You Picked Her, I Picked a Life Without You

I woke up to Liam and Jessica sitting side by side, laughing together. There was barely any space between them. I had thought Jessica had left home that day, but guess what, I was mistaken.

There was a post on her phone in her hand reading they looked like the perfect couple with a photo of her kissing Liam on the cheek.

"Liam, people say we look like the perfect couple. Hilarious, is it not?"

Jessica laughed, and Liam laughed with her. No denial. No telling me who he had really chosen.

"Daisy? You're awake?"

It was then that they realized I was there. The intimate space between them suddenly widened.

"Sorry if my presence here is uncomfortable," Jessica said in a honey-smiled sweetness I couldn't fathom. "Liam sat me down for a bit and told me to wait until breakfast time."

Jessica's excuse was always the same. She would always claim Liam's name as if she wasn't the one who had done it, just doing what he was doing. But with her eyes, I could see that she was happy to be still there.

I used to always give in after my college classes. I was willing to wait while Liam picked up Jessica first, sitting for hours just to be seen as the understanding girlfriend. Yet deep down, I knew this jealousy was only natural. And I should’ve been angry when Liam treated me differently when I wasn’t given the same special treatment he gave Jessica.

"Darling, sit down. I'll make breakfast."

Liam pulled me over to the couch, seating me next to Jessica. Jessica's forced smile was an attempt to unwind the tension, but I recognized it as merely a facade.

Liam soon came out of the kitchen with two slices of toast. Jessica ate on her own, while Liam was feeding me. The smell of the toast wasn't enough to calm my upset heart. Jessica still stared at me, smile was there but her eyes were telling a different story.

Liam attempted to lift the atmosphere with light conversation on breakfast. Jessica quickly interrupted him, remembering how there had been times in the past when she and he shared a class. I remained seated silently, a stranger at home.

Jessica made a sporadic attempt at dragging me into the conversation, as if we were friends. I knew she was doing this just to keep up appearances.

All at once, she coughed discreetly.

"Excuse me, I could use some water."

She arose and went towards the kitchen. I glanced over at Liam, seeking a second to speak with him. One moment, one moment, where I was alone with him.

"Could you take me to Grandma's house? I need to finish up some paper work for the family farm."

"Of course, Love. Finish your breakfast first. And then we will go."

Liam smiled and kissed my forehead. Warm. So soft it made me forget the uncertainty creeping in all these years.

Jessica returned with a glass of water in her hand. But just as she moved a step forward, her body collapsed. The glass in her hand broke on the floor, and all of us turned around to her with fear.

"Jessica!"

Liam leapt up immediately, catching Jessica's body as it dropped. He held the back of her head, frantic.

"My head… suddenly feels so dizzy, Liam…"

Her voice was reed-thin, barely a whisper. Glass had sliced across her hand. Blood started to trickle.

Without hesitating much, Liam scooped up Jessica and carried her to the car. I followed behind, only able to watch their backs fade from view.

Once Jessica had settled into the passenger seat, Liam turned to face me.

"I'll pick you up later when I take Jessica to the hospital. Take this in case you ever need anything."

He handeYoue his black card. He was already gone before I could say anything. He got into the car, started the engine, and drove off.

I saw a glimpse of Jessica',s faint smile through the window as if she smiled triumphantly.

I stood there motionless. Liam left with Jessica. It wasn't the first time I was abandoned and let down.

I thought that if I stayed with him in this apartment, we'd become closer. I thought Jessica didn't have a place to stand in between us anymore. But I was wrong. I was merely his stand-by when he needed someone to fall back on.

Even now, Liam gave me a card, as if my feelings could be wrapped in luxury. He would say, "Jessica is my best friend, Daisy. I need to be around when she needs me. Enjoy the ctoun…"

I smiled mechanically. Inside, I knew. I didn't need his money. I just needed him to be there for me. But what I wanted never became his priority.

I chose to go alone to take care of my scholarship to Harvard. The excuse about the farm was just a cover. All the documents were already signed. In 29 days, I’ll be gone.

I chose myself. My dream, no longer about Liam.