"Come hang out with me," Cyrus said. "I bought some new music I think you’ll like."

Ophelia looked over at her friend. Normally, she’d gladly accept the invitation and spend the next few hours with Cyrus, listening to music and playing video games. But today, she was a woman with a mission. “Sorry,” she replied, affectionately tugging at Cyrus’s ponytail. “I have plans. I’ll be free tomorrow though, promise.”

“What sort of plans?” Cyrus asked.

“Charise is going to help me with my math homework,” Ophelia lied.

“Oh, okay,” Cyrus replied, nodding sympathetically. “Math is pretty brutal. Take care, and don’t let it stress you out too much.”

“I never do,” Ophelia replied, hugging Cy tightly. “Take care of yourself.”

“I will. See you tomorrow, then?”

“Definitely.”

Ophelia walked to Charise’s house, her eyes narrowed slightly. She had it all worked out in her mind. The hard part would be getting it to actually work in real life. Just as planned, as she was walking up the driveway, Dunstan drove up in his shiny red sports car.

“Hey,” Ophelia called out cheerily as Dunstan stepped out of his car.

“Hi, Ophelia,” Dunstan replied, waiting for her to walk over. “What are you doing over here?”

“I needed Charise’s help with math,” Ophelia replied.

“Oh, really?” Dunstan asked, walking toward the front door, Ophelia close behind. “What kind of math?”

“Algebra,” Ophelia said with a groan. “I am such a total math dunce.”

“I seriously doubt that,” Dunstan responded. “You probably just weren’t taught it in a way that makes sense to you. That can often make a big difference.”

“Yeah, that’s probably it,” Ophelia agreed.

“Tell you what,” Dunstan suggested, “if you want, after Charise’s piano lesson, I’ll help you. I’m pretty good at math.”

“Really?” Ophelia replied. “That would be great. I mean, if it’s not too much trouble--”

“No trouble at all,” Dunstan insisted. “I’ll be delighted to help. But only under one condition.”

“What’s that?” Ophelia asked.

“Your dad said you’re good at painting,” Dunstan replied. “I’m something of an art connoisseur. I would like a new painting to put in my bedroom. Any image, any style.”

“Don’t joke around,” Ophelia replied, laughing.

“I’m serious. You painted the picture that’s hanging in your family’s living room, right?”

“Yeah?”

“Well, it’s really good. I’d like to have some of your work. Then, when you become famous, I can brag about personally commissioning you to do a painting for me in your early years.”

Ophelia laughed more. “Yeah, sure,” she replied, rolling her eyes a little.

“Have it done by next month, if possible.”

“I’ll get started on it tonight.”

The front door opened, revealing Charise in a pretty dress. “Hey,” she greeted Dunstan. “I’ve been waiting for you.” Then, she noticed Ophelia. “Why are you here?”

“She needed help with math,” Dunstan spoke up. “But I have it taken care of.”

“Oh,” Charise replied with a shrug. “Why don’t you stay and sit in on the lesson, Ophelia?”

“Sure.”

“Is that why you’re so good at math now?” Emily asked.

“Unfortunately, yes,” Ophelia replied. “Okay, so I did benefit from some of his good points, sort of.”

“Did you paint the picture for him?”

“Yeah, I did,” Ophelia said slowly, shifting her gaze away.

“Of what?”

“A beautiful woman.”

“You?” Emily asked.

“Yeah,” Ophelia responded, still not meeting Emily’s gaze.

“So, I still don’t see why he’s such a bad guy,” Emily said slowly.

“It takes time,” Ophelia said. “I’m getting there.”