A Rose With Its Thorns Cut Off

8. My First Pageant Part 2

Going back to the pageant...

"ROOOOOSSSEEEEE!!! CONGRAAAAAAATSSSS!!!" Andrea, Aileen, Amber, Jane, and Lucy all shouted at the top of their lungs.

Uh-oh. They're running towards me and they're not slowing down at all.

They crashed on me and I almost toppled backwards if it wasn't for Marco catching me from the back.

"Woah there, girls! Careful!" Marco reprimands as he assists us into standing upright.

This year, I was elected by the whole sophomore year into becoming candidate number 2 for Mister and Miss Nuestra Señor at Señora. I never thought I'd be cut out for pageants. I didn't win, obviously. But I still went home with a sash for "Best in Q&A" and "1st runner up". I pride myself for my answer during the Q&A segment.

Our values teacher gave me this question:

"With the rising issue of same-sex marriage in the country, what do you think of same-sex relationships?"

It was a very challenging question. I can't appear too homophobic or too liberal. Being too homophobic will be a hit to the small LGBT+ community in school, while being too liberal will be a hit to our Christian school's beliefs. I had to choose my words carefully. Besides, I am bisexual at most.

I smiled warmly at the judges as I clear my throat.

"Thank you for that wonderful question." Andrea strictly drilled into my head that I have to always answer a question first by saying thank you.

"As a Christian, I am raised to believe that homosexuality is a sin. An unforgivable sin that one shall never commit in the hopes of achieving eternal life above with our God. The Lord did say that He only made two genders, men and women. This may be true for our religion but not everyone believes the same. There are different religion present in the country. If we base a state decision over one religion, the government will never be able to satiate the needs of its people. Besides, religion and politics are strictly secular. They do not converge. Even if same-sex marriage is legally allowed in the country, this does not affect our Christian beliefs and rights. Same-sex marriage is a right added to the citizen's rights. There is nothing wrong about it, rather it's a good thing because more people can experience marriage. And marriage is a right. It is the government's duty to provide the rights of its people. And I thank you."

Applause rang out over the student body and even among the teachers. I received a most deserving standing ovation for that.

"Your answer at the Q&A section was just...! Ugh! Goosebumps!" Jane shudders with a wide smile.

"There is nothing wrong about it, rather it's a good thing because more people can experience marriage. And marriage is a right. It is the government's duty to provide the rights of its people. And I thank you." Amber mimics my tone and voice exaggeratedly. We all laughed in pure joy as I relish in the full throttle of my new title.

Lucy nudges me to gain my attention.

"You better prepare yourself, Rose. You'll receive a lot more roses than the ones you've already been handed." Lucy suggestively raises one of her eyebrows as she eyes the bouquet of roses I had in my arms. They were flowers given by the judges when they announced me as the 2nd runner-up.

I raised my left eyebrow in confusion.

"What does that mean?" I ask.

The triple A's all gaped in shock as they look beyond my shoulders and start shaking each other in anticipation. Jane and Lucy look behind me as well and raise their eyebrows in shock.