- 22 hours ago
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00:05I want to be your boyfriend.
00:07A fake one, of course.
00:08Four years into my crush on Adrian, that was only the third thing he'd ever said to me.
00:12I heard you and Sloane can't stand each other.
00:13She wants whatever you have.
00:14Do me a favor, pretend to date me and help me win Sloane over.
00:17Deal?
00:18I wanted to say no, but my head nodded first.
00:21The next day, Adrian took my hand in front of everyone and announced that I was his girlfriend.
00:26Gifts.
00:27Lunch together.
00:28Waiting by my locker after last period.
00:32Sure enough, Sloane started making moves on him.
00:34But for some reason, Adrian never made it official with her.
00:40Just when I let myself hope he might see our fake relationship as something real,
00:44he and Sloane went public.
00:48Afterward, he handed me a card and promised with a smile.
00:51If there's ever a guy you want, I'll help you too.
00:54I pushed the card away.
00:55No thanks.
00:57I'd like to do it myself.
01:00The second I walked into class Monday morning, nearly every eye in the room followed me to my seat.
01:04I pretended not to notice and pulled my notebook from my backpack.
01:08A girl in the back held up her phone and shrieked.
01:10Adrian Sloane just made it official!
01:11What?
01:11Wasn't he just dating Maya?
01:12Every eye in the room snapped to me.
01:14So, Adrian's whole thing with Maya was fake?
01:16Their voices dropped as they looked at me.
01:18The room erupted again when Sloane walked in.
01:20Everyone swarmed her.
01:21The classroom was loud, but I still heard every laugh.
01:25Slane, I knew it.
01:26There's no way Adrian would ever go for someone like Maya.
01:29You've got her beat by miles in grades, looks, and popularity.
01:32I couldn't figure out why Adrian would suddenly drop you and date her.
01:35Now it makes sense.
01:36He was just trying to make you jealous.
01:39Exactly.
01:40Adrian's the golden boy.
01:42If he really picked Maya, it'd be like the homecoming king showing up with the wrong girl.
01:46Sloane is the one who belongs beside him.
01:49Chloe texted me.
01:50I caught the concern in her eyes, shook my head, and acted like I didn't care.
01:54The moment I agreed to fake date Adrian, I knew this day would come.
01:58Still, that moment kept replaying in my head.
02:01He was standing so close back then.
02:03I clutched my backpack straps and stared up at him, frozen.
02:09Only two made the school uniform impossible to look away in Westbridge.
02:13One, Sloane.
02:14The other, Adrian.
02:15Adrian was the football team's starting quarterback and captain, and Westbridge's biggest star
02:20athlete.
02:20He was leading the team toward a state title.
02:28Yeah!
02:30Adrian's!
02:33His GPA and course load were strong enough to clear college admissions.
02:37And several Division 1 programs were already recruiting him.
02:40Everyone called him Westbridge's golden boy.
02:42It took him repeating himself before I finally snapped out of it.
02:46Sorry.
02:46I couldn't think of another way.
02:47I heard you and Sloane can't stand each other.
02:49If I suddenly announce we're dating, she might finally feel threatened.
02:52If you're not into it, I won't push.
02:54One month, tops.
02:55Help me out, and I'll pay you well when it's over.
02:57The tiny spark of hope inside me died on the spot.
02:59My cheeks burned.
03:00I should have said no.
03:01But for some reason, I thought back to the day I first met Adrian.
03:05Then I remembered all the times we'd crossed paths during the four years I'd loved him.
03:10I might never stand this close to him or talk to him this much again.
03:14So after only a few seconds, I nodded.
03:16I scrambled for an excuse that would save my pride.
03:18You will pay me when this is over, right?
03:20Adrian let out the faintest breath of relief.
03:23The sunlight cast his outline in pale gold.
03:25I couldn't read his expression.
03:27Sure.
03:27Don't worry.
03:28Oh, one more thing.
03:30There's something I need to make clear up front.
03:31Maya, don't actually fall for me.
03:33My fingers curled tight.
03:34Suddenly, it was hard to breathe.
03:36I thought about asking someone else.
03:39But the second those girls heard they'd be fake dating me, they...
03:43But you're different.
03:44You never even look at me.
03:46You're clearly a total bookworm.
03:48So I'm guessing you're not into me at all.
03:50You feel better.
03:51That's why I feel better doing this with you.
03:53He reached over and ruffled my hair.
03:56Relax.
03:57I won't fall for you.
04:02The next day, Adrian came straight to me in front of everyone.
04:05For the first time, he ignored Sloane, walked right past her, and stopped at my desk.
04:09He set a sleek gift box on my desk.
04:11We barely knew each other, yet he played the part like he'd done it a thousand times.
04:14Got you a bracelet?
04:15Your style?
04:16I opened the box.
04:18Inside was a simple silver bracelet.
04:20The box bore a designer logo I'd never seen before.
04:22I didn't recognize it, and I was too afraid to ask how much it cost.
04:26Meet me in the parking lot after school?
04:27I knew it was a dream.
04:28I knew I'd wake up eventually.
04:30Still, I gave a small nod and let myself fall a little deeper.
04:33For the next couple of weeks, Adrian and I looked inseparable to everyone at Westbridge.
04:38To convince Sloane, he did almost everything a real boyfriend would.
04:41He brought me coffee in front of everyone and waited by my locker every day.
