Chapter 4

Everyone immediately started whooping and egging Callum on.

I sat there, at a loss, my fingers twisting together without me even realizing it.

Callum's face darkened. He was quiet for a long time before finally saying, "Don't be ridiculous. Our families are close, and my parents just told me to look after her."

The words sounded light, almost casual, but they hammered against my chest like blocks of ice. From beginning to end, those flutters and secret expectations I'd hidden away had all been nothing more than my own wishful thinking.

I couldn't sit there any longer. I got up and went to the restroom, taking a good while to calm myself down. When I came out, I heard voices coming from the restroom across the hall.

"Callum, you're always hanging around Teresa. How are you supposed to get a girlfriend in the future? Rita used to be into you, but she's totally cooled off now because you're always glued to Teresa. You'd better keep some distance and stop sticking up for her, or you're just screwing yourself over."

I couldn't hear what Callum said in response. All I knew was that I wasn't just dead weight. I was also the biggest obstacle between him and Rita. Honestly, that was just pathetic.

I waited for Callum at the door of the private room, wanting to tell him I was heading out first.

However, when he heard that, his expression turned sour. His tone was full of impatience. "Teresa, can you stop killing the vibe all the time? If you leave now, I have to walk you home and then come back again. Don't you get that I'm exhausted? Can you just give me a break and let me breathe for a second?"

I froze when those last few words landed. Every ounce of pride I had left got ground into dust at that moment. So, what he'd said that day when we took our graduation photos was what he really thought.

I forced the tears back and let out a soft hum. "Got it. You don't have to walk me home anymore, Callum."

Thank goodness this part of the street was well lit, and thank goodness there was a cab waiting right at the curb. At least it let me keep my last bit of dignity intact in front of Callum.

…

The day our results came out, both Callum and I did really well.

Our parents arranged to go out and celebrate together. Halfway through dinner, they started talking about college choices.

Mrs. Rook scooped some food onto my plate. "Teri, how's the college search going? I remember you two wanted to go to Berdona University together. It'd be great if you both ended up there. That way, Cal could watch out for you. Right, Cal?"

Callum's hand faltered. He kept his head down and said quietly, "I haven't decided yet."

Mrs. Rook let out a sigh. She was just about to lecture him when Mom quickly smoothed things over. "Come on, there's no rush. They're all grown up now, so they'll have their own ideas. It's good to think it through."

Mom changed the subject, and the mood at the table lightened again.

On the way home, she suddenly asked me, "Did you and Cal have a fight?"

There was no way she wouldn't notice how I'd changed, so I didn't bother denying it. I said, "I just feel like I should learn to stand on my own a bit more. After all, it's not like Callum can look after me for the rest of my life."

Mom stroked my head, her voice full of heartache. "I'll take care of you for the rest of my life."

She suggested, "Once you're done filling out your applications, let's take a family trip somewhere."

…

After I submitted my college applications, I spent basically the whole break traveling. I only came home right before the semester started. I hurriedly packed my things and left for the neighboring city.

Before the start of the semester, Callum came by to look for me. "Mrs. Sutherland, is Teri home? I wanted to ask her about when we should leave."

Mom looked at him, puzzled. "Teri's college starts the semester earlier. She already left."

Callum was stunned. Berdona University hadn't started registration and orientation yet. "Where did she go?"

"Southlake University."