of the scholarship exam,

trange calmness

luck, their faces f

wouldn't be shattere

, my backpack on, Ethan

d slept in his clothes, but

s "epic" in its execution as she'

and Dave, were w

id, his tone casual, but h

or the b

replied, trying to

t, uh, happen to mention my p

ends sn

t, Ethan?" I asked,

he didn't look convinced. "You'

lunged for

ing to pull it away,

out my phone and then... my printed National

paper, my e

ing to pound. This wasn't part of my memory of t

minute sabotage," he sneered. "Like calling my

were laughin

voice rising despite myself. "I ne

seemed to fuel

d, a cruel glint in his

don't yo

him on. "Show he

rical rip, Ethan tore my

ure, he tore the ha

d to the ground lik

ing sorry at all. "Guess y

d Dave

uture, my carefully laid plans for this ne

ir of my first life thr

pen. He was supposed to rui

e shock o

ed and walked away with his laughing friends, leaving

devastated. I let

as building. He had no

ps this was his preemptiv

ed up the torn p

ind

e. I didn't cry

o Northwood High, to Ms. Dav

to see me, looki

You should be headin

torn pass. "Ethan

ened in shoc

o tell his parents he was

ship offer to the State University Engineering Program? The on

"Yes, of course. A

sked, my voice steady. "I'd

a mixture of sympathy and

I believe we can still secure that for you.

alls. Within an

arded engineering program. Not Ca

ed by Ethan's actions, but their relief

"Maybe this is for the best. State is a wond

re proud of you, honey. You handl

t know the

recorded confession. Et

dence. Evidenc

st survive. I would make