“Nadya, just wait and see…I just want to teach that unfashionable thing how to have a little fun. Little miss perfect wouldn’t be perfect after tonight.”
At Maxwell, Cassie told Kristoff that her mother didn’t want her to attend Marga’s party because she was worried about what could happen to her. Kristoff thought it was strange since the party was going to be held at her sister’s house and Cassie said she didn’t want to argue with her mother. Kristoff mocked Cassie saying that it was obvious she wanted to go.
“Well yeah, who wouldn’t want to go there?”
“So, do you want me to help sneak you out?” Kristoff asked.
“You’re crazy, you and your silly ideas. That’s why your dad scolds you a lot.”
“And you…let your mother control you.” Kristoff shot back and Cassie’s face fell a little. “Come on, Cassie. Loosen up, enjoy. It’s a victory party, and I wanted to spend some time with you outside the school.”
Cassie suggested that he come with her to teach the children she had been tutoring for a while now. “That would be helpful,” she said.
Kristoff then said that he had an idea. Marga had created a group for the party and since he didn’t want her to feel left out, he suggested that Cassie join the group so she could watch the live feed. Cassie told him that she didn’t have any social media account anymore because her mother had asked her to deactivate it. Kristoff suggested that she create another account and Cassie worried that she might get caught.
“You don’t need to add her,” Kristoff said. “That would be your secret account. You don’t have to get caught. I have one too. How do you think I manage to slip past dad?”
“Am not sure about this, Tope,” Cassie said.
“Just give me your phone. It takes only a second to make an account. What’s wrong with that? Besides, don’t you get tired of your mom dictating everything? Come on, Cassie. This is your life, you should be the one living it. Quick, gimme my your phone.”
Daniela was selling some of her jewelry. She asked Savannah to buy them and Savannah said she couldn’t buy everything because her husband probed into her purchases and it would only create more problems for them. Daniela told her to buy what she could so that she would help her sell the rest.
“Is it really that bad with your finances?” Savannah asked.
“It’ll help us settle our debts,” Daniela replied. She told her friend that Carlos had been nagging her everyday and if it wasn’t enough after she sold everything, then she would just look for a job.
Savannah was surprised. “Danny…you’re a business owner. Now you want to work for someone else?”
“It’s okay. I am Daniela Mondragon. I graduated from the best schools here in the country and abroad. Don’t worry about me.”
Carlos had gone home to visit his family. Jude told him that he had spoken to his friend who worked at the factory – they were looking for a supervisor but he had to start at the bottom. Carlos said he would be fine with the job since things were getting very tight.
Gino suggested that he ask Daniela’s father for help and Carlos said he was still capable of supporting his family so there was no need for that. Mr. Kulas then came in and Carlos suggested that they start the bill payment business but his father asked him to focus on his own business instead. Gino then asked Carlos to tell their father what had happened.
“We encountered a few problems at the bar…” Carlos began. “…we were forced to shut it down.”
Mr. Kulas asked how he would be able to make ends meet now and Carlos said that he was looking for a job, and he had saved up some money. Carlos suggested that they create their own business so that they would all benefit from it.
“What? Would that be enough?” Mr. Kulas asked. “You know your family is used to a certain lifestyle. Why don’t you talk to Daniela’s father?”
“Dad…”
“There you go being all proud again. That won’t help anybody. Use your head. You need to be practical. Being proud isn’t going to feed your family.”
Marga stopped Kristoff after basketball practice and asked him whether he had told Cassie about anything that had happened at the fashion show.
“I didn’t say anything,” Kristoff said. “But that doesn’t mean am going to be covering for you. It’s just not my place to say it.” Marga rolled her eyes. “So…why did you steal her design?” Kristoff was glancing behind, as if he didn’t want Cassie to catch him talking to Marga.
“I didn’t steal anything,” Marga shot at him. “It was Nadya’s fault. She was the one who handed me Cassie’s design.”
