Crossing hearts

Chapter 9

The news of the confrontation spread through Ridgeview Academy like wildfire. By lunchtime, Lily felt the weight of every gaze upon her, whispers trailing in her wake. "Did you hear what Lily said to Zane?" echoed in the hallways, mingling with laughter and hushed tones.

Random classmates approached her, some with a supportive pat on the back. "Hey, Lily, you really put him in his place!" one girl exclaimed. "I respect you for that," said another. But each compliment only intensified the knot of guilt twisting in Lily's stomach. She hadn't meant to hurt him—she just felt so frustrated.

After class, she rushed back to her dorm, her heart heavy. "I can't believe I said that," she muttered to herself, flopping onto her bed. The confrontation replayed in her mind, and with it came the realization that her words had crossed a line. "I have to apologize," she decided, the thought grounding her amid the whirlwind of emotions. She mentally rehearsed what she would say, steeling herself for whatever Zane's reaction might be, even if it meant enduring his anger.

The next morning, she confided in Molly and Harper, who listened intently. "I think I need to find him," Lily confessed. "I just... I need to apologize."

"Don't worry; it'll be okay," Molly reassured her, though Lily could see the concern behind her friend's eyes. But as the hours passed, hope dwindled. Zane didn't show up for class. The absence felt like a punch to her gut, amplifying her guilt. She was desperate to make amends but had no way to do so.

Feeling restless, Lily sought out Ms. Andrews after class. The teacher was grading papers at her desk when Lily approached, anxiety bubbling in her chest. "Ms. Andrews, I need to talk to you," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "I feel terrible about what I said in class yesterday. It was wrong, and I shouldn't have... I just want to know if you've seen Zane."

Ms. Andrews looked up, concern etching her features. "Lily, just give it some time. These things often blow over," she said gently. "But I appreciate your honesty. It shows maturity to acknowledge when we've made mistakes."

Lily nodded, but the weight of her guilt remained. She left the classroom, frustration and sadness battling within her. That evening, feeling overwhelmed, she decided to reach out to Riley, hoping to find some solace.

"Hey, Riley," she texted, her fingers hovering over the screen. "Something happened at school today. I had this argument with a friend, and I don't know what to do..."

"Just apologize," Riley replied after a moment. "It'll be fine. Everyone makes mistakes, and it's good you realize it."

"Yeah, I know. Thanks for being my best friend," Lily replied, grateful for his support. They hung up, but her mind was still racing. "Even if Zane's not in class tomorrow, I'll find him. I have to say sorry," she resolved.

The determination settled within her, a small flicker of hope amid the storm of guilt. Lily took a deep breath, ready to face whatever consequences awaited her, and steeled herself for the mission that lay ahead.