Short Story

ENTRY #FIVE

“How are you, honey?” the guidance counselor asked me. She was giving me a warm smile. I just looked at her, my mind fighting whether to tell her I’m good or to tell her the truth. So instead of answering, I just returned her smile. I wasn’t sure though if I really looked like smiling.

“Will you be fine?” I can hear worries in the voice of my mom. I know she wants me to be back in my normal life before that nightmare happened. And I know that this is one of the few steps I have to make. I nodded at her. “I’ll be fine, mom.”

“You don’t have anything to worry Mrs. Williams, we’ll look after her.” The counselor assured mom.

Mom left after a few words with Miss Smith. I stayed to have a little welcome back tour around the campus. It looks different. I don’t know why because the buildings are the same. For three years they didn’t renovate the school. It is still the school I used to come but it just looked different now. Does it really looked different or is it just me? That I don’t know.

Short Story

ENTRY #FOUR

          After more than two years, today will be the first time I’ll be going out of the house. What do the streets look like? Does it have taller buildings now?

          Am I really ready to come back to school? Am I ready to face the cruel world?

Short Story

ENTRY #THREE

        “Why do they have to do it? I didn’t do anything against them. I never bothered them. I wasn’t too friendly but I was kind to them. Why? Had they planned about it all along while they were treating me nice?”

        I was crying my heart out that time. I was so angry at them but I was too weak to fight. I couldn’t do anything to save myself. All I did was cry. It’s still very clear in my memory how I plead to them. I was asking for mercy but they just laughed at me. What can a weak girl do against a group of jocks and cheerios?

          I went to Keesha’s place thinking I’ll be joining a dinner-a formal gathering. I was too stupid not to think why on earth would a cheerleader invite me for a formal gathering? I don’t even belong to her list of acquaintance. I was just a mere nerd whom they commanded to make their school works.

          That night was a nightmare. Until now . . . it is still haunting me.

short Story

ENTRY #TWO

“Why can’t they understand that writing and reading are not only past time but a passion? Why are they calling me geek when in fact I am not? Why are they saying I’m weird just because I prefer being alone than going out on parties? Am I really boring? Is my life dull and no fun? ”

          It was two years ago. I knew I was really hurt when I wrote it. I thought I wouldn’t be a victim of bullying because I was making their homework. I thought they would spare me from humiliation because I never get into their way. I thought they would not treat me bad. But all along I just believed on the false hopes I was making myself.

          I was alright with my life. I was, really. But my cousins would often tell me to start going out of my comfort zone and begin facing the real world. They told me that it isn’t healthy locking myself up only to the family. I should at least have friends.

          I thought about it and came to a decision of becoming friendlier. Well, I wasn’t snob; I just found it hard to open up a conversation to anyone without being so boring. The only topic I could keep up to was the books I’ve read as well as the current social issues. I was also hesitant on being open to other people because I’ve never been close to anyone except from family members.

          Keesha was the cheerleader. She was so popular not only for leading the squad but also because she was the girlfriend of the Football’s Team Captain. They were the celebrities in school. They happened to be my classmates. They belonged to the people whom I make homework.

          It was natural for me that Keesha would come to me every morning to get their homework. That day was a little bit unusual because she invited me over for a dinner at her place. I refused but she insisted so I decided to agree because she was giving me her infamous you-won’t-dare-say-no-to-me look. And I wish I dared saying no.

to be continued...

Short Story

ENTRY #ONE

I was cleaning my room when I found my old journal. I recalled it was my journal three years ago. I stopped doing what I was doing and read some part f it.

“It wasn’t really much of a day. Nothing seemed different. I did my usual routine. I woke up early to get ready for school. I attended my classes. I stayed at my favorite café during vacant time. I got lost in my own world with my book and the delicious aroma of coffee. I went back home. And now, I’d be calling it a day.”

I realized I was so different back then. My life was simple. I didn’t have to worry anything except on getting A’s on my report card and what book to read next. I lived a simple and content life. I could hardly believe that three years could make my world turn 360 degrees.

I didn’t have enemies but I didn’t have friends either. I was alright being at the corner of the class treated invisible when they don’t need me. I was fine sitting alone in the library or eating alone in the cafeteria. I was used to being all by myself. I wasn’t anti-social; they just didn’t want me in their group.

I was the fifth wheel in class if there’s a thing like that. I was the nerdy girl whom the jocks and cheerios wouldn’t mind bullying because they benefit from me every day for making their homework. I was the miss-can’t-say-no wherever I go. I was so naïve then. I was always afraid. I didn’t know how to fight for myself.

My idea of happiness was being with a book and sipping a good cup of coffee. My idea of love was my grandparents growing old together and my parents aging together. My idea of fun was laughing my heart out with my siblings and cousins over a comedic movie or a silly joke. My life was alright.

Only three years passed but it’s already difficult to remember what it feels like to be that girl again. I didn’t change but the circumstances changed me. Or did I? Well, honestly I already don’t know. How could life be this unpredictable and uncontrollable? 

to be continued...

