...Prorogue...

December 24, ****

That was my birthday. An unexpected bundle... I was a "surprise". That's what the caretaker told me about my birth. My parents were busy people. My mother was constantly going on Photoshoots and film sets. Father was the leader of the business world. A lawyer who stepped in to continue his parents work.

"Happy birthday, Alexander." that was my nanny. She was like a mother more than my own mother. It feels cruel to say it, but I never felt wanted.

"Amy, will mother and father come early today? Will they bring gifts? Or cake?"

"I am sure they will, Young Master, Madam and Sir both love you."

It felt hollow. It was like Amy was trying to convince me that I am loved. Strange? Why would a child need to be convinced of a fact?

Later that day, 9 pm.

"Amy, Maria, is Alexander asleep?" My mother, Mary Spencer asked.

"Just now, Madam, he was waiting for you to return" Amy replied.

"It's good that he slept, he should not up and about at this time of the night." It was my father, Rupert Spencer. His voice was low and calm as usual. He was always composed.

They didn't know I was awake. That I was hearing everything.

"The young master seemed sad. He seemed to expect you both to-" Maria star, but father cut her off.

"He is just 5, he'll forget this tomorrow."

But I didn't. My parents forgot my birthday. Next morning was Christmas Eve. Were they busy? Perhaps tomorrow they'll give me presents and get me cake?

...----------------...

*alarm rings*

What time is it? 6: 15…

I woke up and brushed my teeth. My hair started to grow out. I should cut it before my father says something about it. I looked at the calendar… It was my result day.

I went down by 7, having cleaned up and groomed well. Hair put back, shirt ironed. Uniform looking clean. Bag set. I looked like a model student. Except I am not. My grades never went past 94 percent. My rotten luck, as I call it. If it was a 94 again... Never mind. It is a 94. I know it. No matter how much effort I put into my studies, how much I spent my extra time getting "credentials", I could never.

I locked my dorm room and went down to the cafeteria building. My usual sandwich and milk shake. I want to try coffee, but my brother has a routine of drinking coffee.

'You are Mr. Arthur's brothers?' that was my homeroom teacher's first question on name call.

My brother, Arthur Rupert Spencer, is seven years older than me. He is what the world calls a "prodigy". He was gifted in both academics and music. His piano skills were advanced when he was 7. He rocked the stage as a mere child. So, being his brother, I had some pretty great expectations to fill out.

Not once in my life was I able to shine as myself. My very existence revolves around my family. My name. Spencer. I am the shadow of the Spencer family.

Being constantly outshone is not that bad. Once you get used to the fact that you could not be as accomplished as others. My parents realized it when I was 13. They're not the type to make fuss on how much I lack. They simply accepted that their second son is just average. "It evens out", my once aunt said at an event.

I don't know what's worse, the feeling that I lack compared to my siblings, or that my parents never pushed me as they did with them.

I was constantly overthinking such events.

"Alex!"

I was disrupted away from my thoughts. As I looked about I say Jacob. Our school's star basketball player and a man of potential. He maintained his grades at A without excuses.

"Overthinking again?"

"I am impressed you know me that much" I retorted.

He gave a chocolate milkshake and dragged me off to the bulletin boards.

"Our results came out! Look! Lia is third again!"

He was basically a puppy for that girl. I could imagine his non-existing tail wagging excitedly as he went off into his imagination.

I ignored him and searched for my name. Alexander Rupert Spencer...

Ah... I was fifth, again. 94 percent. Again.

Preschool, middle school, high school... All the same.

Beside me, my dear friend was yapping about Prom…

"Lia McRose, and Me, Prom Queen and King. We'd look stunning as the phone gets taken, and I'll sleep her off her feet. She'd giggle cutely and I'll spin her, showing our love to the whole audience -"

"Have you even asked her out yet?" I cut on his fantasy narrative.

He paused for a moment before speaking up, "Not yet, but-", he pulled out a rose and a card, "I will as soon as I get the chance."

His bad luck, Lia came that day with the captain of the soccer team. Students in the hallway started to stare at the couple. Jacob looked like a wounded pup on a sidewalk.

I put a hand around his shoulder and dragged him off to the cafeteria.

"Let's have bread and jam". I said decisively. He was not in the mood to eat. Except bread and jam. Most people go for ice-cream when they're sad, he goes for bread and jam. And thanks to that, I started to enjoy them too.

As we sat down at the table, and I brought our set trays of food, he was pouting his bottom lip like a child about to throw a tantrum.

"Eat first," I sat beside him as he began to eat. We finished two out of the three slices of bread when he spoke.

"I think she likes Nex... I don't stand a chance, do I?"

I grabbed his hand, and looked at him. This natural charmer, one most girls pine for, was uncharacteristically self-conscious and putting himself down.

"Did you even confess to her?"

"No..."

"Then confess. You are one of the popular guys in this school. Ask her out."

He smiled, a small curve of his lips that I admire.