It was Friday evening, and Angel sat in the backseat of Leo's car, looking out of the window as they drove on the highway heading out of New York towards the airport. Carly was coming home, and as much as that brought much relief to Angel, she couldn't help but feel a little anxious. That brought about a sense of confusion as she looked towards the setting sun behind the massive tall buildings of the city at a distance. What could be making her feel this way? She wondered.
The sound of Leo talking brought her back to earth. She wondered what he could be talking about with Eric sitting next to him in the passenger seat. She had no idea that Leo was actually talking to her.
"Did you hear me, Angel?" Leo asked as he looked at her through his rearview mirror.
"Huh?" Angel looked at Leo through the mirror, and for a moment, there was a sense of worry from Leo. "Sorry, I didn't hear what you said just now."
"I was asking if you were alright," he said. He looked away and concentrated his eyes back on the road. "You've been quiet from the time we left the office."
Eric turned on his seat to look at Angel in the backseat. "You don't look so good," he said. "Do you feel ill?"
Angel quickly shook her head, and at the same time, she felt like an idiot for getting lost in her head and letting her anxiety take over. I probably look like I ate some bad seafood, she thought to herself. If only she could tell Eric what had gotten her feeling like this, but it seemed Leo hadn't told him the news about Carly announcing to the world about their relationship. It would've been much easier to talk about this to Leo. However, even he might as well be deeply troubled about the issue and decided not to let it take over his emotions.
"I'm good, don't worry about me," said Angel as she put on a smile. "I got distracted a bit."
"With what?" Eric asked. "I thought you would be excited to see Carly back home."
"I am. I think I just pushed myself a little too hard with work today." Angel started to rub her forehead as she felt a headache start to settle in. "I think I might have a little headache too."
"You should go by the pharmacy once we reach the airport," said Leo as he looked at Angel through the rearview mirror. "You will need some painkillers."
Angel smiled a little as she looked at Leo through the mirror. "Yeah, you're probably right." For some reason, she felt Leo understood why she was in her head. She quickly looked away, hoping that Leo would stop looking at her. Suddenly, she experienced a surge of shyness.
When they soon reached the airport, Eric, being the gentleman that he was, ran to the other side of the airport where the stores were to get Angel a bottle of water and some painkillers. That left Angel with Leo as they headed towards the waiting lounge. As usual, there were many people there waiting for their loved ones and taxi drivers holding up cards with the names of the people they were made to wait for. Angel and Leo joined the waiting crowd.
"You probably should sit down," said Leo as he turned to look at Angel. He turned towards the TV monitor showing the planes that had just landed. "Carly's plane has just landed, and it will take time for them to get out of the plane and get their luggage."
"No, I'm good," said Angel, briefly looking at Leo before looking ahead towards the closed doors of the exit.
Leo sighed, and then he took Angel by the arm. Angel quickly turned to look at him, and before she could protest, Leo had turned her around towards the blue chairs in the waiting area behind the crowd. Leo's grip didn't feel too tight, but Angel could tell there was no fighting him as he held her with a sort of firmness.
As soon as they reached the chairs, Leo turned with Angel and he sat, bringing her down with him, seating her on the next chair. Leo looked at Angel with a raised eyebrow, and Angel couldn't bring herself to look at him as she looked the other way.
"There was no need to drag me all the way here," she said, still not looking at him.
"Well, I tried talking to you nicely, and it didn't work," said Leo. He turned to look at the crowd in front of them. "Besides, you're not well, and standing for too long isn't good for someone with a headache."
Angel turned to look at Leo, and she couldn't help but feel her heart flutter. Leo felt her eyes on him and turned to look at her. Angel blushed as she looked down at her hands on her lap.
"You don't have to worry about me," she said. "It's just a headache."
"And working too hard wasn't the cause of it, was it?" he asked with a serious tone in his voice.
"I don't know; you tell me." Angel felt no need to explain herself.
"Angel, I did tell you I would talk to Carly about this. Don't stress yourself. I'll do my best to convince her to wait until the time is right."
