The Universe In Her

Two: The Moon

Ink Heart, that's the name of our school publication. I have always admired the authors and artists of the magazines published every month. It wasn't easy as I thought it was, joining the club was a huge challenge for me.

When I first submitted my work, I thought I did not meet their expectations. I waited for their call everyday that it made me anxious at night. I found out that the club will only choose 7 applicants. I thought I wouldn't make it but I was the last person in the list. Most of all, I thought I already surpassed it but then realized that being part of Ink Heart is the real challenge.

It has been months since I became part of the club. It was difficult to the point that I have thought of giving up. I couldn't count how many of my works have been rejected and how the president of the club told me, "I wouldn't give any chances anymore, Gabrielle," and because of this, I became so indulged in writing, a passion that I didn't know exists in my heart. I was so desperate to prove them that they were wrong about me and show Ethan that he was right, besides, I did not want to disappoint my dad. Thankful for that letter, it made me realize that I have to be firm for I still have a battle to face. However, until now, the sender remained anonymous.

I started joining different writing competitions that I didn't have the time to meet my friends in the sports club anymore. One day, we had a training for the upcoming swimming competition. I wasn't able to have a proper amount of sleep since I was focused on finishing my manuscript for the release of the next issue of Ink Heart and because of that, I was late, again.

Mr. Reynolds, our coach, looked at me with fire in his eyes.

"Ms. Sanchez."

"Yes, Sir." I looked up as all the players lined up in front of him.

He shook his head, "I noticed how you are becoming irresponsible. You. Are. Late. Again!" He shouted as he brushed his hair.

Clint looked at me and tried to defend me, "Sir, Gabby is also a writer of Ink Heart. I know that-"

Mr. Reynolds cut him off, "That's the problem, if you can't prioritize this, then just quit this club. We have an upcoming competition. Ms. Sanchez, you're one of the best swimmers but if you keep on being like this, I will not even let you have the scholarship in Adamson University. I won't tolerate it anymore."

My eyes widened, everybody gasped and I saw Janica as she smirked at me. Adamson University is the greatest here in California. I know Mr. Reynolds have mentioned it to me before that I am one of his best candidates for the scholarship.

"Clint, I'll leave the group to you. You know the rules."

"Yes, Sir." Clint said as he walked towards me.

"Gabby."

"I know, Clint. I'm fine."

"Look, I know you have grown to like writing but remember, this is who you are. Mr. Reynolds is right, you should know your priorities. Don't get me wrong Gabby but, you're better than this. Besides, being a swimmer it suits you more." Clint said.

I was taken aback, "Seriously?" I said as I glared at him.

"I am just trying to help, Gabby. It's just that this is not you anymore."

"No," I said as I stormed off and went inside the dressing room.

I sat down on one of the benches. I sighed, nobody really knows the reason why I joined the swimming club. Even I, don't have a clear memory of what happened. All I remember is the feeling of guilt and pain buried deep in my heart. I opened my locker and stared at the picture of my brother, George.

I snapped out of my own thoughts when I heard people entering the dressing room.

"Serves her right. Well, why don't she just quit? I can't take it anymore. She won't stop bothering Clint."

I raised my eyebrows, that's probably Janica.

"Shut up, Janica. Clint is all over her. Admit it."

"Whatever, she should just get lost. She fits to be in those nerdy writing club anyway. What a loser," Janica said.

"She doesn't even write well, it's boring. It sucks."

"I know right, her works were always rejected," I heard the tone of pride in her voice.

I sighed. Honestly, the only reason that I'm staying here is because of my past. I did my best so that I can overcome my past but it frustrates me that even Clint would be doubtful of me. It's hard to be strong when my past and present are working together to bring me down.

I composed myself before walking towards the exit and I noticed how the girls panicked when they realized that I heard their conversation. I looked at Janica before going out of the room, "Not my fault that Clint is all over me," I winked and went out of the room.

I can't stand them, they are the kind of people who would always talk about you behind your back but can't even face you at all. I tried my best to muster all of the negative sentiments forming in my mind. I was walking so quickly when I bumped into somebody, I looked up to see that it was Ethan.

"Gabrielle," I was taken aback when he called me that, again.

"Yes?"

"I liked your journal. It really moved me," He smiled at me as he raised the magazine in front of me.

I looked at him, "Is that so? My work was published?" My eyes widened, I have been waiting for this!

He nodded, "It doesn't seem like you're an amateur. I told you. Keep doing it. You'll be great!" when he said that, I felt comforted, but then again, I remember how hard it was for me.

He noticed the sudden change of my mood, "Hey, are you okay?"

"I, uh," I looked at the ground, "You're the only one who says that. Did you know how many of my works were rejected?"

"Gabrielle, remember to treat your failure and achievement the same way," he said as I looked at him, confused, "You worked  hard for this, didn't you?" I nodded in response.

He smiled, "Then, hard work truly pays off but this is not the end of it. I was not lying when I said you have it in you but you have to always give your best shot."

"Those brown eyes that comfort me,
eyes that secure me and warm me
up with a peaceful mind."

I couldn't help but laugh at his expression, "Ethan! We barely talk but it's unusual that you've been saying a lot of things today," I realized what I was doing so I composed myself and cleared my throat, "I, uh, um, I think I already know what you mean," I thought for a moment, "Just like how a diamond went through a lot of heat and molding to become a beautiful piece."

I felt like it was awkward for me to say all that but he just smiled at me and handed the magazine to me before going out of the building.

I looked at the cover of the magazine and saw a beautiful woman with her green eyes speaking to me, but what makes it captivating is how the universe is painted in her. It cannot be explained but it catches one's breath, the way it is painted stirs up something inside me. I stared at the woman and I saw mixed emotions in her, she was sentimental but her confidence and strong charisma overpowers it.

Suddenly, I felt like a heavy burden was lifted off my shoulders. Clint doubting me doesn't bother me anymore and Janica doesn't really matter to me at all.

There's nothing wrong with doing the things I like, no matter what people say.

Just as the moon shines with confidence at night. One may think that it looks dull on the outside but the thing is, it does not apologize for its being. In fact, people look up to the moon. I will also shine and be who I am.