Where I Belong

Kabanata 5

School

After eating breakfast, inihatid na kami ng driver sa paaralan. The journey was quiet, with the hum of the car's engine interrupt by occasional small talk. As we approached the school gates, a sense of worry crept over me, knowing that I would soon be entering into a sea of unfamiliar faces.

Walking through the school corridors, I couldn't shake the feeling of eyeing from my peers. Whispers followed my every step, and curious glances seemed to pierce through me. It was as if the weight of their judgment hung heavy in the air, but I refused to let it reduce my spirits.

Upon reaching my classroom, I bid farewell to Austin and Archie, their warm smiles providing a brief relief from the uneaseness I'm feeling.

They headed towards their respective departments, leaving me outside the classroom alone. Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the door and stepped inside.

Ang silid ay puno sa ingay ng chikahan habang ang mga estudyante ay nag-aayos sa kanilang mga upuan, their eyes darting curiously towards the newcomer.

I scanned the room for an empty desk, feeling the weight of their stares like a heavy cloak. Finally finding an unoccupied seat, I made my way towards it, trying to ignore the prickling sensation on the back of my neck.

As I settled into my seat, my hands instinctively reached for my phone, seeking refuge in the familiar glow of the screen. Lost in my own thoughts, I barely noticed when someone approached me, the voice breaking through the haze of my uneaseness.

"Hey there!" came a cheerful voice, startling me out of my daydreaming.

I looked up to see a girl standing in front of me, her bright smile instantly putting me at ease. "Hi," I replied, offering a tentative smile in return.

"I'm Kate," she said, extending her hand in greeting. "And I couldn't help but notice you're new here. Mind if I sit with you?"

Relief washed over me at her friendly manner, and I nodded eagerly. "Sure, that would be great, I'm Brea." I said, gesturing to the empty seat beside me.

As Kate settled into the seat beside me, she began to chat animatedly about the school and its various quirks. I found myself drawn into her lively conversation, the tension in my shoulders gradually easing as we talked.

"Mind if I ask you a question? Sino sa mga Miller ang boyfriend mo?" ask by Kate.

My heart sank at Kate's question, feeling a knot of discomfort forming in my stomach. I shifted uneasily in my seat, not quite sure how to respond.

"Uh, well, actually..." I started, my voice trailing off as I searched for the right words. "I'm not dating any of them."

Kate raised an eyebrow, her expression curious. "Really? But didn't you arrive at school together with them? It's kind of common knowledge that the Miller brothers are quite popular with the ladies."

"Kaya pala grabe makatingin sakin yung ibang students" 

My cheeks flushed with embarrassment, realizing that my interactions with the Miller brothers had already sparked rumors among the students. Ngahirap pa akong humanap ng paliwanag na hindi magpapalala pa sa mga usap-usapan.

"Well, it's not what it looks like," I finally managed to say, frustration creeping into my voice. "I live with them. I don;t have any parents left so their parents wholeheartedly took me in."

Kate nodded slowly, her expression is shock. "Sure, I get it. Sorry if I assumed anything. It's just that the Millers are a big deal around here. They've been at the top of their game academically and in sports for as long as anyone can remember. And, well, let's just say they're quite popular with the ladies too."

As the day progressed, I found myself increasingly aware of the whispers and glances directed my way. It seemed that my association with the Miller brothers had already spread to the entire school.