Chapter 3
In despair, I once grabbed a razor and slashed my wrists. Caius arrived just in time, dragging me to the hospital.
Elowen was there too. She didn’t stop my parents. Instead, she clung to Caius’ arm, whimpering that she was frightened, that her heart was racing. Because of her theatrics, I nearly lost my
chance at treatment.
And now, all of this-my pain, my scars-was being twisted into my fault. My fault for ruining her grades. My fault for stealing her honor.
The absurdity hollowed me out. So this was it: not loving someone was the original sin. No explanation could wash it away.
At that moment, Elowen lifted her tear-streaked face from Caius’ chest and looked at me, trembling.
“Serene, I’m sorry. It’s all because of me. Don’t worry, I’ll pay you back. I’ll… I’ll sell blood if I have
to…”
She swayed like she might faint.
“Elowen!” Caius caught her, holding her as if she were made of glass. His eyes blazed at me.
“Serene! Look at her! Do you want her to collapse like you did? Do you want her to fall just like you?”
My chest tightened, my voice shaking.
“Fall? Where have I fallen, Caius? Say it. Explain it to me.”
He faltered, guilt flickering before irritation took over.
“Forget it. I won’t argue with you. You’re being unreasonable.”
Then, with Elowen in his arms, he flung his final words like a knife:
“Graduation is next week. Treasure these last days. Out in the real world, no one will ever pamper you like I do.”
Without looking back, he walked away.
I stood frozen, then bent to pick up my scuffed backpack.
Pamper me?
That was the cruelest joke I had ever heard.
I went back to our rented apartment, packed my belongings, and zipped up my suitcase.
Just then, a message from Elowen flashed on my screen.
Photos.
A black swan cake, a diamond necklace, a lush bouquet of roses.
The last one: her and Caius, leaning together, smiling.
Today was her birthday.
Tomorrow was mine.
One day apart-yet a galaxy between us.
Chanter 2
2/2
18.2%
3:35 pm pppp.
It wasn’t that Caius had no money. He simply had none to spare for me.
After midnight, my phone buzzed again. A text from him.
Happy birthday. I’m busy tonight. Don’t wait up.
I turned the phone off and finished packing.
I found a shared flat in an old neighborhood. Cheap. Cramped. A little grimy.
But it was mine.
The next morning, I switched my phone back on. A flood of unread messages from Caius filled
the screen.
You moved out? What tantrum is this? Just over five thousand dollars? When did you become so
materialistic?
Come back soon! Elowen was thoughtful enough to celebrate your birthday. She’s not feeling well but has been waiting for you all morning. Go buy a black-bone chicken and make her soup. And get fish too-Elowen likes it steamed.
Below was a long grocery list, written as if I were his maid.
Celebrating my birthday?
I almost laughed aloud.
What thoughtfulness,
3:35 pm P P P p.