04:44He even helped me clean up the club room and return activity equipment.
04:48At Friday night's football game, he made sure I had the best seat in the stands.
04:52After the game, he walked past everyone crowding him and took the sports drink only from me,
04:56right in front of Sloane.
04:57One day, we were walking side by side beneath the trees on campus.
05:01Sloane kept looking at you today.
05:03I think if we push a little harder, she'll make a move soon.
05:05Adrian suddenly stopped.
05:07He looked at me and laughed.
05:08Maya, why do you seem more eager than I am?
05:10He must have forgotten we'd agreed on one month.
05:12If a month goes by and Sloane still doesn't react, we end this fake relationship.
05:17We're practically strangers.
05:18We can't keep pretending forever, right?
05:20I turned away and kept walking without a word.
05:22I just wasn't ready to let this go.
05:24I thought Sloane would play hard to get for a long time.
05:27Turns out, she couldn't hold back any longer.
05:29That day after school, Adrian and I walked together when Sloane suddenly blocked our way.
05:34Mind if I join?
05:38Adrian arched a brow.
05:39He only smiled.
05:40He didn't say no.
05:41After that, no matter what Adrian and I did, Sloane always showed up at just the right time.
05:46Most of the time, I was only one step too slow.
05:48And suddenly, there was no room for me between them.
05:51They always started with distance between them.
05:53Then a few words later, they were close again.
05:55Wherever we were, I was always the third wheel.
05:58Sometimes Sloane would turn to me with a smile, like something had just occurred to her.
06:02Almost forgot.
06:03Adrian's your boyfriend now.
06:04Am I getting in the way of you spending time with your girlfriend?
06:08Adrian seemed to enjoy having her chase after him.
06:10He never truly turned her down.
06:12Every time, he'd just smirk at her and let her keep going.
06:15Even though everyone knew I was supposed to be the girl beside him now.
06:18And I had no right to complain.
06:19I knew better than anyone that our relationship had been fake from the start.
06:23I thought it would stay that way for a long time.
06:24Then that Saturday, Adrian invited us to a party at Cole's estate outside town.
06:29Sloane came too.
06:29The party was packed.
06:30People crowded around the pool.
06:32In the chaos, someone slammed into me from behind.
06:35I lost my balance and plunged straight into the pool.
06:37At that exact moment, someone knocked Sloane in too.
06:39Adrian didn't hesitate.
06:40He dove in.
06:41He swam straight to Sloane, grabbed her, and rushed her to the edge.
06:44I kept struggling in the freezing water.
06:47Finally, another student jumped in to pull me out.
06:49I had swallowed a lot of water and lay coughing beside the pool.
06:52But Adrian had already swept Sloane into his arms and carried her away.
06:55He never looked at me.
06:56Not once.
06:57Someone beside me whispered.
06:58Isn't Maya Adrian's girlfriend?
07:00Why did he save Sloane first?
07:02Isn't it obvious?
07:03Sloane's the one he's always loved.
07:04I heard Sloane crying with her arms around his neck.
07:06She said, I'm the word most.
07:07Adrian, I'll be with you.
07:07Break up with Maya, please?
07:09I kept my head down and said nothing.
07:14Adrian and Sloane had made it official last night.
07:16When the bell rang, my phone buzzed several times.
07:19It was Adrian.
07:20Sorry.
07:21I didn't know you fell into the pool too that night.
07:23Are you okay?
07:24Thanks for playing along.
07:25When can I get you the money, I promised.
07:27I'll have my friend bring it over.
07:29How about after school today?
07:30Behind the practice field.
07:31Same spot as always.
07:32And please delete our messages in that photo.
07:34Our fake relationship ends here.
07:37Sloane doesn't want me talking to an ex, so I'm removing you now.
07:40Adrian, I...
07:41He hung up.
07:42I opened my photos.
07:43It didn't take long to find the only picture Adrian and I had together.
07:47It was day 15 of our fake relationship.
07:49I'd suggested taking it.
07:51If Slaley saw a photo of us together, she might make her move sooner.
07:54Okay.
07:55I wasn't looking at the camera.
07:56I was stealing glances at him.
07:58A breeze had blown past.
07:59My uniform skirt drifted toward him.
08:01I hesitated for a long time.
08:02In the end, I couldn't delete it.
08:04The next day, during the last period of AP English, I was collecting essays for the teacher.
08:08Sloane held onto hers instead of handing it over.
08:10Of course girls fall for someone like Adrian.
08:13But you only fake dated for 15 days?
08:16That's hardly enough time to really fall for him, right?
08:19But if you did, you should learn to control it.
08:21After all, he's my boyfriend now.
08:24I pulled the essay from her hand.
08:25Relax.
08:26I don't like him.
08:30I didn't meet Adrian behind the practice field after school.
08:33But the next day, he still had his friend deliver the card.
08:36After that, I heard Adrian took Sloane to Cole's estate outside town.
08:39That weekend, he took her to an amusement park.
08:42Someone even caught them on the secluded path behind the stadium.
08:45But their whirlwind romance was soon eclipsed by another piece of gossip.
08:48A transfer student joined our class.
08:50Westbridge rarely took mid-year transfers.
08:52So the news spread fast.
08:54People talked about him in the lunch line, by the lockers, even before football practice.
08:58Every time I walked into the classroom, I saw people hovering at the door just to look inside.
09:03Someone even stopped me.
