Their leave had already been approved, both hers and Mariely's. It was their last duty for now, and by Monday, they wouldn't be teaching for a while—they'd be focusing on their review and giving their minds a break. Especially with the review center they enrolled in, they had a full-day schedule lined up.
"Did you already say goodbye to your students, Faith?" "Veron?" asked her companion.
"Ah, yes, I told them not to be hard-headed with whoever would temporarily take my place as their adviser," she replied.
Veron simply nodded. "Faith, after this, we need to go to church. It's Friday, so let's offer a prayer and ask the Lord to guide us."
Faith smiled. "Sure," she said, agreeing to the request.
When can I really say Frank is cheating? I don't want to lose focus, especially now that our board exams are coming up. Veron grew increasingly anxious about the photos in her gallery and what the kids had sent her.
Faith, just a little more patience. I'll tell you the truth soon. She said quietly in her mind.
She also remembered what Rodel told her—that he saw Frank. That worried her even more because he admitted he was planning to break up with Faith.
"Veron?" Mariely's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "Are you okay?" she asked, concerned.
Veron nodded. "Come on. The church will be packed. It's Novena Mass too," she replied.
"When the exams get close, huh? That's when sinners really go to Him," Faith chuckled softly.
"That's just human nature, Faith. We're not saints or trying to act holy, but we try to be good people every day," Veron said.
"You're right," Faith nodded again.
They logged out through the biometric scanner.
"Oh, does Frank know we're going to church?" Veron suddenly asked.
She saw the flash of hurt in Faith's eyes, though it was quickly hidden behind a weak chuckle.
"He's busy right now," Faith responded.
Veron raised her eyebrow. "Is he checking on you or not?" she asked seriously.
"Come on, he's just really busy." Faith said, nudging her toward the garage where Veron's car was parked.
"If I find out he hurt you, I'll beat him up," Veron muttered.
"What are you talking about? Let's go," Mariely laughed.
I'm serious—I'll beat that guy up if he hurts you, Faith. Veron thought to herself.
Traffic was heavy, as expected during rush hour on a Friday. Tomorrow was Saturday, so they'd likely get stuck. After a few more minutes, they arrived at the church, said their prayers of thanks, and asked God for guidance, especially with the exam approaching.
"Let's eat first, Faith?" Veron asked.
She noticed Faith biting her lip, eyes glued to her phone, letting out deep sighs. Veron guessed that he wasn't replying to her messages anymore.
Faith noticed her staring. "D—Did you say something, Veron?" she asked.
"Let's eat, and we'll sleep over at your place tonight," Veron replied.
"You really just make the decisions, huh?" Faith laughed softly.
They headed to a nearby grill restaurant, enjoying the cool breeze. Veron could tell her friend was lost in thought again. She didn't press—Faith would eventually open up when she was ready.
***
Mariely didn't go to her class today. She wasn't a teacher today—just a regular person chasing her dream of passing the board exam. She was at home, reviewing and preparing.
Still, she couldn't shake the images she saw on Veron's phone. She understood why her friend kept them hidden—it was to protect her mind, especially with the exam coming. But she wasn't at ease. Her instincts kept whispering: something's wrong with her relationship.
Calm down, calm down. She took deep breaths until her nerves settled, then returned to studying.
She sighed. She never forced herself to go on when her mind was tired and couldn't handle another difficult question.
She glanced at her phone again. Still no message from him—not even a simple reply.
She checked the time. Almost 3 PM. She decided to go out and clear her mind. She wouldn't disturb Veron either, since they were both busy reviewing.
She got up from bed, freshened up, and got ready.
When she left her room, her parents noticed her getting dressed to go out.
"Where are you headed, anak?" her mother asked.
"Ah, Mama, just going out for a walk. I'll be back by dinner," she replied.
"Are you going with someone?" her father asked.
"No, Dad, I'm going alone," she smiled.
"Alright, take care," her mother said.
"Okay, I'll get going," she said, and her parents waved her off.
She waited for a ride. She was heading to the mall—it was a bit far, but she needed the fresh air and a change of scenery. She needed mental clarity, especially about her relationship.
Go have fun, El." "Don't think about anything else," she told herself.
It was an hour's ride, and she arrived around 4 PM. It had been a while since she walked around a mall alone. She browsed through clothes and checked if there were any sales. But honestly, she was just window shopping.
We're on a tight budget, Mariely, she reminded herself. She wore a hat and a jacket and let her hair down.
After walking for a while, she got tired and decided to grab a bite at a fast food restaurant. It was packed.
She looked around—and suddenly, her eyebrows drew together.
Frank! Her mind screamed joyfully. She was about to call out to him when a woman hugged his arm.
She felt like a rock hit her chest. Her fears suddenly flooded back.
They were laughing and talking. Her mind started replaying the photos Veron had kept from her. But this woman—she didn't recognize her.
They walked right past her, laughing together. She lowered her face under her cap to avoid being seen.
She forced herself to move, to line up at the counter, but her mind was spinning.
That was Frank. I'm sure of it.
"Miss, can I take your order, please?" the cashier asked.
"A—Ah, sorry," her voice cracked. She quickly placed her order and found a seat—right across from them. Frank was ordering.
She called his number. She saw his face frown at the ringing phone—but he didn't answer. She called again. He just let it ring and vibrate on the table.
The third time, he rejected the call.
Her hands began to shake, sweat forming on her skin. She stared at her untouched food. Her heart refused to accept what was happening.
Then she saw him return—with the girl.
The woman was beautiful. Fair skin, tall, flawless, curvy.
Is that his type? she asked herself bitterly.
Insecurities began to flood her heart.
Is he cheating on me because I'm not enough?
Her hands trembled. She couldn't hold her utensils properly. She chewed without tasting anything.
Mariely, why are you still watching them? Isn't your heart already shattered? She scolded herself.
She took pictures of them. She needed to talk to Frank—really talk.
They left. She didn't want to follow—but her instincts said she had to.
They went into a rarely used hallway. She heard a woman moaning.
Her heart stopped. She peeked—and froze in horror.
They were kissing. Deeply. Passionately. Like they hadn't seen each other in years.
A powerful jolt struck her body, her mind unable to process what she was seeing.
They didn't stop.
Tears streamed uncontrollably down her face. Her heart couldn't take it.
He's cheated on me.
She ran—bumping into a trash bin on the way. She didn't care. She just ran.
She locked herself in the mall's restroom, trying desperately to calm down. Suddenly, her head throbbed in pain.
Old memories she wanted to forget came rushing back. She sobbed, her tears unstoppable.
He's done this to me a second time. She whispered bitterly.
She gave a hollow laugh.
No wonder… No wonder he felt so familiar to my heart. It hurts even more now. Why? Why did fate bring us together again, Zean?
She didn't know how many buckets of tears she'd shed. She trembled, mind spiraling.
She looked at herself in the mirror. Eyes swollen from crying.
When she looked at the time, it was almost 8 PM.
She hadn't realized she'd been locked in there for hours.
Exhausted, she immediately called her older brother.
"Brother," she whispered as he picked up.
"El?" he asked.
She swallowed hard. "Can you pick me up at the mall, please?" she asked, holding back her tears.
He didn't answer right away. "Just wait there. I'll be there," he finally said.
"Y—Yes, brother," she replied softly.
She wiped the tears from her face.
She had to calm down before her brother arrived.