"Why are you carrying so much food, child?" Mariely's mother asked in surprise when they arrived home.
She only helped her carry the food and walked her home, but now they were going to Veron's house.
"Ah, it's just because her students love her so much, Auntie," she replied with a laugh.
"And you're the ringleader of this nonsense, huh?" her mom said teasingly.
She still hadn't forgotten the expression on the woman she was with—it always made her laugh when she remembered it.
They placed the food on the table.
"Mom, I was going to go out with Veron because she invited me to her house. It's her mom's birthday today, so I was thinking of going if you'll allow me." She scratched her head as she asked for permission.
"Oh, that's fine with me—your dad and I don't have a problem with that. The question is, have you asked permission from your brother?" her mom added.
Veron just listened, holding back her laughter. Faith never gets easy permission from her brother.
"Not yet, but I'll call him once I'm done getting ready. I'll be sleeping over there, too—their place is really far," she explained.
Veron just nodded in agreement—what Mariely said was true.
"Alright then. We'll tell your brother you'll be sleeping over at Veron's. Now go, so you don't get home too late." said Mariely's mom.
She nodded, quickly went to her room, and got her things.
"Faith, I'll just stay here," Veron called after her.
Faith nodded and headed to her room. Veron sat down on the sofa to wait for her friend.
Soon after, Faith came out.
"Let's go," she said.
Veron nodded in agreement, and they headed to her house.
"Faith, call your brother so he doesn't worry," Veron said as she drove.
"Alright, alright."
Faith followed and actually spoke with her brother, who eventually agreed.
"Wow, Faith. That's just how brothers are, huh?" Veron asked.
"Oh, Veron. Don't even dream of having a brother," Faith said, shaking her head.
Veron just laughed.
"Is Shaina already there?" she asked.
"Yes, she got picked up—along with her friends. Maybe your whole class will be there," Veron chuckled.
"Hey, don't exaggerate," Faith responded.
***
They finally arrived at Veron's house. Mariely was impressed by the large home that greeted her eyes.
Wow, this girl is really rich, she thought to herself.
Veron parked in the spacious driveway. Mariely didn't even want to get out of the car.
"Hey, come on," Veron said.
"I might get swallowed by this land," Mariely joked.
"Idiot," Veron laughed, pulling her out. She even slung her arm around Mariely as they entered.
Mariely was even more impressed inside. A woman—likely Veron's mother—welcomed them.
"Hi, I'm glad you're here, my Unica Hija," the woman said.
"Mom, I always come home for your birthday," Veron replied.
Faith noticed her student, who was happily chatting at a table nearby. She frowned slightly.
"Who is she, dear?" Veron's middle-aged mom asked, snapping Faith back to the moment.
"Oh, she's my friend and co-teacher at the school I'm working at. Faith, this is my mom," Veron introduced them.
"H—Hello, happy birthday," Faith greeted the older woman.
She smiled warmly. "Thank you, dear. Come in, don't be shy, Faith," she said kindly.
Faith just nodded. Veron accompanied her. Suddenly, some students waved at her.
"Told you," Veron laughed.
"Oh, Shaina made some really nice friends. I'm happy she's enjoying school. She's such a sweet girl," Veron's mom added as she waved to the group.
Sweet, huh? Faith just nodded, not commenting.
They exchanged glances but said nothing.
"Let's eat; I'm starving," Veron said.
Faith nodded. As she looked at the food, everything looked like her favorite. She noticed Veron was drooling, and she laughed. There didn't seem to be many people around.
"Veron, why aren't there many people here?" she asked.
"Oh, there were lots of guests this morning. Now only a few are dropping by," she answered.
Faith noticed the birthday was quite simple.
"I know what you're thinking—why doesn't Mom celebrate extravagantly, right?" Veron asked.
Faith frowned. "What, are you a mind reader now, Veron?"
Veron raised an eyebrow. "It's written all over your face, friend," she teased.
Faith laughed.
"Mom just wants it simple—to be able to feed guests and loved ones. You know, last week before her birthday, she gave away food to others. She's more focused on charity," Veron explained.
Faith just smiled. It wasn't surprising why Veron was so down-to-earth—she was raised by such humble and generous parents.
They ate quietly. Faith noticed her students were starting to leave, so she waved goodbye and nodded to them.
She shook her head with a smile. She and Veron continued chatting and laughing when her phone vibrated. She looked at the screen to see who was calling.
"Aren't you going to answer that?" Veron asked between bites.
"Just ignore it," Faith said.
"Isn't that your brother? He might be worried."
"No, it's not. I texted him already to say we arrived safely. It's probably just a scam call—you know how common prank calls are these days," Faith explained.
"Your choice. But it might be important."
Faith kept eating. Suddenly, a text came in. She read it—her eyebrows shot up, and irritation flared across her face.
Then her phone vibrated again. Frustrated, she rejected the call and quickly turned her phone off.
Veron was surprised. She looked at her.
"You okay?" she asked.
Faith just nodded and continued eating. She didn't want to be disturbed. She definitely didn't want to talk to the man she despised.
She was trying to forget what happened.
The second time, he kissed her.
Just calm down, Faith, she told herself.
Afterwards, she and Veron rested and eventually fell asleep. Her phone stayed off while charging. She decided she'd check it the next morning.