Chapter 52 : Goodbye

"You've become quite close with Amaya these past days," Demi remarked, her gaze locked on Zeya, searching for any hint of deeper emotions behind her casual demeanour. She held a glass of juice, but her attention was solely on Zeya's expression.

"Yeah, we've become," Zeya replied, her voice light and carefree, a smile dancing on her lips as she continued typing on her phone, seemingly unfazed. Demi felt a knot tighten in her stomach, her fingers tightening around the glass, the cool surface contrasting with the heat of her unease. "Zeya–" she hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper.

Suddenly, Zeya erupted with joy, her eyes sparkling like stars. "Ama invited us to a football game!" she exclaimed, her mouth forming a wide grin that radiated pure excitement. "I'll tell Somi!" Without missing a beat, Zeya dialed Somiya, her fingers flying over the screen. Demi's heart sank as she lowered her gaze, clenching her jaw tightly, the muscles in her face tightening as she placed the glass on the table with a soft thud. As Zeya finished her call, she turned to Demi, her face alight with enthusiasm. "Let's get ready!" Zeya chirped, dashing towards her room, leaving Demi standing there, a swirl of conflicted emotions brewing within her.

Demi stood frozen, watching Zeya dig through her cupboard, tossing dresses aside and creating chaos in the room. "Just wear the light green one. It looks beautiful on you," Demi suggested, noticing Zeya's hesitation as she eyed the dress with uncertainty.

"No," Zeya shot back, her voice rising in pitch. "Ama hates green." Demi rolled her eyes, unable to hold back her hatred towards Amaya, she spat. "Of course she would. How can a walking, talking red flag not hate green?"

Zeya's expression hardened, her eyes narrowing into a glare. "Demi, stop it! What's your problem with Ama?" she snapped, anger lacing her words. "She hasn't done anything to you! Why do you always talk bad about her? Let this be the last time, Demi. I won't tolerate it next time." With that, she turned back to her search for a dress.

"Seriously, Zeya?!? You're fighting with me over Amaya, who just came into your life a few months ago?" Demi asked, disbelief etched across her face. Zeya sighed, her gaze fierce and unwavering as she met Demi's eyes. "Yes, I will. Not just with you—if I have to, I'll fight the whole world."

Demi scoffed, licking her lips as she shot back, "Aren't you forgetting something, Zeya? She's already engaged." Zeya clenched her fists, swallowing hard as she stood tall, staring defiantly at Demi. "Your problem is I'm falling for an engaged girl, isn't it? For your peace of mind, Seth and Ama are going to break off their engagement as soon as Ama hits eighteen. And it's Ama herself who told me this." With that, Zeya grabbed a dress and stormed toward her bathroom to change.

"And with it, Xavier once again blocked Fred's goal!"

"Damn it!" Sophia, Elli, and Amaya exclaimed, frustration bubbling over as they swung their arms in the air, their faces flushed with anger. They shot fierce glares at Xavier, the determined goalkeeper of Team Dwan. Fred, Seth, and Jay exchanged knowing glances, their eyes sparkling with resolve, silently acknowledging that this was their moment to seize the game.

"Ama," Zeya called softly, her voice barely rising above the crowd's roar. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her eyes wide with hope as she looked at Amaya. Amaya, lost in the heat of the match, turned her head slightly but quickly returned her focus to the field, the tension in her jaw tightening. Zeya felt her smile fade, a heavy weight settling in her chest as disappointment washed over her. She had chosen her outfit with care, hoping it would catch Amaya's eye, and now, seeing that lack of recognition, a bittersweet sadness crept in.

Taking a deep breath, she summoned her courage, reaching out to place her hand on Amaya's shoulder, warmth radiating from her palm. But just as she made contact, Sophia swooped in, enveloping Amaya in a tight hug, her expression fierce and protective, pushing Zeya away. Demi's hands balled into fists, her brow furrowing as she watched the scene unfold, a storm of emotions swirling within her at Amaya's dismissive reaction toward Zeya.

In the game, Jay snatched the ball from one of the Dawn team with a swift, decisive motion, his foot striking the ball with a satisfying thud. He raised his leg, eyes gleaming with determination as he aimed for the goal. Xavier, a confident smirk plastered across his face, braced himself to block the shot. He noticed Jay shifting to the left, and with a powerful leap, he aimed to intercept. But just as he soared through the air, Jay's smirk changed into a cunning grin as he expertly passed the ball behind him to a teammate. Xavier landed hard on the ground, the impact startling, and as he lifted his head, his heart sank when he saw the ball gliding toward Fred.

