Why did I even say that yesterday? Julie asked herself, staring at her desk.
She had told her older brother everything that happened between her and Nicole the day before.
"Ha! You're so stupid, Julie!" she muttered angrily to herself. "If I could just disappear right now…"
She let out a heavy sigh, knowing Nicole was avoiding her today.
"Why did you have to say that? You couldn't just keep your mouth shut…"
Julie noticed someone standing nearby. When she turned, she saw Cielo quietly observing her.
Idiot! she scolded herself silently.
"Y—You've been standing there long?" she asked nervously.
He entered without answering. "I thought you were talking to someone," he said, ignoring her question, and walked straight to his seat.
Great. Embarrassed again, she muttered.
Then she remembered the handbook she had borrowed. "Thanks," she said softly, handing it to him.
Cielo didn't respond. Julie sighed and returned to sulking at her desk.
I shouldn't have said anything. Even if Nicole is stubborn, she's sensitive. I really hurt her.
Her arms wrapped around herself as silent tears began to fall. She sniffled quietly.
"Hey," Cielo's calm voice startled her.
Julie quickly wiped her tears and glanced at him.
He sighed before speaking. "What happened between you and Miss Villa?"
She shook her head, unable to answer.
"It's obvious from how you're acting. You were awkward yesterday, and it was clear you'd been crying," he continued.
"It's none of your business," she blurted bitterly. Why would he even care?
"Yeah, I guess I really don't have a place in this," he said with a small nod, not pressing further.
"It's my fault anyway," she whispered as tears returned.
He said nothing, letting her continue.
"If only I hadn't told her that…"
"Told her what?" he asked.
"That I might transfer schools."
"Transfer to a public school?" he clarified.
She nodded. "Mom said if I get into the honor roll here—even just the top five—she'd transfer me to a public school."
"Oh… that's why you're so focused on the rankings, even without reading the handbook."
Julie nodded again, wiping her tears. "When I told her about that condition, she got upset with me. Maybe she was right to call me selfish."
Why am I telling him this? Julie thought. He probably doesn't even care about my drama.
Cielo sighed too, looking thoughtful. "I see."
"Let's reverse it," he said after a pause. "If Miss Villa were the one saying she was going to transfer to a public school, happily telling you and your friends—how would you feel?"
Julie couldn't answer immediately. How would I feel?
"I'd be hurt… I'd be hurt if she said she was leaving," she admitted finally, fresh tears rolling down.
Yeah… I really hurt Nicole yesterday.
"That's what she felt when you told her. People cope differently, but you'd feel the same," Cielo said matter-of-factly.
"What should I do to make her forgive me?" she asked desperately.
XXX
Does she cry this easily? Was she always this sensitive as a kid? Cielo wondered, sighing.
"I don't know," he admitted. "I'm not good at these things. I only asked because I heard you sniffling."
"Maybe… just let her be mad for a while. You're friends, aren't you? She'll realize it sooner or later. And if you actually transfer, she'll understand… well, if you make it to the top five honors," he added.
"It's not even certain yet. Honestly, I'm still thinking if I should ask Mom to take it back," Julie confessed.
He didn't respond. That's not my business, he reminded himself.
"Well, if you change your mind, I'm sure Tita will understand," he said simply.
Julie nodded, still wiping her tears. Suddenly, he tossed a handkerchief toward her.
"Wipe those annoying tears. Our classmates might think I bullied you," he muttered.
"Thanks," she said softly.
He said nothing.
"I'll return this once I wash it," she added, smiling.
"Why are you smiling like that?" he asked.
"Because I can finally admit you're actually a bit nice," she said, grinning wider.
"A bit? I've always been nice!" he argued.
Julie laughed. "Only a bit. Don't you remember? When we were kids, you were the one I'd complain to. Sure, you made me cry, but at least you listened afterward. You haven't changed—you still listen when I feel like whining."
Cielo shook his head. I don't remember that, he thought. But my older brother Dave always said I could make her stop crying—even if I was the one who made her cry. Whatever.
He watched her fix herself, though her eyes were still swollen from earlier tears.
Then the warning bell rang, and more students started filling the room.
The tension between Nicole and Julie remained noticeable.
"I don't know what's up with them," Joel muttered, sensing the distance.
Cielo said nothing. Well, if they're really good friends, they'll fix it eventually, he thought.