Mariely called Rodel today to ask about Shaina's condition, having heard that he lived nearby.
She sighed before speaking. "Rodel, I heard you live close to Shaina's place. Tell me, is she okay?"
Rodel let out a sigh as well. "Yes... I can't really explain if she has a problem," he said, before grabbing a pen and paper and writing something down.
"Shaina's address is here," he said, handing it to her. "If you're not familiar with the place, I can go with you on Saturday or Sunday."
Mariely nodded. "Okay. I'll call you when I'm on the way."
Rodel simply nodded. "You can go back now. Thank you," she added with a faint smile.
He quietly left the room. Mariely sighed again, pressing her fingers to her forehead. She had a board exam review the next day, so she couldn't visit right away. She also hadn't been able to contact Shaina's parents—the number always seemed to be out of coverage.
Is that child playing around with me? she asked herself, sighing again.
Later that afternoon, her brother Nathan picked her up.
"What happened?" he asked, noticing her troubled expression.
She shook her head. "Thinking deeply again, huh?" Nathan teased, chuckling softly.
Mariely turned to her brother but didn't mention Frank taking her home last week—afraid he might scold her.
"Young people are lucky these days, right, brother?" she suddenly said.
"Why?"
She explained, "The government pays for their tuition now through scholarship programs."
"So, your students aren't serious about school?"
"No, it's just… I'm confused about this one student's absences. Her parents always give the same excuse—an emergency, or no one to leave the siblings with."
"Maybe they're going through something we don't know. What happens if a student keeps being absent?"
"They could lose the scholarship. And I haven't been able to reach her parents—her number just keeps ringing."
"You need rest. You still have your review tomorrow," Nathan reminded her.
When they got home, Mariely respectfully greeted their parents. "Mom, Dad."
"Take a break first," Nathan said, messing up her hair playfully.
"Thanks, brother." She sighed and headed to her room, still thinking about how best to help her students.
A knock interrupted her thoughts. She opened the door and saw her mother carrying a bag.
"What's that, Mom?"
"Your tailored uniform," she replied, handing it over.
"Eh? This is it?" Mariely said, eyes lighting up. "Did Auntie send these?"
"Yes, thankfully her shop isn't too busy. Try it on so she can adjust it if needed."
Mariely nodded eagerly, like an excited student.
****
Meanwhile, at Rodel's house, his mother asked, "Why didn't you tell your teacher the truth, Shaina?"
Shaina, feeling ashamed, said nothing and looked at Rodel.
"Does Ma'am know?" she asked.
Rodel shook his head. "I didn't tell her. But maybe Ma'am Celestial will visit this weekend."
"A—Are you serious?" she asked, eyes widening.
"I'm serious. Why don't you just come clean already? What's the harm?" Rodel said gently. "You know she's not like the other advisers."
Shaina remained silent. Rodel's mother, who had always been kind to her, spoke gently. "Shaina, you must be honest, or you might lose your scholarship—and you need that to graduate."
"It's not wrong to work, Shaina," Rodel added. "But don't forget, you're still a student."
Shaina looked over at her younger siblings. I can't let them go hungry, she thought.
Rodel gave her a light pat on the back as if to say everything would be okay.
On Sunday, while doing laundry, Shaina prepared to miss Monday's classes again—she needed to make money first before going to school Tuesday.
Suddenly, Rodel called her outside.
To her shock, he wasn't alone—their adviser was with him.
"Shaina," Ma'am Celestial greeted her with a gentle smile.
Embarrassed, Shaina welcomed her teacher into their humble home.
"S-Sorry, Ma'am," she said, scratching her head.
Mariely shook her head. "Where are your parents, Shaina?"
Shaina hesitated. Rodel silently stepped aside.
"Ma'am, I'll leave you two alone for now," Rodel said.
"Thank you, Rodel," Mariely replied, smiling at him.
As Mariely sat, Shaina remained quiet, then softly said, "I—I don't have parents anymore, Ma'am. My siblings and I are orphans."
Mariely's brows furrowed.
"I faked the excuse letters. The number I gave you… it's mine," she admitted, showing her broken phone.
Instead of frustration, Mariely felt pity.
"Are the rumors true? That you have a child? Or a live-in partner?"
"N—No, Ma'am. I'm taking care of my siblings. I do laundry work, and people assume things when they see me with the kids," she explained quickly.
"I understand," Mariely said with a nod.
"I'm only absent because I need to earn money. I don't want my siblings to go hungry," she continued.
"Don't worry about your scholarship," Mariely assured her. "I already talked to the principal. I needed to understand your situation before making any decisions."
"We'll help you solve this, okay? What do you think would help you best?"
"I—I want to be a working student… but I don't know how to apply."
Mariely thought for a moment. "Let's help you find something safe and sustainable. I'll talk to Ma'am about your case. But once we fix this, I want you to focus on your studies, alright?"
"Thank you so much, Ma'am." Tears streamed down Shaina's face.
"It's alright. I'm glad you finally opened up. It's never too late," Mariely said, gently patting her back.
Shaina sobbed quietly. It felt good—finally—to tell someone the truth.
Afterward, Mariely gave her some money for food. It was embarrassing, but Shaina accepted it with a grateful heart.
"Good thing you told her the truth," Rodel said later, bringing over another dish for her dinner.
Shaina could only nod, eyes still glistening, but heart finally lighter.