Payback

Chapter 8: The Red Envelope

"There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true." -Soren Kierkegaard

Always be careful, Gabrielle. Not everything you see is true. Have a nice day! -H💋

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"Hey, Shine. You go ahead. I left something in my locker," I told Shine while we were walking to first period.

"Okay, but hurry up. Class is about to start soon," she reminded and I gave her a quick nod before walking to my locker.

As I approached the hallway where my locker is located, I instantly saw Ian looking at my locker. My eyebrows furrowed while staring at him.

He shook his head while looking at the red object he was holding. He looked around if there is anyone in the hallway so I immediately hid inside the janitor's closet. When he was done doing his background search or something, he quickly slid the object he was holding inside my locker and then walked away.

When the coast is clear, I ran out of the janitor's closet and opened my locker. I grabbed the thing he put in here which turned out to be a red envelope. It was addressed to me and when I examined what's inside, my eyes widened to see that it was a letter from my secret admirer.

I held on to my mouth while reading. Could Ian be my admirer? If so, then why would he do this while dating Faith?

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"Hey, Gab!" Faith greeted while setting her tray on the table. I looked at her and instantly, I felt uncomfortable when I saw that he was with Ian.

"Hi, Faith, " I greeted back. "Ian." I gave him a small nod, acknowledging his presence.

When they sat down, I couldn't help but think about what happened earlier. Faith was telling me something and all I can answer were nods.

I kept glancing at Ian. I badly wanted to ask him but Faith is still here and I'm not sure if I want her to know.

Faith then told us that she'll just order a fruit cup which left me and Ian alone in the table.

"Ian, " I said, getting his attention.

He raised his eyebrows. "Yes, Gabbie?"

"Uhmm... I saw you a while a–"

"I'm such a nice friend. I got the both of you desserts, " Faith said when she returned. She handed me and Ian a fruit cup.

"Thanks, love, " Ian said.

"Thanks, Faith." I gave her a small smile.

"You're welcome, babies, " she said before opening her cup. I did the same and just ate quietly, still bugged that I wasn't able to ask Ian.

☔︎・☔︎・☔︎

"What's that?" Faith asked when she saw me holding the red envelope while I'm fixing my things.

"Huh? It's nothing, " I said, hiding it in my back.

She furrowed her eyebrows. "You've been acting strange lately.  A while ago, you were just nodding at everything I say, and while we were practicing, you seem like you are not really into it. Are you okay?" she asked, putting her hand on my forehead.