Even now, Mariely couldn't stop thinking about what her brother and Nadia had said. It echoed in her mind, but she didn't have the courage to ask Nathan about it.
She lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, her thoughts heavy.
My brother is always worried about me… because I get weak around men. She sighed, knowing it was true.
She needed to break out of her comfort zone. Talking to men—especially those her age or older—always made her feel awkward. Only her brother and father made her feel at ease. Even with her students' fathers, she barely spoke unless absolutely necessary.
Mariely knew Nathan understood how hard it was for her. She only managed with childhood friends. She couldn't understand why it was so difficult.
I need to try… I need to learn. Nathan always worries I'll fall for the wrong person.
But what if I really do fall in love? Can I love someone…?
The questions spun around her head until she drifted into sleep.
****
Meanwhile...
"Frank!" Becca's voice called out sharply.
Frank winced, rubbing his eyes. "Mom, relax," he said, flashing a sheepish smile.
Becca frowned, shaking her head as she carried in grocery bags. "You're acting like a child again."
"I didn't expect to see them at the supermarket," he said, trying to sound innocent.
"Still, you're not helping yourself. You're stirring things up again. Behave, Zean," she warned, eyeing him seriously.
He shrugged, walking to his room and checking his phone. A message from his cousin popped up—an invite to the bar. Frank declined. He was tired, but his thoughts lingered elsewhere.
His interest in Mariely was reignited. Back in high school, she was young and forgettable to him. But now... she was Nathan's sister, and something about that intrigued him more than ever. The challenge. The tension. The history.
Frank remembered how protective Nathan was. He smirked. This won't be easy. But I'll enjoy every second of it.
The next morning, Frank spotted Nathan escorting Mariely to school. He watched closely.
Nathan kissed her forehead before leaving, and Faith—Mariely—just smiled. The way they treated each other was like a couple, not just siblings.
Frank couldn't help but chuckle. Nathan's too attached. No wonder he's overprotective.
He approached the two with casual confidence.
"Good morning, you two." He greeted them smoothly.
Both turned with surprise. Faith glanced quickly at Nathan, then looked away.
"Be careful. Wait for me this afternoon, okay?" Nathan told his sister, ignoring Frank.
Mariely simply nodded. As she stepped forward, Frank stood slightly in her path.
"Excuse me," she mumbled quietly, stepping around him and heading to the building.
Nathan turned to leave, but Frank called after him.
"Your sister's already grown up, Nathan. Why do you treat her like a little girl?"
Nathan paused, not turning back. "She's my sister. I'll protect her, no matter what."
Frank smirked. "So, you won't let any guy take care of her?"
"Nope. Especially not guys like you."
"Then I guess I'll have to prove I'm different," Frank said, leaning in.
Nathan spun around and stepped close. "You've made a lot of women cry, Frank. But if you so much as hurt my sister again—I don't care if we were once classmates—I won't forgive you."
Frank chuckled. "Come on, Nathan. You knew what happened back then. She and I had… a little thing, right? Maybe she forgot because you brainwashed her."
Nathan's gaze turned icy. "Don't you dare mess with her again."
Frank only smiled. "Let's see how this plays out."
Nathan didn't respond. He walked away, got into the car, and drove off.
Frank watched the vehicle disappear with a smirk.
This is going to be fun. Let the game begin.
********
At school...
"Good morning, class," Mariely greeted as she entered the room.
Only a few students answered. The room was in disarray.
She sighed deeply. "Who was assigned to clean today?"
"It's tiring to clean," one student answered.
"Oh? So you think you're too important to clean the classroom? Should I do it for you?"
"You're the one who wants a clean room, right? Just clean it yourself," another student said rudely.
Mariely bit her lip, patience wearing thin—until two familiar students picked up brooms.
It was Neil and Rodel.
"We should clean up. This room's disgusting," Rodel muttered.
She offered a small smile.
"I'm not doing this for you, Ma'am. It's just really messy," Rodel added, catching her smile.
"By the way," Neil said loudly, "if you don't help clean, you can't enter the room. If you do, you'll pay a 100-peso fine."
Groans echoed in the room, but slowly, students began to grab brooms and help. Even Mariely pitched in.
"You too, Ma'am," Rodel teased.
She laughed. "Alright. I'll join in."
It felt good to be called "Ma'am." She enjoyed the camaraderie, and they finished quickly.
"Please keep it clean tomorrow. The room looks bright and cheerful when it's clean," she told them.
"And because of that, you all get extra points!"
"Do we understand each other?"
More groans. "Yes, Ma'am. You're so strict," someone muttered.
She only smiled.
Later, Veron complimented her. "Faith, your room was sparkling clean today."
"They helped. We cleaned together," she said, laughing.
"You're one of a kind." Veron grinned, and they both laughed.
As she waited for her brother outside, Mariely reflected on her first week of teaching. It had gone well, and she was starting to feel a deeper connection to her students.
I want to understand them all, she thought.
"Hey, come with me," said a familiar voice behind her.
Mariely turned—it was Frank. Again.
"I'm waiting for my brother. He's picking me up," she replied, keeping her distance.
Frank just smiled. "No worries. I won't force it. But next time, I'll take you home myself." He waved as he got into his car and drove off.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a honk. Her brother had arrived.
"Brother!" she said joyfully.
"Shall we go? Sorry I'm late," Nathan said.
She shook her head and got into the car, happy to head home.