"What?" Nicole stared at Julie in disbelief. "You invited her into our group?"
"Yes," Julie replied simply, meeting her gaze.
Kelly, who had been listening quietly, sighed. "I get why you want to keep Dawn close, but you won't even have time with your boyfriend if she's around." She shook her head. "That's the only time you and Cielo can really be together."
"Yeah," Melissa added. "Are you sure about this, Julie? Did Cielo even agree?"
"It's okay," Julie said quickly—then turned to Cielo, who had been listening in silence. "What do you think?"
Cielo exhaled. "She suggested the same thing to me—that she might join my group sometimes. She said she's afraid you'd all gang up on her."
"Oh," Kenneth scoffed. "So she wants to play the victim again."
"That explains it," Cielo said, squeezing Julie's hand. "Since you suggested it."
Julie smiled. "If you're fine with it, then we just have to be friendlier. You know the saying—keep your enemies close." She even winked.
Nicole sighed. "Since when did you start quoting sayings?"
"Well, she's not wrong," Kenneth said. "Let's play their game too."
"Oh—by the way," Kelly added, "Claire's been acting all friendly lately. How should I respond to that, Kevin?"
Kevin frowned. "We can't forget the kidnapping. Uncle confirmed it—Charles really owns that car. His excuse was that he 'lent it to friends.'"
"Everyone has an excuse," Gabriel muttered.
"Hey," Kelly said, "you still haven't answered me."
Kevin sighed. "It depends on you girls. Steph, Melody, Angie—what do you think?"
Angie shrugged. "I don't mind. If they want to pretend, let's see how long they can keep it up."
"Exactly," Chris agreed. "We use this chance. Act natural."
"And we still need answers," Dave added. "The money borrowed from Crisha, the passbook—where it went and what it was used for."
Chris turned to Gabriel. "Your turn to join their game."
Gabriel chuckled. "Gladly. I love games—and I don't lose." He grinned. "Besides, she's my girlfriend now."
Julie shook her head as Cielo laughed. "Just take care of her."
"Always," Gabriel replied.
Nicole could only sigh.
"Don't worry too much about Airah," Joel said gently to Nicole. "You'll be okay."
"Be careful with Charles," Gabriel warned. "I know who his next target is."
"And who's that?" Kevin asked.
"Your girlfriend," Gabriel said bluntly. "He's obsessed with Kelly. They met at St. Benedict—he's been after her since."
Kevin's expression hardened. Fear flickered through Nicole.
"Kelly," Kenjie said firmly, "don't go anywhere alone during the competition. Not even for a minute."
"Y-Yes, brother," Kelly nodded.
******
Later, Gabriel spotted Dawn walking beside Cielo—hands intertwined.
He slipped an arm around Julie and waved. Julie smiled warmly at Dawn.
"Coming with us today?" Julie asked.
Dawn nodded. "I thought about your suggestion. I'll give it a try. Cielo wants me included too."
"That's good," Julie replied. "So where are we going?"
"Anywhere," Raymond said. "We need to chill—exam week's coming."
"And I get to date my girlfriend," Gabriel added.
Julie laughed. "Don't get lost—it's been a while since you hung out here."
"Let's go," Joel said.
Inside the van—
"Julie," Nicole asked quietly, "does your brother know about this?"
"Yeah," Julie said. "I texted him. And my boyfriend's with me."
"That's good," Nicole smiled. "At least he won't scold you."
Julie turned to her. "Did you ask permission?"
"Of course," Nicole said. "As long as I'm with Joel."
"You, Melissa?" Julie asked.
"I'm good. My sister Kelly would panic if I didn't tell her. Our brother's chill—Kelly's basically our second mom," Melissa laughed.
Julie turned to Dawn. "How about you? We might get home late."
Dawn smiled softly. "I'm independent. No siblings to worry." She glanced at Cielo. "At least I have him."
Nicole nodded. "Strict siblings aren't easy."
They laughed.
"I'm really sorry about what happened," Dawn said. "Can you forgive me?"
Julie smiled gently. "It's fine. Just don't do it again."
"I won't. Cielo didn't like it either."
She really is Airah's friend, Gabriel thought. No matter how you hide it—I can read you.
"How long have you and Julie been together?" Dawn asked suddenly.
"Six months," Gabriel answered smoothly.
"Six months?" Dawn blinked. "Julie, you already had a boyfriend when you transferred?"
"Yes," Julie smiled. "Nicky, Melissa, Kelly—they all knew."
"Is that true?" Dawn asked Nicole.
"Yep," Nicole nodded. "That's why she ignored the Jason rumors."
"Oh—right," Dawn laughed. "Whoever spread those rumors should've done better research."
"Julie also told me about Crisha," Gabriel added casually. "How my girlfriend resembles her."
Dawn's expression softened. "She really does. Crisha was our dear friend… it's tragic."
Good, Gabriel thought. Let's see how real that sadness is.
"Yeah," Joel sighed.
"Please don't be mad at Airah," Dawn said softly. "She was just hurt. And Nicole—I'm sorry on her behalf."
Nicole met her gaze calmly. "She needs to know her limits. Joel isn't her boyfriend anymore—he's mine. Please remind her. I want peace, but she keeps attacking me."
Bull's-eye, Gabriel thought with a grin.
"I will," Dawn said, smiling.
"Oh—we're here already," Melissa said.
"That was fast," Dawn laughed. "You guys are actually fun."
"Told you," Julie smiled. "You just needed to hang out with us."
"Come on," Gabriel said, slipping his arm around Julie again.
As he held her hand, he thought quietly—
A low-key showdown… and we're winning so far.