Julie noticed how people kept staring at them—especially at Melissa—every time they passed by. She could hear the murmurs and whispers.Melissa clearly looked uncomfortable under all those prying eyes. Julie simply pulled her along without saying a word.
When they finally arrived in their classroom, the whispering stopped.What's going on? Julie wondered.
Someone's gaze was fixed on them. Nicole wasn't there yet; she had gone to buy school supplies.Then came the sound of laughter. Julie was starting to get irritated.
"Can you at least tell me what's happening?" she asked the others."You spread it, and you're acting like you don't know?" one of them sneered. "I didn't know Pres Chris's sister was such a hypocrite.""Spread what? What are you even talking about?" Julie shot back."Forget it. Maybe she's suddenly pretending to be innocent—or drunk," another classmate muttered.
"Julie." Nicole's voice broke in as she entered. "Get your phone.""Why?" Julie asked, frowning."Just do it."
Julie quickly pulled out her phone."Go to social media. Newsfeed," Nicole instructed.She scrolled quickly, impatient. "Where exactly—" She stopped, her brows furrowing. There it was: a post under her name. She began reading, and it looked like… a diary.
Melissa's eyes widened as she read it too."N–No way," Melissa whispered, her face paling as tears welled up."T–That's my diary," she admitted.
Suddenly, Raymond walked in. His gaze immediately landed on Melissa.She lowered her head."This is your handwriting, right?" he asked, showing her the post.Melissa only nodded.
A smirk crept across his face, mocking her."I didn't know you were creepy, girl. Damn. Doesn't this give you goosebumps? If you like me, just admit it," he said.
Bastard, Julie cursed under her breath.She read the post—it was clearly a composition, not just random entries. He just didn't know how to appreciate it.
"What do you want?" Raymond pressed Melissa.She shook her head silently, her shame written all over her trembling face.Then, out of nowhere, he yanked her by the arm.
"Sorry, but I'm not into it. You're just another girl, Melissa. A toy. Every toy I've ever had—I throw away when I'm bored. Thanks for your feelings, but I can't return them."
He shoved her, and she fell back onto the floor."Before that… let me give you something for your effort."He leaned down and kissed her lips.
"What a weird girl," he said with a laugh. "Thanks for making me happy—for a while. Just a toy."
He went back to his seat like nothing happened.Julie was stunned. Melissa was sobbing into her hands now, her tears spilling fast. Moments later, another post spread around—the kiss—captioned mockingly.
"Melissa," Julie called softly."C–Clinic," Melissa managed between sobs.
Julie and Nicole exchanged shocked looks."Are you hurt?" Julie asked, watching Melissa's tears.She knew too well what humiliation felt like.
Melissa's knees trembled so badly from the tension that Julie had to help her stand. Together, they brought her to the clinic.
When Julie and Nicole returned to class, both were silent."Julie," Nicole spoke.Julie only looked at her.
"You didn't spread this, right? You didn't know about Melissa's diary?" she asked.Julie froze. That thought hadn't even crossed her mind until now.
"I didn't know. I've never even seen her diary—or her composition." Julie shook her head firmly."Nicole, I also know it wasn't you. You love your cousin too much to do that."
Nicole sighed heavily. "Julie, Melissa can't handle things like this. She must be drowning in shame right now."Julie clenched her fists. "The real question is—who used our names?"
******
When they got back inside, Julie's eyes immediately locked on Raymond."What's with that stare?" he sneered.
She raised an eyebrow, her anger simmering. She would never forget what he said to Melissa.
"Just what did you say to Melissa?" Julie's sharp voice cut through.Raymond sighed. "Why should I repeat it?"
Julie suddenly shot up from her seat and marched toward him. Nicole tried to stop her."You bastard. Do you even realize what you did?" Julie spat."Julie, sit down," Nicole urged, tugging her arm.
Raymond only smirked. "And what are you going to do about it? She's just someone I used. Like I said—she's a toy.""You really are trash. You think that makes you cool?" Julie snapped.
"Sit down already. She's nothing special. Pretty, sure. But she's not my type—she's weird. Just a toy."Gasps and shrieks erupted from the girls nearby.
Julie's fist flew before anyone could react. Her punch landed square on Raymond's face."Navares!" Cielo's voice thundered as he rushed to break them apart.
Blood trickled from Raymond's lip.Since when did Julie know how to punch? Nicole thought in disbelief.
"Say that again and I'll smash your face," Julie warned, her fists shaking with fury. "Don't you dare insult Melissa like that again."Raymond smirked despite the blood. "Sure. I'll say it again."
"Enough already!" their teacher's voice rang out, catching Julie just as she raised her fist for another strike."Julie, calm down!" Nicole pleaded, trying to pull her back.
Jason also stepped in, clearly shocked. "Calm down," he said firmly.Julie's knuckles were red and bruised.
"You two—disciplinary office after this," their adviser declared.Joel rushed over to hand Raymond an ice pack for his bleeding lip.Kenneth handed one to Julie. "Here. This will help your hand."
Julie clenched her fist tighter, breathing heavily.Nicole sighed deeply. "Julie, I know you're frustrated about what happened with Melissa. I'm furious too. But hitting him—"Julie cut her off. "He deserved it. I don't care how popular he is. To humiliate Melissa like that—I won't let it slide. He's trash."
Nicole hugged her tightly. "Melissa will only feel worse if she finds out. She's fragile… She's just a worried little girl."Julie gritted her teeth. "Nicky, I know you're trying to calm me down—but admit it. You wanted to slap him too."
Jason groaned, rubbing his temple. "Both of you—stop it already. You don't know how much trouble you'll be in once you face the disciplinary office."