Patience and Affection

#8 - ❝A Family Affair❞

Monday morning started off as any other for the group. Rhiannon, Maxwell, Andrea, Scarlett, and Isabel gathered at their usual table in the bustling cafeteria. The scent of fresh bread and brewed coffee filled the air as students hurried in and out, grabbing breakfast before their classes began.

“Grabe, that event was so tiring,” Andrea sighed, poking at her food lazily. “I barely got any sleep over the weekend.”

“Iba ka kasi, Drea. Ikaw lang ang kilala kong tao na kayang magpatakbo ng event nang tulog lang ang pahinga,” Isabel teased, causing the group to laugh.

“Eh, at least it was successful,” Scarlett chimed in, her tone light but her eyes sharp as she glanced around the table. “Kita naman sa attendance and feedback.”

Maxwell nodded in agreement, though his thoughts were elsewhere. He kept stealing glances at Rhiannon, who was unusually quiet this morning, focusing on her food as if deep in thought.

“Rhiannon, okay ka lang?” Maxwell finally asked, his voice filled with concern.

Rhiannon looked up, startled out of her reverie. “Oh, yeah. I’m fine. Just thinking about some stuff.”

“Stuff like what?” Scarlett asked, her curiosity piqued.

Before Rhiannon could answer, a familiar figure approached their table. It was the Hong family driver, a middle-aged man who wore a formal suit and a serious expression. He cleared his throat, bowing slightly before speaking.

“Miss Rhiannon, your presence is needed at home. Your mother, Mrs. Rebecca Hong, has requested that you be picked up immediately.”

Rhiannon’s face fell slightly, but she quickly composed herself. “Now? What for?”

“Mrs. Hong didn’t specify, but she mentioned that your siblings, Miss Kaitlyn and Mr. Joshua, are also expected to be there,” the driver explained, his tone respectful.

Rhiannon exchanged a quick glance with Maxwell, who looked just as confused as she did. She knew what this was about—her parents were using her again to get Kaitlyn and Joshua to come home. They were never close with their father, and it often fell on her to act as the bridge between them and the family.

With a resigned sigh, Rhiannon nodded. “Alright, just give me a minute.”

The driver stepped back, waiting near the entrance of the cafeteria as Rhiannon gathered her things. She turned to her friends, her expression apologetic.

“Sorry, guys. I have to go. Family emergency, I guess,” she said, trying to keep her tone light, though the weight of the situation was evident.

Andrea frowned. “Everything okay, Rhian?”

“Yeah, just the usual. But before I forget—Max, can you do me a favor?” Rhiannon asked, looking directly at Maxwell.

Maxwell immediately nodded. “Sure, anything. What do you need?”

Rhiannon pulled a small diorama from her bag, carefully placing it on the table. “Can you take this to the Architecture building for me? I was supposed to drop it off with one of my professors today, but obviously, I can’t do that now.”

Maxwell looked at the diorama, then back at Rhiannon. “Of course. But, uh, I’m not really familiar with your professors...”

“That’s fine,” Rhiannon reassured him. “If you’re unsure, you can ask Wayne. The Architecture and Engineering departments share most of the same teachers, so he’ll know who to talk to.”

Maxwell’s eyes widened slightly at the mention of Wayne, but he quickly nodded. “Got it. I’ll take care of it.”

“Thanks, Max,” Rhiannon said, giving him a grateful smile. She then turned to Isabel, Andrea, and Scarlett. “You three hold the fort while I’m gone, okay? I’ll text you if anything comes up.”

“Don’t worry about it. We’ve got this,” Scarlett replied confidently.

With that, Rhiannon grabbed her bag and headed toward the entrance, where the driver was waiting. Maxwell watched her go, a slight frown on his face. He could sense that there was more going on than Rhiannon was letting on, but he didn’t want to pry. Instead, he focused on the task she had given him.

“Okay, I guess I should get this to the Architecture building,” Maxwell said, carefully picking up the diorama.

Andrea smirked, nudging Isabel playfully. “Mukhang kailangan mong mag-Architectural crash course, Max.”

“Haha, very funny,” Maxwell muttered, rolling his eyes. “I’ll manage. Wayne should be able to help.”

As Maxwell made his way out of the cafeteria, Scarlett called after him. “Good luck, Max! Huwag kang maligaw!”

Isabel and Andrea burst into laughter, but Maxwell just waved them off, his thoughts already on how he would approach Wayne for help.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

The Architecture building was only a short walk from the cafeteria, but the weight of the diorama in Maxwell’s hands made the trip feel longer. He couldn’t help but think about how much effort Rhiannon must have put into creating it. The intricate details, the careful placement of every element—it was a testament to her dedication and talent.

When Maxwell reached the entrance of the Architecture building, he hesitated for a moment. He had been here a few times before, but it was always with Rhiannon. Now, standing alone with her work in his hands, he felt slightly out of place.

He took a deep breath and entered the building, scanning the hallways for any sign of Wayne. Luckily, it didn’t take long to find him—Wayne was just leaving one of the lecture rooms, his usual serious expression in place.

“Wayne!” Maxwell called out, hurrying over to him.

Wayne turned, his gaze softening slightly when he saw Maxwell. “Oh, Maxwell. What brings you here?”

Maxwell held up the diorama. “Rhiannon asked me to bring this to one of her professors. She had to leave for a family thing, and I’m not sure who I’m supposed to give this to.”

Wayne nodded, his eyes briefly flicking to the diorama before meeting Maxwell’s again. “I can help with that. Her professors are in a meeting right now, but I know where their offices are. I’ll take you there.”

“Thanks, Wayne. I really appreciate it,” Maxwell said, relieved.

As they walked through the hallways together, Maxwell couldn’t help but notice how calm and composed Wayne always seemed. There was something reassuring about his presence, something that made Maxwell feel at ease despite the unfamiliar surroundings.

When they reached the professor’s office, Wayne knocked on the door and waited for a response. After a few moments, a middle-aged man with a friendly face opened the door.

“Ah, Wayne. What can I do for you?” the professor asked.

“Sir, this is a diorama from Rhiannon Hong,” Wayne explained, gesturing to Maxwell. “She asked Maxwell to deliver it since she couldn’t make it.”

The professor smiled, nodding in understanding. “Thank you, Maxwell. I’ll make sure this gets to where it needs to go. Rhiannon’s work is always impressive.”

Maxwell handed over the diorama, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. “No problem, sir. I’m just glad I could help.”

As they left the office, Wayne turned to Maxwell with a slight smile. “You did good, Maxwell. Rhiannon will appreciate it.”

Maxwell returned the smile, though his mind was still on Rhiannon and whatever family issues she was dealing with. “I hope so. I just want to make sure she’s okay.”

Wayne nodded, his expression thoughtful. “She will be. Rhiannon’s strong—she can handle anything.”

Maxwell hoped Wayne was right. For now, all he could do was wait and see.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