Melissa quietly watched Julie, who was laughing and chatting with their friends as if nothing was wrong. Kelly was there too, sticking close to her sister.
She had been worried since yesterday. Julie had gone home silently—no teasing, no laughter, none of the warmth she usually shared with them.
Julie, I know you're not okay, Melissa thought with a sigh.
She knew Julie well enough. For now, the group had decided to give her space—until she was ready to talk.
"Meli," Kelly called softly, noticing her distant look.
"Sis…" Melissa told her what had happened yesterday, her voice heavy with concern.
Kelly ruffled her hair gently. "Julie," she called out with a smile, "I'm joining you later. My treat."
Julie blinked, surprised—then broke into a bright laugh. "You said it! No take-backs!"
Melissa smiled too, though deep inside she knew Julie was hiding her pain.
The bell rang, signaling the end of recess.
"Julie! Later, okay?" Kelly grinned.
Julie nodded cheerfully.
A hand tapped Melissa's shoulder—it was Nicole.
"She's carrying something heavy," Nicole whispered. "Let's just give her time."
Melissa didn't answer, but she agreed.
Back in the classroom, Gabriel was there—but Melissa noticed Julie never mentioned anything. The day passed like any other… until afternoon came.
As planned, Kelly joined them.
"So, you're really treating me?" Julie teased.
"Of course," Kelly laughed. "I'm rich today."
Julie chuckled softly.
If we didn't know you so well, Melissa thought, we'd believe that smile.
Inside the convenience store, Julie glanced around nervously. When she didn't see the girls from yesterday, she let out a quiet breath of relief.
"Julie!" Kelly called.
"Ah—yeah," Julie replied, hurrying to her side.
"Sis, don't forget me," Melissa teased.
Kelly laughed. "Of course not."
"And me!" Nicole pouted.
They were laughing—until a voice cut through the air.
"Oh. You're here again."
Melissa turned.
"Jea, it's a convenience store," another girl snickered. "Of course we'd see her."
Melissa's eyes immediately went to Julie. Her hand tightened around the hem of her skirt. She avoided eye contact.
I knew it, Melissa realized. They were the ones who bullied her.
"Oh, your friends are here too?" one sneered. "Looks like Fatty Girl still has company."
Julie clenched her fists.
"W-What did I ever do to you?" she asked, her voice trembling but trying to stay firm.
"Oh? You can talk now?" Jea mocked, stepping closer. "Careful, Julie. You might turn back into the pig you used to be."
The words sliced through the air.
This time, Julie lifted her chin.
"I've forgiven you," she said shakily. "Jea… Grace… Veronica. I've been gone from your lives for years. Haven't I?"
They laughed.
"You were a coward then," one scoffed. "And even if your body changed, you're still the same inside."
Suddenly, someone yanked Julie's hair.
Melissa froze.
"You're still just a pig to me," the girl hissed.
Julie trembled—until—
"Back off!"
Kelly grabbed the girl's wrist and shoved her away. The bully stumbled back.
Melissa rushed to Julie's side.
"Don't interfere!" the girl snapped. "You don't even know us!"
"I don't care who you are," Kelly shot back. "Touch my friend again, and you'll regret it."
The girl smirked. "So Julie has brave friends now."
She pulled out a photo and shoved it toward Kelly.
"Let's see if they'll stay after this. I'm looking forward to it, Julie."
Then she walked away.
Julie's hands shook as she took the photo.
It showed a chubby young girl, clothes too small, round cheeks glowing with innocence.
"Is this… you?" Melissa asked gently.
Julie didn't answer.
Nicole gasped softly. Kelly stared at the photo.
She's adorable, Melissa thought. What's wrong with this?
Then Julie's tears fell.
Without a word, she turned and ran out of the store.
"Julie!" Nicole cried—but Julie didn't stop.
"She misunderstood," Raymond muttered.
"She's scared of being judged again," Joel said quietly.
"Let's find her," Kelly said firmly.
They searched everywhere.
But Julie was nowhere to be found.
"Damn it," Raymond cursed. "Where did she go?"
"If Cielo finds out before we do, we're dead," he added.
"It's my fault," Melissa whispered. "I shouldn't have asked—"
"No one's to blame," Joel said firmly. "We need to focus."
"She's not in her usual places," Raymond said. "We need Gabriel… or Cielo… or her brother."
Joel nodded and made the call.
"Julie, where are you?" Nicole whispered desperately.
"We sent our location to Chris, Cielo, and Gabriel," Joel said.
"Cielo's going to kill us," Raymond muttered.
Footsteps rushed toward them.
"What happened?" Cielo asked urgently, Dave right behind him.
"Later," Gabriel said as he and Chris arrived. "Finding Julie comes first."
Chris sighed. "That girl…"
He looked at Gabriel. "I think I know where she might be."
Gabriel nodded. "Yeah. Same place."
"Then let's go," Dave said.
Melissa clasped her trembling hands together, praying.
Julie… please be safe.
The photo crumpled tightly in her grip.