You Picked Her, I Picked a Life Without You

"Congratulations, Daisy. We guarantee you'll get a scholarship to go to Harvard. In a month, you'll be there."

My smile widened as the Governor of Alaska placed a gold medal around my neck. I had just won the ice skating olympiad competition, something I had always dreamed of. The crowd roared, but one person I was expecting to see was nowhere to be found, Liam, my boyfriend.

I would be at the competition, Darling. Give me that stunning jump," Liam pledged last week. But the spot held for him was empty.

I headed into the changing room to switch out, then took a look at my phone to find Liam's excuse. Maybe he was held up by a snowstorm, or maybe he fell asleep with sheer exhaustion.

But what I found wasn't that.

A tweet alert popped up, and my hand trembled. Liam stood at the airport to pick up Jessica, hugging her with a growing smile. They were both laughing, like just-reunited lovers. Liam's arm was across Jessica's waist in the picture, and the lipstick stain on his cheek seemed to mark ownership.

The messages that I had sent were unread, my calls completely ignored. The video had only been up two hours, the moment I had been skating along the ice.

Maybe I'd expected too much. Or. I'm not that important, not like Jessica.

"Daisy!"

Freya's voice shattered my disappointment. I smiled when I saw her holding my grandmother's hand, following me into the changing room.

"Wow, you were wonderful! That jump was fantastic. Perhaps I'll call you Ice Girl," Freya said with a grin. My small laugh could barely stifle my tears.

Grandma wrapped me in her arms, smiling proudly. "I knew you could do it, sweetie," she whispered softly.

"I saw how much you enjoyed skating. Do you have a boy you like here? If so, meet him for me now!"

I sneered, giving a resentful smile and a shake of the head. I melted at my grandma's words. Whatever I did shouldn't have been done for other folk, or my family but just to impress Liam.

I struggled to ignore what I was feeling. Then we had some hot chocolate, yet the sweetness upon my tongue had disappeared.

"Daisy, three days ago I met Max Winston and his family. They visited me at my home. Max was the first to inquire about you. I think… you two would be perfect for each other!"

I nearly choked hearing Max's name. Freya laughed.

“Grandma, don't play with me. I know Max is a good boy, but I think of him as a brother. And he does too. Didn't we used to live next door and play together when we were children?"

Grandma nodded hesitantly, and I went on explaining. "Besides… I want to lease an apartment and later become a skating coach for children in my free time.

"Really? Oh, dear, I need someone to look after you. I think Max and his family are good people. So, it won't be bad if Grandma has trusted him, is it?"

"Grandma, I…"

My words were cut off by Freya jumping in.

"Your grandma is right, Daisy. It's all for your own good. Instead of you being together with…"

Freya, who was sitting beside me, leaned close to my ear.

"Liam, huh?" she breathed, finishing the sentence. I glared at her with a sharp look, trying to cover up my disappointment.

"Who?" my grandma asked in wonder.

"Oh, nobody, Grandma. Freya's only joking," I answered quickly, trying to grip Freya's shirt behind her tightly, signaling her to be quiet.

"Grandma, after I start college at Harvard, I'll visit Max and his family. How about that? So quit teasing me now!" I tried to deflect.

Grandma smiled in approval, and Freya just smiled knowingly, as if she knew better than to talk.

Liam ought to have been there, being presented as my boyfriend. Three years, and no promises. I did not tell him about my Harvard acceptance. If he could let me down, then so be it; I'd do it all by myself.

That night, upon returning to the apartment, the room's heat welcomed me. But the sight in the living room stopped me in my tracks. Jessica was reclining comfortably on the couch, a cup of tea in her hand, smiling softly as she watched TV. And what hurt the most—she had on my favorite pajamas without asking.

"Why are you wearing my pajamas?"

Jessica stared at me, offended. Liam came out from the kitchen, carrying popcorn and pizza, like nothing was unusual.

"Sweetheart, Jessica came. She didn't bring pajamas. I took yours for her. It's okay, okay?"

I kept silent, my tongue frozen with repressed annoyance. Liam sat down next to Jessica without hesitation.

"Is she staying overnight?" I answered with a hint of sarcasm.

Jessica smiled weakly, looking at me with distress. "Daisy, sorry. The thing is, we were going to go to a hotel, but since it was already late, Liam brought me here instead."

Liam placated Jessica. "It's alright, Jessica. I'm sure Daisy won't mind letting you stay over." Eat the pizza while it's hot!

Liam fed Jessica, and I looked away. They both erupted in laughter as if I were a statue in here, cheese from the pizza dripping on Jessica's lips.

"Liam, don't rush to feed me! My mouth's all messy like a little kid," Jessica grumbled. Liam gently wiped her lips.

Liam finally realized that they had been ignoring me. He turned around. "Sweetheart, why are you just standing there? Sit down and join us."

I shot a look at Liam, expression speaking louder than words. "No! I'm tired, I need sleep."

Liam nodded and stayed silent. I went into the bedroom and closed the door.

Their laughter could still be clearly heard. "Liam, stop pinching my cheeks! It hurts!" Jessica screamed.

"Why not? I just can't help that your cheeks are like dough," Liam replied, followed by their laughter.

I heard the footsteps of Liam approaching. Suddenly, his hand crept around my waist.

"Why are you here?" I demanded, spinning to face him with a cold stare. Liam smiled.

"How was your practice skating, darling? Is that what tired you out?"

"I… didn't practice."

Liam was surprised. "I've reminded you several times now about this competition. Didn't I text you last night? You actually…"

I showed him the video that I had watched on Twitter. Liam looked shocked, trying to keep cool.

"Sweetheart, don't be mixed up. I was just too excited to go pick Jessica from the airport. Don't be upset, sweetheart. I just forgot that you had your competition today."

My heart tightened, like I'd been punched out of nowhere. I clenched my fists.

"Gotta go to the bathroom, my stomach hurts. Maybe from getting cold earlier." I didn't glance at him and left the room, going straight to the bathroom. Liam was just going to follow me, but Jessica was calling out to him.

My resolve was strong. It's better that I keep my Harvard acceptance secret. In the next 30 days, I will be out of his life.