Chapter 14: 14. Sacred Traditions Maria’s face remained bowed to the ground. She didn’t utter a word. Silence wrapped around her like armor, her lips sealed shut.
James took a step closer, sensing her withdrawal. He raised his hand slightly, about to touch her arm, when she suddenly lifted her head.
The look in her eyes was sharp, completely unexpected.
"I’ve told you before," she said, her voice hard and cold, "we can only be friends. But it seems you’re not okay with that." Her eyes didn’t blink. "I think it’s best we keep our distance. Please, don’t come close to me again."
With that, she turned and walked out on him.
James stood frozen in place, blindsided. Her words echoed in his ears, each one like a dagger. He didn’t move, didn’t speak. He was too stunned to react, still trying to piece together what had just happened.
’What did I do wrong?’ The question spun endlessly in his mind.
Maria’s steps quickened as she walked away, but deep down, she felt a pang of guilt twist in her chest. She knew James didn’t deserve the harshness she threw at him.
Part of her wanted to turn around, apologize, explain—but she couldn’t. Not now. She needed to keep her distance and stay focused.
She couldn’t afford distractions, no matter how kind or genuine they seemed.
Eventually, her wandering led her to the college game center. She walked straight to her usual spot and sat down, hoping that the noise and movement of the place would somehow quiet her mind.
But everything in her head was swirling, too heavy to carry alone. She needed someone to talk to.
About ten minutes passed before she spotted Laura and Cassandra approaching. Their pace quickened when they noticed her sitting alone.
As soon as they reached her, Laura’s eyes narrowed with concern.
"Maria, why are you out here alone?" she asked gently, sitting beside her. "You look really bothered. What’s going on?"
Maria didn’t hesitate. She began explaining everything... her recent feelings, the tension inside her, and especially the scene with James earlier that day. She poured it all out.
When she finally stopped talking, both Laura and Cassandra were silent. They exchanged glances but didn’t say a word.
Their silence felt deafening and Maria stared at them.
"What’s wrong? Why are you both looking at me like that?" Her voice cracked slightly with frustration.
Cassandra let out a sigh, her gaze serious.
"Maria, relax. I know things are overwhelming right now. But no matter what you’re going through, you can’t push good people away just because you’re in pain. What you said to James... that wasn’t fair."
Maria blinked, surprised by the scolding.
"We’re not saying we don’t understand you," Laura added, speaking more gently. "We know you’re going through a lot. But James isn’t the enemy here."
"I’m not telling you to fall for him," Laura continued, "but there were better ways to express yourself. What you did... it wasn’t right."
Laura and Cassandra leaned in, wrapping their arms around Maria in a warm, reassuring hug.
"We’re here for you," Laura whispered. "You don’t have to carry everything alone."
"So what should I do now?" Maria’s voice trembled.
Laura pulled back just enough to look her in the eyes.
"First, calm your mind. Everything will fall into place when the time is right. And second... when you see James again, apologize to him. He deserves that."