The dancers had already begun their practice since they were also preparing for the competition they would be joining. Nicole felt very excited to experience it, and at the same time, she knew she would learn a lot from her teammates.The only problem… was her partner. She could only sigh at the thought.
Julie suddenly tapped her shoulder and slung an arm around her. Even without words, Nicole knew that Julie was supporting her.
Meanwhile, Melissa's club was also starting their practices, so both of them were busy. They sat down when their teacher arrived.
So many activities again… she complained inwardly.
That afternoon, she spotted Julie outside near their club room."You're not coming in?" she asked.Julie shook her head. "I'll just wait here for my brother. Besides, I might disturb your practice."
She just smiled at her."You'll get bitten by mosquitoes out here," Nicole said."Then I'll bite them back," Julie joked."You're so silly." Nicole shook her head in disbelief.
She went inside, bracing herself to be scolded again by her partner. As expected, when she entered, Joel only glanced at her without a word. Nicole didn't bother replying either.
During practice, the dancers were always reminded to bring an extra shirt and a towel.
"Kelly," she whispered, calling out to her."What is it?" Kelly approached her."Is it really not allowed for outsiders to be here?" she asked softly."Ah, it's not really forbidden. It's okay for them to watch, as long as they're not from another school," Kelly explained. "Why?""Julie's outside, waiting," Nicole said."She can actually come in," Kelly replied, scratching her head.
From their spot, they could see Julie quietly sitting and looking at her phone."Chris, your sister looks pitiful," Dave commented."I've told her so many times already, but she just doesn't want to come in," Chris sighed.
Moments later, Julie stood up to leave."Where are you going now?" Chris asked."Just buying some food. Do you want me to get you something?" she asked. "How about you, Nicky?""None.""Alright, I'll go. I'll be back right away." Julie waved and walked off.
Nicole could only shake her head.
They started their practice. Nicole told herself she had to behave today—otherwise, her partner might actually eat her alive.
After some time, they were given a fifteen-minute break.
Gosh, I forgot my tumbler's already empty. Should I just ask Ate Kelly or Jonathan for water? she thought. Never mind, I'll just try to message Julie instead.
She quickly sent her a message on Messenger. A moment later, someone called her. Nicole immediately stepped outside."Oh, your water," Julie said, handing her a bottle of mineral water. She had actually bought it for her. Nicole also noticed that Chris had asked Julie to buy water for him as well."Thanks, Julie," Nicole said sincerely."Go inside now," Chris told his sister, pulling her toward the door."I don't want to. I'll just stay here." Julie tried to resist.Nicole ended up pushing Julie gently so she would finally go in."Nicky!" Julie whined, but Nicole only grinned.
Some members glanced at Julie as she entered."I—I'll go back out," Julie mumbled shyly, maybe embarrassed by all the stares.As if she's really that shy, Nicole thought.
"I'm hungry; let me have some of your food, Julie," Kelly said, already taking some.Julie just scratched her head."I really need to eat; I feel pressured with my new partner," Kelly admitted softly.She does look pressured, Nicole thought.
Julie sat down at the vacant seats. Nicole glanced at Joel, only to realize he was also looking at her."Did I do something wrong?" Nicole muttered.
****
"Just let it go," Kelly told Nicole later."Was what I did earlier wrong?" Nicole asked."No. Just ignore it; don't get too self-conscious. Look at me—I'm the one pressured with my partner right now." Kelly sighed."Pressure, my foot," Nicole teased. "Hey, I asked my brother earlier, wasn't Kevin your partner before?""Did you really have to mention his name?" Kelly groaned.
"Kelly!" Suddenly her older brother, Kenjie, called her."W—Wait, Vice Pres." Kelly rushed to the door."You really startled me, brother. What is it?" she asked."Melissa and I are heading home now. Is it okay if you go with Jonathan?" he asked."Yes, it's fine," Kelly replied."Alright, then we'll go ahead so you can eat when you get home." He ruffled her hair before leaving.
Kelly sighed as she returned."Hey, I'm going with you later," she told Jonathan."Fine, but you'd better have fare money," he teased.
"Okay, the fifteen-minute break is done! Go back to your positions now!" Dave's voice called out. Everyone hurried back.
Kelly let out another sigh. I really need to focus now.
They finished practice successfully and went home.
The next morning, Angie approached Kelly."Kelly," she called.Kelly looked at her."T—That girl, was that Chris's sister?" Angie asked nervously.Kelly was surprised by the question."Yes, that was Julie. Remember before, when you mistook her for Crisha?" she reminded her.Angie nodded.Has she really not met his sister yet? Kelly wondered.
"Want me to introduce you to her?" Kelly asked.Angie looked worried."B—But won't Pres get mad?" she asked cautiously."N—No, it's fine. Please, introduce me," Angie insisted."Alright," Kelly agreed, scratching her head."Also bring Steph. She wants to meet Jonathan's sister too," Angie whispered.Kelly blinked in disbelief. Angie quickly pulled her closer."Bring me too. Introduce us to them—we're your friends too, right?" Angie urged.
Seriously, why won't they introduce themselves as their girlfriends? Kelly thought.
During recess, Kelly asked, "Melody, do you want to come too?"Melody nodded happily. Kelly had no choice but to take them along.
She quickly found the group."W—Wait, Kelly, I'm nervous," Angie admitted."Come on, they don't bite." Kelly pulled the two of them closer."Hey, Kelly—" Julie looked surprised, then smiled at the three girls. "Your friends from class?" she asked."You sure have a lot of friends now," Nicole commented.Kelly was about to respond when Angie blurted out, "Y—Yes, we're Kelly's friends."
Kelly cleared her throat. "Julie, do you know your brother's girlfriend?" she asked casually.Angie pinched her lightly, and Melody stifled a laugh.Julie thought for a moment. "I don't really remember if Kuya mentioned it to me… but I know he has a girlfriend.""Ah, well, this is Angie. She's your brother's girlfriend," Kelly said.
Julie turned to Angie. "Ah, yes, I remember now. You were with Kuya at the camping trip. Sorry, I forgot." She smiled kindly.Angie looked shy in front of Chris's sister."N–Nice to meet you, Julie.""Nice to meet you too." Julie returned the smile warmly.
"And hey, Nicole, you know your brother's girlfriend too, right?" Kelly teased."Yes, Steph, isn't it?" Nicole replied."She actually knows me," Steph said quietly.
Kelly just shook her head at their reactions."My name's Melody," the other girl introduced herself cheerfully. "I'm one of Kelly's friends, and Melissa's my clubmate in theater."Melissa nodded at her.
"Kelly, thank you for earlier," Angie said."It's nothing," Kelly replied."They're really kind," Melody added.
"Julie… her face looks familiar. She doesn't really look like Crisha, though—maybe at first glance, but… I still can't remember who she resembles," Melody murmured thoughtfully.
Soon, they all returned to class. Kelly silently thanked the heavens that Chris and Jonathan didn't scold her for bringing their sisters into that situation.She slumped into her seat with a heavy sigh.