I didn't expect this today. Frank's thoughts were racing as he drove alongside Mariely, the younger sister of his former classmate.
He was already on his way home when he saw her waiting by the roadside. From the way she stood, it was clear no one was coming to pick her up—she'd be commuting.
Maybe it's my lucky day, he told himself with a sly smirk. He was grateful she agreed to the ride.
But now he wondered—what would Nathan say if he saw this?
He glanced at Mariely. She sat quietly, staring out the window, visibly uncomfortable.
What a plain girl, he commented to himself, watching her reflection in the side mirror. Her hair was messy, her expression unreadable.
She's nothing like Nadia. Why is Nathan so protective of her? I don't find her attractive. I doubt any man would be interested in her.
Still, the thought nagged at him.
She was my girl once, right? She was still in high school when we dated. Has she really forgotten about that?
Noticing her watching him, he returned her gaze without saying a word.
"Why are you coming home so late today?" she finally asked, her voice neutral.
Frank wasn't used to women ignoring him. He welcomed the opening to start a conversation.
"Ah, I'm reviewing today," she said, answering sparingly.
"Oh, there's a review center nearby. Was today your first session?" he asked, trying to sound casual.
Mariely shook her head. "No. Third session already."
He nodded, noting her lack of interest in continuing the conversation.
Patience, Frank. If you want her to be one of your girls again, you've got to work for it.
"Why didn't your brother pick you up?" he tried again.
"He's busy. He went with my mom, so no one could fetch me." She didn't even look at him as she spoke.
Frank respected her silence after that. Still, he couldn't stop observing her.
Eventually, they neared her house.
"I'm here now; I'll just walk from here," Mariely said suddenly.
"No." He stopped the car and stared at her.
Before he could insist, she quickly pulled something from her bag and placed it on the front seat—money.
"Hey, I don't need payment for this," he said, startled.
"Thank you for the ride. Gasoline and oil are expensive nowadays. Please, just accept it." Her voice was polite but firm.
He stared at her, stunned. Is she serious?
Before he could say more, she was already getting out. "Thank you, and good evening," she added before disappearing through the gate.
Frank scratched his head, then pocketed the three hundred pesos she'd left. He couldn't help but smile.
Maybe this is a chance. Who knows?
*****
Mariely kissed her father's hand as she entered the house.
"Oh, you're home already," he greeted her. "May God bless you, Ely."
"Dad, I thought Mom and Nathan were already back," she said as she placed her things on the sofa.
"Maybe they'll be home soon," he replied calmly.
"Dad, I'll just change clothes first," she said and headed to her room.
That man was surprisingly kind today, she thought. Maybe he's changed for real.
She had expected another heated argument, like what happened at the mall. But today, Frank was calm—almost gentle.
Maybe people do change. Everyone deserves a second chance, she reasoned as she changed into her home clothes.
Reviewing is exhausting, but you can do this, Ely.
Soon, a car horn blared outside. She quickly ran out to open the gate. Nathan honked in greeting, and she noticed her mom had bought a lot of things.
She rushed to help.
"Good thing you got home early. Traffic's insane today," Nathan said, handing her a grocery bag from the back seat.
Mariely hesitated. Should I tell him I rode with Frank?
"Yeah, I thought I'd get stuck. Luckily, I caught a jeep," she lied with a smile.
I won't tell him. He'll just scold me.
"Mom, I'll carry those." She took the bags from her mother's hands.
"Thanks, Mariely. Sorry we couldn't fetch you. Traffic was horrible, and the stores were packed," her mom said apologetically.
"It's okay, Mom." She smiled, hiding the truth.
Once inside, their father helped set the table—dinner was ready.
Mariely chatted with them about her review classes, leaving out the part about Frank. She sighed inwardly.
I know Nathan will scold me if he finds out I lied.
The next day, Sunday, was her only day off, but her mind was already preparing for work the next morning.
The days go by so fast, she thought, scratching her head.
Before she knew it, it was Monday. Time to prepare.
Don't be lazy today, Ely, she reminded herself. Nathan gave her a ride to work, and she arrived early at the faculty room, spotting Veron.
"Good morning," Mariely greeted her.
"Good morning, Faith!" Veron beamed.
"Are you okay?"
"Oh yes, always!" Veron laughed. "Just visiting my advisory class—be right back!"
"Alright." Mariely smiled as Veron walked away.
She arrived so early that the students hadn't even shown up yet. She unlocked the classroom, greeted the janitor who passed by, and began preparing.
"Your students aren't here yet?" Veron returned.
"Not yet. Maybe a bit later," Mariely replied.
"You're tough. No one lasts with those kids," Veron said.
"I just have to deal with them. Besides, I don't give up easily," Mariely chuckled.
Veron patted her back. "You're really brave."
Mariely just laughed and shook her head.