Chapter 2

Three days later, the front door swung open.

The living room filled instantly with noise and laughter.

"Bedford is so dry. I put on a dozen face masks these past few days, and it still didn't help," Mom complained, kicking off her shoes.

Derek trailed in behind her, arms loaded with shopping bags.

"As long as Amber's happy. She's had much better color in her cheeks these past few days."

I was sitting on the couch with a book in my hands. When they saw me, the laughter cut off.

The room went stiff for a moment. Mom's eyes swept over the spotless coffee table, and her brow furrowed.

"Claire, we've been out for days, exhausted, and you can't even pour us a glass of water?"

I closed my book and stood.

"There's water in the kettle."

Mom shot me a look and turned to get herself a cup.

Amber peeked out from behind Derek. She was wearing a brand-new designer dress and a pair of limited-edition sneakers — all trophies from the Bedford trip.

"Don't be mad at Mom and Dad, sis." Her voice went small. "It was my idea for them to come with me. If you're going to be upset with anyone, blame me."

Derek immediately stepped in front of her, shielding her.

"Why are you apologizing to her? What right does she have to be upset?"

He turned to me, his eyes sharp.

"Claire, what's with the attitude you've been giving everyone this week? Amber's about to start her prep program. She's under enough pressure already — can't you cut her some slack?"

I looked at my own brother. Blood relation and all. For as long as I could remember, whenever Amber cried, I was the one in the wrong.

"I haven't given anyone an attitude," I said evenly.

"Then what about your scholarship money?" Mom came back over, cup in hand. "Grayson said to transfer it over so Amber could rent an apartment. Why didn't you? Do you have any idea she cried half the night because she couldn't get that place with underfloor heating?"

I looked at Mom's face, so certain she was in the right.

"I earned that money working odd jobs late at night, scraping and saving. Why should I hand it over to her?"

Mom set the cup down hard on the coffee table.

"Because she's your sister! You got into a good enough school that you'll be able to tutor your way to plenty of money later. Amber doesn't have your foundation. Is it so much to ask that you help your own sister out a little?"

Just then, Grayson pushed the door open and walked in.

He was holding a sleek silver gift box — the newest drawing tablet, the one I'd been eyeing for six months straight and never let myself buy.

I was studying design. I needed that tablet badly.

Grayson had promised me, once upon a time, that if I got into Bedford University, he'd give me one as a gift for getting in.

He walked to the center of the room, his eyes sliding right past me and landing on Amber.

"Amber. Here's your tablet."

Amber let out a delighted shriek and threw her arms around his.

"Thank you, Grayson. You're the best."

He reached over and ruffled her hair, his eyes soft with affection.

I stood where I was, staring at that silver box.

Grayson finally turned to look at me.

"Claire, your old tablet still works fine. Money's tight for me right now, just starting out. Don't be petty about it. Once you're a sophomore, I'll use my year-end bonus to get you a new one."

That was always how he did things. Using the gentlest tone to deliver the most one-sided decisions.

I didn't make a scene. I didn't ask why.

I just gave a small, even nod.

"Fine. I won't be petty about it."

Grayson blinked, caught off guard.

In the past, something like this would have had me arguing back, eyes brimming. He liked watching me pout and sulk over him, then graciously toss me some small comfort afterward, like I should be grateful for it.

But today, I said nothing. I just turned and walked toward my room.

As the door clicked shut, I heard Derek scoff behind me.

"Good. At least she knows her place."

I leaned back against the door and looked at my suitcase, already packed and waiting. Inside, there was nothing but a few old clothes and that same tablet with the cracked screen.

It didn't matter.

The sunlight in Meridian was good enough. I didn't need any of this borrowed shine.