It is hard to accept the fact that the last family I have didn't even support me. Instead, he chose his new family over me. He always does. How did he forget about his own daughter's another milestone in life?
I may be a rebel daughter but deep inside, I'm still simping for the care and support he can give. He's the first person I'm expecting to support me, and other part of me is wondering if he's even proud of me? Like what he is to Akira.
Am I that so bad to be discarded? All I want is to have his support because he's the only family left with me. If mom was just alive, I know I have my number one fan beside me. She would also go to school and show me how proud she is.
She's my number one supporter.
I felt a hot liquid pooling in both corner of my eyes so as the sudden lump stocked on my throat. I closed my eyes and let the morning wind breezed through my face as if it'll cool me down. The moment I opened my eyes again, it looked down the front yard and there, I saw they are leaving now. In Dad's car, Sharon and Akira entered. While Innov was looking upset, it's like he's hesitating. But when his mother called him, he immediately entered his own car and started its engine. I watched their cars until they both disappeared.
"Van! Geez, you're late! Where's our agreement yesterday?" Rocelia tsked after seeing me outside the gate.
I gave her a weary look."It's traffic that's why..." I reasoned out.
But since she's Rocelia, she didn't buy it. She narrowed her eyes at me and pressed her lips together.
"What took you so long?"
I sighed because I know I can't do anything to her stubbornness. She won't stop until she get the exact answer she wants.
"I once told you that my stepsister is a member of a dance troupe in their school, right?" She nodded repeatedly.
"So what about it?" She asked me. I stared at her wondering face.
"She's going to compete today as well and..." I blinked and trailed off.
"And?" She waited impatiently.
I tasted the bitterness again."She have her family's full support. Also, I heard Dad will watch her performance later. He even promised and he's willing to cancel all his appointments just for her. How sweet..."
I looked to another direction, blankly watching the students who are wearing the same outfits; t-shirts and jeans with balloons on their heads. Some are holding it, there are color coding in terms of props. For secondary, balloons should be red and violet while for tertiary should be yellow and pink. There were patterns, too when it comes to shirts. Each grade level should wear different shirts; blue for first year, green for second, orange for third and maroon for our batch.
"Vanez..." this is why I hate telling people how screwed my life is. I don't want someone show me some pity.
I'm tired of being pitiful to anyone else's eyes.
"Don't worry, it's fine with me. Please, don't show me that look. You're making me feel I'm so pitiful!" I joked, trying hard to be authentic.
She shook her head and held my hands."I wanna comfort you but I know you're not fond of cringe moments so I would just hug you," I stiffened. True enough, she hugged me, wrapped her arms around my body."Maybe this little gesture will ease the pain you're feeling. I just hope so," she giggled.
I blinked. I rested my chin on her shoulder and accepted her little offer. I faced her and made a small smile.
"Thanks, Lia. I appreciate it." Her eyes sparkled.
"Don't worry about them for the mean time! Let's enjoy the first day of intramural! Come on, audience won't gonna like if they see a haggard contestant!" She grabbed my wrist and I let her.
I rolled my eyes."I don't care if they won't like me."
She laughed loudly."My best friend is back! Van, welcome back!"
I rolled my eyes again. This is gonna be a long day for us.
I spotted the big difference between the normal days in school and the events happening every school year. All of the students are wandering around the whole campus, passing by and by with colorful balloons, bandannas and ribbons in their hands.
There were different booths located on the council's hall. We passed by their place. My eyes automatically rolled when it darted to the my most hated guy on this earth. Yukenzo's forehead creased upon seeing my reaction. Beside him is his dearly 'friend' Azel, the bitch has the guts to raise her unnatural brows at me. I looked at her with the same intensity.
I thought she's preparing already by this time.
"Later!" My attention diverted to Rocelia after I heard her low giggles. She put down her hands as I caught her waving at Vencie who immediately looked away the moment I caught them.
I  arched my brow at her. She suddenly, blushed. I arched my brow once more.
"Don't give me that look, Van! You're thinking wrong! Let's go!" She forcefully grabbed my hand.
I want to tease her more but I'm afraid she might sabotage my face later when she applied make-up to me. So I just zipped my mouth and shrugged off what I witnessed.
