Days began to settle into a rhythm. Mornings were busy—Anne helping Emily with her socks, making sure Josh had his school bag, and joining Mr. Philip's driver as he dropped them all off at their different schools.
At Ridgeview Girls College, the days were structured, elegant, and slow to warm. Anne moved through them quietly—attentive in class, polite in the hallways, invisible in the cafeteria.
Until one afternoon, as she sat on a low stone bench in the school garden, nibbling on crackers and sipping juice, someone spoke.
"Are those the honey crackers from the library café?" a cheerful voice asked.
Anne looked up, surprised.
A girl stood there, tall and lean with springy curls and a warm, curious smile. Her eyes sparkled with friendliness that didn't feel forced.
"Yeah," Anne said softly, unsure how to respond.
"I knew it," the girl grinned. "They're the best. Mind if I sit?"
Anne hesitated for just a second before nodding.
The girl plopped beside her, swinging her bag to the side. "I'm Maya. Maya Benson. We're in literature together—I sit two rows behind you."
Anne blinked, then slowly smiled. "I'm Anne."
"I know," Maya said, grinning. "You always look like you're thinking really deep thoughts."
Anne laughed, genuinely, her heart feeling lighter than it had in weeks. Maya—bold, funny, and a little dramatic—kept the conversation flowing with ease.
They talked for a while, giggling over the way their history teacher always said "nonetheless" like it was a spell, and how their literature teacher somehow managed to turn every novel into a life lesson.
Soon, the conversation drifted to the things they liked—Anne spoke about her love for sketching when no one was watching, and Maya lit up talking about her obsession with baking shows.
"Okay, okay," Maya said suddenly, standing and brushing crumbs off her skirt, "I'm calling it. We're officially friends."
She extended her hand, palm open, like it was a declaration.
Anne blinked, warmth blooming in her chest. She reached out and shook her hand with a small, glowing smile. "Yes… friends."
They continued walking together, showing each other the dorm halls they passed, classrooms they liked, and quiet corners where they could hide from chaos.
When it was time to part ways, they waved with promises of meeting at lunch the next day.
Anne sat in the backseat of Mr. Philip's car that afternoon, her head leaned against the window, smile still lingering.
She leaned back against the seat, gaze steady on the sky as they drove.
Then she remembered—Mr. Philip's wife and kids were returning in just two days. Saturday.
Her fingers tightened slightly around the strap of her bag. She didn't know exactly how to feel. There was a part of her that was nervous, unsure of what their arrival would mean for her and her siblings.
But there was also curiosity—maybe even a quiet excitement.
She couldn't help but wonder what kind of woman had won the heart of a man like Mr. Philip. He was kind, steady, selfless… surely his wife must be someone extraordinary too.
Anne looked out the window, the city passing by in slow motion, her thoughts drifting somewhere between hope and hesitation.
That evening, the house was calm. Josh and Emily were watching a cartoon in the living room, curled up with popcorn and blankets. Anne helped in the kitchen a bit before heading upstairs to prepare for the next day.
She laid out her uniform, packed her books, and sat by the window for a while, staring out at the quiet street. Her thoughts kept returning to the weekend—to Saturday.
What if things changed? What if the warmth of this home cooled once the real family returned?
She shook her head, brushing the thought away. Mr. Philip had reassured her again and again. Still, she couldn't help but guard her heart, just in case.
The next day at school, Anne met Nia at lunch like they'd agreed. They shared stories, traded snacks, and laughed more than they ate. It was easy—being around her. For once, lunch wasn't something to get through; it was something to enjoy.
After school, the usual ride home came with chatter from Emily about what she'd painted, and Josh showing off a sticker his teacher had given him.
But when the car pulled into the driveway, Anne's eyes lingered on the house a little longer.
It was Friday.
One more night.
Then everything could change.