Meanwhile, Bella's sister, Kira, noticed Bella's troubled expression and inquired about her feelings. Bella dismissed the concern and went to rest. Kim arrived at her aunt's bedside, discovering her in a dire condition. She questioned her aunt about her illness, revealing that her aunt had failed to keep the family informed. Her aunt assured Kim that everything would be fine, yet the impending sorrow became evident as she urged Kim to care for her children.
As Kim's aunt passed away, Kim was overcome with grief and disbelief, mourning the loss of her aunt, who had shown her much kindness throughout her life.
Bella attempted to reach her friend but did not receive a response, which caused her concern for Kim. Meanwhile, Clark awaited the return of his parents at home. When they arrived, his sister Annie noticed Clark's apparent happiness, prompting curiosity about its source. Mr. Frank inquired about the outcome of Clark's application, to which Clark replied, "I was accepted." His father expressed pride in his achievement and informed him that he would increase his allowance. Mrs. Jane also reacted positively to the news, promising to fulfill any requests Clark might have.
Feeling fortunate, Clark sent a message to Bella, thanking her for her sacrifices. Mrs. Valerie returned home from the market, visibly exhausted, and informed her children that her shopping experience had been quite stressful. Kira proceeded to the kitchen to offer her mother a glass of water to help alleviate her discomfort. Mrs. Valerie then asked Kim about the results of the application process, to which Bella responded that she had declined her acceptance and transferred it to Clark.
The revelation shocked her siblings. Mrs. Valerie questioned Bella's decision, prompting Bella to explain that Clark required the opportunity more than she did. Joan interjected, expressing her frustration with the assertion, arguing that Clark was well-off and capable of success on his own. Bella defended her position by stating that should Clark not have been accepted, his parents would not grant him access to their connections, as he aspired to make them proud. Mrs. Valerie acknowledged Bella's reasoning but reminded her that their family was facing significant challenges and that rejecting the opportunity was a difficult choice.
Bella's family expressed disappointment regarding her recent decision, yet they refrained from voicing their concerns. She subsequently excused herself from the parlor, retreated to her room, and experienced a troubled sleep, awakening with a forlorn expression.
Joan harbored frustration towards her sister and chose not to engage when Bella inquired about shoes. This interaction led Bella to feel as though she was abandoning her family for the sake of her romantic interests.
Uncertain about how to proceed, Bella attended school. Upon her arrival, she encountered Kim, who appeared withdrawn in her seat. Bella approached her to inquire why Kim had not responded to her phone calls.
Initially, Kim disregarded Bella's presence but later revealed her aunt had passed away the previous day. Bella expressed her condolences and attempted to provide support. Yvonne then approached Bella, seeking to engage in conversation, but Bella declined her overtures.
Yvonne issued a stern warning to Bella, suggesting that there would be negative consequences for disrespecting her. However, Bella chose to ignore Yvonne's admonition. Kim subsequently questioned Bella regarding Yvonne's behavior, to which Bella responded that she was unaware of the reasons behind it.
Later, during the sports period, Bella wished to discuss a matter with Kim, but prior to her being able to do so, Yvonne posted a video to the school group chat, which garnered significant attention and shocked both Bella and Kim.
Kim confronted Bella regarding the concealment of her romantic relationship. Overcome with emotion, Bella pleaded for Kim to listen, explaining that she had intended to disclose this information. Kim, feeling betrayed, expressed her disappointment and walked away, stating that she had assumed they shared a bond of trust as best friends.
Gossip circulated among their peers regarding the situation, and Clark publicly acknowledged his relationship with Bella. His friends were taken aback and inquired why he had chosen to keep it confidential. Clark explained that the decision to disclose or withhold such information was personal.
Feeling distressed, Bella returned home, her demeanor reflecting her inner turmoil, prompting Kira to inquire about her well-being. In response, Bella explained that her relationship with Clark had become public knowledge, rendering Kim unable to meet her gaze.
Clark attempted to reach out to Bella at school for a check-in, but when he found her absent, worry began to set in. Yvonne approached him, questioning his demeanor, to which he responded with irritation, pushing her aside.
Sam observed Yvonne's discomfort and approached her to inquire about the situation, yet she chose to ignore his attempts at conversation. Meanwhile, Kim remained in a state of shock regarding the developments.
Clark sent Bella a text message inquiring about her well-being. Upon receiving the message, Bella replied affirmatively. Joan then knocked on Bella's door, asking for permission to enter. Upon seeing Bella in distress, she pressed her to disclose the source of her sorrow.
Bella revealed that the entire school was now aware of her relationship, which led Kim to feel betrayed by her. Joan advised her to communicate openly with Kim later, assuring her that understanding would likely follow.
Joan continued to offer consolation until Kira entered the room, quickly joining in a supportive embrace with Bella and encouraging her to cease her tears. Bella expressed gratitude to her sisters for their unwavering encouragement.
Meanwhile, Clark engaged in a solitary basketball game at home, exhibiting signs of agitation as he played. Annie noticed his behavior and inquired about the cause of his distress, but he remained silent.
Their mother, Mrs. Jane, called out for Clark with evident frustration, prompting him to turn and address her concerns with confusion about her vocalization.
Clark was engaged in a game of basketball in his home, displaying uncharacteristic behavior as he hit the ball with excessive force.
Annie observed this and inquired, "Is everything all right, Clark?" He failed to respond.
Annie then approached him to express concern, stating, "Brother, why do you appear angry?" He revealed to her, "I encountered a minor issue at school." Annie pondered aloud, "Does this relate to your friend Bella?"
At this moment, Mrs. Jane,Clark's mother, interrupted their conversation, calling his name repeatedly: "Clark! Clark!! Clark!!!" He promptly turned to her, inquiring about the reason for her agitation.