Reina carefully helped Cornelia sit down on the couch in Frank's house. "Careful, Grandma."
"Thank you, dear," Cornelia replied, settling into the cushions.
Esme, who had been watching, smirked. "How did you budge? Congratulations, Reina, Mom actually listened to you."
Cornelia rolled her eyes and waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, stop it, Esme."
Esme chuckled, not letting up. "Frank got his stubbornness from you, and Sidney got hers from him. It's a genetic problem." The room filled with laughter.
Just then, Cecile walked in. "Good afternoon, everyone."
"Good afternoon, dear," the family replied in unison.
Cecile smiled and approached Reina. "Hi, Reina! How are you?"
"I'm good. What about you? How's work? Did you finish on time, or is it your day off?" Reina asked.
"My boss gave me the day off," Cecile answered.
"Lucky you," Reina said with a teasing grin. "I guess we'll meet tomorrow then."
"Yeah, for sure."
Reina grabbed her purse and stood up. "I'm going to the mall to get some foodstuffs. Want to come?"
"Sure, let's go!" Cecile agreed, and the two of them headed out together.
As they were leaving, Esme turned to Cornelia with a concerned look. "Mom, are you taking your pills? Are you eating properly? Are you taking care of yourself?"
Cornelia raised an eyebrow. "Relax, doctor Mom. One question at a time."
Esme smiled, but there was a hint of worry in her eyes. "I'm just worried, Mom. You have to take good care of yourself."
"I'm fine," Cornelia reassured her.
"If you say so," Esme said, still unconvinced.
Cal stepped into Frank's shop, a bit hesitant. "Mr. Frank? Good afternoon, sir."
Frank looked up from his work, smiling warmly. "Hey, boy. How are you today? Did you bring good news?"
Cal looked puzzled. "What? Watt didn't tell you yet?"
Frank shook his head. "I haven't seen the playboy."
Cal sighed. "No accommodation, sir. I'm so sorry."
"It's fine. Thanks for your help," Frank said, patting Cal on the shoulder. "You boys have been a great help."
Sidney walked in just then, having finished her work. "Done. Hi, Cal. How's Abuelo?"
"He's fine," Cal replied.
"Oh, that reminds me," Sidney said, looking at her father. "Dad, Watt stopped by."
"Mm," Frank said thoughtfully. "He isn't a bad boy after all. I thought he didn't come."
Sidney shrugged. "It slipped my mind. What happened, Dad? He was talking about accommodation. Are we moving?"
Frank shook his head. "No, not at all. It's nothing, Sidney. Just focus on your studies."
"Okay, if you say so," Sidney said, though she still seemed unsure. "Bye, Cal." She left the shop.
Cal gave a small bow as he apologized once more. "Sorry again, sir, but we'll try our best."
"Thank you, boy," Frank replied, smiling.
Cal nodded, heading toward the door. "Have a nice day, sir."
Frank watched him leave, then muttered to himself, "I hope there's time."
Just as Frank turned back to his work, the door opened again, and Jimmy walked in with a grin. "Really? You don't tell me anything anymore? Frank, before we became in-laws, we were friends. Best friends, classmates!"
Frank laughed and threw up his hands in mock surrender. "I can't count the favors you've bestowed upon me and my family, Jim. You've done enough already."
Jimmy raised an eyebrow. "They're shutting down this place? Since when?"
Frank's expression darkened. "Since a weird complaint was made. I had no idea about it."
Jimmy chuckled. "Don't worry. I have a better place for you to house your shoes."
Frank's face softened, and he stepped forward, pulling Jimmy into a tight hug. "This is the reason I didn't tell you and also the reason I love you."
Jimmy laughed, patting Frank on the back. "Promise me you'll never hide something like this from me again."
Frank grinned. "Promise me you'll stop helping."
Both of them laughed together. "I can't," they said in unison.
Jimmy looked at Frank with a shake of his head. "Gosh, your unwavering tenacity and resolute determination are truly remarkable. I hope none of your daughters got this from you."
Frank smirked. "According to Esme, it's a genetic problem."
The two of them shared another laugh.
"Good one," Jimmy said, still chuckling.
"Thank you so much, Jim. I appreciate it," Frank said sincerely.
Reina was walking through the aisles of the mall when she heard a familiar voice. "Hey, Reina!" Keisha called out with a chuckle. "I didn't see you there."
Reina smiled, turning to face her friend. "Done with classes?"
Keisha nodded, still grinning. "Yeah, you know how it is."
Reina raised an eyebrow. "I have no idea. I'm a waitress, not a teacher."
Keisha laughed. "Yeah, I totally get it." She looked around, then asked, "Where's Noah?"
"He's home," Reina replied.
"Alright," Keisha said. "I'm done shopping. Guess I'll see you later." She turned to Cecile. "Hi, long time no see!"
"Yeah, hi," Cecile said flatly, her arms crossed.
Keisha, oblivious to Cecile's mood, waved. "Okay, got to go. Take care, Reina!"
"You too, friend," Reina called after her, smiling.
Keisha walked away, but Cecile turned to Reina with a puzzled expression. "What was that all about? She totally ignored me. It's like I wasn't even here."
Reina gave her a reassuring smile. "We were talking. She means no harm, Cecile. Keisha's a lovable person, so chin up."
Cecile huffed, still a little put off. "Okay, whatever. Are you done?"
Reina nodded. "Yeah, I just have to pay for the stuff I bought. Let's go."
The two of them walked toward the checkout counter, and as they exited the mall, the light gradually faded.