Chapter 6

The words printed on the invitation were jarring for Mayra. She did not speak another word at dinner after that. She silently listened as Isabel talked to Anderson about her family affairs and the preparations needed for their engagement. Mayra felt like an outsider who couldn't get a word in. When they were almost done with dinner, Isabel went to the restroom. Anderson followed suit. Mayra found herself alone in the room. The sky was dark. She checked the time and realized it was past 8:00 p.m. If she stayed any longer, she would miss the last bus home. After a few more minutes of waiting, she still did not see Isabel and Anderson return to the lounge. Refusing to wait any longer, she stood up and took out Anderson's bank card from her backpack. She placed it on Anderson's seat, along with the invitation to his engagement. Before leaving, she notified the waiter, "If Anderson returns, please let him know that I've left for home." The waiter informed her, "Mr. Barlow and Ms. Fisher are next door discussing some matters. Would you like to wait a bit more?" Clutching her backpack strap, she shook her head. "It's fine. I have classes tomorrow." In reality, she was tired and sleepy. Even if she waited for them, she would only be greeted by their lovey-dovey interaction. She could tell that Anderson was upset that she had come to Parizia with Isabel. After leaving Parizia, Mayra walked a short distance to the nearest bus stop to catch the last bus to her place. She told herself that she needed to get used to living alone. When she alighted from the bus, she walked through a dimly lit alley and up to a dilapidated block of apartments. The motion sensor lights in the corridor were broken, so she had to open her door by rummaging in the dark. Once home, she locked her door, went into her bedroom, and put away her backpack. Then, she took a shower. The stained outfit was left soaking in detergent as she headed to her room to finish her homework. It took Mayra until 10:30 p.m. to complete her Eldorish homework. When she was about to put away the textbook, she found a notebook that did not belong to her in her bag. She took out the notebook. It looked rather new. Opening it up, she found that Gordon's name was scribbled on the first page. She traced her fingers over the neat writing. Gordon and Anderson were the few men she came across with good handwriting. She flipped to the next page and found Gordon's math notes and some physics equations. She realized that Gordon had shoved the notebook into her bag last time, and she had forgotten to return it to him. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door, which puzzled her. Who'd visit her at this hour? The knocking did not cease, prompting her to walk up to the door. She looked through the peephole and saw Anderson standing out there. What was he doing here? When she opened the door, she was overwhelmed by the smell of alcohol on him. "Andy, what brings you here?" "Can't I drop by?" She clenched her fist. "No, that's not what I meant." Stepping aside, she made way for him to enter. "Why aren't you sleeping yet? It's late." He entered the apartment. She closed the door and locked it. A gentle breeze crept in from outside, wafting hints of cigarette smoke and alcohol up to Mayra's nose. He seemed like he had just come home from a social event. Mayra found the scent on him intoxicating. Even so, she dared not take one more look at him. She wondered if he had been drinking. But didn't Isabel say they were trying for a baby? Her cautious gaze landed on the back of his leather shoes. She replied softly, "I just finished doing homework." This was the first time she felt uneasy when she was alone with Anderson. Then, she offered, "Andy, I'll get you some hangover soup." She had some leftovers from the last time she made the soup. It was enough for one more serving. Soon, Mayra emerged from the kitchen with a bowl of hot soup, but Anderson was nowhere to be seen. She carried the bowl to her bedroom, where she found him standing in front of her study desk, clutching the notebook. She sensed a tension in the air. He seemed irritated, but it could have been her imagination. He questioned coldly, "Who's Gordon Thorp?" She squirmed, even though he didn't mean to chide her. She explained, "Gordon is my classmate. I borrowed his notebook from him. Andy, don't take this the wrong way. There's nothing between Gordon and I." Anderson softened upon seeing the fear and anxiety on her face. Placing the notebook on the desk, he approached her like a parent. Glancing at her, he advised, "Mayra, I'm not trying to scold you. But remember, you're still young. Haven't I told you before to focus on your studies? Don't waste your time on random guys who are unimportant in your life. Got it?" His voice was melodious. Although he addressed her calmly and softly, she dared not look up at him. Clasping her hands together, she nodded. "I understand, Andy. I won't give you any trouble." The last time Gordon openly pursued Mayra in school, he caused quite a stir. The teachers nearly called up her parents. As she was an orphan, her only family was Anderson. When she enrolled in Stuyvesant High, she put him as her emergency contact. Hence, what she feared most was when the school wanted to call up her "parents". Had Gordon not spoken up for her, the hot-tempered Anderson would have taught her a good lesson after being called to the school. "I will focus on my studies. I won't disappoint you," she said in a faint voice, trembling in fear. Anderson's gaze landed on her hand that was holding the bowl of soup. He took the bowl, put it aside, and held her hand. She stiffened at his touch and attempted to free herself. Eventually, however, she gave up. He asked, "Have you reapplied the cream?" "Yes." She removed her hand from his grasp. "Andy, it's getting late. You should go home. I… I'm a little tired, and I have classes tomorrow." He put his hand away. "Are you still upset at me?" She shook her head. "No." Anderson took a step closer to Mayra, whose lowered head was so close to bumping against his chest. He confronted her coldly, "No? Why haven't you looked me in the eye since I entered? Why are you shunning me? "Are you scared of me, or do you not want to see me at all?" Although she was terrified, Mayra did not reply.