Chapter 4

After the graduation ceremony ended, everyone began heading home.

It wasn't until Cassidy reminded them that Mom, Dad, and Wesley finally remembered me.

"Daph, why did you wander off again?"

I didn't answer. I simply got into the car and took a seat in the very back.

No one paid me any attention. Once everyone was in the car, they launched into an excited discussion about colleges and majors.

"Cass, we'll feel much better knowing you're going to Westhaven University with Wesley. He can look out for you there."

Cassidy blushed and nodded.

Mom and Dad disagreed over what she should major in and began arguing about it. In the end, they decided to let Cassidy choose for herself.

"Cass is smart and knows what she wants. She's nothing like Daph. We never have to worry about her."

I didn't say a word.

We were almost home before Mom finally noticed me sitting in the back and asked, "Daph, what are your plans?"

Before I could answer, Wesley answered for me.

"Daph didn't do well on the SAT. She's going to retake it and apply again next year. It's fine. Cass and I will go ahead to Westhaven University and learn the ropes. Daph can join us next fall."

Mom and Dad exchanged a look and sighed.

"Daph, I wish you were half as easy to deal with as Cass."

I blinked, and a tear fell onto my phone. The 1580 on the screen blurred beneath it.

They had never even asked about my score.

One sentence from Wesley was all it took for them to decide I had failed and needed another year.

Over the next few days, I sold the jewelry my parents had given me over the years. I also sold every birthday and holiday gift Wesley had ever given me.

Combined with the money I had saved, it came to a decent amount. It was enough to cover my tuition and my first few months of living expenses.

Once everything was settled, I tucked my acceptance letter from Oakdale University safely away and closed my suitcase.

When I wheeled it out of my room, the house was empty.

Then Wesley called.

"I found an SAT prep program for you. After the party today, I'll take you to get signed up."

I stared at the family portrait downstairs. "What party?"

"Mine and Cass's college send-off, obviously."

The whole family had gone, and no one had even told me.

It was just like the family group chat. Everyone was included except me.

"Our parents talked it over. Since Cass and I are both going to Westhaven University, they figured we might as well celebrate together."

"Okay."

I had been disappointed too many times to feel anything anymore, so I said nothing.

Wesley must have heard something in my silence, because his voice softened.

"We only left you out because we didn't want you to feel bad. You still have to retake the SAT. When you get into college next year, we'll throw you an even bigger party."

A sharp ache pierced my chest, leaving bitterness behind.

"Wesley, the truth is, I…"

"Wesley, it's about to start. What are you doing?"

I was about to tell him everything and end our relationship once and for all when Cassidy interrupted me.

Wesley hung up in a hurry without hearing the rest of what I had to say.

I took one last look around the home where I had grown up, then wheeled my suitcase out the door and headed for the airport.

-

At the party, Mom and Dad watched Cassidy and Wesley from across the room, their hearts swelling with pride.

Dad suddenly said, "You know, Cass and Wesley actually make a pretty good match."

Mom sat up straight and smacked him hard. "What are you talking about? You know Daph has always loved Wesley."

At the mention of me, they both felt a strange emptiness settle in their chests.

"I wonder which SAT prep program Daph plans to attend."

Just then, Mom's phone rang. It was my guidance counselor.

"Mrs. Campbell, this is Ms. Davis."

Mom put the call on speaker and answered with a smile.

Ms. Davis continued, "Where are you holding Daphne's college send-off? I'd love to come by and congratulate her."

Mom's smile froze, and a flicker of embarrassment crossed her face.

"I'm afraid there's been some misunderstanding, Ms. Davis. Daphne didn't do well on the SAT, so she'll be retaking it and applying to college again next year."

Ms. Davis fell silent for a moment before asking in confusion, "Are you serious? Daphne scored a 1580 and was accepted to Oakdale University. Why would she retake the SAT?"