THE SEVENTH MISFORTUNE: REPRIEVE

Soon enough, Camila had gathered all of Stella’s belongings. With Janed by her side, they carefully packed everything into boxes and bags. Stella felt a mixture of relief and trepidation as she watched her old life being loaded into the car. Camila’s determined efficiency and Janed’s supportive presence helped soothe her anxiety. Together, they left Odette’s house behind, the door closing with a finality that marked a new beginning for Stella.

Odette stood in the doorway, her eyes narrowing as she watched them leave. Her frustration was palpable, but she refused to let it show too openly. She turned back to Lucy, who had remained calm and resolute throughout the tense encounter. "Listen, miss lawyer," Odette said with a sharp edge to her voice, "I have someone who can back me up as well."

Lucy’s expression remained unfazed. "The wrong never wins, Miss Odette," she replied with calm conviction. "Through the countless cases I’ve handled, I’ve learned that no matter what happens, justice is always served." She smiled at Odette with a mixture of pity and resolve before turning to leave the room.

The legal process was notoriously slow, involving numerous procedures and meticulous scrutiny. However, thanks to Lucy’s diligent efforts and the compelling evidence she had presented, Stella was granted permission to stay with her grandparents. The decision offered a glimmer of hope and safety for Stella, who had been enduring a difficult and oppressive environment.

As Lucy departed for her office, Camila turned to Stella with concern. "Did you have breakfast yet?" she asked, her tone gentle yet firm.

Stella nodded, though her expression remained somber. "A little bit, yeah."

"A little bit isn’t enough, sweetheart," Janed interjected with a warm smile. Camila, always one to support her brother’s decisions, agreed and added, "Come on home. We’ll take care of you. Janed’s future wife deserves the best care!"

Camila’s playful tease brought a faint smile to Stella’s lips, but her eyes still carried the weight of recent events. Janed, ever attentive, shook his head and smiled softly to himself before turning to Stella. "Stells, what’s wrong?"

Stella sighed, her voice tinged with sadness. "I didn’t want you of all people to see me like this, Janed."

"What do you mean?"

"Look at me. My situation is so pitiful and I’m miserable—"

Janed reached out and gently cupped her face with his hands. "Please, don’t talk about my girlfriend like that," he said with a reassuring smile. Stella’s chuckle, though tinged with sadness, was a relief to Janed. He then guided her to his home, where they could enjoy a comforting breakfast together.

At Janed’s house, the breakfast spread was a delightful Mexican feast. The table was laden with warm, freshly made tortillas, golden and soft. There were heaping portions of chilaquiles, the tortilla chips covered in a spicy, tangy salsa verde, garnished with a sprinkle of cheese and a dollop of crema. Crispy strips of bacon and fluffy scrambled eggs completed the meal, each bite a comforting reminder of normalcy amidst the turmoil.

After their hearty breakfast, Janed and Stella walked to school together, the morning sun casting a warm glow on the path ahead. As they crossed the street, Janed asked, "How far is your grandparents' house from here?"

"It’s a few blocks away," Stella replied, her gaze drifting toward the horizon. "I’ll mostly need to take the bus or ride my bike."

"Then shall I pick you up?" Janed asked, his eyes hopeful and sincere.

"Don’t be crazy, my love," Stella said with a playful smile as she greeted the school security guard. "I can manage on my own just fine."

"Well, if you say so," Janed pouted slightly, though his concern was evident. Stella then turned, walking backward with her hands clasped in Janed’s. She was careful to avoid bumping into anything as Janed guided her gently.

"But on the weekends, you can pick me up for our skating session. The park is far from my grandparents’ house," Stella suggested with a hopeful grin.

Janed’s face lit up with relief and happiness. "Of course," he said eagerly. "I’d be happy to."

As they made their way to the stairs, they encountered Jui, Lara, and Rosch in the hallway. Lara rushed forward, her face brightening at the sight of Stella. "Bestie, bestie!" she called out, enveloping Stella in a warm hug.

Stella hugged Lara back, feeling a surge of comfort from her friend’s familiar embrace. "How’s your wound, Lara?" Stella asked, concern evident in her voice.

"A small scrape, bestie. I’m great," Lara replied cheerfully, her energy as vibrant as ever.

Stella smiled at Lara’s spirited attitude. As they entered the classroom, Janed stumbled over a broomstick left on the floor, nearly falling forward. Rosch, quick to react, grabbed Janed by the arms and steadied him.

"Dude. You okay?" Rosch asked, his concern evident.

"Huh? Oh. Yeah," Janed replied, though his face betrayed a hint of discomfort.

"Hey! Don’t you know there’s a place to keep such things?!" Lara exclaimed, banging on a nearby desk in frustration. A classmate, the class president, approached with an apologetic look. She had been responsible for cleaning the classroom the previous day and had forgotten to put the broomstick away.

Janed waved dismissively. "Come on, relax. It’s okay, prez," he said kindly to the frail girl, whose face was partially obscured by dark bangs. As Janed began to walk, he stumbled again, but Rosch quickly caught him by the waist to prevent another fall.

"Seriously..." Rosch sighed, exasperated. "I asked if you were okay."

"I think I twisted it," Janed admitted with a slight chuckle, trying to mask the pain.

Rosch shook his head and guided Janed to the nurse’s office. "Girls, let the teacher know," he instructed. Jui, Stella, and Lara nodded in agreement.

In the nurse’s office, Janed sat in a chair while the nurse examined his ankle. The nurse, a strikingly beautiful woman named Isabela, exuded warmth and professionalism. Her dark hair was neatly tied back, and her expressive eyes conveyed both concern and expertise. As she adjusted her glasses, she carefully assessed Janed’s injury.

“It’s a sprain,” Isabela said with a soothing tone. She then proceeded to administer treatment, skillfully applying an ice pack and wrapping Janed’s ankle to alleviate the pain. Her gentle demeanor and competent care provided Janed with a sense of relief amidst the discomfort.