Fred was ready, his body tense with anticipation, a fierce determination etched across his face. Xavier clenched his fists, excitement coursing through his veins as he scrambled to his feet, his breath quickening. He watched the ball flying toward the right side, and with all his might, he leaped to block it. But his eyes widened in disbelief when Jay, with a flick of his foot, changed the ball's path mid-air, sending it seamlessly to Seth. In an instant, Seth seized the opportunity, striking the ball with precision, his face a mask of focus, sending it into the net with a perfect goal.

*Whistle*

"Yayyyyy!!!! Goal!!!!" The crowd erupted in a thunderous roar, the sound washing over the stadium like a wave. Sophia, Elli, Amaya, Somiya, Demi, and Zeya, all in the front row, screamed at the top of their lungs, their faces flushed with excitement, eyes sparkling like stars. Zeya turned eagerly to Amaya, her arms outstretched for a hug, her face radiant with joy. But her smile faltered as she watched Amaya dash past her, racing down to the field. The cheers around her faded into a dull hum as she caught sight of Amaya's brightest smile, a beacon of happiness, as she enveloped Seth in a warm embrace, the moment starkly contrasting the emptiness that settled in Zeya's chest.

"Never saw her so happy ever. You still believe she'll break off the engagement?" Demi asked, her voice laced with a mix of curiosity and an undercurrent of jealousy as she watched Zeya's gaze lingered on Seth and Amaya. The sight of them together, their laughter ringing like a sweet but painful melody, twisted something deep inside her.

"Her best friend won the game. Of course, she would be happy," Zeya replied, her tone steady but her own heart betraying her confidence. Each laugh from Amaya felt like a dagger to her heart. She tried to search through her memories but failed to recall a time when Amaya smiled like this while she was with her. The warmth of that smile brought a sense of longing and regret, leaving Zeya to wonder if she had ever brought that kind of joy into Amaya's life.

Demi tilted her head, a knowing frown creeping onto her face as she pressed, "Why were you shocked by Amaya's smile? Hasn't she smiled like that before? Especially in front of you?" Zeya's lips trembled, the weight of Demi's words pressing down on her. She wanted to scream that this was different, but every smile from Amaya felt like a promise she could never fulfil. The memory of Amaya's declaration to break the engagement echoed in her mind, but now, seeing her so blissfully happy with Seth made Zeya doubt everything.

"Let's go!" Somiya suddenly exclaimed, her hand gripping both Demi and Zeya's wrists, pulling them happily towards Cheetah's group.

"Good job, boys!" The coach of Cheetah clapped his hands on Fred's and Jay's shoulders, a proud grin lighting up his face. "You guys absolutely crushed it today!" The air buzzed with excitement as Amaya and Seth let go of each other, and exchanged a smile. Amaya's eyes sparkled as she turned to coach, "Didn't I tell you that you wouldn't regret it?" she said, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. "My friends are better than the best!"

"Sorry for not agreeing with you earlier. So, what's your plan after this game? Want to become an official member of Cheetah?" the coach inquired, his voice filled with enthusiasm while looking at boys. But Amaya's smile faded as her gaze caught a glimpse of Riya from Little Angel in the crowd, her heart sinking. The vibrant cheers around her faded into a dull roar as she felt a rush of urgency. Without a second thought, she dashed toward the exit, her sneakers pounding against the sidewalk. Suddenly, a firm grip stopped her in her tracks. Turning around, she found Zeya's hands clasping hers, warmth radiating from their touch. Amaya's heart raced as she glanced back toward the door, but Riya had already vanished.

"Where are you going?" Zeya asked, her voice tinged with concern as she watched Amaya turn away. Amaya sighed, a hint of frustration in her eyes as she faced Zeya. "Nowhere that matters. We're having an after-party with Cheetah, so I can't drop you off. Just make sure you get home safely, okay?" She gently caressed Zeya's cheek, a bittersweet gesture that lingered in the air as she walked away, leaving Zeya feeling abandoned in the shadows.

