âEvan, Iâve really been through a lot. So, be nice to me in the future, okay?â
âAm I not treating you well?â
âYou are! Iâm just saying that I hope you can continue being so good to me.â
âOf course I will.â
âMommy, you should make Daddy write a letter of guarantee.â
A loud voice startled the couple.
They looked in its direction and saw Maya looking at them, grinning from ear to ear.
âMaya, why did you come downstairs?â Evan asked.
Taking a bite of the juicy red apple in her hand, Maya replied, âI went to the kitchen to take some fruits. Daddy, why did you ask? Were you annoyed that Iâve disturbed your time with Mommy? Fine, Iâm going upstairs then. You guys continueâ¦â
She headed upstairs but after taking about ten steps, she turned back around and walked back to her parents with a smile.
âMommy, I have something to say before going back to my room. Itâll only take a couple of minutes.â She gazed at Evan and asked, âDaddy, may I borrow Mommy for a few minutes, please?â
âSure, you two have a chat. Iâll be in my study room checking on some company projects.â With that, he strode upstairs.
Nicole thought that Maya was being mysterious.
âMommy, let me tell you a secret.â
âWhat secret?â Nicole prodded.
Maya tiptoed, leaned on Nicoleâs shoulder, and murmured, âNina has a crush on her teacher, Mr. Chris Sanders.â
What?
Nicoleâs frowned. I did think that Nina was acting strange lately, seeing that sheâs always in a daze or smiling for no reason. I have suspected so, butâ¦
âMaya, do you have any evidence?â
The girl thought for a while. âWell, Nina secretly made a mold of her teacherâs face and painted his likeness on it. Moreover, she often stares at the model at night and talks to herself. Do these count?â
Nicole froze for a moment. âAnything else?â
Maya tried to recall. âOh, yes. Nina wanted to use up her hard-earned allowance to buy Mr. Sanders a present. I think sheâs picked one out already and is waiting to save enough for the purchase.â
âWhat present?â
âA watch, just like the limited edition one that Daddy has. Anyhow, she hasnât got enough money yet and is thinking of ways to earn some. She even asked to borrow from me.â
âDid you lend her any?â
âIâ¦â Maya giggled. âMommy, I didnât lend her. I canât 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.â
Mayaâs words cautioned Nicole. Nina has always been a prideful child, she never cares much about others. But now, sheâs willing to do so much for a guy? This could only mean that she has developed feelings for this guy.
Sheâs only a fourteen-year-old, she has no idea how love works. I must guide her wisely before she makes any silly mistakes.
Thatâs right, she needs some guidance.
I think itâs about time I have a heart-to-heart talk with Nina.
âI know what to do now, Maya. Iâll talk to her.â
âOkay, Mommy. Please donât tell her that I told you, or else she will get angry and quarrel with me.â
âDonât worry, I got this.â
With that, Maya went upstairs. Nicole pondered over it and decided to visit Nina in her room.
âWhat are you doing, Nina?â
Hearing Nicoleâs voice, Nina quickly hid the handmade model of Chrisâ face in the bookshelf. She then turned to greet her mother. âYes, Mommy, do you need anything?â
Nicole sensed her daughterâs guilty conscience, but she kept her composure and nodded. âNina, Mommy wants to have a chat with you.â
âPlease take a seat, Mommy.â
Nicole plopped herself down on the European style armchair. âNina, how are your classes coming along? That Mr. Sanders, is he good to you?â