Monday
9:10 a.m.
"I'm going out," Ayisha announced.
Max looked up from the counter. "It's too early. Where are you going?"
"To my sister's school," she replied, already untying her apron.
"I'll take you there."
Simon stepped out from behind the kitchen doorway.
Ayisha glanced at the clock, then back at him. "Uh… okay. Let's go."
"Alright. I'll grab the helmets."
He headed toward his office.
A few seconds later he returned, holding two helmets in one hand.
"Let's go."
Max watched the two of them walk out of the restaurant, the door swinging shut behind them.
He crossed his arms, a smirk forming.
"Yeah… there's definitely something going on there."
He shrugged and went back to work.
---
Ayisha removed the helmet once they stopped outside the school gate.
"You can go now," she said, handing it back.
"I want to come."
Ayisha frowned slightly. "Huh? Why?"
Simon shrugged, leaning casually against the motorcycle.
"I'm already here. Besides, it won't take long, right?"
She studied him for a moment, trying to see if he had another reason.
When she didn't find one, she sighed.
"Fine. But don't make it weird."
"When do I ever make things weird?" he asked.
Ayisha gave him a flat look.
Simon scratched the back of his neck. "Okay… fair point."
They walked toward the school gate together.
Students in uniforms filled the courtyard, some chatting in groups, others rushing toward classrooms. A security guard stood by the entrance.
"Good morning po," Ayisha greeted politely.
"Good morning," the guard replied. "Visitor?"
"Yes po. I'm here to get my sister's report card."
The guard nodded and pointed toward the building. "Second floor. Administration office."
"Salamat po."
They climbed the stairs, students passing them along the hallway.
Inside the office, a teacher sat behind a desk organizing folders.
"Good morning po," Ayisha said. "I'm here to get Samantha De Leon's report card."
The teacher looked up. "Ah, Samantha's sister?"
"Yes po."
"Please sign here first."
Ayisha took the pen and signed the form. The teacher pulled a folder from a stack and handed her the card.
"She's doing well," the teacher added. "Very responsible student."
Ayisha nodded slightly. "Thank you, ma'am."
They stepped out of the office.
"Ate!"
A familiar voice called from down the hallway.
Samantha jogged toward them, her ponytail bouncing as she stopped in front of Ayisha.
"You came," she said, a little surprised.
"Of course," Ayisha replied, handing her the report card. "Let's see."
Samantha opened it quickly.
Simon stood quietly beside them, watching.
Samantha suddenly noticed him.
"Oh—Kuya Simon," she said with recognition. "Hi."
Simon smiled lightly. "Hi, Samantha."
"You came too?"
"Your sister needed a ride," he answered simply.
Samantha's eyes moved between the two of them, curiosity flickering across her face.
"Ate," she whispered, leaning closer, "why is Kuya Simon here?"
Ayisha sighed.
"He just drove me here. That's it."
"Oh," Samantha said slowly, though she still looked suspicious.
She turned the report card toward Ayisha.
"Look."
Ayisha scanned the grades.
"…Not bad."
"Not bad?" Samantha protested. "I got two nineties!"
Ayisha smirked. "Then next time make it three."
"Ate!"
Simon chuckled quietly.
Samantha crossed her arms, pretending to sulk. "You're so hard to impress."
"That's because I know you can do better," Ayisha replied.
Samantha rolled her eyes but she smiled anyway.
Suddenly, the school bell rang across the campus.
"I have to go," Samantha said quickly. She looked back at Simon. "Bye, Kuya Simon."
"Bye," he replied.
She turned to Ayisha. "Don't forget to show Mama the report card later."
"I won't."
Samantha waved once before jogging back down the hallway and disappearing into her classroom.
Ayisha watched until she was gone.
Then she exhaled and folded the report card carefully.
Simon glanced at her.
"Two nineties is good."
"She's capable of more," Ayisha replied.
"You sound like a parent."
She snorted. "Someone has to."
Simon didn't answer. He only looked at her for a moment before nodding toward the stairs.
"Come on," he said. "The boss still has a restaurant to run."
Ayisha smirked.
"And the employee still needs a ride."
They walked down the stairs together.
Outside, the city had already started moving tricycles passing, students gathering by the gate, the late morning sun warming the pavement.
Simon handed her the helmet.
"Don't lose it," he said.
Ayisha rolled her eyes as she put it on.
"Just drive, old man."
Simon chuckled under his breath and started the engine.