“But you still used it,” Kristoff pointed out. “Piece of advise, Marga. Going against Cassie wouldn’t lead you anywhere. She’s a very sweet and caring person. She didn’t transfer into this school just to compete with you.” There goes the eye rolling again. “And maybe if you gave her a chance, you could actually be friends.”
At Camila, Bonita congratulated Mina on how she had impressed the entire board members. “Except for Mrs. Galvez,” Mina said. Bonita told her that getting that woman’s vote was nearly impossible. Mina asked why and Bonita told her that Mrs. Galvez had been friends with Camila.
“And from what I’ve heard, Mrs. Galvez is indebted to Camila because when Mrs. Galvez’s husband got sick, Camila payed for his treatment,” Bonita added. “Plus, she was one of the people who got upset when Daniela didn’t take over the company.”
“And she blames me for that?” Mina asked. Bonita remained silent. “Don’t mind them, Bonita. As long as am working hard, I have nothing to worry about.”
Bonita was glad to hear that, though she hoped that they wouldn’t resort to using dirty tactics. Mina said she wouldn’t allow that to happen.
“They can do whatever they want, but my work will speak for itself,” Mina said.
“You know how those people operate,” Bonita worried. “They won’t stop until they find something against you.”
Carlos went back home and Daniela, who seemed to be in a good mood, gave him a ‘welcome back ki$$’. Carlos asked what that was for and Daniela told him that she had been able to earn back the money she had spent and she had payed back a percentage of their loan. Carlos was surprised. He asked how she had done that and Daniela said she had sold some of her jewelry.
“Daniela…”
“It’s okay. It’s fine. Those aren’t important. All I need is my beautiful daughter, and my handsome husband.”
Carlos told his wife that he hadn’t gotten a job yet. Daniela said she would also look for a job so that they would be able to give Marga the life she deserved. At the Mondragon mansion, Cassie was smiling to herself in her room, holding up three clothes, not knowing what to choose. Her uncle Neil came in and asked if she was going out. Cassie said she wasn’t and Neil asked why she was trying on so many clothes and whether her mother knew about it.
“Marga’s throwing a party tonight, but…mama didn’t allow me to go.”
“I wouldn’t allow you to go either. I don’t trust that rascal, or her mother. She might try to hurt you again.”
Cassie told him that it was just a house party and all her classmates would be there because they were celebrating their teams’ victory.
“And you don’t wanna be left out?” Neil asked. Cassie looked sad. “Fine. I can’t say no to you, girl. Go on.”
Cassie was excited. Neil said he would take care of her mother and she had to be back home by ten o’clock. Cassie hurried to get changed. The house party had began at the Bartolome residence. Kristoff came in with a few of the basketball players. Nadya pointed out to Marga that her house seemed different because some of their furniture and decorations were missing.
Marga explained that her mother was redecorating the place so they had put some of the furniture in the storage room. (Oh, please. Your mother sold the damn things). A few moments later, Cassie came in smiling like always. Fatima and LJ were with her.
“Hey, Cassie,” Marga greeted, smiling back at her.
Daniela and Carlos had gone to a restaurant. Carlos asked why Daniela had brought him out for lunch. Daniela said she had realized that they needed a break because things hadn’t been easy and she had been difficult.
“I know that I’ve been very difficult, but Carlos, I want you to know that I lövê you.”
“I lövê you too.
“What else do you wanna do later? Anything. Wanna watch a movie…so we can forget about our problems even for a few hours?”. Carlos smiled at his deceitful wife.
Back at the Bartolome residence: “You came!” Marga sounded excited. “I thought you wouldn’t because your mother didn’t give you permission.”
Cassie was still smiling. “But Marga, I can’t stay long.”
“Why?” Nadya asked. “Are you Cinderella? Were you transformed by midnight?” Now Cassie wasn’t smiling anymore.
“Nadya, be nice,” Marga said. “We threw this party to celebrate Cassie and her team’s victory.” Cassie was smiling again. Marga put her hand on Cassie’s shoulder. “And Cassie, don’t worry. What’s most important is that we all have fun.”