Nervousness came back to me as we entered our classroom. Three of our classmates have left inside, the two nerd and the unbothered guy.
"Just sit and relax here, alright? I'll just arrange my make-up kit!" Rocelia grinned happily.
I took a deep breath and watched her quietly.
"Did you bring the sports attire?" She asked amidst her doing.
I nod my head and unzipped my backpack to take the attire I brought."Here. Are these fine?" I asked doubtfully. She stopped from arranging her things and focused her eyes on the clothes I'm showing.
"Perfect! These are beyond fine!" Eyes were twinkling, her trembling hands took those from me."Where did you buy these? Looks expensive! Fendi and Tommy Hilfiger, wow!" I laughed a bit at her reaction.
"Dad bought those for me last year. But I'm not wearing those so, I planned to just stock inside my closet." I shrugged like it's nothing at all.
Her jaw dropped, looking unbelievably at me."What the flash?! You're just bluffing, aren't you?" I shook my head firmly. Her face look horrified even more."Vanez, oh my God! These clothes are my dream brands! Are you true?" Her eyes went alternatively to me and to clothes.
"You can have it once the contest is done." Her eyes widened.
"Really? I feel small! But I still have shame so---"
"Those clothes are yours after the contest. No buts." I cut her with finality.
I thought she would decline again but I ended up shooking my head when she threw herself to me.
"Thank you, Van. I'll wear these everyday. I'll take care of these..." I nodded."But wait!" I almost jump on shock when she shouted like she realized something.
"What?"
She's looking at me horribly."These are your Dad's gift for you!" She emphasized that I didn't get.
"And then?" She spanked her forehead.
"You're giving these to me! These supposed to have a special place in your heart... like sentimental value. Your father put an effort after all..." her face fell because she didn't receive any response from me.
"Van!" She's about to cry. I sighed.
"What effort? All I know is that he's giving me expensive things for him to do his wants freely. He's giving me gifts, assuming I'll feel his presence through those damn things. When I'm not the materialistic type."
She was about to interfere but I didn't let her."Just accept those. It's not a loss for me. Actually, I have many expensive clothes in my closet which are just unused. If you're not gonna accept those, we're not friends anymore." I picked my ace, then.
And I'm right because she's left with no choice.
"You know me too well."
"Likewise tho."
I'm satisfied.
She started putting make-up on my face. Like what I said, I trust her. But I don't trust myself. I'm so fucking nervous and my hands are fucking trembling! I'm biting my lips too hard to control my eyes from opening. Rocelia's currently putting eyeliner on me and it tickles my eyelid. Gosh! I'm not used to make-up since then. So girly.
I can feel the forming sweats on my forehead. She told me to part my lips and I did. I watched her putting mauve lipstick on my lips.
"Press it, rub then, part." She ordered.
I followed. I pressed my lips and rubbed then, parted.
"And done! Presenting, our beautiful candidate from section 8... Vanez Amelia Arnaez!" She clapped and playfully announced.
Our three classmates joined her silly show.
I watched my reflection on the mini mirror. I traced every edges of my face, and I can't deny how overwhelmed I am. I'm not aware I'm gonna see this new version of me. Somehow, I feel confident than before.
I wore the sports attire first before she started applying this girly things to me and I'm satisfied with the result. I caressed my face with a smile crept on my lips.
Then suddenly, a group of voice echoed inside the whole room."Go, section 8! Go, Vanez! Go, go, go!" There, our silly classmates with their cheering cardboards, balloons and tarpaulin with my picture on it.
I'm so shocked that I needed to blink thrice. Rocelia joined their yell and all of them walked towards me with their cheerful faces, unwavering support and posture like a warriors. My heart warmed.
"Go, Van! Take the title! Win it! We, section 8, are always behind your back, our dearest muse!" She winked at me and continued cheering me.
My trembling lips created a one genuine smile. Though I can't utter how thankful I am, I made sure that my eyes are expressing how I feel right now. I never thought I would receive this kind of heartwarming support from them. Thank you, section 8.
I looked at Rocelia, my friend, the only one who stayed true to me. Thank you so much...
I won't fail you, guys.