Laughter erupted around the room as everyone joked about which mangy mutt had left those “bite
marks” on me.
Chase’s face darkened. He knocked on the table. “Everyone’s here. Let’s get started.”
His voice cut through the noise instantly.
The Class President quickly stood up to ease the awkwardness. “Yeah, enjoy yourself. We’ll all be heading our separate ways soon–college, work, wherever. Might be the last time we’re all in the
same room.”
People started sharing their summer plans.
Some were heading south for factory jobs. Some had graduation trips booked. Others were rushing to get their driver’s licenses.
Dinner wrapped up, and the party moved into a private karaoke lounge.
We played games. One of them was a dare.
Maddie got picked and had to choose a guy to give her a princess carry for a full minute.
The guys immediately started cheering. Maddie blushed and glanced at Chase. “Chase, can you help me?”
CHIV
Without a word, Chase leaned down, one arm slipping behind her knees, muscles flexing as he lifted her effortlessly into the air.
“Hold on tight.”
VIIN
Maddie let out a soft gasp, wrapping her arms around his neck, her laughter sugary–sweet.
“Damn, Walker’s a beast! No wonder he’s on varsity!”
I looked away, curling my fingers into fists beneath the table. I tried to pretend it didn’t bother me.
Then it was my turn.
The dare? Take three shots of vodka–or kiss any guy in the room.
The guys all grinned, already whispering.
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H
I instinctively glanced at Chase.
He avoided my eyes.
“I already played knight tonight,” he said flatly. “I’m sitting out the rest.”
The words hit like a slap.
I picked up the shot glass and knocked it back.
Then another.
Then another.
The vodka burned down my throat like acid. My eyes stung. I stumbled out of the room and into the bathroom, barely making it to the sink before throwing it all up.
I splashed water on my face, rinsed my mouth over and over until the burning eased.
When I looked up, the mirror showed a mess.
Red eyes. Hair tangled. Collar askew, with faint bruises peeking out beneath the fabric.
I looked like a clown.
I tugged my clothes straight, brushed out my hair, and gave myself the most pathetic smile I could
muster.
“Sierra Hayes,” I whispered, “pain teaches you lessons. You’ll be better because of this. Pull youself together.”
I didn’t go back into the room.
I texted the Class President that I was heading home and left.
On the bus, I pulled out my phone and opened our old iMessage thread.
[Sierra, I like you. Will you be my girlfriend?]
[Sierra, I couldn’t sleep again tonight. I kept thinking about you. I miss you.]
Dozens of sweet nothings. Dozens of selfies–Chase posing with his bike, dunking at the school court, us walking to school in our Westhaven High uniforms.
When I got a new phone last year, I refused to delete
any
of it.
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But now…
With trembling fingers, I selected the entire chat.
6.9 GB. Delete?
Yes.
Everything we had–all our memories, all his empty words–were gone with a tap.
It was like we were never anything at all.
The bus pulled to a stop. I wiped my face and stood up.
I walked home.
11
The second I stepped through the front door, a sharp slap knocked me to the floor.
My ears rang.
“You shameless brat!” my father roared. “Staying out all night and drinking like some party girl?”
Half my face throbbed with heat. My head spun as I looked up from the floor–only to see Maddie and Mom sitting on the couch, watching it all with smug satisfaction.
I wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth.
“The Class President threw the party,” I rasped. “I only had a little, and I threw it all up. Maddie can
vouch for me.”
11
But Maddie blinked, all innocence. “He did throw the party, but Sierra left halfway without saying anything. I can’t back her
up.‘
Mom’s face hardened.
“Sierra Hayes, how many times have I told you to learn from your sister? If you do, your father wouldn’t be this upset.”
I knelt on the floor, my cheek red and swollen.
They sat hand in hand on the sofa. Picture perfect.
My eyes drifted to the coffee table.
There sat a vacation contract: “Westhaven Students Celebrate SAT Success – 3–Person Family Trip
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to Cancun!”
My heart dropped.
My parents‘ names were signed. So was Maddie’s.
“You’re taking Maddie on a trip… and leaving me behind?” I asked.
Mom’s eyes flickered. “Maddie won it in a school raffle. There are only three spots. We’re going with her because it’s fair.“.
“You can stay home and think about your behavior. We’ll take you next time
I gave a cold smile. “And when exactly is ne
Maddie had always been the fragile one. The doctors said I’d stolen her nutrients in the womb.
Since then, my parents had spoiled her
sly.
When I won a doll in elementary school, Maddie said she liked it. Mom made me give it to her.
When there were only a few drumsticks or Buffalo wings left at dinner, Maddie got first pick. I got
whatever was left.
Every time, Mom said, “Next time means next time. Be the bigger sister.”
But that “next time” never came.
She didn’t answer.
Dad raised his hand again, ready to strike.
“What? Go to your room. You’re grounded.”
I stumbled up the stairs, clutching the wall as pain echoed through my
chest.
Not long after, a text came in from Mr. Carter.
[Sierra, come to school tomorrow morning. We’ll go over your SAT scores and work on your college major declaration.]
[Okay.]
I curled up in bed, holding the phone.
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This was my chance.
College wasn’t just a way out–it was my way forward.
A chance to escape this family. To build something for myself.
