Mariely was already in class that morning.
These kids really surprise me every day, she thought to herself, noticing how they completed tasks without being told—cleaning the room, wearing their complete uniforms, and following the school's policies.
She wasn't the strict type, but it warmed her heart to see that the students were beginning to respect her. Not all of them yet—but she saw progress.
She smiled. She had her struggles, but she was here for a reason: to help the youth.
"Good morning," Mariely greeted her students.
They stood up and responded in unison. She began roll call, calling names one by one.
"Mendez, Shaina," she announced.
Some of the students—especially the girls—glanced at each other.
"Ma'am, her mom sent this. It's an excuse letter." A student walked forward and handed it to her.
Mariely placed it on the table where the other teachers could also check who was absent.
Why is this student almost always absent on Mondays and Fridays? she thought. It troubled her, but she set the thought aside and continued with the day's lesson.
"By the way, study what we discussed today. We'll have a long quiz tomorrow. Goodbye," she reminded them before dismissing the class.
Later, during recess, Mariely was busy digging through documents at her desk. She was searching for the students' personal information—specifically, their parents' contact numbers.
"Mariely," Veron called out, entering the room.
Mariely looked up. "Ah, why, Veron?" she asked, still scanning the files.
"You seem busy. What are you looking for?" Veron asked, tilting her head curiously.
"I'm checking the students' documents. I want to find Mendez's contact details."
"Shaina?" Veron asked.
Mariely nodded. "I've noticed she's always absent on Mondays and Fridays. She has excuse letters, but… I don't know; I just have a feeling."
"Yeah, I've noticed too. It's happening quite often." Veron's voice showed concern.
Mariely finally found a file containing the contact numbers of the students' guardians. She quickly searched for Shaina's parents and was relieved to find a number listed.
"I'll try calling her parents," she said.
"Faith, let's eat first," Veron suggested.
"Okay, just a moment. I'll save the number first," Mariely replied. After saving it, she followed Veron to the canteen.
While waiting for Veron to return with food, Mariely called the number—but no one answered.
Maybe they're just busy. I'll text Shaina's adviser instead so her parents are aware, she told herself.
****
Veron returned and noticed Mariely holding her phone, sighing.
"What's wrong?" Veron asked, sipping the shake she bought.
"They didn't answer. Maybe they're just busy," Mariely said with a tired smile.
"Aren't you hungry?" Veron teased.
"Are you pregnant or something? You bought so much food," Mariely laughed.
"Just because I bought a lot doesn't mean I'm pregnant. I'm just hungry!" Veron replied with mock offense.
Mariely chuckled again. Veron raised an eyebrow and started eating quietly.
"Hey, what are you thinking about now?" Veron asked, chewing.
"Nothing. Just thinking…" Mariely murmured, glancing at her phone.
"Waiting for a call?" Veron pressed.
"No," Mariely replied quickly—but not convincingly.
"You're a terrible liar." Veron rolled her eyes. "Just eat this," she added, handing her some food.
"I'm just worried," Mariely confessed with a sigh.
"I heard something about that kid," Veron started. "I don't know if it's true. You know how gossip spreads."
"You're being suspenseful. Just say it already," Mariely said, getting impatient.
"You're ruining the dramatic effect," Veron teased.
Mariely arched an eyebrow. "Spill."
"I heard she has a child and might be living with a man," Veron said bluntly.
Mariely almost choked. "Are you serious? She's only what—15? 16?"
"I told you, it's just gossip. But people say someone saw her with a man. Her parents are also separated," Veron added.
"Who saw them? A classmate?"
"Ask Rodel or Neil. Their houses are near Shaina's," Veron said.
Before they could say more, the bell rang, signaling the end of recess.
"Are you free now?" Veron asked as they walked back.
"Nope, I've got class with the pilot section," Mariely answered.
"Let's walk together then. Her former adviser doesn't even bother with her anymore," Veron muttered.
"It's a shame if that's true. Shaina's smart." Mariely sighed again.
"Oh, by the way, where are you currently studying?" Veron asked.
"Why?" Mariely raised a brow.
"It's nothing. I saw you once while grocery shopping with my mom for my Sunday review. I was going to offer you a ride, but the car was full."
Mariely smirked. "It's no problem."
"I saw you with Ma'am Becca's son. Are you two dating?" Veron whispered.
"You love jumping to conclusions," Mariely laughed. "We're not together, you idiot. He just gave me a ride that day. I even paid him."
"Well, just be careful. That guy's a womanizer," Veron warned.
Mariely laughed again. "No need to worry. This face is a blessing in disguise. Guys like that wouldn't be interested."
She walked ahead, shaking her head.
Is she really clueless? Doesn't she realize she's beautiful? Veron thought. The only problem is she doesn't present herself well. If I had the chance, I'd help her feel beautiful.
Veron followed quickly. "Let's walk to the classrooms together. Ours are near each other anyway."
"Yeah, hurry up," Mariely called back.
Together, they returned to their duties.