Julie mentally scolded herself. Can you still pull off speaking in English, Julie? Come on. Friendly, sassy, classy—that's the cover. Don't slip. Don't be yourself, even just for today.
She forced a smile as she sat beside the Villanueva cousins, pretending to be perfectly at ease.
Be strong. And these heels—two inches but my ankles are dying! I want to take them off! she screamed silently.
Even her breathing felt controlled. She couldn't afford even a tiny slip, not with all three of them beside her. None of them asked again about who she really was, but she remained on edge.
They're really friendly, she admitted to herself. If I didn't know who they were… I'd probably stare at them all day.Her gaze landed on Cielo. To her horror, he caught her staring, so she smiled quickly.
He smiled back.
Enjoy it, Julie. On Monday? Nope. All you'll get are his annoying teasing smirks.…What am I even saying?
Her gaze shifted to Cielo's parents. It's been so long since I last saw Auntie and Uncle. No wonder Cielo and Kuya Dave look like their dad.
"Hey," Kenneth said, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"Hm?"
"We need to distribute their snacks."
She nodded. The three cousins stood up first, and she followed.
Ow, my ankle! She nearly winced aloud but tried to adjust her step.
"Are you okay?" Dave asked.
"Y-Yes, I'm fine," she lied.
Dave glanced at her feet. "If your heels are bothering you, you can take them off. My mom has extra flat sandals."
"No, I'm really fine." She forced a smile.
"Alright," he said gently, then walked off to distribute snacks to the kids.
Julie attempted another careful step—but pain shot up her heel, making her stumble. Cielo caught her arm instantly.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"Thank you…" she whispered.
"Your heels hurt, right? Sit for a bit," he said, guiding her to a chair.
His parents watched with concern.
"Is she alright?" Auntie asked.
Julie smiled shyly. "I just… tripped a little."
"Let me check if it's a sprain." Cielo crouched down and gently removed her sandal.
"N-No, it's okay. I just lost balance."
"Ken, get the sandals in the backseat," Dave said.
Uncle handed the keys. "Go."
Kenneth hurried out.
Julie's face burned with embarrassment. Even some kids looked worried. She waved reassuringly at them.
"Can you move your foot?" Cielo asked.
She flexed it.
"Good. Just heel pain," Dave said.
Kenneth came back with a pair. "Here—Mom's extra sandals. Flats. Same size."
"T-Thank you… I'm really sorry," she muttered.
The three cousins only chuckled. Auntie and Uncle breathed in relief.
Julie scratched her head awkwardly. By then, the snack distribution was finished—without her help.
"Pop Princess, are you okay?" a little girl tugged her dress.
Julie blinked and smiled. "I'm okay, don't worry." She gently patted her head.
The little girl beamed. "I have a cupcake!"
Julie laughed. "It's yours, sweetie. Don't worry about me."
"Take it," Cielo said suddenly, handing her another cupcake. "They gave them to us."
Julie accepted shyly. "Thank you."
The child skipped away. Julie placed the cupcake on her plate, the program resuming.
Later, when it was time for lunch, Julie helped serve food to the kids. She watched how the three cousins played and laughed with them.
Oh right… Feah, Kevin's cousin. Ate Kelly brought her to school before—and Cielo was so fond of her. Where is she now?
"Thank you, Princess," a child said.
"You're welcome. Eat well so you'll grow strong and healthy," Julie told him warmly.
The child laughed and ran off. Their smiles warmed her chest.
So many kids… so many little angels abandoned because life is hard…
After serving, she returned to her seat.
"Let's eat?" Dave asked.
She blinked—they waited for her. "T-Thank you."
"Hey, Princess—can I call you that?" Dave asked.
She nodded with a smile.
"How old were you when you started this?" he asked.
"Grade Seven, I think."
"So young," Auntie said, amazed.
"I saw how cruel life can be to them," Julie replied quietly.
Kenneth nodded. "You've always had a big heart. That's why so many bands want to collaborate with you—but you're careful, right?"
"Yes. This wasn't made for fame. That's why I avoid bands. I learned my lesson before." She laughed softly.
"Tita, I wasn't here then, but I heard," Kenneth said. "That scandal on social media—Pop Princess accused of using children for fame. But really, it was the band who benefited."
"I remember that," Dave said. "People still supported the Pop Princess after."
"That explains why you reject invitations," Kenneth said gently. "I'm sorry. Our world is… competitive."
"Exactly. That's why I usually go solo. I'm still… a little scared," she admitted.
"It's fine. I'll still send requests—one day you'll say yes," Kenneth winked.
"Ken…" Dave sighed.
Julie spotted something heavenly: chocolate cake.
Her soul left her body. Oh my gosh… I need that. Stay calm. Don't embarrass yourself. But I WANT IT.
"Do you want chocolate cake?" Cielo asked suddenly.
Her eyes widened. Help.
"It's okay," she insisted to herself. Every girl loves chocolate cake. It's normal.
She nodded sheepishly. "Y-Yes, please."
"How many slices?"
All of it—wait, JULIE NO.
"Maybe… two?" she whispered.
Cielo stared at her. Dave burst out laughing.
"We didn't know you had such a sweet tooth," Dave teased.
Cielo placed two slices on her plate. "Here."
"Thank you," she said with pure joy.
They watched with amused smiles as she savored every bite.
"You really love chocolate cake, huh?" Dave chuckled.
After the event, they took pictures—first the Villanueva family with her, then with the kids and volunteers.
Julie sighed in relief. She actually pulled it off.
She went to return the sandals.
"No, keep them," Auntie insisted. "We're worried you might trip again."
"B-But—"
"Think of it as a gift. You're so young and have such a big heart. I hope we see you again."
"T-Thank you."
"You're always welcome."
"Is someone picking you up?" Cielo asked.
She nodded. Someone was already waiting.
After the Villanuevas left, Julie slipped into her ride, finally breathing normally.
"How was it?" her brother asked.
"So far… they didn't notice it was me," she said, exhausted.
Her brother laughed and ruffled her hair.
At home, Julie lay down with a long sigh.
She still couldn't believe she'd spent the whole day with the Villanueva family—hidden in plain sight.