After their grueling exams—even though it was only the first semi–first quarter—they immediately continued with their lessons. Their teachers soon returned their answer sheets and outputs, and before long, grades for each subject would be released.
Julie was thankful that she got pretty good scores in the exams. She would never forget that the boy seated beside her—Cielo—had helped her in math. Because of that, her score turned out much higher than she expected.
But when she looked at her scores in her outputs, especially in arts and math, she couldn't help but sigh.
Well, at least you tried, Julie. She scratched the back of her head.
"Navares, let me see your output score," she suddenly heard him say.
Her forehead creased instantly, and she quickly hid the paper behind her back.
"Let me see," he insisted, giving her a sharp look.
"I don't want to. Just leave it," she shot back. Hiding her outputs had already become a habit.
He glared at her.
"Don't think too much about it. It's a win–win—we helped each other. You helped me during the math exam, and I helped you with your output. So stop being stubborn," she finally said.
"Make up for it in the final–first quarter. I'll help you. What's your agreement with your mom, anyway?" he asked.
She frowned. She hadn't actually talked to her mom about it yet.
"I don't know. Mom didn't say if the semi counts," she muttered.
"Exactly," he replied. "I don't want to owe you anything."
She laughed. "Owe me? You didn't even borrow anything from me."
"You're so sarcastic," he said flatly. "Whether you transfer or not, I'll help you with your studies." And then he walked away.
"Such an idiot," she muttered under her breath.
"Julie."
Startled, she turned around and saw Nicole calling her. Julie smiled.
"C–Can we talk at recess?" Nicole asked shyly.
Julie glanced at Melissa, who smiled and nodded.
"Sure, Nicky."
Nicole went back to her seat, while Julie felt a spark of relief.
During recess, the air between them was still awkward. Melissa and Kelly stayed nearby, while Jason was hanging out with his bandmates. Both girls waited—unsure of who should speak first.
"Julie, I'm sorry," Nicole finally said. "Sorry for getting angry and upset at you. It's just… you were getting close to me, and I was shocked when you suddenly told us that."
"I'm sorry too. I didn't think about how my words would affect you. I shouldn't have hidden things when we first met. You were right—I was being selfish back then," Julie admitted.
"I'm sorry as well. I let my pride get in the way. But later on, I realized what I did wasn't right. Whatever your decision is, I'll respect it," Nicole said sadly.
Julie smiled at her. "That's what I planned anyway, but after I met all of you, I started having second thoughts about transferring. And now… it probably won't happen. I don't think I'll reach the high ranking required anymore." She let out a small laugh.
Nicole fell quiet, looking downcast.
"Besides, I haven't talked to Mom yet. But once the results are out, I'll tell her I don't want to transfer to public school anymore," Julie added with a smile.
"I—I'm really sorry." Nicole suddenly hugged her, and Julie hugged back. "Truly sorry."
"Hey, it wasn't even your fault."
"S—So are we good now?" Nicole asked.
Julie chuckled. "We've been good. You were the one ignoring me, silly."
Nicole pouted like a little kid. "But… maybe we can still visit our old friends sometimes, right?"
"Of course, we can," Julie nodded.
"Thank goodness you two made up," Kelly sighed. "You don't know how moody she gets—everyone at home suffers."
"Kelly!" Nicole squeaked.
Melissa laughed. "I'm just glad you're friends again." She let out a relieved sigh.
Julie laughed too. She was genuinely happy. Reconciling with Nicole mattered to her more than anything.
******
"Miss Villa," Cielo called.
"Yes, Pres?" Nicole answered.
"Aren't you in the troupe dance group chat yet?" he asked.
My brother forgot to add me again, she thought, shaking her head lightly.
"There's a meeting this afternoon. The agenda is the reshuffling of dance partners. It should've been done earlier, but everyone was busy with exams. It's also for preparing for the upcoming contest," he explained.
Didn't my brother mention this yesterday? Nicole wondered silently.
"Thank you for informing me, Pres," she said politely.
He simply nodded and went back to his seat.
"What was that about, Nick?" Julie asked.
"There's a meeting later. Partner reshuffling," Nicole answered.
"Ahh, no wonder my brother told me if I get tired of waiting, I should just go home first," Julie said.
"He didn't even tell me. That 'great' brother of mine!" Nicole fumed.
Julie only laughed at her reaction.
That afternoon, Nicole came along with Cielo, quietly following behind him.
So Dawn and the others are in this troupe too? she thought, surprised.
Inside the room, she was amazed—it really looked like a proper dance studio.
Wow.
"Hey, Nicky."
She turned to her brother and scowled.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you—and to add you to the group chat. My bad, sis," he said.
She rolled her eyes.
"Don't give me attitude now."
"It's your fault," she snapped.
"I already said sorry, didn't I? Even Kelly didn't add you."
"Hey! Don't drag me into this. You're her brother, and you forgot. Idiot," Kelly retorted.
"You're the same," Nicole shot back, rolling her eyes again.
"I'll poke your eyes out, I swear," Kelly muttered.
Soon, their leader, Dave, called everyone's attention.
"Okay, is everyone here?" he asked.
"I think so," someone answered.
"Alright. First of all, sorry for the delay. This reshuffling should've happened a while ago, but exams got in the way. Thank you for your patience," Dave explained.
Nicole listened quietly, understanding why dance partners were necessary. She preferred dancing solo, but some categories required pairs. Having partners now would prevent problems later.
She sighed.
Who will end up as my partner?
"Congratulations again to the new members," Dave continued. "The reshuffling is based on performance, especially of the newcomers. Don't be surprised if you're paired with an older member. This way, the new ones can be guided properly."
They started with grade seven. Nicole's heart raced.
I'm nervous.
Some dancers looked pleased with their partners; others, not so much.
Which side will I be on? she wondered.
By grade nine, Dawn was paired with Cielo, Paulene with Raymond, and Camille with Dennis.
Nicole's heartbeat grew louder, her palms sweating.
"Jane Nicole," Dave finally called.
Startled, she stood up. Dave chuckled softly.
"Your partner…" He paused for a few seconds. Nicole could barely hear anything over her pounding heart. "…Joel Esqueta."
Raymond let out a low whistle. Nicole and Joel exchanged a glance.
Out of all the grade nines, it had to be him?
"Joel, she's your new partner on the dance floor. Get along well, okay?" Dave said.
Nicole could only nod.
Get along? Unlikely. He's scary. I'm even afraid of him, she thought.
"Joel's a really good dancer," her brother confirmed.
"Yeah, but his temper's so short," Kelly added. "Don't tease him; he snaps easily."
"Hey, don't scare her," Jonathan scolded.
"I'm not scaring her—it's the truth," Kelly said, raising her eyebrows.
By grade ten, Nicole already knew her brother would be partnered with his girlfriend.
"Am I really partnered with Dave?" Kelly asked.
"Hey, Dave, someone's complaining," someone teased.
"Idiot, I'm not complaining!" Kelly protested.
"Oh, so you want to switch with Kevin's partner?" Dave asked.
Kelly instantly shook her head in panic.
"That's better," Dave said firmly.
"The pressure is real—being paired with our leader?" Kelly groaned.
Nicole just patted her on the shoulder.
Both of them were still in shock about their partners when the meeting ended. They discussed other troupe matters before finally heading home.
Nicole was still dazed, unable to believe she was now partnered with Joel.
She spotted Julie.
"Oh, weren't you going home already?" she asked.
"I thought so too," Julie replied. "Bye, see you tomorrow."
Nicole smiled, waved, and finally left, taking Kelly along since her siblings had gone ahead.