The Love Team

ISABELLA

"WHAT'S WRONG, Isa?" Claire enquired.

"Huh?" I decided to look at her. I was resting my chin on my left hand and didn't bother to change my position.

"You don't appear to be in the best of spirits these days."

"Am I?"

"Yeah. Do you already have feelings for Jack?" Paisley jumped in. She was teasing me yet again. If I'm not mistaken, she's the one who has feelings for Jack.

We are currently in my assigned office in the SC room. It was a closed-door room, and there were no other members of the SC present at the time, so they were free to roam.

I was sitting on the one-seat couch and had no idea I was zoning out.

"No. How many times do I have to tell you that I dislike him, Pais? I may appear arrogant, but he is not my type. I know you like him. Do you want us to assist you in obtaining him?" I asked.

"Whoa. Whoa. Who said I like that jerk?"

"Pais, you sound very defensive right now," Claire said.

"Your face is strawberry red right now, Pais," I added and teased her.

"What the hell is going on? I despise that a$$hole." Paisley continued to deny it, but it was clear that she had romantic feelings for the guy.

Claire and I just smiled at each other. Paisley is the queen of denial.

"Anyway, have you seen Scarlett?" Paisley shifted the subject.

"Yeah, where is she?" I seconded.

"She went home. She claimed it was an emergency. Did she not text you two?" Claire told us.

"No." Paisley and I both said it at the same time.

"She only texted you? Wow. That's a bad friendship, huh?" Paisley sulked.

"Don't get me wrong. Scarlett didn't text me either. I ran into her on my way there. I forgot to tell you two when I arrived earlier because you were both daydreaming." Claire defended herself.

Paisley was the sulky type of the four of us. She's also a bit possessive.

"Okay. You are forgiven," Paisley said as if Claire had made a mistake that needed to be forgiven.

As soon as she arrived, she forgot to tell us about her encounter. But, as she said, we were zoning out, so she couldn't tell us right away.

"Scarlett has been acting these past few days strangely," Claire observed.

"I know, right? I thought I was the only one who noticed." Paisley agreed.

"And she's been reticent recently. I hadn't heard her nag or bully anyone in a few days," I said.

Claire replied, "Do you believe she's ill? Or is it possible that she is now taking drugs? Because one strange thing is that she's becoming more friendly and always smiling."

"That's right!" Paisley and I both exclaimed.

"Scarlett looked and behaved that way when we were in elementary school. Scarlett, the cheerful and ever-smiling. I miss that old Scarlett, but she's changed now. I'm convinced she's ill. Should we pay her a visit to their mansion?" Claire confessed.

"I, too, am becoming concerned. But we'll do it tomorrow because you said Scarlett has an emergency today." I informed Claire.

Claire nodded.

"What do you think, Pais?" I inquired of the more petite girl. She was secretive now. What's the deal with everyone?

"Let's ask her tomorrow. Let's just go home now. I, too, am not feeling well," she stated.

"Okay. I have nothing else planned for today, so let's just go home. But don't forget that we have practice tomorrow, okay?" I told them.

They simply nodded in agreement. We packed our belongings and went home after I was sure I had closed the SC room.

Jack appeared as we were about to leave the school. He appears to have been patiently waiting outside. I gave a phony smile. Especially when he gave me a bouquet. That was a thoughtful gesture, but he has her girl and gay fans on his side who are rooting for him.

One of her girl fans was holding the bouquet, and he just snapped his fingers, and the girl ran as if she were Jack's maid and handed it to him. I noticed how the girl bowed while waiting for Jack to take the flowers from her hand. These girls have no regard for themselves. Jack treats them as maids rather than fans.

I almost scoffed at what I saw, but instead, I forced a smile. That was only Jack's worth. A fake smile for a fake affection. Is it because I can see myself in him that I am disgusted with him? We're both imposters. Maybe that's why I'm not delighted with him.

Anyway, I took the flowers and heard the girls squeal. Jack and his minions spread rumors that Jack was patiently pursuing me. That Jack is diligent, and his love is patient and selfless. That Jack is head over heels in love with me.

Those rumors make me want to fart. Because hearing those makes me want to expel the noxious oxygen from my body.

Other girls were filming as well. I'm sure they'll post it on their group chats and pages dedicated to this conceited boy.

"Hello, Isa. You're looking stunning today," Jack stated. Because of what he said, his minions were squealing like butchered pigs. It's as if Jack told them those words.

"Thank you." Jack is a handsome guy, but I am familiar with his type. He just wanted to gain popularity, so he acted as if he wanted me.

"You're going home, right? Can I drive you home? I really want to spend more time with you. Isa, I adore you. No, I think I'm falling for you," he stated.

I want to fucking laugh. It's obvious what Jack is doing, but her fan club is really buying it. They were yelping. The poor girls and gays. They were blinded by the physical appearance of the devil.

I was about to respond when I noticed Gianna walking down to the school's entrance. I had no idea I was spying on her. I had this strong desire to run alongside her and accompany her home. Surprisingly, she was alone this time. She's walking quickly as if she's in a hurry.

But she was in a hurry because it appeared that a familiar car was waiting for her not far from the school gate. Gianna entered the car as soon as the door opened. I was astounded. I couldn't believe what I had witnessed.

