Chapter 2

Early the next morning, my mother took us to the mall. She said Roman was about to start at a major corporation and needed a proper wardrobe.

A custom-built PC that cost nearly $14,000.

A $2,000 tailored suit.

A $700 pair of leather dress shoes.

Every time Roman glanced at a price tag, my mother just smiled and told him not to worry about the cost.

"You're about to start at a prestigious company. Of course, you need to look the part. A man's first job is important. You can't let people look down on you."

My father stood at the register, swiping his card without hesitation.

Both of Peyton's hands were loaded with shopping bags, and she was already asking Roman if he wanted a watch to go with everything.

Stella crouched down in front of him and gently pressed the heel of his new shoes. "This part's a little stiff. Let's exchange them. I don't want your feet getting rubbed raw on your first day."

Roman glanced in my direction, a smug smile flickering across his face. "They're too expensive. Besides, I remember Hayden wanted this pair, too. I'll just keep these."

Stella looked up at him, then personally slipped the expensive shoes back onto his feet. "Someone who can't even find a job has no business wearing shoes this nice. Roman, you're about to start at St. Aurelius Group. You should be as comfortable as possible."

I stood a few steps away, watching the tenderness on her face as she lowered her head.

For four years of college, I'd walked countless miles beside her in shoes that never fit properly.

When my heels blistered and bled, she'd only laughed and called me a baby. It wasn't that she didn't know ill-fitting shoes could hurt. She just didn't think it mattered when they were on my feet.

As we passed a luggage store, I stopped.

I'd been using the same suitcase for ten years. The corners were cracked, wrapped over and over with clear packing tape, and its wheels had worn down so unevenly that it wobbled every time I pulled it.

I picked out the cheapest one in the store.

$129.

Instead of taking it straight to the register, I turned to my father.

"Can I get this one?"

Maybe, deep down, I was still clinging to a tiny sliver of hope. They'd just spent tens of thousands of dollars buying Roman a brand-new computer, suit, and shoes. Surely asking for a $100 suitcase wasn't too much.

My father frowned. "Don't you already have a suitcase?"

"That one's ten years old. It's falling apart."

"So what if it's old? It still works. Your mother and I work hard for our money. Is this really how casually you waste it?"

My mother walked over as well. "Roman landed a great job. Of course, he needs quality things."

Her eyes swept dismissively over the suitcase in my hands. "You're different. You'll be lucky just to find a job. Stop comparing yourself to Roman.

"If you end up working as a receptionist at some small company, who's going to care what kind of suitcase you carry? Just make do."

Peyton let out a laugh beside her. "He's just jealous. He saw Roman buying new things and couldn't stand it, so now he wants them too."

My grip tightened around the suitcase handle. Without a word, I put it back on the shelf.

Roman stood outside the store in his $2,000 suit, surrounded by shopping bags.

The moment Stella noticed the look on his face, she hurried over. "What's wrong? Are you tired?"

Roman shook his head. "I bought so much. Do you think Hayden's upset?"

Stella instinctively glanced at me, a faint frown creasing her brow. "He hasn't earned a dime, and he still hasn't even found a job. What does he have to be upset about?"

I lowered my head and looked at the faded backpack slung over my shoulder.

It wasn't that my family couldn't afford it. And appearances clearly mattered, just never when it came to me.

That evening, my mother reserved a private room at a restaurant to celebrate our graduation.

A huge cake sat in the center of the room.

The first thing I noticed when I walked in was the words written across the top: "Congratulations, Roman, on Your Graduation! Wishing You a Bright Future!"

Roman looked embarrassed. "Mrs. Fisher, did you forget to put Hayden's name on it?"

My mother didn't even look up. "He doesn't even like cake. It doesn't matter."

The truth was… I did like cake. She'd just never bought one for me.

During dinner, my father handed Roman a recommendation letter he'd already prepared.

"I've spoken with them. You can report to St. Aurelius Group next week. It's close to home, and the benefits are excellent."

Roman's eyes reddened. "You've all been so good to me. I don't even know how to repay you."

My mother took his hand. "Silly boy. Why would you talk about repaying us? We've long since considered you one of our own."

I stared at their clasped hands. For a moment, I felt as though I were sitting at the wrong table.

The warmth between them was blinding. My presence only seemed to spoil the picture.

When it came time to pay, my mother covered Roman's meal as part of the family bill.

Then she sent a payment request to our family group chat.

$136.50.

Addressed to me alone.

"Hayden, you've graduated now. You can't keep spending your parents' money. From now on, you'll pay your share whenever we eat out. And if you're living at home, you'll split the rent and utilities too."

I looked at the extra fifty cents on the total.

Without saying a word, I quietly tapped "Pay."