FINDING THE MISSING AMETHSYT

**Chapter 4**

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Hey, lovely readers! I apologize for the delay in publishing Chapter 4. Please bear with me; I've been swamped with schoolwork and other commitments. That said, I'm excited to share Chapter 4 with you all. I hope you enjoy it!

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**Ellie's P.O.V**

As I stepped into the bustling school hallway, the unfamiliar chaos immediately caught my attention. Students were scattered everywhere, some laughing, others shouting, and a few looking utterly bewildered. The remnants of a prank were unmistakable—I could only assume Anita was behind the mischief. She had a knack for stirring up trouble, and today was no exception.

I scanned the crowded hall desperately, searching for any sign of Ana. My heart raced with concern; she could be anywhere. Fear crept in at the thought of her sulking alone after being the target of Anita's tricks. I pulled out my phone, my fingers trembling slightly as I dialed Mike and Aaron's numbers.

"Pick up, pick up," I muttered, hoping they were close by and would respond quickly. On the third ring, I felt relief when Aaron's voice came through.

"Hey, Ellie! What's up?"

"Guys, you need to help me. Ana is in trouble," I said, urgency lacing my words. "Anita pulled a prank on her, and I can't find her anywhere. Please, check all the usual spots—maybe the library or the art room? She might be hiding."

With a quick exchange of reassurance, I ended the call, my mind racing with worry. I could picture Ana's face, flushed with embarrassment and frustration, and it made me all the more determined to find her. I took a deep breath and resolved to search every corner of the school until I saw my friend.

I had searched every corner of the school, my heart pounding with worry, and yet I couldn't find her anywhere. Just as panic began to creep in, a thought struck me—her usual crying spot was the girls' bathroom. Without hesitation, I rushed towards it, the urgency in my steps quickening as I flung open the door.

The bathroom was eerily quiet, the air thick with anticipation. I called out her name softly, hoping for a response, but all I heard was an echo of my voice. I began checking each stall, my heart racing with every door I opened. Most were empty, but my anxiety grew as I approached the last cubicle.

Taking a deep breath, I opened the door, and my heart sank. There, on the cold tile floor, lay Ana. She was hunched over in a way that instantly sent shivers down my spine. Was she breathing? The question surged through my mind like a frantic wave. I knelt beside her, desperate to see any sign of life.

In a panic, I fished my phone from my pocket and dialed her brother Aaron's number, my hands trembling. When he picked up, his voice was a mixture of concern and confusion.

"I found her," I managed to say, urgency lacing my words.

"Oh, thank God," he responded, relief flooding his voice.

But I hesitated, the dread consuming me. "But..."

"What, Ellie?" His tone shifted to fear, growing more frantic with each second.

"Sh...she—" I stammered, emotions choking my words.

"Ellie, give her the phone!" he commanded, his voice sharp with panic.

I swallowed hard, struggling to find the strength to speak the unthinkable. "She... is l...l... lifeless on the ground." The reality of the situation crashed down on me, and I felt utterly helpless.