Veiled Vendetta

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

It was heartening to witness the transformation in Izzy's life. The room that once echoed with the haunting memory of her brother's incident was now illuminated with laughter and cheerful banter between Izzy and Luiz. Their frequent phone calls and online gaming sessions injected new life into the previously gloomy atmosphere.

Each morning, instead of tears, Izzy welcomed the day with newfound hope and enthusiasm. She began looking forward to what each day had in store, eagerly anticipating the adventures it might bring. And as her spirits lifted, she noticed a marked improvement in her arm, which was healing well. The happiness and joy in her life seemed to contribute positively to her recovery.

It seems like there's a bit of a romantic tangle among Izzy's friends! Izzy returned to school, greeted warmly by her friends, and then was surprised to see the changes among them. Jade sat in her lap, Alex and Evy were sitting together, and there was an air of shy happiness around them.

When Izzy expressed her surprise about the new couples, especially Alex and Evy, she joked about being left out of the loop while mentioning that she and Luiz talked every night. Their friends teased them playfully, assuming something more might be happening between Izzy and Luiz despite their protests. Luiz remained silent, not commenting on the situation.

It seems like friendships are evolving into something more for some of them, while others are simply enjoying the fun of teasing their friends about it.

Izzy's stealthy operation to bug the principal's office with an audio device went without a hitch. She coordinated with DJ to record the proceedings, eager to glean the principal's discussions. With her clandestine mission accomplished, she swiftly joined her friends in the cafeteria, where Luiz had preemptively secured her usual lunch.

As she settled in beside Luiz, Blake couldn't help but tease, "Got your lunch ordered by the gentleman, Izzy?" His mischievous grin hinted at his playfulness. Izzy, however, seemed unperturbed, glancing at her plate before responding with a casual, "No complaints here. Luiz got it spot on." Her friends, always quick to dive into banter, chimed in with playful jibes, suggesting a hidden meaning behind Luiz's thoughtfulness.

Amidst the light-hearted teasing, Luiz attempted to clarify, "It's not like that. Izzy's just not finicky about her food." His explanation, though earnest, was met with raised eyebrows and amused smirks from their friends, who remained unconvinced.

The group's camaraderie was evident, each member engaging in the banter with an underlying warmth, reveling in the bonds they shared. Izzy, accustomed to their playful banter, simply grinned at the light-hearted teasing, enjoying the familiar rhythm of their interactions.

In the corridor, the group of friends found themselves halted by one of their teachers. His request for their time led them to his office, where he unveiled a surprising proposition."We've decided to form a student council, and the principal wants you guys to be a part of it," the teacher announced.

The group exchanged perplexed glances. "Us? Why?" Alex queried, voicing the confusion shared by the others.

"Your parents' contributions and investments in the school were a deciding factor," the teacher clarified. "However, the choice is entirely yours. We need one boy and one girl to represent each category."

Evy raised a valid point, "Wouldn't it be better to assign this to the seniors?"

The teacher explained, "We considered that, but they're approaching graduation and have exams soon. Your class will have more time to dedicate to this responsibility. Plus, surprising the seniors might not be the best idea."

Curious about the specifics, Luiz inquired about the available positions. The teacher handed each of them a list, encouraging them to deliberate and make their decisions. "Once you're certain, we'll announce it, and you'll be recognized in the upcoming assembly." With this unexpected responsibility looming, the group headed home, their thoughts already brewing with possibilities and decisions to make.

Izzy was engrossed in her assignments when a notification from Luiz popped up in their group chat. He proposed, "Let's meet at our regular cafe and discuss the student council thing." Izzy responded, "I'll head there once I'm done here at home. Shouldn't take long." Others in the group echoed similar sentiments.

At the cafe, the group gathered to ponder their next steps. Jade broke the ice, "So, what's the plan?" Evy chimed in, "Let's talk it out and decide which ministry each of us will join." They glanced at their papers detailing the Academic Ministry, Sports Ministry, Curriculum Ministry, and the role of prefects. It matched the exact number of them - two in each ministry.

"Coincidence?" Blake remarked. "Or maybe it was planned this way," Izzy mused. They deliberated the responsibilities of the council, speculating that it involved taking charge in different areas of the school and among the students.

"I've got my sights set on the Academy Ministry," Alex declared. Izzy promptly claimed the Curriculum Ministry. Nina announced, "I'll join the Academy ministry too." Blake, wanting to collaborate with Nina, decided on Sports. "I'll team up with Blake," Jade added.

Jayden opted for the curriculum alongside Izzy. As Alex looked towards Luiz and Evy, he stated, "So, you two are the prefects." Luiz responded, "You guys decided too quickly." Nina retorted, "You're in an ideal position." Evy suggested, "Izzy, you could be one of the prefects too." Izzy declined, "Nah, not for me. I'm new here. You're perfect for the role. Besides, prefects should be someone everyone listens to. Girls listen to Luiz, and the guys listen to you, Evy. It's perfect."

Alex took charge, declaring, "With that settled, Luiz and Evy, you can inform the teacher tomorrow about our ministry choices since you both are the prefects." Izzy interjected, "Guys, I have to leave now. Meeting up with some of Ace's school friends." They exchanged goodbyes, and Izzy departed first.