Chapter 1: The Shadow of Second Place: A childhood dream of academic excellence clashes with the bitter reality of second place. Driven by her mother's brilliance, our protagonist grapples with a shocking betrayal and a devastating question: Is she truly just a second-best? Prepare for a heartbreaking start to a powerful story of ambition and self-discovery.
Chapter 2: The Reluctant Reignition: Two years of pandemic-induced apathy are shattered as school resumes. Our protagonist, fueled by a burning desire for the valedictorian title, navigates the shifting landscape of familiar faces and unexpected friendships. But will old rivalries resurface, or will new alliances forge a path to success?
Chapter 3: Friends, Rivals, and Betrayals: Sixth grade brings a whirlwind of shifting alliances and surprising betrayals. As friendships deepen and rivalries intensify, our protagonist confronts the true colors of her classmates, navigating complex relationships and academic challenges. Will loyalty prevail, or will deceit shatter everything she's built?
Chapter 4: Christmas Chaos and Unexpected Alliances: The festive cheer of the annual Christmas party is overshadowed by simmering tensions and a shocking betrayal. Unexpected alliances form amidst the games and celebrations, leading to surprising partnerships and heartwarming moments. But can these fragile bonds withstand the pressures of the upcoming exams?
(More chapters to come)
Chapter 1
I always wanted to be smart — just like my parents. But specifically my mother, she had been the best in everything. I don't even know how'd she got that understanding towards hard equations. So even as a kid, I wanted to be like her— no, be her.
It had been my goal when I started elementary. Coming inside the unfamiliar fortress of Aurora school made me feel uneasy. Yet, the determined me is still inside, it's burning weak but it's there. For some reason I didn't reach the 'first place'. It was James who did. When I read the news, I was constantly asking myself, "how could he accept that medal happily and proudly when he knows that he copied all my answers every freaking exam?" but nothing came to mind.
At home my parents hosted a celebratory party for my achievement (as they always do). I smiled, waved, and thanked the pleasant comments of my relatives but as I casually glanced at this silver medal that was hanging around my neck, like a remainder of my failure — I constantly found myself asking yet another question that'll hang around; " am I just a second placer? ".
The near end of the party finally came, guests bade their farewell and congratulated me once again, I found a cozy place to settle and finally eat with my mother but suddenly I sobbed.
" oh, baby girl what's wrong? " she softly asked as she rubbed my back gently.
" sorry mi (I call my mom 'mimie'), sorry. " I said over the sobs, I couldn't even look at her straight in the eyes. I was ashamed.
I can feel my mother's hand wrapped onto me as I sobbed harder.
" it's okay, baby girl. It happens— and it isn't your fault. " she smiled warmly. " you were sick and couldn't participate much in school, remember? "
" but... "
" no. " she said firmly. " it's just a medal, " she looked at me straight into my eyes. "and as I said earlier you were sick. But promise me baby girl, when the important time comes you'll do your best and beat me, alright? "
" yes, I'll do better. " I smiled.
--
Ever since then I made sure that I'll always do better.
In second grade I beat James and honestly it was the most satisfying thing that I have ever done— claiming what's truly mine.
My gold medal was constantly hanging around my neck up until after 3rd grade. It was when a pandemic erupted.
I was locked behind these invisible bars in our house but I haven't complained, it was relaxing at stuff. But the fire inside me had been extinguished when I heard that they won't be giving any medals anymore. Now, my mother is getting nervous thinking that maybe I wasn't smart enough. Eh? No medal, no care.
--
Months of watching anime and ignoring my schoolworks turned to years — two years to be exact.
Chapter 2
Time flies so fast— the pandemic is now gone and boom! We'll be back to school.
In the sixth grade, they said it's a turning point of your academic journey, " you're halfway there. " they said. I believe in that, so I did change. While the other girls wanted to look prettier, lovelier, and like-ier (the ones that I knew, who annoyed me). I got other plans, I wanted to look smart and be smart. That valedictory speech is mine— only mine. It's like having the feeling of someone or something had poured gasoline inside me and it caused a massive forest fire. I really do love this feeling.
--
I stepped inside the now-familiar grounds of Aurora school. The familiar buildings, the crisp air of the afternoon, the shade of leaves, and the classrooms. Yet, some of the background changed (I mean why wouldn't it change? It was two years, duh), but I didn't actually care, my plans were set and that's all that matters the most.
I navigated my way towards a familiar teacher and asked which classroom I was assigned, luckily she still remembered me and pointed out where it is. I got in the room— a simple school room alike (this is school of course it'll still be a normal classroom).
Then I spotted a girl— tan, curly haired, overweight (sorry, but I'm just describing her), and smiled warmly. Wait. Did I say "smiled warmly "? Oh, she did! Petal, a schoolmate before, I've noticed her— dunno why, she's just familiar. I smiled back at her and waved casually, she motioned me to take the seat right next to her.
