Don't Underestimate

Aluna sighed deeply. "My mom is not that mean, Agatha. You should give it another try. It was the first time back then. You must not give up; I wouldn't do that either. I will praise you in front of my mom so she believes that you're a good person to be my friend." Agatha fell silent. Aluna was right. She wouldn't be able to continue being friends with Aluna without her mother's approval. Although Agatha was still not confident, but she had to do it. Better to muster up the courage now than to regret later. Aluna grunted in annoyance as Agatha continued eating. "Hey, I'm waiting for your answer, Agatha!" Agatha swallowed her meatball and nodded. "Yes, yes. I will give it a try. Working on our thesis together is also more enjoyable." "Yay! I love you, Agatha!" Aluna attempted to hug Agatha, but the girl held her back. "We're in the cafeteria, Aluna. Just eat your food. It might get eaten by flies." Aluna chuckled and complied. She was happy that Agatha would visit her house again. She had prepared a plan to introduce her mother to Agatha. Their relationship had improved, and they were now open with each other. Aluna didn't want to drift apart from Agatha just because her mother didn't like her. She had to make them have a good relationship starting now. "Hey, the other day I met Layla's biological mother. Jayden Bryant's former girlfriend." Aluna, who was focused on eating, immediately lost concentration. She turned in surprise. "Huh? How come? What's the story? Where did you meet her?" Agatha took a sip of her drink, then chuckled softly. "So it goes like this..."   After coming back from campus, Agatha hesitantly approached Jayden as he arrived to pick her up. "Jayden, tomorrow I'll go to Aluna's house for a while, okay? We'll work on our thesis together like last time." Without much thought, Jayden smiled and nodded. "Of course. Do what you need to do, Agatha. I won't stop you from doing something good." The next day, after returning from campus as usual, Agatha and Aluna waited for the car that usually picked up Aluna in front of the campus. After a few minutes, the car arrived, and Agatha felt nervous thinking about their meeting with Aluna's mother. "I hope nothing bad happens," Agatha thought as she sat in the car seat. Aluna sat beside her. "Relax, Agatha," Aluna whispered. Agatha just smiled thinly with a nod of her head. The two women finally arrived in front of Aluna's house, walking side by side. Aluna then knocked on the door. When the door opened, Agatha was slightly surprised to see Aluna's mother staring at her expressionlessly, without a word. Aluna's mother then left without saying anything and went back inside the house after opening the door. Aluna quickly broke the silence. "Forgive my mom, Agatha. She can be unpredictable sometimes. Come in." Agatha tried to hide her nervousness and followed Aluna into the house, feeling that this visit might be a bigger challenge than expected. "What would you like to drink?" Aluna asked after offering Agatha a seat. "Just plain water, Aluna." "Okay, I'll bring orange juice." Agatha was taken aback but could only sigh as Aluna had already gone to the kitchen. The weather had been hot lately, but out of politeness, she had answered water despite actually wanting something cold. It seemed that Aluna was observant. While in the kitchen, Aluna was making drinks while humming. Suddenly, her mother came and sat at the dining table. Aluna already knew that she would soon be scolded by her. "This drink is for Agatha and me." "Why isn't she brave enough to come here?" Aluna heard her mother's question and sighed. "She is not a weak girl, Mom. That's why I like being friends with her. She is also smart; without her help, I would have difficulties working on the thesis." "But I still don't like her." Aluna could hear a small sigh from her mother. "Because of her family background? How long will you judge someone based on social status? Do you think Agatha isn't a good person if she doesn't come from a wealthy family?" "It's not like that, Aluna." "Then what?" Aluna replied spontaneously, then turned around and looked at her mother. "What else makes you dislike Agatha and forbid me from being friends with her?" The beautiful woman in her office attire took a long breath. She stared back at her only daughter. "I just hope you have friends who have great prospects for your future, Aluna." "Agatha has surpassed that, Mom. She has opened Aluna's mind towards a better direction. Although she is not from a family with a big company, she could start her own business, Mom. The friendship I want is not only about business or the future but also about happiness and love." Aluna took a deep breath. "Can you understand that? Please, don't look down on Agatha. Let me continue to be friends with her, Mom." Aluna's mother was surprised. She didn't expect Aluna to express all of that. She could only stay silent, letting Aluna return to the living room with a tray of drinks. She murmured quietly, then clenched her fists. "Am I being overly worried?"  *** "Don't forget, you and her are from different classes. You two can't be together," Grace sarcastically sneered at Agatha who was washing her hands next to her. Agatha took tissue to dry her hands. Then she glanced at Grace through the large mirror in front of her. "I know." That was all Agatha replied. Grace was clearly irritated. She approached, then roughly took the tissue. Now they faced each other and locked eyes. Grace was truly annoyed because Agatha acted so calm and composed. "I'll remind you again. Even if I can't have her, I won't let anyone else get her." Grace crossed her arms, pushing Agatha's shoulder with her finger. "Including you, Agatha." Anyone who saw Grace's gaze at that moment would feel their heart sinking. But it was different with Agatha. She responded with a slight smile, without bothering to push back even though she wasn't afraid of her. "Okay, thank you for reminding me. I can't believe you always keep an eye on me." Agatha chuckled softly, covering her mouth. "Now I feel embarrassed." Grace clenched her fists by her side. Still staring at Agatha sharply. "Don't pretend to be innocent, I know your nasty plan to charm her. Poor girl like you always excel in doing something despicable." Agatha was immune to Grace's insults; her mind was strong. So all that came from her lips was a faint smile. "It seems like you're quite adept at judging people. But why did you choose a business major? Isn't a psychology degree more appropriate?" "How dare you—" Grace was about to shout in anger, but she only took a deep breath. "It's up to you, the most important thing is I've warned you." Calmly, Agatha continued her activity unaffected by Grace's provocation. "Thank you for your attention. I will always remember your valuable advice." Grace became even more infuriated seeing Agatha's calm demeanor. She wanted to intimidate Agatha further, but Agatha wisely ignored her. Agatha knew that responding calmly was the best way to handle Grace's provocations. Glancing at her watch, Agatha smiled. "Oh, break time is almost over. Aren't you going to class? Or do you want to stay here with me?" Grace grumbled in frustration at Agatha's calm attitude. "Don't think you can embarrass me, Agatha. You're just a poor girl who doesn't belong in this environment."