Season 4 Chapter 19

I choose to bunk mathematics period today and instead laid on the rooftop closing my eyes and relaxing my mind. It has been draining since last two weeks and I needed some time off from my fucked up life to catch a breath. I haven't had a nightmare for a long time now, well to be precise, it's been almost four weeks, that's actually a pretty good record according to me. The soft cold breeze touched my face making me doze off before I could realize. Old memories rushed through my mind making me enter the deeper realm of dreams. It was a long flashback where I saw Angela and remembered our childhood days, my sacrifices, the time we spent together, both of our happy and sad moments of life. "I miss her…." I thought in my sleep.

Irina: Here you are…..and I was searching for you everywhere. (She sighed before sitting beside me)

Me: (I opened one of my eye staring at her face before opening the second eye, my vision was blurry, I placed my arm over my eyes before opening my lips and taking a deep breath) This is a dream….. please be a dream. (I murmured to myself)

Irina: Oh come on! I came here to be the mature person and look at you! (She says before grabbing my arm)

Me: Tsk. (I said before getting up and rubbing my face) What do you want?

Irina: Yesterday…..you called Thomas…. Didn't you? (She hugs her legs) Thank you. (She blushed slightly with a wide grin over her face)

Me: Did you eat something wrong in breakfast? (My whole body shivers) You are acting weird.

Irina: Shut your trap. (She pouts) Hey...(she hesitates)

Me: What?

Irina: So...Uhm....you know...I was wrong regarding you (she hesitates while feeling embarrassed). Thank you so much for everything. (She said while fidgeting her fingers) When Caroline betrayed me…..I thought it was the end of the world for me….I know I might sound dramatic but once your trust is broken…..it's very difficult to rebuild it.

Me: I guess. (I sighed)

Irina: When I first met Hope, she was being bullied by Bianca. Instantly, I felt a connection – like she was a reflection of me, someone I needed to shield from harm. So, I did. Soon, she started sticking to me like glue. Her vibrant personality drew me in, and before I knew it, we were inseparable best friends." (She bites her lower lip) "I thought I was keeping her safe from potential dangers, but somewhere along the way, I ended up becoming the danger myself. I crossed lines I didn't even realize were there, believing she was content with it. (With a forced laugh masking the pain in her voice, she confides) Realizing my mistake hit hard when I saw Hope laughing freely with everyone else. It's like she didn't even need me in the first place. Right now, I just feel like a piece of shit… Do I even deserve to be in her life anymore?

Me: Instead of whining about it, why don't you ask Hope what she wants? (I patted her shoulder)

Irina: (she pressed her lips before continuing) I have always forced Hope to do what I wanted but never really understood or respected her wishes.

Me: It's never too late to start afresh. Go and be the bigger person and try to have a proper conversation. You started this, so its time for you to take responsibility. (I said before standing up) Don't make her wait for too long, or you both will regret later. (I said glancing at the roof door where Hope was standing and eavesdropping to our conversation) I should get going now. (I finally took my leave, before that I glanced at Hope and smiled)

Irina: Uhm…..Hope….(she hesitates as she stands)

Hope: Sit down, we have many things to discuss. (She sighs before sitting beside Irina)

After school, the entire team congregated outside the club room, joined by the three boys and myself. Irina stood beside Hope, her demeanor a mix of shyness and guilt. She nervously fidgeted with her fingers, moistening her lips in an attempt to gather her courage. Sensing her distress, Hope sighed and gently took her hand, offering support to her dear friend.

Irina: (she takes a deep breath before speaking her mind) Firstly, I want to apologise to each one of you present here for my rude attitude. Thank you for tolerating my tantrums, I have finally realised my mistakes and want to mend them. (She gulps her spit) And to do that…. I have decided to join the club if you allow me. (she bit her lower lip feeling shy)

Hope: Julie, please give this idiot a chance, she is trying her best to change. (She says laughing softly) If you don't accept her apology, she might as well start crying.

