Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Calix was seething with frustration as he learned about Josefina's past. "It's all their fault for messing up my sister's grades!"

The three of them sat hunched over their computers, resolute in their decision to keep Josefina's scores under wraps. They even stashed her admission ticket away, fearing she would get upset if she discovered her marks.

Josefina sat at the dining table, nibbling on a sandwich, while Hattie, Garrett, and Calix kept piling more delectable treats onto her plate.

"Come on, dig in, you guys. I'm already pretty stuffed," Josefina protested.

Hattie chuckled, "Josie, honey. Why don't you join Mom on a trip to the mall later? The gown I ordered for you has arrived. You should try it on to see if it fits just right."

Garrett chimed in, "Yeah, your mom went all out and got it custom-made just for you, Josie! One of a kind in the whole world!"

Josefina felt a twinge of irony. She had crafted that very gown herself.

Hattie carried on, "I treated myself to a little something, too. We can go try them on together. What do you say?"

Josefina nodded, "Sure."

office when Brandon's call came through. "Hey Oliver, have you picked out a gift for Josie

do you mean?" Oliver paused

yet, so I'm guessing she probably tanked, you know. Now's the time to stand by Josie. Cheer her up with some

at the marked date on

actually get

sorted. I'm taking them out for dinner

just be

to celebrate with her more than I do. They've

phone, "You sly dog, you've got game. Not bad, man, not bad. Knowing you're on track eases my mind. I'll invite Josie's family to join us for

hung up

...

called in favors from friends and business partners to join in celebrating his daughter Ruby's triumph as the final exam's top scorer. They had reserved a swanky banquet hall at Gourmet Galaxy, a statement of pure

mingled effortlessly among the guests. The pride was

guest inquired, "Mr. Antonio, I recall