Frank hadn’t expected this.

His thoughts raced as he drove alongside Mariely—the younger sister of his former classmate.

He had been on his way home when he spotted her standing by the roadside. From the way she lingered there, it was obvious no one was coming to pick her up. She was going to commute.

Maybe it’s my lucky day, he thought with a sly smirk.

He was almost surprised she agreed to the ride.

Still, a question lingered in his mind.

What would Nathan say if he saw us like this?

Frank glanced at Mariely. She sat quietly, staring out the window, her posture stiff and uncomfortable.

What a plain girl, he thought, catching her reflection in the side mirror. Her hair was slightly messy, her expression unreadable.

She’s nothing like Nadia. Why is Nathan so protective of her? I don’t even find her attractive. I doubt any man would.

And yet…

She was mine once, wasn’t she? We dated when she was still in high school. Has she really forgotten about that?

When he noticed her glancing at him, he met her gaze briefly—then looked back at the road.

“Why are you going home so late today?” He asked at last, his voice neutral.

Frank wasn’t used to women being this indifferent. He welcomed the opening.

“I’m from a review center,” she added shortly.

“Oh,” he said, keeping his tone casual. “There’s one nearby. Was today your first session?”

She shook her head. “Third.”

He nodded, sensing she had no intention of extending the conversation.

Patience, Frank, he told himself. If you want her attention again, you’ll have to work for it.

“Why didn’t your brother pick you up?” he asked.

“He’s busy,” she replied without looking at him. “He went with my mom.”

That ended the conversation.

Frank said nothing after that, though his eyes kept drifting toward her.

Soon, they reached her street.

“I’ll get off here,” Mariely said suddenly. “I can walk from here.”

“No,” he replied instinctively, stopping the car.

Before he could say anything else, she reached into her bag and placed money on the front seat.

“Hey—I don’t need payment,” he said, startled.

“Thank you for the ride,” she said calmly. “Gasoline and oil are expensive. Please accept it.”

He stared at her, caught off guard.

Before he could respond, she was already stepping out of the car.

“Good evening,” she added politely before disappearing through the gate.

Frank scratched his head, then picked up the three hundred pesos she’d left behind. A slow smile spread across his face.

Maybe this really is a chance, he thought. Who knows?

****

Mariely kissed her father’s hand as she entered the house.

“Oh, you’re home already,” he said warmly. “May God bless you, Ely.”

“Dad, I thought Mom and Nathan were already back,” she said, placing her bag on the sofa.

“They’ll probably arrive soon,” he replied calmly.

“I’ll change first,” she said before heading to her room.

He was surprisingly kind today, she thought as she slipped into her home clothes. Maybe he’s really changed.

She had expected another tense encounter—like the one at the mall. But today, Frank had been calm. Almost gentle.

Maybe people really can change, she reasoned. Everyone deserves a second chance.

Reviewing is exhausting, she reminded herself. But you can do this, Ely.

Soon, a car horn sounded outside. She hurried to open the gate and saw Nathan pulling in, their mother beside him with bags of groceries.

She rushed over to help.

“Good thing you got home early,” Nathan said, handing her a bag. “Traffic’s insane today.”

Mariely hesitated.

Should I tell him I rode with Frank?

“Yeah,” she said lightly. “I thought I’d get stuck, but I managed to ride a jeep.”

A lie, she admitted inwardly. But he’ll just scold me if he finds out.

“Sorry we couldn’t fetch you,” her mother said. “Traffic was terrible.”

“It’s okay, Mom,” Mariely replied, forcing a smile.

At dinner, she talked about her review classes—leaving out Frank entirely.

I know Nathan will be angry if he finds out, she thought quietly.

Sunday passed too quickly—her only day off.

Before she knew it, Monday had arrived.

The days go by so fast.

Nathan drove her to work, and she arrived early at the faculty room.

“Good morning,” she greeted Veron.

“Good morning, Faith!” Veron smiled. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, always,” Mariely laughed.

“I’ll check on my advisory class. Be right back!”

She unlocked her classroom, greeted the janitor, and began preparing.

“Your students still haven’t arrived?” Veron asked when she returned.

“Not yet,” Mariely replied.

“You’re tough,” Veron said. “No one lasts long with those kids.”

“I just deal with them,” Mariely chuckled. “I don’t give up easily.”

Veron patted her back. “You really are brave.”

Mariely only laughed and shook her head.