"Hey." Jonathan heard Kelly calling him.
He turned his head toward her.
"Is Nicole planning to audition?" Kelly asked.
Jonathan paused, thinking. "She didn't tell me anything. She never mentioned it," he finally replied.
Kelly pondered for a moment.
"How's Nicole, Jonathan?" someone else suddenly joined the conversation.
Kelly nearly jumped. "Brother!" she scolded, her heart pounding at his sudden appearance.
Kenjie ruffled her hair casually.
"She's doing fine," Jonathan said to his older brother.
Kenjie Aziel Santibañez was already in twelfth grade, studying in senior high. Their schedules sometimes allowed them to go to school together, sometimes not. Kenjie had once led the dance troupe they were all part of. Even after moving to senior high, he remained in the troupe's senior division and served as an officer in a student organization.
"Why are you still here, brother?" Kelly asked.
"Just finishing something. Let's go home together," Kenjie replied.
They caught up to Jonathan, and Nicole was already there, quietly waiting for her ride.
"Nicole," Kenjie greeted, ruffling her hair.
"Ken," Nicole replied politely.
"How's school?" he asked, while Kelly listened quietly.
"It's fine," Nicole said.
"Made any friends yet?"
"Yes, actually. She's also Kelly's friend," Nicole added, glancing at Kelly, who frowned immediately.
Jonathan burst out laughing. "Epic fail, you two!"
Kelly glared at him. "What happened?" Kenjie asked, curious.
"Nothing! Don't listen to Jonathan," she snapped.
"Well, here's the story," Jonathan said, still laughing. "Neither of them expected their paths to cross today."
"Oh, I see. Is this the friend you always mentioned to me? The grade nine one?" Kenjie asked.
"Yep, that's her," Jonathan confirmed with a nod.
Kelly rolled her eyes and looked away, thinking, Shoot! Wrong timing!
"Kevin!" Kenjie suddenly called out.
Kelly froze. Kevin looked in their direction, and she hurriedly pulled out her phone to pretend to be busy.
Kevin walked closer.
"Do you have someone to fetch you?" Kenjie asked casually.
"Yep, I need to go," Kevin replied.
"Damn, you're busy, man. Another shoot?" Jonathan asked.
"I guess. I'll go ahead," Kevin said, ignoring the questions.
Kelly could feel his gaze on her but chose to ignore it. Soon, the sound of a car driving away reached her ears.
"Gone already, Kelly," Nicole teased. "You're so obvious."
Kelly's cheeks burned red, especially when Jonathan laughed. Thankfully, their ride arrived at that moment. She sighed as Kenjie ruffled her hair again.
*****
"Julie." Chris called from her room.
"Yes?" she replied.
"We need to eat. Mom said she'll be late tonight. Our maid already cooked, so let's go," he explained.
"I'll follow, brother," Julie said.
"Come right away," Chris replied, then went downstairs to the kitchen.
He sat, waiting for her. She didn't keep him long; soon, Julie came and sat across from him. They ate quietly together.
"Don't you have plans today?" he asked.
"None, brother," she answered.
Chris nodded, and the silence returned.
"I noticed you've made a new friend."
"Oh, yes. I met her during your camping trip. She's the sister of your classmate, right?" Julie asked.
"Yes, Jonathan's sister," he confirmed.
"Brother, can I ask you something?" Julie said suddenly.
"Sure," he replied.
"Who is Crisha?" she asked curiously.
Chris was taken aback. "Where did you hear that name?"
"Well, Nicole and I walked around earlier, checking out the clubs. I just happened to hear it," Julie explained.
Chris sighed deeply.
"But it's fine if you don't want to explain. I was just curious," she added cautiously.
"She's dead already," he said quietly.
Julie's face froze in shock. "D—Dead, as in… gone?"
He nodded. "Yeah. She suffered from leukemia. She passed away last year."
"Last year…" Julie whispered. "She was so young."
"Yeah. She loved singing, just like you. She was even part of a band in one of the school clubs," Chris added.
Julie nodded, softly. "Thank you for telling me, brother."
Chris noticed she had finished her meal. He cleared his own plate. They never left everything to their house help when they could do it themselves.
Later, Chris went back to his room.
Cielo seems really fond of her. Maybe she reminds him of Crisha, he thought.Maybe I rubbed salt on that wound. He's smart—he'll realize sooner or later that my sister and Crisha are nothing alike.
Another thought troubled him.
The real question is… how will Jason react?
Chris shook off the thought. He had work to focus on now. Still, he felt a little glad about Julie's curiosity.
At least she asks simple things like that. We get to interact, even if it's just a little.