The Truth Between Our Lies

I Chose to Rise - The Life I Chose to Build

Classes were about to begin, and for the first time in a long while, something inside me felt different. My mom sent money to Auntie Nadia for my tuition, along with new bags, shoes, and school supplies. They were simple things, yet they felt like a chance to start over.

I didn’t know where the feeling came from, but it stayed with me. It was as if something inside me was telling me this was my moment to change. I couldn’t keep living the way I had, couldn’t stay the rebellious girl everyone expected me to be.

So I made a decision. I would study. I would do better. I would prove them wrong.

People had always doubted me. They said I wouldn’t finish college, that I’d grow up without direction, that my future would be nothing. For a long time, I almost believed them. But this time, I chose not to.

Instead of holding onto anger toward my mother, I used her as motivation—not to follow her mistakes, but to become stronger.

When classes started, I faced a reality I hadn’t expected: my cousin and I were now classmates. It felt strange. I used to be ahead of her, but because I had stopped for a year, she had caught up. Yet I knew I wasn’t incapable. I was smart. I had just lost my way.

I didn’t pressure myself too much. I listened during class and trusted what I knew. I believed in my ability while still keeping balance in my social life. For a while, everything felt manageable.

Then I met Franthier.

I had been in a relationship before, but it wasn’t real—just messages and small talk. It ended quickly when I found out he liked my best friend. I didn’t fight for it. I stepped aside.

But Franthier was different. From the moment I noticed him, something shifted. My heartbeat changed whenever he was around. There was something about him that made me feel seen.

When he asked to court me, I said yes. Days turned into weeks, and soon we were official. Our relationship was simple—ice cream in convenience stores, walks in the park, meals at fast-food chains—but it felt special. I cherished the small moments: the way he stayed, the way he made me feel like I mattered.

He became my world.

We were young and still learning, so we kept things simple—hugs, kisses, quiet moments. At home, things were stricter. Auntie Nadia and her husband didn’t know at first. Eventually, my aunt found out through my cousin and warned me to be careful, to keep my uncle from finding out, because school should always come first. I understood—but love doesn’t always follow rules.

Franthier and I became inseparable. We spent almost every moment together at school—recess, lunch, events. Our friends drifted away, but I didn’t mind. I was happy.

Then came challenges. My mom sent less money. Auntie Nadia did her best, but couldn’t fully support my daily needs. For the first time, I had to stand on my own.

So I found ways. I started selling snacks to classmates. Instead of filling my bag with books, I carried my small business with me every day. I even offered to do classmates’ assignments, essays, and projects for a fee. Slowly, I learned to survive.

Through selling and working, I supported myself. I didn’t have to rely on anyone completely anymore. And through it all, Franthier stayed. He supported me, stayed by my side, and made me feel like I wasn’t alone.

For the first time, I felt like I was building something of my own. It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t easy. But it was mine.

And for once, I believed that maybe my life was finally moving in the right direction