Chapter 2

The next morning, my asthma medication went missing.

I searched my backpack twice. All I found was the crushed pill bottle in the trash.

Ruby was sitting at the dining table drinking milk, with her feet resting on the red gloves.

I picked up the bottle and looked at her.

“Did you throw this medicine away?”

She chewed on her straw, looking perfectly innocent.

“What medicine? I’ve never seen it before.”

Freya immediately came to her defense.

“Why are you grilling her first thing in the morning? Ruby had nightmares last night and had trouble getting back to sleep. Do you really think that she was up messing with your things?”

I pointed to the white pompoms on the gloves. One was dusted with powder from my pills.

A flicker of panic crossed Ruby’s face.

Dad saw it too.

The kitchen fell silent.

“Ruby.”

His voice turned stern.

“Did you mess with Charlotte’s medicine?”

Ruby’s lips quivered. Then, she burst into tears.

“I didn’t know she needed it to stay alive. She always kept it hidden, so I thought it was something special. After my dad died, everyone called me a burden. Now Charlotte hates me too.”

She was trembling as she cried.

Dad’s anger melted away.

He crouched down and wrapped his arms around her.

“You’re not a burden. You’ve got me now, and I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

I gripped the broken pill bottle.

“What about my medicine?”

Dad looked at me. He softened his tone and said, “I’ll get you more later. Ruby didn’t mean any harm. She’s new to this family and already feels insecure. Don’t scare her.”

“She knew perfectly well it was mine.”

“Charlotte,” Dad cut me off.

He looked tired.

“Her father died saving me from being hit by a car. I owe him my life. Can’t you cut her some slack for my sake?”

I looked at him.

“So you’re going to repay him with my life?”

Dad stared at me, stunned.

Ruby stopped crying.

A few seconds later, Dad frowned.

“Don’t talk like that. We can replace your medicine. You’re making this sound much worse than it is.”

My chest suddenly tightened.

I did not try to explain again. I picked up my backpack and walked out.

At lunchtime, my homeroom teacher, Mrs. Grant, called me into her office.

There was a competition entry form on her desk.

“It’s the state math competition. First prize is $8,000. You could also earn a place in the honors program at Starforge Academy on a full scholarship. That includes room and board.”

I stared at the words “room and board included.”

“Does a parent have to come with me?”

“No.”

“If I win, can I go straight to the school in the state capital?”

Mrs. Grant looked surprised.

“Technically, yes. But that’s a long way from home. Would your dad be okay with you moving so far away?”

I picked up the pen and signed my name.

“He’ll be fine with it.”

After school, I left without waiting for Dad.

I went to the pharmacy.

The replacement medication cost $120.

At the register, I counted my money for a long time.

“Do you still want it?” the cashier asked.

“Yes.”

I had to stay alive. I refused to die before I got out of here.

On my way home, Dad’s battered old car passed me.

Ruby was in the front passenger seat, laughing loudly.

Dad drove a little farther before he seemed to notice me. He slowed down, rolled down his window, and called, “Charlotte, want a ride? It’s a little cramped, but we can squeeze you in.”

The backseat was piled with bags and boxes.

Ruby stayed where she was, making no move to help clear a space.

I held up my bus pass.

“No, thanks.”

Dad hesitated for a couple of seconds.

“Okay. Get home safe.”

The car soon disappeared around the corner.

I watched them go and silently did the math.

I still needed more than $7,000.

Once I won that prize money, I could leave.