Chapter 26

OLIVIA

"ARE YOU going to confess to Zo-Zoey now, Camila?" I asked Camila directly because I had the opportunity.

We're doing retouches in the Student Council's comfort room because the afternoon class starts soon. Naomi was also present. Stella, the walk-out queen, was nowhere to be found. But, as Naomi stated, we're leaving her alone for the time being because she needs time to process what Camila has just revealed to them.

Stella should join the drama club instead, in my opinion. Why couldn't she stand by Camila?

Anyway, back to where we are: we use this comfort room after lunch because the regular comfort rooms are full.

"I'm not sure. We've only recently re-established our friendship. And what if Zoey rejects me? That will be awkward for us, right? We'll never be the same friends we are now. What do you think, ladies?" Camila explained. I can tell she's upset from the tone of her voice.

"I believe you should take your time..." Forever. That's what I wanted to say. Why do I feel so uneasy knowing Zoey will date someone? Yes, I am just her sister, but... but... I don't know why I am feeling this way?!

Camila is a good catch. Beautiful, wealthy, and intelligent. This creature has nothing to like about it.

Is it possible that I'm envious? Why would I be?

"Yes, I agree with Olivia. Take your time, Cam. Know what she likes and gradually reveal your feelings for her. Smooth and chilled," Naomi stated the obvious. As if she has a lot of experience with this.

"Do you think that'll work? But I'm nervous. She turned down Aubrey. That girl was like a celebrity at school. Pretty, popular, smart, talented, and sexy. Naomi, she rejected her! She dumped that almost-perfect girl! And... what if she's straight?"

"She isn't. I am certain Zoey is gay," Naomi stated matter-of-factly. I was finished retouching, so I was focused entirely on her.

"What makes you think that?" I inquired.

"When Aubrey came out to them on the rooftop, I was there," Naomi said as she finished applying her lip tint.

"Naomi! Why are you listening in on someone else's business?" Camila stated as she retouched her makeup.

"I was the first!" Naomi defended herself. "Anyway, there was no time for me to go down because they were talking seriously, and I couldn't help but eavesdrop. I was curious because Aubrey had mentioned something significant. You know, it's the same as what you did earlier." Naomi looked at Camila, who gave her a stern look. "So I hid in the back of the mini-shed, then heard every detail of Aubrey's coming out to Zoey and Nova," she continued.

"What? I'm hurt. They did not invite me when this revelation occurred!" Camila explained.

She was finished with her makeup. She's as stunning as ever. She was finishing up her makeup. I'm sure it's to impress Zoey with her beauty.

I suddenly felt compelled to wash Camila's face. Argh. What's the deal with this feeling?

"Uh, girl, I heard they said they invited you, but you were busy at the time," Naomi explained.

"Oh? I'm not sure. Where was I?" Camila explained.

Camila shrugged. "I don't know. Why are you asking me?"

"Aish. I'm not asking you; I was just staring at you and thinking to myself," Camila retorted. "So, what happened?”

“Aubrey told them about her sexual orientation, and they accepted her easily. Then they told Aubrey that Nova is bisexual and Zoey is a lesbian. Take note that Zoey stated that they suspected Aubrey was aware of it because rumors about the two's preferences circulated the school, which is why Aubrey became friends with them," Naomi uttered. "Aubrey, on the other hand, stated that she was unaware of the rumors. But I'd heard about it. However, I did not believe it to be true."

"Oh," Camila and I both said.

"Is there a rumor like that?" I said.

"You're that busy, Oli? Anyway, I heard about the rumors because I was the one who was spreading them previously. I was envious of Nova and Zoey's relationship." Camila made her presence known. We're staring at her right now. "I know, I'm such a jerk. I'm sorry. I just want Zoey to notice me. But I had no idea they were LGBTQIA+. I falsely accused them of being a couple," she added.

"That's all right, Cam. It's all in the past. At the very least, Zoey and Nova have forgiven you." Naomi supported her friend.

"Thank you, Naomi," Camila replied. Naomi simply smiled.

So it's official that Zoey was gay. Why am I suddenly overjoyed? How about me? Is it true that I'm gay? I don't know. Is it because I kissed Zoey that I'm gay? Argh! I shouldn't think about things that I know are stupid.

"What were you doing on the rooftop?" I enquired. I need to distract myself from the mind constantly thinking about Zoey right now. What did she do to me? Why am I like this?

"It's none of your business, gals," Naomi said, dismissing my inquiry.

"Oh, that's an intriguing response. Come on, Naomi. I'm sure you did something nefarious on the rooftop. Who are you with?" Camila questioned her.

Naomi's face turned bright red. But we couldn't ask her any more questions because the bell rang. Naomi was literally rescued by the bell.

~*~

THE AFTERNOON CLASS STARTED. When I arrived, I noticed Zoey wasn't in her seat. I didn't have time to ask her friend because the teacher began the lecture. When Zoey didn't show up for the second period of the afternoon class, I started to get worried.

The teacher called our names for attendance, and no one answered when Zoey's last name was called. I cast a backward glance as the teacher inquired about Zoey's whereabouts. Nova stated that she, too, had not seen her. Nova asked the teacher to excuse herself to look for Zoey; though she was hesitant, she let Nova go as the latter begged to go outside. Aubrey and Camila wanted to come, but the teacher wouldn't let them. They eventually left the classroom.

