Chapter 4
On the day our scores came out, Margo was at our house again. Her excuse this time?
Her ancient computer had finally died. And even though everyone knew the exam board would send scores via text, Erik still let her tag along and brought her home.
Around 3 p.m., I could hear faint sobbing coming from the study. It was hard to tell if she was crying from happiness or disappointment.
I was about to head to class and passed by the study. The door was not fully closed. At this moment, Erik was leaning against the bookshelf, reading the scores out loud.
“A thousand and three hundred,” he said. Perfect timing–just enough for me to hear. He knew I was walking past, but he did not even look up.
“And you?”
Margo sounded lost. “Huh?”
I was downstairs, switching shoes. I answered casually, loud enough to carry, “A thousand and three hundred ten.”
I had been waiting for him to ask.
Something clattered to the floor upstairs.
Later that evening, Erik stood at my door and said, “My dad wants you to apply to Penn State.”
My stepdad is big on academics and super traditional. He thinks nothing earns respect more than getting his kids into a top school.
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I had my hand on the doorknob and was ready to close it. “Didn’t you tell me to go abroad?”
He was quiet for a moment, then gave a half–smile. “Are you that obedient?”
I have already taken the money, so how could I not listen? However, in the past, I had only half–listened anyway.
He told me to leave, and I would–for maybe an hour, then come back. Yet, this time was different. It was 800,000, and I promised I would take it and disappear for good.
He raised an eyebrow. “So now you’re disobeying my dad?”
At home, I always put on my best ‘good girl‘ act. I lowered my head, bit my lip, and fiddled with the hem of my skirt.
“Give me your password,” he said. “I’ll fill in the application for you.”
I mumbled, “Just don’t send me to the middle of nowhere…”
Erik laughed. “You know I wouldn’t.”
No, I do not.
And honestly? I do not care anymore.
I was already planning to accept the overseas offer anyway.
***
To play it safe, Erik put down College of Agricultural Sciences for himself and mechanics for Margo when applying to Penn State. His mom had money and connections, and honestly, he only cared about the school’s name, not the major.
As for me? He filled out several school options–all in Nevada. I had to sit
Chapter 4
there and delete them one by one.
In the end, both he and Margo got accepted. My stepdad was over the moon and even planned a fancy graduation dinner. At the table, he opened an expensive bottle of red wine and clinked glasses with my mom.
Erik came down the stairs mid–meal and casually asked, “Hallie, wanna have a joint grad party with me?”
We had done one together back after the SAT, too.
My stepdad gave a light chuckle. “Let’s skip it this time.”
“She’s planning to study abroad. Didn’t want to take up someone else’s spot, so she cleared all her choices.
“She’ll do her thing next year.”
The smile on Erik’s face dropped in an instant. His whole vibe turned cold.
“Studying abroad?”
I kept my head down, poking at my food and occasionally sipping on the ridiculously expensive red wine.
My stepdad frowned a bit. “Yeah. It was kind of a last–minute call, but I totally support Hallie.
He looked at Erik, confused. “Why the long face on such a big day?”
Erik muttered, eyes down, “I’m just not that happy.”
My stepdad blinked. “Didn’t you say you wanted to go to the same school as the girl you liked? You got into Penn State. What’s there to be upset. about?
“Sure, the major’s not great, but you can switch later. I’m not actually
Chapter
gonna make you plant crops for a living.
“Oh, and your mom’s thrilled. She wants you to spend a month with her over summer break.”
Erik narrowed his eyes. “Which country?”
My stepdad slammed his hand on the table. “You don’t even know where your own mother lives?”
Erik turned to me. “I’m asking Hallie.”
My stepdad continued eating again, acting like nothing happened.
I gently set my glass down and looked up carefully.
“I haven’t decided yet.
