Chapter 5

Sophomore year.

Sarah was failing so many classes she was facing expulsion. My parents rushed to the college, pulling strings. They learned that a research project could save her, guarantee her graduation.

And I had a research project. Their eyes turned to me once again.

“Ashley,” Dad said, all pretense of guilt gone. “Your sister needs this project to graduate. You should let her have it.”

Mom said nothing, her eyes devoid of any warmth. Ever since I played that recording, exposed their hypocrisy, they’d dropped the act.

It was better this way. No more moral posturing. No more being cast as the villain. They were finally being honest: their favoritism towards Sarah was the real evil all along.

Now, their demands were blunt. Just like the fact that I hadn’t received a phone call, a visit, or a dime of allowance in over a year.

“Okay,” I said. “Sarah can have the project.”

I handed over the completed research paper. My parents gave it straight to Sarah. That night, another Instagram post, another picture of Sarah with Mom and Dad.

The caption read: “So blessed to have my parents! #familydinner #love”

“Ashley, whatcha lookin‘ at? Your eyes are all red.”

My classmate, Chris, sat beside me, glancing at the cracked screen of my phone.

“Who’s that? She’s pretty.”

I sniffed. “My sister. Sarah.”

He chuckled. “Just your parents and Sarah in the pic. You the photographer?”

I shook my head. “No. They didn’t invite me to dinner. ”

He stared. “You’re kidding, right? Your parents? Your own sister?”

I just nodded.

He shifted awkwardly. “Okay, okay, I get it, you’re the neglected little sis. C’mon, I’ll buy you dinner.”

He slung an arm around my shoulder. I subtly shrugged him off. “Nah, you go ahead.”

He frowned. “Seriously, Ashley? I’ve been chasing you for a year! Am I not cute. enough? What’s the deal?”

He seemed annoyed, but quickly plastered on a goofy grin.

“Alright, alright, fine. Doesn’t mean I’ll stop trying. I’ll keep at it till you say yes. ”

He hadn’t met Sarah yet. That’s why he could be so confident. I sighed, sending him Sarah’s Instagram handle.

“Follow my sister. Maybe she can give you some insight into me.”

I walked away. He stood there, confused. But that night, he came back. He hugged me, his eyes full of sympathy.

“Ashley, let me take care of you.”

“My poor Ashley, you’ve been through so much. Knowing your past just makes me love you more.”

“Your parents may not love you, but I do! I always will!”

Sarah was such a sweet, understanding angel. Of course, she’d poured her heart out to Chris, telling him everything.

Including how guilty she felt for me, how much she worried about me, how much she cared. Chris’s heartfelt words washed over me.

Last time, they would have been intoxicating. This time, they were just… flat. Because I knew he’d betray me. He’d fall head over heels for Sarah.

And then he’d criticize me, dissect all my flaws. His love, under Sarah’s innocent glow, would turn pale and insignificant.

“Chris,” I said. “Let’s make a deal.”

He looked at me, eyes shining.

“Buy my sister breakfast for six months. If you can do that, we’ll date.”

He laughed. “Why your sister? Shouldn’t I be buying you breakfast? She already gets enough attention!”

I forced a smile. I wondered the same thing. Why, when Sarah already had so much love, did people keep giving her more?

Chris knew I meant what I said. He reluctantly agreed.

As he left, he declared, “Six months, Ashley! Then you’re mine!”

I nodded, unfazed. Chris didn’t know that the moment he followed Sarah, she’d messaged me. She told me she’d had a crush on Chris for ages.

She asked me to give him to her. I’d given Sarah so much under our parents‘ pressure. This was the first time she’d asked me for something directly.

“Okay,” I said. “I’ll give him to you. How do you want me to do it?”

My ever–so–fragile sister outlined the breakfast plan.