Julie ate quietly at the table, still trying to process the fact that she was now studying at an exclusive school. She couldn't help but sigh.
"How's school, Julie, my dear?" her mother asked, noticing the long exhale.
"Fine," Julie replied shortly, pursing her lips as she took another bite.
"Julie, my child, I'm sorry," her mother said softly, "but transferring you to a private school is for your future. And besides, you promised your dad, right?" She brushed Julie's hair gently.
Julie didn't answer, sighing again as she chewed her food.
"Mom, I really don't want to go there," she finally said, her voice turning pleading and childlike.
Her mother raised an eyebrow teasingly. "Go ahead, and your dad might haunt you for breaking your promise. Do you want that?"
"Mom, come on… the new classmates won't like someone like me," Julie murmured.
Her mother sighed, looking at her steadily. "You need to aim for the top five in your class. Don't fall below sixth place, and maintain that ranking for a year. Then I'll transfer you back to a public school for your moving-up ceremony."
Julie froze, staring at her mother.
"Deal?" her mother asked, smiling and even winking. "I know you can do it."
"I don't want to! You're so unfair, Mommy! Can't I just be in the top ten? I'll never make it," Julie protested, scratching her head in frustration.
"Nope. Top five within one year. Okay?" her mother insisted.
Julie sighed and glanced toward her older brother, who had been quietly listening the whole time.
"Brother?" she called.
Chris sighed. "You and Mommy discuss this. There's nothing I can do."
Julie frowned. "Why not just send me back to public school? Maybe I'll be a problem for Christian! He's popular, and my presence could ruin his reputation. Oh no… I'd feel so guilty," she muttered, half-joking but clearly upset.
Chris shot her a sharp look. Julie immediately noticed the seriousness in his eyes. Oops… he really hates being called Christian, she thought. She forced a nervous laugh and raised a peace sign.
"Just kidding!" she said quickly.
"Stop calling me Christian, Julie. I'm a year older than you — show some respect. And if you mess up at St. Benedict, I won't recognize you as my sister," he warned, his tone cold and firm.
Julie knew he meant every word. She stared down at her plate.
"When did you ever act like a brother to me?" she whispered bitterly, her voice trembling.
"I'll behave at school," she added quickly, standing up and walking toward her room. Tears blurred her vision. You never treated me like a sibling, she thought, wiping her eyes.
Once she had calmed down, she gathered her school things and went downstairs.
"Julie," her mother called, hugging her tightly. "Don't be like that — he's still your brother," Jesca reminded her gently.
"Sorry," Julie whispered.
"Enjoy school, child," her mother said, kissing her cheek. "Your brother is waiting."
Julie nodded and left. Chris was already in the car, silent. She adjusted her seat and said nothing for the entire drive.
At school, she walked alone to her classroom. She didn't want to keep living under her brother's shadow. Sitting quietly, she waited for recess so she could meet Kelly — the girl she had befriended on her first day.
When recess came, she went to her favorite stall and bought a sandwich and a milk bar — one for herself, and one for Kelly, who was in a different section and grade.
"Hey!" someone called. Julie turned to see Paulene approaching.
She sighed inwardly. "Why?" she asked flatly.
"Are you auditioning for the dance troupe, like your brother?" Paulene asked, raising an eyebrow.
Julie shook her head. "No, I'm not interested in dancing."
Paulene looked surprised. "Why not?"
"I don't know how. And it's not my thing," Julie admitted. Laughter echoed from Paulene's group of friends.
"Are you really his sister?" someone asked mockingly.
Julie nodded. "Unfortunately, yes. But we have different hobbies. Not all siblings share the same talents — you'll have to accept that."
Paulene raised an eyebrow even higher, but Julie only smiled faintly.
"If you have no more questions, I'll be going," Julie said calmly.
"Let's go," Paulene said to her friends, turning away.
Julie shook her head and smiled to herself, walking off to find Kelly. She spotted her friend reading a book while eating a mango float.
Sitting quietly beside her, Julie shared the sandwich and milk bar she had bought. Kelly laughed softly, and Julie felt a small spark of warmth bloom inside her chest — the comfort of having at least one friend she could trust.