Until now, Becca still couldn't quite believe that her son was dating Mariely. Because of that, Mariely would always look embarrassed every time she was summoned to the office for work.
Becca sighed deeply.
Is that girl really serious? she thought to herself. She didn't want Mariely to get hurt—especially because she could clearly see how much the girl loved her son.
I swear, I'll kick that boy if he breaks her heart, she muttered in her head.
Becca was sitting at her desk, focused on her tasks, but her mind kept drifting back to everything that had happened. None of it was what she'd expected.
A knock on the door suddenly interrupted her thoughts. She quickly composed herself and tried to shake off her wandering mind.
As part of her routine, she would check in on the classrooms to see if any teachers were missing or lounging around the faculty room instead of teaching.
That's when she ran into Mariely, who immediately looked shy the moment their eyes met. Still, she greeted her politely.
"Good morning, Ma'am Becca," she said respectfully.
Becca gave her a small smile. "Good morning."
She knew Mariely had finished her class, so there was no issue there. What mattered most to her was that Mariely continued to act professionally—and so far, she always did.
****
Mariely let out a long sigh.
"Hey, what's wrong?" "Frank?" she asked, noticing the heaviness in her breath.
"I'm still embarrassed around your mom," she admitted softly.
Frank chuckled.
"Come on, just act naturally."
She didn't respond right away.
"Frank…" she said after a pause.
"Yes?" he asked.
She simply shook her head in reply. He looked at her intently.
"Are you sure you're okay?" he asked again.
She just smiled and shook her head, then tried to change the subject.
"You want something to eat? Let's grab some food," he offered.
She laughed a little. "I'm really going to gain weight because of you," she teased, shaking her head.
"Let's go out for a bit too," Frank said. "You're not busy, right?"
"Not really. Sure, let's go," she agreed.
He pouted playfully. "Kiss me first."
She leaned in and gave him a quick kiss.
"Let's go so we can get home early."
"Alright," he replied, and soon, they were driving off. They ended up at the baywalk, enjoying the breeze. There were only a few people around.
Frank held her hand tightly, and they walked together, smiling as they strolled. Even though their relationship was only two weeks old, she knew challenges would come—they had yet to face real problems—but she told herself she had to be strong.
"Faith," Frank said as he brought her to a more secluded spot.
Without warning, he pulled her into a passionate kiss—and she responded.
He hugged her tightly, and she hugged him back. He looked into her eyes.
"I love you, Faith."
"I love you more, Frank," she replied, brushing the windblown hair from his face.
She embraced him again. In his arms, she always felt safe. He hugged her even tighter.
Their eyes met again, and his lips sought hers once more—hot, deep, and intense. She kissed him back.
He slid off her jacket and slipped his hand under her uniform. Her cheeks turned red with heat.
"Frank…" she whispered, fear creeping into her voice, unsure of where things were going.
That was enough to snap him back to his senses. He quickly pulled away and instead kissed her forehead and cheek.
"I'm really sorry," he murmured.
She just nodded calmly in response.
****
"Damn it," Frank cursed silently, sighing deeply.
Why does kissing her always make me feel this overwhelming urge—like I want more? he asked himself.
He never intended to take things that far.
Why do I feel like this with her? I don't even like her type. But my mind keeps saying she's mine.
They stopped to eat.
"Faith, I'm really sorry about earlier. Did I scare you?" he asked as they walked to a nearby food stall.
She smiled at him. "Don't worry—I trust you," she answered sincerely.
He pulled her into a hug again, his heart pounding. He didn't want to let her go.
Frank, don't fall in love with her. She's not even your type, he told himself again.
They finished eating and headed home. Since his family already knew her, he walked her to the gate.
"Take care, always," she told him softly.
"Yeah. I love you," he said.
"I love you too, Frank," she replied with a smile.
"Kiss before you go," he teased.
"You're so annoying," she muttered but kissed him anyway. "There. I love you," she added, pinching his cheek.
He smiled as she stepped out of the car and waved goodbye. He waved back before driving off.
You're here to play, not to fall in love with someone who doesn't meet your standards, he reminded himself firmly.
I need to leave her—soon.
He finally got home and quickly went to rest.
Calm down, Frank." "Just calm down," he told himself again.
He couldn't let his feelings for Mariely get any deeper.
This is do-or-die.