Demi stood behind Zeya, her gaze fixed on Amaya's retreating figure. "She didn't even once ask if you'd like to go to the party," Demi stated flatly, her expression like a mask, revealing nothing. Zeya clenched her fists, frustration bubbling to the surface as she shot back, "We have an exam tomorrow. She doesn't want to disturb my study." The words came out sharper than she intended, but the hurt was undeniable. Demi raised an eyebrow, her tone dripping with skepticism. "We all have exams, even they do. It seems like Cheetah has more value than you in her life," she remarked.

"Demi—"

"Just look for yourself. She's dragging someone else into her plans but hasn't even thought to ask you," Demi said, her gaze fixed on Amaya and Elli as they laughed, pulling a boy into their circle. Zeya felt her heart sink, tears threatening to spill as she watched Amaya, who seemed so carefree, so distant.

"It's not too late to realize, Zeya. You're her option, not her choice." Demi's words hung heavy in the air, echoing in Zeya's mind like a haunting refrain. Overwhelmed, Zeya hugged her pillow tightly, burying her face in its softness, desperately trying to muffle the pain that was rising within her.

"Okay, aunty. I said what I thought. But I still hope you'll listen to your heart. I want her happiness too." Zeya's eyes widened when she heard Amaya's voice from downstairs. She hurried down, her heart racing, and found Amaya deep in conversation with her mom.

"Ama?" Zeya called out, a hint of worry in her tone. Amaya frowned, noticing Zeya still in her earlier dress. "Why haven't you changed yet? Did you just get back?" she asked, concern lacing her voice. Zeya blinked, confusion washing over her. "You… weren't you supposed to be at a party?"

"I didn't want to go without you," Amaya replied, her words wrapping around Zeya's heart like a warm embrace. A small smile crept onto Zeya's face. "Then why didn't you ask me to go with you?" she asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.

Amaya turned to Zeya's mom, playfully pointing at Zeya. "Look, Aunty, we have an exam tomorrow, and she still wants to party. You've given her too much freedom." Zeya's eyes widened in shock. "You're right, Ama. I gave her too much freedom," her mom's voice echoed ominously in the room.

"No! Wait, Mom! That's not what I meant!" Zeya exclaimed, panic rising in her chest, but her mom's frustration boiled over, and before she knew it, Zeya felt the sting of a few quick hits before being sent to her room.

"Zeya, I'm leaving tonight."

On a starry night, far away from their home, Zeya and Amaya stood facing each other, their expressions heavy with unspoken words and unfulfilled promises.

"Where are you going all of a sudden?!? Ama, I'm asking something. When are you returning?" Zeya's voice trembled, desperation lacing her words as she pulled Amaya closer, her heart racing. Her eyes searched Amaya's face, hoping to find a glimmer of reassurance, but Amaya's gaze was cast downward, avoiding the depth of Zeya's pleading stare.

"Aqua City… I'm not returning," Amaya whispered, her voice barely a breath, fragile yet piercing. It was a soft melody like a hummingbird's song, yet it shattered Zeya's heart into countless pieces.

"I thought you… wouldn't... go," Zeya murmured, her voice cracking as tears began to spill down her cheeks, each droplet a testament to her heartbreak. She felt frozen, unable to move, as if the weight of the moment had anchored her to the ground. "I never said I wouldn't go." Amaya's words sliced through the night air, sharp and unforgiving, leaving Zeya gasping for breath as her heart shattered further.

"Are you leaving without a hug?" Zeya whispered, her voice barely rising above a whisper, a fragile plea for connection. "You know… it can be… our last meeting." Her fists clenched tightly at her sides, tears cascading down her face, a silent testament to the storm brewing within her.

"It was the last gift my papa gave me. I had always worn it since the day I got it. Take care of yourself, Zeya." Amaya's voice softened as she removed her necklace, the weight of the moment hanging heavily in the air. She gently helped Zeya to wear it, a tangible piece of her heart. Then, she enveloped Zeya in a tight embrace, resting her head against Zeya's neck, savouring the warmth and comfort. She kissed Zeya's neck slowly, each touch a bittersweet farewell, before stepping back into the shadows of the dark, starry night, leaving Zeya alone with her heartache, the weight of loss settling heavily in the silence that followed.

"Goodbye, My Love." They whispered.