Alexandra Rue S. Smirnov, a half Russian girl born in a broken and struggling family-who was bullied at school for the very life she never chose. Alexandra's father left them even before she was born, she was left to live with her relatives. The hardest part was not even the struggles at home-it was carrying those problems with her to school. Alexandra became an easy target for bullying. Her classmates found out about her family situation-how her father left them and how they barely had enough money to get by. These things became their favorite reasons to mock her. School, which was supposed to be a place of learning turned into her own personal nightmare.

Alexandra started elementary school in a local school near their house. It was a simple school filled with children from different kinds of family. Despite the pain, poverty and loneliness she felt throughout the years-Alexandra never let her circumstances stop her from performing top of her classes. She earned praises from her teachers saying that not only she looks like a russian doll, she also has an impressive intelligence. Alexandra's accomplishments made other students become envious towards her. Some doubted that maybe she was cheating, some thinks it was just because of her pretty face that the teachers gave her an excellent mark in their subjects. Against all odds, Alexandra ignored every single word they said. No matter how hard they tried to hurt her or bring her down, she acted as if she heard nothing at all. She refused to give them the satisfaction of seeing her affected. By the end of her elementary journey she became valedictorian of her class, even with all the mockery she received throughout the years, it became her motivation to prove everyone wrong and showcased what she can really do.

Alexandra excited to tell her family that she was top of her class came rushing in towards the front door. "Auntie! Uncle! Look I made it!" Alexandra said with clear happiness in her voice

But not even a single one of her relatives acknowledge her presence in the house, not a single one even looked at her, as if she was invisible to everybody.

"Is it still not enough?.." Alexandra mumbles to herself, holding back her tears. She had been studying so hard to get high grades so she can make her family proud. However all she got was a silent treatment from everyone.

Alexandra returns to her room with her hair stuck slightly to her damp cheeks. She gathers all her certificates in one folder, staring at it with her watery eyes.

After a few minutes, one of her relative shouts " Alexa! Hurry up and eat dinner, stop being such a crybaby. Your certificates won't even get you anywhere, you should be like Maya, she's already making money" Maya was Alexandra's older cousin. She was 16 years old while Alexandra had just finished elementary, she was modeling and that is where her money comes from.

Alexandra felt her heart sink deep into her chest about the constant comparison between her and Maya. She wipes her tears using the back of her hand and quickly fixes her clothes. She comes out of her room, only to find the dining table completely deserted, no one was there, and there wasn't any food prepared.

"It looks like they have already eaten" she mumbles to herself, she is used to this already.

She glances at the dirty pile of dishes in the sink. Her eyes drifted to a single canned food beside the sink, "Well I guess is my dinner" she said as she took the canned food and poured a portion of the food onto her plate. She sat at the table all by herself, she was already used to this kind of behavior from her family. Even tho there was still a faint ache in her chest, she no longer waited or hoped for things to change.

Alexandra finishes eating her food. She walks towards the sink with her dirty plate in hand. She placed her plate with all the other dirty dishes in the sink. In this household, she was treated more like a maid than a family.

She turned on the faucet and let the warm water run. Taking the sponge, she scrubbed each plate and spoon carefully, removing stain and leftover food. The sound of splashing water and the sound of the utensils filled the quiet kitchen. She washes everything carefully, as if washing away not just the dirt from the dishes, but also the heavy thoughts weighing on her mind.

After washing the dishes, Alexandra went to dry her hands with a cloth and slowly walk back to her room, pushing the door shut. She laid down on her bed and took out her phone, she opened her social media apps-she was browsing for a nice school to start her highschool journey. After hours of endless scrolling, she decided to apply in a public highschool just a few miles from their house. She chose to not apply for a private one not because she can't afford it because she could have just applied for a scholarship, she was more worried she will get bullied again due to her status.

Sumer vacation went by so quickly. It was now time for Alexandra's first day in highschool. Alexandra wakes up early to get ready, she grabs all of her things for the day, and arranges them neatly in her backpack.

