"Faith!" Veron called out to the woman who had just greeted her.
"You startled me!" Faith laughed in surprise.
Veron just grinned. "Come with me today," she said.
"Huh? Where are we going?" Faith asked, a little confused.
"Don't worry about it. Your boyfriend's not around, right? It'll be just us," Veron said, nudging her playfully.
"Alright—I'll let him know. He's probably asleep right now since he's still resting," Faith replied.
"What happened to that guy?" Veron asked, raising an eyebrow.
"He wasn't feeling well yesterday—headache and body aches—so I let him stay over to rest," she explained.
"Wait, where exactly did he rest?" Veron asked, narrowing her eyes.
Then she gasped. "Girl! Don't tell me you gave it up to him."
Faith frowned, her brain catching up with the implication. Her face turned red as she smacked Veron hard on the shoulder.
"You idiot! Of course not!"
"Then what did your brother say about him staying over?" Veron continued.
"He was fine with it. He accepted Frank being there," Faith said casually.
Veron raised an eyebrow again. "Are you sure nothing happened between the two of you?"
"Ugh, nothing happened! I didn't even sleep in my room. I slept on the couch," Faith insisted.
"Okay, okay," Veron said, not pushing the subject further. She didn't want to risk getting another smack. "We're going out later, remember?"
"Yes, yes. It's not like he's strict anyway," Faith replied.
The bell rang, signaling the start of classes. Both of them headed toward their respective classrooms, ready to teach.
Veron just wanted to hang out after work today—it had been a while since she last had time to relax.
Time flew quickly, and soon it was already afternoon.
"Hey, Ely, is it okay now?" Veron asked as Faith glanced at her phone.
Faith nodded. "He's home resting," she said softly.
"Alright, let's go?" Veron invited.
Faith followed her without a word. As Veron started the car, Faith hopped into the front seat.
"So where exactly are we going?" Faith asked again.
"Just wait and see," Veron teased.
Faith just shook her head and fell silent, occasionally glancing at her phone.
"Hey! I'm right here, you know? You're hurting my feelings," Veron pouted.
"Sorry. I'm just worried about Frank."
"Oh, come on. He's not dying. He even said you could go. Relax—he's probably just sleeping," Veron reassured her.
Faith let out a deep breath and nodded. "Sorry, Veron. I tend to overthink."
"It's okay. I get like that too sometimes. Just trust him, alright?" Veron said gently.
Faith nodded again as they neared their destination. She squinted at the road ahead, noticing something familiar.
"Wait, we're going to the mall?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Veron grinned and nodded.
Faith sighed, shaking her head. "You really have your own way of doing things."
Veron just slung an arm around her as they walked inside.
***
Meanwhile, Nathan sighed after finishing a call with a client. Tomorrow would be another busy day—a rush project was in the pipeline again. Just then, he received a text from Mariely.
She was with Veron at the mall and would be home late. That wasn't a problem for him. She needed time to unwind too, and she didn't always have to be with Frank.
He shook his head with a small smile. He had come home early today to prepare for the overtime work tomorrow—and also to work on wedding plans with Nadia. They had been trying to squeeze in planning whenever their schedules allowed.
Should I invite Frank? Or maybe just Mrs. Becca? he wondered to himself.
Maybe Nadia and I can decide together, he thought. They were still listing down who among their high school friends to invite.
"Nathan," his mother called from outside.
He opened the door. "Yes, Ma?"
"Is Ely coming home tonight?" she asked.
"She'll be late, Ma. She went out with Veron," he replied.
His mother nodded. "It's nice that you're finally letting Ely make her own decisions and experience having a boyfriend," she said with a teasing smile. "Is it because you're about to get married?"
Nathan frowned and shook his head. "Ma, it's not like I was that strict before. I just want her to find happiness on her own terms. If she stumbles, I'll be here."
His mother ruffled his hair, smiling warmly.
"You're really changing now that your wedding's getting closer," she joked. "Anyway, I'll go prepare dinner. Come down soon."
"Yes, Ma," he said with a nod and returned to his room. It was already dark, so he turned on the lights.
A few minutes later, he heard his mom calling for dinner and headed downstairs. Only the three of them were home, since Mariely was still out with Veron.
As they sat at the table, the room was calm and quiet.
"It's going to be like this from now on, huh?" his father said. "Quiet, peaceful. Once both our children are married."
"We're getting old," his mother added. "We have to accept that our kids will eventually build their own families."
Nathan sighed. "Ma, I'm still here, and Ely's just out for a stroll—not getting married," he said, half-laughing.
His mother chuckled. "Son, one day, she will. Just like you."
"I know. But that might still be far off—and who knows if Frank is really 'the one,'" he said, shaking his head.
"There you go again, Nathan," his father chimed in. "Let your sister enjoy her love life."
"Dad, we all want what's best for Ely. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. She still has to take her board exams. I know how her mind works."
His father shook his head. "Still, Nathan…"
"By the way, son," his mother interrupted, "how's the wedding planning going? If you need help financially, your father and I are here."
Nathan smiled. "Thanks, Ma. But we've got it covered. Just save your gift money for the actual wedding day."
His parents both shook their heads with a smile.
"Nathan, even when you're married, don't forget—we're always here if you need us," his father reminded him.
"Thanks, Dad."
"It's not easy starting a new life on your own, but if ever things get hard, we're right here."
"Mom, the wedding's still a while away."
"Still," his mother said, "time moves fast. Who knows? You might be getting married tomorrow!"
Nathan smiled at them warmly. His family was simple, but he and Mariely were lucky—they had parents who were always there to support them no matter what.