The next morning, the sun streamed lazily through my curtains. It was a holiday—no school, no uniform, no rush. Just a quiet, slow start. I stretched under my blanket, then sat up and reached for my phone. A message from Maya blinked on the screen:
Maya: "Still coming today? My mom already made juice and snacks for us. No backing out!"
I smiled. Of course, no backing out. I quickly typed back, "Sure, I'll be there. Just spending a little time with my siblings. Expect me soon."
I woke up, took a bath, dressed in my denim jeans, a loose cream blouse, and my favorite sneakers. My hair was brushed into a soft ponytail, and a little gloss on my lips. I slipped into the living room, where Emily and Josh were sprawled on the rug with colored pencils, a half-finished drawing between them. Today was a holiday, and for once, the house was quiet enough to feel like home. No rushing. No uniforms. Just breath.
I sat beside them, tucking my legs underneath me. "You two," I said with a soft smile, "how are you holding up?"
Emily looked up, a green pencil in her hand. "School's okay. I like my teacher. She wears funny glasses."
Josh giggled. "And we get cupcakes on Fridays!"
I laughed, pulling them both closer. "That's good. But tell me the truth… Is anyone being mean to you? Bullies? Anyone pestering you?"
They shook their heads quickly. Emily leaned into me. "No. Mr. Philip said we're safe now. I believe him."
My heart tightened. "You are safe. And if anything ever changes, you tell me. Promise?"
"Promise," they chorused.
I brushed a strand of hair from Josh's forehead. "Have you both eaten?"
Josh nodded with a crumb-filled smile. "I had toast! And Emily made juice!"
I smiled. "That's my little team."
Then I paused, pulling them into a hug that lingered.
"I love you both. So much," I whispered. "No matter what happens. You're my whole world, okay?"
Emily looked up with wide eyes. "We love you too, Annie."
Josh added, "To the sky and back."
I stayed with them for a while longer, laughing over drawings and silly stories, letting the warmth of that moment settle deep into my chest. I didn't want to forget how this felt.
After playing and catching up with Emily and Josh, I glanced at the time. The morning was slipping into a slow rhythm, and I remembered my plan for the day. I stood, smoothing my top and kissing the kids on their foreheads.
"I'll go check on Mr. Philip," I said.
Emily raised a brow. "Are you going to ask if you can go out?"
I smiled knowingly. "Maybe…"
I walked up the polished staircase, the house bathed in soft light and calm. At Mr. Philip's door, I knocked lightly, then peeked in.
He was seated by the window, reading something on his tablet. His glasses rested low on his nose.
"Good morning," I said with a bright smile.
He looked up and returned my smile warmly. "Well, you're glowing this morning."
I laughed. "I was wondering if I could visit Maya? Just for the afternoon. I already spent the morning with Emily and Josh."
Mr. Philip nodded. "Of course. You deserve some time with your friend. Just be back before evening, alright?"
"I will, thank you," I said, genuinely grateful.
As I turned to leave, he added, "By the way… where's Shawn? I haven't seen him all morning."
I froze slightly, my hand already on the doorframe.
"In his room, I think," I replied.
"Could you call him for me?"
I hesitated for a second. "Sure."
I made my way down the hall to Shawn's door. It was slightly ajar. I gave a light knock.
No response.
I stepped inside slowly, only to stop short.
Shawn was standing by the window, shirtless, a towel slung over his shoulder. Drops of water trailed down his toned chest, still fresh from a shower. His back muscles flexed slightly as he turned around.
I blinked, the air suddenly caught in my throat. "Uh… Mr. Philip wants to see you."
Shawn paused mid-step, then raised a brow. "You came all the way here… to deliver that?"
I cleared my throat and looked away. "It's what he asked me to do."
He stepped forward a bit, a slow smirk playing on his lips. "Is that why your cheeks are red?"
I snapped my gaze to him, face burning. "They are not!"
He chuckled low. "If you say so."
I turned quickly, my heart pounding in my chest as I hurried out. "Just go. He's waiting."
Behind me, I heard him chuckle again, and the sound did something strange to my stomach.
