Backup Girl No More: Adios To My V-Card and My First Love
Chapter 32

Chapter 12 Chapter 12 My mind was in turmoil , reason and emotion waging war as the children silently watched our heated exchange .

Despair filled their eyes .

The youngest huddled together , tiny hands clasped tightly , as if awaiting fates final verdict .

My heart melted at the sight .

They had already fought so hard to escape hell we couldnt send them back .

Taking a deep breath to steady myself , I spoke quietly : Ill help you .

But I wont just replace someone to take them .

Im staying here until theyre all safely out .

Joseph froze , then shook his head vigorously .

No , its too dangerous ! I met his gaze , my voice firm .

And let you face this danger alone ? If you dont agree , Ill walk out right now and tell them about the Huronai children youre hiding.

He glared at me through gritted teeth .

… You ! I never should have involved you ! Too late .

I shrugged .

Youve already pulled me into this .

Joseph turned away angrily , refusing to look at me .

I sighed , stepped closer , and wrapped my arms around his neck , forcing him to meet my eyes .

At least in the worst case , we can die together .

He exploded .

Dont say that ! Thats not going to happen ! Through the clear visor of his protective suit , I touched his face gently .

Of course not .

After all , you promised we still have to visit my mother .

I had to admit , Josephs plan was nearly perfect .

No one would dare touch bins containing Ebola contaminated waste , let alone suspect they concealed people .

We could smuggle out two children per trip .

The truck would stop midway , where aid workers would transfer them to safety .

After two weeks , only two remained siblings named Ray and Mary .

The day of their planned escape , Joseph was elated .

He looked at me with sincere gratitude .

Thank you , Zoey .

I didnt respond , just squeezed his hand tightly.

17:43 Backup Girl No More : Adios To My V Card and My First Love 24.2 % Chapter 12 Victory felt within reach .

We even celebrated early .

The children performed Igamara , a traditional Huronai dance , while Joseph prepared what could almost be called a feast .

I captured everything on camera .

As night fell , the siblings began donning their protective suits .

Mary held out a marker , asking softly , Could you write your names on them ? Joseph and I exchanged surprised glances but agreed .

I thought for a moment before adding beneath my name : Grow up strong and well .

Joseph wrote : May you reunite with your family .

I added : May peace come soon .

He followed with : Until we meet again .

We covered their suits with blessings until everyones eyes brimmed with tears .

The siblings embraced us , their voices muffled inside their suits : Well remember you forever ! Thank you ! Youre our heroes ! Late that night , the transport truck arrived on schedule .

As usual , we settled the children into the waste bins and loaded them aboard .

Just as we finished , gunfire erupted from the centers main hall .

Joseph and I exchanged tense looks before rushing toward the commotion .

Armed militants had stormed the center , claiming they had intelligence about hidden Huronai children .

Joseph stepped forward calmly , maintaining his composure as he cooperated with their search .

I followed close behind , watching them kick down doors and ransack rooms , my breath caught in my throat .

Finding nothing , they hurled threats and prepared to leave .

But as the last man reached the door , a shout rang out : The truck that just left ! The militants erupted in curses and stormed out .

The final man stopped suddenly , unleashing an enraged roar as he yanked a grenade from his belt and hurled it into the center of the hall .

Time seemed to slow .

I watched the grenade trace its lazy arc downward .

I saw the horror bloom on the other doctors faces .

17:43 1 Backup Girl No More : Adios To My V Card and My First Love 24.5 % Chapter 12 I saw Josephs expression harden with determination as he lunged toward me .

In the instant before detonation , he threw himself over me , pressing me to the ground and shielding me with his body .

No !! Joseph !! I shouted