1
“Callie, have you decided where you want to apply yet?” I snapped out of the pain–filled memories and turned to my desk mate. His young face seemed so strange and innocent. That’s when I realized: I’d been given a second chance.
“Callie, what’s up with you?” he asked, worried.
I smiled and shook my head to reassure him, a burst of joy flaring inside me.
Our teacher–Mr. Everett, Damon’s father–began speaking. “Go ahead and fill out your forms so I can get an idea of your plans,” he said.
I fixed my eyes on Mr. Everett. It struck me now–he was helping Damon scout out prospects for Claire. We already knew our test scores, so there was no reason to gather in class to fill out paper forms. But he was calling everyone here, probably just to pick out the best for Claire.
I clenched my fists, remembering how Damon had started pursuing me around this same time in my last life. I filled out the form randomly, ignoring his instructions. When I glanced up, I caught Mr. Everett watching me with a look I couldn’t quite read.
Sure enough, after I turned in the form, Mr. Everett called out, “Callie Reid, come to my office.” He took my form and walked off without
another word.
“You scored the highest in the class this time, Callie. You’re definitely going to Washington Ivy,” my desk mate said.
I had scored 702 points, the highest in class, and still didn’t get in last time. I had gone to Mr. Everett so many times, desperate to know why,
and he had blamed my rejection on overreaching, saying I’d aimed too high with his recommendation for the Pre–Law Program.
I glanced over at Damon, who was napping
corner.
I nodded to my desk mate. No way would I fall for this twice.
I pushed open the office door, and Mr. Everett looked community colleges, one after another.
- up.
“High employment rate,” I answered, spacing out each word.
e, you scored very well. Why did you choose these schools?” I had listed
Mr. Everett went silent, then softened his tone. “You don’t need to aim low, Callie. It’s better for a young woman to study law.” He opened his
laptop, pulling up the application portal for me.
I stared at the screen, holding back a sarcastic laugh. He thought he could push me into filling it out his way? Did he think I’d willingly pave the way for Claire again?
“No thanks, Mr. Everett. I’d rather drive a tractor,” I said, and turned to go, nearly bumping into Damon in the doorway.
“Callie Reid, if you need help with the applications, just let me know. I’ve always wanted to study law.”
Hearing this, I felt a spark of suspicion. So that’s it–they’re both trying to steer me toward law, hoping I’ll fall into their trap.
“No, thanks,” I said calmly. “I already know what I want.”
Damon gave a faint smile. “Alright, then.”
I left the office in a hurry, catching Damon as he closed the door and leaned against it to eavesdrop.
“Dad, if Callie doesn’t cooperate, can’t we just pick someone else?”
I froze. Damon was willing to ruin someone else’s life too if I didn’t go along with it?
“Callie’s got the highest score. She’s the safest bet,” Mr. Everett replied in a cold tone. “We owe Claire this chance. You know that.”
I walked away, shaking my head. Owe Claire? So now my future’s the currency they’re paying with?
