Even inside the classroom, the whispers seemed to follow Julie—rumors she knew someone had made up. Across the room, she caught Jason's eyes. He looked worried when their gazes met. Julie forced a small smile, and that was enough to make him return a faint smile before nodding and turning back to his seat.
Maybe she really needed to tell someone what had happened. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to open up. The memories were painful, but deep down, Julie knew she had to face them.
Her eyes drifted to Cielo, and the moment she saw him, anger surged, her brows arching automatically in defiance. Cielo said nothing and quietly returned to his seat. Reminding herself of the tasks she still needed to complete, Julie pulled out her notebook and focused on her work, letting out a heavy sigh.
"That sigh was way too heavy," Nicole remarked, eyeing her curiously.
Jason spoke up, concern clear in his voice. "Are you really okay, Julie? Maybe we should stay apart for a while so people won't make more issues about us."
Julie shook her head. "No. That won't solve anything. If we distance ourselves, they'll just make up another story."
"She has a point," Kelly agreed. "Let them say what they want."
"Oh, right—Julie, you said you had something to tell us at lunch," Kelly added.
"What is it?" Nicole asked eagerly.
Julie smirked. "Excited much, Nicole? I said lunch break."
"Why not now?" Nicole pressed.
"You'll see," Julie replied lightly.
"Fine, fine. Lunch then." Nicole pouted.
Kelly muttered to herself, "Let's see if I can sneak away from them."
Julie laughed. "Who exactly are you running from?"
Kelly only sighed and shook her head.
After the long classes ended, the group finally met for lunch.
"Kelly!" a voice called. Kelly arrived, out of breath, clutching her lunchbox and tumbler. "I—I'm fine, don't mind me. I just ran from the classroom so they wouldn't notice me," she explained, gasping.
Nicole chuckled. "She's a certified gossip magnet."
Julie couldn't help but laugh quietly at their antics. "Do you know a quiet spot to eat?" she asked Kelly.
Kelly thought for a moment. "Somewhere people rarely pass by?"
Julie nodded.
"The old building," Kelly finally suggested.
Julie's eyes widened. "Wait—don't tell me it's haunted."
Everyone laughed. Melissa shook her head. "You really are scared of ghosts, huh?"
Jason tagged along, chuckling at the conversation.
When they reached the old building, Julie was stunned by the wide, open space. The air was fresh and peaceful.
"Wow," she whispered.
"This place is perfect for lunch," Nicole agreed.
They all settled down.
"So, what exactly did you want to tell us?" Nicole asked eagerly.
Julie drew in a deep breath. "Would you believe me if I said I came from a failed relationship?"
All four stared at her, unsure if she was joking.
"Seriously?" Kelly asked, mid-bite.
Julie nodded, clearing her throat to gather courage. "Honestly… I had a really hard time moving on from him."
"Wait, wait—are we being serious right now? I don't want to cry today," Nicole whined.
Kelly smacked her lightly. "Do you even realize how hard it is to open up about stuff like this?"
Julie chuckled at their banter.
Jason's voice was soft and encouraging. "Go on, Julie—only if you're ready."
Melissa asked curiously, "So… why did you two break up?"
Julie hesitated before speaking. "Because I didn't give him what he wanted."
"That makes no sense. Just tell us the whole story," Nicole urged.
Julie's story went back to when she was only fourteen, in Grade Eight. She had always been childish but kind and sweet toward her friends and family. She excelled in contests, often taking first place with Melissa close behind. Her classmates cheered her on, calling her the 'Legendary Princess.'
One day, her friends whispered, "Julie, there's this guy who keeps staring at you… maybe he's from a private school?"
Julie rolled her eyes. "You guys are ridiculous." She ignored them and went to the restroom to change back into her uniform.
That was when she first met him.
"Congratulations," a male voice said, startling her.
Julie turned. "Y—you scared me! But thank you."
"I'm Vincent Gilla," he introduced, extending his hand.
"Julie Marie Navares. Nice to meet you, Vincent."
From that day, their paths continued to cross. Vincent began waiting for her, walking her to and from school. Eventually, he confessed his feelings, and Julie reciprocated.
Her parents were surprised but offered guidance. "You're still young. Don't give what you shouldn't give. Think of your future."
Julie understood, keeping boundaries clear—no holding hands in public, no kissing. But Vincent grew frustrated.
"Are we even a real couple? Just one kiss, Julie—if you really loved me, you'd let me," he argued.
"It's not a measure of love," Julie replied firmly. "We're too young for that."
One day, Vincent forced the issue. He cornered her, trying to steal a kiss. Julie struggled and cried.
"Vincent, you're hurting me!"
He pushed her to the ground, sighing in anger. "Let's end this bullshit relationship," he spat before walking away, leaving Julie sobbing on the pavement.
She locked herself in her room for days, drowning in tears. When she finally told her parents, her mother embraced her tightly.
"It's not your fault, Julie. You did the right thing."
Her father ruffled her hair silently, a gesture of quiet comfort.
"That's why we broke up," Julie finished, managing a faint smile through her tears. "Later, when I was healing, I even found out he was already in another relationship while we were together."
"That jerk!" Kelly burst out. "I swear, I want to kick him right now!"
Julie laughed quietly at her friend's outburst.
"You made the right decision," Melissa said softly.
"Exactly. He never deserved you," Jason agreed.
Nicole handed Julie a handkerchief. "Girl power, okay? And if we ever see that ex of yours again, we're kicking him where it hurts most."
Julie giggled, feeling lighter than she had in a long time.
When the bell rang, they packed up. As Julie stood to return to class, she felt a quiet relief. Sharing her past with people she could trust had made her feel lighter.
Finally, she could carry it without the weight alone.