Zein's Point of View
I was startled when my phone vibrated under my pillow. I fumbled for it, my heart jumping when I saw Ace's name on the screen. I hesitated for a heartbeat, but my fingers moved on their own to answer.
"Hey!" he said, his voice laced with concern. "Why did it take you so long to answer?"
I sat up straight, staring at the white wall. I bit my lip, struggling to find words. What is happening to me? Why am I so paralyzed?
"Zein?"
"Hmmm..." I replied reluctantly.
I heard him sigh on the other end. "I'm sorry," he whispered.
*Why are you sorry, Ace?* "I just woke up. I'm tired from the trip..." I lied. The truth was, I missed him so much it ached. Even though we were technically close, it felt like a canyon was opening between us, and I was terrified that if I didn't stop it now, I never would. I didn't want to watch him from a distance; I wanted to be in his arms.
"Zein, do we have a problem?"
*I should be asking you that.* "Where are you?" I countered. I didn't want him to sense my spiraling thoughts. I'm good at hiding my feelings—I've had a lot of practice.
"At the condo," he answered shortly. "I'll get back to you soon."
"You don't have to. I understand, Ace. Really."
"No. I'll get back to you, my love. For now, please just trust me. When everything is settled, I won't leave your side again."
I forced a smile as tears pricked my eyes. I felt selfish. I just wanted his attention all to myself, but maybe that was unfair of me. I covered my mouth to muffle a sob.
"I promise, Zein. I'll sing you a thousand songs... just trust me. I love you."
I dropped the phone after he hung up, burying my face in my pillow to stifle a scream of frustration. I was disgusted with my own insecurity. We didn't have a "problem"—it was just me.
A knock on the door startled me. I wiped my face and took a deep breath before unlocking it. Ate Allison stood there, her brow furrowing as she looked at me.
"Eat now," she said, her eyes narrowing. "Wait—have you been—"
"I'll be down in a minute, Sis. Just wait for me."
I shut the door quickly. I can hide things from the world, but not from her. She knows my rhythms—the way I look when I'm happy, or when I'm barely keeping it together. I washed my face and checked the mirror, making sure I looked "normal" enough not to worry my parents.
Downstairs, I heard my Dad's booming laughter.
"Baby Z, come here!"
I kissed Mom and Dad on the cheeks, carefully avoiding Ate's suspicious gaze. I sat next to her while Aunt Mira prepared coffee for Dad. My parents were animatedly discussing business, oblivious to the tension radiating from me.
"We already told Allison," Dad said, turning to me with a wide smile while holding Mom's hand. "Your mom and I are going out of town, so we won't be here for Christmas."
I forced a smile, though a pang of disappointment hit me. "Really? That's great! You guys deserve a break."
"Are you okay with that?" Mom asked gently.
I nodded quickly. I wanted them to have time together. My mind drifted to Ace—maybe after his "settling" was done, we could go away too. The thought made me feel a bit lighter.
Later that night, I was about to close my door when Ate Allison appeared with her comforter and pillow.
"Mind if I join?"
"Sure," I said, even though I knew she was there to investigate my mood. We sat on the bed as she flipped through movies. "I'll go get some snacks," I said, needing a moment to breathe.
In the living room, I found Aunt Mira dazed on the sofa.
"Aren't you sleepy yet, Auntie?"
She shook her head. "Are you two having a sleepover?"
I nodded and headed to the kitchen for milk and chips. Aunt Mira suddenly appeared behind me, making me jump.
"Did Allison tell you anything?" she asked.
"About what?" I asked, curious.
"Oh, nothing. Maybe she mentioned her Christmas plans. I'm going home for the holidays too, so I won't be around."
I smiled, though I wondered why everyone was leaving for Christmas. I returned to my room to find Ate watching *The Polar Express*. I tossed the chips at her.
"Hey!" she joked.
We watched in silence for a while. By 3:00 AM, we were on our fifth movie—*The Conjuring*. I kept checking my phone, but there was nothing from Ace. No questions, no pestering. Nothing. It felt wrong.
"You have a problem," Ate said suddenly. It wasn't a question.
"No."
"How's Ace?"
"Doing good." I tried to keep my answers short, fearing where a long conversation would lead.
"Hmm... You have a friend named Mia, right?" Ate asked, her eyes fixed on the TV.
I looked at her, surprised. "Yeah. What about her?"
"You said she was in the States studying." Ate frowned, looking up at the ceiling.
"She is. Why are you asking?"
"Nothing... it's just, I think I saw her."
I frowned too. "That's impossible. If she were home, she would have told me. It probably just looked like her."
"Maybe," she agreed, though she didn't sound convinced. "By the way... about Francisco Augustine."
My heart stopped. "What about him?"
"Due to a lack of evidence... he was released last week."
"WHAT?!" I sat bolt upright. "How? I thought the case was airtight!"
"I also heard he's been visiting Violet Rivera at the Rehabilitation Center. Her condition is improving."
My head began to throb. Francisco was out, and he was still connected to Madame Violet. A chilling thought kept me awake for the rest of the night: If they were free and working together, could they be the ones behind the mysterious purchase of Hell University?