Chapter 2

Bradley stared at me, stunned. "Sabrina, I'm sorry. I really did forget."

It happened again and again until he'd forgotten for the third time, the tenth, and finally the 17th time.

Every time he forgot, he would sincerely apologize to me.

Over time, I convinced myself that Bradley was simply careless and clumsy when it came to relationships.

I learned to accept that he might not keep his promises.

Then, by chance, I learned the truth.

I found out that Bradley had forgotten to buy me pads that day because he'd been helping Nicole move textbooks.

He had also left me waiting at the library because he'd been playing online games with Nicole.

Even after that, every time he broke a promise to me, it was because he was spending time with her.

It wasn't until then that I realized what had been happening all along.

Nicole had quietly come between us.

The bracelet Nicole wore was from the same brand as the one Bradley had promised to buy me. Yet he told me he had forgotten about it.

But when it came to Nicole, he said of course he'd remember what she liked.

"I've made up my mind. I'll start getting ready to study abroad this summer, and I should have everything in order by the time the fall semester starts," I said firmly.

Mom could tell I was determined, so she didn't say anything more.

She only asked, "Does Bradley know you're planning to study abroad?"

I was quiet for a moment, then nodded. "I'll tell him."

After our conversation, Mom told Dad about my decision.

Dad didn't ask any questions. He just looked a little relieved.

He had suggested studying abroad a long time ago, saying I should see more of the world instead of limiting myself to staying home.

Back then, I had firmly refused because I wanted to attend the same college as Bradley.

But now, I understood why Dad had encouraged me to study abroad.

"I happen to be taking an urgent business trip abroad today. I'll book you a ticket too," Dad said. "Spend the vacation abroad with me and see what it's like. You can decide which country you'd like to study in after that."

"What country?" Bradley asked suddenly.

I turned and realized he had come to stand beside me without my noticing.

Mom and Dad tactfully stepped away, and I turned to face him. "Weren't you spending time with Nicole?"

Bradley gave me a puzzled look at that. "What are you talking about? You're my girlfriend. Why would I spend time with Nicole?"

I pressed my lips together. I wanted to say, "But you've spent the past five months with her."

Before I could say anything, he spoke again. "But I did come to ask you something. Nicole got her jacket dirty, so let her borrow yours for now."

He grabbed the jacket beside me and walked away before I could agree.

Halfway out the door, he seemed to remember something. Bradley turned back and offered a quick explanation.

"The two of you are the same size, so think of it as doing her a favor. I'll thank you on Nicole's behalf."

I stood there, stunned.

A wave of hurt washed over me.

"Bradley," I called after him, speaking clearly. "That's my jacket. I never agreed to lend it to Nicole."

Bradley frowned, and his voice took on a reproachful tone. "Sabrina, don't be so petty. I can just buy you another one later, but Nicole really needs it right now."

He turned and walked away without another glance at me.

Seeing what had happened, a classmate sitting at the same table offered to lend me his jacket.

I lowered my head and wiped away the tears from my eyes. "No, thank you."

On graduation day, Bradley had made me two promises.

First, he would buy me the bracelet I had wanted for so long.

Second, he promised that from then on, he would always consider my feelings.