Forbidden Relationship (Forbidden Series #3) (Completed)

Chapter 5

After that day, I often found myself taken aback—frequently left speechless—only for someone to approach me unexpectedly. Whenever I let out a shriek, my classmates would roll their eyes.

I may claim to be fine, but the memories of that night still linger vividly in my mind. The harassment I endured is something I cannot easily forget.

It was a traumatic experience. I no longer wish to stay in the waiting shed, especially when the woman who often sits there is present, waiting to be picked up. Her presence somehow eases my anxiety, yet she gives off an intimidating aura that could unnerve even a saint.

Seated at the far end of the bench, I often went unnoticed by her, as she always occupied the seat nearest the school gate.

I frequently observed Zyron and his companions during their campaign activities. As they exited the gate together, his gaze never landed on me, since I always kept my head down.

Despite the persistent bullying, I remain grateful to the Lord for giving me the strength to persevere. Several months passed until the end of the first semester. While I didn’t secure the top spot in class and occasionally found myself struggling during reviews, perhaps being second in the room was enough for my parents.

"Pangalawa ka lang?" tanong ni Daddy habang nakaupo ako sa aking study table at magkatawagan kami dahil chineck nila ni Mommy ang grades ko.

"Daddy, Aiko is really smart. He always beats me in recitations," I said.

"You’re intelligent, Aphle. You surpass everyone in that aspect," Mommy said, offering her encouragement—though I sensed an underlying message in her words. "Do you have a lover already? Remember, staying focused on your studies is what keeps you at the top."

"I'm sorry, Mommy," mahina kong sinabi.

"Your Daddy and I don’t simply want your apologies. What we want is for you to consistently rank first in your class—and across the entire strand," Mommy asserted. "I’ve always emphasized that your academic success is the best way to repay us, yet you still haven’t achieved it."

I held the top position in my class from kindergarten to Grade 10. Until now, even if I’m just second, it’s still not enough.

"Maybe your peers here are right. Maybe you only get the top spot because of your friendships with the teachers. If that’s the case, then prove you can do it somewhere else," she said sternly.

Hindi naman ganoon kadali 'yon. Magkaiba ang mga teacher ko noon, sa mga teacher ko ngayon. Wala akong pwedeng maging kaibigan sa kanilang lahat. Ibang-iba sila sa mga teacher ko roon. Dito, hindi nila ako tinuturing na estudyante, sila pa ang nam-bu-bully sa akin minsan.

"Enhance your grades, Aphle. You are no longer a child for us to instruct on what to do. You should be aware of your standing. Settling for second place is not enough; you must strive for first," Daddy remarked.

"Mom, Dad," boses iyon ni Ate Grapes. "Kamustahin niyo kaya muna si Aphle kung ayos lang ba siya. Kayo na rin ang nagsabi na hindi siya magiging pangalawa kung nag-fo-focus siya sa pag-aaral niya. Paano makakapag-focus 'yan kung parang na-bu-bully ata siya."

Tears welled up as I listened to Ate Grapes' voice. She may not be talkative, but her words are always precise and impactful.

"Na-bu-bully? Paano siya ma-bu-bully doon?" tanong ni Kuya Mark.

"Kuya, 'wag kang magbulag-bulagan. Alam natin ang reason." Kahit hindi ko nakikita, alam kong umirap na si Ate Grapes kay Kuya Mark.

"Shut up, you two," saway ni Mommy sa dalawa kong nakakatandang kapatid na palaging parang aso at pusa. Never na nagkasundo.