DECEPTION

Ch. 6: The Missing Link.

As I walked down the hallway with my best friend, Justina, I decided to call my mom to update her on my plans for the evening.

"Mom, school closed early today because of the event tonight,"

I said,

"And I was thinking of doing some shopping with Justina to prepare for it."

My mom's voice was warm and encouraging, urging me to go ahead with my plans.

"Do you have enough money for shopping, dear?"

She asked. I reassured her that I still had the money she had wired me last month, which should be more than sufficient.

My mom then shared her busy schedule with me, mentioning her focus on developing a marketing strategy and preparing proposals for potential clients. I listened attentively, concerned about her workload.

"Mom, don't forget to take a break and rest,"

I advised.

"Remember to take your medication and don't overexert yourself."

My mom chuckled and told me not to worry, saying she would take care of herself.

"Stay out as long as you want, dear,"

She added.

"You're with Justina, so I know you'll be fine."

I smiled, feeling grateful for my mom's trust and support.

"I love you, Mom,"

I said, before ending the call. With that, Justina and I continued our stroll, enjoying the unexpected freedom of an early school closure and looking forward to a fun evening of shopping and preparation for the event.

As Justina and I stepped out of the school building, a sleek BMW hybrid luxury car pulled up before us, captivating the attention of everyone around. The car's arrival sparked a flurry of excitement, with students and passersby eagerly awaiting the emergence of the driver. But instead of a young man, as we had anticipated, the elegant Miss Faith stepped out of the vehicle, donning luxury sunglasses that accentuated her radiant face. Her presence was met with a mixture of astonishment and admiration, as people recalled her remarkable achievements of years past.

The crowd surged around her, with some individuals requesting autographs, others seeking selfies, and a few asking for her contact information or simply wanting to shake her hand. Miss Faith graciously informed them that she would attend to their requests later, but for the moment, she was preoccupied with a specific task. She inquired about a girl named Prunella, and upon showing them a picture of me, all eyes turned in my direction. I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me, but before I could react, Justina had already rushed to Miss Faith, embracing her warmly.

"I've longed to see you, Miss Faith,"

Justina exclaimed.

"You did well by coming here. I've missed you."

Miss Faith affectionately patted Justina's back, her gaze then shifting to me as I approached her. I wondered what had brought her to my school, and my friends and classmates seemed to share my curiosity. However, their interest was soon replaced by envy, as they realized that I was connected to this celebrated figure. From that moment forward, people treated me with a newfound sense of respect and admiration, and I felt a surge of pride knowing that Miss Faith was my aunt.