Martin Tuazon or Mart as his family and friends call him, is the eldest child of St Paula Academy's owners - Michael Tuazon and Stephanie Carlos Tuazon. Martin is currently in the class of Grade 10 - Love. He's an independent, intelligent, hardworking and quiet student. Though he's the son of the school owner's, he is always humble and gracious, always ready to help others. You can always see him in the school library studying or in the Science Club room, checking or researching on new things. He's the head of the Science club. Their club room has cool gadgets that you can use for experiments and scientific research. He always has a book in his hand, and you can always see him reading. The only time that he is separated from his books is when he is with Mimi. Everyone knows that Martin has a crush on Mimi. But he's too timid to tell her his feelings. And when Mimi was accused of cheating, he became aloof and moody, not wanting to talk to anyone.
"Mart?" Stephanie calls him softly outside his room. "Are you there son? Can I come in?"
Martin dragged himself out of bed. He stood up and opened the door. Her mom walks in. Looking at him, she said, "Do you want to go the mall with me? I need to buy a gift for a special girl."
Martin just looked at her.
"C'mon. You're dad is still out of town and won't be home until Friday. Your siblings aren't home yet and are at their friend's house. Can you please accompany your Mom?" Stephanie asked Martin sweetly.
Martin sighs.
"Okay Mom," he said. "I'll just change." He's still wearing his uniform. He slept upon arrival. These past few days, his mood is not so good, he feels helpless and depressed and just wants to sleep all day. When he's awake, he can't help but feel grouchy. "Wait for me downstairs."
"Don't be long," Stephanie said while walking out of the room. She smiled. Actually, she's planning on buying Mimi a gift to cheer her up. She believes Mimi is also innocent. Even though they owned the school, they let the board and administration to decide on her case. She wants to give her something that will cheer her up. And also Martin. Of course she knows that her son has a crush on Mimi. Eversince they're young, Martin will go all giddy and clumsy whenever Mimi's around.
"Mila, can you please come here for a moment?" she calls on their house help.
"Yes Ma'am?" Mila rushes in and almost fell down.
"You don't need to run Mila," she said. "You almost tripped and hurt yourself."
"I'm okay Ma'am," Mila said shyly.
Stephanie checked first if she's really alright. Then proceeded, "Martin and I are going to the mall. We might come home late. So don't bother including us in dinner preparations. But Janine and Steven will be home before seven o'clock so make sure that there's food on the table by then, okay?"
"Noted Ma'am," Mila said.
"That's all Mila," Stephanie said. "Oh, I almost forgot, can you tell Caloy to prepare the car? And tell him that we'll leave in about ten minutes. Thank you Mila."
"Sure Ma'am," Then Mila walked out through the garage and relay Stephanie's message to Caloy - their family driver. Caloy then proceeded to the family car - a BMW. You can count four cars in the garage, two motorcycle, an e-Bike and two kid's bicycle.
After a while, Martin went down. Stephanie stood up and they both proceeded to the garage.
"Let's go Caloy," Stephanie said to the driver. "To the mall please." They went in the car.
"Okay Ma'am Stephanie," Caloy said. "Good afternoon Martin."
"Hey, Caloy," Martin greeted him.
Within minutes they arrived at mall's parking lot. Stephanie advised Caloy to just fetch them after an hour then they move towards the mall entrance.
"Do you know what Mimi would like Martin?" she asked him.
"Mimi?" he sound surprised. He looked at his mom in disbelief. "Are you going to buy Mimi a gift Mom?"
"Yes, Martin," she said smiling.
"Why?" he still can't believe what's happening.
"Well, I feel sorry for her. She's a good girl. And I know deep in my heart that she can't do what they said they do."
Martin became teary eyed. He really likes Mimi. And eversince the school's decision last week, he can't bring himself to contact her. He felt guilty and helpless. He wants to comfort Mimi but don't know what to say to her. He looked at his Mom. She really knows them, even though they don't talk much, she always have this things that really matters.
"Thank you Mom," he said while hugging her.
"Oh, Martin. My big boy," she said while pinching his cheeks. "You're so cute." She laughed. "So what do you think Mimi will like?"
"I think anything we give her would be okay Mom," Martin said. "She's more on "the thought that counts" things."
"So how about flowers?," Stephanie suggested.
Martin blushed big time. When Stephanie saw, she laughed so hard.
"To comfort her. Flowers to comfort her," she said while still giggling.
"Uhm, I think it's okay Mom."
"So flower it is. And cake too right?"
Martin nodded.
"Ooh, let's also buy pizza for us to share. And ice cream! "
Martin laughed.
He held his Mom's hand and guided her towards the flower shop.