The Old Friend

ISABELLA

I WAS EXHAUSTED. I was both physically and mentally exhausted. I'm at home now, lying in my bed. My thoughts had become jumbled due to my encounter with my father at the restaurant. So I was distracting myself by scrolling through and checking my social media accounts.

My head was hurting a lot now because I'd seen the photos and videos I'd taken with Jack earlier go viral in our school's social media groups. What is the source of that man's obsession? He irritates me to no end.

I was inundated with messages, and there are numerous comments on the photo saying we look great together and are a perfect couple. Jack was also responding to them. He enjoys being in the spotlight. Paisley, didn't she take care of that guy for me earlier? However, it appears that she failed in this endeavor.

Anyway, I logged out of my social media accounts. I want to get away from this toxicity. Instead, I put on my AirPods and listened to music on my phone. I sat up straight in bed, staring at the ceiling.

Gianna has yet to return home. Mom said she'd be home late. When I asked my mother if Gianna had stated her reason for being home late, she replied that she was with her best friend Aria, assisting her with her studies.

Mom hasn't met any of Gianna's friends yet, which is a good thing because it'll be a big problem if she does.

So, Gianna is with Aria? Not with Scarlett? Because I swear, I saw Gianna hop to her car. Is this me? Eff. It had to be Scarlett's car. Argh.

Gianna is deceiving us. She's telling the truth. I know she is. Why? Maybe I'll have to ask Scarlett? But what is my reason if she asks why I care? Because... She's her tormentor! And... And they shouldn't be friends. How? When? Where?

I really need Gianna right now. I'm so depressed. I need to talk to her about my pain right now. But why does Gianna seem to be avoiding me these days? Is it my imagination? Is there something I did wrong? I know I'm not always nice to her, but she understands why I'm doing it at school, right? She understands why I ignore her and let my friends bully her, right?

Gianna? You already know the real reason. Gianna, where are you? I am in desperate need of your assistance.

I'm curious what you think of Gianna's reaction to my biological father showing up and bothering to meet me when he's going to die anyway. I've finally met my biological father, but I'm not pleased. I'm not happy because who would be? First, he abandoned my mother and me for sixteen years. And now he's dying; he wanted to see us make amends? If that isn't selfish, I'm not sure what you call what he's doing now.

My biological father has chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It can no longer be treated. According to what I overheard during their conversation, they tried chemotherapy, but it didn't work. He was diagnosed with CLL a year ago. He's now frail. That's why he was with her other daughter, who accompanied him.

My father was ten years older than my mother, which I discovered. He was her teacher back then, and he was married. He left us because he was married and couldn't bear the thought of being separated from his original family. Her daughter, Vivian, who introduced herself, was five years older. She was the one who mostly spoke on my biological father's behalf because he was becoming increasingly frail.

I felt sorry for him, but I still can't find the forgiveness he seeks in my heart. According to Vivian, Victor, my biological father, tried to find us after revealing to his family that he had committed adultery while still teaching and had an illegitimate child. He revealed this information after his wife died three years ago.

Vivian went on to say that his siblings were upset and didn't contact him until he told them he had leukemia. My father's legal family consists of five children. This family has two boys and three girls. The first three siblings have started their own families, while the two younger girls are still unmarried. Vivian was still in college. They had traveled a long distance from their home.

Aside from what they've learned and discovered from my mother and me living here, they'll try one more round of chemotherapy for her father here in Justice because they've heard it has a good hospital for cancer patients. As a result, they decided to give it another shot.

Vivian also stated that her second oldest brother lived here and that he was the one who suggested coming here before they discovered that my mother and I were also living here. Small world, huh?

Vivian was friendly and seemed nice, but I couldn't bring myself to say anything or even smile. My father will smile as he looks at me through his weak eyes. He keeps apologizing, and every time he looks at me, his eyes welled up with tears. My mother was holding my hand as I attempted to walk away. I agreed to meet him anyway, so I'll have to put up with it.

That was a long dinner for me. It was awkward, and I was experiencing a variety of unfamiliar emotions.

I was relieved when dinner was ready, and we went home. I was silent, and Mom understood that I didn't want to talk, so we drove home quietly. I went silently to my room as well, and I haven't left since.

I waited for Gianna, but our rooms were close together, so I asked if she was home. I want to call or text her, but I don't care if she's with Aria. That girl is clingy to Gianna, so I'm sure the term "privacy" does not apply to them.

I was still thinking about what happened earlier in the restaurant and what I should do about my father's request to spend time with him while he was in Justice when I fell asleep.

