I watched as everyone was happy on the dance floor, vibing to the soft music that was playing. I on the other hand, went to the school dance after our graduation ceremony alone. It was my last day of school and everyone seemed to have fun. Except me.
I couldn't help but feel emotional, looking back at the years I've went through in senior school. I went outside by the school balcony to get some alone time and get some air. When I got there, there he was. Looking like a prince stealing the light wherever he goes.
' Don't go back inside just because I'm here. We both know it's suffocating for you inside' He said coldly without giving me as much as a glance.
Matt. The guy I grew up with. We lived in the same street and became best friends at an early age because his mom looked after me when my mom was busy at work.
'Hi' I said shyly as I walked towards him.
'How have you been...'
He left abruptly before I could say anything more.
I don't blame him for hating me. I put myself to this.
Let me take you back about Matt and I.
My name is Larissa Skies and I grew up playing with Matt Mackenzie since kindergarten. My mom was always busy at work, doing her best while I spent most of my days with Matt and his mom. Although Matt's mother didn't work, she came off as a loving parent to her kids. I'd spend weekdays at Matt's place and my mom would only come back on weekends, so technically I saw Matt and his family as mine too.
I have always been good in academics and I tried hard to shine for my mom who always expected more from me while comparing me with my sister who was in college. ' Not bad, but you can do better. Your sister did better when she was in senior school'. Those were the words I'd always get from my mom everytime I'd show her my report card. My mom is well educated and so if her first daughter whom she adores and brags about a lot. I on the other hand, have always been in their shadows. Trying hard to catch up so I can be seen too.
'You all did great this term, so I made cake to celebrate' Mrs Mackenzie, Matt's Mom said with a smile plastered on her face as she put snacks and cake on the table.
Remember when I said I see them as a family, this is what I meant.
'Mom, I'm really sorry I slacked off this term I promise to try harder next time'. Matt said with a hint of disappointment in his tone.
'Come now, we all have our specialties and yours is sports we all know it. Don't be hard on your self son. I'm proud of you for giving it your all every time'.
I sat there, lost in my thoughts after hearing what she said, yearning to hear those words from my Mom one day. Because I also tried my best, taking 1st or 2nd place in school every term but she expected more from me.
Now if anyone was to ask me how it feels to have educated parents and siblings, I'd tell them it's a non ending nightmare. No matter how hard you try, your efforts go unnoticed.
'Larissa... Larissa' I snapped as Mrs Mackenzie called me.
'Sorry Mrs Mackenzie, pardon me.'
'Is something troubling you?' She asked with a worried tone as everyone was looking at me.
'No Mrs Mackenzie, I was just thinking about my Mom'. I said as I faked a smile.
'Ohh, I'm sure she's gonna be so happy when she sees your report card Friday. I bet she's gonna buy you the most beautiful doll'. She said trying to cheer me up because she knows how my mom is.
'Is this the best you can do, you went from 1st place to 2nd place this time. What have you been doing?. I failed as a parent. Have I not done enough?. I work my ass off everyday so you can do better and this is the best you can do? '. My mom said as she threw the report card at me. Those were the words I got the time she got back Friday as everyone in Matt's family was watching. Feeling sorry for me.