My Childhood Friend Pretended to Love Me, Not Knowing I Could Hear His Thoughts Chapter 04

My Childhood Friend Pretended to Love Me, Not Knowing I Could Hear His Thoughts Chapter 04

The day before the exam, my father, Richard Martinez, called to threaten me.

“Come home for dinner. Skylar and her mother will be there. If you don’t show up, I’ll stop paying the fees for your mother’s grave.”

I went.

When I pushed open the door, Jacob was already there. Skylar’s mother Cynthia was fussing over him.

The moment he saw me, he rushed over and positioned himself in front of me like a shield, his acting in full force.

“Cynthia, if you have a problem with anyone, take it up with me. Leave Elena alone.”

Skylar stood nearby, tears instantly welling up in her eyes. “Jacob, I just wanted to apologize to Elena. I was immature before…”

“Get lost,” Jacob snapped. “Don’t let Elena look at you.”

My dad sat at the head of the table, his face dark. “Elena, the exam is tomorrow. The past is the past. Skylar has learned her lesson.”

Cynthia quickly chimed in, “That’s right, Elena. We’re all family now. Skylar’s grades are pretty good too. You two can go to college together in the city.”

Jacob’s voice slithered into my mind, mocking and pathetic.

[Tonight, I’m going to take her ID and ticket and shred them. Let’s see how she takes the exam tomorrow!]

[She’ll be standing outside the test center crying. Skylar will be so happy.]

[We already sent the complaint letter. Her early admission is toast. No exam, no early admission. She’s finished.]

I looked at them, and all I could feel was a cold, hollow amusement.

After dinner, Jacob walked me back to my dorm.

He suddenly spoke, his voice earnest. “Elena, the test center is going to be chaotic tomorrow. Let me hold on to your ID and ticket.”

“I’ll keep them in the safest part of my wallet. They won’t get lost.”

I saw the excitement already flickering in his eyes and nodded.

I pulled out the fake printed copies I had prepared and handed them to him.

“Sure. Thanks for the help.”

He couldn’t quite hide his smile. He ruffled my hair. “Silly girl. Don’t mention it.”

His thoughts were full of smug satisfaction.

[Unbelievable. She actually gave them to me. I’ll shred them tomorrow. Her life is over.]

I watched his ecstatic back as he walked away, my own smile turning cold.

See you at the test center tomorrow, Jacob.

We’ll find out who the real idiot is.

On exam day, the area outside Westbrook High School Testing Center was packed. Parents, students, reporters, everyone crushed together.

Jacob was waiting by the entrance, holding my pencil pouch, his face full of concern as he walked toward me. Skylar stood a short distance away, barely hiding a smile.

“Elena, I brought your things.”

He handed me the pouch, his expression terrifyingly sincere.

I opened it and pulled out what was inside.

My admission ticket was shredded. My ID was gone.

Jacob’s face twisted in fake horror. “Oh no! How did that happen? It was fine last night!”

He snatched the scraps out of my hand, his acting on full display. “I am so sorry, Elena. A mouse must have gotten to it! I left it on my nightstand. I never expected mice.”

He was loud. Everyone around us turned to look.

Skylar ran over, pretending to be upset. “Oh no, Elena! What are you going to do? They’re about to let you in!”

Jacob’s eyes were red with desperation. “I’ll go find a proctor right now and explain. Don’t panic.”

[It’s already shredded. Even if he talks to someone, it’s too late to get a new one.]

[No early admission, no exam. She’ll never recover. Skylar must be so happy.]

I watched him perform his heart out and almost laughed.

Skylar was dabbing at her dry eyes. “Elena, maybe you shouldn’t take the test. Just try again next year. Your grades are good. One more year of prep won’t matter.”

They were doing their whole routine, waiting for me to break down.

I looked at them and slowly spoke. “Are you done?”

Jacob froze. “Elena, what are you talking about? I’m freaking out here.”

I cut him off. “Are you?”

From the inner pocket of my hoodie, I slowly pulled out a clear plastic folder. Inside were my real ID, my real admission ticket, and a handful of No. 2 pencils.

Everything. Complete.