Chapter 12: Graduation Day Secrets
The day of celebration had finally arrived, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Leah, resplendent in her royal blue gown with a slit at the front left side, exposing her white long and delicate leg, and a v-shaped opening at the back that stopped at her waist, her hair tied up in a messy bun with a few strands framing her face, looked stunning. Charlotte, her gold-colored dress showcasing her white and delicate back, her pepper red hair tied in a ponytail with tendrils framing her face, was equally breathtaking. Stella, her field green gown hugging her curves, her strawberry blonde hair cascading down her back, completed the trio.
As they descended the stairs, Leah heard faint sobs coming from a nearby room. Her curiosity piqued, she approached the slightly ajar door and peeked inside. A woman, her back turned, sat slump-shouldered, overcome with grief. Leah's concern grew, and she pushed the door open, followed by Charlotte and Stella.
"Hey miss, are you okay? What's wrong?" Leah asked, her voice gentle.
The woman slowly turned, revealing a familiar face – Lanna, one of the infamous twins. Her eyes were puffy, her face streaked with tears. Stella and Lanna locked eyes, a silent understanding passing between them. Maya appeared, carrying a glass of water, her gaze also fixed on Stella with a hint of guilt.
"Stella, what are you doing here?" Maya asked, her tone cautious.
"Probably making a mistake," Stella replied, her voice laced with hostility, a side of her they had never seen before.
Leah and Charlotte exchanged a confused glance, sensing a hidden story. What secrets were Stella, Lanna, and Maya hiding? And how would this revelation impact their friendship and the celebration ahead?
Leah's curiosity was piqued. "What's going on, Stella? You know Lanna and Maya, don't you?" she asked, her eyes darting between the three.
Stella's expression turned cold, her voice measured. "We have history, yes. But I didn't expect to see them here, especially not today."
Lanna's tears had stopped, replaced by a calculating gaze. "Stella, we need to talk. It's been a long time coming."
Maya's eyes pleaded with Stella, her voice soft. "Please, Stella, hear us out. We didn't mean to ruin your graduation day, but we can't keep it inside anymore."
Charlotte's eyes narrowed, sensing a deep-seated conflict. "What is it, Stella? What's going on?"
Stella's reluctance was palpable, but she nodded curtly. "Fine. Let's get this over with. But not here. Outside, where we can't be overheard."
The group moved to the garden, the tension thickening with each step. Leah felt like an outsider, but her concern for Stella kept her rooted. What secrets were they hiding? And how would this revelation change their friendship?
As they settled on a bench, Lanna began, her voice barely above a whisper. "Stella, we know what happened that night, three years ago. We know what you did."
Stella's eyes flashed, her face pale. "You don't know anything."
Maya's eyes filled with tears. "We saw you, Stella. We saw what you did to Lucy."
Leah's mind raced. What did Stella do to Lucy? And why were Lanna and Maya involved? The plot thickened, and she leaned in, eager to unravel the mystery.
....
Outside in the garden, Stella couldn't believe she would see the twins again. Her life was so much better without them, and now seeing them again felt like she was falling again, falling into that hole she had managed to crawl out of.
"We know what you did, Stella," Maya said, her voice trembling with anger. "How could you be so heartless? I thought we were best friends. We trusted you, Stella, and you broke that trust."
Stella felt confused, her mind racing. "What are you talking about? Betrayal? What nonsense is this? If there's anyone who's supposed to talk about betrayal, it's me. You guys betrayed me, not the other way around."
Maya's eyes flashed. "You really don't remember, do you? You don't remember what you did to Lucy."
Stella's eyes narrowed. "What I mean is that you knew I was with Lucas, and Lucy was having an affair with him. But none of you bothered to tell me about it until I found out myself. Now you stand here to talk about betrayal. Seriously, guys, what do you take me for? A fool."
Maya stared at Stella as if she had lost her mind. "What do you mean you and Lucas were together? Lucy and Lucas were dating, but she wanted the relationship to be a secret between us friends. I was cool with it because that was her choice, and all I could do was support her as a friend. But I started noticing your sneaky movements around Lucas, and I told Lucy, but she didn't believe me. She said you were her friend and you couldn't betray her like that. She fucking trusted you, Stella, but what did you do? You didn't leave him alone because you were too selfish and wanted Lucas all to yourself."
Stella felt like her head was about to explode, and she had heard enough of these lies. "That's enough!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the garden. "You have no idea what happened. You don't know the truth."
Charlotte and Leah stood there, feeling confused and lost, unsure of what to make of the situation. They had never seen Stella so angry and defensive before.
After a long and heated argument, Stella was finally able to express her truth and clear up the issues. The twins' anger and hurt began to dissipate, replaced by a mix of shock, guilt, and understanding.
"So, let me get this straight," Maya said, her voice softer now. "Lucas and Lucy were dating, but Lucy was aware that Lucas was also interested in you, Stella?"
Stella nodded, her eyes still flashing with emotion. "Yes, that's right. Lucy knew Lucas was asking me out, but she didn't care. She just wanted to keep him for herself, even if it meant hurting me in the process."
Lanna's eyes widened in realization. "Oh my god, we were so blind. We thought Lucy was the victim, but really, she was the one manipulating the situation."
Maya nodded in agreement. "And we fell for it. We supported her without knowing the whole story."
Stella's expression softened, her anger dissipating. "I know you guys didn't mean to hurt me. You were just caught up in Lucy's web of lies."
The twins nodded, looking at Stella with newfound understanding and respect. Charlotte and Leah watched in amazement as the tension dissipated, replaced by a sense of closure and newfound friendship.
"Well, I'm glad we finally cleared the air," Stella said, a small smile on her face.
Maya smiled back. "Me too, Stella. Me too."
And with that, the group of friends shared a warm embrace, their bond stronger than ever.