“Evan, I’ve really been through a lot. So, be nice to me in the future, okay?”
“Am I not treating you well?”
“You are! I’m just saying that I hope you can continue being so good to me.”
“Of course I will.”
“Mommy, you should make Daddy write a letter of guarantee.”
A loud voice startled the couple.
They looked in its direction and saw Maya looking at them, grinning from ear to ear.
“Maya, why did you come downstairs?” Evan asked.
Taking a bite of the juicy red apple in her hand, Maya replied, “I went to the kitchen to take some fruits. Daddy, why did you ask? Were you annoyed that I’ve disturbed your time with Mommy? Fine, I’m going upstairs then. You guys continue…”
She headed upstairs but after taking about ten steps, she turned back around and walked back to her parents with a smile.
“Mommy, I have something to say before going back to my room. It’ll only take a couple of minutes.” She gazed at Evan and asked, “Daddy, may I borrow Mommy for a few minutes, please?”
“Sure, you two have a chat. I’ll be in my study room checking on some company projects.” With that, he strode upstairs.
Nicole thought that Maya was being mysterious.
“Mommy, let me tell you a secret.”
“What secret?” Nicole prodded.
Maya tiptoed, leaned on Nicole’s shoulder, and murmured, “Nina has a crush on her teacher, Mr. Chris Sanders.”
What?
Nicole’s frowned. I did think that Nina was acting strange lately, seeing that she’s always in a daze or smiling for no reason. I have suspected so, but…
“Maya, do you have any evidence?”
The girl thought for a while. “Well, Nina secretly made a mold of her teacher’s face and painted his likeness on it. Moreover, she often stares at the model at night and talks to herself. Do these count?”
Nicole froze for a moment. “Anything else?”
Maya tried to recall. “Oh, yes. Nina wanted to use up her hard-earned allowance to buy Mr. Sanders a present. I think she’s picked one out already and is waiting to save enough for the purchase.”
“What present?”
“A watch, just like the limited edition one that Daddy has. Anyhow, she hasn’t got enough money yet and is thinking of ways to earn some. She even asked to borrow from me.”
“Did you lend her any?”
“I…” Maya giggled. “Mommy, I didn’t lend her. I can’t even bear to wear the same identical watch as Daddy, let alone lend her the money to get one. Moreover, I think that guys should protect the ladies and treat them well. Nina is stooping too low in order to please him.”
Maya’s words cautioned Nicole. Nina has always been a prideful child, she never cares much about others. But now, she’s willing to do so much for a guy? This could only mean that she has developed feelings for this guy.
She’s only a fourteen-year-old, she has no idea how love works. I must guide her wisely before she makes any silly mistakes.
That’s right, she needs some guidance.
I think it’s about time I have a heart-to-heart talk with Nina.
“I know what to do now, Maya. I’ll talk to her.”
“Okay, Mommy. Please don’t tell her that I told you, or else she will get angry and quarrel with me.”
“Don’t worry, I got this.”
With that, Maya went upstairs. Nicole pondered over it and decided to visit Nina in her room.
“What are you doing, Nina?”
Hearing Nicole’s voice, Nina quickly hid the handmade model of Chris’ face in the bookshelf. She then turned to greet her mother. “Yes, Mommy, do you need anything?”
Nicole sensed her daughter’s guilty conscience, but she kept her composure and nodded. “Nina, Mommy wants to have a chat with you.”
“Please take a seat, Mommy.”
Nicole plopped herself down on the European style armchair. “Nina, how are your classes coming along? That Mr. Sanders, is he good to you?”
