lf the crabapple blossoms again

Chapter 1

1.Three years with Jason, and still no ring.

Then, he falls head-over-heels for my stepsister.

Total whirlwind romance.

This time, I didn't cry.

I didn't wait around for him to get it out of his system.

Instead, I chucked every gift he ever gave me.

I shredded the wedding dress I secretly bought.

On his birthday, I ditched D.C.

Right before boarding, Jason texts me.

"Where are you? Everyone's waiting."

I just laughed and blocked him.

He had no clue.

Two weeks ago, I said "yes" to my college sweetheart, Chris.

We're getting married as soon as I land in this new city.

"Chris, I've made up my mind."

I stared at my pale, skinny reflection.

Making a huge life decision wasn't as hard as I thought.

"Sarah… will you marry me?"

Chris's voice was low and hopeful on the other end.

My heart kinda squeezed.

Right before a tear could fall, I nodded.

"Yes."

"Sarah, you know I've been waiting for this since college?"

A small smile played on my lips.

"Give me two weeks to sort things out here."

"Okay, Sarah. I'll be waiting."

I hung up and BAM!

My bedroom door flies open.

"Sarah, honey..."

My dad clears his throat, all awkward.

"Your sister's not feeling well. Your room gets the morning sun. How about you two switch for a few days?"

I didn't say anything.

I just stared at my stepmom and stepsister, Tiffany, behind him.

Stepmom jumps in.

"Oh, Don, don't trouble Sarah."

Tiffany chimes in, all pouty.

"Yeah, Dad, it's okay. Don't make your other daughter upset because of me."

"Nonsense. You're my daughter too."

Dad glares at me.

"Sarah, be the bigger person."

I was stunned.

I thought I'd be a wreck.

Crying because my own dad favored his non-biological daughter over me.

But I didn't shed a tear.

I just smiled and nodded.

"Sure. We can switch."

I'm leaving in two weeks anyway.

Who cares what room I'm in?

2.Dad looked so relieved that I was being "reasonable."

Stepmom's got a smug little smile on her face.

They leave, but Tiffany hangs back.

"Can I help you pack, Sarah?"

She's standing there all innocent.

But she can't hide the glee in her eyes as she looks around the room.

"I never thought Dad would let us switch rooms."

"Are you mad at me?"

"I mean, I stole Jason AND your bedroom that you have had since you were a kid."

I just grabbed my suitcase, ignoring her.

Then, she goes "Ouch!" and dramatically falls on the floor.

"Sarah..."

Her arm hit the corner of my desk.

Already bruising.

"Sarah! What the hell are you doing?"

Jason, out of nowhere.

He saw Tiffany fall.

His face turns dark.

He rushes over and helps Tiffany up, all gentle.

"I'm okay, Jason. Sarah didn't mean it."

Tiffany's crying, but still smiling through the pain.

"It's okay, really."

"Your arm is bruised!"

Jason's looking at that little bruise on her arm.

Full of concern.

Then he glares at me.

"Sarah, you got a problem, take it out on me."

"Leave Tiffany alone. She's been through enough."

"You were born with a silver spoon. You have no idea what life is like."

I thought I was immune to his BS.

I ...