They reached the car, but fury lit Star's eyes like a bonfire in the dark. She yanked the door open, grabbed her backpack, then slammed it shut with finality.
"Good luck at work," she said flatly and began to walk away.
Mandume blinked, baffled. "Oh, hello? Where are you going?"
Star didn't pause. "Mendu, you're late. You've got 20 minutes to make it to work, and it's your first day back. Just go."
"What? I'm taking you to school," he insisted, following her.
"I'm taking a cab," Star snapped. "And don't talk to me."
Mandume's brows pulled together. "Hee? What did I do now?"
"Go. People are staring at you like you're a mad millionaire." Her voice cracked with restrained rage.
Mandume stood there, stunned and speechless, as a cab rolled up. Star got in without looking back.
He sighed, confused beyond words, and left for work—his mind riddled with questions.
On the way, Star remembered to return her mother's call. She pressed dial.
"Good morning, Mom?"
"Morning, Star. How are you?" Louisa's voice was soft but tight with concern.
"I'm fine. Everything okay on your end?"
"I'm absolutely fine... just a little worried. Are you okay?"
Star hesitated. "Worried? About what?"
"I've been having strange dreams lately. I hope you're not in danger."
"Mom... I'm fine," Star assured, forcing a smile that Louisa couldn't see. "Maybe you just miss me. We'll reunite soon."
"I hope it's not something serious. You know my dreams always come to pass."
"Mom, relax. You're stressing too much." She lowered her voice slightly. "The only news I have is... Dad called. He wants to meet today."
"Oh. He called me too," Louisa said. "Star, I think... maybe we should give him a second chance."
Star blinked in disbelief. "Yes, Mom—I already decided to. I honestly thought you'd oppose me. Thank God."
Louisa chuckled softly. "You know me, Star. Just promise me you'll behave. This is a powerful family. If you see anything—inhuman—just... don't intervene. I know you."
Star raised a brow. Why is she talking like she knows them...?
Muted: "Why does she sound so familiar with his people?"
"No, ma. I'm not doing anything reckless. I'll behave."
"That's my girl. And how's my grandson?"
"I went for ANC this morning. He's perfectly healthy."
"Good. Take care of yourself," Louisa said and ended the call.
Star stared out the cab window, sighing. "Oh God, I forgot—Mom's basically the Oracle of Dreams. Now she's going to stress."
Later that day, at lunch, Star spotted Bonita sitting alone at the edge of the courtyard. Her usual fire was missing, replaced with a hollow expression. Star walked over and gently placed a hand on her friend's shoulder. Bonita didn't even flinch.
Star sat beside her.
Bonita looked up, her eyes glassy. A tear rolled down her cheek. Star wiped it away gently.
"Stop," Star said. "Don't waste tears on someone who doesn't care."
"I'm trying, Star. I really am. But I feel like I have this mysterious tie to Tiffanie. I can't shake her off."
"If it's real, she'll come back to you. But crying won't fix anything."
Bonita sniffled. "She has this negative image of me. I want to change that. And... Star—I'm sorry. For everything."
"Don't even start. Now eat this." Star pushed a piece of banger toward her.
"I'm not even hungry…"
"You didn't eat breakfast. Now it's lunch, and still nothing? Girl—eat."
Star grabbed a large chunk of the banger and shoved it in her mouth dramatically. "See? In this life, no matter what happens—you crunch those carbs! Life's too short to be starving over a girl."
Bonita let out a weak laugh. "You're right. While I'm crying, Tiffanie's out here chewing steak."
"Exactly!"
Bonita wiped her nose. "Fine, I'll eat. But I need to see Tiffanie. I want to explain everything... Will you come with me?"
"Only if you eat this." Star waved another piece in her face.
"Okay, okay!" Bonita opened her mouth and took the food.
"Shall we plan it then?" Star asked.
Bonita sighed. "She didn't come to school today."
Star frowned. "So what now?"
"We go to her house. After school."
"After school…" Star echoed. "Oh! I'm meeting my dad."
"He gets off at four, right?"
"Yeah."
"Well, I have a lecture until 3:30. So... we can go tomorrow?"
"Sure," Star said, leaning back. "Tomorrow it is."