Mariely walked home quietly. Her brother didn’t know she had already left, so she would be commuting alone.

Along the way, she decided to stop by Shaina’s place to check on her—especially now that she knew the truth behind the girl’s absences.

Poor child, Mariely thought after everything she had learned.

Suddenly, heavy rain poured down.

“Oh goodness!” she gasped, hurrying under a waiting shed. The rain was relentless, and she knew she might get stranded if she didn’t move soon. Hugging her bag close, she half-ran, half-walked toward the jeepney stop along her route.

She had no umbrella. Her bag was her only shield.

The jeepney that passed was already full. The rain only grew heavier.

Mariely shivered, soaked to the bone.

A car suddenly stopped in front of her.

“Hop in. The rain’s getting worse,” a man’s voice called out.

She didn’t hesitate. She was drenched, cold, and exhausted.

As soon as she got in, Frank handed her a towel.

“Here.”

She hugged herself, still shivering. Frank glanced at her and shook his head.

“What were you doing out there like that? You’re completely soaked.”

“Nothing,” she replied shortly—then realized something.
She had left her wallet at Shaina’s place.

Just my luck.

“Oh no… I don’t even have money for the fare,” she said. “Can I borrow from you?”

Frank looked at her through the side mirror and chuckled.

“I don’t need it.”

She frowned. “Then what do you want?”

“To be your friend,” he said lightly.

“What friend?” she snapped. “We weren’t even friends back then.”

“You still remember that, huh?” he said with a faint laugh. “Nathan told me you forget easily—but clearly not that.”

“When did you and my brother become close?” she shot back. “And no—I won’t forget your behavior.”

“People change,” Frank replied calmly. “Let’s see if you have.”

The rain began to ease.

“I hope you still remember what happened between us,” he added, glancing at her.

“You’re still arrogant,” she muttered.

“Oh? You like my cocky attitude?” he grinned.

“You’re so annoying.”

“I heard you still can’t stand talking to men,” he said casually. “But people change.”

“Yep. And I still can’t stand your attitude.”

She recognized the street ahead and leaned forward.

“Let me off here.”

“I bet your brother has no idea where you are,” Frank teased. “You’ve become a little rebel.”

“It’s just today,” she replied quickly, opening the door. “And I was doing you a favor too, you idiot. I’ll still borrow that fare—thank you!”

Frank honked lightly as he drove away.

Mariely hurried inside, dripping wet and cold.

“Ely?” Nathan asked in surprise. “Why are you soaked?”

“I got caught in the rain,” she said with a small smile.

“Go change. You’re unbelievable,” he sighed.

Once in her room, Mariely changed into warm clothes, still shivering slightly.

By Monday, Rodel had already returned her wallet. He only sighed as he handed it back.

*****

“Oh! My best friend looks so beautiful in her uniform!” Veron squealed.

“Stop it,” Mariely laughed. “Does it really suit me?”

“Yes! That color looks perfect on you,” Veron said, inspecting her proudly.

“I don’t even have money today,” Mariely joked.

They were both free for the moment.

“Did Ma’am Becca agree to Shaina’s situation?” Veron asked.

“For now, it’s still under observation,” Mariely replied. “Poor child.”

“Is Shaina interested in becoming a working student?” Veron asked suddenly.

Mariely turned. “Do you know someone hiring?”

“My mom,” Veron said. “She needs someone at home—mostly for company.”

“You live in a condo, right?” Mariely asked.

“Yes. Our house is far from here.”

“So rich,” Mariely teased.

“But she’d have to stay over,” Veron said thoughtfully. “That might be difficult.”

“Shaina has siblings,” Mariely said gently. “She can’t live far from them.”

“I thought maybe she could bring them sometimes,” Veron said. “Mom might like that.”

“Don’t give her false hope,” Mariely reminded her. “She’s still young.”

“That’s why we’ll talk properly. Just to try.”

“Okay. I’ll call her during lunch,” Mariely agreed.

“By the way,” Veron nudged her, “I’ve been seeing you with that guy. Are you dating?”

“What?” Mariely laughed. “You really love gossip—even in the rain?”

Veron laughed. “Remember what I always tell you!”

“You’re unbelievable,” Mariely shook her head.

During lunch, Veron spoke with Shaina. Her face lit up.

That weekend, she introduced Shaina to her mother. Veron’s mom liked the girl immediately—especially her manners and care for her siblings. She agreed to let Shaina stay, with the condition that she could go home every weekend.

Weeks passed.

Shaina was no longer absent. Her grades improved. She smiled more.

“She said she’s happy,” Veron shared. “She likes her work and doesn’t feel taken advantage of.”

“Thank you, Veron,” Mariely said softly. “You gave her hope.”

“I just introduced her to Mom,” Veron replied. “It’s part of our job. We’re advisers.”

Mariely smiled. “Let’s eat. I’m starving.”

Laughing, they headed to the canteen together.