Veiled Vendetta

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO

Izzy watched as her friends approached Izaiah's bedside, a mix of emotions playing on their faces. They gazed at Izaiah, his serene countenance veiling the turmoil he lay in.

Luiz studied Izaiah intently. 'He looks so different,' he murmured, his voice tinged with concern.

Izzy acknowledged Luiz's comment with a solemn nod. Blake, Jade, and the others stood quietly, their faces reflecting a range of emotions—surprise, concern, and empathy.

Blake was the first to voice his thoughts, 'Is he Izaiah?' Izzy nodded softly, her gaze fixed on her brother. 'I know, I heard he looks different because of his medication.'

Jade inquired with a gentle tone, 'What happened?' Izzy replied, her voice tinged with sadness, 'The accident, on the way from the school to the hospital. It was too late. Later, Izaiah went into a coma.'

The weight of the situation hung in the air as her friends processed this newfound understanding of Izaiah's condition and the circumstances that led to it. They stood silently, contemplating the severity of the situation and the impact it had on Izzy and her family.

Jay chimed in with a questioning tone, 'But I heard they say he didn't fall hard.' Izzy nodded in response, her expression troubled. 'He didn't, but the doctors said he had a lot of head injuries that are probably not from falling down the stairs.'

Nina connected the dots with a realization, 'Chris.' Izzy confirmed Nina's suspicion, 'Yeah, Chris is also a factor.'

Evy, noticing the family picture by the bedside, suggested gently, 'Izzy, why don't you come near?' Izzy shook her head, her resolve evident in her eyes. 'No, I promised myself. I won't look at Izaiah until I finish everything.'

Her friends, standing by Izaiah's bed, listened attentively, absorbing the weight of the situation and Izzy's steadfast determination to set things right before facing her brother in this state. They shared a silent understanding of Izzy's unwavering commitment and respected her choice.

Alex questioned Izzy, 'Izzy, are you trying to say that everything you did until now was for revenge?'

Izzy took a moment before responding, her voice serious, 'It's not revenge, Alex. I just want everyone to know that Izaiah didn't transfer schools. I am trying to show everyone the truth.'

Jay, puzzled by the situation, chimed in, 'Then you can just tell everyone that. Why go through all this?'

Izzy replied solemnly, "I just don't want that. I want them to also know that Izaiah was not a weak student but had a lot of power and didn't use them. I want everyone to know what Izaiah could have done to them but he didn't. Of course, I also want them to know Izaiah isn't in a coma just because of falling down the stairs, but because of the bullies and also because of the bystanders who decided not to do anything."

Izzy then heard Luiz say, "It's all my fault. If I didn't get bullied then Izaiah wouldn't have come to save me. If I studied hard enough then nothing could have happened." Izzy gently placed her hand on Luiz's shoulder and said, "It's not your fault, Luiz. You are a victim. Being a bystander and doing nothing is wrong, but that doesn't make you a bad person. You just didn't know what to do. The fault lies with those bullies who find pleasure in others' sufferings." Nina approached Izzy and embraced her, saying, "Izzy, remember, we will always be there for you. We are friends after all." Others joined in the comforting embrace before they left the room.

In the quietude of their home, Luiz approached his father, who sat engrossed in work on his laptop. His voice echoed through the room, charged with frustration. "I found out everything, Dad. Was it you who asked the principal to swap my marks with Izaiah's?"