Nathan noticed that Mariely had been walking home alone lately and hadn't asked him for a ride. He wondered if she was hiding something. Just yesterday, she came home soaking wet from the rain, and he hadn't even known she'd left.
He knew they were both busy, but still—she was his only sister. His protective instincts were hard to ignore.
"Sis?" Nathan knocked gently on her door. "Can I come in?"
"Yes, brother," Mariely replied, opening the door. She was already dressed in casual clothes.
"Can we talk for a bit?"
Surprised, Mariely nodded. "Okay."
They moved to the living room and sat on the couch. Nathan looked at her seriously; something seemed to be bothering her.
"I've noticed you haven't been asking for rides lately," he began. "Last Sunday, you mentioned visiting your student. Right?"
"Ah, yes… about that." Mariely gave a sheepish smile. "It was kind of a last-minute decision. I forgot to inform you."
Nathan sighed. "It's okay not to ask permission, but at least send a text so we know where you are. Anything could happen, and we'd have no idea."
She bowed her head. "Sorry, I really forgot."
He softened. "I'm not trying to control you. I'm just worried. You've seemed distracted lately—always sighing, lost in thought. Is something going on? Is it the board exam? Or work?"
"It's not that," she said. "You remember my student? She lost her parents and was at risk of losing her scholarship. She kept missing school, and I couldn't stop thinking about it. As her adviser, I wanted to help."
Nathan exhaled slowly. He didn't work in education, but he could see this meant a lot to her.
"Did you fix it?"
"She's a working student now," Mariely said, smiling. "And she seems happy."
"That's good to hear," he replied. "Just don't take on too much. I know you care deeply about your students, but make sure you're taking care of yourself too."
Mariely nodded. "I understand."
Nathan paused. "By the way… is Frank bothering you?"
She blinked. "Why do you ask?"
"Yes or no."
"No," she answered. "Our paths don't cross anymore."
"You're sure?"
"Yes, brother." She gave a quick, nervous smile.
*****
My brother would kill me if I lied, she thought to herself. But… he just helped me get home safely, didn't he? Does that really count as "bothering"?
Nathan ruffled her hair playfully.
"By the way," he said, "how's your review going? You've been teaching for over a month now."
"Nosebleed!" she joked, grinning. "But I can handle it."
"Don't push too hard. If your brain isn't working, take a break. It's not a crime."
"What if my brain never works? Should I just quit the board exam and chill?" she teased.
"You're joking about serious things now?" he said, elbowing her gently.
She laughed and hugged him. "Sorry! I couldn't help it."
"If you ever need anything, just talk to me," he said seriously.
"I was going to ask to borrow money," she joked again. "I'm broke."
"Seriously? Your salary's decent. Where'd it go?"
"Just kidding! Can't you take a joke? Maybe you're like this because you're getting married." She grinned.
"Stop it," he muttered. "You're getting annoying."
She just laughed harder.
The kids' exam week was coming up, so Mariely was busy preparing test questions and working on her Table of Specifications. Her laptop was acting up again—great timing, as always. Thankfully, the school handled the photocopying.
That evening, their principal, Becca, called a meeting to discuss upcoming school events. Nathan would be late picking her up because of a client meeting.
When the meeting ended, night had already fallen.
"Mariely, come with me," Veron offered kindly. "You can wait at my condo until your brother picks you up."
"Really?"
Veron nodded.
They arrived at Mariely's house later, and Veron looked around, surprised. "Wait, I thought I was just dropping you off?"
"You're here now," Mariely replied with a playful smile—just as her phone rang.
"Hello, brother? I'm already home. My coworker gave me a ride."
"Good," Nathan replied. "Who brought you? A girl or… a suitor?" he teased.
Veron heard that and burst out laughing.
"Brother! It's a woman," Mariely replied, her face flushing.
Nathan laughed on the other end. "Invite her in for dinner."
Mariely raised an eyebrow and turned to Veron. "My brother said you should have dinner here."
Veron gave a thumbs-up. "Sure."
They got out of the car just as Nathan's headlights pulled in. Mariely opened the gate.
"I'll park here," Veron said.
"Alright, your call," Mariely replied.
Nathan stepped out. "Good evening."
"Good evening," Veron replied politely.
"Come in. My sister rarely has visitors," Nathan added with a smile.
"Thank you," Veron replied.
"Let's go," Mariely said, leading her friend inside.