Balfour was simply waiting for his driver when he spotted a girl he mistook for Victoria.
Victoria was in his class. When he saw her standing alone and crying pitifully, he felt compelled to offer her his handkerchief.
He had a good impression of the hardworking Victoria and hadnât had such patience in a while.
âYou want to be the best? Then give it your all. If you donât have the chops or the will, then donât sweat it. Lifeâs a show you put on for yourself, not for anyone elseâs eyes.â
Mara repeated the words, stunned, âYeah, live for myself.â
Just then, Balfourâs ride pulled up. He nodded at her, âI gotta leave. You should head home.â
Mara watched as Balfour drove away.
Balfour was unaware of the profound impact his random act of kindness would have on anotherâs life.
As he vanished from her sight, Maraâs heart raced. Was this what a crush felt like? Clutching the handkerchief to her chest, she took a few hurried steps to follow, but the car was gone in a flash, disappearing before she could even catch the license plate number. Balfourâs appearance was dreamlike, but his words had wrought seismic shifts in Maraâs life. If she wanted to outshine Victoria, sheâd pour her heart into it. And if not, sheâd tru learn to disregard the opinions of others.
27 Mulling over the boyâs words, Mara settled onto a bench at the bus stop until Victoria, flustered with friends in tow and caught up.
âMara, where have you been? Iâve been looking all over for you. Come on, letâs go home. Donât be so headstrong, Dadâs been stewing on the couch since you left.â
Mara was surprisingly composed, offering Victoriaâs friends a polite thanks, âSorry for worrying you.
How about I treat you to milkshake?â
Victoria and her friends exchanged puzzled glances. Mara had never said thank you before, usually just scowling in Victoriaâs direction.
What had gotten into her today?
Her friends waved off the offer, concern etched on their faces, âNo worries, we were just bored at home. Itâs fine. You being safe is what matters. Donât make your sister and your dad worry.â
Mara nodded, âI get it. It wonât happen again.â
08:18 without waiting for Me mandataving me and her trends Camera mar * was Veloria who the wants to apoio with an encouraging mdat of a for hand and to Date Brought Mare back Laâs put this Satur from Max Tony Dad he been too king Then she turned to Victoria, âSis, letâs head back. I wonât make you or Dad worry anymore.â Without waiting for a response, Mara marched ahead, leaving Victoria and her friends bewildered.
Once home, Mara shivered as she was confronted by her truly livid father. A mix of fear and guilt washed over her.
It was Victoria who took her hand and approached Elton, âDad, Iâve brought Mara back. She wants to apologize. Letâs put this behind us. Weâre still a family, right?â
With an encouraging look from Victoria, Mara nodded, âIâm sorry, Dad. Iâve been too stubborn. I did a lot of thinking today.â