Left Behind Countless Times, This Time, I’m Leaving Them Chapter 03

Left Behind Countless Times, This Time, I’m Leaving Them Chapter 03

That evening, the lock turned.

Logan walked in carrying three shopping bags with the logos of high-end electronics brands.

“Girls, look what I got you! A reward for getting into the University of Washington. The newest models with the highest specs.”

Dawn and Solara screamed and rushed over.

Luna took the last bag and said sweetly, “Thanks, Dad.”

I stood up and took a step forward on instinct.

Logan’s hands were already empty.

When our eyes met, his smile faltered.

Then he rubbed his nose.

“Vesper, yours… I’ll get yours next month when I get my bonus.”

“What?” Paige stood up from the couch. “The new laptops are rewards for getting into college.”

“The mail carrier only brought three acceptance letters today. She didn’t get into college, so why should she get one too?”

I opened my mouth.

I wanted to tell her there had actually been four acceptance letters.

I wanted to tell her I’d been accepted into the University of Chicago’s astrophysics program, with enough funding to cover all my tuition and housing.

I wanted to tell her that on the day I finished the state astronomy program, my stellar photometry report had received the only top rating.

But nobody gave me a chance to speak.

They were already crowding around the three girls as they headed toward the dining room.

“Dinner’s ready.”

The housekeeper brought out the last plate of roast beef.

Five place settings sat neatly arranged on the table.

One for each parent, and one for each of the three sisters.

There wasn’t one for me.

I stood beside the table for a few seconds.

Then I calmly walked into the kitchen, got my own plate and silverware, and served myself food that was almost cold.

Nobody noticed when I joined them at the table.

They excitedly discussed the stores on Michigan Avenue, the hotels along the Chicago River, and Navy Pier.

I quietly finished dinner and went back to my room to pack.

The next morning, I took only a lightweight carry-on.

When the whole family arrived at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Paige was busy directing Dad with the luggage and reminding Dawn to keep track of her ID and travel documents.

I walked behind them alone, like a piece of luggage that could be left behind at any moment.

At the check-in counter, Paige handed over a stack of IDs.

The agent finished checking them in and handed her five boarding passes.

They turned around and walked away. Nobody looked back.

I stepped forward and handed over my own ID.

“Could you check me in too, please?”

The agent searched the system for a moment, then looked up apologetically.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Taylor. Your name isn’t on the reservation. The other five passengers in your party have already been issued tickets.”

Of course.

Even after I’d reminded Paige to buy six tickets, she’d still only bought five.

I turned and looked into the distance.

My parents and three sisters were already laughing and chatting as they headed toward security. Nobody noticed that one person was missing from the group.

I didn’t bang on the doors and cry like I had as a child.

I didn’t chase after them demanding an explanation.

I pulled out the bank card I’d built up with part-time jobs and competition winnings.

“Is there still a seat on the next flight to Chicago?”

“There’s one in two hours, but only business class is left.”

“I’ll take it.”

Two hours later, I boarded the plane alone.

Seattle’s skyscrapers grew smaller outside the window.

When the plane climbed above the clouds, I knew the stars were still up there.

I touched the acceptance letter inside my backpack.

In a few more days, I wouldn’t have to go back to the Taylor home.