When I Finally Chose Myself

I was still frozen in place when the door burst open.

"Happy birthday!"

Streamers sprayed across my face, and Jared Gentry was the first to step forward.

He had a necklace in his hand. Smiling, he fastened it around my younger sister Carolyn Layton's neck.

It was the necklace I'd been asking him for as an anniversary gift for three whole months. Every time I brought it up, he frowned and said it was too flashy and wouldn't look good on me.

"Happy birthday, Carolyn. Here's to many more birthdays like this one."

Jared looked down at her and smoothed her hair into place.

My best friend, Melissa Miller, squeezed in beside them with a smile and pulled out the limited-edition lipstick I'd mentioned over and over.

"Happy birthday, Carolyn! Most people can't pull off this shade, but it's perfect on you."

She pressed the lipstick into Carolyn's hand and affectionately ruffled her hair.

The birthday song began, and more than a dozen people gathered around Carolyn, clapping along. I stood at the edge of the crowd, digging my nails into my palm.

As soon as the lights came on, Jared noticed me and frowned. "Scarlett, it's Carolyn's birthday. Did you get her anything?"

I didn't answer. I just looked straight at him. "You picked today because of Carolyn?"

We were supposed to be on our summer trip right now. I'd spent two weeks planning it and even taken time off from my internship.

But three days ago, Jared told me something had come up at school. Then he scheduled the reunion for today.

"Oh, come on."

Melissa hooked her arm through mine. "Scarlett, she's your own sister. Are you seriously jealous? It's her birthday. Cheer up."

But yesterday was my birthday too.

Growing up, Mom and Dad always said our birthdays were only a day apart, so it was easier to celebrate them together.

So every year, we lit the candles and cut the cake on Carolyn's birthday. My own birthday was always treated like an afterthought.

That was why I never celebrated my birthday. I never wanted to.

"You guys keep eating. I'm heading out."

I grabbed my bag and pushed the door open. The hallway was quiet, and no one followed me.

I didn't realize until I reached the elevator that I'd grabbed Carolyn's house keys by mistake. I turned around and headed back.

As I neared the room, I heard Melissa's voice from inside. "What's gotten into Scarlett? She's never been this petty before."

Carolyn spoke softly, sounding a little tentative. "Do you think Scarlett found out I was planning to tell Jared I like him?"

The room went dead silent.

After a long silence, Melissa gave a strained laugh. "Oh, don't be silly. There's no way Scarlett knows. I've been keeping tabs on her almost every day lately. I timed it perfectly.

"As soon as she failed the qualifying exam for that government job, I told you to go tell Jared how you felt. She was crying her eyes out back then. She wasn't paying attention to anything else."

A month ago, after I failed the exam, Melissa had seemed so worried about me. She called me every day.

"Cheering you up is what I do best!"

I'd been so touched that sometimes I barely even noticed Jared beside me.

So the close friendship I thought Melissa and I had was really just her way of keeping me distracted. She'd been making sure I never noticed that Carolyn had been secretly keeping in touch with Jared all along.

Melissa went on in a breezy tone. "Besides, anyone can see that you and Jared are a better match. Scarlett's too steady and rational. Do you know how many times Jared's told me he just doesn't feel that spark with her?

"She's too sensible. She never gives him anything to worry about. After a while, that gets boring."

She paused, and my heart sank at what she said next.

"Right, Jared?"