JUDAS KISS

I thought Astreia's disappearance will set everything in place, that everything in my life will go back to normal, but it turns that I'm wrong.

"Who do you think will win?"

"Amber is popular, so it's easy to say that she has the highest possibility of winning the position."

A smirk made its way on my lips while I listen to the gossips of the students behind me.

"But isn't it unfair?"

"What do you mean?"

"You know, winning the position base on popularity. I really think that Summer is a more suitable candidate for the Supreme Student Government presidency. She's more competent than Amber."

"I couldn't agree more! I mean, she has all the requisite skills for that position. I really want her to win."

"And in terms of popularity, she's also on par with Amber, so I guess she stands a chance."

The beam on my face immediately disappeared. I gritted my teeth. I look behind and shoot daggers at the two students who are talking behind my back. Their eyes widened when they noticed my glare.

"A-Amber," one of them uttered.

I arched a brow at them. "Are you that dumb? If you want to talk shit about me, make sure that I'm not hearing it. My name sounds so awful when it's coming from the mouths of pathetic bitches like you. Now get off of my face before I lose my temper and slap the both of you. Get out!" I exclaimed.

"S-Sorry," they both said before cowering in fear.

I just rolled my eyes and calmed myself. I shouldn't let the opinions of irrelevant people affect me. They are not on my league.

Someone nudged me. "What happened, Amber? I heard your voice even from afar."

I throw Ashley a glance. "Don't mind it, I just gave some morons a lesson," I answered with a sneer. "By the way, where's Airen?"

Right on cue, I saw Airen and the others walking towards us. Summer is also with them. She's also running for SSG president position along with me, as suggested by our class adviser.

No, I shouldn't feel resentful over her. She's one of my friends for Pete's sake!

"The program hasn't started yet?" Airen asked and handed me a bottled water.

I accepted it. "Thanks. I don't know with them. I'm starting to get annoyed for real."

She chuckled. Someone climbed up on the stage after a few moments.

"Good afternoon, students of Ridley University." The noise coming from the crowned was silenced. Mr. Silvenia, with his authoritative and domineering aura, stands mightily in the center of the stage. "For the past decades, this school was able to maintain its coveted prestige and prominence. We are acknowledge as one of the greatest schools in the states. All thanks to the professors and staff who ensures quality education and providing a safe place for all of us."

"But let's also not forgot the contributions of our students, specially those members of the Supreme Student Government. This respected organization lays the groundwork for unity and cooperation among students by providing them a venue where they can improve their leadership abilities. They coordinate their functions with the School Principal, Teacher In-charge, and Head of student clubs and activities. They also train students to become better members of the society with the ideals and principles of participative democracy."

"That's why it's very significant to choose the leaders because they play a huge role and responsibility for the betterment of our school. In relevance to that, we are all gathered here for the announcement of our selected officers based from the votes of our students. May I call on Mrs. Cassidy to the stage for the proclamation?"

A woman in her mid-30's came in the stage. "Thank you, Dean Silvenia." She cleared her throat. "Our newly appointed Public Information Officer and Auditor are Ms. Paulene Acebo and Bill Guevarra respectively. The treasurer is from the LEAD Partylist, Shekinah Ocampo. The newly elected secretary is Euanne Jacob Lopez and Jervin Sarmiento was opted for the vice president position. I hope all of you all will fulfill your duties as an SSG officer."

I was holding my breath the entire time. I think my heart will pump out of my chest because of nervousness.

"Now for the president position." I pinch myself to calm my restless nerves. "Please lead your members conscientiously, Ms. Summer Adair Morrigan."

And just like that, all of my ambitions shattered into tiny pieces.

"It's quite a surprise that Amber did not win."

"Indeed. I really thought that she will be the president."

"Summer deserves it nonetheless."

I breathed deep to stop my tears from falling. I felt so small and humiliated. I feel like everyone's laughing at me right now. With a torn heart,  I dragged myself away from that place.

"Amber, where are you going? Hey!" Ashley called me, but I didn't listen. I continue running with tears falling from my eyes.

•••••

"I heard that Summer wins the presidential election in your school."

I stop from eating. "How did you know?"

My father gave me a stern look. "I have my ears and eyes inside the school, Amber."

