After finishing their coffee and tidying up the kitchen, Percy and Jessica started winding down for the night.
"Yawn... I think I need to hit the bed," Percy said, stretching. "How about you? Feeling sleepy yet?"
"Yeah," Jessica replied with a gentle nod.
Percy changed into his usual sleepwear—just a tank top and boxer shorts—then crawled into bed. Moments later, a soft knock echoed at his door. He sat up, curious.
He opened the door to find Jessica standing there, holding a pillow in her arms.
"Huh? It's late. What are you doing here?" Percy asked, a little surprised.
"Can I sleep beside you tonight?" Jessica asked, her tone quiet and sincere.
Percy hesitated for a moment. "The bed's big enough, but—just so we're clear—don't try anything silly. What happened in the shower this morning was a one-time thing, alright?"
Jessica grinned. "Yes, sir! I've got work tomorrow, so no extra activities. I just... I feel safe when you're near me."
She stepped closer and gave Percy a soft kiss on the forehead. "Come on, big guy. Let's sleep. We've got a big day ahead."
They slipped under the covers together, the room quiet and dim. No words were needed—just the comfort of shared warmth, slow breaths, and the quiet trust building between them.
It was a night full of calm… and something that felt a little like love.
The next morning, Jessica slowly stirred awake and stretched, noticing Percy already up and on his laptop.
She walked over and peeked at his screen—Percy was reading through their old chat messages.
"Oh god... I was such a perv," Percy chuckled, shaking his head.
Jessica laughed. "You were more poetic back then. Using all those archaic words just to try and sound deep."
Percy glanced over his shoulder and smiled. "Oh, you're awake? Morning."
Jessica rested her head gently on his shoulder, enjoying the peaceful moment.
Then, suddenly, a loud voice rang out from outside the gate:
"PERCY!"
Percy froze. "Oh shit... Mom's here!"
He jumped up from his chair. "Jessica, move—I gotta open the gate!"
Percy rushed outside and opened it, greeting his mother with a nervous grin.
"Hey, Ma! Good morning!"
Mrs. Rachel gave him a curious look. "Hmm... You look suspiciously happy today. Looks like Jessica's magic is working on you. Grab my bag—I'm going upstairs."
Percy trailed behind her, sweating bullets.
As Mrs. Rachel walked up to the balcony, she happened to catch Jessica stepping out of Percy's room, still looking sleepy.
She stopped in her tracks, staring. "Jessica? You were... in Percy's room?"
A long pause.
Mrs. Rachel blinked, then pointed dramatically. "YOU! And YOU! To the kitchen. Now."
Jessica and Percy, both startled and nervous, followed her downstairs like guilty teenagers.
Now seated in the kitchen, the interrogation began.
Mrs. Rachel folded her arms and eyed them both. "So... did something happen between you two?"
"No!" Percy said quickly. "Nothing happened—we're just... cuddle buddies."
Jessica blushed deep red, burying her face in her hands.
Mrs. Rachel clapped once, shaking her head in mock disappointment. "Damn. I really thought you two went all in. Percy, seriously? The lady was right there and you still did nothing? You're an embarrassment as a man!"
Percy and Jessica sat there, stunned, jaws slightly dropped.
"Ma!" Percy protested.
Jessica tried to stifle a laugh, still completely flustered.
Mrs. Rachel just shook her head again. "Kids these days… no initiative."
But Mrs. Rachel glance at Percy and Jessica and she notice something.
Mrs. Rachel narrowed her eyes at the two flustered people seated in front of her.
"Hmmm... I don't believe nothing happened between you two," she said, smirking. "You're acting like teenagers trying to hide something they've already done." She let out a playful laugh. "But hey, if you're not ready to admit it yet, I'll respect that."
Then she suddenly turned her gaze toward Jessica with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"So tell me, Jessica... how's my boy?"
Jessica, caught completely off guard, answered without thinking. "Well... he's, uh... well-endowed."
The moment the words left her lips, Jessica froze—eyes wide in horror.
Mrs. Rachel's face lit up as she burst into laughter, clapping her hands in delight. "HAH! Got ya!"
Jessica buried her face in her hands, groaning. "Oh god…"
Percy, beet red, slid down in his chair like he wanted to disappear.
Mrs. Rachel wiped a tear from her eye, still laughing.
"Hay nako!" Mrs. Rachel sighed, standing and brushing herself off. "Well, I need to tend to my business—I just came to check on you two and see how things are going."
