Faith's POV

"Really, sir... we were chosen?" I couldn't stop my voice from trembling, as if a sudden warmth surged through my chest-mixed shock, joy, and deep gratitude. I swallowed softly. I never expected to hear that news directly from Sir Jaecob.

A well-known company was set to donate a new classroom building to a selected school in Zambales. All schools were asked to submit a proposal. I was assigned to write ours-I stayed up late working on it, carefully crafting every word, shaping each idea from the heart. Only one school would be chosen. And now, we were the one.

We really needed it. We lacked classrooms, so we had to do shifting schedules-morning and afternoon classes. Some students had to wake up extremely early just to attend, while others got home late. Even the teachers felt the burden, especially when kids were left behind in the afternoon because their parents couldn't pick them up on time due to work.

So, despite all the stress and irritation earlier, it felt like a thorn had been pulled from my chest. At least now, I knew there was a good reason why I was called to the office.

"Yes, Ma'am Faith. Congratulations. You did great," said Sir Jaecob, serious but with a smile in his eyes. "I wasn't wrong to entrust the proposal to you. You really nailed it."

"Thank you, sir. I just did my best. For the kids," I replied, trying to hold back tears. I didn't know if it was from happiness or the sudden weight of emotion in my heart.

"You impressed me even more, Ma'am Faith," he continued. "With the new building, the shifting schedule will end. Things will be easier for everyone."

I sighed. That's how Sir is-calm, professional. It's true he has feelings for me, but he never forces it. He never embarrassed or pressured me. In front of teachers and students, I'm just another teacher-a colleague, a partner in purpose.

Sir is a widower. Thirty-five years old. His wife passed away five years ago during childbirth. He was left with one child. People say he's only recently started smiling genuinely again-and that I'm the reason. I don't know. I still can't accept the possibility of loving again. Not yet.

"Oh, by the way," added Sir Jaecob, "the secretary from A.G. Company called. They asked if you teachers had any other needs."

"Really, sir? If it's for the teachers... maybe a printer. Most of ours are broken. We share, so sometimes it delays the preparation of materials."

"Noted, Ma'am Faith. I'll pass that on. Thanks again."

"Okay, sir." I nodded and forced a smile. As I walked out of the office, I felt lighter. Now, all the sacrifices felt worth it.

"Hey! You're still here, Charie? Don't you have class?" I asked upon returning to the room.

"Just needed to print something. Sorry, I used your printer. Mine's broken," she replied innocently with a peace sign.

"That's all? It's fine. Maybe the donor will include printers along with the classroom."

"WHAT? We were chosen? OH. MY. GOSH. FAITH! You're amazing!" she nearly screamed.

"You're so extra, Charie," I said, shaking my head with a laugh. "That was just one sentence, but you reacted like fireworks exploded with all those punctuation marks!"

"Yeah, Sir said there'll be a meeting at lunchtime. He'll announce it officially. We just have to wait for his message in the group chat."

I said it with a smile, but my voice still trembled slightly, as if my heart hadn't stopped pounding. I still couldn't explain the joy.

"So, if there's a meeting, why did Sir call you in alone?"

Her voice had a teasing tone, paired with a raised eyebrow that seemed to probe what I couldn't say.

"I don't know," I shook my head at her persistence. "Maybe... he just wanted to personally congratulate and thank me." But in my mind: "Thank me? He didn't even say thank you earlier."

"Aww! He just wanted to see you longer, I bet." She poked my side. I flinched, laughing-not out of giddiness. Or maybe just a little. But I didn't want to admit it.

"Stop it, Charie," I tried to sound serious even though I was smiling. "Finish printing and go back to your classroom. Your students might be fighting again."

"Oh! She's blushing! Kids, look! Your teacher's blushing!"

And she even dragged my students into her antics.

"Yes, ma'am!" A brief silence, then they all answered in chorus, like it was rehearsed. "We'll have our uncle from Japan court Teacher Faith so she can be our aunt!"

I nearly facepalmed. The laughter in the room was loud.

"Kids, your teacher doesn't want a boyfriend yet. Let's focus on studying, okay?" My voice tried to sound playful. But deep inside, there was a sting. Not from the joke-but from the questions I kept avoiding.

"Yes, teacher!" Again, in chorus. So playful, but endearing.

