Mariely noticed that he was talking to her less and less; she could only sigh in response.
"After this exam…" she silently told herself. She had returned to her studies and now needed to double down on her efforts. Sometimes, Veron even stayed overnight at her place so they could review together.
"Veron," she called. They were in the faculty room, their class already over.
Veron, who was holding her phone, looked up. "Yes, Faith?" she replied.
"When are we going to file for leave? The exams are getting close," she said.
"Oh, I totally forgot. How about you? When are you filing?" Veron returned the question.
"Maybe tomorrow. Let's do it together?" she offered.
"Sure, no problem," Veron replied.
"Are you coming with me today, or is Frank picking you up?" she asked next.
"Ah, he won't be picking me up today. He said he's busy with work," she answered.
Veron nodded. "Wait for me here; I just need to use the restroom." She stood quickly and half-ran to the comfort room.
Mariely chuckled softly and nodded. She waited patiently. Veron had left her phone on the table, and suddenly it vibrated. Mariely looked at it.
So that's her boyfriend, she thought. No wonder she's so inspired these days. She chuckled at her own thoughts.
The phone vibrated again. A call was coming through Messenger.
Why is she taking so long in the restroom? She wondered, scratching her head.
The phone wasn't on standby mode, and she accidentally saw some pictures. She wasn't the type to pry, but something about the photos caught her attention. Her brows furrowed—she knew that figure, that stance, all too well. A heavy feeling gripped Mariely's chest.
She hesitated. Should she look further? Curiosity got the better of her. She looked around to make sure no one was coming into the faculty room.
She picked up the phone and scrolled through the photos. Her hands almost dropped it.
She couldn't be mistaken.
It was Frank—with different girls.
She gasped when she saw one where he was kissing a girl on the lips. Her hands trembled.
No. This can't be. This can't be, her mind protested. There were so many photos. Each one made it harder to breathe.
"Mariely, what do you want to do next?" "Veron?" she asked, stepping out of the restroom.
Mariely was startled. She had to hide the turmoil inside her. She quickly locked Veron's phone and sat back down before Veron noticed anything.
"Huh?" she responded. She tried to calm her racing thoughts.
"Want to eat before we study at the condo?" Veron smiled.
"S—Sure." Mariely smiled back, forcing herself to act like she hadn't just uncovered a truth that shattered her.
She noticed Veron furrow her brows and glance at her.
"W—What is it?" she asked nervously.
Veron shook her head. "Gosh, I missed my boyfriend's call."
Mariely let out a soft laugh, though her heart was filled with worry. "What took you so long in the restroom?" she asked.
"Let's go; I'll call him later after we've eaten and settled in the condo," Veron replied.
Mariely just nodded and gathered her things, and they left the faculty room together.
Still, her anxiety lingered. Questions filled her head—ones she didn't even know how to begin answering.
***
"I see, your board exams are coming up," Becca said, looking at the two girls sitting in front of her.
"Yes, Ma'am," Veron respectfully replied.
Becca noticed Mariely seemed out of it. "Faith? Miss Celestial?" she called.
"Y–Yes, Ma'am?" Mariely blinked and glanced at her companion.
"What's wrong? Are you okay?" Becca asked.
"Ma'am? Y—Yes, I'm fine, Ma'am Becca," she replied quickly.
Becca gave them both a small smile. "Miss Celestial, put that problem aside for now. Whatever it is, focus on the exams," she advised.
"S—Sorry, Ma'am, I guess I'm just nervous since the board exams are getting closer." Mariely managed to say.
"I understand how you feel. Just focus and claim it—you'll both pass. I'll be very happy when you do," Becca encouraged them.
"Thank you, Ma'am Becca. Please pray for our success. I'm nervous too," Veron added.
Becca chuckled softly. "Alright, go ahead and submit your leave requests to HR. I'm sure it'll be approved for the two weeks."
The two nodded.
"We'll go ahead now, Ma'am," Veron said.
Becca nodded. "Break a leg, ladies," she called after them.
"Thank you so much, Ma'am Becca," Veron replied.
Becca noted how unusually quiet Mariely had been.
Is she having problems again? she wondered.
Is that man giving her headaches again? She frowned.
Speak of the devil—her phone rang, and it was him.
She raised an eyebrow but answered the call.
"Yes, son?" she greeted, organizing her paperwork.
"Mom, did you see my wallet last night?" he asked.
She sighed. "Check the drawer. I put it there. You leave your things everywhere when you're drunk," she said, shaking her head.
"Okay, I found it. Thanks, Mom," he said.
"Hold on. Did you fight with Mariely? Are you two having issues?" she asked.
"Huh? We're okay. Why?" he replied.
"Are you really? Or are you cheating on her while in a relationship?" she pressed.
There was silence.
"Jeez, Mom, I need to go," he said, trying to dodge the question.
"Alright, alright. Just don't give Miss Celestial any trouble right now. She has her board exam coming up," she reminded him.
He sighed. "Fine, fine. I really have to go. We have a meeting with some clients," he said.
"Okay. Just be careful."
"Bye. Love you, Mom," he said before hanging up.
Becca could only sigh and shake her head.