Dawn was unusually quiet today. She and Paulene exchanged knowing glances, their expressions clearly suggesting they were planning something again.
"Hey, does that girl really sing?" Camille whispered.
"I don't know," Paulene replied. "But maybe this is the perfect opportunity, right?" She grinned slyly.
The three of them simply nodded. Moments later, their teacher arrived.
"First to perform—Navares and Kenneth Villanueva," the teacher announced.
The two stood. Kenneth smiled as he handed Julie a microphone.
Ah, Kenneth. You really know what I want, Dawn thought, hiding a small, secret smile.
"What will you be singing?" the teacher asked.
"I don't know," Julie muttered, casting Kenneth a sharp glance.
"We're ready," Kenneth said instead, signaling for the track to play.
It was a duet.
Julie's eyes widened as the intro began.
So… she doesn't even know the song, Dawn realized.
From the very first verse—where the female part was meant to come in—the class stiffened.
Did I hear that right? Dawn thought.
Kenneth sang the opening lines, his voice no surprise to anyone. It was already known how good he was. The song was a sad OPM love ballad, soft and emotional.
Whispers filled the room. Several girls leaned forward, clearly captivated.
Then Julie sang.
Dawn gasped.
Julie's voice carried a gentle clarity, warm and steady, enough to make Dawn turn fully toward her.
If promises could reachThe other side of the worldWould they really arrive?
Could it be? Dawn's thoughts raced. She actually knows how to sing?
The class was visibly impressed. When the chorus came in, Kenneth guided Julie slightly forward. Dawn had to admit it—their voices blended beautifully. Julie's vibrato was controlled, her timing precise.
She didn't even practice, Dawn clenched her fist. So why does she sound like she's done this before?
Damn you, Kenneth. No wonder you were so confident.
When the song ended, the room erupted in applause. Dawn clapped too, smiling carefully, making sure none of her real feelings slipped through.
"Navares," the teacher said warmly, "I didn't know you could sing that well."
Julie scratched her head, clearly embarrassed.
"That was amazing!" Nicole exclaimed, pride shining in her eyes.
Dawn glanced at Cielo. He was smiling—softly, warmly—his eyes fixed on Julie.
"Looks like it's my treat again," Cielo joked.
That smile made Dawn's jaw tighten.
No. I can't let Cielo be taken away from me.
"Julie," Dawn called out.
Julie turned.
"You sing really well," Dawn said with practiced warmth. "Are you planning to join a club? I'm sure many would want you."
Julie shook her head. "Nope. I'm not joining anything. I only did that because of grades."
"Well, you have real talent," Dawn replied gently. "It would be such a waste."
Julie was quiet for a moment. "I'll sing," she said finally, "if I'm forced."
"What does forced even mean?" Raymond chuckled.
Dawn smiled—but inside, irritation burned.
You bitch.
******
At lunch break, Chris sat in the faculty office with his friends when someone called out to him.
"Hey, Chris—look."
"What?" he asked.
"It's your sister," his friend said.
Chris frowned. "What now? Did she get into trouble again?"
Dave laughed. "No. Look at this." He showed him a post. "One of the music teachers uploaded it. Looks like a class activity—they're praising the best students."
Chris nodded as the video played.
Then he froze.
Julie stood in front of the class, singing—beside Kenneth.
She knows that song, he realized. It's the one she wanted to sing for Dad.
Should I be proud… or worried?
Her voice was clean, sincere, filled with emotion. She blended effortlessly with Kenneth.
"Whoa," someone said. "Your sister's really good."
Chris smiled quietly.
"Bet they'll recruit her," Dave teased.
"Doubt it," Chris chuckled. "She's stubborn. If she doesn't want to, she won't."
"Well, they won't force her," Dave replied.
"Hey, Chris," Jonathan added. "You must be proud."
"Yeah," Chris nodded.
Jonathan patted his shoulder. "That's your baby sister."
Chris laughed as the bell rang.
But he noticed someone watching him—Melody.
"So Julie really sings," she said.
"You knew?" Kevin asked.
"Of course. She's my sister."
"Why not encourage her to join?" Steph asked.
"No," Chris said firmly. "I won't force her."
"Chris," Melody said carefully, "can we borrow your sister sometime? If we're understaffed."
Chris laughed. "That depends on her. She decides for herself. And she only sang because her grades were on the line—Kenneth forced her."
He knew Julie too well.
Melody and the others exchanged knowing smiles. "Maybe forcing her isn't such a bad idea."
Dave nudged Chris. "Can we ask her to sing for Dad's birthday? It's coming up."
"I can't force her," Chris sighed. "Oh… Uncle's birthday is close."
"She has to sing," Dave insisted. "Leave it to me."
Chris could only sigh.
Well, Julie, he thought, you finally stepped out of your shell.
It was a good sign.
Still, he couldn't help but worry about what else his sister might stumble into next.