Angel gave a nod of her head while she bit her lower lip. If only he knew that I am more worried about something else, she thought.
Leo continued to look at Angel, and despite the worried look on her face, there was something else there too. He had a funny feeling that there was more to her mood than what they were talking about. He wanted to ask what else could be bothering her, but he didn't want to seem nosy. Besides, it's not my job to ask such things, he thought to himself. It's not like I am her boyfriend.
The thought of it made his cheeks flush a little. He realized he was still looking at her. There lay a certain mystery behind Angel's tired and worried eyes, and the way she held her fingers on her lap so nervously proved it. He really wished he knew what she wasn't telling him, and with it came a sudden urge to hold her hand to ask what was bothering her. Shaking his head, he told himself that he was overthinking things. If Angel had another worrying thought about her sister, he would obviously tell him. For some reason, the two seem to confide in each other more often than usual. And with the few talks he has had with her, there's no doubt in Leo's mind that Angel cared deeply about her sister.
"Eric sure is taking his time," said Leo as he looked around. He realized focusing on Angel wasn't doing him any good.
"There was no need for him to get me painkillers," said Angel as she also looked around to see if Eric would appear. "I'm fine."
"Stop convincing yourself that you are." Leo leaned back in the chair and folded his arms. "For all we know, you might even be having a fever."
Angel looked at Leo with a puzzled look and soon enough laid a hand on her forehead. "I don't think so," she said.
"Here, let me check," said Leo as he sat upright and placed the back of his hand on Angel's forehead.
Angel almost jerked away when Leo placed his hand on her forehead, but in a millisecond, she remained perfectly still. Leo's hand was warm, and Angel looked up at him as his eyes also fell on hers. They stayed like that for a little while until they heard someone behind them clear their throat loudly.
They turned as Leo quickly dropped his hand. There stood Eric with a bottle of water in one hand and a small bottle of painkillers in the other. He gave them a thin-lipped smile while Angel felt her cheeks blush in embarrassment, and Leo was doing his best to keep a straight face.
"I see we're playing doctor," said Eric as he approached. He did not sound like his usual self.
"No, I thought of checking her for a fever," said Leo. "She does feel a little warm, though. You might want to check her out yourself."
"Really?" Eric now looked worried, pushing what he saw aside as he laid his hand on Angel's forehead. "You're right. Angel, you might be coming down with a fever."
"It will clear as soon as I take some painkillers," said Angel. "I'm fine."
"She's been telling me that, but I don't believe her," said Leo, looking up at Eric. "You better watch her, Eric."
"I will. Here, take some painkillers," said Eric as he opened the bottle of aspirin and gave Angel some pills. Afterwards he opened the bottle of water and gave it to her. Angel quickly took her pills and drank some water.
Eric came to sit right next to her. "I think you should rest this weekend," he said. "You might be feeling like this because you've had too much work to do this past week. And let's not forget how stressful it was organizing Leo's birthday party."
Leo couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as Eric seemed to emphasize Leo's birthday stressed Angel out more than work. He couldn't help but shake his head and fold his arms. Eric can be such a baby sometimes, he thought.
"No, I'm guessing I must have caught a bug somewhere somehow," said Angel. "Like you said, I'll rest this weekend. Thanks for the painkillers."
Eric smiled at her. "Anytime," he said. "When we get home, I'll make you some good lemon tea. Grandma's specialty. It will do you some good."
Eric went on ahead to talk about the ingredients for the tea while Angel listened. Leo couldn't help but roll his eyes as he listened to Eric talk about how divine the lemon tea was with honey. For some reason, Leo started to feel a little irritated with the way Eric talked to Angel and the way she gave Eric his full attention. He prayed that Carly would find her luggage fast. He didn't know how long he was going to take all of this.