09:04Hey, did you see the new guy?
09:05Is he as cute as they say?
09:07No idea.
09:08I didn't even know where he sat.
09:10Whenever I looked up, the students in front and beside me were the same as always.
09:13One day, I barely opened my book when a pencil rolled beside my chair.
09:17My pencil rolled by your foot.
09:18Can you grab it for me?
09:19I searched for a while before finally finding it.
09:21Without turning around, I reached back and handed it over.
09:24A moment later, someone tapped the back of my chair again.
09:27This time, an eraser rolled over.
09:29Chloe texted me.
09:30I froze.
09:31Only then did it click.
09:32The person who used to sit behind me never dropped as much stuff.
09:35I whipped around and found myself staring into a brilliant smile.
09:39Hey, front row.
09:44I immediately turned back around, dropped my head onto my desk, and texted Chloe.
09:50He's been sitting behind you for days.
09:52Now I was stunned too.
09:53I couldn't resist sneaking another glance over my shoulder.
09:56Mason was still smiling, so I slowly lifted a hand and waved.
09:59Hi.
10:00Every day, people took detours past our classroom just to catch a glimpse of him.
10:04When Mason couldn't be bothered, he'd put in his earbuds, lay his head down, and pretend to sleep.
10:09I heard he'd transferred back from the East Coast.
10:11Why would you change schools mid-semester?
10:13He pushed a straw into a milkshake and handed it to me.
10:16My grandma missed me, so I came back to keep her company.
10:19Grandson of the year.
10:21Mason said he was new to Westbridge and didn't have a single friend, so I showed him around campus.
10:26I started inviting him to lunch too.
10:28Whenever he was alone during PE, I asked him to partner with me.
10:31Then one day, I had just sat down.
10:34Maya, are you going after Mason?
10:35I stared at her, stunned.
10:37But the moment I looked up, I saw Adrian standing in the doorway.
10:41I hadn't seen him in forever.
10:42He leaned against the frame, staring straight at me from across the room.
10:45I glanced at Sloane's seat without thinking.
10:47Empty.
10:48When I looked back, Adrian was already beside my desk.
10:51Found a new target already?
10:52He smiled like we were still close.
10:54I still owe you a favor.
10:56Want me to pay it back?
10:58I didn't understand.
10:59What?
11:00I know guys better than you do.
11:02If you're trying to get the new guy, Mason, right?
11:04I can help.
11:05I'm not trying to get him.
11:07Maybe I imagined it.
11:08But Adrian seemed to relax the second he heard that.
11:11Knew it.
11:12A bookworm.
11:13Move!
11:19You're in my way, bro.
11:26Adrian stepped aside and shrugged.
11:29Bad eyesight?
11:31What?
11:32You really can't tell who's the simp and who's doing the chasing?
11:35I'm the one always hanging around Maya.
11:37Guess I've been too low-key about being her simp.
11:40Weren't we supposed to be just friends?
11:42Since when were you my simp?
11:45What?
11:45You want to help me win her over?
11:47I don't mind the extra help.
11:49The smile vanished from Adrian's lips.
11:52If you're really not interested in him, don't give people the wrong idea.
11:56Slane doesn't like hearing about those 15 days.
11:58I'm warning you, don't give her more material to laugh at you.
12:00Before I could answer, Sloane walked in.
12:03What are you doing here?
12:05Uh, passing by?
12:06Your next class is in the other building.
12:08Come on, you'll be late.
12:10She practically dragged him away.
12:12Okay, that wasn't regular awkward.
12:14That was three full seasons of a teen drama crammed into two minutes.
12:17I shot her a helpless look and sorted my handouts.
12:21Behind me, Mason tapped the back of my chair with his pen cap.
12:24Ex-boyfriend?
12:24Fake.
12:25Sounds worse.
12:26It is.
12:27Mason didn't ask anything else.
12:28He only slid a sticky note beside my hand.
12:31Survivors Club?
12:32I couldn't help laughing.
12:36After that, Manson and I seemed to cross some invisible line.
12:40Before lunch, he'd text.
12:41Are you guys taking in a homeless transfer student today?
12:44When I did homework in the library, he'd sit across from me with his laptop,
12:48promise to use only half the table,
12:50then spread his charger, earbuds, and snacks everywhere.
12:53At Friday's pep rally, the football team ran into the gym one by one.
12:57Adrian wore number seven.
12:59As he passed the student section, almost everyone screamed his name.
13:03Adrian spotted her, smiled, and flashed her a hand signal.
13:07Then his gaze passed over her and landed on Mason and Moo, sitting side by side.
13:11A teammate bumped his shoulder, and he finally turned away.
13:14That night, Westbridge won the biggest game of the season.
13:18I skipped the post-game party.
13:20At home, I hunched over the table in our living room, working on AP Physics.
13:24As I reached the last page, my phone lit up.
13:27A message from Adrian.
13:31I froze.
13:34I set my phone face down and went back to the unfinished problem.
13:37But my pencil stayed frozen over the same number.
13:43The next day, my AP Physics teacher posted our progress check scores online.
13:48It wasn't a high-stakes exam that determined our semester grade.
13:51It was only a check on whether we understood the current unit.
13:55I got a 61%.
13:56There was no class rank or leaderboard.
13:59Just the score distribution for our section, the teacher's comments, and a bold note.
14:03Schedule office hours.
