That Scandalous Year

17. The Right Time

CLEAD

"Your house is nice," Marie said as she toyed with the spoon of her half-eaten bowl of ice cream.

"Thanks. This is all my mom's idea."

Marie looked around another time. "Is it really this quiet here all the time?" she whispered.

Clead chuckled. "Uh. Not really," he shrugged. "Sometimes my parents are home. Some other times, my brother is too. And our house-help usually takes the weekends off."

"Oh. Right."

His thoughts that minute juggled from how to strategize his approach to Richelle and what Marie's real motives might be.

With Richelle's family about to go after him, they must already watch her moves in case she did something unplanned or that could ruin their game plan. Clead can only think of one way to get to her. He made a mental note to talk to Mitch at school. Which also meant, he needed to start reconnecting with his friends. Just like what he promised to Miss Rose.

As for Marie, she said she wanted to help. But at what cost? She said something about her blog. That stupid little blog. Maybe she just wanted to do something different this time. Maybe it was to make up for all those crazy coincidences that her posts caused; those rifts and troubles in people's lives. But still, no one would do something like this without expecting anything that could benefit them in return. Clead told himself he just had to be careful. He might've known her, and he might've known that she was not a bad person, but who knew? Who really knew anyone ever?

Once done, he took their empty bowls back to the sink and offered her a glass of water. When he turned around, Marie was eyeing him and fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.

"Can I ask you something personal?" she asked, possibly unaware of how obvious her mannerisms were. Or maybe Clead was just too observant.

He leaned back on the countertop and rested his elbows there. "Shoot," he replied.

"Why do you still want to be a journalist? I mean, during this time. And especially now, with what's currently happening. And they're saying this will get worse in the next years or even after this six-year term."

Clead straightened his back. "Actually, that's one of my motivations for pursuing that career path. Now more than ever, do we need to not cower down to the fear of this oppressive government."

"That kind of attitude makes you belong in Nat. State."

He laughed at that. And Marie shyly smiled in return.

Clead suddenly remembered something. One where she might be able to help him as well. "Oh. Can you do me another favor?"

"What's that?"

"I'm writing an article about Career Day. I need feedback from students. You attended that, right?"

She nodded. "I listened to the I.T. guy."

"Perfect. I need some material to add to the article."

"Oh-kay. Just let me know what you need to know. I'll do my best to give the details you need."

"I'll text you maybe later tonight. If that's okay."

"It's fine."