Waiting for Carly took a little longer than expected, and that left Eric and Angel in conversation about a number of things. Leo was silent the whole time, his mind drifting elsewhere. At first, he thought of Carly and how excited yet anxious he was to have her back in his arms again. At certain times, he would listen to Eric and Angel beside him. The two of them talked like it was only the two of them, making Leo feel a little left out. In the end, he found it best just to sit there silently while they waited. There was no denying his impatience as he tapped his left foot on the floor from time to time.
Angel turned to look at Leo beside her. "What's wrong with you?" she asked. "You've been awfully silent."
"Nothing," said Leo, as he sat there with folded arms. "I just wonder what's taking these people so long."
"I bet all he's thinking about is Carly," said Eric as he smiled at Leo. "Don't worry, lover boy. She'll be out any minute now."
Leo rolled his eyes at Eric. "Yeah, well, I missed her a lot. What do you expect?"
The look on Angel's face changed a little, which Leo and Eric didn't seem to notice as Leo glared at Eric, and Eric continued to smile. She looked towards the crowd, wondering why Leo's words affected her. Can it be that after Carly sees us, she might think of the video and think like everyone else? She asked herself. Besides, the reason why Carly wanted the whole world to know about her and Leo was because of the video. Angel could only look up at the ceiling and groan silently. She now wished she never agreed to dance with Leo in the first place.
"Ah, the doors are opening!" Eric announced. "Leo, your princess will be in your arms soon."
Leo stood up first, and Angel wanted to follow suit, but she felt Eric hold her shoulder.
"You wait right here," said Eric. "There will be no need to receive Carly, especially in your state."
"But I'm fine," Angel protested. "It's not like I'm going to faint or anything."
"I agree with Eric," said Leo as he looked down at Angel. "Save your energy for later. She might take a little longer than expected. Who knows?"
Angel shook her head in disbelief. "Fine," she said. The temples of her head were slowly starting to pound, and now wasn't the time to argue.
Eric also stood but decided to stay with Angel. Leo went forward to join the small crowd of families and individuals waiting for the first person to walk out through the exit. Soon enough, a young man walked out and was greeted by a small family waiting for him as he joined the crowd. Other people, mostly students who had traveled for the seminar, started to walk out and join their families in the crowd. Some simply walked on with their luggage, heading towards the taxi rank outside the airport. Leo waited patiently for Carly, and it didn't take long for her to walk out through the doors, pulling her luggage. As soon as she saw Leo, a smile appeared across her face, and she hurriedly walked towards him. Leo also smiled at Carly as she came closer, and the two of them hugged.
Angel and Eric watched the two in the distance. For a moment, watching Carly and Leo hug each other made Angel's heart sink. Once upon a time, the scene would've made her roll her eyes in irritation. This time it was different. She wondered why, but she soon concluded that it had to be because Carly was just about to make a drastic move that might affect her life.
"Welcome back," said Leo, after the two of them hugged. "I would've lifted you around, but we wouldn't want to draw too much attention."
Carly shook her head, but with a delighted smile on her face. "I know," she said. "I can't wait for the two of us to be alone."
Leo took the handle of her suitcase and started to lead Carly towards Angel and Eric. Angel slowly stood up from her seat. As soon as Carly got close, Angel walked towards her and hugged her. Carly hugged her back.
"I'm so glad you're back home," said Angel as she pulled away to look at Carly. "You look like you enjoyed yourself over there."
"Well, apart from the seminar, we also did our best to explore and have fun," said Carly as she smiled at Angel. "How have you been?"
"I've been doing great. Work has me all worked up."
"This woman here needs plenty of rest," said Eric. "She won't admit it, but she's coming down with a fever."
"What?" Carly furrowed her eyebrows as she turned to look at Angel. She placed the back of her palm on Angel's head. "You seem warm, Angel. Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yes, I am," Angel answered. "Don't worry about me. I already took some medicine."
"Okay, if you say so. How are you, Eric?" Carly went over to hug him.
"I'm good, thanks," said Eric as he hugged her back. "Leo, here, really missed you."