14:04Still, I stared at that number for a long time.
14:07If that was truly my level, there was no way I'd pull AP Physics back to an A by semester's
14:12end,
14:13or show colleges a competitive transcript.
14:15Mason leaned over from behind me and saw my screen.
14:18You got a 61%?
14:20I snapped my laptop shut.
14:21No.
14:23You were staring at 61% like it owed you money.
14:26I said nothing.
14:27He didn't laugh.
14:28He just took a pen from my scratch paper.
14:31Library after school.
14:32I'll walk you through it.
14:34You?
14:35What?
14:35I don't look like I know physics?
14:37You look like you've never studied in your life.
14:38I'll take that as a compliment.
14:40At lunch, Adrian happened to pass our table.
14:42Mason stopped him.
14:43I hear you're going through athletic recruitment.
14:45How many APs are you taking?
14:46Adrian stopped, listed his courses,
14:49and casually mentioned that his weighted GPA was solid.
14:52His coach and college counselor both said his academics wouldn't hurt his Division I recruitment.
14:57When he finished, he glanced at me.
14:59Why the sudden interest?
15:00Just checking whether you're as good in class as everyone says.
15:03What about you?
15:05Me?
15:05Mason took a slow sip of soda.
15:07Transcript's decent.
15:08I got a 1590 on my last official SAT.
15:10The table went silent for a beat.
15:12Even Adrian's expression shifted.
15:13Westbridge didn't publish class rank,
15:15but everyone knew what a 1000, 590 meant.
15:18Mason said it like he'd just listed what he ate for breakfast.
15:21Then he looked at me.
15:22And you?
15:23I stirred my juice with the straw.
15:25I haven't taken the official one yet.
15:27Practice score?
15:29None of your business.
15:30Then I'll pretend I don't know.
15:32He propped his chin on one hand, far too casual.
15:34But I guarantee that when you sit for the real SAT,
15:36you'll score above 1500,
15:38and you'll pull AP physics back to an A.
15:40What makes you so sure?
15:42Because I'm willing to sacrifice two hours today
15:44teaching you to stop drawing torque in the wrong direction.
15:46Beside us, Adrian suddenly laughed.
15:49She's not as easy to teach as you think.
15:51I tried showing her football plays once.
15:53She couldn't even tell the most basic coverage apart.
15:55Mason looked up at him.
15:56Maybe she wasn't the problem.
15:58Maybe the teacher was.
16:03When I got home, Sloane stood on the stairwell landing,
16:06looking down at me.
16:07Adrian used to ask why Sloane had it out for me.
16:10If he were here now, he'd understand.
16:12The moment I walked in,
16:13Sloane called toward the kitchen.
16:15Mom!
16:15Dad!
16:15Maya's dating at school.
16:17Aren't you going to do something?
16:18My parents rushed out.
16:19One yanked my backpack strap.
16:21The other smacked me hard on the back.
16:22What?
16:23Dating?
16:23Is that what we send you to school for?
16:25I knocked their hands away.
16:26I'm not.
16:27Why do you believe everything she says?
16:29Oh, my mistake.
16:30Sloane sat on the couch, all innocents.
16:32Someone's chasing her.
16:34Same difference, right?
16:35She has no self-control.
16:37A guy says a few nice things and she'll cave.
16:40You'd better keep an eye on her.
16:42I shot back.
16:44Sloane is openly dating a guy at school.
16:45Why don't you police her?
16:47Mom's face darkened.
16:48How can you compare yourself to your sister?
16:50Of course guys chase her.
16:51But you?
16:52Why would anyone want you for no reason?
16:54Have you been neglecting school and throwing yourself at him?
16:56Sloane and I shared a mother, but not a father.
16:59She kept her biological father's last name, Parker.
17:02I took my father's, Bennett.
17:03When we were little, she cried that I was uncool and ugly
17:06and refused to let anyone know I was her sister.
17:08Our parents actually helped her hide it all these years.
17:11So from elementary school through Westbridge, no one knew we were related.
17:15I wasn't ugly.
17:16I just wasn't as dazzling as her.
17:17And I didn't have closets full of pretty clothes.
17:20I'd stopped expecting their love long ago.
17:22Still, every word cut deep.
17:24At school, Sloane was warm, generous, and helpful.
17:26Everyone thought she was perfect.
17:28I wondered what Adrian would do if he saw how cruel and vicious she was in private.
17:32Would he still love her without holding anything back?
17:34Probably.
17:35My parents did after all.
17:36Because of a few words from Sloane, I got slapped again that night.
17:40Adrian was right.
17:41Sloane took everything I wanted.
17:42A student editor position on the school paper.
17:44A spot in an academic club.
17:46Even small classroom roles teachers assigned.
17:48Her advantage was obvious.
17:50The moment she reached for something, it was as good as hers.
17:52Everyone thought someone as amazing as her deserved whatever she wanted.
17:56No one saw that she was targeting me.
17:58That night, Sloane cornered me in the hall.
18:00Is Mason really chasing you?
18:02Her gaze swept over me.
18:04What could he possibly see in you?
18:09I kept my face blank.
18:11None of your business.
18:12Then I shoved past her.
18:14She leaned over the stair rail, smiling as she watched me squirm.
18:17He's only messing with you.
18:19You didn't actually take him seriously, did you?
18:21Adrian used you for an act too.
18:23And who did he end up dating?
18:25Me.