I hurried down the hall, my face still burning from that unexpected encounter. My heart felt like it was racing a little too fast for my liking. I couldn't even remember why exactly my cheeks had turned red. It wasn't like I was embarrassed—it was more like… startled? But whatever it was, I could feel the tension between us lingering in the air, thick and uncomfortable.
I shook my head, trying to focus on what was ahead. I had a plan for the day—something to look forward to with Maya, no time to dwell on Shawn's teasing.
When I reached the stairs, I paused, hearing the faint sound of Shawn's footsteps following behind me. I tried to push the thought of him out of my mind and headed straight for the front door. I could already hear Emily and Josh's laughter from the living room, which helped me feel like myself again.
Mr. Philip had given me the green light to go, and I wasn't about to waste it.
The crisp morning air greeted me as I stepped outside. The driver, a quiet, middle-aged man, was standing beside the black car, ready to take me to Maya's. I waved to him and slid into the backseat, grateful for the peaceful ride that allowed me to let my mind wander. The street outside was alive with the soft hum of the city—a mix of quiet and activity, just like the house had been before everything got complicated.
When we reached Maya's house, I noticed the familiar sounds of children playing in the yard and the unmistakable smell of her mom's cooking wafting from the kitchen.
Maya met me at the door, grinning. "Told you I wasn't going to let you back out," she said, pulling me inside. "Come on, my brothers are already fighting over who gets to show you their latest drawings!"
I smiled, feeling instantly at ease. "I'm in," I replied, following her into the lively home.
Her little brothers were exactly as she described—full of energy, loud, and full of little chaotic ideas. They were both eager to show off their artwork, handing me crumpled, colorful drawings as I sat at the kitchen table. Her mom, a woman with a warm smile and a booming laugh, offered me a glass of the promised mango juice, and we quickly settled into a casual rhythm. The buzz of her household felt different from the quiet I had grown used to at Mr. Philip's. It was comforting in its own way.
As the afternoon wore on, the minutes slipped by unnoticed. Maya's family was easy to be around, and I found myself laughing with them like I hadn't done in a long time. There was something simple about it—no worries, no expectations, just people enjoying each other's company.
When the sun started to dip lower in the sky, I realized how much time had passed. I stood up, feeling a little reluctant to leave.
"I should get going," I said, grabbing my bag from the corner.
Maya pouted. "Aw, already? You're not going to leave before trying my mom's special cookies, are you?"
I laughed, glancing at the clock. "I have to get back. Mr. Philip will probably be wondering where I am."
She rolled her eyes but grinned. "Fine, but next time—cookies first, then leave."
We shared a quick hug, and I promised to come back soon. I waved goodbye to her brothers and her mom, who were all gathered around the kitchen table.
As I stepped outside, I felt a strange sense of peace, almost like everything was settling back into place. The drive back was smooth, and by the time we arrived at the house, it was nearing dusk.
I got out of the car and made my way to the front door, feeling like I could breathe again. No more awkward moments, no more pressure, just a quiet evening ahead.
But as I stepped inside, I froze. Shawn was standing in the hallway, arms crossed, looking as if he had been waiting for me. The usual unreadable look was back on his face, but there was something different in his gaze—something that made my pulse quicken.
I opened my mouth to say something, but he beat me to it.
"Did you have fun?" he asked, his voice quieter than usual.
I nodded, suddenly unsure of how to act. "Yeah, it was nice. Maya's family is—"
"Glad you're getting out," he interrupted, his eyes flicking over me for a moment. "It's good to take a break."
I blinked. "Yeah. It was needed."
I couldn't quite place the shift in the air. Shawn was standing so close, and for some reason, the distance between us felt smaller than usual. I cleared my throat and shifted awkwardly. "Anyway, I'm back. So, uh, I should head upstairs."
"Sure," he said with a short nod, stepping aside to let me pass.
But as I walked past him, I felt his eyes on me. Not just the usual glance—this time, there was something lingering in his stare. Something unspoken that made my chest tighten. I forced myself to keep walking, but a part of me wondered how much longer we could keep pretending things were just normal between us.