Livestreaming the Low-Budget Life

The next morning at school, my homeroom teacher, Ms. Langley, came looking for me.

"Aria, there's one spot in your grade for studying abroad as a math major. The tuition and fees would be fully covered. Do you want it? I know your family's situation isn't easy. This opportunity could change your life."

The requirements, though, were daunting—three first-place awards in math competitions and a high score on Elarish language.

My grades were excellent. I was the only one in my grade who met both requirements.

I nodded right away. "Of course, Ms. Langley. I'd be honored."

This had to be what my parents had wanted all along—a child forged by hardship, who grew up faster, worked harder, and shone brighter.

Ms. Langley patted my shoulder. "Alright. You don't need to take the June exam. Just rest for now, and when the time comes, head to college a bit early."

Soon I'd finally be free—free from this place, free from this ridiculous live stream game, free from those so-called parents who never deserved the title. I'd be fine on my own.

So what if it had all been lies? Anyone could lie.

…

There was an event in the city today, a student learning conference put together by several schools ahead of the SATs. I'd been invited as one of the top students, representing my school.

Before the conference began, a student from the private school was supposed to give a speech.

A familiar figure stepped onto the stage. It was Ruby. She was the representative from the private school.

A few students noticed we looked alike and started whispering.

"Hey, doesn't that girl look a little like Aria from our class?"

"She kind of does, but honestly, that girl's prettier."

"Well, she's rich. How could a poor kid ever compare? It's a whole different world."

Ruby and I were twins. Our faces had once been nearly identical, but years of malnutrition had left their mark on me, creating subtle differences between us.

She'd grown up cradled in love and wealth, while I had grown up alone in hardship and tears.

I caught someone whispering, "I heard her grades are terrible. She's only up there because her family's rich and connected."

Ruby stood at the podium, speaking with an ease that came naturally as she shared her study experiences.

In the second row, I spotted Mom and Dad. Their faces lit up with pride as they held their phones high, recording every second of Ruby's speech.

Loving someone meant wanting to hold on to every trace of them.

I thought about how Dad had never once shown up for a parent-teacher conference, and bitterness rose in me.

The conference dragged on endlessly, and halfway through, I headed to the restroom.

When I was ready to leave, I realized the stall door wouldn't open. No matter how hard I pushed or pulled, it wouldn't budge, as though someone had locked it from the outside.

"Hello? Is anyone out there? Can you help me?" I shouted, pounding on the door.

Only silence answered.

The door wasn't that high. I was about to climb over when a bucket of water fell on me, soaking me from head to toe.

I screamed.

Laughter rang out from outside the stall, and the door swung open.

I wiped my face and blinked, trying to clear the water. Finally, I saw who it was.

Ruby.

A few girls were behind her, and together they blocked the stall, trapping me inside.

Ruby stepped forward, shoving me into the corner. Her eyes blazed with barely contained hatred as she spoke, her words dripping with sarcasm.

"Aren't you supposed to be a top student? Your grades are great. So why can't you get up on stage and give a speech? Aria, did you really think Mom and Dad would come for you after the SATs?

"Not a chance. I'd never let them take you back! And the live stream isn't ending, either. You're stuck in that dark, filthy apartment forever, rotting while everyone laughs at you!"