"YOU LOOK HORRIBLE," Paisley said to me as I sat in our usual seat for our first period.

"You look like ten demons have chased you, Isa," Scarlett added.

"I awoke late, and I wasn't feeling well. As a result, I didn't have time to fix my hair or makeup. Do I look that bad?" I was still panting when I said those words. But I'm glad I wasn't late. It will not be appropriate for me to be late as the president of the SC.

"Make your hair look presentable. You still have ten minutes, so go to the restroom and fix yourself, "Claire stated the obvious. "Would you like me to accompany you? Isa?"

I was looking at Gianna's group. She arrived on time, as she always did, and she looked great. Gianna enjoyed playing with Madison and Aria. Why do I feel so betrayed every time someone makes her happy rather than me? I miss her.

"Oh, no. I'm all right. I'll go on my own. I'll be right back, "I said as I dashed to the ladies restroom. We were fortunate in that the designated room was close to the restroom.

When I arrived, I was the only one in the comfort room. I immediately applied some light makeup to my face and fixed my hair. That took me at least five minutes, and I returned to the room as quickly as I could. I was on time and just walked in behind you. I was not late. Yahoo!

Time flew by, and it was afternoon again for club activities. I ensured that the SC would not have any activities today to practice for this year's national cheerleading competition. We were champions last year, so we're under a lot of pressure this year, especially since I'm the team captain. My primary responsibility is to care for the members and keep our routines running smoothly.

It was break time, and I needed to pee, so I dashed to the nearest restroom. When I arrived, I went straight to one of the stalls and let mother nature do her thing. I was so relieved. I was wiping my vajayjay with a tissue when I heard someone moaning in another stall. They were trying to suppress the moan, but the other couldn't seem to hide it because she was cumming. Yes, it was a female. I also heard the other girl shouting the other girl's name. It was a familiar name, and I'm sure I know who it is.

I was frozen in place for a split second, unsure of what to do. I was startled when the other stall opened, so I sat quietly there and waited for my friends to leave. When I was confident that no one was present, I opened my stall only to discover that someone had stepped in front of it and was now blocking my path.

"I know I heard someone come in. I'm sorry if you had to hear that, Miss President. She can't stop calling out my name, "Smirking, the girl said.

I was getting scared, but I wasn't going to show it to her. I wasn't the same girl she had known before.

"It's fine, Miss Kim. Just make sure to do it in the proper location the next time. If I catch you again, I'll make sure to report you." I stated sternly. I wanted to congratulate myself for not stuttering.

"Oooh, sexy. Isa, you're making my eyes water every time I see you. You haven't forgotten about me, have you?" She said as she leaned in closer to me.

I instinctively stepped back, but I also worried that she'd be able to corner me if I kept stepping back. Worst of all, I will give her a chance to win against me. Again.

"Stop right there, Madison. Don't even try to get close to me. I am not the weak girl you used to bully. And if you want to continue studying here, make sure you know where you're going."

"Off you go, feisty." Madison did come to a halt, but her teasing smile was accompanied by an amused look. Damn her! "No, you're not cute; cry baby Isabella in elementary school. You're gorgeous and hot right now, and it turns me on. Did you hear the girl earlier? Miss President, if you want to have fun with me, I can do more than that."

She was trying to be cute, but her yelling out made me cringe.

"Don't you dare, Madison? Get out of here before I change my mind about reporting your bad behavior inside the school." I said quietly. I want to let her know who is now in charge of this school.

Yes, Madison was one of my worst bullies in elementary school. When she transferred here, I couldn't believe it. I was worried that Madison would reveal who I was in elementary school, or worse, that the girl would tell my friends that I was that weak little girl before. But I was relieved when she kept her mouth shut. I was concerned when she became friends with Gianna, but as time passed, Gianna only asked once about Madison. Then, when I told her I didn't want to talk about her, Gianna dropped the subject.

That is why I adore Gianna. She always understands and respects my decisions. I had no idea Madison was gay, but that's not my concern. I'm just wondering if Gianna and Aria are aware of it. Madison appears to be genuine in her friendship with them. They were always having a good time, making Gianna laugh a lot.

But it's also possible that Madison is merely acting. I'd describe her as a two-faced b*tch.

Do you agree? Shut up and switch egos.

"Whoa. Miss President, you're so solemn. Don't worry; I'll leave right now. I have things to do, and I'll also see my lovely friends." I wouldn't say I like her smirk. "And don't worry, I won't tell your sister that we're friends. Or should I say, stepsister?" She sighed, winked, and exited the restroom.

My knees began to weaken, so I had to lean against the stall for support. How much more did that b*tch know about me?