“So you actually invited them?” Nadya asked after Cassie had left with her friends.
“Nadya, just wait and see,” Marga said. “I just want to teach that unfashionable thing how to have a little fun. Little miss perfect wouldn’t be perfect after tonight.”
Kristoff stared at them from where he stood among the crowd. Somewhere at the Bartolomes, a guy mixed different kinds of drinks. An older man warned him against it, saying that they were too young and would probably get drunk. The older man suggested that they drink soda but they guy insisted that they could handle it. He sent the older man on his way and had a phone call a few seconds later.
“Hello, Marga…yes. It’s ready.”
Mr. Kulas told his younger sons over dinner that their older brother was unreliable, on account of what was going on in his life now. He told them to strive for the best. Jude said he had just been doing that and he was due for a promotion very soon. Kulas said it was good so that their families could rely on them when they get married.
“But then, be careful of the women you hang around with. They tie you down, I won’t help you.”
Gino asked what would happen to Carlos now and Mr. Kulas complained that Carlos’ wife came from a very rich family but Romina was the only one benefiting from it. “And there’s nothing we can do but help them,” he added. “I don’t want your brother to suffer. I’ll do something about it.”
Back at the party at the Bartolomes, Cassie was getting ready to leave. She had a little chat with Kristoff and Marga came up to her and tried to convince her to stay for a while. Cassie said it was getting late. Marga however gathered everyone around for a drink. Fatima and LJ were still with her, staring at Marga in distrust. Kristoff also stood with her
“Don’t be so shy,” Marga said. “Cassie…this is just juice. You have nothing to worry about.”
“Why are you uptight, Cassie. Don’t be a k!lljoy.” one of the girls said.
“Go on, Cassie. You can do it.” another encouraged.
Back at the Mondragons, Mina came in with a gift for Cassie. Neil took it, saying that he would give it to her but Mina insisted on giving it to her herself because she needed to have a talk with her. Neil asked why and Mina said that she knew Cassie was upset with her for not allowing her to go to Marga’s party. Neil told her to try and understand her daughter because she wasn’t a kid anymore and she wanted to make friends and have some freedom.
“I understand that, Neil. I’m just scared. You know how dangerous it is out there.”
“I know, Romina. But am sure Cassie wouldn’t experience what you went through. She’s gonna be fine.”
Again, Mina insisted on talking to Cassie. Neil told her that Cassie was sleeping and she should just speak to her tomorrow. Mina however kept on insisting. Neil tried to stop her but Mina got past him and made her way to Cassie’s room while her brother kept saying that she was sleeping. Back at the Bartolomes residence:
“So the game is on. If you shöôt the ball, you give me a dare,” Marga said. “But if you miss…I will give you a dare…so Cassie, are you ready? Do you think you have what it takes to beat me?” “Game on,” Cassie replied.
The game began and Cassie missed her first shot and the next. And the next. And Cassie had to drink the first drink. And the next. And the next. Fatima and LJ were surprised. Kristoff as well. Cassie was smiling though. Those gathered there were cheering in excitement. Cassie missed another shot and Marga asked, “Drink or dare?”
“Dare.” Cassie said.
“I want you to take off anything you’re wearing,” Marga said.
“Wait…” Kristoff protested but Cassie wasn’t even listen. She took off her wristwatch.
Marga said it wasn’t allowed. She wanted Cassie to take off a piece of her dress and Cassie smiled at her. “You told me to take off something am wearing. Am just playing by the rules.” The party animals cheered while Marga seemed annoyed. Even angry.
Back at the Mondragons, Mina stood by Cassie’s door. Flashback: Cassie asked her mother whether she could go to the party. Mina refused because she didn’t like the idea of her daughter partying and she was worried that something bad could happen to her.
