Till the Last Game Do Us Part

Chapter 3

Atherelle's POV

The Same View

My whole world crashed out just like a snap of a finger. I am expecting this already. I'm aware of marrying a man they like for me, but marrying Clark?

Now I understand why he got the confidence to say that I will be with him soon. But do I have a choice? Even when I complain right now and convince them to make me marry another man, they won't hear me out. Magagalit pa ulit sila sa akin.

I want to marry a man who's not as possessive as Clark. Hindi pa nga naging kami ay gano'n na ang asal niya. Ano pa kaya kapag nagtagal na? And I don't think Clark and I will work out.

"Clark have an excellent record in school. You are the only heiress of our company and how can you handle it right? Mabuti sana kung buhay pa 'yong kapatid mo. Iyon maaasahan talaga. Ikaw?Wala kaming maasahan kun'di purong kabobohan lang." Walang habas na sinabi ni Dad.

Then why are they still pushing me to handle our business if they don't trust me?

I bowed my head, stopping myself not to mind his words. I am trying alright. This is also for my sister. Ako ang tutubos ng mga bagay na para sana sakaniya kaya kailangan kong gampanan ito ng mabuti. That's all I got and how can I be good in school? Ito pa lang ang kaya ko.

"Look at Angel. She can now handle their company. Nakakatulong na samantalang ikaw naglalaro lang ng mobile legends palagi. Anong maidudulot n'yan? Katangahan at kabobohan sa buhay."

I am hurt but I won't ever show just a little affection because what for? They won't understand me.

"I always prioritize my studies, Dad." I reasoned out

"You prioritize that stupid game, Atherelle." he contradicted me "Masyado ka ng nagpapaka-baliw d'yan sa larong 'yan kaya kinakailangan na magpakasal ka kay Clark para naman maisalba ka."

He sounded like I am that worse, but I did not talk. I'm just looking down.

"I'm disappointed big time. I don't expect higher grades from you this sem because what you can get is just a piece of trash. Walang wala 'yan lahat."

He stands up and left the dining with a disappointed look. Mommy wiped her lips with a table napkin before facing me. I want to ask for her help, but I know she won't hear me out. Wala na akong kakampi dito.

"Your Dad is right. Study hard so you can level your cousins. Nakakahiya nga naman ang record mo sa school. Masyado mo na kaming pinapahiya sa kamag-anak natin. And the least you could do is to marry an elite man." she said before finally leaving

Napayuko ako kasabay ng pagtulo ng luha ko sa kanang mata. I wiped it immediately and stand up with head held high, as if not hurting from the inside. I went back to my room with a heavy heart. Instead of lying down on the bed, I went to the veranda just to let my tears flow down to my cheeks. Umihip ang malamig na hangin at naramdaman ko kaagad ang lamig ng aking pisngi dulot ng aking luha. The lights were a bit blurry causing the tears that continue flowing from my eyes. I thought I am already used to this. Hindi pa rin pala ako namanhid sa paulit-ulit na pakikinig ng mga ganoong salita.

I am always being compared. I am always being compared to whoever the person is an achiever. Mostly, to my cousins and my sister. I am aware that I am way too far from them. I am very low compared to them and they always insult me through it.

What can I do? Ganito lang ako. I can't force myself to level the people who they always compare to me. I can't force myself anymore to reach their standards. I can't be the daughter they wish they have.

Minsan naiisip ko kung bakit ganito lang rin ako. Kung bakit ang mga bagay na gusto ko ay hindi tanggap ng mga magulang ko. Kung bakit ang mga kaya kong makuha ay hindi sapat sakanila. Kung bakit hindi ako naging kasing talino ng mga pinsan ko. Was it really me? Was I really the problem here? Wasn't I tried hard enough? Maybe, I am not enough. I always disappoint them; maybe this is my role in this lifetime. To be a disappointment to anyone. To be a failure.