She turned to both of them with a curious, raised brow."So, Jessica and Percy... what's the plan here? You know you can't just enjoy the pleasures of the flesh without thinking about the future, right? What's your standing?"
Percy straightened up and, with surprising confidence, took Jessica's hand.
"Ma... we don't have a label yet, even though... well, we've been intimate. But Jessica means a lot to me—she's someone special. And I'll say it, right here in front of you: I love her."
Jessica glanced at him, eyes wide but calm, clearly feeling secure with his words.
Mrs. Rachel smiled and nodded. "Well said. It's rare to see you speak so boldly, my boy."
Then she turned to Jessica with a playful look."And as for you, young lady... your hips don't lie." She winked and let out a laugh before grabbing her bag. "Alright, I'll take my leave. Behave, lovebirds."
As she walked out, Percy let out a long sigh of relief. "Huh... no secret escapes my mother."
Jessica turned to him with a smirk. "So... you love me, huh?"
Percy smiled, completely sincere. "Yeah. And I'm not joking."
Jessica leaned in and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. "Okay. But still—no labels yet. I need to be sure."
She gently held his shoulders. "And no lovemaking today."
Percy laughed. "Hey, I'm not some horndog or anything!"
Jessica giggled. "Good. Keep it that way."
At exactly 4:30 p.m., Jessica arrived at YMZ Radio Station.
"You're on time," Venice greeted her with a knowing grin.
"Thanks," Jessica smiled back.
"You seem really happy today… like you're glowing," Venice teased. "Something happen this morning?"
"Oh, your mom came by the apartment," Jessica replied casually. "Just to check on us and see how we're doing."
"Ah, that sounds like her," Venice laughed. "Alright, here's today's story." She handed Jessica a printed script.
Jessica nodded, took the script, and made her way to her booth.
After the intro music faded out, Jessica—now in her radio persona—spoke softly into the mic:
"Hello and good evening, City of San Isidro. This is your host, Miss Vanity Scarlett, and welcome back to another heartfelt episode of Stories from Vanity Scarlett."
"Tonight's letter is from a listener named Elena."
Dear Vanity,
My name is Elena. I'm 30 years old and I've been teaching in a private high school for most of my adult life. I've lived as a single woman for years now—maybe it's karma for turning down so many suitors when I was younger.
Truth is, I've never really trusted men. That fear might come from childhood—I grew up watching my father cheat on my mom again and again.
Lately, though, something unexpected happened. A man—8 years younger than me—has started courting me. He's incredibly consistent: I find flowers and food on my desk every morning, and after class, he's there waiting for me on his motorcycle.
Little by little… I've started to fall for him. But I'm scared. Maybe he's just playing around, or maybe it's genuine. I can sense his sincerity, but the fear is still there.
What should I do?
—Elena
Miss Vanity:
"Well, Elena, it sounds like you've got yourself a true-blue lover boy," Jessica said warmly, her voice calm and sincere.
"My advice? Give it a chance. I understand the fear that comes from past trauma—especially when it involves someone as close as your father. But you have to remember: this man is not your father. He's not your past."
She paused for a moment, then continued.
"Of course, you still need to get to know him better. Take your time. But don't shut the door just because of what happened before. Sometimes, love shows up in the most unexpected ways… even on a motorcycle."
She smiled, then leaned back in her chair as soft background music faded in.
"Okay, that's a wrap!" Jessica stretched in her seat, laughing to herself. "A 30-year-old woman, huh? Love really finds you at the strangest times."
Venice popped her head in through the booth door. "Hey, Jessica—Percy's here already!"
Percy stepped into the booth and, without hesitation, gave Jessica a warm hug from behind.
"You're early?" Jessica raised an eyebrow, surprised.
"Yeah, well... I was thinking," Percy said with a grin. "How about we go out for dinner tonight? Something romantic. I know a place."
"Romantic?" Jessica smirked as she playfully tickled his side.
"Oh God, no—don't you know I'm sensitive?" Percy giggled, squirming away.
From across the room, Venice caught sight of them and shook her head with a laugh. "Hey, hey! No public display of affection in the station, lovebirds!"
She walked over and gave Percy a playful nudge. "You can pick Jessica up properly after the whole team's clocked out, alright?"
Then she turned to Jessica with a teasing grin. "And you—behave yourself!"
Jessica rolled her eyes dramatically. "Yes, ma'am."