My Sister Loves My School's Heartthrob Boyfriend

Upstairs, Emma came bouncing in with a box of her favorite pastries and a bubble tea in hand.

She placed the pastries on the table and clung to Mom's arm, laying it on thick.

"Mom, Sam got these just for me. He's really sweet, isn't he?"

Mom stroked her hair gently.

"My girl only deserves the best."

Emma, nestled in Mom's embrace, seemed to suddenly recall my existence.

She smirked and quipped, "Sarah, how did the exams go for you? You've been pretty quiet about your scores. Did you flunk?"

Mom glanced at me with barely veiled scorn.

"If she even managed to pass, I'd consider it a miracle."

She never really paid attention to my academic progress throughout high school.

Her prejudice against me was deeply ingrained—she always saw me as the lesser daughter, never up to par with Emma.

I responded with a cool tone, "Not too bad, actually. Just outscored you by 110 points."

Emma's face went from shock to disbelief.

"What? That's impossible!"

I'd always performed better academically, which scared Emma enough to sabotage my exam preparations.

She had sneakily added soy milk to my breakfast, knowing I was allergic.

Just a little could make me dizzy and sick—but luckily, I hadn't touched those breakfasts.

Calmly, I confronted her, "You seem upset that I did well. Why's that?"

Emma clutched her chest as tears streamed down her face.

"Mom, I feel sick... something's wrong."

Mom, without missing a beat, hurled a cup at me.

"Stop gloating. Just because you lucked out doesn't mean you get to torment your sister. She's unwell. Get back to your room."

It was laughable. Telling the truth about my grades was now bullying?

What about all the things she'd done to me over the years?

Sam broached the topic of college again.

I paused, then shared my decision.

[Chicago.]

That's where I'd wanted to go all along.

I still had feelings for him, but I wasn't about to let that dictate my life choices anymore.

Sam's response came quickly.

[Then I'm heading to Chicago too.]

I cracked a smile, still holding my phone. I still hadn't asked him that burning question.

With all the jobs I'd been juggling, it had been forever since we'd really talked.

When we meet again, I'm laying everything on the table.

This guy had dominated my thoughts for too long.

But as fate would have it, I never got the chance to see Sam all summer.

He was abroad, visiting his sick grandmother, and wouldn't be back till school resumed.

He sent me daily snapshots of clouds from abroad, sharing snippets of his life.

My days were a blur of jobs, with hardly a moment to spare.

Each night, just before sleep, all I could send was a smiley face in response.

As the fall semester approached, I dragged my suitcase out the door, leaving behind my parents fussing over my sister's luggage.

They packed her favorite snacks and drinks, and Mom had even splurged on a whole new fall wardrobe for her.

There I was, heading to the airport alone, a stark contrast to their doting.

Sam's last message before we parted for the summer was hopeful: [Can't wait to see you at school.]

I was buzzing with excitement, looking forward to our reunion, hoping he'd ruffle my hair like old times.

I couldn't wait to pour out all my pent-up feelings to him.

And really, Sam, do you like me, or what?

If not, why all the sweet gestures?

If yes, why leave me hanging without a word?

And what's the deal with you and Emma, anyway?

All summer, I anticipated our reunion, but all I got was a set of photos of Emma with Sam, her smile as sweet as syrup.

Her caption was cheery: [Looking forward to being schoolmates again!]

Sam had broken his promise and chosen New York—and Emma.