Nathan was in a rush today to pick up his sister. He was thankful their project was nearly done—he needed rest—and, most of all, he was worried about Mariely.
He had spoken to Nadia earlier, and he was grateful she'd driven Mariely to school before heading to her hospital shift.
Damn that man. He muttered it to himself with a sigh.
He checked his watch. It was almost five in the afternoon. He needed to leave—now.
"Going home already, Nathan?" his co-worker asked.
"Yeah, I need to go," Nathan replied, waving goodbye as he headed toward the elevator.
He patted his pocket and was relieved to find his car key.
He called Mariely's phone, but after several tries, she still wasn't picking up.
Maybe she's busy. He reasoned with himself and shot her a quick text before hopping into his car and driving to the school.
When he arrived at the school gate, students were just starting to be dismissed. He shook his head, still thinking about what Mariely had told him before. He couldn't believe today's generation—so impulsive, acting before thinking about consequences.
Checking the time again, he realized it was almost five. He closed his eyes briefly to rest.
A knock on the window startled him. He blinked, dazed.
Shoot, I fell asleep.
He rolled the window down, and there she was.
"Hello, brother," Mariely greeted him cheerfully.
"Yeah," he smiled, trying to shake off the grogginess.
As she placed her things in the back seat, he asked, "Have you been waiting long?"
"No," she chuckled. "I got your message that you were picking me up. I figured you must be tired from work."
Nathan shrugged. "Still, I'm not comfortable with someone else picking you up."
"Want to get something to eat first?" he asked.
Mariely shook her head. "Let's just head home so you can rest. Nadia was worried about you," she teased lightly.
"You're teasing me again," Nathan said, laughing along.
"Oh, your second review is tomorrow, right?" he suddenly remembered.
Mariely nodded. "Yeah, but I'm only scheduled for Saturdays. Or… wait, it depends, doesn't it?" She looked unsure.
Nathan laughed at her confusion. They were nearly home.
"I'll just open the gate," Mariely offered, getting out quickly.
"Thanks, sis."
Once inside, their mother greeted them. "You're home early?"
"Yes, Mom. We finished our client project ahead of schedule, so I picked Mariely up too," Nathan replied, kissing both his parents' hands.
"I know you're both tired. Go rest—I'll call you when dinner's ready."
"Thanks, Mom," Nathan said, heading straight to his room.
He only woke up when they were about to eat. After dinner, he went right back to bed, finally getting some much-needed sleep.
By the time Nathan woke up again, it was already the afternoon.
Shoot!
He sprang out of bed and rushed out, looking for Mariely. His father noticed.
"El already left for the review center," he said. "She said you were sleeping so soundly, she didn't want to wake you."
Nathan sighed and scratched his head.
"Eat first, Nathan. You missed both breakfast and lunch," his mother reminded him.
"Why didn't you wake me up?" he asked.
"You were exhausted. We understood," she replied gently.
Without another word, Nathan headed to the kitchen—his stomach loudly protesting.
****
Meanwhile, Mariely hadn't asked Nathan for a ride. She couldn't bring herself to wake him up when he clearly needed the rest.
Well, I got here safely. She reassured herself as she entered the review center.
Today, they were having a diagnostic test in all subjects.
Oh no… Professional Education again. This one always makes my brain hurt.
The place wasn't full yet, so she quietly looked around for a seat. She didn't know anyone, so she just opened her phone and scrolled through social media, laughing quietly at a few funny memes.
More and more people were arriving—aspiring teachers like her, hopeful to pass the board exam. Seeing others in groups made her feel slightly out of place.
Fight, Mariely. She whispered to herself.
The review started, and soon the instructor handed out the test papers. They would check the answers together later in the afternoon.
Oh gosh, I feel nervous—like I've forgotten everything I studied.
She stared at the paper.
Come on, brain. Don't fail me now. You better function properly during the actual board exam—or I'm cutting you out.
She exhaled.
Plenty of saliva left. Keep going.
She didn't answer right away, just stared at the questions, scratching her head.
Seriously, how did I even graduate?
She ignored her playful inner voices and slowly filled in her answers, sighing frequently. Her head started to ache.
By the end of the day, she felt like a college student again—exhausted and ready to go home.
She called Nathan.
"Brother, our review's done. Can you pick me up?"
"El, can you wait a bit?" Nathan replied. "Mom and I are still in the next town buying some equipment. She's not done shopping yet."
Mariely looked around. "It's okay. I'll wait here at 7/11."
"Alright. I'll text you once we're on our way."
She bought some snacks to pass the time, but as night fell, she received a message.
It'll take longer.
She called Nathan again. "Brother, I'll just commute home so you and Mom don't need to worry."
"You sure?" Nathan asked.
"Yes."
"Okay, just be careful. Text me once you're on the jeep."
"I will."
After the call, she stepped outside to wait for a ride. But the jeepneys were all full.
Ugh. Maybe if I walk a bit farther, I'll find a spot.
She sighed.
Suddenly, a car stopped beside her.
"Hey." A man called.
Her eyes widened. Kidnapping?!
She quickly blended into the crowd, not even checking who called her. But the car followed.
"Don't worry, I won't hurt you," said the man through the open window.
She frowned. The face looked familiar.
"Your brother's not here yet?"
She hesitated, then shook her head.
"Come, I'll give you a ride. I know where you live. Your brother knows me."
Should I trust him?
Mariely debated internally. Better to get home than stay here and make them worry.
Silently, she opened the door and got in. She didn't say anything, just stared ahead and rolled the window closed.