Unspoken

The First Glimpse

When the bell rang for lunch, Selena and Olivia joined the flow of students streaming into the cafeteria. They found a quiet spot by the window, settled in with their sandwiches, and started chatting.

"Selena, you're seriously so smart," Olivia said between bites, looking at her with admiration. "I mean, I really wish I could be as good as you at... well, everything! Math, science, all of it."

Selena blushed, brushing a stray crumb off her lap. "Thanks, Olivia. It's not a big deal, though. I just... try my best, I guess."

Olivia laughed. "Well, I'm still impressed. I'll probably need you as my tutor if I'm ever going to survive this year!"

Just as they were laughing, Daniel strolled up with his two friends, Juan and Marco, and sat down directly across from them. Selena's stomach twisted as they exchanged sly smiles, clearly up to something.

Juan leaned back, smirking. "You know, some people think they're so smart just because they answer a few questions in class," he said, looking at Daniel and Marco, who snickered in response.

Marco chimed in, grinning. "Yeah, acting like they're a genius or something. Guess it must be easy to show off when you're, like, the teacher's favorite."

Daniel chuckled, glancing around but making no eye contact with Selena. "Totally. Some people really need a reality check."

Selena could feel her face turning red, and she stared down at her plate, feeling small under their taunting. Olivia noticed and frowned, crossing her arms. "Daniel, if you've got something to say, why don't you just say it? Quit talking in circles."

Daniel shrugged, raising his eyebrows in feigned innocence. "What are you talking about, Olivia? I'm just talking about people in general."

Olivia scoffed. "Right. Sure you are." She turned to Selena, giving her a reassuring smile. "Come on, let's get out of here."

Selena nodded, grateful for the escape. As they walked away, she felt a wave of embarrassment, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. She tried to keep her head down, but Olivia gently squeezed her arm. "Hey, ignore them. They're just being jerks. You don't deserve that."

Selena managed a small smile, though the hurt lingered. "Thanks, Olivia," she whispered, grateful to have a friend who understood.

After a few minutes, Selena and Olivia found themselves back in the empty classroom. Olivia sat beside her, giving her a gentle nudge. "Hey, don't let them get to you, okay? They're just... jealous or something."

Selena took a deep breath, brushing her fingers along the edge of her desk. "It's just... it's not the first time," she said quietly. "Back in my old school, something similar happened."

Olivia looked at her, surprised. "Really? What happened?"

Selena hesitated, then began, her voice barely above a whisper. "In 5th grade, I won the general knowledge quiz at school. I ranked first—even beat some kids from 7th grade. It was supposed to be a happy moment, but... some of the older students didn't take it well."

Olivia's eyes widened. "Wait, they bullied you... just because you won?"

Selena nodded, her gaze distant. "They said I cheated, that I already knew the questions and answers. They'd whisper things, laugh behind my back. Sometimes they'd even... push me in the hallways. It got pretty bad."

Olivia's expression softened. "Selena, that's awful. I can't believe they did that to you. No wonder... you seem so careful around people now."

Selena gave a small, sad smile. "Yeah... I guess I learned to keep to myself after that. It's easier to avoid trouble that way."