I shrugged my shoulders. "Yeah, Summer indeed win. She deserves it though." I chuckled to hide the bitterness in my voice.

"And you're not even ashamed that she emerged victorious against you?"

"Atticus! Stop scolding your daughter!" my mother intervened.

I was stunned. My eyebrows furrowed on what he asked. "W-why would I? Summer is my friend, Dad."

"Have you lost your mind, Amber? I don't care if she's your friend or what. The next time that you loss against her, pack your things and leave."

I bow my head and gulped hard. Why am I still surprised? My father has always been like this. He's obsessed with eminence and in keeping our family's reputation on top. And it's seriously so damn tiring shouldering its burden.

I heave out a sigh. "I-I will do my best, Dad."

Though I'm not looking at him, I can feel his piercing gaze on me. "Remember this, Amber. Failures have no place in this house."

•••••

"Amber!"

Summer's voice greeted me as soon as I step inside the University. She's wearing a bright smile while waving her hands on me.

Suddenly, my father's words ring inside my head. "Failures have no place in this house."

A lump obstructed my throat. I averted my gaze and sighed.

"No, she's not at fault, Amber. You don't have any right to get mad neither envious at her. Your father is just consumed by his obsession towards superiority," the sensible part of my mind rebukes me.

I force a smile and walk towards her. "Congrats on winning the SSG election. You should've treat us!" I winked at her.

She beamed at me. "Thank you, Amber. Let's have a celebration during our leisure time."

I gave her thumbs up as a response and we resumed our walk.

"Good morning class." We didn't bother greeting our professor back. "Last week, we had our periodical exam that we're not able to check. But don't worry, I already did it. Come here in front when I call your name."

"Lincoln, Aeron, Samantha..."

She proceeds in handing our exams.

"Alright, now these remaining test papers with me are the students who got the highest scores in my subject."

I grinned. She hasn't called my name yet, that means my paper is in there. I probably got the highest score.

"Airen got a score of fifty-two over sixty. Alexandria and Lucas have the same scores, which is fifty-six."

We clapped our hands for them. Airen even wink at me when she got her paper. I chuckled.

"Amber."

I walk towards our professor.

"She only has two mistakes. As always, you're doing good in your academics. Keep it up."

I smiled at her. "Thank you, Ma'am."

My friends are all smiling at me aside from Summer who looks troubled. My forehead creased.

"And Summer." I was stoned on my spot when realization hits me. "You perfect the exam! Congrats, sweetie!"

I close my eyes. Summer beats me, again.

•••••

"Take care, Amber!"

I smiled and wave a hand to Christian. "Thanks for the ride, Chris."

My head is spinning like mad while I walk towards the huge door. I was dizzy because of all the alcohol that I drank. But I enjoyed it nevertheless. The sensation of the liquor on my throat, the ambiance of the club, the blinding lights... the freedom.

Ah yes, freedom.

I laughed. Those moments that I'm inside the bar with strangers, I feel so unfettered. Those stolen moments are the happiest, because no one was stopping me. I couldn't hear the painful and condemning words of my father because it was drowned by the noise of the wild crowd.

I shook my head before opening the door.

"You are such a disgrace to this family!"

My mouth hang open. I was welcomed with a loud slap coming from my furious father. I can feel the sharp pain numbing my face.

"How long do you want to be like this?! Are you seriously destroying your life?!" His fuming voice echoed inside the corners of the house. My mother is behind him, but she can't do anything as well but to look at me with pity.

I averted my gaze and let tears fall from my eyes. I didn't bother wiping it.

"We just got home from our tiring business trip and we were greeted with all the mess that you've made?! What is going on with you?!"

I laugh bitterly. "That's it. Both of you are so damn busy with your respective businesses that you almost forgot that you still have a daughter who needs your affection and guidance! But who I am to demand, right?"

Their eyes widened. My mother clasped her hands against her mouth as she bursts into tears. I saw how regret pass through her eyes, but not with my father. What am I expecting? That he will soften just because I'm an emotional wreck right now? That will never happen.

"How dare you talk to us like that?!" he exclaimed while his eyes are ablaze with disdain. "We're doing this because we want to provide you a good life!"

I look at him with a sad smile. "Did you ask me what I want?" He was stunned. "Oh wait, do you even know me? My likes and dislikes? My dreams? No. You can't even recognize your own daughter." I shook my head before turning my back.