Present : Mina entered Cassie’s room with, what was that, a glass of milk? Cassie’s bed had been made and Mina mistook the thing lying on her bed all covered up to be her daughter. “Sweetheart, are you okay?” she said. “Sweety, I know am strict, but am just being protective.” ‘Cassie’ didn’t respond. Mina said she would make it up to her by throwing a party at their house, and she could even bring her entire batch of ìdiøtic classmates. Still no response.
“Cassie? Cassie, are you alright?” Mina removed the covers, and what did she find? A pillow. But that was not the saddest thing. The saddest thing was that there was a teddy bear. Cassie’s teddy bear, sleeping all alone under the pillow. A violet fluffy teddy bear. The poor thing had been alone for a while now. Dear Mina, would you be so kind to caress ‘Fluffy Teddy Cassie’? But our dearest Mina almost had a heart ãttaçk. She even forgot about ‘Fluffy Teddy Cassie’ and hurried out, calling out her husband’s name.
Back at the party, our dearest Cassie had another drink and Nica asked if the punch (the drink) was good. Cassie said it was good. Kristoff was staring at her in wonder as she asked how they had made it so she could let her nanny make some for her back home. Cassie then asked if they had put anything in it to make it taste so good.
Marga’s Mean Squad laughed along with the party animals while Marga seemed annoyed. Fatima and LJ weren’t laughing. Kristoff seemed to be enjoying the scene a little. (Damn you! This is all your fault ‘Tope’. See what you’ve done to our dearest innocent cutey-princess. You should be ashamed of yourself).
“You’re brave,” Nadya commented.
“Let’s see…” Marga said. She held up three fingers and waved them. “Count these.”
“Two!!” Cassie said excitedly and everyone else laughed. Except those in her corner.
“That’s three,” Marga said.
“Really? I thought it was two.”
Kristoff caught some girls taking videos of Cassie having such a good time. Worried, he went to take Cassie home but she refused. “It’s too early to go home. I want to win.” she said.
Back at the Mondragons, Mina came running down the stairs. She told Robert and nanny Esther that Cassie was missing. Their little girl had sneaked out. Nanny Esther went to talk to the maids while Mina tried to call her on phone. Meanwhile, Cassie’s phone rang outside the Bartolome house. Inside the house, Cassie went into the kitchen to get a glass of water.
Cassie smiled at Marga who sat on the floor staring at her. Back at the Mondragons, Neil finally confessed that Cassie had gone to Marga’s house for the party. Mina was very very upset. And so was Robert, who wanted to go and pick her up. Neil said they shouldn’t worry because Cassie’s friends would bring her home by ten pm.
“Ten pm?” Robert asked, checking his watch. “It’s past ten. Where are they?” Robert left with Mina to Daniela’s house.
At the Bartolomes, Cassie joined Marga on the floor and told her that she was jealous of her because everyone in school liked her and she could do whatever she wanted. “Don’t get me wrong. I lövê mama and daddy. I’ll do everything for them,” she said. ” But it’s so difficult sometimes because I can’t live my own life. So thank you for inviting me, because for the first time in my life, I feel like I can decide on my own.”
” Whatever,” Marga said. “We can’t have everything that we want.”
At the restaurant, Daniela and Carlos were still dining. (Seriously? You’ve been eating for more than 3 hours? You’ve gotta be kidding me!). Daniela excused herself a second before she had a phone call from her father. She had left her phone on the table and Carlos picked it up.
“Carlos, we heard that Cassie is attending a party at your house,” Robert said. Mina had put the phone on loudspeaker.
Carlos seemed surprised. “A party? Daniela and I went out. There’s no party at our house.”
Robert said they were heading to his place because they hadn’t been able to contact Cassie. Carlos told him that Daniela had gone to the washroom and he would call back soon. Daniela came back a few seconds later. “Hey, you look tensed. Are you okay?” Carlos gave her a look.
Back at the party, Cassie was happy and smiling, greeting everyone on her way with a ‘hi’. Fatima came running to her, saying that she had been looking for her. Fatima had found Cassie’s phone and she gave it back to her. Yeah, you read my mind. The phone was dead. Dead. Cassie asked if she had a charger.
