University Files

3 - Beating the Unbeatable

"And the champion for this year's essay writing competition is Entry Number 3, Ms. Charmaigne Santos!"

The host did not even have to announce the winner. We all know who it is going to be. Charmaigne has an invisible "Champion" taped on her forehead. No matter where she goes, she is always at the top. No matter how hard I try, I am always the 2nd. No one remembers the 2nd anyway, it's like you're good, but not great enough.

Don't get me wrong, I am happy for Charmaigne. She's my friend and I am supporting her in any way that I can. But I also wish that somehow, in some way, I can also feel what it's like to be in the spotlight. I also want to be the 1st choice even just for once.

Charmaigne went to the stage to receive her awards-medal, certificate, and appreciation. I wonder when my time will come. Or better yet, I wonder if I will be able to experience that in this lifetime.

After receiving her awards, she went towards me, and we congratulated each other. She's smiling from ear to ear, and who wouldn't be? This is her 3rd championship this year. She always excels in everything. Writing. Arts. Music. I even asked her "What does it feel like to be God's favorite?" She only laughed and thought it was a joke, when really, there's a certain truth to that question.

"Charmaigne, Gia, it's a good thing I found both of you!" Our PE teacher, Mr. Ocampo said while gasping for air. Why is he here? The Sports Competitions are held at the university's gym. Did he run that far just to talk to us?

"What's going on, Sir?" Charmaigne asked.

"Your classmate won't be able to make it to the Badminton tournament. She accidentally sprained her ankle while training. The judges and umpire said that we can look for an alternative player, provided that she came from the same class."

Charmaigne and I looked at each other. Is he asking one of us to take our classmate's place?

"So I was thinking," he continued, "that maybe one of you can try it. I don't expect you to win, but it would be such a waste if no one from your class joined." He said, but I noticed that his attention was solely diverted to Charmaigne. Of course.

"I don't play Badminton, Sir. Or any sports, for that matter." She said, which stunned me and Mr. Ocampo.

"Really? That's unfortunate. How about you, Gia? Do you think you can try?"

I thought about it for a while. When was the last time that I played Badminton? It was probably many years ago, and I only played for fun.

"Am I going to compete against badminton players?" I asked, hesitant to accept his offer. I have to know what I'm getting myself into.

"Yes, but as I have said, it's okay if you don't win. You just need to take your classmate's place. No pressure."

I took a deep breath and I even surprised myself when I said, "Maybe I can try."

"Great! Are you bringing with you your PE uniform? You can wear that then proceed to the gym." He said and left without another word. He must be seriously busy.

Charmaigne grasped my shoulders. "Wow, Gia! I never pegged you for a sporty girl. We better hurry so you can get there in time."

And so we did. I changed into our PE uniform and we quickly headed to the gym. I instantly felt frightened when I saw my probable opponents. They all look well-trained. Did I just set myself to the road of shame?

"The next match will be between Psychology Class 3C and Social Work Class 3A." Someone announced.

Oh crap. This is it. Mr. Ocampo handed me a badminton racket, and with sweaty palms, I gripped it tightly.

I looked at my opponent. She looks really confident. She must be thoroughly trained. And here I am, like a chicken who's fighting in a flying battle. I obviously do not fit here.

I can even hear Charmaigne cheering for me and I honestly hoped that she didn't. It would be easier to be invisible if I horribly lose.

The umpire blew the whistle and I prepared to receive the shuttlecock from my opponent. Since she is at the right side of the court, she will be the one to "serve."

I gulped and waited for the shuttlecock to reach my side of the court.

Imagine my shock when I was able to receive most of her hits. She even missed some of my shots. During the match, I felt as if my body had a mind of its own. I never knew that I was actually fast and flexible.

At the end of the game, I went towards Charmaigne and she held my hand when she said, "I never thought you had it in you! You were so amazing!"

After a while, the umpire announced me as the winner and advised me to stay at the gym to wait for my next match.

I was sweating and I felt hot from playing, but my heart is blissfully happy. I've never won before. It felt good. For the first time, it made me proud of myself.

And I thought that maybe this is where I belong. I was trying so hard to follow Charmaigne's footsteps that I failed to notice that I was beating the unbeatable. I failed to see that there's a path entirely meant for me. I am not Charmaigne's shadow anymore.

I have found my place, and it is where I will grow.