Chapter 4

...Chapter 4: The Weight of Expectations...

Selene’s final junior year had been a whirlwind of challenges. It was the year she truly felt the weight of balancing her academic responsibilities, household chores, financial difficulties, and the shifting dynamics of friendship. Her grades had to stay at the top—after all, she was the number one student in her grade level, and with that came the pressure to maintain that position.

But it wasn’t just about grades. It was about proving to herself and her family that she could handle everything life threw at her, even when there was barely any time to breathe. The balance between school and home life was delicate. She worked hard to keep the house clean, assist her siblings, and still manage her studies. Often, she stayed up late working on assignments or tending to household chores, all while aware of the tight financial situation. She didn’t want to be another burden on her family.

Despite the constant pressure, Selene remained humble, never drawing attention to herself. She didn’t join any clubs because of the fees, believing it was selfish to spend money on such things when her family was already struggling. She didn’t need the spotlight—her grades spoke for themselves.

Every morning, long before the school bell rang, she ensured she arrived by 7 AM, even though classes didn’t begin until 8. She relished the quiet moments in the empty school. It was the only time she could arrange the classroom, organize her thoughts, and prepare herself for the long day ahead. Most students were still at home, not even close to waking up, but there were a few classmates who, like her, understood the importance of early preparation.

"Alright, let’s get started," Selene said to her friends—Angeline Lenyhon, Rayzamei Lenyhon, and Angelly Meiuyes—who were helping her clean the classroom.

"Why is it always us four doing everything? Our classmates never come early," Angeline grumbled, wiping down the tables in frustration.

Rayzamei, ever the realist, simply shook her head. "Don’t expect anything from them. They always leave the work to us."

Angelly Meiuyes, on the other hand, sat at the back of the room, reviewing her notes for the upcoming science test. It was a daily occurrence—tests, quizzes, surprise assessments. Sometimes, it felt as though the entire school year was just one long evaluation.

Selene stole a glance at Angelly, who looked calm and focused, her attention on her notes. Selene, however, didn’t feel as confident. She hadn’t been able to study the night before. There were too many tasks to juggle, and the weight of it all made her feel unprepared for the test ahead. But she couldn’t afford to falter. She continued cleaning and organizing, doing her part to ensure the classroom was ready, despite the anxiety growing in her chest.

A few minutes later, the bell rang for the flag-raising ceremony. It was time for the entire school—junior and senior high alike—to gather outside.

"Let’s go," Selene said, nudging her friends as they filed out to the school grounds.

As they lined up with the other students, the national anthem played, followed by the principal’s brief speech. But as Selene stood in the sun, the heat became overwhelming. The sunlight burned her skin, making it hard to concentrate. Her mind, usually sharp and focused, struggled to stay engaged with the principal’s words. Her gaze drifted to her surroundings, trying to distract herself from the discomfort.

It was then that her eyes landed on a familiar face: Joven. The senior boy she had secretly admired for as long as she could remember. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him, but she quickly turned her attention away, not wanting anyone to notice the direction of her gaze.

Selene had always kept her feelings to herself, refusing to let her emotions show. It was easier that way. She needed to stay focused, formal, and in control—nothing more.

Once the ceremony ended and students began returning to their classrooms, one of her friends approached her.

"Gurl!" Gelly Flora’s voice startled Selene as a hand landed on her shoulder.

Selene turned, surprised by her sudden presence. "What?"

Gelly grinned mischievously. "I saw you looking at Joven earlier! Were you staring at him? Are you two together now?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Selene’s face flushed instantly. "Don’t bother me with that," she muttered, trying to brush off the teasing.

Gelly’s smile widened. "How cold, Selene. I was just asking. But I’m telling you, you’re way too good for him. I mean, look at you! You’re such a standard."

Selene froze, her cheeks reddening further. The compliment, though meant to be playful, left her feeling awkward and out of place. She wasn’t used to receiving attention, especially not from someone as direct as Gelly.

She stayed silent, unsure how to respond. Gelly, however, didn’t seem to notice her discomfort, continuing to chat away as if nothing was amiss. Selene’s mind, still lingering on the conversation, had already drifted elsewhere.

The rest of the day passed in a blur. Classes continued, tests were taken, and Selene did her best to participate, though her thoughts remained clouded by the exchange with Gelly. *Was it just playful teasing? Or was there something more to her words?*

By the time the final bell rang, signaling the end of another school day, Selene felt mentally drained. She had made it through another day of balancing everything—her studies, her responsibilities, and the expectations placed upon her. But no matter how exhausted she was, there was always one thing that kept her going: her family. The thought of doing her best for them, for their future, kept her focused, even when the weight of the world seemed too much to bear.

Gathering her things, Selene prepared to head home, knowing that another set of tasks awaited her. But one thing was certain—she would carry the weight, no matter how heavy, because it wasn’t just about meeting the expectations of others. It was about fulfilling her own promise to her family and herself.

To be continued...

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