"You're the one to blame, Charie," I said to my unfiltered friend. "Dragging the kids into your nonsense. Get out of here before I lose my patience."

But my tone wasn't angry-just a reminder that jokes have limits. There were wounds I was still trying to keep closed.

"Hey, I didn't break any rules. It's not class time yet. The bell hasn't even rung."

She was still grinning, like nothing happened.

"The bell hasn't rung, but you've already clocked in, right?"

"I'm working, okay! Working with a bit of chitchat. That's how it is when you enjoy your job."

I shook my head and laughed. "You're something else. So loud."

But behind the laughter, teasing, and banter, there was depth. Behind every joke, there was a story. Feelings wanting to be expressed but held back. And in the middle of it all, I kept holding on to a promise I kept whispering to myself: Not yet. I'm not ready.

Our playful exchange continued. It felt so light being with Charie. Like a sister. She's the only one who knows my life story-the wounds left by the past. She's the only one who knows why I'm not ready to love again.

"But seriously, Faith... Sir Jaecob... is there really no chance?" Charie asked, her voice tinged with sadness.

"Charie..." I replied softly.

"Is it still him... even now?" she asked again, more gently. And in her eyes, I didn't see teasing-only concern.

I didn't answer. I just forced a laugh.

"Haha! I'm curious about what he looks like. Why can't you forget him?"

"He has two hands, two feet, and a nice nose," I joked. "Small teeth, loves to eat. Small tongue but knows how to lie."

"Wow, you're good at singing-even if the lyrics are different," Charie teased. "But... is he well-endowed?"

"CHARIIIIIEEE!!!" I shouted while pushing her out. I laughed too. This girl is crazy. But thanks to her, somehow... each day feels a little lighter.

Faith's POV

"Good day, fellows. Since I have some good news for you, let's share this simple meal in front of you," Sir Jaecob cheerfully announced, wearing a smile that seemed to hide a mix of excitement and joy. In that simple offering, you could feel the sincerity-it wasn't just food, it was gratitude.

"Wow! Look at that, Sir brought food!" Charls teased with a raised eyebrow and a playful tone. His real name is Carlo, but he prefers 'Charls'-says it sounds more fabulous. He's one of the people I lean on here. Like Charie, he's bubbly, unfiltered, but genuine. Charls is gay, but not into girly things.

"Yes, let's eat first before I share the good news. Come on, take your seats." There was a special energy in Sir's voice, like a child guarding a surprise.

"Jomer, sit here beside me. Here's your plate-I already put rice and your favorite adobo on it," Nicole said sweetly, though with a hint of drama. I could feel the sting of jealousy in her words. The kind where you want to say thank you, but you'd rather scream. As if I even wanted to sit next to Jomer. She can have him.

Charie, Charls, and I sat on one side of the table. I ended up at the far end. And of course, right across from me-Jomer. But the worst part? The only empty seat left was beside me. So here came Sir Jaecob, slowly sitting next to me while Charie kept nudging me, giggling. My face burned with embarrassment-I wanted to evaporate like water under the sun.

I noticed Jomer glancing between me and Sir. Then there was Nicole, shooting dagger-like stares. The kind that says, "Don't get too happy-you don't deserve it." Honestly, I just wanted to go home. Somewhere quiet. Somewhere without judging eyes.

"Faith, try the kare-kare."

"Faith, try the pinakbet."

Sir Jaecob and Jomer said it at the same time! They both tried to serve me food, but the dishes didn't even go well together. They exchanged sharp looks. The others at the table started coughing awkwardly. Me? I just wanted the ground to swallow me whole.

"Uhm... I'll just try the adobo for now, Sir," I said softly, but I knew they heard me. They both returned the serving spoons and resumed eating. The room fell silent, but the tension was thick-especially from Nicole, who seemed to have forgotten how to smile.

"Faith, would you like some juice?" Sir Jaecob asked, handing me a glass.

"Oh no, Sir, Faith is into healthy living. She doesn't drink that stuff. She only drinks fresh fruit juice. I'll take that instead, Sir!" Charls chimed in. I smiled. It was true. That's what I was used to-my mom is a dietician. Because fresh fruit juice has a lot of benefits for our body. I miss my mom.

Because fresh fruit juice isn't just a drink for me. It's a memory. A piece of home.

