Patience and Affection

The little girl reluctantly waves goodbye to Rosa as Brie's yellow car pulls out from the villa's driveway. Nana Amor stands beside Athena waiting for her.

Her new tutor is already in her old nursery room. The room is now transformed into Athena's study room.

Athena will be temporarily home-schooled for the duration of the election campaign. She is not allowed to go outside as much as possible to ensure her safety and to avoid another kidnapping incident happening.

Brie taps her fingers on the steering wheel to the beat of the music playing inside the car. "This will be your last schedule then you can focus on Senator Graysen's campaign. I really have to pitch this in. You very well know it's hard to say no to Madam Desta's request. She seldom asked us for a favor. We are both indebted to her. Most of the big modeling accounts we have came from her. Sometimes I feel like she's more like your agency manager than I do. Besides, this is for the foundation she supports. When I told Senator Graysen, he didn't object."

Rosa comments calmly, "Why do you have to ask him? Shouldn't I be the one to decide whether to accept the job or not? I'm the one who is going to do the shoot anyway."

Brie gets confused. "Is there a problem?"

Rosa did not reply. Brie assumes that Rosa's silence means nothing to worry about.

In the middle of Athena's lessons, Crina Spataru arrives asking if she can see her daughter. Modena calls her son to inform him. His parents and Senator Graysen have already discussed that they will allow Crina to exercise her rights as a mother to Athena.

Since Crina arrived without any advance notice, she waits for another hour until Athena takes a break. Modena brings her granddaughter to the guest receiving area.

Modena officially introduces Crina. "Athena, this is your biological mom."

Athena did not show any reaction.

Crina comes near the little girl and holds her hand. "Hi, sweety. You are pretty as mom don't you think?"

Athena pulls her hand from Crina. Modena notices it.

Modena advises Crina. "Give her some time to warm up. You need a lot of patience in dealing with her moods. She has to get used to you first. Let her adjust at her own pace. Read more about autism spectrum syndrome so you can be more familiar with handling your daughter. Rosa made a lot of research so she can get through the barrier with Athena. Now, they jibe like a pair of mother and daughter." 

Brie opens her car trunk so Madam Desta's staff can put all the gift products she gave to Rosa as her token of appreciation for the charity shoot she has done for the day.

Madam Desta clings to Rosa's arms as they wait for all the boxes and paper to be loaded. The madam declares, "The charity billboard will coincide with your husband's campaign. Rosa, if I can do anything to help with Senator Graysen's campaign. Don't hesitate to call me."

Rosa acknowledges Madam Rosa's eagerness with a meager smile and weakly nods. Her face looks tired.