Alexandra's phone rang, Maria her Bestfriend was calling her. Alexandra picks up the call. "Hi Maria! What's up?" Alexandra asks as she continue to put her things in her bag using her other hand.

"Heyy gurlll! You ready for highschool?!" Maria responds, a clear excitement was visible in her voice, to the point she was almost screaming.

Alexandra chuckles softly at her friend's high energy, "chill gurl, I was just getting my things ready."

Maria laughs, "okay okay, see you in class my dear bestie, and make sure to bring some snacks cuz if you are not going to get hungry well I will."

Alexandra could not help but burst into laughter. Her whole face lit up, and her shoulders shook slightly with joy. "Alright Maria as you wish, see you later!"

Alexandra hangs up the call. Alexandra walks out of her room to prepare her breakfast. It was currently 4 am, she looks around to find the kitchen quiet and empty. The dim light illuminating Alexandra's figure as she walks towards the fridge. She saw a leftover Adobo from last night's dinner.

"This will do for now, maybe I just need to reheat it." She grabs a pan, turns on the stove and places the pan on the stove, pouring a small amount of oil. She waited until it was hot enough before placing the chicken inside. The rich aroma of Adobo quickly filled the kitchen, wrapping the place in a familiar scent.

She served herself a portion on a plate, pairing it with warm rice and a glass of milk. As she ate slowly, reality began to sink in. Her mind wandered, filled with memories and questions. Would highschool finally be different or would it be just the same painful cycle as her elementary days.

After eating and washing her plate, Alexandra goes back to her room. She irons her uniform quickly before puting it on, she then puts on her shoes. She lifted the heavy bag and placed it on her shoulders. It felt weighty, almost as heavy as the worries in her heart. She pulled the straps tight, holding everything close, and stood up ready to face whatever the day would bring. She left the house and took a public transportation towards her school. Since her auntie has not given her allowance yet, she carried the coins she had saved in her piggy bank just to survive for today.

Alexandra got off the vehicle, her eyes immediately went to the school gate. It looked so big and crowded, filled with students wearing the same uniform as her. But deep inside she knew she was not really the same as them. She took one last glance at the signboard, feeling her heart beat fast, before she slowly walked towards the entrance.

As she walked inside the school, Maria who was waiting for her to arrive happily greets her at the entrance. "Heyyy bestieee you look prettyyyy!!" Maria's eyes lit up at the sight of her gorgeous friend.

Maria has been Alexandra's only bestfriend way back in elementary, she was the only one who did not judged Alexandra based on her family issues. Maria's family is quite stable when it comes to money, so she always help Alexandra whenever she has financial problems.

A sigh of relief escaped Alexandra's lips as she saw Maria. Her face brightened immediately, and she rushed forward and hugged her friend, a happy smile gracing her lips. Just seeing her friend made everything a little less daunting.

Maria immediately hugs her back, patting her back for comfort, she knows her friend is overwhelmed by the new environment.

"Come on let's go find our classroom, I think it's on that building over there." Maria gestures at a nearby building.

They walk towards the building, and walked through the steps on to the 3rd floor.

"Hmmmm which room was it?" Maria asked. Alexandra looks at something on her phone and then responded, "it says here, our class is in the 3rd floor 2nd room."

"Great, come!" Maria is clearly excited to meet her new classmates, but Alexandra was still questioning in her mind, would this new phase of her life be a good one, or was she destined for more hardship.

As they walked through the hall, few students sneak glances at them, especially at Alexandra. The students started whispering to each other. Their eyes followed her every move. They were all saying the same thing—that the new girl was incredibly beautiful, with gorgeous features that stood out from everyone else.

Maria who noticed the stares shoots everyone a glare, she's trying her best to make her friend comfortable. As soon as they entered the room, students turned their heads to look. Maria quickly took Alexandra's hand and dragged her to an empty chair at the back of the room.

The teacher walked in with a calm and confident pace. All the students immediately stopped talking and stood up to greet her. The noise turned into complete silence as she walked towards her table.

"Good morning Ma'am" in one loud, clear voice, all the students greeted her together.

