Veiled Vendetta

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Izzy called JD and GD to inform them about the situation as they headed to the hospital in W City. Meanwhile, back at Izzy's apartment, she heard the doorbell ring. Assuming it was the twins returning, she opened the door without hesitation. To her surprise, it was Luiz standing there, observing Izzy covered in blood. Trying to play it off, she asked with a smile, "Hey, Luiz, why are you here?" 

Luiz was taken aback, unsure if he was witnessing reality or having an illusion. He couldn't tell if this was his classmate Izzy, sweet and innocent, or if she had an undisclosed twin. He composed himself and asked, "Izzy, what's on your hands and face?" Izzy invited him in and asked him to sit, promising to explain later. Finally, she had the chance to clean up while showering and contemplated what would happen next.

Luiz was sitting and thinking about what he had to say about today. In the evening he was just thinking about going for a walk around W City but as he was about to come to the city. He saw a familiar face fighting, and it was Izzy. She was not the Izzy he knew from school. This Izzy was fighting fearlessly as if she had nothing to lose. Then he also saw her use the knife on the guy. He saw the eyes she had, her eyes were emotionless for a moment. He felt like she was acting all along this whole time. He had saved her from Vivian and her friends. When she could have defended herself. He was questioning everything now. Izzy came and sat in front of him.

Luiz was captivated by Izzy's explanation, his mind wrestling with conflicting thoughts. He admired her loyalty and strength yet sensed there was more to her actions than she revealed. He pondered why she concealed her true abilities and intervened when her friends were capable of defending themselves. In her eyes, he glimpsed sincerity mingled with defiance, knowing there was a deeper truth he sought to uncover.

Engaging in conversation, Luiz probed gently, 'So, you could fight all along?' Izzy responded thoughtfully, 'Luiz, I try to avoid confrontation. I aspire to be the person I am in school. That's who I want to become. It's a gradual process, and the situation right now is complex.' Luiz grasped her sentiments and sought understanding, 'You don't have to pretend with me, Izzy. If you're tired of putting on a facade, you can be yourself.' Izzy smiled warmly, expressing, 'Luiz, I've never feigned my emotions around you or the others. You all make me feel at home. Initially, perhaps, but now I genuinely share my feelings.' As Luiz rose to leave, he said, 'It's time for me to go. See you tomorrow at school.' Izzy nodded, bidding him farewell as he departed for home.

 Izzy reached the hospital and saw the twins, Grey, and the others. She went to them and inquired, "So, how's he?" Grey responded, "Like you said, he's doing fine." After nodding in acknowledgment, Izzy turned to the twins and asked, "Did you manage everything needed?" JD assured her, "Yeah, we took care of everything. But Izzy, why did you do that?" Izzy simply replied, "I needed to show him that there is always someone better than himself." She then exited the hospital and headed back home.

The school day progressed as usual, with breaks providing the usual bustling noise. Yet, during one break, the girls noticed the absence of the guys. Strolling along the corridor, nothing eventful happened until they entered the restroom. As they conversed, Nina proposed, 'Why don't we find the guys?' Evy suggested reaching out via text, but Izzy had already queried Luiz. She relayed, 'Luiz mentioned they're in the resting area. What's that?' Jade explained, 'You haven't been there yet, Izzy. It's near the library—a spot with a food stall, vending machine, and comfy seating—a designated chill-out zone, thanks to my mom's suggestion.'

Heading toward the resting area, Nina queried Izzy, 'How did you and Luiz get so close?' Izzy responded with a smile, 'We've just started chatting, nothing more.' Evy chimed in, 'We've never messaged Luiz before, right, guys? I thought girls and Luiz weren't a great match.' Izzy countered, 'Well, if you examine it closely, Nina can ask Blake, Evy can ask Alex, and Jade can ask Jay. We've never needed to approach Luiz for such things since we had other sources.' The girls nodded in agreement, pondering over Izzy's perspective.