8
The Dean was investigated, removed from his
position.
My parents, implicated in the bribery, faced
scrutiny as well.
There wasn’t enough evidence for criminal
charges, but the damage was done. Their
careers suffered, their income plummeted.
As for Sarah…
The evidence of her academic dishonesty was
undeniable.
Her carefully cultivated image of sweet
innocence crumbled.
The online forums were filled with vitriol.
“Sarah Miller, the innocent little sister? More
like a leech, sucking the life out of Ashley!”
“I knew it! We were all slaving away in the
lab, and she was always perfectly dressed
and made up.
“She had so many guys after her! Why go
after her sister’s crush?”
Under the intense pressure, Sarah was
expelled.
She hadn’t even left the hospital before the
news sent her back into intensive care.
My parents came to my dorm, ready to tear
me apart.
I’d warned the RA. They weren’t allowed in.
They stood outside, screaming insults.
It got so bad, my roommates started blasting
music, drowning them out.
Two voices against a whole dorm floor? No
contest.
Someone from an upper floor dumped a
<
bucket of water on them.
That shut them up.
They slunk away, defeated.
My professors, understanding my situation,
helped me expedite my study abroad
application.
Worried about harassment, they escorted me
through the entire process.
The day I flew to London…
Every single classmate sent me well wishes.
Texts, social media posts, handwritten cards.
In their words, I felt a genuine connection I’d
never experienced before.
“Ashley, I always thought you were aloof, that
you looked down on us. I never knew what
you were going through. I’m glad you made it. Wishing you all the best.”
“Ashley, your hard work and resilience will
pay off. You’re the ultimate scholar! Don’t
forget us when you’re famous!”
“Ashley, keep taking care of yourself!
Remember to always love yourself!”
“Ashley, you’re the best!”
I blinked back tears.
For the first time, I felt true friendship.
I turned off my phone. The boarding
announcement echoed through the terminal.
As I wheeled my suitcase towards the gate…
Chris appeared.
His eyes were bloodshot, his face drawn. He
hadn’t slept.
He marched up to me and slapped me across
the face.
“Are you happy now, Ashley?! Sarah’s
expelled! She’s in intensive care! Did you get
what you wanted?!”
“Your parents are the ones who wronged you,
not Sarah! Why did you do this to her?!”
My cheek burned.
But I wasn’t angry.
I didn’t even want to speak to him.
He didn’t deserve it.
I just smirked and walked past him.
Tears streamed down his face. “Our bet… it’s
not over, is it?”
Chris, you just slapped me for Sarah. How
can you even ask about our bet?
Let him stew in his guilt and confusion.
I’d return that slap someday.