She gradually became chatty (even chattier than I am)— she truly talks about everything. We didn't even notice a figure emerging from the door, not until I turned around. Oh, it was a girl. Kinda tall (probably because I'm taller than her), curly or should i say wavy hair, and tan. She smiled shyly and I sent her a friendly wave— though i noticed she was really quieter than me and petal is, so I didn't push her on a conversation but I did give her a candy. Petal suddenly started talking again—nonstop. Our topics were our classmates before, which isn't here today. Damn them.
Suddenly when I turned my attention towards the door, I saw a familiar figure— John. He was a classmate of mine. We weren't that 'super' close but we're good friends (i guess). The thing is, I hated it when my body suddenly moved without my permission. I don't know if that was a quick impulse and was totally normal— honestly, I don't understand myself but I hugged him, "John." I muttered under my breath (I was glad that I have a familiar face coming around). I guess he was shocked too because he stiffened (he was probably thinking if I was some kind of hugging lunatic), I quickly pulled away knowing my actions were unpleasant (more like a terrifying, lunatic, and weird one). Either way his sister greeted me "Hi, Sean right?" she said while smiling, John was staring at his sister (probably pleading to take him away from this lunatic). I nodded politely to his sister and walked back inside, feeling embarrassed. Petal quickly asked me if me and John were close but I couldn't say "no" duh! I hugged him! "Er, um, I do know him, we were classmates." I said while smiling awkwardly (lesson learned: Never trust your adrenaline for quick impulse).
Some of my classmates went in, like a guy named Fron, Marie, and even John (took him so long to settle in). The class now started. Our homeroom teacher was nice and super friendly (which I gladly thanked god). For our task on this very first day she made us write about our vacation and I unintentionally made it long. Though, I couldn't believe that my classmates were having a hard time doing that. I got some few grammatical errors— an overall 98%. Cool.
Chapter 3
Time passes, people show their true colors.
Here's my breakdown of what I had observed (mostly the people who had marked in my life, in both good and bad ways). It's been five months now.
Petal - she's nice, supportive, sometimes naive, buys you anything as long as you spoonfeed her the answers of any test or exams, and talkative.
Fron - nice gal, good looking, slow learner but he's willing to learn, anime lover, and my best bud.
John - Shy most of the time (he doesn't approach you first) but I'm too persistent to be ignored, kinda smart but super lazy, a somewhat rival, and one of my best buds.
Gella (the new girl) - I thought she was nice. But it's all a mere thought. She's always accompanied by her minion (Marie) scheming wicked things to destroy either me or my friendships.
--
As time drifted I have encountered the word 'change', Petal has changed, she became hurtful towards me (verbally), I'm taking the quick remarks of hers but not for long. All I wanted was for her to understand that I want her to focus more on her studies and not constantly asking me for answers. While me and Petal became a little distant, me and John did the opposite. We became close — like superb best friends alike. Before, I didn't want to fully trust him.
Because I thought he was a threat to my academics, I thought he was one of the antagonists of my living story yet here I am spilling him everything.
--
I'll go fast forward from all the dramas. Second grading was now approaching and I was starting to study more. Also, our annual Christmas party is visible in the bay.
I entered our classroom, John was there sitting— as usual he's somewhat early than I am, actually too early because it's just the two of us there. It was a surprise too that he was sitting at Petal's chair, right next to me (though, I'm not complaining, it's nice to have a space from her for awhile). I settled down next to him.
"You studied?" I asked while tucking my bag behind me.
"Nah, I didn't." he answered with a grin.
I rolled my eyes. Typical John, I don't even understand why he has high scores in his exams even though he doesn't study (well, there's a lot of things that I don't understand).
But "high scores" isn't enough, what I need are "perfect scores. "
At the time of the exam, my hands were vigorously writing. My fingers even throbbed when I finished. I was fast— maybe too fast. I paced back and forth outside our classroom, overthinking my actions. I abruptly stopped when John came out, stretching.
"Hallo." he called to me.
"You done? What was your answer to number 5?" I stepped near him.
"Um, uh, a, i guess?" he replied. Unsurely.
"ah, same, same." I murmured.
"Why? Is something wrong?" he asked while looking at me.
"No, it's just... Maybe I was too fast, maybe I was wrong, maybe..."
He held his palm in front of my face, "stop! You're speaking too fast. You know what time it is?" he didn't even let me check the clock. "break time! Ease your mind, take a breath, and a break. It'll be alright— as long as you study, which you did." he said with a grin and playfully nudging my elbow.
"Alright, fair statement. You know? I am starving." i grinned back.
We navigated our way on a nearby bench and ate our snacks— not peacefully but in a chaotic way. We talked seriously, we laughed heartily, and fought kindly.
It was nice to ease my mind for a bit, after those tiring days of memorizing, studying ancient formulas (for me), and of course, lacking the right amount of sleep.
--
Days passed and the results of our exams came.
"English 70/70, alright. Math 40/40, Science 39/40, T.L.E 80/80... What? 39/40?" I said, probably out loud because John was now looking at me.