18:26Our family lived in a cramped two-bedroom apartment.
18:28My parents took the primary bedroom.
18:31Sloane had the other room to herself.
18:32When I was little, my folding bed sat in the corner of her room.
18:35Then she started calling boys and sending flirty texts, and decided I was in the way.
18:39She said she was grown and needed privacy.
18:42So my folding bed was moved into my parents' room, squeezed against the wall.
18:45After the lights went out, I climbed into bed as quietly as I could.
18:49I closed my eyes, and imagined having a room of my own again.
18:52It didn't have to be big.
18:54Just a real bed.
18:55A desk for homework.
18:57Maybe enough room for a computer.
18:58I furnished it piece by piece in my mind until I fell asleep.
19:02Someday, I'd have it.
19:03The next morning, I hesitated for a long time after I entered class.
19:07The question would probably make me sound full of myself.
19:10Still, I turned to Mason.
19:12He was asleep on his desk.
19:13I gently shook his arm.
19:14His fingers twitched, but he didn't lift his head.
19:17Still resting on his arm, he only turned his face slightly toward me.
19:19His beautiful eyes were half open, sleep still clinging to them.
19:23I took a deep breath and whispered,
19:24Could you stop chasing me?
19:29Then I immediately faced forward and ignored him.
19:32The outcome would be the same anyway.
19:34Every guy who chased me eventually fell for Sloane.
19:36Seriously?
19:37Mason put a hand on my shoulder and pulled me back slightly.
19:40His voice was low and rough with sleep.
19:42I'm not even fully awake.
19:43And you're already dropping a bomb on me?
19:45He sounded so ridiculous, I almost laughed.
19:47But I couldn't.
19:48I looked at him seriously.
19:49I'm not kidding.
19:50You're really hot.
19:51But can we just be friends?
19:53He chuckled.
19:55Not bad.
19:56At least I got the hot guy rejection, not the nice guy one.
19:59You're forgiven.
20:00There was no talking sense into him, so I sighed and went back to my work.
20:04I couldn't control what other people thought.
20:06I only had to keep my own heart under control.
20:08After that, Mason kept his promise and started tutoring me.
20:11Besides studying in class, we'd sometimes find a quiet corner at a bookstore or coffee shop.
20:16I was decent at English and literature.
20:18Math and physics were disasters.
20:19Mason patiently helped me build a system.
20:21He said even the hardest problems came back to the textbook.
20:24Master the concepts and formulas.
20:26Pull patterns from worked examples.
20:28Use an error log to spot weaknesses.
20:30Group similar questions.
20:32Then reverse engineer solutions from the answer.
20:34He taught fast.
20:35I learned just as fast.
20:36After a few sessions, his eyes narrowed.
20:39He'd notice something.
20:39Your speed and logic have been faster and more accurate than mine more than once.
20:43Nothing about you looks like someone who can only score that low.
20:47And explain why you H every GPA-graded assignment and quiz,
20:50then look like a different person on a full-length SAT practice test that doesn't count.
20:54I lied guilty.
20:55I have test anxiety.
20:57Quizzes are fine.
20:58Big tests make my mind go blank.
21:00Seriously.
21:00I poked my fingertip with my pen.
21:02These scores are the best I can do.
21:04Mason watched me with a knowing half-smile, but didn't press.
21:07Near the end of the day, Adrian called.
21:10I hesitated, then answered.
21:12Sorry to bother you.
21:13I told Sloane those 15 days were fake.
21:15Nothing happened between us.
21:17She doesn't believe me.
21:19Can you come explain it to her?
21:20I was quiet for a moment, then refused.
21:23That's not my responsibility.
21:25I don't want to go.
21:27Adrian didn't push.
21:28But just as I was about to hang up, he asked.
21:31The team's celebrating tonight near school.
21:33If I invited you, would you come?
21:34Since when had Adrian ever invited me anywhere?
21:37He'd do anything to make Sloane happy.
21:39My throat tightened, but I still said no.
21:42I can't.
21:42Mason's taking me to a movie tonight.
21:44The line went silent for a few seconds.
21:46A long time passed before Adrian's low, restrained voice came through.
21:49Are you and Mason together?
21:50His voice was unusually hard, like he was interrogating me.
21:57I considered it, then answered.
21:59I don't think that's any of your business.
22:00The call ended the second I finished.
22:02I didn't think much of it.
22:03When Westbridge released its full-length SAT practice scores, the results appeared only
22:08in each student's college planning account.
22:10Still, word spread fast, and everyone was surprised.
22:13On his first school practice test, Mason scored 1,590, the highest in our senior class so far.
22:19I opened my report and paused at 1,280.
22:23I let out a satisfied breath.
22:24Good.
22:25Just 10 points lower than last time.
22:26Mason saw the score I'd chosen to show him.
22:28He folded his arms, stared in disbelief, then laughed in frustration.
22:32What happened?
22:33I've tutored you this long and somehow made your score drop?
22:36I tried to comfort him.
22:37It's fine.
22:38At least this proves your tutoring can change a score.
22:40If you're that good, why not have the counselor move you into the highest AP Physics C section?
22:44Haven't you heard the saying?
22:46Mason put on a solemn face.
22:48Real gold shines wherever you toss it.
22:50Then a sweet voice cut in.
22:51Mason, can you erase the whiteboard for me?
22:54Sloan held the eraser and smiled at him.
