Luna's Point of View
"What is this, Luna?" My mom dropped a long envelope on my study table. I picked it up and looked inside.
What else should I expect?
I saw my grades in all subjects. All of them were below 85, not to mention there were failing grades. I did my best, but my brain cells just can't handle that difficult type of teaching.
"You're a disgrace in our family. You're embarrassing me in front of our relatives who have intelligent children."
"But, Mom, grades are just numbers. I did my best and I learned something. I just struggle with the tests." I said, putting the report card away.
A harsh slap landed on my face.
Yep. I'm used to it. I never received any praise from my mom. She has lost all expectations from me because I'm considered a failure in the family.
"You have a big mouth, Luna. I didn't raise you to be a disgrace to the family. Your grades reflect how lazy and irresponsible you are!"
I just lowered my head, taking in the hurtful words my mom threw at me. Every year it's the same. I never achieve high grades. I always end up below average.
I just can't. Okay, I admit it. I'm dumb. I'm too pressured. This is not the life I want. I want to learn based on my interests and where I'm truly good at.
It's also my fault. I don't do my assignments, and on top of that, I spend too much time playing Minecraft every night.
"You're not going to school today. It's Foundation Week, and there's nothing to do there. Spend your lazy days doing advance studying because starting tomorrow, you'll be grounded from using any gadgets you have."
She slammed the door as she left. Today is the last day of Foundation Week. Jude invited me to watch his performance. I need to tell Bryan to record Jude's performance.
I called Bryan's number, but he didn't answer. I couldn't message him either because he was offline.
I threw my phone to the edge of the bed when Bryan suddenly entered my room. How did this idiot get in?
"Heheh. Looks like we have a grounded kid here," he said with a smirk.
"What are you doing here?" I exclaimed.
He sat beside the desk. "I've been waiting for you in front of your house."
Really? My mom let him in even though she's mad at me? This is the first time.
"Aren't you going to school?" I asked. It's Foundation Week today. It would be a waste if he didn't see their performances.
"Nah, I don't want to. You're not there," he pouted.
"Seriously? That's the first time. Just go to school."
"Fine. I'll update you on what happens. I'll record their performances with Jude." He said with a grin.
"Sure. Do whatever you want." Shoot! I'm grounded today. But I can't refuse this idiot, or he might stay here longer and do something else to me.
"I'm off! Bye!" he said and left.
I really hate this. Every time report card day comes, this happens. What can I do to improve my grades? Should I watch motivational series about students and their study tips? It's only effective for them. I need a tutor. Someone smart and good at teaching.
Who could it be?
Jude?
Sky?
Fuck! I wanted to ask Sky, but it would be awkward if I asked him after he confessed. I might not be able to focus on studying! It's the same with Jude. He's talkative, and we might not be able to study.
I spent the whole day reviewing my class notes from the first grading period. I pretended to understand because my mom kept peeking into my room. My dad even brought me snacks to avoid too much stress.
Are their performances over?
***
I went to school early to avoid riding with my parents in the car. I don't want my mom shouting at me while we're on the road. She's like a boiling pot. Pft!
Why am I nervous now? Foundation Week is over, and it's back to regular classes.
As I entered the classroom, Sky greeted me. He was bowing down on his desk. He's the only one there because it was only 5:30 in the morning. I went closer to see what he was up to. Why did he come so early? Most of our classmates arrive at quarter to 7. He could've come at 6:00.
I saw him with closed eyes, seemingly in a deep sleep. He had his earphones on again. I sat down and organized the contents of my bag. As I was about to put my bag down, he suddenly grabbed my arm.
Wow, he's fast.
"What?" I looked at him, surprised.
"You didn't come. You didn't watch me perform. Are you avoiding me because I confessed to you?"
Whaaaaat? He's thinking too far ahead. And wait, he performed too?! What a waste!
I pulled my arm away from his grip.
"You're crazy! I got sick yesterday."
He adjusted his posture and put his earphones back on.
I really can't understand this guy. He gets tense, and then he goes back to normal.
I was surprised when he suddenly placed a piece of paper on my desk and left.
"Let's go to the garden."
What? He could've just told me. What's with the suspense? You're too much, Sky. I can't understand you. You're so weird.
As written on the paper, I went to the garden and looked for him. I couldn't find Sky. Frustrated, I just sat on the bench and observed the surroundings. The view in the garden was cinematic. It was dark, and only small modern lanterns illuminated the area. The wind was chilly too.
Wait, what do I hear?
I turned around at the sound of a guitar. My eyes widened when I saw him approaching, playing the guitar.
Is he serenading me? Damn! He hasn't even started singing, and my organs are going crazy from head to toe. Shit.
"What's this all about, Sky?" I pretended to raise an eyebrow.
He started singing.
"I'm so sorry I can't stop myself from staring at you.."
His voice was beautiful.
Butterflies started fluttering wildly in my stomach. What the hell is this, Sky?
"When you're tired in blue, my dear..."
I stood up and prepared myself.
"What's with this act?" I blurted out.
He stopped singing and looked at me in surprise. It was then that I realized I had shouted out what was in my mind. I covered my mouth and turned away from him because of embarrassment.
"Pft!" I heard him stifle a laugh.
"That's not funny, Sky! It's embarrassing, damn it." I covered my face with the handkerchief I had with me.
It was so beautiful. My mouth was so stupid.
I felt him walk away from his spot. I'm so embarrassed! He might think I'm assuming too much! It's embarrassing, damn it.
"It was supposed to be a serenade," I heard him whisper before he left.
I was left stunned in the garden, contemplating if I heard him correctly before he left. This is so embarrassing! I want to sink into the ground out of shame. So he was going to serenade me. I wish he had told me earlier so I wouldn't be so surprised.
Sky! I don't want this anymore.
I don't want you to be with someone else.