The Girl Hiding In The Shadows

Chapter 31

Rachel's POV

I clenched up my fists tightly as I walked towards the restroom. Millions of thoughts are running through my mind. I was still thinking whatever I wanted to say later as I approached the restroom door.

I could hear laughter coming from the restroom. Unmistakably those voices belong to Ella and her friends. I sure hope Nicole and Helen aren't inside. Initially, I wanted to open the door like a normal person would. However, now I just want to knock down the door. Anger took control of my actions and I allowed it.

*Bam!*

Those laughter immediately went dead and a few gasps could be heard. They took one look on my face and quickly scurried out of the restoom, leaving behind Ella and I. Ella smirked in triumph as she touched up on her lipstick.

I took slow steps towards Ella as I tried to fathom why the hell did she say that to Zachary.

"Why did you confess to Zachary, when you knew that we're dating?" My tone was firm and filled with sarcasm.

"Yeah. What's the big deal? Those married celebrities also received numerous love confessions too right?" Ella argued back with her hands on her hips.

"That comparison doesn't apply to this situation! Zachary knows you. Those celebrities doesn't know anything about their fans. You knew that Zachary wouldn't do anything to hurt you! So you toyed with his sense of guilt!" I held back from the urge to scream right at her face.

Ella's hand stopped mid air as she was keeping her makeup materials. Ella obviously stiffened after what I've just said.

"Don't. Don't make me look like the bad guy here. In fact, Zach still has the choice of choosing either you or me. Since you both just started dating, the feelings aren't that strong yet."

"What the hell? You better st-"

"Oh my God, that teacher is so annoying. It's not like girls needed to go toilet for fun right." I was in the middle of warning Ella when a pair of girls walked into the restroom.

"Oops, sorry. Have we interrupted you both?" One of the girls asked as they started to back away. I believe they could sense the weird tension between Ella and I.

"No you didn't." Ella replied them first and glare at me before giving them a reassurance smile.
____________________________________________

*flashback*

I was in the living room watching some drama with my mum when I saw Zachary's name popped up on my phone. I excused myself and went upstairs to answer his call in my room.

"Hey, what's up?" I greeted Zachary and couldn't hide the smile from my voice.

"Hey. Are you alone?" Zachary asked slowly and made me frowned at his question.

"Yeah.. Why?"

"Er.. Well.."

"Zach, you can tell me whatever that's on your mind." I encouraged him to continue as I sensed his hesitation.

"Ella just told me that she likes me."

"What the hell is wrong with her?! This is so damn ridiculous!"

"Rachel, hey, calm down. It's not like she can do anything, right?" Zachary tried to make me think on the bright side.

"She can, if she wants to."

"Rach, Ella isn't that kind of person.."

"Then why did she even confess to you in the first place??"

"Ella told me, because she didn't want to have any regrets for not telling me how she feels about me." Zachary explained patiently as I lay on the bed staring at the ceiling.

"My foot! Obviously that's not the only reason."

"Rach, what other reasons could there be?"

I was silent for a moment before answering Zachary.

"I.. I don't know her other intentions of doing so. But, I know it's not that simple!"

Zachary chuckled at the other end and said, "I kind of like the sound of jealousy from you."

"Zachary Davis! We're talking about serious matter here!" I reprimanded Zachary in a joking way and blushed a little. Thank goodness we're not talking face to face right now.

"Rach, just relax and trust that our feelings for each other are stronger. We'll see how things go from here, alright?"

I mumbled an okay and we both hang up after saying goodbye.

*present-time*

Zachary must have thought that I am over reacting and over thinking. *sighs* I drew some random shapes with my shoes on the sandy floor as I sat on the marble chair.

"Is this seat taken?" I was startled by the sudden question from a stranger.

Oh wait, she's not a stranger at all.

"Ah, no." I replied with a smile and scooted over to the side, making space for our friend here.

"So, it has been quite some time since we spoke to each other right?"

"Yeah.. I guess so." I answered with a shrug.

"Well, I'm sorry, Rachel. This apology is a long overdue one." The last word came out as a whisper as Jane looked at me sheepishly.

It took me quite a while to register what Jane was talking about. The fall.

"Oh. Apology accepted. As a matter of fact, I've forgiven you long ago." I gave Jane a sincere smile as she let out a breath of relief.
"I've heard about you and Zachary." Jane simply stated which made me look at her.

Jane laughed softly as she heard my loud huh.

"I figured you've received enough negativity for the relationship. Therefore, I'm here to give you a positivity boost! I know this might seem shocking to you. But, I am really happy for the both of you. Honestly, I already expected this to happen." Jane added with a playful wink.

"Expected this to happen?" I repeated Jane's last sentence as an eyebrow shot upwards.

"Uh huh. You should have seen the both of you gazed at each other. When you thought no one was seeing."

This time it was me who laughed out loud. I really needed that laugh.

"Thank you, Jane." I smiled gratefully at Jane as she stood up and nodded in response.

"Anytime." Jane walked away and disappeared around the corner.

I wondered if it was what happened that made Jane changed into a much friendlier person. No matter what's the reason, I definitely like this side of Jane more than the other.

Jane's right, I needed that boost of positivity. I stared into the distance and thought about the whole situation again. I believe in Zachary. I believe in us.

Author's note :
Second update in a week! :D I hereby announce that my term tests are officially over! :) Jane finally made an appearance after sooo long ;) What do you think of Rachel's and Ella's response? Don't forget to vote/comment/share the story, if you liked it! Thanks for reading! :P