22:56I can't reach the top.
22:57I pressed my lips together and looked away.
23:00Every time Sloan asked for help, boys rushed to do it.
23:03This time would probably be no different.
23:05Mason's gaze moved between us twice, like he'd just noticed something.
23:09He smiled at me.
23:10She's shorter than you.
23:12I looked up.
23:13We're basically the same height.
23:16Then how come I've never seen you fail to reach the board?
23:18Sloan's grip tightened around the eraser.
23:20Her face went stiff.
23:22She bit her lip, turned away, and called over another guy.
23:24He immediately ran over to erase it for her.
23:26Our last class Friday was P.E., and our class was playing flag football with Adriens.
23:31During free play, guys from both classes quickly grouped up.
23:34Chloe laughed.
23:36Does anyone else think Adri and Mason don't get along?
23:38You don't think Mason likes Slane, too, do you?
23:40She grew more excited with every word.
23:42Two school heart-threvers fighting over one girl?
23:45Now that's a love triangle.
23:46I frowned.
23:48Mason isn't like that.
23:49He acted like he did whatever he wanted and cared about no one's opinion.
23:52But if he truly liked someone, he'd be up front.
23:55He'd never sneak around as the other guy.
23:56I was heading back inside when a wild pass flew straight at me.
23:59I threw up a hand to block it, but my foot slipped.
24:02You okay?
24:02Did it hit you?
24:03Both voices reached me at once.
24:04Adrian caught my elbow first.
24:06Mason quickly steadied my other shoulder.
24:10Everyone looked over.
24:12The field went silent.
24:13I heard Slane call out.
24:14Adrian!
24:15I snapped back and struggled to pull away.
24:17Adrian let go.
24:18His expression darkened.
24:19Sorry.
24:20I turned to Mason and whispered.
24:21I think I twisted my ankle.
24:23Take me to the nurse.
24:24Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Adrian's steps falter as he walked away.
24:28Luckily, it was minor.
24:29The school nurse iced it, wrapped it in an elastic bandage, and sent us off.
24:33Evening sunlight streamed through the leaves, scattering diamonds over the asphalt.
24:38Mason carried me on his back when he spoke without warning.
24:40You like him?
24:41Not a question.
24:42A statement.
24:43I could smell clean soap on him.
24:45Students passed now and then, their laughter blending with the wind like it came through
24:48a veil.
24:49I denied it.
24:50No.
24:51He said confidently.
24:53You can't fool me.
24:54I know what a secret crush looks like.
24:55You wouldn't know.
24:56Mason only smiled and said nothing else.
24:59That night, I rang the apartment buzzer for a long time.
25:01No one let me in.
25:02I knew at once.
25:04Sloane was angry again.
25:05My parents could have made another building key, but they kept only three and refused to give
25:09me one.
25:09So every time I went out, I had to time my return for when someone was home, but no one
25:14told me they'd all be out tonight.
25:15I called again and again.
25:17My parents and Sloane ignored every call.
25:19The apartment hallway was too dark.
25:21I'd already tried, and I couldn't read my printed AP practice sheets there.
25:25So, like always, I walked outside to find a brighter streetlight.
25:29The nearby blocks were just as dark.
25:30I walked several more blocks before stopping and unexpectedly finding Mason.
25:34A tennis bag hung from his shoulder.
25:36He stopped too.
25:37I tightened my grip on my backpack strap, plucked a leaf, and lied.
25:41I was heading home.
25:42I just got tired and stopped for a minute.
25:44He stepped closer, looked down at me, and only said,
25:47Oh.
25:47He didn't expose the lie or ask questions.
25:50He only said,
25:51I have a really dumb puppy.
25:52Wanna see?
25:53I stared at my shoes.
25:54Mine were old canvas sneakers.
25:56His were a pair I couldn't name.
25:58How dumb.
25:58I shifted my feet and asked softly.
26:01Pretty serious.
26:02Mason considered it.
26:03The vet says she learned slower than most dogs.
26:06Oh.
26:06Then I guess I could take a look.
26:08Mason smiled, shoved his hands into his jacket pockets, and turned to lead the way.
26:11Come on.
26:15Mason's dog was a pale yellow mixed breed puppy.
26:17Come on.
26:18Shake.
26:18She seems pretty smart.
26:20Maybe the vet got it wrong.
26:21Who knows?
26:22Come sit down, dear.
26:23Have a seat.
26:24Mason's grandmother gave me a very warm welcome.
26:27Have we met before?
26:28Don't you remember?
26:29A few months ago, I fell on the sidewalk.
26:31You called 911 and stayed until the paramedics came.
26:34I never got to thank you properly.
26:36No need.
26:37I'm just glad you're okay.
26:38After the fall, Mason's parents wanted me to move back with them.
26:41I refused.
26:42Mason transferred to Westbridge to stay with me.
26:46It's getting late.
26:47I should probably head home.
26:52She likes me.
26:53Do you like her?
26:55No pressure.
26:56A puppy's already happy just wagging her tail and being good to you.
26:58Next time she sees you, she'll still wag her tail.
27:01I was a girl without even a room of my own.
27:03My future was uncertain.
27:05I couldn't promise anyone anything.
27:06I like Pearl, too.
27:11Once senior year began, classes and college applications kept me busy.
27:15Mason had nearly straight A's and near-perfect SAT practice scores.
27:18The scores I let everyone see still hovered around 1,300.
