Above Their Reach

Beatrice and I were childhood friends, and we'd been joined at the hips for 20 years. Granted, I was the one who had trailed behind her from kindergarten to high school.

She didn't perform as well as she expected on the SATs and didn't even manage to get into a good college. So, I gave up my guaranteed spot in Northopolis University just to stay on the same campus as her. Eventually, I landed myself in this regular college.

Our relationship had been kept under wraps for four years now. She claimed she didn't want to be too conspicuous because it would hurt her studies.

I had been so blindly in love with her that I humbled myself into someone who was nearly her servant. Every time we fought, I would be the first one to apologize, regardless of who was in the right.

My apology would even come spilling from my lips within a day, all so she wouldn't be mad at me.

When we first came to college, Howard was just an underprivileged student who couldn't even afford meat for his meals. I remember seeing him hiding in a corner of the cafeteria, munching on potatoes and sipping on the cafeteria's complimentary soup.

I thought he deserved help, so I bought him meals every day and gave him enough money to buy food with.

To make sure his ego survived, I introduced Beatrice to him just to help him blend in with our circle.

Now, the boy who used to rely on my money to avoid starvation was being condescending to me. It seemed that the mutt was far too used to my charity.

Meanwhile, the woman I had been in love with for 20 years didn't defend me. Instead, she mocked my intelligence and wanted to turn me into their personal slave.

Howard took the glass of water and grinned smugly. "Don't say that, Beatrice. He can't help us academically, but he can help us get our deliveries."

Beatrice gave him an indulgent smile. "You're so sweet, thinking about him."

This whole act was starting to make my stomach churn. I turned my attention back to my screen. Hertford University's admissions department had sent me a letter. I'd left it in my inbox for three days, all because Beatrice said she wanted to stay in the same school as me.

After this disgusting display of betrayal, I decided to accept the offer. This time, I didn't hesitate.

The gathering came to an end, and everyone went out in groups. Beatrice stood under the street lamp, holding her head high. She was waiting for me to huddle up like a lackey, give her the hangover cure, and beg for her to walk with me.

I didn't. Instead, I practically breezed past her, flagged down a cab, and closed the door on her within minutes. As I looked through the window, I saw Beatrice standing frozen under the street lamp with her forehead creased into a frown.

The old me would've folded like wet tissue. The me now couldn't care less about displeasing her.