Victoria swiftly intercepted her dad, âIf Mara doesnât feel like eating, letâs just drop it. When she gets hungry, Iâll whip up a sandwich or something for her.
Sheâs under a ton of pressure with her studies right now. She might not have much of an appetite.â
Seeing her sister stepping in, Mara knew she was off the hook. She left the dining table and headed straight to her room with Eltonâs grumbles trailing behind her.
âWhy arenât you stressed out the same way? How come you could devour every meal I prepare without a fuss while sheâs so picky?â
âCome on, Dad, no more nagging, okay? You take such good care of us. You should be the one eating more.â
âIf only Mara were as thoughtful as you, I wouldnât have to work so hard.â
The book lay open on the table, but Mara couldnât focus on the words. Her mind was buzzing with thoughts of Balfour.
Balfour, how can I see you again? Will you even remember me?
The next day was the weekend, and Victoria didnât have any plans until she suddenly changed into a fresh outfit and announced she had to go to school for an unexpected rehearsal.
âMara, youâll have to heat up your own lunch today. Thereâs been a hiccup with the rehearsal at school, so theyâve called us in to run through it again. Otherwise, we might hit a snag on the day of the competition.â
Victoria was in a hurry, and Mara sensed an opportunity. She also put down her pen.
âVictoria, Iâve never been to your school. I want to come along and check it out. Itâll inspire me and give me motivation to study harder.â
âBut Iâll be busy with rehearsals all day. Are you sure youâll be okay on your own?â Victoria was concerned. Her school campus was large and the idea of leaving her sister to wander alone made her worry.
âIâll be within the school grounds. I wonât stray. What could happen? Iâm grown up. Itâs not like Iâll run into trouble inside the school, right? Just relax, I really want to see what a top school looks like!â
With Mara insisting, Victoria agreed. âAlright, then. Go change, and weâll head out immediately.â
Upon arriving at school, Mara didnât show the excitement she had claimed, instead clinging to Victoriaâs coattails.
Victoria had thought Mara would enjoy exploring the school, but her sister suddenly became timid and stuck close to her, gripping her clothes and refusing to leave.
âVictoria, let me follow you to the auditorium. There are so many strangers here, and Iâm a bit scared.â
Victoria was in a tight spot. It wasnât that she didnât want to take Mara with her. It was just that the rehearsal involved many teachers, and it felt awkward to bring a family member along.
âVictoria, Iâve never asked you for anything else, but please donât leave me alone here. Iâm scared.â
After much difficulty, Victoria decided that Mara should wait at the auditorium doors. She would ask her teachers if it was okay for Mara to come backstage.
âJust wait here for a while and donât wander off, Iâll be back in a bit!â
Mara nodded repeatedly, âGo ahead, Iâll wait right here; I wonât go anywhere.â
Mara knew that if Victoria was heading to rehearsal, Balfour would surely be there as well.