27:22After that practice test, he stopped insisting on tutoring me.
27:25One session cost you 10 points.
27:27A few more and I'll send you back to 1,000.
27:30But he started texting me non-stop.
27:33Why can I pin chats at the top but not the bottom?
27:35Yours is going all the way to the bottom.
27:37Works for me.
27:38The best treasures belong at the bottom of the chest.
27:41When I finished, I saw Mason's new post.
27:44He'd posted a screenshot of our chat, with our names and profile pictures cropped out.
27:50Nice read.
27:51You made it to the very bottom of her chat list.
27:53Who's got you crushing this hard?
27:58When I walked into class the next day, a crowd surrounded my desk.
28:03Four years of crushing on Adrian.
28:05No wonder those 15 days of fake dating felt like a dream come true.
28:09And you kept hanging around us like nothing happened.
28:11Maya, don't you disgust yourself?
28:15Who I like is none of your business.
28:17You like my boyfriend.
28:18What do you think?
28:19You really think Adrian fake dated you because he wanted you?
28:23If I hadn't told him to find someone else, when I rejected him, he never would have picked you.
28:27I stopped arguing.
28:28The more I fought back at school, the more she tormented me at home.
28:32I was just glad Mason wasn't there.
28:34After the crowd left, I turned to Chloe.
28:36You pulled my diary out of the drawer, didn't you?
28:38It wasn't me.
28:39Someone bumped your desk.
28:40Everything fell out.
28:41I know you like Adrian too.
28:44I was done loving Adrian.
28:45I wouldn't become like them for his sake.
28:51Mason heard what had happened.
28:53It's fine.
28:54We all have terrible taste when we're young.
28:58Adrian texted me too.
29:00I didn't reply.
29:01I blocked him and deleted the chat.
29:03I kept working on my college applications.
29:05Maintained my A's in AP classes.
29:07And kept the SAT practice scores I showed everyone around 1,300.
29:12Adrian and Sloan kept breaking up and getting back together.
29:15Mason and I caught them fighting again.
29:17Plenty of guys want me.
29:19You think I need you?
29:21You only got close to Maya to get my attention too, didn't you?
29:24Stop chasing her.
29:25You have my permission to chase me.
29:27I looked at Mason.
29:28Adrian had only approached me because of Sloan.
29:30Had Mason done the same?
29:31Help.
29:32Someone's getting delusional.
29:33Adrian glanced at me and walked away.
29:35Sloan hurried after him.
29:36Adrian!
29:37Are you falling for her?
29:42After that day, Sloan started targeting me openly.
29:45At the student council president's birthday party, I walked past her.
29:49She yanked the hand holding my cup, spilling water all over herself.
29:52Maya, I know you hate me, but you can't throw water on me!
29:54You pulled my hand.
29:55Check the security footage.
29:57You know there aren't any cameras in this room.
29:59Just apologize.
30:00Then we can drop it.
30:01Why should we?
30:01This dress was expensive.
30:02I told you, it wasn't me.
30:04Stop being stubborn.
30:04Just apologize.
30:05Or can you afford to replace that dress?
30:08You want an apology?
30:11Now you can accept my apology.
30:14I'm sorry.
30:18I opened the door and found Mason about to knock.
30:21He glanced inside, asked nothing, and left with me.
30:25Outside the gate, Adrian caught up and grabbed my wrist.
30:28What's gotten into you?
30:29Are you that jealous of Sloan being with me?
30:33I'm not jealous of her.
30:35Date her, or break up with her.
30:37Just leave me out of it.
30:38You finally got the girl you wanted, so why are you still unhappy?
30:41After that, word spread through Westbridge that Sloan and I were sisters.
30:45She had new clothes and expensive dance classes.
30:48I wore the same coat for three years, and my lunch account ran out before the end of each month.
30:52When someone drove her home, she got out at the beautiful house on the corner.
30:56Once they left, she circled back to our run-down apartment.
30:59Our parents spent everything making her look rich, but couldn't cover a $10,000 emergency.
31:05What can I do if mom and dad don't like her?
31:07I can't control how they feel.
31:09Slane has dance, student council, and better practice course.
31:12It's not her fault her parents want to invest more in her.
31:15Honestly, I feel bad for Maya.
31:17She doesn't need your pity.
31:19She made it this far in that kind of home.
31:21She's stronger than everyone here.
31:27On the day of the December SAT, my parents fussed over Sloan, checking her laptop, ID, and admission ticket.
31:34I stood apart, holding the laptop I'd borrowed from school.
31:37Mom finally remembered me and reached for my arm.
31:39The proctor started checking IDs, and I walked straight in.
31:42When the test was over, Mason was already waiting outside.
31:45Want a road trip through California this summer?
31:47No.
31:47I need a job to save for college.
31:49Then let me hire you to travel with me.
31:51All expenses paid, plus $5,000.
31:53Enough?
31:55I'll give it serious consideration.
31:59On SAT score release day, I checked my result on Mason's computer at his house.
32:04When I got home, mom had the Kingsley Fellows Scholarship Office on speakerphone.
32:09Congratulations.
32:10An applicant in your household has reached final verification for a full scholarship.
32:14We've reviewed the complete application.
32:15The recipient and award details remain confidential until verification is complete and the portal is updated.
32:24Sloan, you did it!
32:25Your grades, dance, and student council record must have impressed them.
