Never Judge

When Adrianna and Cedric arrived at La Institución, they were quickly greeted by the school's administrator and some of the teachers.

"Mr. and Mrs. Reyes, our school is humbled by your visit." The school administrator said as he shook hands with Cedric and Adrianna. 

"It's a pleasure." Cedric said with a distant smile. "I have high expectations for your school. I am sure that you are quite well aware that my assistant and a close friend are alumni of this school."

"Yes, yes. The Ramirez siblings and your assistant Dave are some of our most promising graduates."  The school administrator said with a nod as he looked towards Dave who was standing behind Cedric.

"I'm sure there are graduates better than me." Dave said with an awkward laugh.

"Take the praise Dave." Cedric said as he glanced at his assistant.

"Mr. Reyes, we've also invited some parents over so that you could hear from them first hand how our school system functions." The school administrator said as he spoke to Cedric.

"Well, that's a surprise." Cedric said with a smile. "We've visited five schools so far and none of them have gone to such lengths to make us feel at ease."

"We truly appreciate your effort, Mr?" Adrianna asked as she waited for the man's name.

"John Smith." The administrator said with a nod. "My dad was an American soldier stationed locally, as you can probably tell by my features."

Cedric nodded as Mr. Smith led them on a tour around the school.

The couple were both quite impressed with how the school was set up, as well as on how modern all the facilities were.

"We, of course, choose only to import everything from Europe and America." Mr. Smith boasted. "Even all of our teachers were trained there, we strive to provide the best for our students."

"It's all very impressive Mr. Smith." Adrianna complimented as they reached the end of their tour.

"Honey, a word?" Cedric asked as he gestured his wife to the side.

"Sure." Adrianna said with a nod as she walked to the direction Cedric had pointed.

"I hope you don't mind Mr. Smith, but I would like to have a word in private with my wife and assistants." Cedirc said with an intimidating look.

Mr. Smith had no choice but to nod as he watched Cedric and his assistants join Adrianna for a private discussion.

Guards quickly blocked the school administrator and the other teachers to provide Cedric's group with some privacy.

"I'm actually impressed." Cedric said with a nod as he looked at his wife.

"Are you reconsidering?" Adrianna asked her husband in surprise, he had always been quite adamant about sending his son to the same school he had gone to.

"I am." Cedric said with a nod.

"Sir, if I may add something of value?" Dave said, joining in on the conversation.

Cedric nodded, allowing him to speak.

"I think you should see how the teachers and the students are." Dave said with a shrug. "They might be different from what you expect. Even the teachers are quite different from how they are presenting themselves now."

"Aren't you proud of your alma mater Dave?" Cedric asked.

"I am, somewhat." Dave said with a shrug. "But there are more things that I would have wanted to change. I also feel like the place isn't a fit for Yoyo."

"Well, since you know this place the best, I will listen." Cedric said with a nod, holding back his decision as his assistant had suggested.

"I hope everything I didn't like about this place has already changed." Dave said with a sigh.

"I don't see anything wrong with your old school Dave." Mae said as she looked around. "If I went to a school like this, I would have had a better shot at life."

"Things aren't as they seem on the surface Mae." Dave said, shaking his head. "I really hope the people here have changed. I mean, if it were such an amazing place to study, don't you think the top families would have sent their children to study here?"

Cedric gave Dave a curious look. It was true, he didn't consider that, even the men of the Carpio family and the other top families all went to the same school as him.

"So what is the issue with your old school Dave?" Cedric asked.

"I'd rather not tell you sir." Dave said, shaking his head. "If I told you now, you would have a preconceived notion of the place and it may affect your decision."

"I will trust you then." Cedric said with a nod as he turned to rejoin the tour group.

"I hope everything is satisfactory to you?" Mr. Smith asked with a smile.

"Yes, it's all good." Cedric said with a nod, now keeping a straight face.

"Mr. Smith, what is next on our agenda?" Dave asked for Cedric.

"We would like for Mr. and Mrs. Reyes to meet other parents who can give them a better idea of the school's culture." Mr. Smith said.

"Alright, where to?" Cedric asked.

"This way sir, we've had the trophy room prepared for your visit." Mr. Smith said as he directed Cedric and his group towards a small building.

Inside, Cedric was surprised to see the room lavishly designed. He turned and looked at Dave, trying to see if this is what he was hinting at.

The assistant simply shook his head and sighed. 

Soon, Cedric and Adrianna were introduced to several parents who were more than eager to shake Cedric's hand. 

Cedric politely spoke to them, trying to assess their personalities. 

As soon as Cedric and Adrianna were introduced to everyone, they were placed at a table with a few other parents as the school administrator took to the stage to speak.

Cedric didn't miss the fact that Dave was given a seat at their table but the rest of his staff was sent away to sit outside.

"My dearest parents, we are truly fortunate to have Mr. and Mrs. Reyes as our guests today." Mr. Smith said, to which the parents all applauded.

"Mr. and Mrs. Reyes wish to keep this event private, they also would like that should their son choose to study here, that his identity be kept a secret. I hope you can all comply." Mr. Smith added as the parents nodded, acknowledging his request.

As the food was being served Dave nudged Cedric with an elbow. 

"Boss." Dave whispered as he handed Cedric his phone. "This is one of the reasons why I said what I said earlier."

Cedric took a look at Dave's phone and noticed a barrage of posts filled with photos of Cedric and Adrianna sitting at their table.

All the captions were saying that Yoyo would be enrolled in that school.

Cedric shook his head as he handed the phone back to Dave.

"Is that all?" Cedric asked, wanting to be prepared.

"No." Dave said, shaking his head. Making Cedric feel bad about the school. "You'll probably hear more later. But for now that's the only one I have."

"I'll inform Adri when we get home." Cedric said with a nod.

"Don't get me wrong sir, the education is good. It's the rest." Dave said with a shrug as their food was served.