Chapter 8
The guy (panicking):
– Oh no! Someone's coming! What do I do? Aha—I'll run!
He ran away just moments before Max reached the spot.
Max arrived and saw a girl unconscious on the ground, but couldn't recognize her face—it was hidden behind her hair and covered in makeup, unlike the first time he saw her.
Max (gently):
– Miss…?
He tried to wake her up. After five minutes, she stirred.
Max:
– Are you okay?
Maria burst into tears.
Maria:
– Please… help me. Someone tried to hurt me!
Max hugged her instinctively, offering safety and comfort. She tried to see his face but couldn't—her vision still blurred from the slap. Max took off his coat and wrapped it around her, covering her disheveled clothes.
Max:
– Sorry to ask, but… what were you doing here?
Maria:
– I-I was waiting in the courtyard for my friends… and he came out of nowhere…
Max:
– It's okay now, don't worry. Are you new here?
Maria:
– Yes…
Max:
– Come on, let's get out of here.
They returned to the courtyard just as Julie and Julia came out.
Julie (shocked):
– Maria!
Maria:
– Julie…
Julie:
– What happened? Why is your hair like that?
Julia (angrily):
– You! What did you do to her? Speak up!
Max:
– I—
Julia (interrupting):
– Leave. Now!
Maria tried to speak, pointing at Max.
Maria:
– He… he helped—
Julia (cutting her off):
– Be quiet! I know guys like him. Come on, let's go!
They left. Max turned away, walked off. Maria tried to look back at him—but still couldn't see him clearly.
⸻
Back at home…
Maria:
– Julia… why did you treat him that way?
Julia:
– He pretends to be nice but he's just like the rest! Did he touch you? And wait—why are you wearing his coat?! Show me what that jerk did so I can give him a lesson tomorrow!
Maria removed the coat. Julia saw the state of her clothes and exploded with rage.
Julia:
– That jerk! He'll regret it tomorrow!
Maria:
– Please, Julia… listen to me.
Julia:
– What's left to hear?! Why are you defending him after what he did?!
Julie:
– Can we let Maria speak now?
Julia:
– You too?! Why won't anyone listen to me?
Julie:
– We've heard enough—now it's her turn.
Maria:
– He helped me.
Julia:
– How?
Maria explained everything.
Julia hugged her tightly.
Julia:
– I'm sorry, Maria… I didn't mean to yell at you.
Maria:
– It's okay. It was a natural reaction. But… how do I return his coat now?
Julie:
– Don't worry. You can give it back tomorrow.
Maria:
– Alright… for now, I just want to sleep.
Julie:
– Is there anything else you're hiding? Anything you want to say?
Maria:
– Me? No… I just need to rest.
Julie:
– Okay…
Maria went to her room, took Max's coat, hugged it tight, and fell asleep almost instantly.
⸻
Meanwhile, at Max's place…
Max:
– So, Matthew, Leo… what's the holiday plan?
Matthew:
– Let's travel.
Leo:
– Great idea!
Max:
– How about Bali?
Matthew & Leo:
– Awesome!
Leo (grinning):
– Max… I heard you saved a girl today? Are you turning into Superman?
Matthew burst out laughing. Max told them the whole story.
John:
– Wow. My son really is Superman today!
John:
– Who is this girl, though?
Max:
– I couldn't really see her face. She's new at the university. Oh, right—I remembered, Dad, I'm planning to travel with—
John (interrupting):
– I heard everything. And I approve. Go—maybe you'll meet your future wife there.
Leo and Matthew burst out laughing. Max blushed, but after a moment, laughed too.
⸻
To be continued…
-
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