32:28What did you get on the SAT?
32:30Sloan hadn't checked her school, but she already believed it.
32:33I didn't expect this either.
32:34Maybe I really outdid myself.
32:36What about you?
32:37What did you get?
32:42One look at her tells you she bombed average practice scores, and all she does is chase guys.
32:47Mason quit tooting her after one session.
32:49Mom, I told you dating would ruin her life.
32:51Mom gave me a cold glance, then joined Sloan in calling relatives with the good news.
32:55All I cared about was when my scholarship portal would update.
32:58I'd heard that, on verification day, the program director might visit winners who'd signed a media release, bringing their school
33:05counselor and reporters to announce the result.
33:07Someone knocked.
33:08I opened the door and found Adrian.
33:10I'm here for you.
33:12What for?
33:12Would you go to college in the UK?
33:14My family found you an admittance consultant.
33:16I'll cover tuition and living expenses.
33:17I don't need you managing my applications.
33:19With practice scores like yours and nothing special on your resume, how could you possibly...
33:22Excuse me, which one of you is Maya Bennett?
33:27We're here to formally announce Maya Bennett's scholarship decision.
33:30Hear that?
33:31They reviewed my entire application.
33:32How is that possible?
33:33Aren't you here for Sloan?
33:34Sloan Parker also applied.
33:36But today, we're here for Maya Bennett.
33:39I'm Maya.
33:40There's been a mistake.
33:41Her practice scores are awful, and her activities are nothing special.
33:44How could she get a full drive?
33:46Maya, did you cheat?
33:49Miss Bennett, choose your words carefully.
33:52Maya's SAT score has been verified.
33:53We don't award scholarships based on one test.
33:55Her academic record, essays, recommendations, activities, and financial aid materials all
33:58past review.
33:59Her full scholarship is tuition fees, housing, meals, and books.
34:01It becomes official after routine document derivation.
34:03Why did you always...
34:04Whenever a teacher praised me more than Sloan, she threw a fit.
34:07Then our parents confiscated my textbooks and homework.
34:10Eventually, I learned to hide.
34:12Westbridge didn't publish class rank.
34:14I maintained an unweighted four in the toughest honors and AP classes, only holding back on
34:18ungraded quizzes and SAT practice tests.
34:20When she went too far, I answered a few more correctly to scare her.
34:23Using the library's free Wi-Fi, I completed my college applications, fee waivers, and financial
34:29aid forms.
34:29I never compromised my official grades.
34:31I hid what I could do from my family.
34:33I'd been waiting for today.
34:38More college acceptances and scholarship offers followed for Mason and me.
34:42I saw his interview on the news.
34:44You and Maya each received admission and a full scholarship to Kingsley.
34:47If she chooses Kingsley, will you go with her?
34:50I'm not officially her boyfriend yet, and I'm pretty sure she scored higher than I did
34:54on the SAT.
34:55After the interview aired, the story of the genius girl who hid her talent went viral.
35:00My parents rushed to get on camera, claiming the consultants and course planning they'd
35:03arranged for Sloan had been for me.
35:05I gave the media my emails, school records, and application documents.
35:08They proved my parents had never attended my college planning meetings or paid a cent
35:12toward my applications.
35:14I used that moment to cut them off for good.
35:16Sloan's reach schools rejected or waitlisted her.
35:18She ended up at a local state university with limited merit aid.
35:21My parents couldn't accept that the daughter they'd invested everything in, had lost to
35:25the one they'd ignored.
35:26Who cared?
35:27I felt incredible.
35:31After breaking up with Sloan, Adrian accepted a football offer from a West Coast college.
35:36Before leaving, he sent me a message.
35:40Those 15 days were fake, but they were the only time I felt like I was in a real relationship.
35:44I was happier with you than with Sloan.
35:46I didn't know what she was like in private.
35:48I changed my number and erased him from my life.
35:50While packing my old textbooks, I found a note tucked inside.
35:54I'm sorry.
35:55I crumpled it up.
35:56Not every wrong deserves forgiveness.
35:58After my admission and full scholarship were confirmed, I ran downstairs.
36:01Mason was waiting for me.
36:021,600.
36:03Ten whole points above you.
36:04I knew I wasn't wrong about you.
36:08Mason and I both chose Kingsley Institute.
36:11College was full of brilliant people.
36:13I could finally stop hiding and give it everything I had.
36:16So this is what you can really do.
36:18It hurts.
36:18It hurts.
36:19It hurts.
36:19Hey girlfriend, can you spare a second to look at me?
36:22Still handsome.
36:23You've earned a reward.
36:24But he was so clingy.
36:26One day, I'm inventing a procedure to remove that lovesick brain of yours.
36:31Then you're in trouble.
36:33What?
36:34Then I'll love you without a second thought.
36:36Dammit, he got me again.
36:38Life will put you in cages.
36:40If you only wait for someone else to break them open, you'll never escape.
36:43The heart that loves you most has been beating inside your own chest all along.
36:47Trust yourself.
36:48One day, you'll find your own way out.
36:50Years later, Mason and I entered the same doctoral program at a top European university.
36:55I set out in midsummer, bound for a wider world.
36:58I'll see you later on the first.
36:58I set out in midsummer.
37:01I try to go to bed.
37:01I'm out in midsummer.
37:01I can take care.
37:0110 years later, I can take care of you.
37:01I take care of you.