Mariely was shocked by what her students were saying. She looked over at Veron, who also appeared surprised.
"Suspension?" Veron asked the kids.
"That's what Mr. Natividad told us—that we're going to be suspended," Shaina answered audibly.
"We actually talked to Ma'am Becca, and we know it wasn't really your fault," Mariely said, sighing as she looked at Veron.
"Who's heading the Guidance Office now?" she suddenly asked her.
Veron's eyes widened. "Shit… it's Mr. Natividad."
"He insisted to the principal that the students under your supervision, Mariely, should be suspended," Veron added.
"I'm going back tomorrow," Mariely declared.
"Hey, don't push yourself," Veron scolded her.
"The kids need me. I'm the only one who can defend them," she replied.
"Can you just chill for now, Mariely? I know Ma'am Becca—she doesn't decide suspensions right away. There are a lot of considerations," Veron assured her.
Mariely sighed, then looked at her students. She nodded at Veron, trusting the principal's judgment.
"Veron, take these kids home," she said softly.
"Thank you for visiting me. You're not to blame for what happened, okay?" she said, patting her three students. Veron just nodded.
"We'll go ahead then. And get better, okay? Don't make impulsive decisions," Veron reminded her before walking away.
She watched the kids leave and sighed again.
She touched her bandaged head. She felt she could return to school tomorrow, though the doctor had advised her to rest. The school had granted her five days of leave to recover at home.
"Are my students still okay? What if they're gone by the time I return because of this suspension?" she asked herself.
"You need to calm down too," a voice said.
She turned quickly to see who it was—and immediately raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing here?" she asked.
"Whoa, what a cold attitude. You really inherited that from your brother," Frank said, approaching her.
"Stay away from me," she replied, wary of what kind of nonsense he'd pull this time.
"Just calm down. I came to check on you. Don't you know I was the one who brought you here?" he asked.
"Do you need to brag about that? Fine, thank you," she said, irritated as he sat beside her.
He just smiled. "You're always welcome."
She said nothing, glaring at him. She didn't know why her feelings were acting up. She couldn't afford to feel like this.
*****
"Hey," Frank called to Mariely.
She glared at him. "What?"
He sighed. He could tell she was now self-conscious around him.
"Look, I'm sorry for what I did to you," he said, trying to make her more comfortable.
Why is she so guarded now? Is she afraid of something? he wondered.
She didn't respond and just stared at him.
Maybe what I did is actually working? Is it effective? he thought, smirking to himself.
"Leave. My brother might say something if he finds out you're here."
"Yeah, yeah," he said casually. He was going to let her win this one. "Hey, save my number. And don't hang up on me if I call you."
"Who do you think you are, giving me orders?" she asked.
He leaned closer, so their faces were level. She pulled back slightly when she felt their lips were about to touch again.
"Just save it," he whispered.
"Go away," she said, turning her gaze. Her cheeks turned red.
"Yeah, see you. Get some rest," he said, walking away.
"Before I go, one last thing," he added.
Suddenly, he kissed her. Just for a few seconds—but their lips met. He smirked afterward.
She was still processing what had just happened.
"Bye, see ya," he said and left like nothing happened.
He would play with her feelings.
She was still confused. But she would surrender eventually. She would give in—naturally.
He joined his cousin at the club. As usual, his cousin was chasing women. Frank knew full well that his cousin's relationships were all just flings.
A woman approached him, clearly flirting. He wasn't in the mood to just sit around.
She sat on his lap, smiling at him. Her perfume was strong. He let her.
She wore a revealing outfit—barely anything left to the imagination.
Well, it's a club, right? he thought. She was attractive enough to arouse his lust.
He kissed her. No need to ask her name. Their kiss deepened.
"You're a good kisser. I liked it," she said breathlessly.
He smirked. His cousin had rented a VIP room, so Frank brought the woman there too.
He never took club girls home—he satisfied his lust on the spot.
"Gosh, you're so big," the woman said, swallowing as she held his "weapon."
"Go on," he said.
He moaned at what she was doing, but he wasn't satisfied. He started thrusting himself into her mouth, finishing there.
They kissed again. His hands explored until they reached her center.
"You're so wet. You want it that badly?" he asked.
"Yeah," she said seductively, guiding him into her.
She let out a long moan and rode him. He moved with her, enjoying it. Only their moans and their bodies filled the room.
They were both fully naked.
Their pace quickened until he climaxed. They kissed again, hungry for each other. At last, his lust was satisfied.
The woman fell asleep. He left, tipping her extra cash. He dressed quickly and checked his watch. Clover was already there, grinning.
"Who's the beast now?" Clover teased.
Frank just shook his head. He needed to go home. Once there, he headed straight to his room.
His head was spinning from all the alcohol.
"I need to rest," he muttered and finally fell asleep.