Escape Route

CHAPTER 4

I've never really liked competitions. It's not that I don't appreciate the idea of pushing yourself to improve, but the pressure always feels suffocating. Every time there's a race to be won or a score to beat, I can't help but feel like I'm being measured against everyone else. I've had enough of that, especially with how things were growing up, constantly being compared to Eliezer. It gets exhausting, like you're never good enough unless you're first.

I don't mind a little challenge here and there, but if I'm honest, I prefer doing things for myself, not because someone's keeping score. Maybe that's why I avoid putting myself in situations where I have to compete. I don't want to be reminded that my worth isn't based on some arbitrary ranking. I'd rather just be at peace with who I am, without all the comparisons.

"Adah, tawag ka raw sa faculty room..." Cyrell said, she's one of our classmates.

"Gagi ka best friend, anong ginawa mo?" Chae asked, confused.

"Nothing?" I replied but stood up. "Sasama ka?" I asked her.

"Hindi pa ako tapos rito oh.." she pointed at our assignment last night, hindi niya kasi nagawa dahil nakatulog raw siya. Typical Chae.

The faculty room always made me nervous. Parang may bigat sa hangin tuwing pumapasok ako dito. Teachers would glance up from their desks, their stares lingering just a little too long for comfort. I gripped my books tighter as I stood outside the door, waiting for Eliezer to catch up. He was always late for everything, something I had grudgingly accepted about him.

"Late ka na naman," I muttered when he finally appeared, his tie slightly askew and his bag lazily slung over one shoulder.

"Good afternoon rin sa'yo, Miss Perfectionist," he replied with his signature grin, brushing past me to open the door.

I followed him inside, spotting Mr. Panganiban seated at his usual desk. He looked up, his glasses perched precariously on his nose, and gestured for us to take the seats in front of him.

"Good afternoon, sir," I greeted politely, sliding into the chair.

Eliezer plopped down beside me, not even bothering to greet our teacher. He just leaned back in his chair, looking far too comfortable for someone about to get instructions for one of the biggest events of the year.

Mr. Panganiban adjusted his glasses and gave us a small smile. "You two must be wondering why I called you here."

"Actually, yes, sir," I said, my voice steady. "Is there something we need to change about our participation in the competition?"

"Relax, Adahleine. Wala akong ibabawas sa inyo," he said, his tone kind but firm. "In fact, I called you here to give you some good news."

I sat up straighter, curious. Beside me, Eliezer raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

"You have one month to prepare for the All-Schools Debate Competition," Mr. Panganiban continued. "The school administration understands how demanding this event is, so you'll both be excused from my classes during this period."

"Excused?" I echoed, barely able to believe what I was hearing.

"Yes," he confirmed. "I'll be giving you assignments to make up for missed lessons, but your main priority will be the competition. I'll also be monitoring your progress and offering guidance as needed."