Melissa finally got home from the carnival. It had taken longer than expected—Julie and Nicole had insisted on riding almost every attraction before heading back.
"Meli!" Kelly greeted excitedly the moment she stepped inside.
Melissa blinked in surprise. She'd thought Kelly would already be asleep by now.
They were staying over at their cousin's house that night, as they usually did whenever their parents weren't around.
"Brother Jonathan, I thought you and Kelly were already asleep?" Nicole asked curiously.
"We waited for you," Jonathan replied. "Did someone take you home?"
Melissa and Nicole both nodded.
"Good. Now get changed," Jonathan muttered, stifling a yawn. "I'm sleepy too. I only stayed up because Kelly refused to sleep."
Melissa chuckled softly. "Sis, I know you're waiting for a souvenir." She handed Kelly a paper bag—and a small teddy bear.
"A teddy bear!" Kelly's face lit up.
"Sorry, it's just a small one—a keychain," Melissa said apologetically. "They ran out of the big ones."
Kelly beamed anyway. "Thank you!" She immediately showed it to Jonathan.
"Yes, yes, I see it," Jonathan muttered, amused. "Now go to bed."
Melissa and Nicole nodded. They were just as exhausted.
Before sleeping, Melissa sent Raymond a quick message, checking if he'd arrived home safely. He replied almost instantly. She told him she was heading to bed too.
Tomorrow was a school day. And her sister would definitely scold her if she overslept.
Morning came too quickly.
Still drowsy, Melissa dragged herself to school when a familiar voice greeted her.
"Good morning, Meli," Julie said cheerfully.
"You're early," Melissa replied with a chuckle.
"My brother forced me," Julie yawned. "He's always up early anyway."
Melissa laughed.
"You didn't come with Nicky today?" Julie asked.
"Kelly dragged her somewhere," Melissa replied.
"Good morning!" Nicole appeared just then.
"Nicky, good morning," Julie greeted.
Melissa tilted her head. "What's up with Sis?"
"Oh," Nicole sighed. "Her period came. She dragged me to the restroom earlier."
Melissa frowned. "Did she even bring extra clothes?"
"Nope. I had to buy stuff from the vending machine. She said she'll go home later with Kenjie," Nicole said, shaking her head. "She even stole my jacket."
Melissa laughed softly.
"Good morning," Dawn greeted, walking toward them with a smile.
"Good morning," Julie and Melissa replied politely.
"Thanks for letting me come yesterday," Dawn said sweetly. "I really enjoyed the carnival. Cielo and I even had a little date."
Her eyes flicked toward Julie.
Julie smiled back—polite, restrained. "You're welcome."
Melissa nearly rolled her eyes. As if she wasn't sulking the whole way home.Cielo practically had to pamper her just to calm her down.
"Well, he is her boyfriend,* she reminded herself.
"Actually," Dawn continued, "I wanted to invite Cielo out this Saturday."
Melissa stiffened. Saturday?
"And?" Julie asked casually.
"He said no," Dawn sighed. "Apparently, he has an important family event."
Julie raised an eyebrow. "But you're his girlfriend."
Oof, Melissa thought. That landed.
"I know," Dawn said with a soft sigh. "I should be there too, right? But Cielo likes spending time with his family alone. I'll respect that."
"Oh," Julie nodded. "That makes sense."
Dawn studied her. "Are you going tonight?"
Melissa froze. Kenneth's mini-event.
"Well," Julie hesitated, then smiled, "if I'm not busy. I'll go—with my boyfriend. He insisted this morning."
Nicole lightly tapped Melissa's arm, silently telling her not to worry.
*******
Later—
"I'm glad you're coming tonight," Nicole said.
"Me too," Julie smiled. "I want to be with you guys."
"Well then, see you later," Melissa grinned.
Julie nodded.
"Nicole," Dawn suddenly called.
"Yes?"
"I know you and Airah have bad blood. Would it be okay if I invited her—and some friends—tonight?"
Nicole blinked, then laughed softly. "Why ask me? Of course you can invite whoever you want."
"So… you're fine with it?" Dawn pressed.
"Yes," Nicole replied calmly. "I just hope she doesn't cause trouble."
"Oh, don't worry," Dawn assured. "She has a boyfriend now."
Charles, Nicole thought.
Julie raised a brow. "So she won't shade Nicole anymore, right? If she has a boyfriend, Joel shouldn't matter."
"Well… she still gets jealous," Dawn admitted. "She really loved Joel."
Nicole resisted rolling her eyes. "And she loves her current boyfriend too?"
"Of course," Dawn laughed lightly.
What a mess, Nicole thought. They're probably just using each other.
"See you later," Dawn said, walking off.
Nicole sighed. I should warn Kelly.
She opened the group chat—only to see Julie had already sent everything, complete with a wink emoji.
Nicole sighed again. Kelly's definitely going to glam her up tonight.
Practice that day was hectic, but they finished early and headed straight to Julie's house.
"You okay?" Julie asked Kelly. "You look tired."
"I'm fine," Kelly waved her off. "Honestly, I'm glad this happened now. I'll be more comfortable during the competition."
"So what are you wearing tonight?" Nicole asked Julie.
"I don't know yet."
They dug through her closet together.
"Kenneth messaged," Melissa read. "Dress or pants—whatever you're comfortable with."
"Loose shirt and pants," Nicole suggested. "That's your style anyway."
Julie laughed. "I got used to it."
"No wonder," Kelly shook her head. "You stayed lazy all this time."
Julie shrugged. "Mom always said comfort comes first."
Melissa held up an outfit. "This one."
Nicole grinned. "Perfect."
Julie tried it on.
"Simple—but edgy," Melissa declared. "Very Pop Princess."
"You look amazing," Kelly added. "Dawn's going to be furious."
Julie chuckled, then turned serious. "Still—be careful tonight, Kelly. Airah's boyfriend will be there."
"I know," Kelly smiled. "Don't worry about me."
"We always worry," Nicole said softly.
They left for the venue first.
Nicole glanced at her cousin, unease settling in her chest.
What's going to happen tonight?