Without a word, Cielo pulled Julie into a tight embrace.
He felt her inhale shakily, as if the air itself weighed too much in her chest. Her hands were cold as they clutched his shirt, and the memory of that alone made his heart ache.
Veronica Celeste Montaire.
The name echoed in his mind again.Why did it sound so familiar?
"Julie, are you really okay to continue?" Melissa asked gently.
Julie nodded. "I—I'm okay," she said with a faint laugh, though her eyes betrayed her.
"What happened after Mom and Dad found out?" Kelly asked softly.
"Mom and Dad confronted Veronica and her mother," Chris explained. "But the head of school intervened to keep things from escalating. Since Veronica's mom wouldn't back down, the school decided to transfer Julie to another section instead."
"Mom was furious," he added quietly. "But she accepted it."
"Did they still bother you?" Kelly asked.
Julie smiled faintly. "Not directly. But they treated me differently."
"Did you find friends after that?" Cielo asked.
Julie let out a small, almost sad laugh. "No. I tried—but people avoided me. No one bullied me anymore, but those stares…" She paused. "…they never stopped."
Cielo looked down, guilt tightening his chest."Did I ever do anything to help you back then?" he asked softly. "I don't remember much. I feel terrible… like I forgot I was supposed to take care of you."
Julie chuckled lightly. "Silly. I know. I even forgot about it myself when Mom transferred me to public school."
He smiled and kissed her forehead. "Fair enough."
"Well," Chris added, "I remember we visited them that summer before first grade."
"Really?" Dave asked.
"Yes," Chris nodded. "Mom didn't tell their parents what happened to Julie."
Julie glanced at Cielo. "You were still cold and annoying back then—but I missed you. I hesitated to approach you… but you surprised me."
Something clicked in Cielo's mind.
"That's why the name sounded familiar," he muttered. "You told me about Veronica."
Julie giggled. "Do you remember how you approached me?"
"Yeah," he smirked, pinching her cheek. "Don't act proud."
"Now I'm curious," Raymond said. "We were so young."
"Tell us," Dave urged.
Cielo sighed dramatically. "Fine. I remember."
It was summer vacation. Cielo was six, about to enter first grade. His parents were unusually busy that morning.
"Why are Mom and Dad rushing around?" he asked.
"We have visitors," Dave said, messing up his hair.
"The Navares family," he added.
"Oh," Cielo said. "Chris has a sister, right?"
"Yep. You always made her cry—but you were also the only one who could make her stop," Dave teased.
The doorbell rang.
Chris arrived first, smiling."Julie!" he called.
"Yes, brother," came a timid voice.
Cielo looked up—and saw her.
Chubby cheeks. Round face. Wide, uncertain eyes. Like a teddy bear.
"H—Hello," she greeted shyly.
She clung to Chris's hand and chose a seat carefully, sitting alone.
"You should sit with her," Dave whispered.
Cielo sighed. He glanced at the dessert table.
She loves chocolate.
He grabbed cake and muffins and walked over.
"Hey."
Julie looked up, startled. "Cielo."
"Let's share," he said, handing her a plate.
"Do you remember me?" she asked hesitantly.
"Yeah. Mostly your chubby cheeks."
"So annoying," she muttered—but smiled.
"Why didn't you approach me earlier?" he teased.
"I thought you forgot me," she laughed.
He flicked her forehead.
"Ow!"
"Because I like doing it."
She pouted—then smiled. "I'm happy to see you again."
"I heard you transferred schools," he said.
Her expression changed.
"Did something happen?"
She hugged him suddenly.
"Someone called me a piggy," she whispered. "Is being big bad? They said I'm gross."
His chest tightened.
"Who?" he asked.
"Veronica Celeste Montaire."
She sniffed. "I don't want to go there anymore."
"Did she still bother you?"
"Even after transferring, she stared at me… like I was disgusting."
"Are you?" she asked softly.
"No," he answered without hesitation. "You're chubby—but you're not disgusting."
She laughed through tears. "You're so blunt."
Now, in the present, Cielo smiled faintly.
"Yeah. I remember."
He pulled her closer."You asked me back then if you were disgusting. My answer hasn't changed. You're not. And even if you've changed—I still love you. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you then."
Julie leaned against his chest."Your honesty warmed me back then… and it still does."
Cielo didn't answer. His arms simply tightened.
This time, he promised silently—
I won't forget again.
Around them, their friends listened quietly.
Raymond sighed.
Some memories hurt to remember—but sometimes, the heart needs to break openbefore it can finally heal.