Good times

Mom gave us two choices.

Go with her to the Donovan household, where we could attend the best high school with Mr. Donovan’s son, Caleb, but only get into a domestic university.

Or stay in our hometown for school, and get to study abroad after high school graduation.

My sister, Chloe, spoke first.

“Mom, I want to go to the Donovan household with you.”

Mom smiled, relieved, then turned to me.

“Your sister should get the first pick. If I send her abroad later, then I’ll have fulfilled my duty as a mother.”

Seeing Chloe’s expectant face as she clung to Mom’s arm, I knew.

She had also been reborn.

Too bad, Caleb would never, ever fall for her.

1

“Anya, there’s a lot going on at the Donovans’, so Chloe and I are leaving today. Take good care of yourself at home, okay?”

Mom finished packing and left with Chloe.

It wasn’t like the last life at all, when she’d stayed an extra ten days just to convince Chloe to go with her to the Donovan household.

In my last life, after Mom laid out the two choices, Chloe had also been quick to pick, but she chose to study abroad.

After Mom and Dad divorced, I was put into my father’s custody.

For ten whole years, Mom never once came to see me, yet I thought about her every single day.

It wasn’t until Dad passed away and the authorities brought me to Mom’s place that I finally had her back.

When Chloe chose to study abroad, my heart soared.

I could finally live with Mom, day in and day out.

But Mom wanted to take Chloe even more. She stayed at our house for ten days, constantly trying to persuade Chloe to go with her.

Chloe, however, was convinced the grass was greener on the other side, and she never changed her mind, not even when the Donovans pressed Mom to return.

And so, Mom and I went to the Donovan household, and that’s where I met Caleb.

He was handsome, coolly distinguished, and brilliant in school.

He was the dream guy in every girl’s heart.

I couldn’t help but fall for him too.

I knew we were worlds apart, and I could only bury that love deep in my heart.

It wasn’t until after high school graduation, after a party, that Caleb, drunk, pinned me against a wall.

“Anya, will you study abroad with me?”

I forced myself to look away.

“I don’t have the money.”

Caleb laughed, and the whole basement seemed to light up.

“I’ll pay for you.”

In that moment, I finally knew.

The boy I’d secretly loved for three years felt the same way about me.

A tidal wave of happiness crashed over me.

I excitedly told Mom that Caleb wanted to take me to study abroad.

What I got in return was a stinging slap across my face.

“You’re not going. When you chose to come with me to the Donovan household, you gave up the path of studying abroad. All the money I’ve saved is for Chloe’s overseas studies.”

I covered my face and tried to explain.

“Caleb said I wouldn’t have to pay; he’d cover my tuition.”

Mom scoffed, looking at me with disgust.

“How shameless. Trying to sleep your way into his bed for money....