"You don't have to remind her," said Leo as he furrowed his eyebrows. "Come on, we better get going."
The four of them started to head towards the exit of the airport building when Angel turned around and noticed that walking behind them was Robin dragging his suitcase. She stopped as she smiled at him. Eric and Carly noticed Angel stop, and they did the same.
"Robin, how are you?" Angel greeted him as he came closer.
"I'm good, how are you?" Robin greeted.
Leo noticed that the others had slowed down and looked to see Angel talking to Robin. He didn't like to be slowed down, and he almost called out to the others that they should be going. However, he stopped himself as he decided he was better off keeping quiet.
"I'm glad to see you're back home safely," said Angel as she continued her conversation with Robin. "Did you enjoy Mexico?"
"Yes, it was a very interesting place," said Robin.
"I know you were with Carly the whole time. Thanks for being there for her, especially when her phone had apparently gone missing."
"Oh, yeah," said Robin as he chuckled. "I won't lie, it was a pretty rough time, especially when I couldn't reach her."
Carly, who happened to be nearby, heard what her sister and Robin were talking about. Her eyes grew wide as she quickly rushed towards them.
"Well, I'm glad you happened to find it," said Angel.
"Oh, no, I didn't," said Robin, looking a little confused. "It so happened that—"
"Angel," called Carly, interrupting Robin before he could finish his sentence. She came to stand beside Angel. "We really need to get going since you're not feeling well."
Angel turned to look at Carly. "I was just asking him something," she said. "It will only take a minute."
"No, Angel. I'm really worried about you, and you need a lot of rest."
"Oh," Robin now looked concerned. "I really shouldn't be keeping you any longer. Now that Carly has mentioned it, you do look a little under the weather. I better be off as well."
"Do you already have a ride?" Angel asked. "You can ride with us if you don't."
Carly felt like she was about to have a heart attack.
"Thanks for the offer, but I left my car in the parking lot when I was leaving. You really need to get going. We'll talk next time."
Angel smiled at Robin. "Alright, drive safe."
Carly also said her goodbyes, feeling a little relieved.
Robin made his way towards the other side of the airport, where he had parked his car. When Angel turned around with her sister to join Eric and Leo, she couldn't help but feel that before Carly interrupted their conversation, Robin was about to say something concerning Carly's phone. Moreover, she couldn't help but feel it must have been important.
Angel, Carly, Eric, and Leo soon found themselves in the parking lot and headed towards Leo's car. Leo was just parking Carly's luggage in the car, and Eric had opened the door at the back for the two sisters to enter, when Carly excused herself. She had something to throw away into a trash bin. A few meters away from Leo's car was a trash bin, and she made her way over there and threw away the plastic she was carrying. She had been eating some snacks on the plane and thought of throwing the bags of plastic outside instead.
Just as she started to make her way to Leo's car, she removed her phone from her small handbag to make a call. In a matter of seconds, the person on the other end picked up.
"I'm guessing you have landed safely," said Hugo.
"I have," answered Carly. "And I hope your people are watching. I don't want them getting confused over which plastic the package is in."
"Don't worry, Carlos is nearby and has eyes on you as we speak," said Hugo. "Good job."
Carly scoffed. "Does this mean I'm done? Working for Red Lion, I mean?"
Hugo remained silent for a while, and that worried Carly as she slowed down on her pace. "That's for Red Lion to decide," answered Hugo.
She expected that much of an answer. She rolled her eyes as she quickened her pace. "Well, tell him I'm done." She cut the call.
Angel had been looking out of the window at Carly the entire time. She studied her sister closely after she threw the plastic in the trash bin and was walking back to the car. For a moment, Angel wondered why Carly simply didn't throw the plastic bag in the plane, as the air hostesses always went around with a trash bag for the passengers to throw stuff into. She noticed how Carly was looking around her as though expecting to find someone while she talked on the phone. At some point, Carly slowed down with a disturbed look on her face. Angel saw Carly move her lips, saying a few words, and removing the phone from her ear and cutting the call. Angel could only wonder what kind of conversation her sister had had that was making her look upset. She hoped it had nothing to do with where she was coming from.
