Episode 5

Amanda and Marina spent the night dancing vigorously, and in spite of her intentions to limit herself to just one alcoholic drink, Amanda ended up having two, but remained clear-headed while Marina was more intoxicated than ever, her tolerance for alcohol being notably low.

"Marina, come on, let's head out!"

"What?! Oh, come on, it's still early. Look at that cutie over there; I haven't managed to swoon him yet!"

"Marina!"

Marina made her way to an enticingly dark-haired man.

"Marina!! Have you and Daniel broken up?"

"Mmm-hmm, he dumped me over text, and I caught the eye of a bunch of cuties on the trip, hahaha," she boasted, nearing the man she mentioned.

Amanda could only watch as the man nearly devoured Marina with his kisses. Surveying her surroundings in a daze, Amanda was startled by a large, firm hand on her shoulder, causing her to whirl around instantly.

"Ah... David?!"

There stood David, immobile, his gaze fixed upon Amanda. He donned a crisp white shirt, open at the top two buttons, paired with denim jeans; the look was both stern and seductive.

"I'm here to pick you both up!"

"What?! I don't need a lift!"

"Is that your friend?" he inquired, nodding towards Marina, who was locked in an embrace with the man.

"Well.. yes, that's her, why?"

"Just curious! Shall we go?"

"No! I've said I don't need a ride. Did my mother send you?"

"Possibly!"

"Ugh! I can't believe it! Now my dad is coming to fetch his twenty-four-year-old daughter as if she's fifteen!"

"Don't call me that!" he said sternly.

"Ooh! Are you upset? Why are you angry? I'm the one who should be!"

"Let's just go! Get your friend; that guy’s going to swallow her whole."

"I'm not leaving with you; I've said as much. I drove here!"

"I am aware. I'll be driving your car."

"What?! How? What did you arrive in?"

"Your mother brought me, but she didn’t want to come in and left."

"Wow, she's really overstepping!"

"I agree!"

"Ah, you agree?"

"Grab your friend, seriously."

"Fine! What a pain!"

Amanda proceeded to Marina, pried her away from the man's arms, and led her to David.

"What are you doing, Amanda? It was heating up back there!"

"Sorry, my ‘dad' is here to pick us up and he's lecturing me!"

"Hi, Amanda's dad! I've forgotten your name, hahaha. Are you here to have fun? Where's Carmen?" Marina slurred due to her drunkenness.

"She's quite tipsy."

"Are you going to scold my friend too, 'dad'?"

"Can we please go?" David pressed.

"We can."

David turned and headed towards the exit. Amanda, with Marina in tow, made their way through the crowd. Outside, David waited, hand outstretched for Amanda’s car keys.

"I'm driving; I don't need you to do it for me!"

"Don't be stubborn."

"Oh come on, David, give me a break!"

"Please, the key."

With a steadfast stare, David sought the keys. Amanda rolled her eyes but handed them over. Marina slumped into the back seat while Amanda settled next to David. She stayed mostly silent for the drive, occasionally catching David's glances but choosing to ignore them.

Upon arriving at home, Amanda and Marina went straight to their room without so much as a glance at David.

"This is just fantastic! Who does he think he is?"

"Calm down! I thought it was kind of hot," Marina chuckled.

"I'm serious, Marina! I don't need to be picked up; my mother always makes me feel like a teenager!"

"Oh, relax. It's over now. Let's sleep; I'm exhausted!"

"Hmph, fine!"

Marina changed quickly and fell into bed, overtaken by sleep, while Amanda took a refreshing shower before attempting to rest. Then came a knock at the door.

"I'm not opening it, Mom! It was enough that you sent your beloved boyfriend to fetch me! I thought it was ridiculous!"

"Uh... sorry, it's me, David."

"Ugh! What is it?! Enough for today!"

"May I come in?"

"No! I'm going to sleep!"

"Just three minutes, please!"

"Fine!"

She opened the door and stepped out as Marina slept.

"What's up, 'dad'?"

"Will you continue to call me that?"

"Well, you're my 'dad' now, you even came to pick me up and scolded me!"

"I didn’t scold you!"

"Fine! What do you want?"

"I don't want you to be upset with me. Your mother asked me to; you know how she worries. I'm sorry!"

"Forgiven, 'dad.' Can I sleep now?"

"Yes, good night... daughter."

"What?!"

"What? You can call me 'dad,' but I can’t call you 'daughter'?"

"Very funny! Don’t you dare call me 'daughter'!"

"Just joking! Good night, and make sure to take care of your friend; she's quite drunk!"

"No need to tell me what to do!"

"Of course, ma'am," he chuckled.

He went to join Carmen, and Amanda went back to her room, fuming. Only then did she realize the short, tight pajamas she was wearing.

"Dammit!! I was in front of him wearing this?! How embarrassing! But, whatever!"

She lay down beside Marina and slept.

The next morning, Amanda woke up, checked the time—it was 11:00 AM, and she had university at 1:00 PM.

"This is just great! Now I have to hurry!"

Marina remained sound asleep; Amanda didn't bother to wake her. She got up, showered, dressed, then quickly did her hair and a simple makeup routine before descending for a quick bite since she needed to leave by noon.

"Good morning, daughter!"

"Hardly!"

"You're in that mood already?"

"What was all that about last night, Mom?! I don't need to be escorted; I’m grown up!"

"You were drunk, Amanda! How were you supposed to drive? Do you want to die?"

"I wasn’t drunk; I am responsible!"

"Sure, you are! Anyway, won't you say good morning to David?"

"Morning, 'dad.'"

"AMANDA!"

"Let her be, love. You were joking, right, Amanda?"

"Mmm-hmm, sure 'dad.'"

"I have nothing more to say!"