It wasn’t long before Cindy saved enough money for her own things. She worked hard. She’s taking inspiration from Elian’s diligence. There were a few mishaps with customers, but they were eventually settled. Some people do really act so entitled to privilege. She hoped not to meet more of them in her future.

As for her interactions with Elian, it hasn’t changed much. Except when she started school. She would rush home to cook and eat dinner hurriedly, before attending classes. When she returns home, Elian’s resting already.

She only gets to eat dinner together with him on weekends. Sometimes, he’d have a gig or two in a month. Given the limited time they’re together, she normally initiates conversations with him. Their topics mostly cover her schooling and her hunt for a scholarship, as well as their respective jobs, if anything interesting happened.

When she finally graduated, Elian attended as her guardian. He was proud of her and she’s very happy with the little celebration they had afterwards. He even got her a gift. A lovely wrist watch. She wears it all the time now.

A few more months passed, and she’ll turn eighteen soon. She’ll be legally an adult. Maybe Elian would no longer see her as a kid. Well, she’d have to show him, too. That she can take care of her own. Wait, won’t he kick her out, then? It has been a while since she started contributing with rent. Initially, he wouldn’t accept it but she insisted. She would leave the money on his drawer.

“So, do you have any plan?” Amanda asked her as they were hanging out one Sunday.

Melissa was sipping her milkshake while listening quietly. Apparently, she does have a boyfriend who almost worships her. She has the beauty, and she seems terribly gentle as a person. She’s likeable but… there’s something about her.

“What plan?” Cindy replied, moving her gaze from Melissa to Amanda.

“Well, aren’t you going to confess? How are you going to do it?”

“Uh? Tell him I like him?”

“No, that won’t do. You’ll easily get rejected. He’ll just say thanks and turn you down gently.”

“Why do I feel like you have a suggestion ready?” Cindy eyed her friend suspiciously. Amanda’s the type to be vulgar. She’s determined in a way that… she does what needs to be done, no matter how embarrassing it could get.

“Of course! What you have to do is make it very clear when you say it. Offer him yourself.”

Both Cindy and Melissa choked on their drinks. Yeah, right.

“He’s a man. You said he never brought home a woman. He has needs. Of course, he wants to get laid. That’s where you come in.” Her ideas are really…

Cindy choke some more, putting down her drink altogether.

“Ah, no. I don’t think that will work. I know him. He’ll think I’m being childish if I do something like that. He’s all about work.”

“Uh-huh. Which is why he needs a woman. He’s too serious. I don’t even see what you like about him. I mean, sure… he smiles and laughs. Sometimes. But he’s still a workaholic. Are you sure you love him and wanna be with him? He could be a burden. You could probably snatch a rich guy if you dress up. You look pretty, but you don’t show it.”

Amanda said a mouthful. Too many mouthfuls.

“Yes, I’m sure.” She chuckled.

No matter how many times she tells her story of how Elian helped her in her lowest, Amanda couldn’t seem to get it. She’s like… well, say thank you. Is it necessary to stick to him for the rest of your life?

It’s her choice. She would stick to him. He’s the kind of man she wants. In a way, she despises men who only relies on money to get what they want. Money they didn’t even earn. She prefers the ones who really work hard and knows the value of every cent.

“Well, if you’re sure, it can’t hurt to try. You won’t be doing it in public, anyway. It won’t be too embarrassing. You’ve seen it in movies.”

“I don’t watch movies.”

“Right, you guys don’t even buy television. What era are you guys living? Anyway…”, she paused to tap on her phone. Cindy leans over to see her browsing for videos.

“This is how it’s done, pretty. Sexy lingerie, cover it up with a coat. When you present yourself as a present, lose the tie on your waist and let the coat fall. See if he can resist you afterwards.” Amanda patted Cindy’s waist. She’s in no doubt that if they were standing, she’d be patting her butt. She’s touchy.

Seeing her hesitation, Amanda continued, “I have a coat. I could lend it to you. As for lingerie, that would be on you, pretty. Don’t tell me you don’t have a sexy pair? Every grown-up girl keeps a set, preferably in red.”

They both turned to look at the video again.

“I could gift you with a set. It’ll be my birthday gift to you. Let’s go shopping later.” Melissa suddenly stated. Cindy would never have thought she’d be on board with Amanda’s suggestion. Normally, she disagrees with Amanda’s ideas. They’re ganging up on her now, Cindy could tell. She’s unsure what they expect, though. Do they want her to embarrass herself, or do they genuinely think she could successfully confess to Elian this way? She bit her lip as she glanced at the still image on Amanda’s phone.

“We’ll let you choose, but it has to be red.” Melissa added.

“Actually, let’s get a coat that would suit your style. It’ll be my gift to you, but you have to wear it when you confess. Deal?” Amanda offered. She caught on with Melissa’s tactic. This friend of theirs is very tame and still a virgin. She needs experience, and she needs to have her first as soon as she’s legal. Giving her gifts and asking she wears them could work to convince her to do it. Cindy reluctantly agreed. They wouldn’t even know if she actually did it or not. She has plenty of time to think it over and make up her mind.

And so, they went shopping. After the purchase, they even went as far as to have her wear it so they could see. Although she’s young, her body developed well. Her breasts aren’t too big, not too small either. Same with her behind. She flushed a shade of red when they scrutinized her body. Well, yes, she’d seen them in their bikinis already but it’s the first time she’s doing it and letting them see.

“I knew you have a great body shape. Girl, why are you hiding this?” Amanda pinched her side.

“Enough. I’m not comfortable with this. Let me change already.”

“Uh-huh, but you already promised. You gotta give us details on how he reacts, alright?”

Cindy grunted as she puts on her regular clothes. It’s still over a month away. She could think of something better and still wear these things without going naked or something.

First, she had to get him to agree to celebrate together. That part shouldn’t be too hard. When she learned his birth date, she told him that they should celebrate it together. He somewhat agreed and didn’t say any objections. They’ve only done it once, so far.