Carly soon entered the backseat where Angel sat. Angel looked at her sister and noticed the look on her face change. She was smiling like before.
"Okay, we can go now," said Carly. "I can't wait to get back and rest a little."
Angel was tempted to ask who Carly was talking to earlier, but she kept her mouth shut, knowing it was none of her business to ask. Besides, her headache started pounding again.
Leo started the car, and they drove away from the airport car park. On their way back to the city, Angel remained dead silent as Carly talked about her trip with Eric and Leo listening and actively participating. For some reason, there was something different about Carly, and Angel could sense it. Sadly, she couldn't point out what it was.
***
Red Lion sat in the grey-colored office of his warehouse, smoking a cigarette. He had just received word that Carly had arrived safely and had left the airport. Carlos was the one who had called and confirmed that he had received the package from the trash bin Carly had thrown it in. Red Lion couldn't be more delighted. Only half of his plan had managed to take effect. The rest was yet to be played out soon enough.
A knock came at the door, and he told whoever it was to come in. A man in a smartly dressed suit walked in, and a woman followed behind him. Red Lion crushed his cigarette in the ashtray and stood up from his chair to receive his guests.
"For someone of your caliber, you really do like smoking your cheap cigarettes," said Mr. Chang as he approached Red Lion's desk.
"Old habits die hard, I guess," said Red Lion. He turned to the woman who closed the door behind her. "I hope you two had a good time catching up."
Matilda smiled at Red Lion as she came to stand beside Mr. Chang. "Of course, we did," she said.
Red Lion gestured for the two of them to take their seats in front of his desk. They humbly obliged, and Red Lion sat down on his chair, placing his elbows on the desk.
"I would like to inform you that the first part of the mission is complete," said Red Lion as the corner of his lips raised to a smile. "Carly and Miranda got what we were looking for, and Carlos confirmed it when he retrieved it."
"That's good," said Mr. Chang. "It seems using Carly to get close to Andre was a good idea after all."
Matilda shifted a little in her seat. "That's all well and good," she said. "But when will we commence the second phase of our plan?"
Red Lion looked at Miranda with a grin. "Tomorrow night," he answered. "Andre's parents will be back by then. And what, not a better time to strike?"
Mr. Chang scoffed. "I have to admit, it will be a big blow. But that will keep the DEA off of our backs for the time being."
"It will indeed."
Matilda's phone soon started to ring in the pocket of her black leather jacket. She took it out to see who was calling and stood up from her seat.
"It's the nanny," she said. "I'll go take this outside real quick."
Matilda quickly left the room, leaving Red Lion and Mr. Chang. Mr. Chang looked behind him at the door after Matilda had closed it behind her. He turned to look at Red Lion.
"I must congratulate you," said Mr. Chang. "Your plan has worked out marvelously."
Red Lion stood up from his seat and walked over to one side of the room, where there stood a polished wooden table drawer with a decanter of whiskey and glasses atop it. He opened the decanter, took a glass, and poured himself some whiskey. He turned to Mr. Chang and asked with a gesture if he wanted a drink. Mr. Chang gave a nod of his head, and Red Lion poured whiskey in another glass.
"Don't thank me yet," said Red Lion. "We're yet to see the full plan in action."
"Do you doubt it?"
"No. But anything can happen." Red Lion approached Chang and gave him his glass of whiskey.
"Your plan does seem foolproof." Chang took his glass and had a sip. "It would be a shame for things to go sideways."
Red Lion also took a sip of his whiskey, and he went back to his chair. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."
Chang looked down at the whiskey in his hand. "While I was talking with Matilda on our way here, I got the feeling that she doesn't know about your other plan."
Red Lion finally settled down on his seat. "Is that a problem?" he asked.
Chang smiled deviously. "No, it isn't," he answered. "I agree that we make profits where it deems fit."
