Melissa noticed Julie asleep at her desk, arms folded on the table, breathing evenly. She almost reached out to wake her—but stopped.
I'll just let her be, she decided, returning to her seat.
I'm happy she sings again, Melissa thought. But it hurts to see how careful she still is… how she always needs to be pushed.
Julie didn't stir.
"Oh, asleep again," Nicole said as she set her bag down.
Melissa nodded. "Let her rest."
"She was exhausted yesterday," Nicole replied. "And she really needs to rest her voice."
"Yeah," Melissa agreed. "She's not used to all of this yet."
They hadn't come to school together that morning—Melissa's brother had left early.
"I didn't know Julie was also a victim," Nicole murmured.
Melissa remembered what Kelly had shared—how Dave and Chris had talked about Julie's childhood, and why she avoided dancing.
"Oh, you're all here already," Raymond greeted, ruffling Melissa's hair.
"Good morning," she smiled back.
Raymond smiled, then glanced at Nicole and Joel. Melissa followed his gaze—and frowned.
The way they kept stealing looks at each other… it wasn't subtle.
"Julie's asleep again, huh?" Raymond finally said.
Melissa nodded, then tugged lightly at his sleeve. "Do you notice anything about those two?" she whispered.
Raymond glanced again—then smirked.
"Hey," he called out. "Why don't you just tell Melissa already?"
Melissa startled—but what shocked her more was Nicole's face flushing bright red.
"You're really annoying," Joel muttered.
"Yeah, yeah," Raymond waved him off. "Fine."
Joel sighed, then said calmly, "Nicole and I are together now. She's my girlfriend."
Melissa gasped. "Nicky? Is that true?"
Nicole looked nervous—but Joel held her hand gently.
"It's okay," he murmured.
Nicole nodded. "It's true. Almost two weeks now."
Joel confirmed with a nod.
Melissa turned to Raymond. "You knew?"
"Of course," he said proudly. "I notice everything. I just didn't tell you—I didn't want to rush them."
Melissa smiled softly. She understood. Nicole had always liked Joel.
"Nicky," she said gently, "you should tell your brother Jonathan soon. He won't be mad about the relationship—but he will be mad if you hide it."
"I know," Nicole said nervously. "Maybe later. My brother and Mom are busy right now. I wasn't planning to hide it from you and Julie anyway."
Right on cue, Julie stirred, lifting her head sleepily.
"Oh?" she yawned. "So you two are together now? No wonder Nicky's so comfortable with Joel."
She smiled at Nicole.
"Kelly's going to be shocked," Julie added. "Jonathan will be calm—but Kelly? Definitely not."
Melissa smiled faintly. Julie really knows Kelly too well.
Joel frowned slightly. "Sorry, but… why is Kelly so concerned about this?"
"Yeah," Raymond added. "Melissa's reaction makes sense. But Nicole?"
The three girls exchanged looks.
"Uh…" Julie hesitated, then sighed. "Why did you tell them?" she asked Nicole.
"Julie," Nicole muttered, "Kelly will be mad…"
*****
"Why would she be?" Julie said later. "Melissa's with Raymond. Nicole's with Joel. Kelly should understand."
Joel glanced at Raymond, who shook his head—just as lost.
"Better if Kelly explains it herself," Melissa said carefully.
"She'll understand," Julie insisted.
Nicole frowned. "You really like putting us on the spot."
"Don't worry," Julie said lightly. "I'll reveal something too."
Nicole stared. "What now?"
"Nothing yet," Julie grinned. "Just listen."
Melissa sighed, then turned serious. "Joel, Raymond—can you promise not to tell anyone about Kelly?"
The cousins exchanged glances.
"If it's important, we won't," Joel said. "I'm not the gossiping type—unlike him."
"Hey," Raymond protested. "If my girlfriend asks, I respect it."
After a moment, Nicole spoke.
"Okay… Kelly is actually my cousin. She and Jonathan are first cousins."
Joel blinked. "Wait—what?"
Nicole nodded. "My mom and Melissa's mom are sisters. That's why our surnames are different. But we share the same middle name."
She even showed their IDs.
Joel stared. They really do share the same middle name.
"Why keep it a secret?" Raymond asked.
Nicole hesitated.
"It's okay," Joel said gently. "You don't have to explain."
But Julie spoke up anyway.
"Because of Kevin."
"Julie!" Nicole hissed.
"Huh?" Raymond scratched his head. "What does Kevin have to do with it?"
"Kevin and Kelly grew up together," Julie explained. "He was the first to find out Kelly and Jonathan were cousins. Then there was an accident—Kevin had temporary memory loss. After that, Kelly hid her identity. Part guilt. Part fear."
Melissa groaned. "My sister is going to kill us."
So that's why Kelly reacts so strongly when it comes to Nicole, Joel realized.
"It's okay," he said. "We won't tell anyone."
"Not even Cielo?" Nicole asked quietly.
Julie looked straight at Joel.
"No," he said firmly. "If Cielo and Dennis want to know, they'll find out on their own."
Julie nodded, then smirked. "Fine. Then during lunch, I'll tell you something too. Both of you—bring your boyfriends."
Nicole scratched her head awkwardly as the warning bell rang, forcing them all back to their seats.
Secrets settled—but not without consequence.