My first reaction was to turn around and look at my friends in the back. I'm not sure how to feel because it appears that they didn't see what I just saw. Paisley was concentrating on Jack while Claire was tapping on her phone. I turned around to see Gianna and the familiar car, but they were already gone. I was relieved but not feeling well at the same time.

"Isa? What are you—-" Jack asked and was about to look in the direction I was looking, but I was too quick to cup his face with my two hands, causing him to only look at me.

The familiar car was not far away. And I believe Jack was aware of who owned that car as well. It was just instinct. I had no intention of doing so, but I just realized it was a bad idea.

When I did that, his fans celebrated and teased us.

"Kiss! Kiss!" I received a call from them.

Jack was beaming from ear to ear. I was stunned for a moment and didn't know what to do. When I realized Jack would take advantage of the situation and looked like he was about to kiss me, I calmly backed out.

"Awwww," I heard his fans say, disappointed.

"I'm sorry, but I have an emergency today. Maybe next time. Thank you for the flowers. Good-bye." I quickly grabbed Claire and Paisley's hands and walked briskly outside the school.

I didn't give Jack a chance to say anything and just walked as fast as I could, dragging my two friends along with me. My mother, too, was an angel because she was always on time. I had no idea she was going to pick me up today and that she was going to be home. But I was grateful for her saving me from trouble.

"Hello there, Isa. Can you let go of our hands now?" Claire blurted out, and I realized I was still holding their hands.

"I'm sorry," I said.

"Are you really uninterested in Jack?" Paisley enquired. We were standing on the side of Mom's car. I motioned with my hands to Mom to wait a moment. My mother only nodded.

"I've already stated that I dislike the boy. Anyway, hop in so we can drive you home," I told them.

"That's all right. My brother will pick me up today. Instead, bring Paisley," Claire replied

"No, I am fine. Next time, Isa. I'll clean up your messes first." She gave me a wink. This girl is up to something. Whatever it is, she is the only one who knows.

"So, Pais, good luck. Just be careful, please. Claire, you as well. See you both tomorrow."

"You, too," they replied.

We kissed each other on the cheeks before departing separately.

"Hello, mom. Thank you for bearing with me," I said this as I hopped into the car and kissed her cheek.

"There's no need to worry, baby. Is there something wrong?" She drove after seeing me settled and wearing a seatbelt.

"None, mom."

"Did you and your friends fight?"

"No, Mom."

I sighed. I can't get rid of the memory of what I saw earlier. Is that real? I'll have to ask Gianna to confirm.

"Did you and Gianna fight?"

"No, Mom."

"Are you sure?"

You could call it a mother instinct. Of course, mothers are always aware of their children's emotions. I hope it was the same for other aspects.

"Yes, mom. We are fine." I guess.

Sure, I guess. Gianna and I never fought, but she has avoided me for the past few days. Is it just me who thinks she's doing that? I know she was busy at school, but I don't know why I feel this way. Maybe I just missed her. Gianna is always there for me whenever I need her.

Aside from that, I'm not sure how I feel about what I saw earlier. It was as if I had been struck by lightning, and I felt betrayed and hurt. My head hurts just thinking about those things.

"Okay, darling. But you are aware that Mommy is always here for you, right? If you want to talk about anything, I'm all ears. "

I am incredibly grateful to my mother for her patience. I couldn't have asked for anything better.

"Thank you very much, Mom. I will." I gave her a warm smile.

"That's all right. But I was curious as to who had given you this lovely flower. So, who is the unlucky one?" My mother made fun of me.

I completely forgot about the flowers. Damn. I wanted to throw it, but Jack's minions watched, so I couldn't.

"It didn't matter. I don't have a boyfriend, and I don't have time for one right now, mom, " I said seriously.

"Whoa. Tiger, easy. I'm glad you're so dedicated, Belle. But don't forget to have fun as well, okay? There's no need to panic, sweetie. Have fun with your youth."

"Thank you, Mom. I love you." My mother is absolutely incredible. "And, by the way, where are we going?" When I realized we weren't going home, I asked her.

"We'll eat at Haruto's. Someone wanted to meet you," she stated.

"Are you going to get married again, Mom?" I inquired. The last time she did this to me was when she introduced me to Uncle Gary.

"No, silly." She chuckled. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you about this sooner because I'm not sure how you'll react, but he begged me to let him see you."

When she said those words, my heart raced. I know who she was referring to, but I don't think I'm emotionally prepared for this.

Mom pulled over to the side of the road.

"Belle? I'm sorry, baby. I should have told you before I ambushed you in meeting up with him, but I don't know how to persuade you. He keeps bothering me and spamming me about you."

"Are you referring to my biological father?" I just need to confirm it. I can't look at Mom right now. I'm not sure what to feel or say, but I'm not looking forward to this meeting.

"Yes, Belle," she said. She was staring at me. I can see from my peripheral vision. "He's dying, Belle. He just told me this a week ago when he called, and that's why he wanted to see you. I couldn't say no to his request, Belle. I hope you understand."

I sincerely hope I understand. My biological father wanted to see me because he is about to die? What's the hurry? So he can have a happy ending before he dies? What a self-centered jerk!

There was a brief silence. I'm not sure what to say, but I agreed to meet with my biological father anyway.