"This is so annoying! Why does Mommy have to move me here? I don't like this place! Mommy, seriously!" Julie fumed silently as she followed her new teacher toward the classroom.
After her father passed away a year ago, she had promised him she would transfer to the private school where her older brother, Christian, studied. It was a promise she couldn't break. Now that she was in ninth grade, she had to behave and live up to it — even if she didn't want to.
"Stay here for now, okay? I'll call you in later," her teacher said kindly. Julie nodded, grateful that her adviser seemed warm and welcoming.
Peeking inside, she tried to get a feel for the room — and the people she'd be spending a year with. The classroom was spacious, only half full, and the students hadn't changed into their uniforms yet.
"Good morning, class," the teacher greeted as she entered. Julie stood quietly by the door, listening.
"Good morning, Teacher!" the students replied in unison, standing from their seats.
"Please sit down," the teacher said with a smile. "Before we start the orientation, I'd like to introduce your new classmate."
Julie heard the murmurs begin.
"Is it a boy or a girl?" someone whispered.
Julie immediately knew she wouldn't get along with that one. Her legs ached from standing, and she wished she could just sit down.
"She's a girl," the teacher answered.
The students nodded, whispering again.
Julie smirked faintly, hearing the excitement in their voices. She was still in her favorite shirt and jeans since her uniform wasn't ready yet.
"Teacher, which school did she come from?" asked a girl with a hint of snobbery, as if she was already judging her.
"She transferred from a public school after finishing grade eight," the teacher replied.
Julie caught the girl's surprised expression and raised an eyebrow. Is it that strange for someone from a public school to study here?
"Let's welcome her and be friendly," the teacher said, gesturing for Julie to come in.
Julie stepped inside, feeling dozens of eyes quietly assessing her. The teacher placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Julie, please introduce yourself to the class," she said gently.
Julie's throat felt tight, but she managed to speak. "Julie Marie J. Navares. Nice to meet you all."
Whispers rippled across the room again. One boy stared a bit too long, and she realized why.
"She's Christian's younger sister," the teacher explained cheerfully.
A faint chorus of surprise filled the air.
"Miss Navares, you may sit over there," the teacher said, pointing to a seat near the window.
Julie sat down, relieved. Through the window, she could see her brother laughing with his friends. He was already running for class president again — no surprise there.
She sighed softly. I wish I could've stayed with my old classmates… but a promise is a promise, Dad. Still, this is so unfair.
The orientation began. When it was time to nominate class officers, a familiar name caught her eye: Mark Cielo Villanueva.
Villanueva? I've heard that surname before… she thought, frowning. No, don't overthink it.
When recess came, Julie stayed put. She didn't know where to go, and her stomach was already grumbling. She checked her phone — no messages, just a notification alert. Sighing, she tucked it away.
She caught her reflection in the window just as a voice interrupted her thoughts.
"So… you came from public school?"
Julie turned. A boy stood beside her, smiling kindly.
"I'm Raymond. Nice to meet you, Miss Navares," he said, extending his hand.
"Nice to meet you too," she replied, shaking it.
"Raymond!" someone called from across the room.
Julie turned — and froze.
It was Cielo. Recognition hit her like a slap. Camping trip! He was there during the trip with my brother… I knew I'd seen him before!
Her eyes narrowed. Was he at Dad's wake too? I don't remember…
Cielo looked confused by her reaction.
"You!" she blurted out, scowling. He didn't seem to remember her, but she could never forget how rude he had been back then.
"You're grumpier than a woman on her period," she muttered under her breath.
Cielo raised an eyebrow. "What?"
Raymond tried not to laugh.
Julie cleared her throat. "By the way, where's the canteen?" Her stomach growled again, loud enough to betray her hunger.
Raymond chuckled and handed her a small map. "Downstairs. There are two — one for elementary, one for junior high. Senior high has their own."
"Thanks!" she said, hurrying off.
The canteen was crowded and noisy. She bought a sandwich and a milk bar, wincing a little at the high prices.
Finding an empty seat wasn't easy. Finally, she spotted a girl sitting alone and approached.
"Can I sit here?" Julie asked.
The girl nodded shyly.
As Julie sat down, her gaze wandered toward her brother, who was still laughing with his friends. She sighed again. Maybe someday, I'll have someone to laugh with too…
"By the way, what's your name?" Julie asked.
"Oh… Ke—Kelly," the girl replied softly.
"Julie Marie," she said, offering her hand.
Kelly smiled faintly and shook it.
That small moment — a new friend, a kind smile — made Julie's first day a little brighter, even if her worries lingered. When classes ended, she walked home alone, not waiting for her brother.