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

CHAPTER 17. Reveal

                  Maria's POV

It was a new year and a new term, and that meant a new year resolution for me. So I decided to start my year on a clean slate, and the first law on this slate was telling the truth.

"Dad," I called. We were all set for school and heading out to the car.

"Careful," he said to Mel as she stepped out with her lunch box, her school bag hanging on his shoulder, and then he turned to me. "Yes?"

I was certain he wouldn't take my honesty to penalty level because, c'mon, it happened a long time ago.

"Remember that Thursday I said I was going to hang out with my friends at four pm?"

"Okay..." he trailed off, narrowing his eyes on me.

"Actually..." I held a tight grip on my school bag strap. "We were serving a punishment..." I cringed.

"What?" He lowered his head to aid his hearing.

"We went to Francis' place during break time and Father George caught us there, and he gave us a three days punishment; sweep the monastery on Thursday, clean the school science lab on Friday and go for confession on Saturday," I finished in one breath, and eased my chest with a sigh, waiting for my honesty trophy.

Dad blinked a few times. "Wow!" he exclaimed, his eyes staying put in a wider circle. "I'm so disappointed in you to say the least. I wonder what Father George must have thought of me. And of course you had to wait until you received your Christmas present to tell me," he scoffed, "that was pretty smart, but guess what? I'm taking it back until you prove you're worthy of it."

His reaction was far from what I'd expected. "But, Dad, I just told you the truth, and it happened a long time ago. I probably won't open up to you again if I'll only get punished for it."

"As you wish, missy. But your punishment will only double if I get to find out about your mischief myself." He was an expert at this. "So, shall we?" He gestured at the door. "We're running late for school. And thanks for your honesty." He faked a smile and walked out the door. I sighed, following him.

The truth didn't turn out great, and like they say, it's bitter, and comes with a lot of consequences. So I didn't tell him about Christmas Eve night so he doesn't ask for my head.

I continued my reflection on our way to school. And my second resolution was to help Mum frequently. Three, to put more effort in my studies and hopefully come out a straight A student. Four, to keep being loyal to my squad. And lastly, an impromptu law, to prove to Dad that I was worthy of my gadget. More resolutions will roll in much later as the year goes by.

Dad dropped us at school, and we separated to our classes, but I had to walk Mel to her own class before heading to mine, and then the assembly before classes starts. The usual school morning routine.

My classmates wished each other a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and everyone had a partner to share their holiday experience with. I overheard someone say that their dad had killed a cow for the celebration as I walked to my seat.

"Hey, Maria! It's good to see you again." A classmate beamed at me when I neared my desk. She was the only one who wasn't paired up, and it seemed like she'd been waiting for me so she could start running her mouth about her Christmas holiday.

"The feeling is mutual. Happy New Year," I replied with the same energy as hers as I dropped my bag, on the spotless tiled floor, beside my chair, and sat down.

"I wish you the same. So how was the holiday?" She jumped right into it.

"It was awesome," I answered. "And I see we're doing nyon green this year." I referred to the school bag laying on her desk in front of me. Last year she had a blinding pink school bag.