The evening stars

Suspicion

Sophie, drying herself with a soft towel, looked at herself in the mirror. The warm water washed away the remnants of fatigue, but her thoughts were occupied with the upcoming day. She carefully ran a comb through her damp hair, then turned on the hairdryer and began to dry it. Her hair gently fell on her shoulders as she carefully styled each strand. Soon, satisfied with the result, Sophie began to choose an outfit.

Today she decided to choose a strict yet elegant look. She wore a black turtleneck that accentuated her slender figure and a short black skirt. Throwing on a black coat that elegantly complemented her look, Sophie applied lip balm and glanced around, checking if she had everything. Her day promised to be eventful, but after talking to Alex, she felt more confident.

Stepping out of her apartment, she headed towards work, feeling somewhat refreshed. The morning in Chicago was cool, a gentle breeze caressed her face, and the streets were filled with typical hustle and bustle. Sophie took a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air. When she approached the school, memories of her recent vacation resurfaced before her eyes — warm nights, water, Alex. But thoughts of the upcoming day quickly brought her back to reality.

As soon as Sophie entered the classroom, she immediately felt the warmth and hospitality from her students. However, she began to pay special attention to Sam. After her conversation with Alex, Sophie really noticed that Sam had started to show her more warmth. The girl smiled at her during lessons, actively participated in the classes, and even tried to stay close after the lessons were over. It was like a quiet affirmation that their relationship was indeed strong. Sophie was glad that she had managed to earn her trust.

Several lessons had passed, and the day was already coming to an end. Sophie was finishing packing her things when she noticed that Sam was still waiting by the door after the bell rang.

— Miss Sophie, may I go with you? — Sam asked shyly, and her voice carried such genuine hope that Sophie couldn't help but smile.

— Of course, dear, let's go, — Sophie replied with a warm smile.

They stepped out together, and when they crossed the threshold of the school building, they were greeted by Rachel, who was waiting for her daughter at the entrance. Rachel looked, as always, well-groomed and confident. She stepped closer, her lips curved into a gentle smile.

— Hello, Sophie, — Rachel greeted her. — I was thinking, maybe I could give you a ride? We can talk.

Sophie froze for a moment, feeling an unexpected thrill. Rachel's tone was friendly, but her suggestion to "talk" caused a slight unease. Nevertheless, she smiled in response.

— Of course, that would be very kind, — Sophie replied, trying to remain calm.

Sam joyfully jumped into the car and, putting on her headphones, started watching videos on YouTube, while Sophie, holding back mixed emotions, took a seat next to Rachel. The car smoothly started moving, and a light tension hung in the air, as if everyone was waiting to see who would speak first. Sophie knew that this conversation could clarify a lot.

— How did your weekend go? — Rachel suddenly asked, glancing at Sophie.

Sophie flinched. Her breath was caught for a moment, as if time had stopped. The internal tension tightened into a knot as she began to formulate her response. Did Rachel know something?

— Well... why are you asking? — Sophie replied, trying to remain calm, although her heart was beating faster than usual.

Rachel raised her eyebrows slightly, her voice remained casual, but there was a hint of irony in it:

— Can't I ask my friend how she spent her weekend?

Sophie awkwardly smiled, realizing that her reaction might reveal her nervousness. But what if Rachel really suspects something? She was trying to find a safe way through this conversation.

— Of course you can, it's just that you asked so suddenly, — she replied, trying to speak as casually as possible.

Rachel tilted her head slightly, her smile widening just a bit, but her gaze was intense, as if she were trying to read between the lines.

— Yeah... maybe I just wanted to hear how the weather is in Miami sooner, — Rachel said with a hint in her voice, looking intently at Sophie.

At that moment, Sophie seemed to be paralyzed. Inside, everything has grown cold. A shock rolled through her body like a wave, causing her to freeze. How did Rachel know about Miami? Has everything really been revealed?

— How do you know about Miami? — she asked barely above a whisper, trying to suppress the tremor in her voice.

— Oh, Oliver told me, — Rachel replied carelessly, glancing at her daughter, who was intently examining something out the window. — You met a couple of days ago at the shopping mall.

Sophie took a deep breath, feeling the tension ease slightly. She relaxed a little in the armchair, but the feeling of anxiety still wouldn't leave her.

— Oh yes, right... I completely forgot about that, — Sophie tried to laugh casually, but inside she still felt a mix of relief and uncertainty.