"Good morning class I am Ms. Jane, your class adviser, you may now take your seat" the teacher replied warmly.

Right away, every student pulled their chairs and sat down in unison. Alexandra carefully lowered herself onto her seat too, keeping her head slightly bowed, feeling a little relieved that the attention was finally gone from her.

The teacher proceeds to her discussion, explaining the rules and regulation of the school. The students sat quietly and listened respectfully, their focus entirely on their teacher as she started the lesson.

One specific girl named Kiara watched Alexandra from head to toe. She bit her lip and narrowed her eyes, filled with envy. She hated how perfect and beautiful Alexandra looked even in the same uniform. A dark feeling of jealousy rose inside her, wishing that all the attention was on her instead.

The teacher smiled and said "okay let's get to know each other." One by one, students stood up from their seats. "Hi I'm Mia, i love dancing!" Said one. "I'm Jake, and I play basketball," said another. They spoke with confidence, loud and clear, smiling proudly as everyone listened. Alexandra watched them quietly, her hands clasped tightly together, her heart beating faster and faster as the line got shorter and it got closer to her turn. She hoped she would not stutter or look foolish in front of everyone.

"Hey guys I am Kiara and i love going to other countries because we are rich" her words was spoken with pure arrogance. She sounded proud and boastful. She looked at Alexandra from head to toe with a smirk, making it clear she thought she was far above her.

Maria roles her eyes at Kiara's arrogance and proceeds to introduce herself. "Good morning everyone I am Maria" she then gives Alexandra a 'go for it look' since it is now Alexandra's turn to introduce herself.

All eyes turned to Alexandra. She felt her face turn hot. She stood up slowly, clutching the edge of her uniform tightly. With her head slightly bowed. "Hello everyone I am Alexandra." Her voice was sweet and gentle, but filled with nervousness. She quickly sat back down.

The bell rang, and it was now lunch time. Alexandra and Maria stood up and reached for their lunch boxes. Suddenly Kiara and few of her friends surrounded the two of them.

"Oh look who this is hmmm Alexandra right?" Kiara said, a mocking tone dripping from her words.

"What do you want Kiara?" Maria chimed in, stepping closer, ready to defend her.

"Shut up, I am talking to her!" Kiara snapped, pointing a sharp finger straight at Alexandra.

Alexandra froze in place. Her hands gripped her lunch box until her knuckles turned white. She lowered her head even more, her heart pounding fast against her ribs. She already knew this feeling—the cold stares, the cruel words, the way everyone's eyes seemed to burn into her skin. It was just like before.

Kiara leaned down, her face just inches away from Alexandra, a nasty smirk spreading across her lips. "You think you belong here just because you're pretty? Don't fool yourself. You look poor, helpless and lonely without your little friend over here."

The girls beside her snickered, whispering loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. "Look her uniform looks old" one whispered. "Bet she can't even afford a proper meal," another sneered.

Maria stepped in front of Alexandra, shielding her from their glares. "Leave her alone! She didn't do anything to you!"

Kiara just laughed, a cold harsh sound. "Stay out of this, Maria. Or do you want to be treated like trash too, just like her?" She turned back to Alexandra, her eyes filled with pure disgust. "You'd better watch your back, new girl. This is just the beginning. High school is going to be pure hell for someone like you."

With one last hateful look, Kiara and her group turned and walked away, still laughing loudly.

As soon as they left, Alexandra let out a shaky breath she didn't know she was holding. Her whole body trembled, and her eyes began to sting with unshed tears. It happened so fast—just as she feared.

"Are you okay?" Maria asked softly, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

Alexandra slowly lifted her head, forcing a small, broken smile. "I...I'm fine," she whispered, though her voice shook. But deep inside, her worst fear had come true. The nightmare had already started.

Maria knew she is not okay, so Maria decided to cheer her up. "Come on let's buy some food at the cafeteria" Maria's voice was soft and gentle, comforting her friend.

