FAITH

"I can't believe this." Mason said, as I looked at him in shock. 

In 9th grade, we had a student from North Carolina transfer to our school. He was in 11th grade. I was crushing on a guy in 11th grade at that time. Soon, both became good friends. And later on, I became good friend with my crush (who later stopped becoming my crush because he was disgusting at times).  However, the transfer student, Mason, would always make fun of me. He would always tease me. I never took it seriously. Until one day, we got into an argument and he called me a slut. I had a lot of guy friends back then but I never slept with any of them. He called me Misery because my middle name was Joy and he thought that didn't suit me well. We hated each other and he left the school the following year. 

"I need to go." I stated, getting my bag.

"Aww, man! Fei! Remember though, you promised me cookies!" said Gabe, getting up to hug me. I kissed his cheek and left the grille. 

My phone ringed and without looking at the ID, I picked it up.

"What?!" I answered.

"Faith? It's Josh. Mason just called me. He set up a meeting today at 8 for the three of us to discuss Gabriel's custody and the case. I think he has things to tell you." 

"Uh, okay.. I'll be there. See ya." I agreed, hanging up.

I drove to the office and discussed some important matters about the case with Joshua.

Soon enough, Mason joined us and the meeting started. 

"Josh told me you had a few questions for me." Mason stated.

"Yes. If you had been there yesterday, we wouldn't need this meeting today." I muttered, quietly.

"I had something important to do, okay? We discussed this already." said Mason.

Oh, shit. He heard me.

"Whatever. I found out the answer to most of my questions, anyways. If you don't mind I'm going ask the most important one. What is this private family matters?" I asked.

"That's a touchy subject. And like you said, it's private. That's being a little nosey, don't you think?" 

"I need to know. Could this matter be a motive? What if the car accident wasn't actually an accident? And, what about Olivia Giane? She hadn't been a part of this company since she was kicked out. Why is she suddenly popping in to your lives? Gabe claims he has never talked to his Aunt Olivia. Why does she want his custody, then?" 

"Damn." said Josh. I smirked at him as he winked at me. Mason cleared his throat.

"I see where you're coming from. That's right. It is suspicious. I don't trust Olivia, anyways. But this matter is extremely private and a long story."

Mason looked at his watch, then back at me. 

"I have to go. Gabe's staying at my house today. I'll text you. We'll continue this tomorrow. See ya, Josh." he said, getting up and leaving.

"Wait. You mean to tell me I have to see this asshole tomorrow, as well?! But I don't have work tomorrow!" I whined to Joshua.

"What'd he do to you?" he asked, laughing at me.

"It's such a long story. I'll tell you some other time, alright? See ya, later." I replied.

"Bye." he waved at me as I left the office.

I entered my apartment and saw Hope and Joc stuffing their mouth with pizza. I laughed at them. 

"You guys couldn't cook anything?" I asked, laughing my ass off.

"Hey, the pizza's good! So... No complaining." replied Lyn.

"Save me some!" I yelled, running to wash my hands.

I took a bite of the pizza. It was delicious! We laughed as Jocelyn told us her story about one kid that she looked after today. Next, Hope told her story about a guy she met in the lab. He was even clumsier then Hope! Jocelyn found that hard to believe. It was my turn.

"Well, mine is not a very good story. You'll probably laugh but I'm so fucking shocked and annoyed. Do y'all remember the transfer student from North Carolina when we were in 9th grade?" I asked. 

Both nodded.

"Oh, god. I'm excited." Jocelyn commented.

"He was so annoying. Ugh." Hope remarked.

"My boss, Mr. Mason Liam Hamond, is that transfer student." I stated.

They both squealed and laughed. 

"I -haha- can't -haha- believe -haha- this!" Jocelyn laughed.

"Ew." said Hope.

I looked out the window, "The world is such a small place.."