Lotus Lab

Chapter 19

Grace heard hooves approaching. It's not like she didn't want to see anyone, she just didn't have the energy for it. She was lying on hay bales, looking at leaves and thinking about events of the past days.

Two pigs entered the room – Maddie and Georgia. They looked worried.

"I'm not really in a mood for a girl talk, if you're here for that," mumbled Grace, trying not to look at them.

"We kind of are," Georgia said and they both sat by Grace, "Can you explain what's happening to you?"

"Why? Do you want to help me? I don't think you can..."

"No, I don't. I mean, I would love to help you, but only if you need help. Fire isn't leading me today".

"What... the hell are you on about?" Grace got up and faced the pigs, frowning.

"You look... unwell," Maddie pointed out.

It's been almost a full day since Grace and Lee had a fight. She thought about continuing the investigation in her office while things were bad, but the regret from yesterday would not leave her alone. She didn't know how to feel about the argument – whose fault was it to begin with?

"I am unwell," said Grace calmly. She was about to turn away again, but Georgia started talking before she did it.

"We aren't here to cry with you," she smiled, "And you know how they say "you don't have to tell me anything"? Well you do. Because we're tired of this. We want to know what's happening to you. What about Maddie? You guys are best friends, you should've at least said something".

Grace was ready to say it was none of her business, but as soon as Georgia mentioned Maddie, her mind turned upside down. "Are we even best friends anymore if I can't tell you how I feel?" she thought. Suddenly, it clicked. Lee told her not to tell anyone about the investigation, but what do they even know? They have no idea about all the wonderful animals that work here. Georgia and Maddie are her friends. Don't they deserve to know?

"Okay. I'll tell you. Don't freak out, or I'll freak out too," Grace said, nervously looking at two pairs of intrigued eyes. She told them everything, aside from the details of the investigation. She told them how she went to see Lee (Maddie finally found out why), but she didn't mention the photo. She also told them about the argument they had yesterday. When Grace finished, Georgia applauded.

"Wow. Maybe fire does lead me today. I never would've thought... can we join?"

"You know, I didn't think I'd say yes, but... yes. It will be awkward though. And also, does Noah want to join?"

"I don't think so," Georgia shook their head, "They'd rather watch from afar.

The girls talked for a few more minutes. They decided they'd go to the first floor together in thirty minutes. Grace was stressed about it, but her mind kept telling her it was the right thing to do. Also, she wanted to make Lee a tiny bit angry.

"I have a confession to make," said Maddie, as soon as Georgia left to water her crops. It was the first time in a few weeks when the two were alone. They used to spend a lot of time together before.

"What? What is it?"

"I... I took the picture".

It took Grace a couple of moments to process what Maddie just said. When she finally realized what picture she was talking about, her eyes widened; she looked Maddie dead in the eyes and wanted to say a lot of things, but could only say:

"You... what?"

"I'm sorry, okay? I was really worried about you. You shut yourself out for days and I wanted to know what was happening to my best friend. You can't possibly blame me for it. I'll give it back, but I want to know why you had it, because that," she pointed in direction where her room was, "That was the most terrifying thing in my life".

Grace realized she was right. The time to be honest was in that exact moment.

"Alright. I'm sorry. I found it on the floor after the cafeteria incident. I think someone from TRF must've dropped it. That thing made me start the investigation, and that's why I went to Lee, not anyone else".

"Dear god. It must be hard for you both".

Grace looked at the ceiling. "You both" – how hard was it actually for Lee?

They talked for the rest half an hour and then Georgia came to the room. It was time to meet the rest of the group.

As the girls were heading down, Maddie said:

"Don't worry, Grace. It will be alright. Just say what you really feel. Even if you think they can't take it. I bet they can".

"I hope I can make everything right," replied Grace, not making eye contact with her best friend.

"You can and you will. At the end of the day, you are their only friend".

They finally arrived at the first floor. The first to see them was Michael; he questioningly raised a brow and scratched his nose.

"Why are they here, Grace?"

"I brought more reinforcement".

hey, Jupiter here! and they are here to help :)