Hidden Paradise

strangers again

“Congratulations” The principal has the same smile as we both shake our hands. I couldn’t help but smile back as I felt suffocated by the medal around my neck. My parents were happily waving towards me.

“Clarence Wilstone! Here!”

My smile fades as soon as my eyes met the audience. There were tons of reporters and journalists than last year. The flash hurts again my eyes along with their screams.

Yet, not a single tear fell off my face.

“Mr. Wilstone, how does it feel to be in the top once again?”

For the 11’th time already?

A smile formed across my face “Well, it’s really amazing to think that I managed to be on the first place every single time ever since I’ve step foot on the academy” They seemed satisfied to hear my answer

“Sir, I’ll need you to get away” my father’s assistant backs them off while I enter backstage

“I see you’ve made into the front page again, huh?” Clara, aka my sister older than me by 6 years, shows me her phone. Instead of being in the crowd, she always stays back stage, watching me through the cameras while getting ready for her next business meeting.

“CLARENCE WILSTONE HITS THE TOP SPOT, AGAIN!” was perfectly written in bold capital letters. “Hm…”

My reflection in the mirror caught my eye as I slowly took of my school jacket and the gold circle wrapped around my neck. Being on the top shouldn’t be too surprising if you’re a Wilstone. It’s not pressured unto you but rather, expected.

“You should get ready, you know. They’re probably going to interview you again” Clara looks up to the mirror as we make eye contact. “I know” my voice was low, like a whisper.

A stranger reflected in the mirror as soon as I took off my medal. His dark hair was somewhat messy; his bow untied and his eyes filled with rage.

“Sir” a knock came “They’re waiting for you” my eyes met again with my sisters’. She knows how frustrating it can get. I grab my jacket before eyeing the stranger once more.

It’s getting harder to believe that stranger is me.