Our journey through junior high had been a rollercoaster— From battling relentless bullying to competing in grueling competitions… It felt like the whole world was against us. Now, we’ve come to sit in the front seats of Guevarra Auditorium, praying to have the chance to just get up… and step on that stage! The weight of our dreams and experiences relied heavily on this moment—the culmination of everything we’ve toiled hard for.

 ..I know that acceptance into this school isn’t the sole determinant of our future, and I’m sure Brielle thinks the same as well. In fact, we’ve applied to different art schools. Guevarra, however, was our best chance. It stood out with its application system, and the tuition isn’t too expensive… I don’t want to sound arrogant, but it was seemingly the easiest and accessible route!

 The other art schools required exams, experience and had high tuition… But Guevarra was known for accepting students regardless of their backgrounds, and most importantly, putting talent above everything else. 

 They actually look deeper into the talents of students, recognizing the potential they hold. It was something I struggled to find in those other schools, and it only meant that Guevarra had actual passion and dedication to the arts. Being someone like that myself, I couldn’t dare to pass that up!

 With that, my determination grew, to prove myself to those who doubted me and tried bringing me down. I know those kinds of struggles wouldn’t just magically stop if we got accepted. You’d think I’m delusional or something- purposely getting myself into breathing the same air as nepotism herself, and praying for circumstances to change but… I’ve come so far! 

 Even today, my presence terrified Megan! If I could get myself to win against her, by either having the better talent or being extra competitive, she might actually fall apart beneath my feet! 

 I clenched my phone and stuffed it in my pocket. The evidence? Still there… but…

 ..The idea of going overboard with some kind of revenge plan… is sort of heartbreaking in a way. I could unleash my wrath, knowing all those years she made us suffer for… but…

 Brielle trembled in her seat, anticipation loomed large as her eyes locked onto the stage.

 I held her hand– It was a sudden movement of mine, surprising even myself… But seeing her in such a state, I-I guess I couldn’t help but want to comfort… or even protect her.

 I didn’t say a word, and I thought I might’ve looked weird to her but–  she didn’t seem to mind, holding my hand in return. She started taking deep breaths, readjusting herself, and calming her nerves. I guess reminding her of my presence is what she needed– a way to get out of her head and get into reality… of course.

 I took a deep sigh and began contemplating…

 No matter what we’ve experienced, and no matter what we would face… 

 An acceptance to this school still held significant weight, given how big our chances are…

 Not only would we finally have more opportunities to hone our craft, but we would also have more access to the tools, support, and connections within the art world. Focusing on those things should be our utmost priority… 

 If we could succeed, we will finally… have a sense of inner peace.

 Within the upcoming moments, should the news be favorable, it would mark the beginning of a new chapter.

 I can already imagine the look on my family’s faces– They’ll be shocked, but also relieved.

 I’ll be like those art prodigies they see all over social media, I’ve always known deep down they’ve wished for me to be like those kids... but the lack of resources made them uncertain. They’ve always berated me, I’ve spent so much of their money to pursue my dream, after all.

 But I’ll make it all worth it…

 Please! Accept me!

 Please!

 The beginning of the ceremony felt like it lasted forever… The entire audience sang the national anthem “Julián Felipe & Jose Palma; Lupang Hinirang”, led by an orchestra performed by the performing arts strand. Next, the school’s anthem was performed. And oh how grand that was, as expected for a prestigious art school! Then, we chanted the “Panatang Makabayan”, which is the country’s national pledge. After that, students came on stage and chanted the mission and vision. And finally—

 The school's principal, Dan Guevarra, stepped onto the stage.

 With only his presence, cheering and clapping were already echoing all over the place. I looked across the auditorium and realized how respected and idolized he was within the industry. Some people even stood up from their seats, cheering with absolute admiration. 

"Man... This guy has a lot of fame," I commented.

 I underestimated it too, thinking of all the rumors and the fact that I've been focused on the menace that is his daughter instead. Not gonna lie— I haven't looked much into him. I'm not into celebrities and influential people, and I can only know their basic information. Which, for Dan, includes all the rumors surrounding him.

 I've already mentioned the one that blew the internet up this year. Megan looked very distraught by it, so I thought it was about time that a family of theirs would fall apart... But now, seeing the crowd go wild like this— It seems that not even fatal rumors can affect their family's reputation. I guess it makes sense, with their wealth and lineage, of course. 