Irina: Hey! That's not true! (She pouts while protesting)

Julie: You are always welcome to join the team. (She smiles warmly)

Victoria: We anticipated that this might happen so we have already ordered a spare jersey for you. (She said proudly)

Irina: (she stares at us stupefied) Wait ….how did you know? (She tilts her head feeling confused)

Jules: Well ….to be precise. Anne anticipated the possibility. (She says before pointing at me as I tiptoed behind Choon Hee to hide myself)

Irina: What the actual fuck?! Did you trick me?!! (She glares at me)

Me: I didn't trick you. You came here just for Hope, remember? (I grinned)

Irina: Well…..I think so….yeah…..(she blinked) Uhm….so can I join the team? Hope has always tried things that I like, so I thought this time it is my turn to do something she loves. Moreover…..(she blushed staring at Thomas) I have one more reason to be here.

Hope: (she hugs Irina) Thank you.

Julie extended a warm welcome to Irina, and the atmosphere buzzed with contentment over the new addition to our team, bringing us to a total of eight members, just three shy of our target. As I slipped my hands into my pockets, a sense of satisfaction washed over me at the progress.

Elsewhere, Paul's affection for Hope was evident as he leaned in for a kiss, while Thomas and Irina engaged in conversation, their connection palpable as he gently held her hand. Across the room, Bruce's stolen glances at Julie betrayed his silent longing for her attention, though it remained unrequited.

Observing them from a distance, I found myself preoccupied with my phone, yearning for even a message from Maria. It had been nearly a month since our last conversation, and her sudden avoidance had left me unsettled. She hadn't even disclosed her father's latest transfer, a departure from her usual openness. Something felt off; anxiety crept in, fueled by the unfamiliarity of Maria's behavior. Amidst the bustling activity and chatter around me, I found myself standing alone, consumed by an unfamiliar sense of loneliness that gripped my mind. It puzzled me why such feelings arose, especially in the midst of company. Yet, there lingered a profound absence, as if someone vital was missing from my life.

With each passing day, Maria's absence weighed heavier on my heart. Despite forming new connections and friendships, her presence was sorely missed, intensifying my longing for her companionship. I couldn't shake the belief that her presence would enhance our collective experience, bringing a sense of unity and warmth to our interactions. It felt selfish to revel in moments of joy without her by my side, as if her absence cast a shadow over the happiness I found in the company of others. In truth, I yearned for her presence, recognizing the invaluable role she played in enriching my life and the lives of those around us.

Watching Hope and Irina together, I realised that Maria was….rather is much more than a mere side-kick in my life, she is like the missing piece of my puzzle. She was there beside me when I desperately needed a company but what did I ever do for her? Only now do I realise that she is...she is my everything…..a person who always hold a special place in my mind. "My bestfriend" I thought to myself, but what was the point of thinking it now? To say the truth, I miss her….I miss her much more than I want to admit and with each passing years, that feeling has only gotten stronger.

I snapped back to reality and noticed Paul staring at my direction

Paul: Hey Anne! (He waves at me as I advanced towards him)

Me: Hey, what happened? (I stood in front of him)

Paul: Now that our mission is completed. Can we resign from our post? I am getting late everyday for my work, my boss is getting angry. (He sighed rubbing the back of his head)

Thomas: Yeah Anne….it's really tiring to come here after school. (He pouts) Though I don't want to leave because for the first time, I made so many friends and even have a girlfriend now. (He blushes hard)

Me: Well it's up to you. (I shrugged)

Bruce: Well….(he looks at Julie) If the captain requests me, I can stay. (He smirks)

Julie: (coldly) Nobody asked you to be here. (Her folds her arms and rolls her eyes)

Bruce: (he holds his chest tightly) Ouch.

Jules: Dang. (She blinks)

Christina: So Julie can be brutal as well. (she murmurs to herself)

Victoria: Hopeless. (She facepalms)

Bella: You sure we can say such words to the Director's son? (She asked getting concerned)

Choon Hee: (she whispers in Bella's ear) Don't worry, he won't do anything. I hope.

