The Incident

ISABELLA

"ARE YOU going to confess to Gia-Gianna now, Scarlett?" I asked Scarlett directly because I had the opportunity.

We're doing retouches in the Student Council's comfort room because the afternoon class starts soon. Claire was also present. Paisley, the walk-out queen, was nowhere to be found. But, as Claire stated, we're leaving her alone for the time being because she needs time to process what Scarlett has just revealed to them.

Paisley should join the drama club instead, in my opinion. Why couldn't she stand by Scarlett?

Anyway, back to where we are: we use this comfort room after lunch because the regular comfort rooms are full.

"I'm not sure. We've only recently re-established our friendship. And what if Gianna rejects me? That will be awkward for us, right? We'll never be the same friends we are now. What do you think, ladies?" Scarlett explained. I can tell she's upset from the tone of her voice.

"I believe you should take your time..." Forever. That's what I wanted to say. Why do I feel so uneasy knowing Gianna will date someone? Yes, I am just her sister, but... but... I don't know why I am feeling this way?!

Scarlett is a good catch. Beautiful, wealthy, and intelligent. This creature has nothing to like about it.

Is it possible that I'm envious? Why would I be?

"Yes, I agree with Isabella. Take your time, Scar. Know what she likes and gradually reveal your feelings for her. Smooth and chilled, "Claire stated the obvious. As if she has a lot of experience with this.

"Do you think that'll work? But I'm nervous. She turned down Madison. That girl was like a celebrity at school. Pretty, popular, smart, talented, and sexy. Claire, she rejected her! She dumped that almost-perfect girl! And... what if she's straight?"

"She isn't. I am certain Gianna is gay," Claire stated matter-of-factly. I was finished retouching, so I was focused entirely on her.

"What makes you think that?" I inquired.

"When Madison came out to them on the rooftop, I was there," Claire said as she finished applying her lip tint.

"Claire! Why are you listening in on someone else's business?" Scarlett stated as she retouched her makeup.

"I was the first!" Claire defended herself. "Anyway, there was no time for me to go down because they were talking seriously, and I couldn't help but eavesdrop. I was curious because Madison had mentioned something significant. You know, it's the same as what you did earlier." Claire looked at Scarlett, who gave her a stern look. "So I hid in the back of the mini-shed, then heard every detail of Madison's coming out to Gianna and Aria," she continued.

"What? I'm hurt. They did not invite me when this revelation occurred!" Scarlett explained.

She was finished with her makeup. She's as stunning as ever. She was finishing up her makeup. I'm sure it's to impress Gianna with her beauty.

I suddenly felt compelled to wash Scarlett's face. Argh. What's the deal with this feeling?

"Uh, girl, I heard they said they invited you, but you were busy at the time," Claire explained.

"Oh? I'm not sure. Where was I?" Scarlett explained.

Scarlett shrugged. "I don't know. Why are you enquiring of me?"

"Aish. I'm not asking you; I was just staring at you and thinking to myself, "Scarlett retorted. "So, what happened?" "Madison told them about her sexual orientation, and they accepted her easily." Then they told Madison that Aria is bisexual and Gianna is a lesbian. Take note that Gianna stated that they suspected Madison was aware of it because rumors about the two's preferences circulated in the school, which is why Madison became friends with them," Claire uttered. "Madison, on the other hand, stated that she was unaware of the rumors. But I'd heard about it. However, I did not believe it to be true."

"Oh," Scarlett and I both said.

"Is there a rumor like that? I only recently discovered it," I said.

"You're that busy, Isa? Anyway, I heard about the rumors because I was the one who was spreading them previously. I was envious of Aria and Gianna's relationship." Scarlett made her presence known. We're staring at her right now. "I know, I'm such a jerk. I'm sorry. I just want Gianna to notice me. But I had no idea they were LGBTQIA+. I falsely accused them of being a couple," she added.

"That's all right, Scar. It's all in the past. At the very least, Gianna and Aria have forgiven you." Claire supported her friend.

"Thank you, Claire," Scarlett replied. Claire simply smiled.

So it's official that Gianna was gay. Why am I suddenly overjoyed? How about me? Is it true that I'm gay? I don't know. Is it because I kissed Gianna that I'm gay? Argh! I shouldn't think about things that I know are stupid.

"What were you doing on the rooftop?" I inquired. I need to distract myself from the mind constantly thinking about Gianna right now. What did she do to me? Why am I like this?

"It's none of your business, gals," Claire said, dismissing my inquiry.

"Oh, that's an intriguing response. Come on, Claire. I'm sure you did something nefarious on the rooftop. Who are you with?" Scarlett questioned her.

Claire's face turned bright red. But we couldn't ask her any more questions because the bell rang. Claire was rescued by the bell.

~*~

THE AFTERNOON CLASS STARTED. When I arrived, I noticed Gianna wasn't in her seat. I didn't have time to ask her friend because the teacher began the lecture. When Gianna didn't show up for the second period of the afternoon class, I started to get worried.

The teacher called our names for attendance, and no one answered when Gianna's last name was called. I cast a backward glance as the teacher inquired about Gianna's whereabouts. Aria stated that she, too, had not seen her. Aria asked the teacher to excuse herself to look for Gianna; though she was hesitant, she let Aria go as the latter begged to go outside. Madison and Scarlett wanted to come, but the teacher wouldn't let them. They eventually left the classroom.

