Chapter12 Sorry , Grace , but Dad and Mom just worry about me . Even though Kevin came to visit me but not you , it doesnt mean that he doesnt care about you . We all do , really . Maybe next time , I can get them to your parent teacher conference ? Ashleys apology came off more like a brag . In my previous life , her attitude wouldve ticked me off . But now ? I was as cool as a cucumber . This is my last one . My brother butted in , Who do you think you are , giving us that attitude ? Have you ever wondered why our folks would rather go to Ashleys conference than yours ? Its because youre always so mean to her ! My moms face went white as a sheet . Ashley started bawling , I didnt mean to upset you , Grace . Ill leave , and you wont have to see me again . You can have Mom and Dad all to yourself . I wont be in the way . She rushed over and grabbed my arm , begging me not to be mad . I tried to pull away , but she held on tight . Then , out of the blue , she used my hand to push herself away . Ashleys face went ghostly pale as she hit the couch , called out for Mom twice , and then passed out . My dad scooped her up onto the couch and told my mom to call an ambulance . 10 Chapter 1 ? My mom was dialing , tears streaming down her face . She muttered , We were all so happy at dinner . Why did everything fall apart as soon as we got home ? My brother was furious , ready to throw a stool at me . But I wasnt scared . I was ice cold as I said , Didnt Ashley say she wanted my room for a study ? Youve already got the plans ready and just havent talked to me yet . Well , Ill make the call . Ill stay on campus for the rest of my senior year . If she wants my room, she can have it . Are we all happy now ? My brothers hand froze mid air . mom was crying her eyes out , begging my dad to say thing , anything . But my dad just raised his hand , pointed to the door , and said , Go . If you walk out that door , dont ever come back . My dad was trying to make me back down , but this time , I wasnt budging . My mom tried to talk me out of it But then the ambulance arrived , and they all rushed off to the hospital . I packed up my stuff , the essentials , and my books . I tossed them in a suitcase and rolled it out of there . I was leaving the only home Id ever known . Senior year was a grind . I told the headteacher I needed to board because of my studies . 26-17 % Without Ashley around , I was actually happy , finally able to focus on my studies . In the middle of the term , they decided to put all the top students in one class . A week later , my mom showed up at school . This was the first time in my two lives shed come to school for me . She saw me , and her eyes lit up with joy . Grace , you must be working so hard . Youve lost weight . Her eyes welled up with tears . I looked at her , cold as ice . What brings you here ? She fidgeted , trying to smile , Its not class time yet . Can you have lunch with me ? I didnt want to , but I went with her to the cafeteria anyway . I wondered why she was here . Was it because I was doing better now , so they didnt hate me as much ? That was what I was thinking as I walked into the cafeteria . As soon as we got there , my mom waved excitedly . Ashley ! Hearing her name was like a bucket of ice water on my head . I felt numb all over . Mom , Grace , Ashley greeted , holding a bottle of sugar coke and a plate of onion rings . They hugged , happy as a picture perfect family , then sat down right across from me . Ashley was all over my mom , snuggling up and acting all cute . 1055 Clupter 12 My mom put the food in front of me . Grace , eat up . Ashley bought this for you . She stood in line early just to get it for you . I wasnt in the mood for their little show . Just tell me why youre here . I know its not to share a meal . Ashley looked all sad and pulled away . Mom , I have to get to class . Ill leave , Grace . Dont be mad , Ill go . Before my mom could say anything , Ashley was gone . You always ruin everything , Mom scolded . But I wasnt buying it . They were the ones having a good time , not me . I wasnt happy about this at all . The bell rang for class , and I got up to leave . Im going to class . Mom tried to stop me and said after a pause , Why dont you come back home ? Her words hit me like a jolt . I was at a loss for what to say . Then she added , Ashley wants to get into the advanced class . Help her out , would you ? Its good to look out for each other . Ashley , Ashley , it was always about Ashley . She came to me with a clear goal : to get Ashley into the advanced class . After her grandfather's death, she unexpectedly discovers that both her sister and boyfriend betrayed her, taking away the family fortune left by her grandfather. Determined to seek revenge, she decid...