Irina: wait a damn minute. What do you mean by mission and what both of you mean by leaving? (She raises her brow then her attention turns towards me) Did you just scam us?

Hope: Anne….is it true? (She says frowning)

Me: (cold sweat) W-Well didn't both of y-you joined on your own? (I coughed)

Irina: We thought we did. But now I am not too sure. (She cracked her knuckles)

Hope: So you knew regarding our love interests and choose to trick us? (She opening her shoe)

Me: And it worked…..haha….(I said nervously as others stepped back making sure that I am in the front) What type of friends are you?? (I prepared to run away)

Victoria: We weren't a part of this plan. (She says with a neutral face)

Jules: We didn't even know that she had such plans. (She tried to act innocent)

Choon Hee: Anne, you shouldn't play with people's emotions, it's a bad habit. (She lectures me)

Bella: Yeah Anne. I agree with Choon Hee. (She nods)

Christina: Wait, what's going on here? (She feels confused)

Look at these traitors, even Julie was quiet. These people knew regarding the plan well, and now trying to escape. I will make sure to make them pay, but for now..."run!" I thought to myself before running towards the main gate while Irina and Hope ran after me to hit me. But before I could escape, I bumped into someone as I fell down.

Me: Ouch…..(I dusted myself while standing up)

Irina: (she helps me out while others followed) Hey, are you alright?

Me: Yeah….(I said before looking at the person with whom I collided)

My eyes widens with surprise, while my face turns bit pale. I didn't know if I should be excited, betrayed or horrified. It was Maria, she is all grown up now, her small ponytails were gone, her hair curled up hair reached her shoulder. Her lips were glossed, she was much taller now than the last time I saw her, there was obvious difference in her expressions and features than I remembered. It was like a whole new person with a hint of familiarity. I felt overwhelmed by her presence and didn't know how to react. "Why didn't she bothered to inform me that she was coming here?" I got a sense of betrayal, yet I was happy to see her after a long time. But something felt wrong about her whole presence, it was like she was ignoring me. I hate this feeling, why is looking at Julie with a mischief playing over her lips. "What is she planning?"

Maria: Hey, I am Maria Lopez. Nice to meet you all. My father just got transferred from Russia few days back, and I have enrolled in this school recently. I hope to get along with everyone here. (She smiles brightly)

Julie: Hello, I am the captain of the football team. Nice to meet you. (She greets Maria)

Maria: Ah! A football club, how wonderful. Mind if I join? (She says extending her greetings)

Victoria: Well that would be wonderful. We are actually short of members. (She said looking at others as everyone agrees).

Jules: Yeah, and it will be helpful for Anne as well. What say Anne? (She pats my back) Now we need to find only two members.

Instead of being happy, I was pissed. I kept worry for this bitch, and here she is, what was she planning? I couldn't help but be suspicious about the whole situation. I took a step forward and glared at her.

Me: Maria, what the fuck are you planning? (I raised my brow with my guards up)

Choon Hee: Wait….both of you know each other? (Everyone seemed surprised by the change of events)

Me: Well…..(I hesitated, I think I got too excited after seeing her here that I forgot to consider the bystanders)

Maria: Ah….yes. (she smiles brightly cutting me off) apparently we are childhood friends.

Victoria: Anne never mentioned regarding you. (She frowns)

Me: T-That…..(I fell short of words and got embarrassed. I rubbed my arm feeling awkward)

Maria: Ah, maybe because she is a shy person since childhood. Even when she was the captain of our football team, she used to maintain distance from other people and only speak with me. (She smiles then covers her lips) Oops…..I wasn't supposed to mention that….was I? (She glances at me with a mischievous laugh over her face)

Everyone's face turned towards me in surprise as if they were waiting for answers. Julie was the only one who remained calm because she already knew regarding it long ago. I bit my lower lip while glaring at Maria, my expressions were betrayal mixed with disbelief and anger. I couldn't belief my own eyes that Maria would ever stab my back.

[Author's note: Hey guys!! So with this I conclude season 4!!! Season 5 will come soon!! Hope you enjoyed the season >~

To be continued....