"Why? What's wrong?" he asked.
"A mistake." i quietly replied.
He took my exam papers and reviewed it, "You left a blank, Sean."
I nodded.
Petal and Fron were now looking at me. But I couldn't comprehend what they were saying, my thoughts were drifting away until someone mentioned the word "P.E".
My face turned pale, expressionless, and mostly blank, "P.E?" i asked.
"Yeah, didn't you know? We'll have our annual P.E this friday?" John replied.
What. The. Hell.
I no longer felt the pang of hurt caused by my mistake but P.E?! No serious way!
Our teacher came in front, "Okay class, please settle down." we did. "About our P.E class this Friday, it will determine half your grade in P.E." she smiled. "But since some of you," she eyed me. "don't have some happy thoughts about it, we'll have groupings. Two teams. But you're not going to be which team you'll be in." she waves a jar. "you'll be picking here."
Gulp. Double gulp.
She pointed at me, "Sean why don't you go first? Then John, Fron, and so on."
I stood up, hands shaking, i picked a paper and sat back. John did too.
I peeked inside even though the teacher said that we're not allowed to.
"Psst John." i whispered to him.
"What?" he whispered back.
I pointed at his paper, "what's yours?"
"don't know yet... Wait you checked yours?" he eyed me suspiciously.
"Yeah."
He slowly opened his, I was silently praying it's group 1 so we'll be in the same group.
"uh, group 2?" he said, "yours?"
Triple gulp, "1."
Fron came near, "guys, shh, i'm group 1."
Phew, "good." i said.
John made a nervous face and suddenly Petal's paper flew in front of me, John quickly picked it.
He opened it and I think I saw a grin, anyways he handed the paper to Petal.
"okay class now tell me which group you are in." our teacher announced.
There were multiple ones and two.
"1." I shouted so she could hear amidst the chattering crowds.
"1." Fron said.
"1." John said, I looked at him.
"How?" i whispered.
"A miracle sends their blessings flying." he said and winked.
Okay. He obviously switched with Petal since she's in group 2 now. Honestly, he's really brilliant.
I'll give you the not-so-detailed about our Friday event. Group 2 won! And that's all that matters.
Me, John, and Fron were dancing like crazy. Petal alongside Marie and Gella were looking disgusted at us. I mean, why? Like we did our best—my best to achieve that even if I had asthma, duh! They don't have the essence of sportsmanship. But it's their life anyhow.
Chapter 4
A Christmas party came in a blizzard, a betrayal from Gell was still in the air. Speaking dirty of me. I did confront her but she dismissed it saying it was another person, bleh.
Games had begun at our party. Me and John got partnered on a game and won! We jumped, laughed, and hugged. It was, I guess for 10 to 20 seconds long. I feel like the background faded in a blur. Anyways, I pulled away and we both smiled, it was still a victory. Now everybody was looking at us, well, we both are close (friends). I kinda heard a sneer of chuckle from Petal nearby. But it all went normal after awhile.
--
Holiday vacation came and it was the best time of the year (for me). I'm still in contact with my buds, sending greetings and stuff.
--
Two months and third grading seems saying "hi there!".
Petal and I finally drifted away which was kind of sad because she was still a friend of mine.
Friendship, betrayal, and study issues are thick in the air. Rigid tests, assignments, and projects were consuming me, not to mention the dramas. I'm feeling a bit tipsy at this, like half of me wasn't really functioning. I can't deny Petal's actions now were abnormally wicked. Plus, when John and Fron will skip school, I feel alone. Eating my snacks outside while watching the fleeting scenery and what I hate about Gella, Petal, and Marie? They always find ways to have their chitchats near me.
I hate it when their presence seems to always haunt me whenever I go. They're talking, laughing, and smiling in front of me. They were doing what we were doing before— i felt sad, annoyed, and of course a lone wolf. I was shocked by Petals actions, how could she be so mean? Am I that bad? And I zoned out completely.
I know I'm strong but everything feels so heavy right now. My heart does aches, why wouldn't it? I was betrayed by a friend of mine which I did hold dear. I am smart but not a robot who wouldn't feel anything.
Yet one night after talking with my mother about it, I concluded myself silly. I don't even know why they despised me so much. Is it because of mere jealousy? I didn't care about looks, all I cared about was gold— the gold medal to be exact. A knowing smile is now playing on my lips, my mom went through these struggles before but she survived with flying colors. I wasn't going to let them crush me, to give them the satisfaction of my sulk— no, they weren't that important. All those pain that they caused me, I stored them up like a dam of gasoline and when the exam week came, i released it; causing a massive fire. I made them see what I truly am. I'm the "best" and they're just the "rest".
It felt nice, really nice. They plotted an evil doing once or twice but it failed.
I loved hanging out with Fron and John, we had the same humor— but sometimes Fron ripped off our brain to the point we couldn't even understand him. Nevertheless, they were my best friends.