I wanted to accompany them and look for Gianna because skipping class is unusual for her.

Regardless of the scene the three girls created, it died down when the teacher shushed us and resumed his lecture. I had a bad feeling about why Gianna had gone missing. Especially when I saw Paisley smirk.

"Fuck it! Please accept my apologies, sir. I must depart!" I yelled and dashed out of the room. I heard the teacher and Claire calling my name, but I didn't want to return to the room until I saw and knew Gianna was safe.

I'm not happy about it.

I grabbed my phone and dialed Gianna's number. To my dismay, her phone number was no longer available. I tried calling her again and walking down the hall with no particular destination in mind. She didn't respond. Her phone was busy.

"Oh, Gianna! Where are you?" I told myself.

As I search the school's unoccupied rooms, I keep calling Gianna's phone. I even went through the school's locker room and janitor's closet. But Gianna wasn't there. Along the way, I ran into Aria.

"Did you find her?" I didn't care if she'd discovered Gianna and I were stepsisters.

"No," she said. She appears distressed.

"Did you manage to get in touch with her?" I asked her again. She made a shaky motion with her head. "When was the last time you saw her?" Gianna then went ahead of us. She was in a hurry, and I couldn't ask her where she was going because she was moving too fast." Aria made her presence known.

"Where could she be? This is not her. Do you believe she's in danger?"

"I believe so. You know Gianna, she's not the type to skip class even if she's ahead of the lectures."

"You're correct. Where could Gianna be?"

Madison and Scarlett appeared before Aria could answer my question.

"Bonnie, did you find her?" Madison enquired of Aria. In response, the latter simply shook their heads. "How about you?" Her eyes were fixed on me. I noticed Scarlett, who was now staring at me in a perplexed manner.

"No," I said to Madison.

"Isa? Why are you here?" Scarlett questioned me. I know what she was thinking. Why do I need to get involved? It doesn't matter to me whether or not people know Gianna and I are stepsisters. I just wanted to see Gianna right now.

"She's my stepsister, Scar," I grumbled. Her eyes widened, and she shook her head in disbelief. "I'll explain everything later, but let's find her first." Scarlett only nodded. I'm relieved she didn't argue with me.

"Did she text any of you?" I polled the three. In response, she shook her head.

"Talking of texts," Aria chimed in, "she was staring at her phone and appeared to be reading something before she left." She must have received a text message informing her of an urgent meeting that she must attend."

"I'll call Mom. Maybe she's at home," I told them. When I dialed Mom, they just nodded and circled me. She and Uncle Gary were still there. Their flight is scheduled to depart later in the evening.

My mother picked up the phone after three rings.

"Hello, mom. Yeah, I missed you, which is why I called. I'm aware. Yeah. Okay. But, mom, is Gianna there? Huh? Oh, how about in her room? No? Okay, mom... Oh, no, no. There is nothing to be concerned about. Okay, mom. I really like you. Bye." I ended the conversation with Mom. "She's not there," I informed them. They, like me, were let down.

"Where could she be?" Scarlett said this while biting her right thumb. We're all getting nervous now.

"Where did you look for her? I mean, where did you look?" I inquired of them.

"I looked in her locker and checked her belongings, but it was still there," Aria replied.

"I went to the cafeteria, library, and academic club, but she wasn't there," Madison explained.

"I checked the dance club room and other club rooms, but she was not there. What a fool I was to think she was just practicing," Scarlett told us.

"What is a dance club? Practicing? What do you mean?" I questioned her. What is Gianna doing at the dance club?

"We don't have time to argue right now. Please, let us just concentrate on finding Gianna." Aria jumped in. I didn't pursue the subject further, but I'm sure Scarlett will tell me about the dance club.

"We spent the majority of our time looking in this area. What about the rooftop? Did anyone try to check there?" No one responded, but I believe we had a mental agreement because each of us ran like a maniac and climbed to the rooftop.

Aria was the first to arrive. At first glance, the rooftop appeared to be deserted because no one was present. But we scoured the area while calling Gianna's name.

When I saw a familiar figure lying on the floor in the back of the shed, my heart skipped a beat. Gianna was covered in blood, and her uniform was ripped. Her body is covered in bruises.

My entire being began to tremble, and I froze there for a brief moment.

"Gianna!" I went to Gianna's side when I heard Aria yell. "Call 911!" I noticed Madison and Scarlett rushing to Gianna's side and calling her name. I'm checking to see if she's awake.

My knees were turning to jelly, so I had to sit on the floor before collapsing. I hadn't realized my eyes were welling up with tears.

Madison dialed 911, which I overheard. Aria and Scarlett call Gianna's name, telling her to wake up.

I tried my hardest to crawl to Gianna because I couldn't stand any longer. When I touched Gianna's feet and saw the bruises and cuts, I burst into tears. Her shoes are missing, but they could be anywhere. However, she was not wearing one at the time.

Who did this to Gianna? Why her?

"D-don't leave me," I sobbed, clutching her feet. I felt like I was choking, and my voice refused to cooperate. "D-don't leave me, Luna. W-wake up. P-please..."