"James, we'll be going now. Valeria, come."
Valentina's voice was firm yet gentle as she reached out her hand to her sister.
"No worries. We'll be heading off too. Paul, Saul, let's go."
James replied, clasping Saul's hand in his right and Paul's in his left.
With that, the two pairs—siblings hand in hand, walked quietly side by side through the school grounds.
As they walked, Valeria chatted energetically with the twins, firing off questions like a machine gun. Paul and Saul answered each one, always checking with each other before replying, like synchronized partners. Her sharp tongue didn't faze them in the slightest , they simply laughed at every witty comment she made.
Meanwhile, James and Valentina remained silent, each lost in their own thoughts, letting their younger siblings enjoy the moment.
The twins didn't just tolerate Valeria's sharp tongue—they seemed to enjoy it, laughing at every quirky or snide remark.
Eventually, they reached the school's entrance, where the footpath split in two.
"Paul, Saul—say your goodbyes now," James urged.
"Valeria, goodbye! Let's play again tomorrow!"
The twins called out in perfect sync, hands raised enthusiastically.
Valeria waved back with a grin.
"Bye-bye, Saul and Paul! Also, bye-bye to 'The Creep'!"
James let out a defeated chuckle.
"Haha…"
He turned slightly to Valentina and gave a polite nod.
"Valentina, we're heading this way. Goodbye."
He motioned toward the right.
Her expression remained unreadable, composed, cool.
"Likewise, James. Don't forget to add me to your contacts. There may come a time we'll need ample assistance."
She leaned subtly to the left as she said it.
James managed a small smile.
"Right. Thanks for the opportunity. Take care."
With a final nod, he walked off, one twin on each side, hands swinging in quiet rhythm.
Valentina, still holding Valeria's hand, turned left.
A sleek black van pulled up to the curb.
The door slid open.
And without a word more, she stepped inside with her sister.
___
Arriving back at the house, James and the twins were greeted by the warm scent of home-cooked food and the clatter of plates in the kitchen.
"Oh, welcome back!"
Vanessa called out without turning. "Clean yourselves up now. Lunch will be ready soon."
James gave a light nod and guided the twins to their room before heading to his own.
He closed the door behind him and touched his glabella.
[DAILY MISSIONS]
[ ] Eat 2000 calories
[ ] Jog 5 kilometers
[ ] Do 50 push-ups
[X] Help your mother
[ ] Help your father clean the house
[ ] Help your siblings with their homework
[ ] Do not watch pornography
[ ] Do not touch yourself indecently
[X] Pick up your siblings from school
[X] Talk to Summer Heartfelia
[X] Get a summer job
Failure to do so will result in your father losing his job.
--
"Whew… still a lot left."
James muttered as he changed out of his sweaty shirt, tossing it into the laundry basket before putting on a fresh one.
Heading downstairs, his footsteps were hesitant but purposeful.
Vanessa was now setting the last of the dishes on the table, her focus on making sure every detail was right.
James cleared his throat lightly.
"Mom…"
She didn't look up, too busy straightening the silverware.
"Hmmm? What is it, James? Go call your brothers, it's time to eat."
"Mom," he said again, firmer this time.
"I was given an opportunity… for a summer job."
Vanessa paused. Slowly, she turned to face him.
"At the Newman Elementary School."
James added, as if saying it out loud made it feel more real.
There was a beat of silence. Then—
"That's… that's wonderful, James!"
Vanessa dropped the serving spoon and rushed over, pulling him into a sudden, tight hug.
James stood frozen for a moment, his arms awkward at his sides, before slowly wrapping them around her.
It wasn't just about the job. It was everything.
Her son the quiet, withdrawn boy who used to lock himself in his room and offer only nods and shrugs was finally breaking through. He was talking. Initiating. Engaging.
Vanessa's throat tightened, but she held back the tears.
"You… you talked to someone?"
she asked, almost in disbelief.
James gave a small, sheepish nod.
"Yeah. I had to. They offered after I helped out… with something."
Vanessa didn't need to know the details. Just the fact that he 'connected' with someone was enough.
She pulled back and smiled at him—really smiled, the kind that parents give when they're both proud and in awe.
"We'll need to get you some nice clothes then," she said with a grin. "For your first day. Oh and shoes that aren't falling apart."
James laughed, light and unguarded.
"Sure. But first—lunch."
He stepped toward the hallway.
"PAUL! SAUL! WASH YOUR HANDS! LUNCH!"
--
The scent of simmering garlic and soy greeted James . It was warm, familiar the kind of smell that made your stomach complain out loud even if you were full.
His mother, Vanessa, was already plating the food.
"Go wash your hands," she said without looking up. "Lunch is ready."
The table was already set. A large bowl of steaming white rice sat at the center, flanked by plates of stir-fried vegetables glistening in a light sauce. Chopped carrots, green beans, and cabbage had been tossed together with slivers of onion and garlic. Beside it, crispy fried tilapia lay golden and curled at the edges, steam rising off its back like it had just come from battle.
James took his seat quietly, watching as Saul poked a piece of eggplant with his fork. It had been pan-fried to a soft brown, the skins slightly wrinkled but shiny from sesame oil.
"…Is this eggplant?" Saul muttered.
"Yep," Vanessa replied, setting down a plate of soy-braised tofu, sliced into neat squares and soaked in a sweet-salty glaze.
Saul leaned back a little. "It looks… sad."
"It's nutritious," she said, placing a cup of broth in front of him with a small clink. "And tastes better than you're giving it credit for."
Paul was already halfway through his first serving of rice. "Honestly, it's not bad. Just don't think about the texture."
James grinned, reaching for the fish. The crispy skin crackled under his spoon, revealing tender, flaky meat underneath. He dipped it in a small saucer of citrus-soy sauce and took a bite. Tangy, savory, just a little salty it was exactly what he needed.
"Mom, James said on the way back that he got a job opportunity... What's that?"
Saul asked.
Saul questioned.
"It means that your brother has the chance to look after you while earning money fufu."
Vanessa humoured.
Paul leaned over with a grin. "So, you're like... an adult now, huh?"
"Not yet," James said. "But it's a start."
They all returned to their food. Saul eventually took a bite of the eggplant. He didn't say anything, but he didn't stop eating it either. James noticed.
Vanessa gave him a knowing glance and raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.
The meal continued like that soft chatter, the clink of spoons and forks, the gentle hum of a fan in the background. Nothing extraordinary. Just a good lunch—with family, and for once, a feeling that things were changing.
And for James, that was more than enough.