Kacey Wood
17 hrs ago
“Grades does not define your future.”
What a sugar - coated words to coax a naive mentality of a person. As a competitive student, I had always believed that I have to be on top so as to not disappoint those who have hopes on me. And... I did.
Straight A's, consistent Dean's Lister, athlete, have won a lot of national competition awards, multiple trophies. It's so nice to look at what you have done, lots of gifts received, relatives congratulates, people's praises, increase of self - confidence and the word that would drive you anxious through hopes and disappointments — is expectation.
I clinched my fist hard enough to ease uneasiness and cause unnecessary actions that may lead anyone around for suspicion. Yet still, my aunt did.
“You okay, dear?”
I just nodded at her and smile. I can't tell her the thing I've been anxious about and decided to let her discover it in my stead. I already expected what could've be her reaction but seeing her in total silence, gives me goosebumps.
"Let's go," she said without looking at me. Nervous, I just followed her into the car which she immediately drove off. I look outside the window, hoping the scenery would help me clear the lump in my throat and make up for a reason of this sudden downfall.
Everyone have gathered around the wooden table waiting for the accustomed setting every after two months of my studies. They were all smiling — ear to ear as they prepared themselves for the praises.
"I'm sure Kaia is gonna make it on top again this time as she always have," Aunt Jennica said with a smile painted on her face.
"Laira, show us my best granddaughter's achievement for today and let's throw a party after that right away."
Aunt Laira took a deep breath before stating, "Everyone, there is no achievement and no party after this. This is the very first time and I feel the utmost disappointment."
"What?!" Everyone was shocked as I lower my head to avoid their glaring eye of judgement. I can't bear to hear their insults and humiliation that's why I have to cover my ears while running towards my room, shutting myself away from anything that would cause me pain.
Even though I failed to make it to their expectations, I'd never expected them to be outrageous and unreasonable to disown me as their family. What could a single mistakes' possible affect to ruin my entire future?
I still remember the day I pleaded them to reconsider their choice and let me try another time. Yet, a rock refuses to be a metallic sword is harder to forge than being unable to breathe in the depths of the freezing ocean.
"You all said I won't make it as I was dumb and stupid that maintaining a high grade will die me out. You even kicked me out of the family leaving me all torn and helpless. And now, what do you expect me to do? Take you in and give you comfort? Give you a chance to atone your choice?"
"I know you're angry but we're sorry. We didn't know you have suffered a lot and that we had neglected you, making you lose your focus. You had always been self - relying and that was because we have not given you our time and a parent's attention before."
"My precious granddaughter, I was wrong. I always believe that often having achievements would bring you honor. I never thought that you still be able to meet success even with an almost failing grade. But I just want the best for you."
I let out a smile without humor before looking onto the people like imagery of an ant below of this gigantic building as I heaved a deep sigh. The scenery is as that day. Blue sky, tall buildings, green land, and people cheering, talking, and laughing. What differs is I have almost had a heart attack because of fear — but now, I only feel the peacefulness brought by the breeze of the wind as I signaled the guards to sent them away. Not because that I'm heartless, but I still granted their request as my compensation for the good things they have done to me.
[Failing once or twice is okay; no one is immune to the stumbling road of life. What matters is that you rise again with a smile, surpassing negative emotions to overcome struggles and achieve your desired success.]
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