03
Everyone else knew her family owned a fish
market and thought she smelled gross. I was
the only one who talked to her.
I knew her family was struggling to send her
to school, so I always bought her lunch.
When I saw her washing dishes to get a free
meal, her hands red and chapped, I decided
to cover her lunches for all of high school.
But that just made Bailey think I was showing
off, flaunting my rich–girl privilege.
I still remember her saying, with all the
passion of a bad soap opera:
“Summer, do you think money buys
everything? I don’t need your charity! I have
more pride than money. One day, I’ll be way
more successful than you.”
Back then, I thought it was ridiculous. Now
that I know she’s the main character, it all
makes sense.
Later, when we entered a competition, I won
first prize: ten thousand dollars.
She manipulated the whole class into guilt-
tripping me, saying I didn’t need the money
and was just trying to screw her over.
That’s why I entered more competitions,
racking up all the first–place prizes, just to
show her what screwing her over really
meant.
Every time I saw her angry face, I took a
deep, satisfied breath.
Bottling up anger? No way.
Best to let others carry that burden.
When Chase came back, I pretended to be
drunk and passed out on the table.
He had no choice but to pick me up.
I rested my head on his neck, breathing softly.
I felt him stiffen and pick up his pace toward
the door.
His footsteps were uneven.