Anna crept down the stairs, to find Maria still in the living room, grading papers.
"If you're looking for your father, he went to his home office to finish some paperwork," said Maria, as she continued to grade papers.
"Is there anything to eat?" asked Anna.
"There are cucumbers and mint sauce in the fridge. Knock yourself out," said Maria, not looking at Anna.
Anna approached her, and stood resolutely in front of Maria.
"Ms. Washington. I'll say this just once. Back off. I don't want you dating my dad," she said, firmly.
Maria looked up, and saw the fire in Anna's eyes.
"Why?" she asked.
"Because I don't like you. Sure, I started to follow what Ms. Petra says to become her teacher's pet. But now I realize I like it. And you don't share the same views. In fact, you're the opposite. Just like Mikaela," said Anna.
"You still like Mikaela," pointed out Maria.
"I like to mess with her now. I can't do that with you, so back off," said Anna.
