Renee woke up with new motivation. She started her day with a prayer, hoping nothing would go wrong. After getting ready, she went downstairs to have breakfast with her brother. She saw her Aunt Mary working in the kitchen and felt a pang of sympathy. Aunt Mary, a hardworking woman, inspired Renee with her resilience and determination. Renee resolved to work hard to become the best architect and create a more comfortable life for her family.
After breakfast, Renee and her brother left for the bus stop. Upon arriving, she spotted Joey. She couldn't take her eyes off him, his calm demeanor and focus captivating her. Joey noticed Renee but acted indifferent, continuing to read his notepad. Renee couldn't help but admire him from afar, even as jealousy stirred when Joey smiled at Helen and sat beside her on the bus.
Diana, noticing Renee's gaze, leaned over and said, "They've been close since childhood. I had a crush on Joey once, but he's always cared for Helen. They look perfect together, don't they?" Her words stung, but Renee forced a smile, hiding her growing unease. Helen overheard Diana's remark and leaned toward Joey, smiling, but Max interrupted, breaking the moment.
The bus stopped again, and to everyone's surprise, Alex boarded. A brilliant student and reserved personality, Alex rarely used the school bus. His gaze immediately sought Renee, and he explained his presence with a casual, "Needed a change." Joey felt a pang of irritation as Alex's attention lingered on Renee. A sudden brake caused Alex to stumble, almost falling onto Renee. Max caught him and offered him a seat, but the moment unsettled Joey, who pretended to remain focused on his notes.
As they neared the school, Max whispered to Joey, "Alex is a genius, top of every class for six years straight. Wonder why he's here on the bus today?" Helen added playfully, "Maybe it's for someone special." Joey dismissed her words but couldn't shake a feeling of discomfort.
At school, the day was marked by an announcement of an upcoming fest. Volunteers were called for event management, and Alex raised his hand enthusiastically lifting Renee's hand with his own. Startled, Renee hesitated but eventually agreed, intrigued by the new opportunity. During lunch, she called Aunt Mary to inform her of her plans, receiving full support. As the school day ended, she ensured John boarded the bus safely before heading back to fulfil her volunteer responsibilities.
Joey, watching from a distance, felt his curiosity about Renee deepen. At home that evening, his mother noticed his distraction. "Something on your mind?" she asked. Joey shrugged, brushing it off. Their conversation was interrupted by loud voices from Renee's house next door. Alarmed, Joey and his mother looked out the window to see Renee's father arguing with Aunt Mary. Tears streamed down John's face as he called for Renee and their mother.
Joey's heart sank as Renee arrived; her eyes red with tears. Their gazes met briefly—hers filled with pain and shame, his with concern. Renee turned away, unable to bear his pity. Later that night, the situation at Renee's home escalated. Her father intoxicated and angry, hurled abuses at the family. In an attempt to protect her mother, Renee was struck, the sting of the slap leaving a mark far beyond the physical.
When her father finally retreated, Renee sought solace in her room, tears silently streaming. From his window, Joey saw her shadow, her figure trembling with sobs. Something about her vulnerability resonated deeply with him. "Why does this feel like more than coincidence?" he murmured, lying awake with a whirlwind of thoughts.
Renee, too, grappled with her emotions. She resolved not to let her circumstances define her, vowing to rise above them. Yet, as she drifted to sleep, a lingering thought persisted: Was Joey's growing presence in her life mere chance, or was fate weaving a deeper connection?