Every time I take a sip, I remember my childhood. Mommy would press oranges with her bare hands-no machine, just love. She'd pour the juice into a small glass, always the same one. "Drink this, anak. It'll make you strong, and happy," she'd whisper, tired but tender.

Back then, I thought it was just juice. But now I know-it was comfort in liquid form. A promise. That I was cared for. That I was safe. Fresh fruit juice is healing. It's sunshine in a glass. Natural sugars that don't just energize but uplift. Nutrients that don't just nourish but remind me that someone once made time for my well-being. It's simple, yes. But for me, it's everything. A drink that holds memories, healing, and love pressed and poured with hope.

"Hey! Faith! He just asked if you wanted juice, and you look like you're about to cry," Charie snapped me back to reality.

"Sorry, I just remembered something," I replied with a forced smile.

"Here's your water. Drink up so we can clean up."

"Thanks, Charie."

"I got you," she said with a wink. Honestly, even if she's a handful, she's the one who lightens my mood.

"May I have your attention now, fellows? Before I start-flowers for you, Faith."

And there it was again. Flowers. Spotlight. Where can I buy an invisibility cloak?

"Remember the A.G. Company that was choosing a school to donate a classroom to? As you all know, I asked Ma'am Faith to write the proposal, right? We were chosen! And not only that-each of you will receive your own printer!"

Applause and cheers erupted. But me? I was blushing, embarrassed. I looked around and couldn't escape Nicole's glare. A look that could burn you alive.

"You're amazing, Faith! Good thing you're with us!"

"No more waking up early!"

"No more late nights-thank you, Faith! My family will finally be whole again!"

Because every time he came home, his wife had already left for work.

Words full of gratitude. Honestly, they were nice to hear. But for me, it was enough to know I did something right. I didn't need flowers. I didn't need the spotlight. I just wanted peace.

"Oh, I just did what I could. It's all for the good of everyone-especially our students," I said shyly.

"Again, Ma'am Faith, thank you. You did great. Construction starts next month-just in time for the end of the school year."

Whew... thank goodness. At least the year is ending. A break from the noise. From the envy. From the judging eyes.

As I left the office, Nicole followed behind. And of course, she couldn't resist a jab.

"Feeling proud, huh? Congratulations, Faith! Pretty flowers-but they'll wilt in a few days. Just like your career. Tsk tsk."

Then she turned away. Like it was nothing.

"What's your problem? You're acting like you're not even a teacher. If I could kick you out of here, I would! I'd send you to Mars!" Charls was furious, ready to pull her hair.

"Charls, don't. Just let her be. She'll get tired eventually."

And me? I'll stay silent. Because sometimes, the real battle isn't in shouting. It's in choosing peace. And in a world full of noise, that's the bravest step.

Faith's POV

"You know what, Faith? Just a little more and I'm going to pull Nicole's hair," Charls said, fuming with anger, more intense than any woman I know. We were walking out the school gate to wait for their tricycle rides, while I planned to walk home after they left.

"Honestly, she acts like she's not even a teacher. Worse than our gossiping neighbors. At least they just do it for fun," Charie added, clearly annoyed.

"What's the difference between her and those gossipers who ruin lives with baseless rumors?" Charls said with a dramatic eye-roll.

"The gossipers don't have a license. That witch Nicole does," Charie replied with a laugh.

"Exactly! Haha! But they have the same goal-to bring others down."

"Hey, she's not my peer. I won't accept that no matter what."

"And why not?"

"Because I'm not a witch."

"Oh right, you're a dwarf, not a witch."

"And you're a tikbalang."

"Wait, that's harsh! Can't I just be a horse?"

I couldn't help but laugh at my friends' silliness.

"Oh, you're here, Faith?" Charie said, pretending to be surprised I was with them.

"Haha! I don't know about you two. Charls called my name first, but you two kept talking to each other. Hmmf!" I said, pretending to sulk.

"Sorry! We knew you'd just stop us from saying bad things about her," Charie said. And it's true-I don't want to waste energy on Nicole. I already have too much on my mind.

"You know what, guys? No matter what we say, we can't really do anything about it. That's just who she is. She knows herself. If she wants to change, great. If not, there's nothing we can do. It's her life."

"You're right. I just hope she changes jobs so we don't have to see her Monday to Friday. Ugh! She's so annoying. I feel like I'm getting wrinkles from the stress she causes," Charls said, his face showing pure frustration. If Nicole were in front of him, he might've folded her seven ways. Haha.

