Julie and Cielo visited Crisha's grave that morning.
From a distance, Julie noticed Kelly lighting a candle. Her lips moved in a quiet prayer as she stared at the engraved name on the tombstone.
Julie and Cielo exchanged a glance.
They didn't interrupt.
They simply stood a few steps behind her, silently looking at the name carved in stone.
So much had happened since their confrontation with Vincent.
Later, Auntie Carmen told them that the suspect had suddenly confessed after she agreed to testify in court. Julie wasn't required to attend the hearing—her identification and written statement were enough.
They were shocked to learn that Dawn's father had truly been the mastermind.
He was imprisoned.
Dawn…
Julie sighed whenever she thought about her.
For her protection, Dawn had transferred to another school and was placed under DSWD custody, monitored closely.
Her father's company had collapsed.
The once-powerful business fell.
Their family became… ordinary.
Dawn's friends and cousins who had known about the incident were given strict warnings by the school.
I pity her…
But pity didn't erase what she had done.
Julie kept that thought to herself.
"You're here too, Julie."
Kelly had noticed them.
Julie smiled warmly.
Kelly had told her earlier that she apologized to Auntie Carmen. They had rebuilt their connection. She was finally allowed to visit Crisha's grave again.
Julie gently patted Kelly's shoulder.
No words were needed.
Kelly's name had been cleared.
After carrying that burden for so long—
She was finally free.
Julie knew how heavy that weight must have been.
"Are you done talking to Crisha?" Julie asked softly.
Kelly blinked, then smiled faintly while glancing at the tombstone.
"Yeah. I apologized to her. If only I had saved her sooner…" she murmured.
"Kelly," Cielo said gently, "it wasn't your fault. You tried to save her. I think Crisha understands."
Kelly looked surprised for a moment—then nodded quietly.
"I'll go ahead," she said.
"You're not with your brother and your boyfriend?" Julie asked, noticing she was alone.
Kelly laughed softly.
"They gave me some space. They're waiting outside."
Julie nodded.
Kelly walked away until she disappeared from view.
Julie stepped closer to the grave and lightly brushed her fingers against the cold stone.
There were fresh flowers.
Small offerings.
Food.
Tokens of love left behind.
"Hi, Crisha," she whispered. "Are you happy to see Kelly again?"
She chuckled softly at herself.
"One more favor… can you give my dad a warm hug up there? Have you met him yet? I bet he was surprised when he saw you."
Cielo wrapped an arm around her shoulders, standing quietly beside her.
"I'm sorry it took so long," he murmured toward the grave.
After a few more quiet words, they finally left.
******
Later That Day
"Kelly."
Jonathan called her name.
She turned—and he suddenly ruffled her hair.
"You really fought fair and square," he said.
She didn't reply.
She had only done what she believed was right.
Carmen had forgiven her.
Her name was cleared.
Claire and her group no longer bothered her. The school had given them strict warnings—another mistake would mean automatic expulsion.
They couldn't risk it.
Jonathan stretched his arms.
"Where's Kevin?" Kelly asked.
"Over there," Jonathan pointed, though his expression seemed thoughtful.
Before she could ask what he was thinking about, he flicked her forehead lightly.
"Don't overthink," he teased. "We're busy with something anyway."
"Oh. For the JS Prom?" she guessed.
"Yeah. You skipped last year, remember?"
"Yeah…"
She had chosen to stay home.
It wasn't mandatory.
"Are you joining this year?" she asked. "Melissa and Nicole have to attend, right?"
Jonathan raised an eyebrow. "Why are you asking that? Don't you want to attend while your younger sister does?"
She hesitated.
"And the dance troupe's busy again," he added with a sigh.
She remembered how packed their schedules were last year, teaching choreography.
"What's the theme this year?" she asked.
"Teachers haven't finalized it yet. Maybe next week."
"Complaining again?" she teased.
"Oh. You're here already."
Kevin approached them, looking preoccupied.
"Yes? Kelly?"
She blinked. "Nothing."
Jonathan smirked.
"Hey, Kevin. Aren't you going to invite her to be your partner?"
She glared at Jonathan.
Kevin looked at her for a moment.
"You didn't attend last year," he said softly. "Be my partner this time."
She froze.
She hadn't even decided yet.
Her fingers tightened around her sleeve.
Then—
She nodded.
"Oh? That was quick," Jonathan laughed. "I invited you before and you rejected me."
"That's good," Kevin said, pulling her gently into a hug. "I'm glad you're coming this year."
Her cheeks turned red.
Last year had been heavy.
She thought this year would be the same.
But everything felt different now.
Most importantly—
The guilt she carried because of what happened to Crisha…
It was slowly fading.
"Enough flirting. Let's go home," Jonathan groaned, walking ahead.
Kevin kissed her cheek lightly.
"See? You're stepping into a different future now."
She nodded.
And smiled.
For the first time in a long while—
She felt excited about the JS Prom.
She was looking forward to it.