The next day...
Opening her eyes slowly, Gina got up from the bed. The morning sun shone through the window vents, bouncing off the marble floor. It appeared that the universe had blessed her. She didn't even have nightmares last night. The young woman smiled. She immediately went to the bathroom to complete her morning routine.
Gaidees wore a tight, long-sleeved t-shirt and a knee-length black pleated skirt. After combing her long golden yellow hair, she came out of the room.
"Good morning, Mom," Gina said to the mother standing in front of the pantry table. She didn't see Modesty. Maybe her sister was in the bathroom.
The mother lifted her head, looking away from the coffee she was stirring for her daughter and asked, "Are you alright?"
"Yes, I feel fantastic." The young woman sat down with a wide smile on her face.
Chastity frowned as she sipped her coffee and then spoke, "Last time I saw you, you seemed you want to swallow a whole goat. And today you are such a sweet little angel."
"Well, mood swings, you know." Gina smirked.
"Are you not planning anything?" The mother's brow furrowed.
"Do you think I have a chance, Mom?" Gina exhaled a sigh.
"I'm not sure I can trust you after yesterday. That also makes me reconsider accepting an offer to work out of town for a few weeks. The pay is good too."
Gina's eyes widen. "You got a job offer? That's awesome. Take it, Mom. It's hard to find work these days."
"Yes, we have a lot of arrears to pay as well. Being a sales representative for a well-known brand is a blessing for someone like me who lacks a degree." Chastity sighed deeply, then she sip her coffee.
"So, don't waste it. You have to take it!"
"Can I put my trust in you, Gina? Don't cause any problems this time."
"Don't worry about it, Mom. I never get into trouble, do I? Yesterday I just went to see an art show."
"Stay home, Gina. Follow my rules, please!"
"I'll stay at home," she replied.
'I'll stay at home after I get home from campus, Mom,' she told inside of her head. If her mother knew how hard it was to find a job without a degree, why didn't she let her go to college? She really could not understand her mother's mind.
Without wasting any time, Chastity immediately packed up. Gina was happy to help. Her mother didn't forget to dictate a long list of instructions. The young woman could only agree with a nod.
"Take care of Modesty well, okay? You're her sister. Don't fight with her," her mother said.
"Okay, Mom."
After packing, Chastity asked Gina to call her sister, because she wanted to say goodbye before leaving.
Before Gina had time to search for her sister, Modesty had already come. Her mother immediately explained that she was going out of town.
"Take care of yourself," Chastity said as she hugged her two children.
"You too, Mom."
They stretched each other's arms, then Chastity went out and took a taxi.
As the door closed, Gina jumped up and down with joy. She made Modesty stare and giggle.
"Why are you acting weird like that?" Modesty asked.
"It is nothing."
The young woman immediately ran to her room. She grabbed her duffel bag and put on her white running shoes.
"Modesty, come here!"
"What is it?" The thirteen-year-old girl approached.
"I'll buy you a big In 'n Out burger later. But don't tell mom anything, okay?"
"I will tell mom."
"Two burgers?"
"Oh well, it's up to you. I'm a kid, so I don't know what you're doing."
"Good girl." Gina rubbed Modesty's head.
Taking her phone from her pocket, Gina stepped out of the house.
"Let's go, Yesiba! I'm standing in front of the house."
"I'm coming!" Yesiba answered on the phone.
Not long after, Yesiba's door opened. Yesiba was spotted wearing a t-shirt and baggy pants. A large bag is slung across his left shoulder.
"Let's go!"
Gina replied with a quick nod.
A white car suddenly passed in front of them. Gina was about to curse because she had almost just got hit. But when the vehicle's owner rolled down the window, she gave up.
"Sorry guys. It's a new car. So I need an adjustment," Bryn said.
"Woohoo! Your car is amazing." Yesiba went straight to Bryn's car and rubbed her hands.
"Come up!"
Yesiba and Gina got into the car. Bryn immediately drove his vehicle.
Ten minutes later, the vehicle arrived in front of a building similar to yesterday's arts show building.
"This is the campus?" Gina asked to confirm it.
"Yes, you can read that." Bryn pointed to the gate. There was a large flier above that said:
[Welcome to San Fancisco Art Academy]
Internally, Gina wondered why the school campus was so grand. The buildings were filled with ancient statues, some of which resemble Zeryon's paintings. Then she remembered she was at an art school. Perhaps the statues were the work of this campus' alumni.
The three of them exited the car and entered the campus. Gina felt the wind blow across her face and then vanish. For a brief moment, she felt strange.
"What major do you want to pursue, Gina?" Bryn inquired.
"What are the majors?" Gina responded with a question.
"There are dance, music, theater and drama, painting, fashion, photography, and... what else?" Bryn turned to Yesiba.
Yesiba went on to say, "Sculp arts, television and film, martial arts, graphic design, and writings."
"Wow, so many choices. Maybe I will choose music. I want to sing. How about you?" Gina looked at Bryn and Yesiba.
"I took sculpture," Bryn said.
"And I majored in dance," Yesiba added.
Gina was led to the registration area by her friends. Several people stood in line. Yesiba and Gina joined the line, while Bryn sat and waited.
Suddenly, a thin woman shoved Gina on the shoulder. "Sorry, I was already waiting in line. I then went to the restroom for a while."
Gina could see Yesiba's jaw tightening, as if she wanted to scold her, then she pulled her hand away.
"It's okay, Yesiba."
"She is so rude. Her pretty appearance isn't as pretty as her demeanor."
"Hey Emelle Lee! Bring me my bag!" The skinny young woman ordered a young Asian.
"Who is she to order another woman like that?" Yesiba whispered.
"Come on, Yesiba. Leave it alone. I just want my registration to be over quickly. If we join the debate, it will take longer," Gina replied.
"Okay," Yesiba said, gritting her teeth and sarcastically looking at the fashionable young woman in front of her.