Iyah stood at the edge of the playground, clutching her backpack tightly. A group of kids laughed nearby, their voices ringing with mockery. She felt her heart race as they turned their attention toward her.
"Look, it’s Iyah the weirdo!" one of them shouted, smirking. They approached, circling her like predators.
“Why don’t you go back to your corner and draw your little pictures?” another chimed in, gesturing at her sketchbook.
Iyah’s cheeks flushed as she gripped the strap of her bag, her eyes darting for an escape. She wanted to say something, to stand up for herself, but the words tangled in her throat. Instead, she took a step back, hoping they would lose interest.
But they didn’t. The laughter grew louder, and she felt small and invisible, her creativity turned into a target. In that moment, all she wanted was to disappear.
---
When Iyah walked through the door, her shoulders slumped, and her eyes were downcast. Ariah immediately noticed the change in her daughter’s demeanor.
“Iyah, sweetie, what’s wrong?” she asked, concern etching her features as she knelt to meet her eye level.
Iyah hesitated, the day’s hurt swirling in her mind. “Nothing,” she mumbled, but Ariah could see through the facade.
“Come sit with me,” Ariah said gently, guiding her to the couch. “You can tell me anything.”
With a sigh, Iyah finally opened up, sharing the hurtful words that had pierced her heart. Ariah listened intently, wrapping an arm around her, determined to help her feel safe and loved.
Iyah took a deep breath, her voice trembling as she spoke. “Mom, some kids at school... they were really mean to me today. They called me names and laughed at my drawings.”
Ariah's heart ached at her daughter's words. “I’m so sorry, honey. That’s not okay. You didn’t deserve that.”
Tears filled Iyah’s eyes as she continued, “I just wanted to share my art, but they made me feel stupid. I felt so alone.”
Ariah squeezed her shoulder gently. “You’re not stupid, Iyah. Your art is beautiful, and it’s a part of who you are. Those kids don’t understand that.”
Iyah nodded, feeling a mix of sadness and comfort. “I just wish I could fit in.”
“You will find your people, I promise. And if anyone ever bullies you again, you can come to me. We’ll figure it out together.” Ariah’s words wrapped around Iyah like a warm blanket, reminding her that she wasn’t alone.
Later that evening, Ariah sat down with her wife, Mac, her expression troubled. “Mac, I need to talk to you about Iyah.”
Mac looked up from her book, sensing the seriousness in Ariah’s tone. “What’s wrong?”
Ariah took a deep breath. “Iyah was bullied at school today. Some kids made fun of her drawings and called her names.”
Mac’s face tightened with concern. “Oh no. How did she handle it?”
“She’s really upset,” Ariah replied, her voice trembling. “I tried to comfort her, but I can see how much it’s affecting her. I’m worried she’ll start to feel like she doesn’t belong.”
Mac frowned, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “Those kids have no idea how special she is. We need to do something.”
“I know,” Ariah agreed. “I was thinking we should talk to the school, maybe even set up a meeting with her teacher. She shouldn’t have to face this alone.”
“Absolutely,” Mac said firmly. “Let’s make sure she knows we’re here for her, that she’s loved. We can’t let this break her spirit.”
Together, they resolved to support Iyah and ensure she felt safe and valued, determined to protect their daughter from the pain of bullying.
-----
In the morning, Ariah entered the kitchen, ready to ask Yaya to help Iyah get ready for school. “Yaya, can you help Iyah with her breakfast and pack her bag?”
Yaya looked up, concern in her eyes. “Actually, Ma'am, I think you should check on her first. She’s not feeling well.”
Ariah’s heart sank. “What do you mean?”
“Iyah was up all night with a fever,” Yaya replied softly. “I didn’t want to disturb you, but she seems really sick.”
Ariah rushed to Iyah’s room, her worry mounting. She found her daughter curled up under the blankets, pale and shivering. “Iyah, sweetie, are you okay?”
“I don’t feel good, Mom,” Iyah murmured, her voice weak.
Ariah knelt beside her, gently brushing her hair back. “Let’s get you comfortable. No school today, okay? We’ll take care of you.”
Ariah quickly grabbed her phone and called Mac. “Hey babi, can you come home? Iyah is sick. She’s running a fever and can’t go to school.”
“On my way,” Mac replied, concern evident in her voice.
After hanging up, Ariah decided to call Eireen, her close friend and a nurse. “Eireen, can you come over? Iyah is really unwell, and I’m worried.”
“Of course, I’ll be there in a few minutes,” Eireen said reassuringly.
As Ariah hung up, she sat beside Iyah, rubbing her back gently. “You’re going to be okay, sweetheart. We’re all here for you.” She hoped that with the support of Mac and Eireen, they could help Iyah feel better soon.
Then, Ariah called Mairwen, her other daughter. “Mairwen, can you come downstairs? Iyah isn’t feeling well.”
Mairwen appeared a moment later, worry etched on her face. “What’s wrong with her?”
“She’s running a fever. We need to keep an eye on her,” Ariah said, pulling Mairwen close.
“Can I help?” Mairwen asked, determined.
“Absolutely. Let’s make her some tea and keep her comfy until your Mama gets here,” Ariah replied, grateful for Mairwen's support as they worked together to care for Iyah.
Mac rushed through the door, still in her work clothes, her face set with concern. “Where’s Iyah?” she called out, quickly making her way to the bedroom.
“She’s in her room, resting,” Ariah replied, following closely behind.
Mac entered, kneeling beside Iyah’s bed. “Hey, sweetheart,” she said softly, brushing a strand of hair from Iyah’s forehead “How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay, just tired,” Iyah murmured, her eyes flickering with fatigue.
Mac exchanged a worried glance with Ariah. “We’re going to take good care of you, alright? your ninang Eireen are here too.”
Mairwen stepped forward, holding a cool cloth. “I’ll help keep you comfortable, Iyah. Let’s make sure you’re feeling better soon.”
Mac smiled at her daughters, grateful for their closeness. “We’re all here for you, Iyah. You’re not alone.”
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La Familià (Lim X Vergara Family) Au
Fanfictionwhen Selah (🐰) the daughter of Charles and loyden Vergara, she is an only child who grew up with a luxurious life but also grew up as a spoiled brat, a bully who likes to insult Others , she has everything and her life is almost perfect, but one da...
