Chapter 2
From that day on, I started avoiding Dylan.]
But the nickname had already spread like wildfire.]
It was everywhere. In every hallway, every classroom, every corner of the school.[]
In class, people would whisper behind me.[]
“That’s her. The Leech.“[]
“I don’t know how Dylan puts up with it.“[]
At the library, someone would say loud enough for me to hear: “Oh wow, The Leech can read.“[]
“Probably just trying to look smart to impress guys.“[]
Even at the school store, the lady behind the counter would stare at me weird.[]
Like I was something gross she wanted to scrape off her shoe.[]
But the worst part? My dorm.[]
My roommates–girls I thought were my friends–started treating me like I had some disease.]]
First they just stopped talking to me.[]
Then they stopped pretending to be nice altogether.[]
They stopped asking me to lunch.]
“We’re heading to the cafeteria,” they’d say, then walk out without even looking back.[]
Leaving me alone in our room, staring at four empty walls.
They stopped sharing snacks.]
Used to be we’d always swap chips and candy. Now they locked everything in their lockers.[]
Even borrowing a phone charger became impossible.[]
“I’m using it.“]
“Mine’s dead.“]
“I already lent it to someone.“[]
Always had an excuse ready.]
5.6%
From Clingy Orphan‘ to Unbothered Queen The Block Button Is My Best Revenge
Chapter 2
One night I got back a little later than usual.]]
When I opened the door, I could hear them whispering on the balcony.[]
“Is it true Avery’s been using Dylan’s money this whole time?“]
“Must be. Why else would Madison call her The Leech?“]]
“She’s broke, right? So where’s her tuition money coming from?“]
“Obviously Dylan’s paying for it.“]
“No wonder she can afford to live near his place. Makes total sense now.“[]
“God, that’s so pathetic. I’d be way too embarrassed to show my face.“]
Ijjust stood there in the doorway, hand still on the handle.]]
They saw me and went dead silent.]
Then they scattered like nothing happened, going back to their beds.[]
Nobody asked where I’d been.[]
Nobody cared how much I’d heard.[]
Like I was invisible.[]
I crawled into bed and cried into my pillow.]
It got soaked pretty fast, cold and wet against my face.[]
They had no idea the real reason I lived near Dylan’s place.
It was my grandma’s old house. The tiny, run–down place she left me when she died.]
It was falling apart and barely big enough for one person, but it was all I had.]
“Avery honey,” she’d told me before she passed, “this house might not be much, but it’s yours.“[]
“As long as you have a home, you’ll be okay.“]
They also had no clue I never spent a single penny of Dylan’s money.[]
Every time he paid for something–breakfast, borrowed meal card, whatever little thing–I wrote it down in a notebook.[]
Every. Single. Dollar.
Whenever I made money from my part–time jobs, first thing I’d do was try to pay him back.[]
But he’d never take it.[]
Chapter 2
“Why are you keeping track of everything? We’re friends,” he’d say.[]
I thought he was being sweet.[]
Now I realize he probably just didn’t care enough to bother.[]
But none of that mattered anymore.
Everyone had already decided I was some gold–digging leech living off a guy.[]
The truth? Nobody gave a damn about that.[]
People believe whatever story makes them feel better about themselves.]]
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