now, soonest," he said.

"Good. I'll be waiting," I said and drove home. All I have to do is wait till tomorrow morning. This night will be the longest night in my life.

***

Zoey's POV:

It was already lights out but I couldn't sleep. I was angry at what Paige said to me. And she didn't even apologize!

In want of something to do, I brought out my phone and began staring at the pictures I took earlier this evening. Something caught my attention, making me stand up.

Paige didn't go to see her mom. This is Nikita, Ximena's mom. I stared at her sleeping state. What is she doing with Nikita?

***

(Three days later, morning)

Nikita's POV:

I was at the office, staring at my system but doing nothing in particular. For the past three days, I couldn't sleep. I kept tossing and turning. What if the results came out positive? What do I do then? It seemed like Lila is still unaware because if she knew she wouldn't let Paige get her hair so easily. I needed to keep it that way.

The long-awaited results came. My assistant came in with a file saying it came from the hospital I had earlier contacted. I tore it open and read the results. They soon fell from my hands as it shook vigorously and my heart pounded.

It was positive. Lila was CG's daughter.