Chapter 3
Before I could even think of a reply, someone started tagging me furiously in a smaller group chat.
Ava, what the hell is your problem? Can’t stand to see Terry with anyone else? Your jealousy is getting old. Just because Rachel’s prettier than you doesn’t mean you get to throw a tantrum. You’re pathetic.
I froze.
My first instinct was to defend myself, but then a message from Terry himself flashed onto my screen.
Ava, I invited Rachel. If you have a problem, take it up with me. Why are you making things hard for her? You know what? Don’t come. We’ll have more fun without you anyway.
A second later, they sent a picture of a table laden with food. Someone added a snarky comment.
Food tastes so much better without all the bitterness.
A bunch of psychos.
I left the group chat, then deleted and blocked Terry’s number.
A clean sweep.
He had always been my pinned contact, no matter how much we fought. Now he belonged on the block list.
When Rachel first transferred to our school, she had been my friend. Back then, Terry had even warned me about her. He said she seemed shady and that I should keep my distance. I actually tried to get them to like each other.
Then came the freshman orientation party.
Rachel took off her nerdy black-framed glasses and wore a stunning red dress. She took everyone’s breath away.
After that night, Terry never told me to stay away from her again.
He and Rachel got closer. He introduced her to all his friends—our friends. Before I knew it, my circle had become her circle. Terry was different with Rachel, special in a way he never admitted out loud.
We had a massive fight about it once. We didn’t speak for three months.
I told him, If you like her, I’ll step aside.
But Terry cried.
He swore to me, You’re the only one who matters to me. Rachel has depression, Ava. Her dad left. I just feel sorry for her. I’m trying to help.
And I believed him.
But Terry had been playing me for a fool.
Their friendship became their excuse for everything. A flimsy cover for something more.
And now this.
He had changed his entire future for her, and I was the idiot left behind.
By the time I snapped out of it, the sky was dark. My mom had come home at some point and was smiling at me.
“Fighting with Terry again?” she asked. “You blocked his number, sweetie. He wants you to add him back.”
I mumbled something and headed out the door.
My academic adviser had called a last-minute meeting to confirm our final applications.
When I got there, the seat next to Terry was empty.
That was usually my seat.
Rachel was sitting there now.