"Brother," Julie called softly to Chris.
They were walking together toward their rooms when he glanced at her, sensing the worry in her voice.
"Is it really true," she asked hesitantly, "that guy won't come back for Kelly?"
Chris slowed his steps, then gently ruffled her hair. "She'll be fine, Julie. She's strong—just like you. And if she ever acts recklessly, we'll step in."
Julie nodded, comforted by his words, a faint smile forming on her lips.
"Go on inside," Chris said, patting her back reassuringly.
She had only taken a few steps when an arm suddenly slung itself around her shoulders.
"Good morning," Gabriel greeted casually.
"Good morning," Julie replied.
They walked together down the hallway.
"You're still worrying about Kelly, aren't you?" Gabriel asked, giving her a knowing look.
Julie stared at him.
He always reads my mind, she thought.
She didn't bother denying it. Gabriel could always tell what she was thinking anyway.
"Don't overthink," he said lightly. "Caden will act when it matters."
"I know…" Julie sighed. "But I'm scared she might get dragged into danger again. You said before that guy was part of a gang. What if Kelly gets hurt even worse this time?"
Gabriel exhaled slowly. "You too," he said seriously. "You need to be careful. I'm still keeping an eye on that useless ex-boyfriend of yours."
Julie forced a smile. "Don't worry about me, Gab. I can take care of myself."
"You're hot-headed," he replied, tapping her head lightly. "You never think before you act."
By the time they reached their classroom, the tension eased just a little.
"Julie!" Nicole waved from her seat beside Joel.
Julie grinned. "Oh? Are we interrupting something between you two?"
Nicole's cheeks flushed pink.
"Don't worry," Joel said smugly. "We already had our kiss. We didn't want to show it in front of you—you might get jealous this early in the morning."
"Joel…" Nicole muttered, mortified.
Julie laughed as Gabriel and Joel exchanged a quick fist bump.
"Hey, hey! Good morning!" Raymond greeted loudly.
Here we go again, Julie thought with amusement.I can't believe I actually became friends with these cousins. They've really grown since school started.
"Julie?" Melissa called.
"W–What?" Julie flinched slightly—her thoughts had wandered again.
Melissa smiled. "Good morning."
"Ah—good morning," Julie replied sheepishly.
"Hey, good morning!" another familiar voice chimed in.
Dawn.
Everyone turned. Behind her stood Cielo, his expression unusually serious.
Julie exchanged a quick glance with Gabriel and the others.
She really knows how to act clueless after what her cousin did to Kelly, Julie thought bitterly.
Still, she greeted her politely. "Good morning, Dawn."
Cielo sat down quietly. Julie stole a glance at him, concern flickering in her eyes.
Cielo…
When their eyes met, he smiled faintly—Don't worry.
I need to talk to him later, Julie decided.
She suddenly felt a gaze on her. When she looked up, Dawn was staring again—this time with a subtle smirk.
Great, Julie sighed inwardly. She's planning something again.
Since the dancers didn't have practice that day, the group decided to hang out at Kelly's house—once again their safe place whenever they had free time.
Julie shook her head, smiling at her friends' playful noise.
"Julie," Cielo called softly.
She turned toward him as he sat beside her, letting out a long sigh.
"What's wrong?" she asked gently. She had noticed how quiet and distracted he'd been all day.
"We'll talk more about it later," he said carefully, "but… it's not good."
Her brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"Our school is hosting an event in two weeks," Cielo explained. "Other schools will be invited—performances, activities, everything."
Julie listened intently.
"The problem is…" He paused. "One of the invited schools is International Beda School."
Julie's hands clenched.
International Beda School.That jerk's school.
"Oh," Chris said from across the room, "so Cielo finally told you."
Julie looked at her brother as silence settled over the group.
Can I really face him again?Calm down, Julie.You don't love him anymore. You avoided him for a reason.But sometimes… you have to face your past—to prove someone better truly loves you now.
Suddenly, Cielo pulled her into a hug.
Julie said nothing. When she looked up, he simply gazed at her with quiet affection before pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.
It'll be fine, she thought.Cielo is here. My friends are here.I'm not the same girl anymore.
She leaned into his embrace, drawing strength from it.
"So, Julie," Chris said gently, "you're the one most affected here."
She smiled calmly. "It's okay, brother. I'll face him. Don't worry about me."
"And please," Gabriel added, shaking his head, "don't do anything rash."
"I know," she replied, rolling her eyes.
Her friends chuckled softly.
"If that guy tries anything again," Kelly said firmly, "we're here."
Julie smiled at her. "Look at you, Kelly. Even after everything, you're still brave."
Kelly sighed quietly. "I was part of that past too. It's time I stop running from the shadow I kept avoiding. I've learned how to confront it now."
Julie smiled warmly.
Kelly really is healing, she thought.She's grown stronger.
And now… it's my turn too.