Chapter 1,
When I finally kicked the bucket of old age,
My husband had wept inconsolably at my funeral–like, completely shattered.
And my childhood friend? He couldn’t even speak through his tears as he delivered my eulogy.
However, given a second chance at life, they both refused to apply to Harvard with me, choosing instead to join a college prep program year after year with Scarlett, our class queen.
So I chose to study abroad. From then on, we went our separate ways, never to meet again.
By the turn of the millennium, I’d built a successful career and returned home in triumph with my daughter.
The airport was packed with people.
Yet two intense gazes cut through the crowd, landing heavily on me.
“Winter, is this your niece?”
“If you still have feelings for me… maybe we could start over?”
“Winter, you’ve got one day left to submit your college applications. Why haven’t you filled anything out yet?”
“Miss the deadline and you’ll have to repeat senior year.”
Ms. Rodriguez looked at me with genuine concern.
I’m waiting for someone. Don’t want to make the wrong choice,” I said with an awkward smile.
My fingers kept tracing over the application form, lingering on two blank lines–Kai Sullivan and Jaxon Rivers. Still
empty.
Also blank was Scarlett Monroe’s application.
was starting to piece it together, though my heart refused to accept what I knew was coming.
couldn’t face it. Wouldn’t even let myself consider it.
Suddenly, familiar footsteps echoed from the hallway.
The people I’d been waiting for had arrived.
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Kai pushed through the door, afternoon sunlight cutting across his sharp cheekbones.
Jaxon followed close behind, his white button–down stretched tight across his shoulders, those bedroom eyes clouded with something dark and unreadable.
Ms. Rodriguez quickly set down her coffee mug.
“Our valedictorian and salutatorian! Finally here to submit your applications!”
“Harvard and Princeton have been calling non–stop this week. Which one’s it gonna be?”
“Or… are you planning to join Winter at Columbia?”
My heart hammered against my ribs, hope blooming in my chest.
In my previous life, they’d both chosen Columbia without hesitation, staying by my side until the very end.
But sometimes, after too many drinks, they’d mentioned regretting going to Columbia.
I’d always thought they meant they regretted not choosing Harvard instead.
Until Kai paused, then said with resignation:
“Actually, Ms. Rodriguez, we’re not applying anywhere.”
“We’re planning to take a gap year. Help out a classmate who needs support.”
That’s when it hit me–last life, they regretted not staying back with Scarlett when she failed her SATS. Without their support, she’d failed again and thrown herself off the Tobin Bridge.
The news had reached us during my birthday party. They’d been dismissive then.
“She’s dead and gone. Why should we let it ruin our good time?”
They’d always been annoyed by Scarlett’s desperate attempts to win their attention.
So, none of us had gone to her funeral.
Hearing their choices, Ms. Rodriguez stared at them in shock.
“I’m sorry, did I hear that right?”
“Supporting struggling students is admirable, but that’s what guidance counselors are for!”
Jaxon, who’d been silent until now, frowned deeply.
“We won’t change our minds.”
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“Please respect our call and sign us up for the college prep program.”
Kai nodded in agreement.
His gaze fell on my blank application, and a cruel smile played at his lips.
“Ms. Rodriguez, don’t tell me someone’s been whispering in your ear, trying to pressure us into applying to college?”
“We’re not interested in Columbia.”
“And we’re especially not interested in anyone who wants to go there.”
The words hit like a physical blow.
I hadn’t done anything wrong, yet shame burned through me, my cheeks blazing red.
They finished their paperwork and bolted from the room.
Obviously desperate to find Scarlett.
In my past life, even when my water broke in the back of a taxi, they’d never moved with such urgency.
I swallowed the bitter taste of heartbreak.
After several deep breaths, I managed to speak.
“Ms. Rodriguez, I won’t be applying either.”
She looked ready to explode.
“This is ridiculous!”
“I’ve seen you carving Columbia’s logo into your desk!”
“Just because these two idiots won’t go to college with you doesn’t mean you should throw away your dreams!”
The unexpected kindness made my throat tight with emotion.
I shook my head quickly.
“College here isn’t my only option.”
“My aunt lives in London. She’s already secured me a spot at Cambridge.”
“Please… don’t tell them where I’m going.”
They wanted a different life.
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Fine. I’d burn every bridge between us and never look back.
From this moment on, we were nothing to each other.
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