"Where are you going? Come back here! We're still talking Amber!"

But I didn't listen. I continue walking towards my room. But before I could even lock my door, I heard something that completely shattered me.

"Did you see that, Ambridge? Your daughter is slowly turning into a delinquent and imprudent child! Huh! Why can't she just be like her friend Summer?! Now I understand why they always say that she's much better than Amber!"

Summer. It's always Summer. I'm tired of hearing her name. It sounds like an ear-splitting siren that is constantly bruising my ears every damn time that I'm hearing it.

I stand in front of the mirror and stare at myself. I look so pathetic. The tears falling from my eyes and the constant ringing of my father's words in my head stirs a raging emotions inside of me.

When tomorrow came, all my friends noticed my puffy eyes. But I told them that I just had a hard time sleeping.

"Amber, are you okay?"

I averted my gaze from the book I'm reading and turned my attention to Summer. I gave her a subtle smile. "I'm fine, stop worrying about me."

She sighed. "Sure? You're not your usual self today. If you have any problem, you know that I'm always lookhere to--"

I drop the book I'm reading that stops her from speaking. "Can you please shut up? I told you I'm fine, didn't I? Now just mind your own business and leave me alone!" I screamed in irritation.

Her eyebrows furrowed. She looks at me in surprise, but I just rolled my eyes and ignored her.

When lunch came, I noticed the rumpus in front of the bulletin board. My curiosity was piqued.

"What's with the commotion?" I asked Airen.

She shrugged her shoulders. "I don't have any idea either."

"Let's just look for ourselves," Ashley told me.

We huddled on the tight crowd and manage to get in front of the board.

"Ridley University 2018-2019 High School Achievers."

I read the title of the post. A smile appeared in between my lips. My eyes scanned the papers and search for our year level.

"Oh, here it is!"

I immediately look for my name on the first spot, because I know that it will be there. But disappointment veiled me the moment my eyes landed on the name written on the number one spot. Summer Adair Morrigan.

"Guys, you're not going to believe this!"

"What is it?"

"Summer finally dethroned Amber as the best student in their year level!"

"Wait for real? Woah, that's kind of historical isn't it?"

"Maybe? HAHAHA. Oh well, she deserves it though. Even during their elementary days, I noticed that Summer is more intelligent than Amber. I have a hunch that she just manipulated the ranking for the past years."

"It could be. Considering the amount of shares that her family has in our school, it's not entirely impossible to pulled some strings just to emerge on top."

"Well if it's true, then she should be ashamed of herself."

I gritted my teeth. The words coming from the students around me is aggravating my emotion.

•••••

The cold wind along with the warm rays from the sun is fondling against my skin while I'm staring at the swarm of students on the ground.

"Why did you call me up here, Amber?"

I heard Summer's voice from behind. We're currently standing at the rooftop of an abandoned building.

"You know what Summer? I was raised to pleased my parents. All my life, I've been shouldering the responsibility of keeping our name on the pinnacle."

I look at her and smiled. The lines on her forehead speaks for her confusion.

I chuckled. "That's why I always do my best to stay on top. I was taught to always bring out the best in me. My father once told me that if I can't be peerless and be on top of the range, then I will suffer along with the inferiors."

The frown on her face worsens. "W-Why are you telling me this?"

Despite the immense trembling of my hands, I raise the gun. I saw how her eyes widened in fear. I shake my head and throw all the cautions in the wind. Summer is still petrified on her spot.

I gulped hard, and fired the gun.

She looks at me with disdain. "W-Why?" she asked before her body fall on the ground with a soft thud.

I wipe the tears that escaped my eyes. "I'm sorry."

I swallowed a lump and gave Summer a last glance. Her hands are stretched on my direction, as if she's asking me to help her. With a heavy heart, I averted my gaze. After fixing myself and making sure that I don't look suspicious anymore, I run away from the place.

I look over the sky, a few light clouds flittered Northward, and vanished. Overhead, with a rustling and loud noise, the gray clouds rush westward forever until they roll, a cataract, over the fiery wall of the horizon. I close my eyes and let the fresh air filled my lungs.

I need to eliminate all the hurdles if I want to stay on top.