Gaia

At the age of 10, Gaia’s family received both a gift and a misfortune. Selene was born, and how joyful they were to welcome her. Gaia themself was happy to have a sister, a new friend. And they swore to be the best older sibling they could, to always teach her the right things, just like how their parents were to them. But it seemed fate wanted something in return. Their mother became sickly after Selene’s birth. Each passing time her illness worsened. One year turned into two and two turned into three, Gaia’s mother passed away. Devastated by the news, Their father became distant. His distance didn’t stop him from caring for Gaia, becoming even closer. The same couldn’t be said for Selene for he subconsciously blamed her. As their older sibling, Gaia took intense care for her for years to come.

Middle school was a place for kids to assert and establish their position in a school’s hierarchy. Maintaining their superiority by picking on others. And Gaia’s odd behavior and reserved attitude after their mother’s death was the perfect target. From being left out, gossip, mocking, beating. Teachers would pass it as playful. Their father would just tell them to man up. And they wouldn’t dare to burden their sister. So all the received negativity they internalized transformed into self-hatred. Taking words told to them as gospel truth. Going as far into practicing self-harm. Despite their lows, their grades held high.

Time went on, people grew bored and became creeped out by Gaia.

Their high grades soon brought them into one of the prestigious schools in their country. High School was different in some ways. People were more accepting, but Gaia was still an outcast as they don't belong in any groups. The only difference was that nothing harmed them and their grades dwindled down the drain. The disappointment wasn’t for them alone, but their father too. Having no hopes in the family, he started to emotionally involve himself less with his childrens. Selene already accepted herself as unwanted, but Gaia, wanting to prove themself, persisted and started to work for their family. Sometimes working themself to exhaustion.

Two purple lilacs would bloom soon.

Things changed when a classmate introduced himself into Gaia’s life. He was a very bright kid, full of confidence despite his inability to talk. The kind that always makes sure that no one feels left out. Always introducing Gaia to new things and listening to what they have to say. He liked Gaia’s enthusiasm and so did Gaia appreciate his companionship. Soon they turned into best friends. They inspired each other, and Gaia became more open as a person. Things between them became more intimate. They share their secrets with each other. He was the first person that Gaia was able to cry on. And he was also the first person to make Gaia feel… something. A love bloomed young for both, and it so happens Gaia’s flower grew faster. They dated throughout highschool and were happy with each other. It’s as if nothing else matters when they have each other.

Graduation soon came and so did separation. Despite Gaia’s and their boyfriend’s low-to-average accumulated grades, they each were accepted at reputable colleges. While Gaia was accepted within their country’s top college, their boyfriend was accepted at an international college. Though hard, they bid farewell to each other. Promising to always contact each other despite the distance.

"let's meet again one day. Don't forget our pink carnation."

He never replied back to Gaia afterwards.

College was very new and it took some semester for Gaia to get accustomed to it. Still quiet at first. However, in a mix of seeing how open people were and wanting to improve themself, they started to be more active. Awkward at first, but their sincerity and kindness was more than welcomed. People were friendly, which is a first. But they don’t feel any connection. Maybe it’ll take a while to get used to people’s friendliness.

Tuition weighed down their short financial situation. Finance weighed more when their father had an accident at work that prevented him from working. As the eldest, Gaia applied jobs after jobs to keep the family afloat. It didn’t take long for them to be accepted as a lab assistant. A fitting job that pays well. Their co-workers are nice to them. One stands among the rest, who seemed to take interest in them.

"My name is Scarlet."

Red roses blooms between them

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