Friendship And Family (Currently undergoing a rewrite. Do Not Read.)

CHAPTER 16. Gift

                   Maria's POV

I heard a familiar whistle during Mass. Turning to my left, I saw Andrew behind one of the church windows with the others, holding packs of knockout, and that was my cue to leave.

"What are you looking at?"

I got startled. "Nothing," I replied Mum and looked away to the altar, thinking of a way to get out of church so I won't miss out on the fun outside. But I was trapped in between my parents on the pew, with Mish next to me on my right, and Mel on my left, who was fast asleep in Dad's arms.

I then got an idea and leaned sideways towards Mum, whose back was rested on the pew, from behind Mish who was leaned forward. "I need to pee..." I whispered in her ear, feeling guilty for lying in church.

She turned her head to me. "Be careful out there."

I laughed to myself as I got up, because I was actually going out to cause trouble.

"Where are you going?" Dad asked quietly, and I sat back down to explain myself so I don't block the parishioners behind me, as talking to Dad about even the least things could steal a whole day.

"She wants to pee," Mum answered for me like I was a toddler who couldn't speak for herself the moment I opened my mouth to release my first word to Dad, which I then shut, feeling embarrassed and annoyed.

Dad stared at me with a straight face, his parental mode activated, and I could almost read the words 'you're up to something' in his eyes. I rolled my lips as I awaited his verdict. He then looked away, giving his attention to the Mass, and that was the approval I needed. I stood up and made my way out.

"It took you forever to convince your parents," Andrew said in a mocking tone when I met them.

"I don't get free passes like you," I defended.

"You seem to be the only one who doesn't because most teenagers are outside." Not everyone could fit in the church because we only had one Mass for Christmas Eve night, unlike regular Sundays where we had three Masses due to the community's population. So on this night, the church usually had extensions of pavilions and sittings for other parishioners. But most people, especially the youths, made late coming a habit so they could sit outside and do whatever they wanted. My parents were a part of the exceptional early birds who always made it inside the church.

I was short of a reply to serve Andrew, not like he'd ever let me have the last say, so I let it go.

"She has a tight," Agnes interlocked her fingers for a vivid illustration, "family, while yours is..." she dragged, thinking of the right word for her description. "You're like a loose dog." She settled for what she had, releasing her fingers. She sold a better killer look with the long black braids we had both made for Christmas, and my round face was cool with looking cute.

Mathias laughed out loud, reading a different meaning to what Agnes had said, and I felt good that Andrew was served his own medicine.

"Terrible explation," Andrew said, not taking it to heart.

"I meant free," Agnes explained further.

Francis laughed. "We get it."

"But just out of curiosity. What excuse gave you a pass?" Andrew asked me.

"I need to pee?" I muttered, feeling a little embarrassed.

Andrew palmed his face.

"What else was I supposed to say?" I gestured with my hands, wide-eyed.

He held the packs up without saying a word, and I raised my eyebrows in question since I couldn't read his vague gesture.

He sighed. "The truth. Dad I'm going to throw knockout with my friends," he mimicked my voice, making the others chuckle.