"You've been asking me to pick you up at night for several days now, haven't you?" Frank asked as he picked his mother up from school.
"We're currently busy preparing for the school's upcoming events," Becca explained while getting into the car. "I'm not the only one staying late—many teachers do, too."
Frank said nothing more as they drove off. Just as they exited the school gate, they spotted a woman still waiting for a ride. His brows furrowed.
"Let's go," his mother said quickly, but Frank slowed the car anyway and stopped beside the woman.
"Miss Celestial, is your brother picking you up tonight?" Becca asked gently.
Mariely hesitated, glancing between her phone and the dark road.
"Come with us. It's getting late," Becca offered kindly.
Mariely gave a small nod. Frank opened the backseat door for her, and after she climbed in, he silently drove off. In the rearview mirror, he saw Mariely checking her phone before receiving a call—most likely from her brother.
Traffic was light since it was late, and they reached her place quickly. Nathan was already at the gate.
"Thank you, Ma'am Becca," Mariely said gratefully.
Nathan stared at Frank with a cold, unreadable expression but said nothing.
"See you tomorrow, Celestial," Becca smiled.
"Good evening, and thank you for dropping off my sister," Nathan said stiffly. It was the first time he'd spoken directly to Frank's mother.
"It's nothing," Becca replied. "We're heading home now."
Frank nodded silently and drove off as he watched Nathan and Mariely head inside.
He sighed.
"Whatever," he muttered to himself as they arrived home.
"I'm so tired," Frank groaned, stretching.
"Go straight to your room and rest. I can hear you," his mother called out.
"Yes, good night, Mom."
Becca simply nodded as Frank disappeared into his room.
****
The next day, Nathan drove Mariely to school. Both of them looked like they hadn't slept well.
"When will this school event end? I'll pick you up again," Nathan asked.
"Huh?" Mariely blinked, still half-asleep. Nathan laughed softly.
"What time will it be over?"
"Maybe around 5 or 6 p.m. I'll just call you. I don't want you to wait too long."
"You silly girl. Waiting isn't a problem," he said with a smirk as they arrived. "Bye. Take care."
"Thanks, Kuya," she said, hugging him before running off. He spotted her friend Veron draping an arm around her. Nathan shook his head and headed to the office.
Still, he couldn't shake off what happened the previous night.
I'm overthinking again, he told himself. At least someone was there with her.
But he stayed on edge, especially after receiving a message from Mariely:
Might not be done till 6:30 p.m. today.
So Nathan left the office early. As he waited outside the school, students began trickling out. The event must be ending.
He stepped out of his car to get some air.
"Oh, you're here."
He turned around. Frank was standing there, smoking.
"You're as cold as ever, Nathan," Frank said with a dry laugh. "Still mad about what happened back then?"
Nathan gave him a hard stare. "Mariely doesn't remember any of that."
Frank chuckled. "That's because you brainwashed her into thinking it was just an 'accident.'"
"You ruined her. I did what I had to do to protect my sister."
"'Ruined'? She wanted to be with me, Nathan. Maybe she forgot how she really felt in high school." Frank grinned.
Nathan's blood boiled. "She was too young. You took advantage of her."
"Wanna bet?" Frank leaned in with a smirk. "I bet she still has feelings for me. All I need to do is shake her heart."
Nathan glared. "I'm not betting on my sister's heart. And if you ever lay a hand on her again—not even twice, Frank—I swear, I'll ruin you."
Frank only laughed.
"You're late again," he added, cryptically.
"What do you mean?" Nathan asked, narrowing his eyes.
Before Frank could answer, a voice called out.
"Brother!"
Mariely rushed over, stopping when she saw Frank.
"You should ask your sister what really happened," Frank said with a sly grin. "What if something happened that you don't know about?"
Mariely's confused eyes darted between them.
"Let's go, El," Nathan said firmly.
But Frank taunted her again. "Come on, Miss Celestial, tell your brother the truth."
Mariely looked straight at him.
"What are you talking about?" she asked, her voice shaking.
Frank leaned closer, grinning. "Let's not play around. Three times—"
Before he could finish, Mariely suddenly kicked him hard between the legs.
"Oof!" Frank gasped, clutching himself in pain and bending over.
Nathan blinked in shock. He didn't know whether to laugh or feel sorry. But Mariely was already in the car. He followed quickly and drove off.
People nearby stared in disbelief. He had many questions, but Mariely said nothing.
Three times? Nathan couldn't stop thinking about it.
What was Frank implying?
He glanced at his silent sister beside him. The truth was buried beneath her silence—and Nathan knew he'd need to find it soon.