Page 3 of I Despise You

“I know it sounds scary, but even if you don’t get the scholarship, finishing your senior year at Richerville Prep will look really good on your resume.”

“Right.” I’m almost convinced just to say yes and celebrate with my mom, but then another thought crosses my mind. “Wait, where is this school?”

I’m a hundred percent sure it’s not anywhere near here. How would I get there?

“Across the country. It’s a boarding school.” For the first time, my mom’s smile falters, but her grip on my fingers gets stronger.

I shake my head. “No. I can’t. I’m not leaving you.”

I don’t want to be away from my family. Tears prickle the corners of my eyes. We’ve always been together. Through good and bad. Leaving them doesn’t feel right.

“Oh, honey. I don’t want you to go either, but I think it’s time. There aren’t any colleges around here anyway, and I’m sure your dad would agree with me if he was here.”

I can’t fight the tears anymore, and one slips down my cheek.

My dad.

He died when I was seven while deployed on a mission, so far, far away from home. A day doesn’t go by without me remembering him. His photo hangs in the hallway, greeting me whenever I pass by. His kind smile warms me up whenever I feel down.

My mom’s eyes get teary too as she wipes a tear off my cheek. “It’s going to be okay, honey.”

I nod and take a deep breath.

The doorbell rings. Grandma must’ve brought my sisters home.

My mom squeezes my hand one more time and rises to her feet. As she opens the door, I wipe away my tears.

Richerville Prep.

My only chance at going to college, if I can be the best student. The thought of it makes me laugh, but I owe it to my mom and myself to try. It’s not like I have anything to lose. I can only gain.

“Lily!” my sisters squeal as they run toward me like a mini hurricane.

“Hey!” I push my chair back and spread my arms just as they throw themselves at me.

My mom gazes at us from the doorway, an expectant look on her face as her eyes meet mine.

Yes, I mouth, because it’s the only thing I can do.

She claps her hands in excitement.

I hug my sisters tightly to me, hoping that our hearts won’t break when I leave.

Except, I already know that mine will.

But I have to be strong.

I have to think about the future.

Richerville Prep, here I come.