Mariely was already in class that morning.

These kids really surprise me every day, she thought as she watched them move around—cleaning the room without being told, wearing complete uniforms, following school policies.

She wasn’t the strict type, but it warmed her heart to see progress. Not all of them had changed—but enough had.

She smiled.

She had her own struggles, but she was here for a reason—to guide the youth.

“Good morning,” Mariely greeted.

The students stood and replied in unison. She began the roll call, calling names one by one.

“Mendez, Shaina.”

A few students—mostly girls—glanced at each other.

“Ma’am,” one student said, stepping forward, “her mom sent this. It’s an excuse letter.”

Mariely accepted it and placed it on the table where excuse letters were kept.

Why is she almost always absent on Mondays and Fridays?
The thought bothered her, but she pushed it aside and continued the lesson.

“Study what we discussed today,” she reminded them before dismissing the class. “We’ll have a long quiz tomorrow.”

During recess, Mariely sat at her desk, digging through documents. She was searching for student records—specifically, parents’ contact numbers.

“Mariely.”

She looked up to see Veron entering the room.

“Ah—why?” Mariely asked, still scanning the files.

“You look busy. What are you looking for?”

“I’m checking student records. I want to find Mendez’s contact details.”

“Shaina?” Veron asked.

Mariely nodded. “She’s absent too often—Mondays and Fridays. She has excuse letters, but… I don’t know. I just have a feeling.”

Veron frowned. “Yeah. I’ve noticed that too.”

Mariely finally found the file and scanned the list until she saw the number.

“I’ll try calling her parents,” she said.

“Faith, let’s eat first,” Veron suggested.

“Just a second. I’ll save the number,” Mariely replied.

After saving it, she followed Veron to the canteen and tried calling—but no one answered.

Maybe they’re just busy, she told herself. I’ll message her adviser later.

*****

Veron returned with food and noticed Mariely sighing at her phone.

“No answer?” Veron asked.

“None,” Mariely said with a tired smile.

“Aren’t you hungry?” Veron teased.

“Are you pregnant or something?” Mariely laughed, eyeing the food tray. “You bought so much.”

“Just because I bought a lot doesn’t mean I’m pregnant,” Veron scoffed. “I’m just hungry!”

Mariely laughed again.

“Hey,” Veron said between bites, “what’s on your mind?”

“Nothing,” Mariely murmured, glancing at her phone.

“Waiting for a call?”

“No,” she replied quickly.

“You’re a terrible liar,” Veron said, rolling her eyes. “Eat.”

Mariely sighed. “I’m just worried.”

“I heard something about that kid,” Veron said cautiously. “Not sure if it’s true—you know how gossip is.”

“Don’t do that,” Mariely said. “Just say it.”

“You’re ruining the suspense.”

Mariely raised an eyebrow. “Spill.”

“I heard she has a child… and might be living with a man.”

Mariely almost choked. “What? She’s only fifteen—sixteen at most!”

“I said it’s gossip,” Veron added quickly. “But someone said they saw her with a man. Her parents are separated too.”

“Who saw her?”

“Ask Rodel or Neil. Their houses are near hers.”

The bell rang, cutting the conversation short.

“Are you free now?” Veron asked as they walked back.

“Nope. Pilot section,” Mariely replied.

“Let’s walk together then,” Veron muttered. “Her former adviser doesn’t even bother checking on her anymore.”

“That’s sad,” Mariely sighed. “She’s smart.”

“Oh, by the way,” Veron added, “where are you reviewing now?”

“Why?” Mariely asked.

“I saw you once during my Sunday review—grocery shopping with my mom. I was going to offer you a ride, but the car was full.”

Mariely smiled. “It’s fine.”

“I also saw you with Ma’am Becca’s son,” Veron whispered. “Are you two dating?”

Mariely burst out laughing. “You jump to conclusions way too fast. We’re not together. He just gave me a ride. I even paid him.”

Veron frowned. “Still—be careful. That guy’s a womanizer.”

Mariely laughed it off. “Don’t worry. This face is a blessing in disguise. Guys like that won’t be interested.”

She walked ahead.

Is she really that clueless? Veron thought. She doesn’t even realize she’s beautiful. She just doesn’t present herself well.

Veron caught up with her. “Let’s walk together. Our classrooms are close anyway.”

“Yeah,” Mariely called back. “Hurry up.”

Side by side, they returned to their duties.