When Love Brings Pain

elegant staircase as Precious descended with an air of grace. Frede

chewing and talking simultaneously. "Why don't you join me?" he asked. He s

, pulling out a chair and settled down. Her gaze fixed on the

cess?" Frederick asked. "Is t

tray containing a jug of juice and three cups, placing them on the table. She poured the juice, serving Precious

at I deeply regret what I did to you in the past, my dear. And I sincerely apologize for everyt

ded his words again, remai

llow me. I'll set things right, I promise. In fact, now that I've returne

cious responded, her

. "Well, how about this Saturday? We should all go out... My treat...

be so much fun," Michelle replied readi

ely pleased you reconciled with your mom yes

y grabbed a piece of bread, devouri

d, undeterred. "I believe the day will come

ng smile before finishing her bre

ing as she was greeted by the cheers and waves of her classmates. She m

disdain the day before was actually his classmate. His amazement deepened a

her only heightened his admiration. He muste

distant before turning away. The smile faded from K

rdenas entered the room, her expression serious. The energy shift

dering why you had to see me to

for now and take the opportunity to study those subjects you are struggling with very seriou

tions... And as the head of your department, all I can say is that I wish you all the best in the

e match?" he questioned, his voice a blend of concern. "It's the final match, remember? We

in the air, creating an unset

ly to the fourth row where Raymond sat. "Don't tell us you're enter

you forgotten? Are we just going to let all

aid anything, so where are those ideas comin

're not even saying anything? We took your silence as a res

tely, allowing the suspense to settle in, his friends hanging on his every word. "We're not bac

nds' faces, their faith

extended his hand, shaking Raymond's with a f

our exam is approaching, do you think

mined look. "Don't worry. I'll find a wa

ollective sigh of relief

*****

ecious emerged from the classroom, her textbooks clutched tightly to

iedly maneuvered his way through the sea

you going?"

k to Raymond's face, "Isn't it obvi

watch us at the field?

ight now. I still need to stu

after the match, right? Ju

ond. You can't force me," she

ind... But it's Okay, we'll manage," Raymond said,

d expression. his footsteps dragging slightly as

r face, she turned you down,

ce confirmed th

was going to turn you dow

e game still on?" Carlos ask

nd replied, his tone melancholi

man? Are we just going to give up? Is that it

ontinue with this anymore. I suggest we quit right now while there's st

ctory is impossible. But you're mistaken. We can achieve this even without her. To be clear, it's far be

participate in the match, but don't anticipate me scoring any goals.

romised, accepting Raymond's terms,

*****

ayden, who was on the hunt for an available seat. "What on earth?" she exclaimed

ou seem to be the only one capable of such clu

you... Wait, let me get these for you," Kayden bent down, gathering the

at's what people tend to say when they can't admit

that again," he apologized, his smile

retorted, dismissing his sincerity as she

ious, catching Kayden's attention. Concerned, he appro

you O

pped, glaring at him, a drop

he was reading. "Math?... I can ass

ter than me?... Never!... No matter what you do, I still rem

to challenge your position, nor am I trying to prove

g his motives. "And what do you expect in retu

eward enough for me. If you knew me better, you'd understand I don't

enuinely good-natured looking guy... Sorry to say, I still stand firm in

ision, and returned to his seat, lea

*****

erupted in jubilation, their celebrations a stark contrast

mond moved slowly towards a nearby chair, where he slumped, defeated. His e

rang out as they approached him. "I can't believe you

ly? Now it's my fault? I specifically told you not to pass me th

as he pointed at Raymond. "The point is, you missed the goal even wh

Kelvin's words. Carlos rushed beside Kelvin, attemp

don't deserve to be called a lead

pulse, Raymond lashed out, punching Kelvin in the face,

restraining Raymond. "Control yourself, ma

ght do something worse than this," Raymond yelled, his anger boiling ove

elvin. You knew he was already upset,

did I? He wouldn't have reacted like that if he didn't feel guilt

nce of speaking the truth,

vin said, wiping the blood from his lips with a

" Vincent suggested, guiding them away from the fiel

summary of the books he had read in the library to occupy his thoughts. Suddenly, hi

ection, accidentally collided with Kayden just as they reached the classroom entr

e going, will you?"

zed, but Raymond simply turned away

quite harsh," he muttered to himself. "He's quite cute, but too bad he's

*****

ishes, wearing a cheerful apron adorned with colorful patterns

e a break; you've been working since mornin

y say, 'an idle hand is a devil's workshop'. And as long as I'm with you, I'll never get tired of anythi

are," Michelle

of silence before M

Michelle expressed her

met Michelle's

ng me," Michelle's words were heartfelt, and they

n't want you to feel neglected. That was when your mother approached me. I didn't have anyone else; even my own parents abandoned me. So when your parents passed away, I felt really sad for them, but I was happy at the same time...I was happy because you were still there. I couldn't bear leaving you all alone; I kn

've come to love you as my own mother. You're practically a mother to me. If only I could br

you call me mother or nanny, it doesn't make a differ

warm smile, "And my love f

clouded, catching Nanny

ou, dear? Why the sud

ink she can ever find it in her heart to

Why would yo

p but wonder, what if they never reconcile? What if o

en think such things? I'm sure they'll pa

ed, trying to embrace optimis

inside the house, greeted by the familiar scent

le's, who had just emerged from the kitchen,

carried a melody of genuine affect

ips. They closed the distance between them, their shared affectio

icately tucking a loose strand of Precious's hair behind her ea

ent wel

ng on Precious, her motherly instincts attuned

" Precious asked, a spark of

ure he'll be back soon... Why do you

," she shook her head slightly,

it, I know you're still very much concerne

he atmosphere is," she replied, her eyes meeting Michelle's. "Don't you reali

r mother's gaze, the worry that lingered i

conversation hanging in the air, av

ichelle respond