Chapter 6

Junior year.

My second year of financial independence.

Thanks to straight As, I landed a study abroad program in London. My parents, hearing the news, debated whether Sarah should have the spot instead.

Sarah immediately refused. She wanted to stay and spend those six months with Chris. She was certain she’d be his girlfriend by then.

Just like Chris was certain he’d be my boyfriend. They were two of a kind. They belonged together.

As I prepared my travel documents, Chris confronted me, demanding to know why I was leaving.

Did I not want to be with him? I didn’t deny it. I showed him screenshots of Sarah’s texts, forwarded from Chris’s phone.

“Chris, I’m such a mess. I’m not smart or capable like Ashley. It’s okay if you don’t like me. I’m sorry for bothering you. Don’t buy me breakfast anymore. Let’s just unfollow each other.”

“Hey, don’t say that. You’re beautiful, kind, and sweet.”

“Really? Does that mean you like me a little? Even just a tiny bit?”

“Yeah.”

Four messages.

Classic push and pull. Anyone could see the flirtation. But Chris still denied it.

“You know Sarah’s sensitive! I didn’t want to upset her!”

I watched him, blank–faced. His eyes reddened. He gritted his teeth, practically snarling. “Fine! I shouldn’t have worried about your sister! I shouldn’t have cared about her feelings!”

He deleted Sarah’s contact right in front of me. Sarah, sensing she’d been blocked, immediately called him. He put her on speakerphone.

Her voice was small and pitiful. “Chris? Did I do something wrong? Why… why did you… ”

Chris glared at me, furious. “Sarah, stop bothering me! I don’t like you! I’ll never like you! I only love Ashley!”

Sarah started crying. Uncontrollable sobs. She sounded like she couldn’t breathe.

Then a thud. Chris’s face went white.

“Sarah! Don’t play games! Answer me!”

“Sarah! What’s wrong?!”

He turned to me, frantic.

“Your sister collapsed! Aren’t you going to check on her?”

I didn’t respond.

He grabbed my shirt. “Ashley, how can you be so cold?! That’s your sister!”

I pushed him away, stepping back.

“If you’re so worried,” I said calmly, “go to her.”

“But what about us…?”

I smiled. “I leave in a few months. Our bet’s still on. If you win, I’m yours.”

He hesitated. His eyes flickered. Then he ran. Sprinting towards Sarah’s dorm. When the ambulance arrived, Chris was holding Sarah’s hand, whispering reassurances.

“Don’t worry, I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”

“I do like you. I really do. Please be okay. It’s my fault. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

I watched it all, my heart strangely calm.