Mr. Wrong (Mr. Series #1)

Chapter 33

The day of midterm exams passed quickly. I couldn't concentrate because I had so many thoughts in my mind. I was trying to focus, but I was too occupied with these problems.

After a few days, the results came out. I know for myself that I won't be able to pass the exam perfectly. I am distracted, and the fire inside me is not burning anymore.

My life is ruined now. I don't know how to face people anymore. Even my classmates were looking at me out of disappointment. They are maybe asking what the hell is going on with me. I saw some of my classmates were happy about the result because, finally, their standing had improved.

I heard their rumors about me, but I chose to ignore them and head to the dean's office because I was called again.

"Have a seat," Dean Rivera said when she saw me enter the room. I sat in front of her and waited for her to tell me why she wanted me to be there.

I heard her sigh. "Are you alright, Miss Velasco? Mukhang namamayat ka," puno ng pag-aalala niyang sambit sa akin habang sinusuri ang pangangatawan ko.

"O-okay lang po ako, Dean. Bakit niyo po ako pinatawag?" deretso kong tanong kahit na mukhang alam ko na kung tungkol saan ang pag-uusapan namin.

"It's about your performance this term. I have seen your exam results. It is not the grade we expected from you. Do you have any problems that might be the cause of this?"

Hindi ako nakasagot. If I can tell her what's bothering me, I will, but that will only make things worse. She might be disappointed.

"I don't know what's happening around you, and I don't want to pressure you more, but you really need to focus this time. You need to make up for the final exam, Sheen May. Don't forget why you started this."

I sniffed. "I have not forgotten why I started this dean, but would it make everyone I love proud of me?" tanong ko. I remember how my father told me last time that I should stop aiming for it because that wouldn't make him fond of me. It hurts me so much that all my efforts were in vain. I really thought that graduating with the highest honor would make him at least notice me.

"Are you telling me you're quitting? Are you going to waste all of your efforts because of those reasons? Weren't you the one who wanted this?"

I questioned myself again. Gusto ko ba talaga ito para sa sarili ko? O ginusto ko lang para kay dad?

"I remember your face when you always came here and showed me your perfect scores; your smiling face every time I told you your high grades. Have you forgotten how happy you were?"

I bit my lip.

"Do this for yourself instead, not for them. People who love you will be proud of your success. You don't have to consider people who are not happy with your dreams."

Nanatili akong nakikinig sa kaniya.

"I told you before, Sheen May, that I am not pressuring you to get the highest honor. It is still up to you. I am just here to remind you of what you seem to have forgotten. You know that I'll be happy even if you don't get that award, as long as you're genuinely happy with yourself and with your life."

Those words felt so warm in my heart. It's been a long time since someone comforted me like this.

"Is something bothering you? You can ask me anytime if you need help, Sheen May. You're not alone."

Her worried eyes convinced me that she was so sincere in showing her care for me, reminding me that I am not alone in this world. I didn't expect to hear those words from someone who is not my family. Mukhang totoo nga ang sabi nila, it can be called a family even if you're not blood-related but where you also feel at home.