My Unforgettable Spectrum (Cariñoso Series #1)

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Growing up, I was always under pressure. That I must never let anyone fail or I will be a shame to our family. That's how I felt because that's how they made me feel. That was one of the reasons why I don't like joining competitions.

I didn't like the idea of being the center of attention. I don't like socializing. I was always afraid of what they would think about me. I was always bullied for being a loner and quiet kid. I didn't have any friends. I was always compared to my sister. That she is a lot better than me and I was nothing compared to her. 

When I met Sebastian, everything changed. He would constantly defend and protect me from other children. And so it went. He never left me. He was always there.

The uneasiness I had been experiencing throughout the travel continued when we arrived at the competition venue. It was a large school. It has a basketball court and a soccer field. The event would be held in their auditorium, which surprised me because it was so spacious.

"Nervous, huh?" I stepped back when I suddenly heard Nate's voice behind me. 

"Oo naman, sino bang hindi, 'di ba?" I rolled my eyes at him. Duh, hindi ba obvious? Syempre kinakabahan ako! 

Maaga kami umalis dahil medyo malayo 'yung school at para daw makapagprepare kami. Huling kita pa namin ni Baste ay kagabi. Dinalhan nya ako ng dinner na luto ng Mama nya at kape na galing sa favorite kong coffee shop. He also sent his good lucks to me.

"Nate and Claire you can stay at this table. This one is yours. I'll be back, I'll just talk to the dean." Ma'am Tina caressed my hair before leaving us. 

Nag-review-review lang kami ng konti ni Nate. We didn't really pressured ourselves while reviewing dahil baka biglang mablack-out kami. May mga ganon pa naman akong moments! Sa sobrang pressure, nabla-blackout! 

Mas nadagdagan 'yong pressure ko nang malaman ko na nalaman pala ng Lola ko na kasali ako sa competition na 'to. Hindi ko alam paano nya nalaman. Hindi ko rin naman sinabi sa mga kapatid o magulang ko na sasali ako dito. 

While reviewing ay naramdaman ko 'yung pag-vibrate ng phone ko. It was from our GC.

Kinsley: Omg, Claire, good luck! I'm sure you can do it. ❤

Allia: GOOOOODLUCK CLAIRE!!!!!! MANALO O MATALO PROUD NA PROUD KAMI SAYO

Harleigh: Gooodluckkkkk Claire!! Kaya mo 'yan!! ❤❤

Terrence: GOOODLUCKKKKKKKKKKK CLAIREEEEEEEE LAGI KAMING PROUD SAYO!! KAYANG KAYA MO YAN!!!!!!!!!! SLAYY CLAIRE

My heart warmed. I reacted to all of their messages. I was waiting for Sebastian's 'good luck' but it didn't come. Okay lang 'yon. Nag-good luck naman na siya sa 'kin kagabi. Nagdala pa nga ng dinner at kape. Anong nirereklamo mo, Claire? 

"Good morning students," a voice that made us all go back to our senses. Hininto muna namin 'yung pagrereview. "Welcome to Berkshire International School. Today, a huge event will happen and it will open opportunities to students. I wanted to give all my luck to all of you. May the best students win!" The principal of the Berkshire smiled. The name of the school was familiar to me, though. 

It was one of the most best schools in the country. Hindi ko lang maalala saan ko na narinig 'tong school. Or baka sa TV lang? 

Lalo ko naramdaman 'yung kaba ko nang makita 'yung mga judges. Some look like they are from other countries and professionals. I parted my lips when I saw the lady that I saw last time with Ma'am Tina. She looks elegant and sophisticated. 

"Good luck mga 'nak. Whatever happens proud ako sa inyo, okay?" Binigyan kami ni Nate ng malapad na ngiti at mahigpit na yakap ni Ma'am Tina. "Introduction na. I'll be at the back, good luck!"