"I'm sorry Maria but my money is just enough for transportation.." Alexandra responded, there is a hint of disappointment in her voice. "My auntie hasn't given me allowance yet" she added.

"Shhh, don't worry this one is on me" Maria said as she puts her arm around her friend's shoulder a smile tugging at her lips.

Alexandra's widened in surprise, she looked up at Maria, her heart feeling a little lighter for the first time all day. "Are you sure? I don't want to be a burden to you Maria.." She said shyly.

Maria squeezed her shoulder gently and shook her head. "You are never a burden to me. Now come on! Before all the good food runs out!"

She led Alexandra through the hallway, past the groups of staring and whispering students. Alexandra clings to Maria's side, grateful for the only person who did not care that she was poor. For a moment, she hoped that maybe...just maybe... Not everything here would be as terrible as she feared, especially with Kiara around.

There was a group of boys in the cafeteria, one of them is a boy named Marc. The group was talking about their current experiences in the school, until their friend Jack mentioned Alexandra. "Have you seen the pretty girl on the 3rd floor?" Jack asked his friends. "The one with the long hair?" Asked one of his friends, "oh the girl who passed by us this morning?" Asked another. Jack replied with a "yes!" Meanwhile Marc was just listening at the conversation, but he looks intrigued about this new girl.

After lunch, all students starts to return to their designated rooms. Maria hurriedly grabbed Alexandra to return to their room,they were running because they do not want to be late.

Kiara saw this in a distance and a small smirk appears on her lips. She suddenly stuck her foot out on purpose. Alexandra's foot caught against it, and she stumbled forward, crashing down onto the hard ground. Pain shot through her knees and palms.

"Alexandra!" Maria shouted, rushing to kneel beside her. She quickly helped her sit up, brushing the dirt off her uniform. "Are you okay? That was done on purpose! I saw it!"

That's exactly what you get for walking too close to us," Kiara whispered loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. "Remember your place, trash." She added before walking towards their room like nothing had happened.

Maria offered her shoulder to Alexandra, supporting her as they slowly made their way back to the room. "Don't let her get to you Alex. She's just jealous of you, that's all" Maria said softly, trying her best to reassure her friend.

Alexandra's knees throbbed painfully, and her uniform was stained with dirt, but none of that hurt half as much as the cruel words that kept echoing in her mind.

Just as she feared, her nightmare had followed her all the way to high school. It didn't matter that she hoped things would be different. She was still the same Alexandra—poor, unwanted, and easy to step on.

A cold, sinking feeling settled deep in her chest. She walked beside Maria in silence, her small frame trembling slightly, already knowing the painful truth.

High school would not be her escape. It was only the beginning of a much longer, much crueler battle.

After school, Maria decided to accompany Alexandra on her way home.

When the bell rang to signal the end of classes, everyone stood up to leave. Alexandra and Maria started packing their things. They closed their books one by one, folded their notebooks neatly, and placed everything carefully inside their bags. Alexandra moved slowly, her every action gentle and careful, while Maria helped her double check that nothing was left behind.

As they walked out of the classroom and down the hallway, Alexandra felt a sharp, throbbing pain shoot through her foot—the same one she had twisted when Kiara tripped her earlier. Every time she put weight on it, it felt like needles were piercing her skin. She tried to hide it, limping slightly and walking as slowly as she could, biting her lip to hold back a cry.

"Are you okay, Alex?" You're walking so slowly," Maria asked, noticing her struggle.

Alexandra forced a small, pained smile. "I-I'm fine... Just a little tired."

But the pain only got worst with every step. Her foot felt swollen and heavy, and her leg began to shake from the strain. She tried to keep going, gritting her teeth, until suddenly, her injured foot gave way completely. She lost her balance, her legs turning weak beneath her.

Before Maria could reach out to catch her, Alexandra fell down hard onto the rough pavement. A small gasp of pain escaped through her lips as she landed, her bag tumbling beside her. She immediately curled up slightly, clutching her swollen foot tightly, tears stinging her eyes from the intense ache.

