Chapter 1 Chapter 2 By the afternoon , when I finally put down my pen after the last exam , I could breathe again . Walking out of the testing hall , I felt unreal , like I'd been trapped in a dream . But dreams end , and when I woke , I still had a chance . My mom was natural - born rebel and contrarian . Tell her to go east , and she'll defiantly head west . It wasn't that she didn't understand people - she just enjoyed contradicting others . Everyone in the family sided with her . That's why , once I got into college , I swore I'd leave this house behind . The farther away , the better . I had already pulled the cheat sheets from my clothes , so I thought maybe this time nothing could go wrong . But of course , nothing ever went right . When my SAT results came out , I headed to High School to submit my college applications . Just before I left , my mom asked , " Did your scores arrive ? You're going to apply ? Want me to help you ? " I narrowed my eyes at her , warning , " Don't you dare screw with me again . If you do , I won't let it go . " She smiled sweetly , all fake warmth . " Of course not . Mom would never . I just want to ease the burden for my Lauren . " " Yeah , no thanks . Don't bother . " I brushed her off and left for school . But the moment I was gone , she picked up the phone . " Ben , can you help Lauren with her college applications ? I've got her social security number right here , I'll text it to you . Just put her in a tech school . Vocational is better for girls . A skill is worth more than books . " By the time I finished my own applications , my uncle was already calling me . " What did you put down ? That's too risky . Luckily your mom told me I fixed them for you . Don't worry , you'll definitely get i into college . " My stomach sank . I checked online . Not only had he changed my applications - he'd even reset my login password . My hands shook with fury . I had warned her . I'd told her not to interfere . But my mother never missed a chance to ruin me .