Tu es à Moi

Golden A+ card, you'll be mine

I woke up to the cold morning air, my hands roaming the sides of the bed in search of my blanket. The duvet felt too restrictive, almost like a straightjacket. I sighed, a wave of frustration washing over me. "Ah! Fuck this body of mine; it's too weak, and I feel cold," I muttered, my eyes still closed, hoping for just five more minutes of warmth.

Knock, knock, knock. Of course, that was Mom. The best alarm clock in the world, whether I liked it or not.

"Greg, sweetie, time to wake up!" she called, her voice warm but firm.

"Yes, Mom, I'm hurrying up now!" I yelled back, not bothering to hide the irritation in my voice.

"Okay, just be faster! I know you want to get your report card as early as possible," she replied, her heels clicking against the hardwood floor as she walked away from my door.

Rolling my eyes, I threw the duvet off and swung my legs over the side of the bed. My feet met the chilly floor, sending a shiver up my spine. I had to be the first one to grab my report card at school. Ever since I was three, I realized they didn't appreciate my efforts enough. Sure, I was the daughter of the richest man in America, but that didn't guarantee I'd be recognized for my hard work. I'd be the first on the list with a perfect average. They would post it on the bulletin board, announcing who would be at the top of the graduating class.

As I trudged through my morning routine, I found myself lost in thought. Did being the top student really matter if no one acknowledged it?

By the time I arrived at school, the excitement in the air was palpable. Students clustered in groups, discussing their expectations and anxieties about their grades. The buzz of chatter filled the hallways, creating a cacophony of nervous energy.

"Did you study for the math exam?" Jenna, my friend from English class, asked as she approached me, her brow furrowed with worry.

"Of course. I'm just hoping it's enough," I replied, forcing a smile. "What about you?"

She shrugged, glancing at the ground. "I'm just hoping I didn't bomb it. I can't face my mom if I did."

I nodded, feeling the weight of her words. "Well, at least we'll find out soon."

The classroom door swung open, and Miss Kelly stepped in, her authoritative presence immediately quieting the room. "OK, class, quiet down!" she commanded. "Here are your report cards. When I call your name, come up and get it. Ali, Broady... Furokawa."

Myheart raced. This was it. I walked up to Miss Kelly, trying to keep my expression neutral despite the whirlwind of nerves inside me. "Thank you, Miss Kelly," I said, taking the card from her.

She smiled at me, her eyes twinkling with pride. "You'll be receiving an award at graduation, and I expect to see you there," she said, her voice firm. "Are we clear?"

"Yes, Miss Kelly," I replied, forcing a smile even as my insides twisted with a mix of frustration and determination.

"Good," she said, her smile widening. "I'm glad we understand each other."

As I walked back to my seat, my mind was a jumble of thoughts. Why did it feel like I was constantly being measured against some impossible standard? Sure, I was smart, but couldn't they see I wanted more than just accolades? I wanted freedom, adventure—anything but this relentless pressure.

"Did you get it?" Jenna whispered as I sat down, her eyes wide with curiosity.

I nodded, glancing down at the card in my hands. "Perfect, as usual. But it feels... empty," I admitted.

"Empty?" she echoed, clearly surprised. "What do you mean?"

"It's like no one really cares about what I achieve, just that I do achieve it," I said, feeling a knot tighten in my stomach.

She frowned, considering my words. "But that's not true! You're going to get an award. That's huge!"

"Is it? Or is it just another piece of paper?" I countered, frustration bubbling to the surface. "I'm tired of being defined by my grades. I wish I could escape to Princess Ember's world with my Lambo and get that mighty GOLDEN A+ CARD. Just... be someone else for a change."

Jenna raised an eyebrow. "You and your imaginary adventures. But honestly, I get it. Sometimes I wish I could just be 'normal' too."

We both fell silent, each lost in our thoughts. The noise of the classroom faded into the background, replaced by my internal struggle. Maybe I needed to find a way to break free from this cycle.

As the bell rang, signaling the end of class, I stood up, gripping my report card tightly. Whatever the future held, I needed to carve my own path—one that didn't just lead to grades but to a life I truly wanted to live.