s Pers

ry whisper felt like a dagger twisting deeper into my pride. I kept my eyes glued to the front of th

slowly, gathering my things with trembling hands. I didn't want to face them-th

lcome shadow. Alex had been a silent observer, but his discomfort was almost as evident as mine. I knew it w

t them, I thought bitterly. They're way out of

etending to be someone I wasn't-it would

yself sink into the mattress. The memory of my classmates' laughter played over and over in my head, each time s

nes he had repeated so often: "Stand your ground

his moment. He had spoken from exper

out the consequences. I knew the gossip would start-if it hadn't alr

g at me: Could I survive in this world by staying true to m

I couldn't betray who I was.

thoughts. Alex had returned. I heard his footsteps grow lo

sion still clouded with fru

today?" he said, his voice tight with

didn't think you wanted me to lie. What's the point of

? Nobody cares about all that! No one gives a damn where you come from unless you give them a reason

dily. "It won't help me. And what if-what if my benefactor is out there, watching? If I'm busy pretending to

to explain my perspective t

ontinued. "I just thought it would be better to let it all out instead of claiming a life

ed sigh. He sank onto the ar

but still laced with frustration. "Not everyone is as accepting as I am in thi

e-it's about adapting. If you're going to stay here, you n

s words. A part of me underst

mething that hit ha

aid, standing up and looking at me squarely. "You made me look foolish in

turned and left the room, leaving

hat followed

-

's Per

r apartment, laughter an

athered in their living room, deep in c

counter with a guy from their class. Her excitement was cont

already," Angelica said with a playful n

all the way home," Sophie added, cau

he couch like a child. "He's so handsome, and he dress

amatically. "I don't know about Sophie and Ella, but I'm

grinning mischievously. "A fling isn't a bad idea! I'm s

g-having a fling?" Sophie

not ready to get committed to anyone, so I ke

I want real love. The kind that consumes you. I want someone

ckled at her ro

hie said with a laugh, patting her on the should

y tales if you ever want to survive dating. No man is capable of

g across her face. She didn't want to believe

? What do you t

want, Angelica. I really do. But..." she paused. "They'r

r own painful

en twice. All they wanted was my father's money...

nued bitterly. "The first guy told me he realized he

burst into

is that?" Sophie exclaimed

r love was like bungee jumping-fun at first, bu

with another ro

d. "I really thought he was the one. I gave

ew soft, alm

r love anyone again,"

her hands, thinking abou

. "That guy... he broke up with me with a

shaking her head. "T

but the laughter was ting

y. "Don't go searching for something that

ce guy and have fun. That's it. Don't get too se

but deep down, a part of her still clun