Chapter 11: Don't Believe The Rumours (A)

Cindy's pov

John...

John...

I liked his name... I liked it even more than Michael. Sure, I didn't know any angel named John, but Jesus's most beloved disciple was named John, that's still good enough.

Though I felt bad that he couldn't have his lunch because of me, I was grateful for the talk we had, it left me feeling better. 

Mom and Dad may not need my help right away but that didn't mean that I was backing down. At the first sign of distress, I'll take up another job or two and make them collect all my savings, but I wouldn't let the worry bother me or ruin my mood anymore.

Alright, so maybe Mabel was right, not a lot of men would take out their time to listen to other people's troubles or even offer any advice. And the way John spoke really proves that he could relate. I thought someone like him must have run away from home at age fourteen and lived on the streets, selling illegal stuffs, but I was wrong, he was someone that cared about his parents just like I did.

Oh, Cindy! 

It's high time I stopped imagining the worst about people based on how they choose to live their lives. I totally misjudged John and for what? A little tattoo?!

Don't get me wrong, I still don't think we could ever end up together, but he seemed really nice and I wouldn't mind having him as a friend.

I just wish I get to see him soon again. And what was that he said? He hoped I wouldn't forget his name? Does that mean he plans to become a regular at M&T's? I'd have to make sure to pay special attention to my hair, even if I had to wear my uniform at work, dolling up my hair to look nicer wouldn't hurt.

"Cindy? Aren't you going for choir practice today?" Hearing mom's voice from downstairs made me jolt up on my bed.

Of course I was going for choir practice! I had been daydreaming and lost track of time.

"I am!" I yelled my reply so she could hear me.

"Well, you're running late already. I'm going grocery shopping, I can drop you off at the church first."

"Thanks mom, I'll be right down." I hurriedly got down from my bed and raided my closet.

I had already picked out my outfit mentally while I was at work, all I had to do was find the clothes, get dressed and then run downstairs before mom would leave me behind.

I chose a white off-shoulders blouse and a white and red checked skirt and sandals, complete with a red baret. I agree that my outfit choice may be for teenage girls, but don't judge me, I liked wearing whatever I was comfortable in.

Once I was dressed, I went over to my study desk and picked up my choir file bag which contained all the song sheets we used for practice. Then I was ready and headed downstairs to the living room where mom was waiting patiently, while smiling at something on her phone.

"Thanks for waiting." I said when I got to her. "Why are you smiling?"

"I was just watching a video Sophie's mom sent me of the girls. They were doing a funny dance for Brianna's social media, it's so hilarious. Maddie definitely needs dance lessons."

I giggled. 

Sophie was Maddie's best friend and Brianna was Sophie's older sister, they're our neighbours, Maddie hangs out at their place most times.

Mom and I headed out to the driveway and got into the car.

"How come you're leaving this late for choir practice? It's so unlike you to be late." Mom asked as soon as she backed the car out of the driveway and on the street.

"Yeah, I just lost track of time."

"Why? Oh, don't tell me you were lost in thought. Your dad and I have told you not to worry about the bakery, I wouldn't want it affecting you in any way."

"No, no. I'm not worried about that. I mean, I am worried but you've asked me to trust you, right? That's what I'm going to do. I was just thinking about random unimportant stuff."

Technically, that was not a lie; it was unimportant stuff.

"That's fine then, just don't make it a habit. You know my stand on punctuality."

"Don't worry, I won't."

We were silent for a few minutes more but I could tell mom kept glancing at me. And no, it wasn't the side mirror she was looking at, I've known her long enough to be able to tell.

"So..." She began, pausing dramatically. Told you I could tell. "Is anyone catching your attention these days? You know, like Pastor Joseph's son?"

Really?! 

"You mean Sean?"

"Yes, that boy."

"Didn't you say he's a flirt and I should stay away from him?" I accused, feigning annoyance.

"I never said you should stay away from him and he's actually a flirt, everyone knows that."

"How can you tell he's not just being nice? He's the pastor's son, his mom is the choir mistress and he's not that much older than the rest of us."

"So, you do like him?"

"I never said that, mom. I just don't think it's right to judge people without getting to know them first."

"You don't have to experience something first-hand to learn, you could learn from others mistakes. The other parents have awful things to say about that boy. Pastor's son or not, I'm not letting the wrong man anywhere close to my daughter."

"It's no use arguing with you." I said with a sigh, staring out my window.

"Dear, I don't want you to feel you have to hide things from us. We may be a little extra sometimes, but that's just because we care about you."

"Sure." Was all I said. I knew she would be dissatisfied with that response but I was annoyed and just wanted the conversation to end.

Thankfully, we got to the church soon and I quickly got down from the car, thanking mom for the ride. Then I ran for the entrance, opening the door, only to bump into someone... 

Sean!

I was surprised to see him there. First, because he wasn't part of the choir and second because we had just been talking about him and I felt flustered.

He flashed me a grin as he realized it was me, giving me a once-over.

"Hey, Cindy. You look great."

There were those butterflies again. Sean was just too cute.

"H-hi, Sean. Thanks. What are you doing here?" I asked, smiling.

"Mom and Alice made me their designated driver, I was just returning Alice's phone which she forgot in my car."

Oh, that made sense.