"Exactly. We'll just age and get uglier if we keep stressing over her. Let's just leave her be. She'll get tired eventually," I said, trying to calm them down since they seemed more stressed than I was.

"But Faith, if she picks a fight with you again, call us right away, okay? One snap from Charls and that stick of a woman will fall."

"Stick?"

"Yeah, stick witch."

"Haha! You guys are crazy. But thank you. You really make me feel better. What would my life be like if I hadn't met you?"

"If you hadn't met us, we wouldn't have met you either. Haha! Right, Charie?"

"You're really crazy, Charls. Haha! But we're always here for you, Faith. Just one call and we'll fly to you, okay?" Charie said, holding my hand. Her words made my eyes well up with tears.

"That's why I don't do heart-to-heart talks with you-you're such a crybaby. Come here, give me a hug." I stepped forward and hugged her. Even though I'm taller, I felt the sincerity in her embrace.

"Oh, my little sister. Stop crying or you'll get ugly. What if he doesn't recognize you next time?"

"Charie, come on," I said while crying.

"Hey, wait! Count me in. Group hug!" Charls said, acting flamboyantly now that we were outside school. Haha!

"Enough now, Faith. Let's hold on to each other. We're your allies. Think of us as your big brother and sister," Charls said while we were hugging.

"Big brother? Really, Charls?" Charie said, laughing and clearly not convinced.

"Yes! When it comes to you two, I'm your big brother. I can fight for you."

"Are you serious?" I asked, trying to end our dramatic moment. Haha!

"Of course not! Haha! With my beauty, I'd rather run home than get into a fight!"

We knew he was joking just to lighten the mood.

We were laughing together when Sir Jaecob's car passed by.

"Faith, come on. I'll give you a ride home."

"Oh no, Sir. It's okay. My house is nearby, and I could use the walk for exercise," I politely declined.

"Just come with us, Faith. Our tricycle service is here too," Charie said. She and Sir Jaecob are neighbors, so they share a ride to save money.

"Bye Faith, bye Sir! Take care of her!" they said teasingly, with Charie giving me a playful poke. I just watched them as they rode away.

Sir got out of the car to open the door for me. Once I was seated, he walked around to the driver's seat and started driving.

The school is only a few blocks from my house. Sir Jaecob drove slowly. The car was quiet, as if each second was waiting for the right moment to speak.

"Hmm... Faith," he finally broke the silence, his voice low and hesitant.

"Yes, Sir?" I replied softly, glancing at him, feeling shy.

He suddenly parked the car on the side of the road.

"Can I talk to you?"

"About what, Sir?" My heart raced, but I tried to keep my voice calm.

"About... us."

I swallowed hard. The air inside the car felt heavy.

"Sir, I'm sorry... but I'm really not ready to enter a relationship. You know my responsibilities. I just can't handle it right now."

I could feel I was hurting the feelings he was trying to offer me. But I couldn't give him false hope.

"Faith," he whispered, almost inaudibly. "I accept everything about your past... everything I have, I'm willing to give to you, to you both-just accept me."

Our eyes met. I saw the depth of his feelings-full of hope and fear. His gaze said everything he couldn't voice.

"Sir... it wouldn't be fair to accept you just because of what you can give. Especially if I can't give anything back."

"That's okay with me, Faith. Just being with you..."

"I'm really sorry, Sir," I whispered, trying to hold back tears. "But I'm not that kind of person. Love should be give and take. I don't want to be someone who only takes. And besides, there's someone out there-someone better than what you see in me."

I looked away. I couldn't bear to see his face trying to stay strong while slowly breaking.

He sighed deeply, gripping the steering wheel tightly. He slowly bowed his head, as if trying to swallow the weight in his chest.

"Then... just let me give you what I can... even if you don't love me back."

I felt the pain in his voice. I felt him letting go, even as he tried to hold on.

"Sir... how will you find the woman meant for you if you keep giving your attention to me?"

He didn't speak for a moment. It was like he was gathering strength.

"C-can I invite you tomorrow... for dinner?"

My chest tightened. I didn't want the conversation to continue, but...

"Sir..."

"It's my birthday tomorrow," he said with a forced smile, full of fragile hope. "I hope you'll grant me this. Just this once."

In the end, I agreed.