Chris noticed his sister, Julie, already dressed in her school uniform that morning. He was grateful the tailor had finished it before the official rollout.
Not bad, he thought, watching her at the table.
"My daughter looks so beautiful," their mother said proudly.
Julie scratched her head, perhaps feeling awkward under their gazes. Chris didn't comment—he just quietly helped himself to food.
He always looked after his younger sister at school. Lately, Julie had grown close to a classmate named Kelly. Chris could only sigh.
Well, if she's happy to have found a new friend, then that's fine.
"Hurry up," he told Julie before standing. She nodded and rose as well.
"Mom, we're going."
"Alright. Be careful," their mother said with a smile.
They headed out to the car, where their driver was already waiting.
"Brother, Kelly is your classmate, right?" Julie suddenly asked.
Chris glanced at her and nodded.
"D–Does she have friends in class?"
How should I answer that? He knew Kelly was often picked on. After a pause, he said, "There's Jonathan."
"Jonathan?" Julie frowned. "Isn't it Kevin?"
"Do you still remember the people you met at camp—the time Kevin's little cousin almost caught you?" Chris reminded her.
Julie scratched her head again.
"They're close, those two," he added.
Julie thought for a moment, then asked softly, "Does she… have a crush on Kevin?"
Chris stared at her, surprised.
"Nothing," Julie said quickly, shaking her head.
He didn't press it, though he knew Kelly and Kevin shared a secret.Did Kelly tell my sister about that? he wondered.
The rest of the ride was quiet.
When they arrived at school, Chris immediately spotted Kevin.
"Hey, good morning, Chris," Kevin greeted.
"Yeah, morning," Chris replied.
"Oh, hi, Julie," Kevin added with a grin.
"H–Hello," Julie replied shyly.
"Sharp memory you've got," Chris teased.
Kevin only laughed.
"Brother, I'll go ahead," Julie said, not waiting for his response before walking off.
"Julie!" someone called.
"Ah, good morning, Pres," she greeted. Chris recognized the voice—it was Kelly.
"Hey, Kelly, aren't you going to greet me too?" Kevin teased.
Kelly only raised an eyebrow and glared at him. The fool chuckled.
"You really love teasing Santibañez," Chris muttered, shaking his head.
He watched as Kelly slung an arm around Julie, the two chatting cheerfully while Kelly held a book.Jonathan walked past sluggishly and sighed.
"What's wrong with you?" Kevin asked.
"Ah, just sleepy," Jonathan replied, stretching.
The girls disappeared into their classroom. A few moments later, Kelly was back in her seat, happily reading.
"Morning." Jonathan flicked Kelly lightly on the head.
"Is that your problem now?" she said, frowning.
"Nothing," Jonathan replied lazily.
"You're insane," Kelly muttered, rolling her eyes before returning to her book.
Chris shook his head and settled into his seat.
*****
It's nice having friends, Kelly thought, hiding her small smile.Someone to walk with, someone to talk to.
Earlier, she'd noticed the class president glance her way—Chris. Maybe it was nothing. She'd heard he had a sister about Nicole and Melissa's age.
Kelly sighed.
My own sister will be transferring here soon. Her father was still finishing the paperwork.I'm worried.
"Are you listening?" a voice cut through her thoughts.
Kelly blinked and turned. "What is it, Claire?"
Claire only raised a brow, while Vanissa looked her up and down.
"Do you think you're some angel now?" Claire sneered.
Kelly furrowed her brows. "Did I ever say I was?"
"You bullied people, Kelly. You're still a bitch. Do you think anyone trusts you? Two-faced, that's what you are."
Kelly exhaled sharply. She'd promised her brother not to engage with her old group—not until she moved up to junior high.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. You done?" she asked flatly.
"You—!"
"Go back to your seat," a cold voice cut in. Chris was watching them, his stare sharp and unyielding.
"You'll have your day too," Claire muttered, retreating.
Kelly sighed again.
When she turned, she caught Melody's worried eyes. Quickly, Kelly looked away.
The teacher entered, but Claire's glare lingered. Kelly ignored it.
I'm worried about Melissa. She might get dragged into this, she thought grimly.She forced herself to focus. She had to work hard—for herself.
When recess came, she eagerly grabbed her wallet, ready to meet Julie.
"Hey," a familiar voice stopped her—Jonathan.
"What?"
He leaned closer and whispered, "You got your period, didn't you? Idiot."
Kelly froze.
"Don't worry, I'm the only one who noticed. Just wear your jacket."
She quickly pulled on her hoodie.
"I–Is it okay now?" she asked.
"Yeah, but you should change. Go home for lunch later," Jonathan advised.
Kelly nodded.
"Go on. Your friend's waiting," Jonathan added.
She smiled faintly and hurried off. No one knew Jonathan was her cousin, so he always acted distant in public.
When she spotted Julie, she waved.
Julie's eyes softened. "You don't feel well?"
Kelly chuckled softly and shook her head. "I got my period," she whispered.
"I'll go with you to the restroom," Julie offered.
"Later. Let's eat first," Kelly laughed.
Julie smiled. "It's up to you."
Kelly studied her for a moment.She really reminds me of someone I know, she thought.