Unknown Happen Stance

Chapter 29: More Notices of Belittling

Chad stood up, his heart pounding in his chest as he faced his peers in the lush garden behind the centuries-old castle that now served as their high school. The sweet scent of blossoms filled the air, mingling with the soft rustle of leaves—a serene backdrop for the emotional confession he was about to make. He glanced at Jane, the daughter of the Fairy Godmother, who stood at the front beckoning him up, her eyes shining with encouragement.

"I'd like to say something about myself, Jane," he began, taking a deep breath, each inhalation grounding him in the moment. Jane nodded with a reassuring smile, her presence providing the warmth he needed.

"Prince Chad, thank you for being our first volunteer to share your story. I am proud of how far you've come," Jane proclaimed her voice radiating kindness making him feel a little less alone.

Chad looked out at the garden, its vibrant colors reflecting the complex emotions swirling inside him. "Everyone knows me as Prince Chad Charming, the oldest son of Prince Henri Charming and Princess Cinderella of Cinderella's Burg. I come from a big family. . . His voice faltered as he processed the tapestry of names and relationships that had shaped him.

"I have a grandmother-in-law, Queen Arielle, my grandfather Prince Eric, my uncle Teths, my aunt Melody, and my step-aunt Anastasia..." He paused, feeling the mixture of pride and pain as he spoke these familiar names. Each one resonated in his heart, revealing the complexities of familial love and rivalry.

"Why did I become such a jerk?" Chad continued, his voice trembling as he opened up about his struggles. "I can sum that answer up in one word: neglect. My family is so tightly knit that I often felt like an outsider, watching from the sidelines. I couldn't find my place." He looked around at his classmates, feeling the weight of their gazes, some filled with sympathy, others with skepticism.

"Two years after I was born to my family, everything changed when my baby sister, Chloe, was born. Suddenly, I was no longer the center of attention," he confessed, a sense of betrayal creeping into his words. "My mother adored her, showering her with affection while I felt cast aside, longing for the warmth I once had. My dad tried to instill humility in Chloe, but the love surrounding her overshadowed those lessons. I became bitter, rebellious—a twisted reflection of the neglect I felt."

Chad glanced at the flowers blooming vibrantly around him, taking a moment to collect his emotions. "In my pain, I lashed out. I exploited my relationships, forcing my girlfriends to do my homework, and when they faltered, I turned them in for cheating on school tests. I realize now how much I've hurt others, and I am truly sorry for it. Evie had every right to call me the biggest jerk in the land, and I'm ashamed that my actions have fueled her words."

As Chad's words echoed in the serene garden, he felt a knife of remorse deep within him. "My so-called charming family isn't as charming after all." His voice lowered, becoming barely audible, yet filled with an earnest plea for understanding.

From the crowd, Mal let out a heavy sigh, feeling a deep connection to his pain. She recognized her own feelings of neglect due to her father Hades and understood the struggle of navigating family expectations and personal identity. She glanced at Jay and Carlos, who remained unaware of her lineage, and felt the weight of their shared experiences materializing in that moment.

"I'm not a good role model," Chad concluded, inhaling deeply, his voice thick with emotion. "But I want to be better than I've been." The vulnerability of his admission hung heavily in the air, prompting introspection among his peers.

Jane stepped forward, her face glowing with compassion. "We all have our struggles, Chad. It takes courage to admit when we're wrong and to want change. That's the first step towards growing into the people we aspire to be." Her words resonated, with the wisdom inherited from her mother, striking a chord within the hearts of everyone present.