"Why are you bringing so much stuff today?" her husband asked, noticing the many gifts and food she was carrying for their Christmas party with her co-teachers.
"It's our Christmas party today. This only happens once a year, so I want my fellow teachers to be happy and motivated." She smiled warmly at her husband.
"I—I know it's a Christmas party. But can you carry all of that?" He asked again, looking a bit concerned.
She just laughed at his reaction. "Don't worry, I have people to help me."
"And let me remind you—you're not the owner of the school. Does the owner know about this?" he teased.
"Don't mention it; they know. Besides, this is just something extra from me," Becca replied.
"Alright, just be careful. Frank is still waiting for us to visit him in the States," he reminded her.
"I know, just chill. I need to go. Bye." She waved goodbye.
He simply nodded. She had brought along some helpers, so carrying everything wouldn't be a problem. It wasn't often that she gave gifts and treats like this, but when she did, she made sure her co-teachers could really celebrate and enjoy the occasion.
Since it was their institutional Christmas party, all the other departments—primary, elementary, and college—would also be there, as they were all part of the same school system. Everything she brought was only for her co-teachers in the high school department. Each department had its own school head, and of course, gifts from the school owner would be given too.
When she arrived at the school gym, where the party was being held, she immediately got out of the car. There were already some people there. She instructed her helpers where to place the things she had brought.
She walked straight to the high school department's assigned area, acting as a guide so her helpers knew exactly where to set everything down. Other departments weren't surprised by her generosity anymore—it was something she often did, and she never held back when it came to giving to her co-teachers.
While she was busy arranging things, someone suddenly approached her.
"Hello there, Mrs. Montero," the person greeted.
She turned and immediately saw the school owner.
"Hello," she greeted back, giving them a friendly cheek-to-cheek beso.
"As usual, you're always early for occasions like this. And I know you've prepared a lot of surprises for your teachers," the owner said, giving her a light pat.
"They deserve all of this," was all she replied with a smile.
The owner smiled back. "See you later; I still have a few things to take care of here," they said before walking away.
She nodded and watched them go, then continued arranging everything until she finished. She sent her helpers home afterward.
Sitting quietly for a moment, she noticed other school heads arriving. She waved and greeted them before more people started pouring in for the start of the program. Soon, her co-teachers arrived—and among them was Mariely.
She's very beautiful today, Becca thought to herself.
Mariely and her friend noticed her staring and greeted her. She smiled, nodded, and watched them take their seats, laughing and chatting happily.
****
Mariely couldn't help but be impressed by the sight before her. She looked around as more guests arrived for the Christmas party. Since it was her first time attending one here, she was amazed by the atmosphere.
"Wow," she murmured.
Veron, sitting beside her, chuckled. She too noticed the many Christmas gifts piled up in their department's area.
"Ma'am, Becca's always like this. I heard she's always this generous with her co-teachers. Well, she's wealthy and a very kind person—you know that," Veron told her.
Mariely nodded in agreement. "She's very kind and beautiful too. You wouldn't even think she's in her 40s, right?"
"The one who could have been your mother-in-law," Veron teased with a smirk.
Mariely blushed and gave her a light smack on the arm. "Stop it."
"It's obvious you still love that guy. You're a long-lasting type when it comes to love," Veron teased again.
"Hey! Someone might hear you," Mariely hissed, giving her friend a playful pinch.
"Ouch! That hurt," Veron complained.
"That's what you get for talking nonsense," Mariely said with a grin.
When the program started, they listened attentively. Since the event would last the whole day, they made the most of it—joining in the parlor games, laughing, and even participating in the raffles sponsored by their principal and the school owner.
Mariely laughed out loud when her name was called for a raffle prize. She happily accepted something she knew her mother would love to use at home.
After the games, they had lunch together. The food was delicious, and everyone was full and satisfied. After a short break, they moved on to the main event—the exchange of gifts, which everyone had been waiting for.
What Veron didn't know was that Mariely had drawn her name in the exchange gift. She had been thrilled about it and had even asked Veron to choose something at the mall without telling her why.
When it was Veron's turn, Mariely handed her the gift.
"You picked me?" Veron asked, surprised.
Mariely laughed at her reaction and nodded. "Merry Christmas," she said, giving her friend a hug.
"You're unbelievable," Veron replied, laughing.
But when it was Mariely's turn, she was the one left shocked—Veron had picked her name too.
"No way! Seriously?!" was all she could say.
"You thought you were the only one who could surprise someone, huh?" Veron teased, hugging her tightly.
Their co-teachers laughed at the coincidence, and both of them returned to their seats still giggling.
"Gosh, I chose this bag myself. I'm not even going to open it—I already love it," Veron said happily.
"I'm not opening mine either. I love it just as much," Mariely replied with a smile.
The principal then gave envelopes of cash to those who had passed the board exam, including Mariely. They shared a look of quiet joy before packing up to go home.
She had plenty to bring home that day—not just gifts, but leftover food too. Instead of letting it go to waste, she shared it with fellow teachers and even some of the school's staff.
They went home happy, as usual, heading back together. Mariely would once again be staying over—something her family had long gotten used to.
With the long Christmas break just beginning, she knew she'd spend most days simply relaxing at home.