 Sooo... Unfortunately for me, Dan Guevarra and his damn family continue to thrive.

 He waved at the audience with a smile, walking up to the microphone.

 "I see that everybody's very enthusiastic today."

  It was my first time seeing him outside of pictures. I have to say... He kind of reminds me of Melvin.

 Dan stood in a classy manner, the type of classiness with more composure and orderliness. It was the type of manners that Melvin had, except his father does it in a more "administrative" way and doesn't seem like an emotionless robot.

 The audience grew silent, it was time for him to speak.

 "Now, before we announce the results, I would like to start with a grand speech about this school... but..."

  He scanned the audience,

 "Everybody seems so tense, is it anxiety or excitement?" He joked, causing the audience to chuckle.

 "Nevertheless, I won't dare test your patience any longer."

 ...

 "I shall now present..."

 "Guevarra Academy's GRADE 11 Painting Strand for class 2016-2017!"

 The projector screen changed— Now showing the list of names of students who got accepted and reached rankings within the TOP 11-30s. 

 The audience erupted, a mixture of noises taking over my ears— Elated gasps from students who found their names, cheers of pride from families and supporters, yet also heart-rending sighs and devastating cries from those who didn't make it. Amidst this emotional ocean, mixed with both victory and disappointment, I struggled to find our names—

 People got up from their seats, blocking my view, they were either exiting in defeat or celebrating in happiness. Nonetheless, I managed to read the whole screen... Our names weren't there, after all.

 "This can only mean one thing, Brielle." I said with full of hope, yet my voice wavered.

 "Yeah... we have to be within the TOP 10's, right?" Brielle looked at me, her eyes glimmering with worry.

 We clenched our hands tighter, a silent moment for us to pray for the best until—

 "Huuuh?! I'm not within those rankings, right?! RIGHT?!"

 Aria yelled in a panic, rushing back to her seat. Her screeching voice ruined our moment, especially since she was worried about being included in those rankings, of all things. God, I-I just—! It irks me so much! I hate that brat!

 "Thankfully, we're not." That friend of hers replied. 

 Another rich kid that doesn't have to worry about admissions, I see. Why even bother attending today? If you're just so sure that your acceptance is guaranteed? 

 "Where are the twins?" She asked. "I don't see them sitting anywhere."

 "Couldn't find theemmm...." Aria pouted. 

 "Eh, it's fiiineee!" The red-headed guy claimed. "We'll see them on stage anyway!" 

 I'll never get these kinds of people, I never want to! At least my lifestyle teaches me how to be a decent person and be humble and—

 "We shall now announce the TOP 10 Applicants of the Grade 11 Painting Strand."

O-Oh god! Here it comes!

 "These are the students whose paintings are considered the best among our judges..."

 The screen changes...

 "The Top 10th Applicant for the Grade 11 Painting Strand is..."

 A beautiful painting appeared on screen, capturing the attention of the audience as they woe'd in chorus.

 "Jennifer Castilla with her painting— The Road!"

 "Congratulations! Give her a round of applause!"

 A girl stepped onto the stage, her eyes widening in shock as she scanned at her surroundings— The view from the stage, her family and friends cheering for her... then to the wooden floors of the stage where Dan stood, waiting for her. Even looking at her from here, I could tell this must feel so unreal to her. 

 As her emotions settled in, she rushed over to Dan, who handed her a certificate. A staff from backstage also handed her painting submission to her. She proudly held onto them— the product of her efforts and her effort itself.

 She stood beside Dan, both smiling for the cameras flashing from all over— You'd think this was a celebrity runway or something, but no, it's just Dan and a regular student.

 "We shall now announce the Top 9th Applicant..."

.

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 "Congratulations to . . . with her painting— . . . !"

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 "We shall now announce the Top 8th Applicant..."

                                 "Congratulations to . . . with his painting— . . . !"

.

"We shall now announce the Top 7th Applicant..."

"Congratulations to . . .  with his painting— ..... !"

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"We shall shall now now.... " 

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"Congratulations!Congratulations!Congratulations!Congratulations!"

As each applicant walked on and off the stage...

The weight of anticipation became unbearable. 

Each passing moment felt like an eternity,

And yet, our names haven't been called...

How... How could this be?

..

.

I... I can't hear anything...

 Everything's so... hazy...