Red Lion also smiled back. "I'm glad you and I see eye to eye on this one."
"We just have to be careful not to mention anything to her. If she hears about this, she won't hesitate to hang you."
"That I already know. Did you leave the letter like I asked?"
"Yes, I did as planned. But may I suggest that we keep a watchful eye on Angel and Leo?"
"Why?" Red Lion furrowed his eyebrows, sounding concerned. "What has all this got to do with them?"
Chang sighed. "I really should've said something after the birthday party, but I almost got caught in Carly's room where I left the letter. If Leo and Angel weren't going through other rooms to check, I wouldn't have easily sneaked out into the corridor and headed downstairs."
"So, you're worried either Angel or Leo might have noticed it?"
"Exactly. Or I might as well be paranoid over nothing. If either of them noticed anything, I would suggest keeping a watchful eye on them. This plan of ours might not be big, but we can't afford anything going wrong."
Red Lion watched Chang for a moment and then turned to look down at his glass of whiskey. He twirled the glass around, deep in thought. He soon looked back at Chang.
"If you think it will be appropriate to do so, then you can do as you please and keep an eye on them. Just make sure to be discreet," said Red Lion.
"I know," said Chang. "It was my own carelessness that led to this, so I'll see to it myself. Thank you for understanding, Brad."
The whole world stood still as Red Lion looked up at Chang. The facial expression on his face changed so suddenly. Mr. Chang knew he had just pulled a nerve there, and for a moment, he thought he felt the room suddenly grow cold as the look in Red Lion's eyes grew cold and murderous.
"I didn't mean to say out your real name like that," said Chang as he gulped. "I know how much you hate it."
The coldness in Red Lion's eyes melted away. "You're lucky that I'm in a good mood today and that you're Matilda's friend and we are partners now. If you were anyone else—well, I don't have to elaborate any further than that. I don't like to associate myself with that name anymore. It will be better for anyone here, including yourself, that no one gets to hear that name."
Chang gave a nod of his head. "Whatever you say," he said.
The door to the room flew open, and Matilda walked in. Red Lion smiled at her as though he hadn't looked like he would murder Chang a minute ago. He told Matilda to pour herself a glass of whiskey to give a toast. As she walked over to the table to pour herself a glass, she asked what they could be toasting to. Red Lion stood up from his seat, and Chang followed suit. Matilda went over to join them with a glass in her hand.
"A toast," said Red Lion, raising his glass in the air, "to more fruitful wins."
"Cheers," Matilda and Chang responded, as their glasses clinked.
***
Carly opened the door and switched on the lights to her room. She looked around, and for once, she felt good to find herself back where she felt comfortable. Dragging her suitcase in as she stepped into the room, she closed the door behind her. She abandoned her suitcase and went straight for her bed, falling back first onto it. Yeah, it does feel good to be back, she thought to herself.
The first thing in her mind was to take a shower and join the rest of the McDonells and her sister for supper. If she is able to spend time with Leo when they get together, they will be able to talk about what they had discussed during the week. Then she thought the better of it as she felt the jet lag starting to kick in.
She was just about to stand up and head over to the shower when her phone in her pocket started to ring. When she checked who was calling, she remembered that she was supposed to call Andre when she landed. She hadn't had the time to do so since she was picked up at the airport, and it would be suicide to try and call him. Clearing her throat, Carly quickly answered the call.
"Hey, babe," she greeted him cheerfully.
"Hey, yourself," said Andre, his voice sounding a little husky, sending a chill down Carly's spine. "I'm guessing you've already arrived."
"Yeah, I have. Sorry I didn't call earlier. My uncle came to pick me up, and we had a lot of places to go to before he dropped me off at my apartment."
"I figured. He must have missed you. Well, I'm over here missing you badly, Loren."
"I miss you too. You were right; I probably should've stayed in Mexico."
Andre scoffed. "Well, I did tell you, right? But I wouldn't like to go against your uncle, though. After hearing your stories about him, he seems pretty strict."
