The Girl Hiding In The Shadows

Chapter 18

"Hey!" Everyone from that particular table turned their head to face me. There wasn't much people at the canteen so my loud 'hey' reverberated around the place.

"You called this important? You've got to be kidding me!" The look on my face must be scary because they were a little shock.

"Zach, bro. We're sorry for standing you up. But we know that you didn't like people disrupting your revision." Jake replied while the girls fixed their gaze on the table. I must have frightened them.

"Helen, Nicole, I apologise if I've scared you earlier on." The girls stole a glance at me and gave me a small smile.

While the boys faked a look of hurt, "Zachary, you've also frightened us, where's our sorry?"

I slapped them at the back and grinned. "Cut the act. Seriously, what is more important than revising for our main exams?"

Peeking at what they've been doing and was surprised to find decoration materials.

"Since when you boys are into design or rather art?" I questioned and gestured to the table of colour papers and markers.

"Umm.. Well.. We're.." Nicole started to answer but stopped halfway as if she didn't know how to continue. The rest bowed down their heads with a hesitant look. I quirked an eyebrow at Nicole, encouraging her to carry on with what she was saying.

Instead of continuing, Nicole also bowed down her head and murmured to the rest, "Can we tell him?"

"Tell me what?" Nicole thought she spoke very softly, but from where I stood, it's loud enough for me to hear. All of them were perplexed for a moment as they lifted their heads to look at me.

"Oh what the hell. We're planning on Rachel's surprise birthday party." Helen informed me.

"What? Why didn't any of you tell me earlier?"

"Forgot the other time we tried to distract you from revision? We got chastised badly for doing so." Dylan reminded me with a smirk.

"Yeah, we know how much you value the time to revise, nerdy." Jake added and the girls snickered at the last word.

"Hey! Jake you didn't have to call me that!"

There was an awkward silence after that, we just looked at each other, unsure of what to say. I ended the silence by asking, "Where's Ella?"

"Ella and Rachel are revising together at her house. In case Rachel came back to school and find out our secret planning." Nicole supplied me with the information.

"But why not wait un-"

"Rachel's birthday is the day after our last paper, there wouldn't be enough time to prepare all these. Besides, we only get to do this after revising." Helen answered with an eye roll like I should have known. Oh right, if they have the time they wouldn't have done this now.

"So, how can I render my services?"

"You want to help?" Dylan asked suspiciously.

"Of course, Rachel's my friend too! C'mon let's continue from where you guys have stopped." I sat down and picked up one marker ready to start my work.

Jake chuckled and said, "As you wish."
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Rachel's POV

Why can't I fall asleep? The bed sheets were twisted around my body from my tossing and truning so often. All I really wanted was to get some rest. But with my nervousness, it seemed almost impossible.

My phone alerted me to the text message with a buzz.

* 2 new messages: COOLEST PEEPS ✌ *

Oops. Dylan created a WhatsApp group for the seven of us. Yeah that's our group name. Ah ah no, I can hear y'all judging. Don't ask me why we named our group with that. The boys thought it was cool. *rolls eye*

Zachary: Guysss anyone awake?

Zachary: l can't sleeppp

Does he really thinks messaging us will help him sleep? I don't think so mister. I locked my phone without answering him because I know Ella will.

Soon after, my phone buzzed insistently. I unlocked my phone to see the message, even though I am finally feeling sleepy.

Zachary: Rachel Williams why did you ignore my message?!

Zachary: You've read my message one minute ago.

Damn it. I didn't expect Zachary to check who read his message. It's impossible to turn off my read receipts for group chats. Therefore, should I continue ignoring?

Zachary: Williams I see that you're online now. You can't sleep too right.

Goodness gracious, Zachary private messaged me. Alright alright I'll reply him.

Rachel: Yeah. Go to sleep.

Zachary: The problem is I can't. Let's chat!

My WhatsApp message notification popped up again.

(COOLEST PEEPS ✌)
Ella: Zach, stop disturbing Rach, she's probably tired. PM me if you wanna chat.

Woohoo yay, yes Zach, PM Ella instead.

Zachary: It's okay Ella, have a good rest! Cya tmr!

(Private message)
Zachary: Hey, you're right we should sleep. Goodnight and good luck!

I replied him a good luck in return. Ahh, Zach wishing me good luck, this exam will be good, I thought dreamily. Oh my goodness, what am I thinking?! Dreamland wait for me!

Author's note :
Thanks for reading!! Thank you again to those who added my story to your reading list :') Did you guys expected Zachary to find them instead of Rachel? ;) I would like to know your thoughts about this story! Don't be shy, comment it below! ;D Lastly, please vote/share if you like this story!