“Yeah, I do,” Fatima said. “It’s at home. Why would I bring it to a party. Wanna know what’s missing?”
“What?”
“Your glasses. And your blazer.”
Fatima gave Cassie her glasses and jacket. She told Cassie that Kristoff had already left and she also had to leave because her father, who was pretty mad, had come for her. Back at the restaurant, an angry Carlos came out and Daniela followed, asking why he was in such a hurry. Carlos said that her father had called looking for Cassie.
Robert and Mina finally arrived at the Mondragon residence. Robert asked a maid where Marga was. The maid said she had fallen asleep and when she woke up, everyone had already left. Daniela and Carlos arrived a few seconds later and Robert asked where Marga was. Mina was very upset at Daniela and Daniela said it wasn’t her fault that her own daughter had sneaked out to a party.
After a short argument, Carlos talked to Marga on phone. Marga said she didn’t know where Cassie was and she was on her way home. Then Robert had a call from a security guard at Maxwell. The guard told him that Cassie was at the school and Robert told him to detain her until they got there. He left with Mina to Maxwell.
At Maxwell, Cassie sat at the security room. One of the guards said that they had found her all drunk and passed out and they had given her some water to sober up.
“Cassie, we were so worried about you. Is this what you wanted, to scare me to death?” Mina asked. “What if the guards didn’t find you? What if someone took advantage of you, Cassie?”
Cassie was crying now and Robert asked her to apologize to her mother again. “Mama, mama am sorry,” she said. Robert asked Mina to cool off because nothing bad had happened to their daughter.
Back at the Bartolomes, Marga said she had had enough milk and Carlos insisted that Marga would keep drinking the milk until she completely sobered up. Marga them confessed that she wasn’t really drunk and Carlos began scolding her. Later on, Daniela comforted Marga in her room and told her not to worry about her father.
“Don’t worry,” she said. “He won’t be able to resist you. You’re our angel.” Daniela then asked what had really gone on.
The next morning, Cassie woke up in her bed with a k!ller hangover. Robert, who had been sitting by watching, gave her some water to drink and asked how the hangover was.
“Are you not mad at me?” Cassie asked.
“Mad?..a little. Your mother was worried sick about you,” Robert said. “The truth is, I am more disappointed than angry.” Robert added that there was nothing wrong in having fun but it should be at the right place and she should know her limits because he had gone through the same thing before.
Cassie apologized for making him and her mother worried. “I still drank the drink even though I knew that alcohol was in it, because I felt free, invincible, like nothing could stop me,” she said. “But I promise not to do it again daddy, because I don’t want to hurt you and mama again.”
“Now you know the reason why we’re strict with you. And now you know your limitations. Please, don’t do it again, okay?”
Mina came in and Cassie bowed her head down. Mina asked if this was what she had learnt in Maxwell – to sneak out to parties without permission – Robert tried to stop her from saying more but Mina wouldn’t listen. Mina told Cassie that she had been considering the idea of giving her some freedom and she had felt guilty because she couldn’t spend time with her friends.
“Look what happened to you. What if something bad happened to you?! What if nobody found you?!”
Robert tried to calm down Mina saying that the most important thing was than Cassie was fine. Mina told him that that wasn’t the issue. She turned back to Cassie. “Who taught you how to drink?”
Cassie was crying now. “Mama am sorry. I really did not know this would happen. Mama, am truly sorry.”
“Now you will understand why I am strict,” Mina said. “It’s not because we can’t trust you. Who knows what might happen to you when we’re not watching over you? I hope you understand that, Cassandra.”
Cassie nodded, still crying. “Yes, mama.”
“I’ll confiscate all your gadgets,” Mina told her. “From now on, you have a curfew. And when I say come home, you will obey. You have to reply to my texts and take my calls. You can’t go outside without my permission. Do you understand, Cassandra Mondragon?”
“Yes, mama…” Cassie went to hug her mother. “Mama, am sorry.” Mina hugged her back and stroke her hair while Robert looked on.
