La Familià (Lim X Vergara Family) Au

XI

The classroom buzzed with anticipation as the students settled into their seats, the air thick with excitement. Ms. Ramirez, their beloved teacher, stood at the front with a bright smile, her clipboard clutched tightly in her hands.

“Alright, everyone! Thank you for your attention,” she called out, her voice cutting through the chatter. The room fell silent, eyes fixed on her. “Today, I have the honor of announcing our representatives for the Ms. Zoe Christian School pageant!”

A ripple of whispers spread through the classroom, the students exchanging curious glances. Some were hopeful, others nervously biting their nails. Mairwen and Selah had been the talk of the class for weeks, each vying for the coveted spots.

“After much consideration and deliberation,” Ms. Ramirez continued, her smile widening, “I’m proud to announce that the representatives for this year’s pageant are…” She paused for dramatic effect, glancing at both students seated at the front.

“Mairwen from the ABM strand and Selah from STEM!”

Cheers erupted from the classroom, students clapping and shouting in excitement. Mairwen, with her bright auburn hair and infectious laughter, beamed at her classmates. She had always been a leader, known for her creativity and flair. Selah, with her quiet confidence and analytical mind, smiled modestly, her curly hair bouncing as she turned to Mairwen.

“Mairwen, you’ll be amazing!” one classmate shouted, while another added, “And Selah, you’re going to crush it!”

Mairwen stood up, her heart racing with joy and pride. “Thank you so much, everyone! I can’t wait to represent our school!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

Selah, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement, added, “I’m honored to be chosen and will do my best to represent all of you!”

Ms. Ramirez clapped her hands to regain everyone’s attention. “Let’s give a big round of applause for our representatives!” The class erupted into a cheer once more, the sound echoing off the walls.

As the applause faded, Ms. Ramirez encouraged the class, “I expect to see all of you supporting Mairwen and Selah as they prepare for the pageant. This is a chance for us to shine as a school community!”

After the announcement, the classroom atmosphere shifted to one of camaraderie. Students began discussing ideas for outfits, speeches, and talent presentations, all eager to support their representatives.

The excitement in the classroom quickly shifted when the announcement settled in. While many cheered for Mairwen and Selah, a different atmosphere enveloped the trio of Selah, Crielle, and Aviona.

Selah, driven by a fierce competitive spirit, glanced at Mairwen with narrowed eyes. “Can you believe it? We’re representing the school, and I’m not going to let her outshine me,” she whispered to Crielle and Aviona, who nodded in agreement, smirking.

As the days passed, the tension grew. Selah, with Crielle and Aviona by her side, made it a point to undermine Mairwen’s confidence. During lunch one day, Selah approached Mairwen with a condescending smile.

“Hey, Mairwen! I hope you’re ready for the pageant,” Selah said, her tone sweet but laced with sarcasm. “I heard you’ve been practicing your speech. I can’t wait to see how you’ll manage to keep the audience awake.”

Crielle and Aviona snickered behind her, their laughter echoing off the cafeteria walls. Mairwen felt a flush of heat rise to her cheeks, but she forced a smile, determined not to let them see her hurt. “Thanks, Selah. I’m just trying my best,” she replied, her voice steady.

But the bullying didn’t stop there. In the days leading up to the pageant, Crielle and Aviona orchestrated a series of pranks aimed at Mairwen. They would sneakily rearrange her props for practice, leave mocking notes in her locker, or whisper rude comments just loud enough for her to hear.

One afternoon, during a practice session, Mairwen found herself alone on stage, rehearsing her introduction. The spotlight felt bright and isolating. As she spoke, she caught sight of Selah, Crielle, and Aviona in the back, rolling their eyes and making exaggerated gestures.

“Look at her trying so hard,” Crielle muttered, loud enough for Mairwen to hear. “Does she really think she has a chance?”

Aviona added with a laugh, “Maybe she should just give up now.”

Mairwen’s heart sank, but she forced herself to keep going, channeling her emotions into her performance. Deep down, she knew she had to rise above their negativity. But the pressure weighed heavily on her shoulders.

That evening, as she sat on her bed, Mairwen confided in her best friend. Floren. “I don’t know if I can do this,” she admitted, her voice trembling. “Selah and her friends keep making fun of me, and it’s hard to ignore.”

Floren responded, “You’re stronger than you think, Mairwen. Don’t let them get to you. Focus on why you wanted to participate in the pageant in the first place.”

Inspired by her friend's words, Mairwen resolved to push through the bullying. The next day, she approached Selah and her friends, standing tall despite her nerves.

“Selah, I know you’re competitive, but I’m here to do my best too,” she said firmly. “I hope we can keep it positive.”

Selah raised an eyebrow, surprised by Mairwen’s sudden boldness. “Whatever helps you sleep at night,” she replied dismissively, but Mairwen could see a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes.

As the pageant approached, Mairwen poured her heart into her preparation, determined to rise above the challenges. She knew that no matter what Selah and her friends threw at her, she would stand her ground.