The Idea Of Us (English Version)

3

Saint Cecelia University
College of Arts and Letters
Fine Arts Department

3rd floor, comfort room

A sad smile played on my lips as I raised my head and stared straight into the mirror for a few seconds before an epiphany struck me.

This is not me, but somehow, I like how I was programmed by society. And maybe they were right, beauty products may hide what our true feelings are saying, but it doesn't really take the pain away, the pain of not being enough, not beautiful enough, not financially stable enough.

—

"I heard you guys moved to a new house!"

That was Ella's greeting as soon as I walked into the classroom. I signaled for her to quiet down before I'd have to tape her mouth shut.

"Yes!" I replied confidently. It's true we moved, but not in the way they imagined.

"Where? Can we visit? Like last year?" Garry chimed in, just back from washing her hands.

"I'm afraid that won't happen this year!"

"Why not?"

"The house is still under construction, and besides, it's far from here!" I answered.

They went quiet for a moment, which gave me a little relief. I'm running out of excuses—one more push, and I might just snap.

"It's okay, we can use your car!" Fat suddenly shouted right in my ear, making me freeze.

"My car?"

Think, Maya! Think!

I quickly tried to come up with an excuse, and since I was completely out of options, I decided to change the subject. If changing the topic works... I just hope it does. Knowing them, they're always eager to talk about houses and hangouts.

Then I remembered the new lip matte I'd wanted to show them for a while.

"Oh, hey! I have some new velvet for lips!" I forced myself to look excited about showing them the lip matte, even though I was nervous.

Nervous that I might not have actually put it in my bag.

Please! Let it be there! Please!

"Really? Can I see?" Ella asked eagerly.

I laughed nervously and quickly felt around the bottom of my sling bag. When I finally touched it, it felt like a huge weight was lifted off me, and I could breathe again.

I think I forgot to breathe while searching for the lipstick.

"Is that the latest matte from Maybelline?" Garry pointed inside my bag.

"Yes, you want to try?"

"Absolutely!"

I'd successfully avoided them, almost finding out earlier. One by one, they tried the lip matte I brought.

"You're always something else, Maya!" Fat praised.

For some reason, the smile faded from my face as I looked at my friends. They still believed I was wealthy, that I had money and could buy anything I wanted. But now? It's all gone. Everything.