"Yeah, he is." Carly chuckled.
A knock soon came at the door of Carly's room, and for a moment, Carly stared at the door with alertness. Who could be at the door? She first had to address Andre first.
"Loren, is something the matter?" Andre asked after noticing her pause for a bit.
"Nothing," she said. "I'll call you back after I have a shower. Is that okay?"
"Sure. Talk to you then."
Carly quickly cut the call, and again, there came a knock. Carly asked who it was, and the person replied, saying it was Mrs. McDonell. Carly went over to the door and opened it. There stood Bertha, and Carly put on a face, showing that she was happy to see her.
"Good evening, Mrs. McDonell," said Carly.
"Evening," Bertha greeted back. "I heard you were back. How was your trip?"
"My trip was wonderful, thanks. I really enjoyed my time in Mexico."
"Oh, Mexico is a lovely place. I'm glad you enjoyed your trip. You missed out on quite a lot with Leo's birthday party."
Carly gave a thin-lipped smile. "It was a shame that I couldn't be there. I saw the pictures. It was a lovely event."
"Yes, we did have a lot of fun. Though, afterwards, people started to spread the rumor of Angel and Leo dating." Mrs. McDonell rolled her eyes as she chuckled. Carly did her very best not to show how irritated she was over the subject.
"Well, people will always talk," said Carly. "Luckily enough, those rumors aren't true."
"I know, right?" Mrs. McDonell continued to chuckle. "It would be absurd not to have noticed because we all live under the same roof."
Carly shifted a little, but Mrs. McDonell was too gleeful to have noticed it. If only she knew I was the one dating her son, she thought.
"Let me not eat up much of your time, Carly," said Mrs. McDonell. "I know you might want to freshen up before supper. And also get back to whoever you were talking to on the phone." Mrs. McDonell flashed her eyebrows deviously.
Carly felt her cheeks flush in embarrassment, and her eyes grew wide with surprise. "What?" She couldn't believe her ears. Did Mrs. McDonell happen to eavesdrop on her conversation with Andre?
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone," said Mrs. McDonell, lowering her voice. "Mexican men, if they happen to be Latinos, are usually the sexy kind." She flashed Carly a grin. "No wonder you're glowing. This man must have treated you right over there."
"Um, you're mistaken," said Carly, sounding a little desperate. "He and I are just friends."
"Well, I heard otherwise," said Mrs. McDonell, this time with a wide smile. "We'll talk later. Go freshen up now."
Before Carly could continue with her case, Mrs. McDonell turned into the hall, heading to her room at the far end of the hall. Carly thought of calling back to her, but that would only draw attention to those who might be in their rooms. She looked on down both ends of the hall to see if there happened to be anyone who might have heard their conversation. There was no one there, and Carly quickly drew her head back in and closed the door.
Leaning her back against the door, Carly started to breathe heavily. Mrs. McDonell overheard her conversation with Andre! This is bad, she thought to herself. Mrs. McDonell was the type who loved a good gossip. And even if she said she wasn't going to tell anyone, there's no doubt she will tell someone close to her, like Diana, for example. Carly bit her lower lip. This was bad. What if Leo, Angel, or Eric got a whiff of this? This is turning out to be a nightmare, Carly thought.
Her phone on her bed beeped, signaling that she had just received a message. She walked over to her bed, upset about the turmoil she had landed herself in. When she took her phone to read the message, she realized it was from Mr. Chang. It read:
"Evening, Carly. I heard you arrived safe and sound. I have a surprise for you under the pillows of your bed."
"Under my pillows?" Carly raised an eyebrow as she turned to look at the pillows. She went over to the headboard and drew out her pillows. Underneath was an envelope. Carly's heart quickened as she took it and removed the letter inside. She unfolded it and read the few lines written on it. She had to reread them several times to understand what it all meant. She couldn't but throw the letter aside and sit flatly on her bed, feeling worn out of all her energy.
Her night had just turned awfully wrong in a matter of minutes.