Chapter 5: I have nothing to be ashamed of
571 Words
“One of the team members, Luis, let out a snort before saying loud enough for everyone to hear, "Ano 'yan, pre? Puro babae yata kasama mo." His voice dripped with mockery as he looked straight at Alister.
The rest of the team erupted into laughter.
I glanced at Alister. He was as calm as ever. If Alice was the sun—bright, fiery, impossible to ignore—then Alister was the moon, quiet and steady. His expression barely changed, as though he had long since grown used to comments like these.
My best friend, however, was a different story. The grip on her fork tightened so much I genuinely thought she was one second away from launching herself across the table and stabbing someone in the neck.
Luis wasn't finished.
"Not to mention it's with the figure skating team," he continued with a smug grin. "Maybe you should just join them instead.be Elsa or something"
jafe sings the let it go in a mocking tone
" LET IT GO~~🎶"
A few more laughs echoed around the cafeteria.
Then Jafe leaned back in his chair, wearing that irritating smirk that made me want to throw my drink at him.
"And it's not just any athlete," he added. "It's Miss Number Two—the one who can't even ride a bus."
My eyes widened.
How... did they know?
A cold feeling settled in my stomach. I was sure my reaction gave me away because the moment they noticed my expression, their laughter only grew louder.
Heat rushed to my face.
With every laugh, my irritation grew. I didn't care that other students were beginning to glance our way. I didn't care if the entire cafeteria was listening.
I slammed my hand lightly against the table.
"And how did you know that?!" I demanded. "Did Desmond tell you guys? I mean, he's taking the bus too, so I don't understand why that's such a big deal!"
Luis shrugged without the slightest hint of guilt.
"Of course he did," he replied casually. "I mean... that's embarrassing, isn't it?"
He and Jafe looked us up and down, their eyes full of judgment, as if we'd committed some kind of crime instead of riding public transportation.
Something inside me snapped.
I straightened my back and lifted my chin. My heart was pounding, but I refused to let them see it. I puffed out my chest with more confidence than I actually felt—so much confidence that even I was surprised by the words coming out of my mouth.
"Well, there's nothing wrong with trying something new," I shot back. "Besides, he rides buses too, so why is it suddenly embarrassing when someone else does it? There's absolutely nothing wrong with taking public transportation."
The laughter around us faltered.
I kept my eyes locked on theirs.
"Not everyone has to be driven around everywhere. Some people actually enjoy experiencing normal things. Riding a bus doesn't make someone less of an athlete, and it definitely doesn't make them any less of a person."
For the first time since the teasing started, the table fell noticeably quieter.
Even if they laughed again afterward, I didn't regret saying a single word.
I heard a scoff behind me that took me by surprised.
" so tapang ah. hoy Ms. Second place. know your place always below me "
that deep voice belongs to the most smart and annoying monkey. desmond
- Writer
