It was Julie's third day at school, and she was grateful to have found a friend — even if Kelly was already in Grade Ten. She was just happy to have someone to talk to about school life.
I won't even dream of having friends among my classmates anymore, Julie thought as she walked toward her favorite food stall, the one where she always saved part of her allowance.
What flavor should I get today? she wondered.
She walked happily until she spotted her older brother and his friends. Their eyes met for a brief moment before she quickly looked away, letting them pass first. She kept her head down until they were gone.
With a small sigh, she shrugged and continued walking. A man wearing reading glasses smiled at her, and she politely smiled back. She guessed he must be one of her brother's classmates.
When she reached her favorite stall, the vendor recognized her immediately and greeted her with a warm smile.
"Hello," Julie said, smiling in return.
"What flavor are you getting today?" the vendor asked playfully, as if she already knew what Julie would choose.
Julie thought for a moment. "What flavors do you have today, Ma'am?"
"Chocolate, durian, vanilla, and ube," the vendor replied.
"I'll take vanilla and chocolate, please," Julie said cheerfully.
The vendor smiled. "Is that for your friend?"
Julie nodded with a small laugh. She paid, thanked the vendor, and walked away happily — spotting Kelly reading at a nearby table.
What could she be reading this time? Julie wondered. She liked Kelly immediately; she was kind, calm, and easy to talk to.
Kelly didn't need to try to look beautiful — her long, wavy hair, brown eyes, and fair skin hinted at her comfortable background, but her gentle manner made her approachable. Julie loved how she shared stories from her books with such enthusiasm.
"What are you reading today?" Julie asked, sitting beside her.
"Oh, it's beautiful! It's about a woman seeking justice after her death," Kelly replied.
"Huh? Is it horror?" Julie asked curiously.
"Suspense and thriller," Kelly clarified, smiling.
"As long as it's horror, I don't want it — it scares me," Julie said while taking a bite of her snack.
Kelly laughed softly.
"Don't you have friends your age?" Julie asked after a pause.
Kelly hesitated. "I had some before… but now, no one," she said quietly.
"Oh no, why?" Julie asked gently.
"Just… because," Kelly replied, forcing a smile.
Julie noticed the hint of mystery around her friend. Despite being in Grade Ten, Kelly didn't socialize much. Julie didn't want to pry — she knew too well what it felt like to have no one to talk to.
"Do you have a boyfriend?" Julie asked playfully.
"Huh? No!" Kelly laughed, caught off guard.
"Do you have a crush, then?" Julie teased, grinning.
Kelly's cheeks turned slightly pink. Julie chuckled. "You're crushing on someone, aren't you?"
Kelly groaned. "Shit!" she exclaimed, burying her face behind her book, still blushing.
Julie followed her gaze and noticed a man sitting nearby — the same one wearing reading glasses earlier. He smiled again. Oh… that must be Kevin, she realized. She remembered seeing him at the camp — maybe even at her dad's wake.
"Is your crush a classmate?" Julie asked curiously.
Kelly weakly nodded, confirming what Julie had guessed.
It made sense. Kelly and her brother's classmate were in the same grade. Julie smiled, deciding not to tease her anymore.
"Do you have an older brother?" Julie asked.
"Yes, I do," Kelly replied. "He's strict but kind."
Julie smiled. "You? Do you have a brother?"
"Yes, a tenth grader," Julie said casually, not revealing that she was Christian Navares' sister.
"Who?" Kelly asked, frowning slightly.
Julie only smiled. "Secret."
"Is your brother in college now?" Julie asked, turning the question back to her.
"No, he's in Grade Twelve — senior high. But he's in a different department from me," Kelly explained.
The bell rang, signaling the start of class. Neither Julie nor Kelly realized how much time had passed — they were too absorbed in their conversation.
Back in the classroom, Julie sat happily at her desk, humming softly. She felt content — finally, she had a friend to talk to.
Yet, she could still feel the glances from some classmates, their silent judgment heavy in the air. Camille rolled her eyes at her direction, but Julie ignored it.
Ah, right. I'm just a transfer student, she thought, scratching her head and sighing.
Dad, I really don't belong in this school.