Mariely started walking, heading home quietly. Her brother didn't know she had already left, so she would be commuting alone. On the way, she decided to stop by Shaina's place to check on her situation—especially regarding the child in her care.
Poor thing, Mariely thought to herself after hearing the young woman's real reason for her absences.
Suddenly, heavy rain began to pour.
Oh goodness! She gasped, hurrying to take shelter under a waiting shed. The rain was harsh, and she could already tell she might get stranded if she didn't move fast. Hugging her small bag to shield herself, she half-ran, half-walked toward the jeepney stop that passed her route home.
Mariely didn't have an umbrella, so her bag served as her only protection from the downpour. The jeep was full, and the rain only worsened.
She shivered, soaked to the bone and growing cold.
Suddenly, a car stopped in front of her.
"Hop in. The rain's getting stronger," a man's voice said.
She didn't hesitate. She was already drenched, and the warm interior of the car was too inviting to resist.
"Here." Frank handed her a towel as she got in, dripping all over the seat.
Mariely hugged herself, shivering. Frank glanced at her and shook his head.
"What were you doing out there like that? You're soaked!" he asked while driving.
"Nothing," Mariely replied shortly, realizing just then that she had left her wallet at Shaina's place.
Just my luck, she thought.
"Oh no, I don't have any money for the fare. Can I borrow it from you?" she asked.
Frank looked at her through the side mirror, then chuckled.
"I don't need it," he replied with a grin.
She furrowed her brows and stared at him, annoyed. "What do you want, then?"
Frank glanced at her with a soft smirk. "To be your friend."
"What friend? We weren't even friends back then," she shot back.
"You still can't forget what I made you do back then, huh? Nathan told me you were forgetful, but clearly not about that." He shook his head with a small laugh.
"When did you and my brother get so close? And no, I won't forget that behavior of yours," she snapped, glaring at him.
"People change, right? Let's see if you've changed," Frank replied coolly.
Mariely noticed the rain beginning to let up.
"I hope you remember what happened between us too," Frank added, smiling at her meaningfully.
"You know, that arrogance of yours still hasn't changed."
"Oh really? You like my cocky attitude?" He grinned wider.
"You're so annoying," she muttered, rolling her eyes.
"I heard you still can't stand talking to guys. But people change."
"Yep—and I still can't stand your behavior," she retorted.
Mariely recognized the street ahead and peeked outside, looking for her brother.
"Here—let me off now," she said hurriedly.
"I bet your brother has no idea where you are. You've turned into a little rebel, huh?" Frank teased, laughing.
"It's just today. I was doing you a favor too, you idiot," she replied, hopping out of the car quickly. "And I'll still borrow that fare, thank you!"
Frank honked lightly before driving away. Mariely opened the gate quickly—still dripping wet and cold.
"Ely? Why are you soaking wet?" Her brother asked in surprise.
"I got caught in the rain," she said with a small smile.
"Go get changed. You're unbelievable," he said, shaking his head.
Once in her room, Mariely changed into warm clothes, still shivering a little from the cold.
By Monday, Rodel had already returned her wallet. He just sighed as he handed it back.
*****
"Oh! My best friend looks so beautiful in her uniform!" Veron squealed when she saw Mariely in her teacher's uniform.
"Goodness, stop it," Mariely replied with a shake of her head. "Does it suit me, though?"
"Yes! The color of today's uniform suits you perfectly," Veron said, observing her outfit and giggling.
"I don't even have money today," Mariely said, laughing lightly.
They were both free at the moment.
"Did Ma'am Becca agree to Shaina's situation?" Veron asked curiously.
"For now, it's still under observation. Poor child," Mariely replied with a sigh.
"Hey, is Shaina interested in becoming a working student?" Veron asked suddenly.
Mariely turned to her. "Working student? Do you know someone hiring?"
"My mom. She's looking for someone to help her out at home—just for company," Veron explained.
"Wait, where are you staying again?" Mariely asked with raised eyebrows.
"In a condo. Our house is pretty far from here."
"Wow, you're really rich," Mariely teased.
"Would she be interested, though? She'll have to stay over. That might be hard for her," Veron said thoughtfully.
"Shaina has younger siblings to look after. She probably won't be able to live away from home," Mariely said, thinking aloud.
"I was thinking maybe she could bring them with her—maybe Mom will like her."
"Veron, don't give her false hope, okay? She's still a child," Mariely reminded gently.
"That's why I'll talk to her about staying temporarily—just to try it out."
"Okay, I'll call her during lunch so you two can talk," Mariely agreed.
"Thanks! By the way, I've seen you often with that guy… Are you two dating?" Veron asked, nudging her playfully.
"What? You really like gossiping, huh? Even in yesterday's rain, you were observing?"
Veron just laughed. "Remember what I always tell you!"
"You're unbelievable," Mariely said, shaking her head.
Veron spoke with Shaina during lunch, and her face lit up with joy. She brought her to meet her mother that weekend. Veron's mom liked Shaina, especially her kind manners and her care for her siblings. She allowed Shaina to stay at her home, with the understanding that she could go home every Saturday and Sunday to rest.
For several weeks, Veron noticed Shaina wasn't absent anymore. Her grades improved, and she always looked happier.
Veron shared, "I asked her how she was doing. She said she's happy, and she likes her work. She doesn't feel taken advantage of."
"Thank you, Veron. You gave her hope again," Mariely said.
"What are you saying? I just suggested her to Mom. It's part of our job—to look after the kids under our care. We're advisers after all."
Mariely smiled. "Let's eat. I'm starving," she said.
Mariely laughed as they headed to the canteen together.