"You were right."
That was Bella on a video call with Sabrina. As siblings with completely opposite personalities, it was always Bella who made their calls to be filled with laughter. Sabrina was usually some type of an audience, only there to enjoy her sister's wit and comedy.
It was different that day. Bella was super low and blue. Sabrina knew there was never going to be laughter on that call, not that day.
"I was right about what?" Sabrina asked.
"Zabron. He's really hiding something from me." Bella explained sadly. "I confronted him today and he confessed. But he didn't tell me what it was. I guess he doesn't trust me even after we've been together for 2 years."
"I've told you before. Time means nothing in relationships _"
"What is he hiding from me?" Bella interrupted her. She wasn't interested in a lecture from her little sister. Maybe next time.
"Why are you asking me?"
"Because you're the one who pushed me to the edge. I kept going back to your words, unaware that I was sinking into the depths of despair. That day you sounded like you knew more than the Bible. So I'm here now, ready to listen. It's not like I have a choice."
"Bella, I don't _"
"Don't even think about lying to me, Bree. Start talking. What is Zabron hiding from me and where did you find out about it?"
"If I tell you what I know, I'll be betraying the one who told me." Sabrina said, concerned.
"My relationship is hanging by a thread and all you care about is betraying your informant? What if she lied to you? What if she's a liar who's just jealous of my relationship with Zabron?"
"Lessin is not _" Sabrina blurted out. She covered her mouth fast the moment she realized she fucked up.
"It's Lessin?" Bella was taken aback. "Lessin is your informant?"
"No _ I mean, yeah, but _" She stammered. "I wasn't supposed to say anything. If she finds out that I told you _"
"Bree, are you for real? I'm your sister here." Bella spoke with anger. "Your own blood is having relationship problems but your worry is how Lessin is going to see you? Who the fuck is Lessin to you? If you need a blood transfussion, I'm the one they're going to call, not fucking Lessin."
Sabrina's jaw clenched. She too was starting to get angry. "Stop insulting her."
"Do you hear yourself? Help me figure my shit out. You're the only one who can _"
"I can't tell you. Your relationship with Zabron was bound to end. You should thank me for not wasting your time."
"You're a pest, a parasite. Whatever you think Lessin is doing for you is bullshit. I'm the only true friend you have in this world. Fuck you for not seeing it."
"Go ahead and call me whatever nasty word you can think of, but leave Lessin out of this. She's the victim, not you! She's suffered enough because of you two. Leave her alone."
Bella failed to understand her sister. Was she bewitched by Lessin or something? She didn't know. Sabrina's sexuality was still a secret, so amongst the possible what ifs, Sabrina being in love with Lessin wasn't on the list.
"The fuck is wrong with you?"
"I'm glad you and your boyfriend broke up. I'm sure Lessin will finally breathe again."
"You know, don't call me until you're ready to apologize for being the world's worst sister."
Bella hung up first.
…
Helzeny was like a wild, hungry racoon digging inside a garbage can looking for anything to feed itself. She scrolled down Zydal's Instagram page trying to find any photo of her with her brother. Her eyes were opened so wide, adrenaline rushing like an electric train. She hoped she's wrong. Scully was the only guy she met during the break and she turned him down, maybe not in a pretty way but she'd tried to sound as calm as possible.
She wasn't interested in him to begin with so yeah, she might've missed some features on his face. Then _ beat. Her fingers froze. The photo she was looking for was right before her. There was Zydal and there was Scully standing next to her. She zoomed Scully in, his face specifically. The two dots Jamal mentioned were as clear as summer sky, on his left cheek at that.
"No." She gasped.
There are things in this world that are expected to happen, like dying. She'd made herself believe that Scully was a well-behaved, mature guy who'd take rejection as a minor setback and just move on. If Jamal lied then he's an excellent pathological liar. But she knew Jamal inside out. He wasn't a good liar. She had no choice but to believe that it was happening.
But _
She didn't want to suffer alone. It was Zydal who begged her to meet her brother. If anybody was supposed to know about the mess that was building up, it was her. Helzeny shot her a text asking them to meet the next day. She made sure to emphasize the importance of it. They needed to talk.
***