I Was Never Their First Choice

After I returned to my room, I gathered every document and ID I needed and packed them into my bag.

I was getting ready to withdraw from school.

My dad, David, sighed and said the same thing he always did. "Amy, why did you have the driver take you to school? I told you I'd make it up to you after you gave your spot to Chloe..."

I didn't turn around or answer him.

I just gripped my bag tighter and walked faster.

By the time I reached the front door, the driver had already pulled the car around.

After David saw me get in, he followed me into the car.

I knew he was worried about me.

But more than that, he was probably afraid I'd do something reckless and ruin Chloe's guaranteed admission.

I laughed bitterly to myself but said nothing.

The car fell into an uncomfortable silence.

After a while, David spoke softly, "Amy, you're an adult now. You need to be more mature and learn to give in to Chloe. I was the one who decided to give her the guaranteed admission spot this time. You always wanted to see Ed Sheeran in concert, right? I managed to get you front-row VIP tickets. So please, stop making a fuss, okay?"

But I had never been a fan of Ed Sheeran. Chloe was the one who wanted to see him.

I dug my fingernails into my palm until the pain made it hard to breathe.

"Pull over!" I ordered in a hoarse voice.

The driver froze and glanced at David.

"Pull over now!" I raised my voice and reached for the door lock.

The car hadn't even fully stopped when I pushed the door open and jumped out.

I only wanted to get away. I didn't notice the motorcycle coming down the road.

Before I could react, David grabbed me and pulled me back.

His arm was cut in the process. The wound was deep, with torn flesh showing. It looked awful.

He looked at me in panic and asked, "Amy, are you okay? Are you hurt?"

My heart suddenly ached.

I was just about to ask if he was okay when I heard him say, "If only you were half as sensible as Chloe. I'd be so relieved. Go back and apologize to her. She's such a good girl, and you made her cry."

I pulled my arm out of his hand slowly.

When he saw that I still wasn't reacting, his patience began to run out. "Amy, are you listening to me? It's just one guaranteed admission spot. You've always been willing to give in to Chloe. Why are you throwing such a tantrum over this?"

Always?

I could only laugh bitterly inside.

My room, my father, even the things my mother gave me—if Chloe wanted any of them, I was expected to hand them over.

And if I refused, I was the one who was called selfish and immature.