Chapter 1

It wasn't until the first month of university that I realized the whole school was calling me a "parasite."

Sophie Young, my childhood best friend's new seatmate, gave me that nickname.

It was because I was always tagging along with my childhood friend, Alex Carter, eating the breakfast he brought me, using his campus card, and living in an apartment near his home.

I asked Alex why he didn't stop it.

He gave a dismissive smile. "What's the big deal? It's only a nickname. Sophie's always joking around; don't take it to heart.

"Besides, you're always hanging around me. You do act like a parasite."

I stood there, stunned, my heart feeling like someone had squeezed it hard.

Eighteen years by his side, and in his eyes, I was nothing but a parasite.

I didn't bother explaining anymore. I deleted all the photos of Alex from my phone.

Then I dropped out of school.

Alex panicked. "Emily, where are you going?"

I replied, "Somewhere you'll never find me."

*****

I first heard that nickname while waiting in line at the cafeteria.

It was another ordinary Wednesday at noon. I was holding my tray, standing in the crowded line like I always did.

The two girls in front of me were whispering, their voices pitched perfectly for me to hear.

"Look, the parasite is here again."

"She's always trailing after Alex. Doesn't she feel embarrassed?"

At first, I thought they were talking about someone else.

It wasn't until one of the girls turned around, her gaze lingering on me for a few seconds, that I caught her knowing smirk.

I knew that smirk all too well.

It was a watching-the-show smirk, a glad-it's-not-me smirk, and a smirk that said, "I know something you don't."

My fingers tightened involuntarily around the tray, its edge pressing into my palm with a dull, insistent ache.

Parasite?

Were they talking about me?

I glanced around and realized a lot of people were staring at me.

Some were whispering, their fingers subtly pointing in my direction.

Others were snickering behind their hands, their eyes full of mockery and contempt.

And some stared at me openly, like I was some kind of rare creature.

My cheeks burned instantly.

Heat crept up my ears and neck, and I could barely breathe.

I grabbed my food and practically bolted from the serving line, then ducked into the farthest corner.

But I had barely taken two bites when the chatter from the next table reached my ears.

A girl said, "Emily is so gross. She's always glued to Alex's side."

She didn't bother lowering her voice, like she didn't care I was sitting right next to her.

"I heard her family's totally broke, and she's been mooching off the Carter Family for years," another girl added.

"No wonder Sophie calls her a parasite. That nickname fits her perfectly."

"Honestly, I've never seen anyone with less shame."

My hands were shaking.

My fork fell onto the table with a crisp, sharp sound.

The girls turned to look at me, and when they realized it was me, they didn't bother to lower their voices. Instead, they cracked up even harder.

"Looks like the parasite's pissed off now."

"Quit pretending. It's not like we said anything wrong."

I clenched my jaw, trying to keep my emotions in check.

But my hands were shaking so badly that I could hardly keep my fork steady.

The food tasted like wax, and every bite felt like torture.

In the end, I gave up.

I grabbed my barely touched tray and hurried out of the cafeteria.

The laughter behind me crashed over me like a wave, swallowing me whole.

I made a beeline for Alex.

He was shooting hoops, sweating buckets in the blazing sun.

Sophie sat on the sidelines in a white dress, a bottle of water in her hand, occasionally cheering him on.

When Sophie saw me, her smile turned dazzling, almost too bright to be genuine.

It was the smile of a cat that had spotted a mouse.

"Emily, you're here. Come sit with me." Sophie patted the spot next to her with exaggerated enthusiasm.

I ignored her, my eyes locked on Alex out on the court.

He'd just nailed a three-pointer, and his teammates were high-fiving and celebrating like crazy.

"Alex, I need to talk to you," I called out.

My voice wasn't loud, but it was enough for him to hear.

Alex turned his head, saw me, and frowned.

He wiped the sweat from his forehead, his voice dripping with impatience. "What is it? Can't this wait until the game is over?"

I said, "No, we're talking now."

I had never used such a firm tone with him before.

Even I was a little surprised by how forceful I sounded.