Chapter 40
Chapter 1
My childhood friend Sean Hunter turned down his offer from a top-tier university in Europe.
All because he was worried about Sarah Young, the scholarship kid his family had been supporting since high school. She wouldn’t be able to afford studying abroad, so he’d decided to stay in-state for grad school.
instead.
I found out with thirty minutes left before the deadline.
My best friend Mona Stone sounded cautious. “Lily, you still have time. You could still accept your spot, even
if he won’t p>
I pulled up Sean’s Instagram Story from an hour ago. He had his arm around Sarah, looking at her like she hung the moon while she blew out her birthday candles.
“I’m not changing anything. I’m going to Europe.” I met her eyes. “I’m done worrying about anyone but myself p>
At five o’clock, Kingsley University’s portal closed. That was when Mona finally believed I was really leaving. She got excited and started planning all the trips she’d take to visit me in Europe.
The smart lock on the door beeped and clicked open.
Sean walked in with Sarah a step behind him.
“Lily, you applied for the in-state program, right? I told her you’d stay here, since it makes more sense given Sarah’s situation, but she didn’t believe me p>
“She made me come over and make sure. She’s more worried you’ll change your mind than I am. Our school doesn’t have many direct-admit spots. There’s only one in-state spot worth taking p>
As he spoke, he glanced at her with that fond, helpless look I used to think was meant for me.
Something had shifted in me since I’d decided to leave. Watching him stand there with Sarah didn’t make my chest clench anymore.
I nodded. “It’s done. Why are you here p>
Sean frowned at my tone. “Lily, what’s with the attitude p>
Sarah glanced at him and dipped her head.
“Lily, you know my situation. Europe’s expensive, even with a scholarship. Flights alone, plus rent and everything else… I can’t swing it. I’m not brilliant like you-I can’t justify that kind of debt”
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“I’d rather stay here and work as a research assistant for a professor, at least then I’d get a stipend. Sean
gave up his offer because of me. I know that probably messed things up for you too p>
“He was trying to reach out to potential advisors earlier, that’s why he couldn’t come tell you in person, so he
texted. Don’t be upset with him p>
I listened to her wrap her victory in an apology. “You’ve known about all this for months, haven’t you? Why didn’t you say anything while we were applying? Why wait until the last minute p>
Sarah’s eyes went wide. “No, that’s not it… Sean and I talked about this weeks ago. We just didn’t decide for
sure until today p>
Weeks ago. I looked down at my hands.
While I’d been staying up past midnight agonizing over my essays and refreshing the portal, imagining myself skiing in the Alps, he’d been mapping out an entirely different future with her.
When I stayed silent, Sarah’s voice dropped to barely a whisper, then cracked. You’d think I was the one who’d
bullied her.
Sean’s expression hardened. “That’s enough, Lily. I texted you as soon as we decided. Why are you being like
this p>
His voice went cold, sharp and final.
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