I wanted to accompany them and look for Zoey because skipping class is unusual for her.

Regardless of the scene the three girls created, it died down when the teacher shushed us and resumed his lecture. I had a bad feeling about why Zoey had gone missing. Especially when I saw Stella smirk.

"Fuck it! Please accept my apologies, sir. I must depart!" I yelled and dashed out of the room. I heard the teacher and Naomi calling my name, but I didn't want to return to the room until I saw and knew Zoey was safe.

I'm not happy about it.

I grabbed my phone and dialed Zoey's number. To my dismay, her phone number was no longer available. I tried calling her again and walking down the hall with no particular destination in mind. She didn't respond. Her phone was busy.

"Oh, Zoey! Where are you?" I told myself.

As I search the school's unoccupied rooms, I keep calling Zoey's phone. I even went through the school's locker room and janitor's closet. But Zoey wasn't there. Along the way, I ran into Nova.

"Did you find her?" I didn't care if she'd discovered Zoey and I were stepsisters.

"No," she said. She appears distressed.

"Did you manage to get in touch with her?" I asked her again. She made a shaky motion with her head. "When was the last time you saw her?" Zoey then went ahead of us. She was in a hurry, and I couldn't ask her where she was going because she was moving too fast." Nova made her presence known.

"Where could she be? This is not her. Do you believe she's in danger?"

"I believe so. You know Zoey, she's not the type to skip class even if she's ahead of the lectures."

"You're correct. Where could Zoey be?"

Aubrey and Camila appeared before Nova could answer my question.

"Coney, did you find her?" Aubrey enquired of Nova. In response, the latter simply shook their heads. "How about you?" Her eyes were fixed on me. I noticed Camila, who was now staring at me in a perplexed manner.

"No," I said to Aubrey.

"Oli? Why are you here?" Camila questioned me. I know what she was thinking. Why do I need to get involved? It doesn't matter to me whether or not people know Zoey and I are stepsisters. I just wanted to see Zoey right now.

"She's my stepsister, Cam," I grumbled. Her eyes widened, and she shook her head in disbelief. "I'll explain everything later, but let's find her first." Camila only nodded. I'm relieved she didn't argue with me.

"Did she text any of you?" I polled the three. In response, she shook her head.

"Talking of texts," Nova chimed in, "she was staring at her phone and appeared to be reading something before she left." She must have received a text message informing her of an urgent meeting that she must attend."

"I'll call Mom. Maybe she's at home," I told them. When I dialed Mom, they just nodded and circled me. She and Uncle Zaldy were still there. Their flight is scheduled to depart later in the evening.

My mother picked up the phone after three rings.

"Hello, mom. Yeah, I missed you, which is why I called. I'm aware. Yeah. Okay. But, mom, is Zoey there? Huh? Oh, how about in her room? No? Okay, mom... Oh, no, no. There is nothing to be concerned about. Okay, mom. I really like you. Bye." I ended the conversation with Mom. "She's not there," I informed them. They, like me, were let down.

"Where could she be?" Camila said this while biting her right thumb. We're all getting nervous now.

"Where did you look for her? I mean, where did you look?" I inquired of them.

"I looked in her locker and checked her belongings, but it was still there," Nova replied.

"I went to the cafeteria, library, and academic club, but she wasn't there," Aubrey explained.

"I checked the dance club room and other club rooms, but she was not there. What a fool I was to think she was just practicing," Camila told us.

"What is a dance club? Practicing? What do you mean?" I questioned her. What is Zoey doing at the dance club?

"We don't have time to argue right now. Please, let us just concentrate on finding Zoey." Nova jumped in. I didn't pursue the subject further, but I'm sure Camila will tell me about the dance club.

"We spent the majority of our time looking in this area. What about the rooftop? Did anyone try to check there?" No one responded, but I believe we had a mental agreement because each of us ran like a maniac and climbed to the rooftop.

Nova was the first to arrive. At first glance, the rooftop appeared to be deserted because no one was present. But we scoured the area while calling Zoey's name.

When I saw a familiar figure lying on the floor in the back of the shed, my heart skipped a beat. Zoey was covered in blood, and her uniform was ripped. Her body is covered in bruises.

My entire being began to tremble, and I froze there for a brief moment.

"Zoey!" I went to Zoey's side when I heard Nova yell. "Call 911!" I noticed Aubrey and Camila rushing to Zoey's side and calling her name. I'm checking to see if she's awake.

My knees were turning to jelly, so I had to sit on the floor before collapsing. I hadn't realized my eyes were welling up with tears.

Aubrey dialed 911, which I overheard. Nova and Camila call Zoey's name, telling her to wake up.

I tried my hardest to crawl to Zoey because I couldn't stand any longer. When I touched Zoey's feet and saw the bruises and cuts, I burst into tears. Her shoes are missing, but they could be anywhere. However, she was not wearing one at the time.

Who did this to Zoey? Why her?

"D-don't leave me," I sobbed, clutching her feet. I felt like I was choking, and my voice refused to cooperate. "D-don't leave me, Zola. W-wake up. P-please..."