 I attempted to look at my surroundings amidst my turmoil. My stomach churned, and cold sweat sent shivers down my spine. The atmosphere was tense with anticipation, yet blended with some joyful celebrating and crushed mourning. These overwhelming emotions clashed and collided— but we just sat there, suspended amidst the chaos, frozen within our nerves.

All around us, were other students as well, waiting for their names to be called. Both hope and fear wrinkled across their expressions, their desperation rising every second.

 We don't have a chance now... Do we?

 These were talented painters, who I'd recognized from our previous competitions. They must've given their all for their submissions... Dear god... This really is Guevarra Academy, alright...

But before overthinking got the best of me, Dan finally spoke again.

 "We shall now announce the Top 6th Applicant..."

"Congratulations to Brielle Ramos, with her painting— Together No Matter What!"

...

Oh my gosh... OH MY GOSH, IT REALLY IS HAPPENING!

For a moment, we just sat there in confusion— But reality crashed us like a wave— Brielle had officially become a student of Guevarra Academy!

I squealed, rapidly gesturing her to head towards the stage. She ran up there as fast as she could, grabbing her certificate and submission with shaking arms.

Tears flew out my eyes as I cheered... With Guevarra in her hands, my best friend can finally be a professional!

The cameras flashed as her picture with Dan was being taken. While that was happening, I couldn't help but notice the audience's collective woas' and amazement toward her painting... 

"Hehe..." 

A smirk ran across my face as I let out a relieving chuckle. Could this be the start of Brielle's well-deserved fame?

I looked towards the stage again, but... what's that?

 Brielle was holding a completely different painting than the one I saw her paint before. Strange. I guess I was too emotional to notice at first. Could this be some kind of mistake by the staff?

I looked at the screen for a clearer look, and her signature was clearly painted on it. Being her best friend, I could also tell the painting was done by her, recognizing her distinct style.

What's going on? Did she change her submission last minute?

 Instead of looking at the cameras, Brielle was looking straight at me... with a guilty smile. I didn't know what to feel at that moment, but I remained with a wide smile, showing my utmost congrats.

.

.

.

Ever since that moment, Brielle never went back to her seat.

And I was all alone.

Waiting for my name to be called.

"Top 5; Congratulations to Aria Chikamoto, with her painting— Hopeless Romantic!"

..

.

 FLASH!    *SNAP*    FLASH!    *SNAP*

..

.

"Top 4; Congratulations to Suzie Soberano, with her painting— False Love!"

..

.

FLASH!    *SNAP*    FLASH!    *SNAP*

..

.

"Top 3; Congratulations to Alexis Nightingale, with her painting— Winter Heart!"

..

.

I clenched my firsts, my entire body rigid with tension. My heart raced so wildly like it would burst out my chest at any moment. With two spots left to be called, and the champion obviously reserved for nepotism herself, the odds seem stacked against me... If my name wasn't called in this very second, I just know it would be over for me...

..

.

"Top 2; Congratulations to . . . , with his painting— . . .!"

.

 And that's exactly what had happened. 

 My name... was like a figment... that never existed.

 All of those awards and medals... from renowned art competitions...

 My achievements... My talents...

 ..They were all for nothing.

But... why... how... ?

 Brielle was similar to me in those factors, and yet, she got accepted?

I sat with my back against the chair, letting myself sink into its cushions. A void deepened within my chest, and I felt completely numb. Yet, a faint smile lingered on my lips, twitching with each unstable breath I took.

 "H..Heh... A-At least... Brielle got in..."

 With only one of us making it in, I wondered what could this mean for our friendship. This isn't the end of the world as I still have other schools as backup, but spending less time with Brielle is sort of... heartbreaking. But I guess that's how life is.

I'll continue to support her in every way. Who knows.. This might even make our friendship stronger...

..I just wish she returned to her seat though, it would really cheer me up a bit.

"CONGRATULATIONS TO MEGAN GUEVARRA, FOR WINNING AS THE CHAMPION WITH HER PAINTING— LOST GIRL!"

 The crowd went absolutely wild— The loudest it had ever been. It was especially annoying since Aria and her friends were beside me, jumping and cheering to the extremes.

.

.

But either way, I humbly accept my defeat.

.

..?

I didn't want to look towards the stage for obvious reasons. But Megan's painting... caught my eye.

..

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W..What? W-Why is that... there... ?!

..

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A melancholic painting about a sole girl, trapped within a hollow, distorted universe. Surrounded by darkness— Just like what I've seen before.