Chapter 1

Dad's expression instantly darkened.

"Are you throwing a tantrum again? It's just a recommendation slot. Janet has been learning the piano since she was young, so she needs it way more than you do."

Mom pulled Janet Lancaster closer in a protective hug and spoke, her voice dripping with impatience.

"You caused such a stir at the school's anniversary celebration, and now, you're even saying such things. Do you seriously expect everyone's world to revolve around you?"

I didn't explain my actions, but Janet's eyes reddened as she returned the recommendation form to me.

"I don't want this. Mel is going to be mad."

At last, my older brother, Thomas Lancaster, spoke up.

"Just hold on to it since she gave it to you. Why's she bothering with this generous act, anyway? Growing up, whenever she made a fuss, didn't she always just wait for us to placate her?"

Picking up the red clown nose on the floor, he tossed it in the trash bin, adding, "Melissa Lancaster, you're already 18. Can you stop being such a clown?"

A clown, huh? How very accurate.

All these years, whenever any one of them was in a bad mood, I would have to cheer them up. Whenever they created a problem, I would have to deal with the mess.

Yet, after they were done laughing, all they ever remembered was just how shameful I had been.

At that moment, the principal rushed over, his face twisted into a grim look.

"Mr. Lancaster, that recommendation slot can't be transferred to another person."

Dad frowned. "Why not?"

"Because the recommendation is for Melissa's original campus comedy, not something any other child of the Lancaster family can claim."

Janet immediately paled, but Dad slapped a withdrawal request form in front of me.

"Then withdraw from the selection process. Don't just hog that slot."

Looking down, I signed my name on the form.

My homeroom teacher, Ms. Berkins, wanted to stop me, but I had already handed the pen back to her.

It seemed like Mom hadn't expected me to agree so easily, for she said, "Mel, we just want you to learn a lesson here."

"Lesson learnt."

Ripping off the cast and crew ID stuck to my chest, I threw it in the trash bin. It landed right on the red nose, perfectly covering it.

"From now on, remember to find someone more considerate and understanding if anything happens to you."