Exceeding You

Chapter 6

Chapter Six
#EY06

It wasn't for me.

My eyes focused on the name above mine. Alpas Lozano, who ranked first again, has a general average of flat 99 for this semester. He made sure there's a huge gap between us, huh.

Lumingon ako sa direksyon niya at nakitang nakatingin rin siya sa akin. What's with his eyes? Naaawa siya? I don't need his pity. I don't need him to pretend as if he's not happy na natalo niya na naman ako.

Hindi ako kumibo nang lumabas sa venue. I expected Alpas to call my attention so I wasn't surprised when he really did. I just faced him with a stoic expression.

"You did good," aniya sa mababang boses.

"Congrats," sagot ko imbes na mag thank you sa sinabi niya. I extended my hand for him. "We're friends now because you managed to remain on your rank."

Hindi pa rin siya nagsasalita. He eyed my hand before he looked back on my face. I'm sure he knows that I'm not happy with the result. He's aware that I hate being second to anyone. And right now, I know he's also aware that I'm just trying my best to hold myself back from doing things out of rage and disappointment.

"I may not be someone important in your life but I want to say that you did so incredibly well, and I hope you recognize that," he said as he accepted my hand.

"Thank you." Yun na lang ang nasabi ko bago tumalikod at naglakad palayo. No words can uplift my mood right now.

Days before the awarding ceremony, I practiced on how I'm going to tell my parents about the ranking. This will be the very first time that I'll tell them I'm ranked second. I was always enthusiastic and confident when telling them about the awarding, ngayon lang ako kinakabahan at nawalan ng lakas harapin sila.

"I'm scared," I told Aldiera for I don't know anymore how many times over our Facetime.

"Girl, I know your parents. Yes, sanay na sila sa achievements mo pero alam kong hindi naman sila magagalit dahil hindi ka na rank 1. Ganyan naman talaga ang buhay. It happens. Ang mahalaga mataas pa rin ang grades at rank mo."

I sighed. "Pa'no nga kung magalit?"

Ngumuso si Aldiera sa screen. "Edi papagiltan din natin para quits."

"Baliw."

I plan on telling it over breakfast para hindi pa sila pagod sa trabaho. The thing is, it's hard to timing the moment given that we rarely eat together during breakfast.

Buti na lang ay pareho ko silang naabutan bago umalis at pumunta sa kaniya-kaniyang trabaho. They were both wearing formal attires that made me feel small for a moment. They both look successful, respected in their respective field. They look like powerful individuals. They deserve a daughter who can mirror the achievements they have.

"Mom, Dad. . ." I called.

Mom looked at me. "Yes, darling? It's Saturday. Ang aga mo nagising."

"I have something to tell both of you." I sighed inwardly, trying to compose myself. I practiced it so many times last night. The exact words I will tell them about my rank and approaching awarding.

"What is it?" Dad asked this time.

"About the yearly awarding po. . . It's on Tuesday."

Mom's eyes shined. "Really?"

"Yes and. . . I'm sorry to somehow disappoint you but unlike my past rankings, I wasn't able to bag the highest rank. I'm only second this time." Yumuko ako para hindi makita ang reaksyon nila.