Closing the Door on a Painful Past

“Andrea is so petty and weird. She doesn’t deserve someone like Nicholas!” Kim’s voice rang out above the chatter.

Kim was in her element, basking in the attention. When she caught sight of me entering the room, she didn’t stop. No, she pushed harder, her words like knives aimed directly at me.

“Isn’t that right, sis? You were so afraid of losing to me that you tore up your guaranteed recommendation?” she said, her tone laced with mockery.

“And now, just because Nicholas gave me a ride, you’re throwing a tantrum and breaking up with him? Honestly andy, you need to stop being so stubborn. Life doesn’t revolve around y—”

Before she could finish, I marched up to her and slapped her across the face.

The sound of it snapped the room into silence. Everyone froze, their eyes wide as they turned to look at us.

“What are you doing?” Kim shouted, her voice trembling with shock and anger.

The murmurs started immediately.

“What’s gotten into Andrea? She’s acting like a completely different person today. And now she’s even hitting her sister.”

“Looks like Kim was right all along. Andrea’s all about putting up a fake high-and-mighty act, but deep down, she’s just petty and mean.”

I sneered at the whispers and scanned the room with a cold glare. Those speaking up against me instantly fell silent.

Kim’s face turned red with anger, her eyes brimming with tears. She raised her hand, ready to slap me back, but I act fast. I grabbed her wrist and slammed it onto the desk, pinning her in place.

“You want a bet? Fine, I’ll take you on,” I said, my voice low but firm. “Listen Kim, I ignored your little games before because I didn’t want to stoop to your level. But don’t mistake my patience for weakness.”

“You’re just like your mother,” I continued, leaning in so only she could hear. “You play the sweet and innocent girl in front of men, but behind the scenes, you’re as vicious as they come.”

“Remember this,” I said sharply, releasing her with a shove. “Don’t come near me again, or you’ll regret it.”

Kim collapsed onto the desk, sobbing quietly. None of the other students dared to approach her. The tension in the room was suffocating, but I felt a sense of relief. I’d stood up for myself and it felt good. I returned to my seat, opened my book and continued reading as if nothing had happened.

After one more study session, the school day finally came to an end.

As usual, my mom was waiting for me at the school gates. Kim used to stop and throw out a few snide comments every time she saw her. But today, she sped past us without a word, her head down.

I trailed behind her, meeting my mom’s confused gaze. A wave of bitterness welled up in my chest. Why did they always target her? Why did my mom, who’d done nothing wrong, have to endure their bullying?

I clenched my fists. Not anymore. I wouldn’t let them hurt her anymore.

When we got home, my mom made all my favorite dishes for dinner.

“I heard the recommendation letter finally arrived,” she said with a smile. “You’ve worked so hard. Now I don’t have to worry about you anymore.”

“Mom…” I hesitated, my appetite fading. “I tore it up. I don’t want to go to Whittendale University,” I admitted quietly.

Her eyes widened in shock.

“But don’t worry,” I quickly added. “I signed a confidentiality agreement. After graduation, I’ll go straight to a research institute to continue my studies.”

My mom stared at me, stunned. “Why didn’t you discuss this with me first? Wasn’t Whittendale always been your dream, with Nicholas and Zach?”

I lowered my gaze, the memories of my past life flashing through my mind. Slowly, I told her everything—everything I’d gone through in that other timeline.

“I know it sounds crazy,” I said, my voice shaking. “But it’s the truth. I lived through it all. Mom, we can’t go through that nightmare again. We can’t sacrifice our lives for people who don’t care about us.”

She was silent for a long time. Just when I thought she wouldn’t believe me, she spoke.

“I believe you,” she said softly. “I’ve been having strange dreams lately too. Dreams so real, they felt like memories. But I kept telling myself the opposite had to be true.”

She sighed, her expression hardening. “My marriage wasn’t happy. All I ever wanted was for you to marry someone who truly loved you. If Nicholas isn’t the right one, then forget him.”

Relief washed over me and I threw my arms around her.

We only had each other. And in this life, I was going to protect her no matter what.

As for my teacher, they’d already been informed by Mr. Hanson and didn’t even bother asking me about the torn recommendation.