When You Become Not the Usual

One of the easiest way to stand out in a crowd is to be unique. Be different among others and surely you'll be noticed. But of course, it ain't a one way ticket. You'll be recognized either because you did amazingly good or because you did gruesomely bad.

This thing goes the same in liking a person.We all have different standards in befriending someone. Some friends we have are either because we knew them through time or it could also be because they just did something that makes us like them so much that we don't want to miss an opportunity of befriending them.

Well, right as of this moment I'm actually stuck in a situation of wanting to talk yet I just feel to shy to approached someone. Yes! There's a person I want to be friend with yet I don't know how to approach. Oh well, I certainly know how to approach, it's just that I'm ashamed.

Goodness! my friends would certainly laugh their butt out once they'll hear this story. They'd never seen me ashamed of approaching a new acquaintance. This is actually one of those rare moments of my life that I am not my usual self.

Where is the most friendly personality of mine? Where is that Miss Smiley in me?

Fine. I admit, I chicken out this time.Urgh! Believe me, it's so frustrating. HAHA

Why on earth am I on this page? So, here it goes.

There's a cafe near at school that i usually hang out whenever I have vacant time. Either I just want to chill out and relax or I have to make a requirement for school. About a week ago, while I was having my chill moment someone sat beside the counter I was occupying. I actually didn't bother knowing who it was because I didn't have a care at all. I was busy with myself and my thoughts wander to my thesis that I badly had to review before I submit it to my adviser. But when he spoke with his friend, I literally turned my head towards his direction. . . why? Because he speaks good English with an awesome accent!

Wait a minute. It's not new to me to hear people conversing in English because I'm living with an English speaking person. What's new to me is to practically hear two Filipino speaking in straight English without giving a damn care in the world. Gosh! I had been dreaming of having a friend that would talk to me in English at all times!

Yeah, my friend do know how to speak good English but they aren't comfortable in conversing that language every day. Plus the fact that most of whom I knew who hear me speak in English would either tease me or tell me I'm being OA. Like duhh? I just want to practice more because I want my speaking skills to improve!

So back to the story with this Mr. English Speaking guy, I wanted him to become a friend because he uses  English as his first language. Why did I say so? Well, I've seen him twice already in the cafe and nothing change. He definitely converse in English not only with his friends but also with everybody else he talks to.

Basically, it's settled that I want to be his friend. The only problem I have right now is to open a conversation without sounding crazy as I've been whenever I talk to my friends.

What? You're Getting Married!?

Probably the ever dreamt of a woman is to find the right one. Of course! Who wouldn't dream of a happy ending? Who wouldn't want their own fairy tale?

My cousin is one of those lucky woman who found her Mr. Right in no long time. She did not search for too long. It just happened! Unplanned and probably unexpected in some ways.

Amazing isn't it? And as her cousin who happens to grew up with her, I should be one of those who will cheer for her and cite my best wishes. I should be one of those who'll be excited and happy for her. Well, I am. I am glad she found the one she'll spend the rest of her life with. I'm glad that she's near to her happily ever after. I am more than thankful that she didn't have to meet a wicked witch in her fairy tale. I am glad for her. . . but you can't blame a cousin to be shocked and be overwhelmed of the news.

It hadn't been more than two years since her prince introduced himself to us. It hadn't been a year when I knew that my dearest cousin had been in a relationship. There hadn't been even a proper admission if they are officially a couple. Then, one night I'll get a news that she's planning to settle down. Who wouldn't think of it as a joke?

As bothered as I became, I didn't let a day or two pass without asking confirmation from her. So I did ask. I must admit that I was half expecting a confirmation from her and at the same time hoping that she'll deny and clarify that the news I've got wasn't true. I didn't exactly know why until I thought of it deeper. So, when she told me that she is definitely getting married, I was dumbfounded! WHAT? You're getting married?

You'd probably think my reaction was OA. But to tell you, I wasn't over-reacting. My reaction was pretty normal. Well at least in my own opinion.As I mentioned, we practically grew up together. She's just three years older than me so obviously our experiences weren't too different. The environment and time we revolve are almost the same. Same school from elementary until college. We introduced each other to our classmates and friends. We share secrets and dreams. We talk about plans.When I say plans, that includes the ideal marrying age and stuffs. I am firm with my idea of marrying at thirty while she said that her marrying age is negotiable at twenty five.

I was preparing myself for the chance that she'll probably settle down at twenty five but it never crossed my mind that she'll get married two years earlier. Yes! She's twenty two. A degree holder with  job and of legal age. What's not to settle? 

So what's my point in her? Well, it's probably to appease myself and to finally accept that plans are plans. we could either strictly follow them or we could also do otherwise.

To my cousin's fiance, please take care of her. Treat her not as a princess but as a queen. Respect her decisions and respect her. Be her best friend at all times. Love her with all the love that God showed. If you cannot do these, please do not pursue the wedding.