Diana Swan, once known for her kindness and authenticity, has been devastated by society's cruelty, its unrealistic demands, and its narrow view of femininity. Despite enduring mistreatment, she chose to remain compassionate, but even the kindest so...
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“Diana Swan?” It was Dexter, our class president.
“Yes?” I replied.
“The Dean wants to see you right now,” he said.
My classmates started whispering.
“Siguro, siya talaga ang pumatay kay Missy.”
“Pinuntahan na siya ng mga pulis kahapon, ah? Bakit nandito pa rin ‘yan?”
“Hindi ko alam.”
“Pero pinapatawag na siya ni Dean, baka aalisin na siya sa school.”
“Dapat lang naman.”
“Ang weird nilang magkapatid.”
“Mas mabuti pa nga na umalis na sila dito ng kakambal niya.”
“Can you guys shut up!?” Dexter yelled, making the room fall into a long silence.
I gave a bitter smile before grabbing my stuff and tossing everything in my bag. I left the room silently after that and forced myself not to turn around and see the sympathy in Dexter's eyes.
“Dean, pinapatawag n’yo raw po ako,” I said. Baring the nervousness from within.
“Please take a seat, Miss. Swan,” she said.
I took off the leather chair in front of her desk and sat down uncomfortable.
“I will get straight to the point, Miss. Swan. Our school is dealing with too much disruption from your brother. His actions from yesterday left a bad impression on many students. He is causing them anxiety, which is not a very good influence.”
“Ma’am, is it his responsibility to serve as this school's role model?” she seemed astonished by what I had said. But I am beginning to comprehend what this conversation is for, and I don't like it.
“Listen, I know it is hard for you to take care of your brother alone, but there are people that can help you with that.” My shoulder dropped after hearing what she said.
“Why is everybody saying that? Ma’am, alam ko pong hindi katulad ng ibang estudyante ang kapatid ko. Pero may rason kung bakit niya nagawa ‘yon. Hindi po siya suicidal, kaya bakit hindi n’yo po alamin ang totoong dahilan?”
“Miss. Swan, I know you're going to be really upset about hearing this, but your brother is not our only student here. We handle hundreds of students in each course. We can't give your brother special treatment.”
“He doesn't need that. Pang unawa lang po at wag kayong magbulag-bulagan sa totoong nangyari. Yun lang,” I muttered. She looked at me weakly.
“I think it's time for you to let him go. You can't push him to live his life like a normal person because he is not normal. I have arranged a meeting with an organization that could help your brother's situation. It is free, and I'm sure he'll enjoy it there.” I blinked multiple times, inhaling deeply. Finding out if what I heard was right. If she really wanted to separate me and my twin.