"Alexandra!" Maria quickly knelt beside her, worriedly helping her sit up. She gently touched her foot, making Alexandra wince. "This isn't just tiredness! It's swollen and hurt bad! You should have told me earlier!"

"It's nothing... I can still walk," Alexandra whispered, wiping her eyes quickly, though pain was written all over her face.

With Maria's help, she stood up again, leaning heavily on her friend's shoulder. It took them much longer than usual to reach Alexandra's house. By the time they arrived, Alexandra was exhausted, her foot throbbing and her heart heavy.

"Do you want me to come in with you?" Maria asked softly.

Alexandra shook her head. "It's okay... Thank you Maria. You can go home now. I'll be fine."

She watched her best friend walk away, then took a deep breath and pushed the wooden gate open. She limped slowly towards the front door, already dreading what was waiting inside. As soon as she stepped in, the loud voices of her aunt and cousins greeted her.

There, sitting comfortably on the sofa, was her cousin, Maya—beautiful, smart, dressed in nice clothes, and holding a brand new bag. Her aunt and uncle surrounded her, smiling proudly and listening to every word she said. Compared to Alexandra, who stood by the door with dirty uniform, an injured foot, and an old bag, Maya looked like a princess.

"Oh, you're finally home," her aunt said, glancing at her with no warmth in her eyes. She didn't even ask if she was okay or why she was limping. Instead, her eyes travelled from Alexandra's messy hair down to her dusty shoes, and she clicked her tongue in disappointment.

"Look at you," her aunt sighed, shaking her head. "Dirty clothes, always looking so weak and poor. And look at your cousin Maya... She just got another modeling offer! Her uniform is always neat, her things are expensive, and she knows how to carry herself properly."

Maya looked at Alexandra and smirked, flipping her hair proudly.

Her aunt walked closer, crossing her arms and looking at Alexandra with disappointment written all over her face.

"Why can't you be like her?" She asked, her voice sharp and cold. "Why do you always have to be so... Ordinary? So...burdensome? Maya, she has everything, and she shines wherever she goes. But you? You are just here, eating our food, living in our house, and bringing nothing but trouble and mess. No wonder neither of your parents want you."

Her uncle nodded in agreement. "It's true. If only you were more like Maya—smart, rich, and worthy of attention. Maybe then we would be proud of you too."

Those words hit Alexandra harder than any fallen injury ever could. She stood there, trembling, her injured foot aching, her heart breaking all over again.

Why can't you be like her?

The question echoes in her mind, just like it had done a thousand times before. She looked at Maya, who was smiling happily, loved and praised by everyone. Then she looked at herself—alone, hurt, unwanted, and forever compared to someone "better"

She bit her lip to stop herself from crying, clutching the strap of her old bag tightly. She realized then that it wasn't just at school where she was treated like trash. Even in her own home, even with her own family... She would always be second best. She would always be the one they wished was someone else.

"I.. I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice cracking, though she didn't even know what she was apologizing for.

"Sorry isn't enough," her aunt replied coldly, turning her back to her focus on Maya again. "Go to your room and clean yourself up. Don't ruin the mood here with your sad face."

Alexandra limped away slowly, every step painful both physical and emotional. She entered her small, dark room and closed the door behind her, sliding down against it until she sat on the floor.

Tears finally fell freely down her cheeks. She hugged her knees to her chest, her injured foot throbbing, her heart aching, and the cruel words repeating over and over in her head:

Why can't you be like her?

She thought school was hard... But she was wrong. The place she called home was the cruelest place of all.

She looked around her tiny, cold room, the only place where she could truly be herself, where she could cry without judgement. It was dark, silent, and felt as empty as her heart. She was trapped—trapped in a life she didn’t choose, in a family that didn’t want her, and in a pain that seemed to have no end.

Closing her eyes tightly, Alexandra made a silent promise to herself. She might be bruised, she might be broken, but she wouldn’t stay this way forever. One day, she would find a way out. One day, she would be enough.

But for now, all she could do was cry, letting the tears wash away a fraction of the heavy burden in her soul. She just wanted to disappear.