Veron stayed at her friend's house. She was quietly pleased—all her life, especially back in high school and college, no one had ever invited her over. Maybe it was because her family was wealthy. All she ever wanted was a genuine friend she could call her own. Now, she finally found one.
"Mom," Mariely greeted, kissing her parents' hands in respect.
"G–Good evening," Veron followed politely, showing the same respect to Mariely's parents and brother.
"Oh, you have a visitor!" Mariely's mother said, pleasantly surprised. "Come in, come in."
Veron felt a rush of warmth from the welcome. She couldn't help but smile.
"Mom, we'll go to my room first," Mariely said.
Her mom just nodded. "Don't forget to invite your guest to eat later."
Veron stepped into Mariely's room.
"Sorry, it's a bit messy. You stay here for a bit; I'll just change quickly," Mariely said.
Veron scanned the room.
Messy? It looks clean to me, she thought. She didn't mind that Mariely changed clothes in front of her—she already felt comfortable in her presence.
"Veron, I have a T-shirt here. Maybe you'd like to borrow it for now," Mariely offered.
"Okay! But I'm taking this shirt home with me," Veron joked.
"Sure, no problem."
The shirt fit her well.
"Hey, Veron," Mariely said seriously, "never, ever mention that man's name in front of my brother."
"He also drives you?" Veron teased, grinning.
Mariely elbowed her. "Don't bring it up! And my brother has way too many questions. Just… don't mention it, please."
"Okay, okay, I get it." Veron laughed.
"Faith, come and eat!" Mariely's mom called from the dining room.
"Yes, Mom!"
Mariely turned to Veron. "Let's go. Dinner's ready."
They went to the table and sat next to each other.
"By the way, this is Nadia," Mariely said, introducing the woman beside Nathan. "Nadia, this is Veron, my co-worker."
Veron smiled politely.
"Nice to meet you," Nadia greeted, extending a hand.
"Nice to meet you, too." Veron shook her hand.
"What do you want to eat?" Mariely asked.
"You want me to say everything?" Veron joked.
"Just pick what you want!" Mariely laughed.
The food tempted Veron—home-cooked meals were rare for her. She usually only had them when she visited her mom. Despite the simplicity, she knew it would be a satisfying meal.
"Just get some, Veron. Tita is a great cook," Nadia said warmly.
"It looks delicious!" Veron eagerly scooped rice and some dishes onto her plate.
She took a bite.
"It's really good. I love it!" she told Mariely.
"See? I told you," Nadia said with a grin.
"Mariely rarely brings friends here. I'm glad she made a new one at work," her father said.
"Really?" Veron asked mid-chew.
"Yes. It only happens once in a while," her mom added with a laugh.
"Huh? Faith, I promise I won't leave you again. Also, I'll be having dinner here regularly from now on," Veron laughed.
"Oh? You're only saying that now!" Mariely joked.
They all chuckled.
"You're always welcome here, Veron," Mariely's father said kindly.
Veron smiled and nodded, feeling grateful.
****
Later, during the meal...
Nadia observed Veron. Her outfit and posture—everything about her gave away that she came from a well-off family. But Nadia liked her. She seemed kind and down-to-earth.
"Veron, are you reviewing too?" Nadia asked.
"Yes. Just like Faith, I still have to take the exam," Veron nodded.
"Which review center?" Nathan asked.
"It's close to Faith's review center," Veron answered.
Nadia smiled knowingly. Veron seemed like someone easy to befriend—no wonder she and Mariely clicked.
"I see… Is anyone courting my sister at work?" Nathan asked suddenly, catching both girls off guard.
Mariely coughed. Veron raised an eyebrow.
"A suitor? None. Almost all the teachers are women—and even the men have a woman's heart." She replied honestly.
Nadia burst out laughing. Nathan simply nodded.
"Oh my, Mariely is about to bring her boyfriend home, huh?" their dad teased.
"Dad!" Mariely groaned, clearly embarrassed.
"When are you going to introduce someone to us, Faith?" her mom added.
"Mom!" she whined, glancing at Nathan for help.
"I'm not strict, Faith. As long as it's someone decent," Nathan said.
"Brother, I don't have a boyfriend. I'm not bringing anyone here." Mariely shook her head.
Veron laughed at her friend's reaction, still enjoying her food.
"Veron, do you know your principal's child?" Nathan asked, turning back to their guest.
Veron hesitated, then nodded. "Y—Yes. If you don't remember, I also went to Redwood Academy. Mariely mentioned you were classmates."
"Oh, I see. You were my junior, then? I don't recall seeing you much. Were you an officer?"
Veron shook her head. "No, I usually went straight home after school."
Nathan nodded.
That's why she looks familiar, Nadia thought.
"So that's where you went to high school?" Mariely asked, surprised.
Veron nodded again.
"I didn't see you back when I visited my brother," Mariely added.
"You might have seen her but forgot," Nadia said casually.
"Really? What were you doing there?" Veron asked Mariely.
"Begging for allowance," Mariely grinned.
"I studied at the public school near Redwood Academy. It was just walking distance," she explained.
"Ah, I remember," Veron said. "That was close."
"So you've heard of the principal's child's reputation?" Nadia asked.
"Yes, even back when I was a freshman. People said he made many girls cry."
"That's true. He was my classmate," Nathan confirmed.
"Do you have a boyfriend now, Veron?" Nadia asked, changing the subject.
"Yes, I do." Veron smiled.
"She's in a healthy relationship. She always talks about her boyfriend," Mariely added.
"Shut up! Don't mention that!" Veron scolded, blushing.
Everyone laughed.
"We're glad to meet you, Veron," Nathan said.
Veron smiled again, feeling at home. The table was filled with laughter and stories, and she was genuinely happy that Mariely found a real friend at work—one who felt like family.