Just as Einstein tightened the strap of his bag and turned toward the door, his phone buzzed again.It was a voice note from Maria. He hesitated for a moment, then tapped play.
"Einstein, please... the last time, I overheard you guys talking about meeting for something. Can I join you, please?"
Einstein froze, the words echoing in his room. His eyebrows pulled together in a frown. Why would Maria want to come now? Was she planning something? Trying to spy on them?He replayed the note once more, listening carefully to her tone. There was a hint of real worry in her voice, but he still wasn't sure.
Without wasting time, he quickly texted Hawkings.
"Bro, Maria just sent me a voice note. She says she wants to join us today at Vinci's. What do you think?"It didn't take long for Hawkings to reply. His message was short and sharp:
"NO. Don't let her come. We don't need her there. She'll only bring trouble. She's not like us, and she never will be."
Einstein stared at the screen. He knew Hawkings didn't like Maria ; especially after she embarrassed Einstein in front of everyone. But deep inside, Einstein felt something had changed. Maybe she really meant it this time.
He typed back, fingers moving quickly:
"I get you, bro. But even after everything she did, I've already forgiven her. We can't keep pushing people away forever. We have to give her a chance to prove herself. Even if she embarrassed me, I let it go. Maybe you can try too?"
There was a long pause. Then finally, Hawkings replied:
"…Fine. Let her come. But I don't trust her, and I won't pretend I do. This is on you."
Einstein sighed with relief. He knew it wasn't a true acceptance from Hawkings, but at least it was a start.
He quickly went back to his chat with Maria and typed:
"Okay. You can come. But wait, I'll share the location with you. It's Vinci's house. When you come, bring a notebook and a pen ;just like you're coming for class. We're working on an experiment today, so be ready."Almost immediately, Maria texted back:
"Okay, thanks! I'll be on my way now."
Einstein stood there for a second, staring at her message. Then he took a deep breath, slipped his phone into his pocket, and finally stepped out the door to meet his friends.
Whatever today had in store, it was already turning into something much bigger than any of them had planned.
Einstein stepped out onto the street and waved down a taxi. The ride wasn't long , just a few minutes ; and before he knew it, he was standing in front of Vinci's house.
He rang the doorbell, the soft chime echoing inside. Vinci had been expecting him and rushed to open the door.
"Hey! Einstein, bro! You're finally here," Vinci said, grinning as he pulled him inside. "Come on, let's go greet my mom first."
Einstein followed him to the kitchen, where the warm smell of cooking filled the air. Vinci's mom looked up as soon as they walked in. She didn't even wait for a proper greeting.
"Oh! Einstein, you're here! How are you doing?" she said warmly. "Okay, you boys get ready for breakfast soon."
Einstein just smiled and gave Vinci a playful wink.
They moved to the dining table and sat down, chatting lightly while they waited. A few minutes later, the doorbell rang again. Vinci jumped up immediately.
"That must be Hawkings," he said, hurrying to the door.Sure enough, it was Hawkings, looking a bit serious but clearly excited to join. Vinci welcomed him in, and soon, all three of them were seated together.
As they settled, Einstein cleared his throat.
"Okay, so guys… I already told you, Maria will be joining us," he said carefully.
Vinci's head snapped up.
"What? Wait . how? Where is this coming from?" he asked, confused.Einstein turned to him.
"I told you already that she wanted to join us. And it's like you accepted," he insisted.
Vinci frowned, shaking his head.
"No, I didn't accept. I didn't even talk about it. I thought we were talking about my prototype!" Vinci said, throwing up his hands. "Wait… is she coming right now?"
Einstein hesitated, then nodded slightly.
"Yeah. She's on her way," he admitted.
Vinci let out a deep sigh. Hawkings just crossed his arms, clearly unhappy but saying nothing.They sat in awkward silence for a moment, the tension hanging heavy in the air.
Just then, Vinci's mom appeared with plates of warm toast, eggs, and fruit.
"Alright, boys! Breakfast is ready," she announced with a cheerful smile.
They all relaxed a little, starting to eat together as they waited for Eliza to arrive.
Whatever disagreements they had, at least for that moment, the smell of fresh breakfast and the comfort of being together made things feel almost normal ; even if just for a short while.
There was a sudden ring on the doorbell again.Vinci glanced toward the hallway, raising an eyebrow. "Another guest? Einstein, go and check. Maybe it's your Maria," he teased, smirking.
Einstein rolled his eyes. "Stop it, guys. You all have to welcome her properly."
Hawkings scoffed and leaned back in his chair. "Hey, we're not welcoming anyone…," he started, but then he paused, looking at Einstein's face. After a long second, he sighed. "Okay. Fine. We'll do it ;but only for you, not for her."
Einstein felt a small rush of relief. "Thanks, guys," he said, his voice softer now.
He stood up and took a deep breath, his heart beating faster with each step toward the door.Who could it be? he wondered. Is it Eliza… or Maria?His hand hovered over the doorknob for a moment, then slowly turned it.
As the door began to swing open, the others leaned forward in their seats, holding their breath.Einstein felt a shiver run down his spine.
And just as the gap widened enough to see a silhouette standing outside....