Chapter 7
The next morning, the class group chat buzzed with the announcement of the graduation exhibition selections.
My essay, "The Desk Beyond the Hills," was chosen as an outstanding literary piece.
Mia's painting came in second.
This year, the school was only recommending one student's work to the Riverdale Arts Center.
My essay was the one that made the cut.
At noon, Alex stopped me at the library entrance.
Mia stood behind him.
She kept her head down, hugging her art tube tightly.
Her eyes were red, like she'd been crying.
Alex got right to the point. He called out, "Sophie.
"Would you be willing to give Mia your recommendation slot for the Riverdale Arts Center?"
I wasn't surprised.
It happened the same way in my previous life.
Back then, my essay had already been selected by the Riverdale Arts Center.
But Mia needed a formal exhibition experience to beef up her art school application.
Alex said I could always submit my work again later.
But Mia only had this one shot.
I gave up my spot for her.
Mia's painting made it into the Riverdale Arts Center.
Later, when she was interviewed by the school newspaper, she said Alex was the first person who ever believed in her.
No one ever knew that chance was supposed to be mine.
"No," I replied.
Alex looked surprised that I turned him down so quickly.
He said, "Let me finish.
"Your academic record is excellent. Even without this recommendation, it won't affect your admission.
"But it's not the same for Mia.
"Her grades aren't that great, so the more complete her portfolio is, the better her chances of getting in.
"And you'll have plenty of chances to submit your essay in the future.
"But if she misses out this time, there probably won't be another real shot for her painting to get shown."
Mia gently pulled on Alex's sleeve. "Let it go.
"It was Sophie's spot from the start.
"I don't want her to feel like I'm stealing what's hers."
Even as she said it, tears rolled down her cheeks.
People nearby had already stopped to watch.
Alex frowned. "No one's saying you're taking anything from her.
"It's a fair distribution of resources."
I nearly laughed out loud.
So that's what they call fair distribution, huh? Take what's mine and hand it over to Mia.
I said, "Alex.
"If she needs this opportunity, that's her business, not mine.
"The teacher chose me because of my work. I didn't take anything from her."
Alex lowered his voice. "I'm not saying you stole it.
"I wish you could be a little more empathetic.
"You've already got so much.
"You've got the grades, the family, the teachers' attention. You've got everything.
"Letting her have this once won't cost you anything."
I stared back.
In my last life, he used that same tone to make me give up for Mia, over and over again.
An exhibition opportunity, an internship, an office, even the school admission meant for my daughter. When I fell and cried for help, he still put Mia's art show above me, because I supposedly had everything and was always the strong one.
So people thought it was fine to take what was mine, and my feelings could be brushed aside.
Even my life could wait.
I said, "It does cost me something.
"I wrote this essay.
"I earned this opportunity with my own work.
"Because she needs it doesn't mean I have to lose out."
Alex's expression turned icy. "Sophie, you weren't like this before."
"What was I like before?" I asked.
He didn't answer right away.
Because it was obvious.
I always gave in.
No matter what I wanted, no matter how much it hurt, if he asked, I always gave in.
Mia wiped away her tears. "Alex, stop.
"I'm not good enough.
"I'll pack up my painting and head back."
She turned to leave.
Alex grabbed her arm. "It's not your fault."
He turned to face me. "Sophie, think it over.
"You've got until this afternoon.
"Don't make things hard for Mia because you're upset with me."
I strode right past them. "I'm done thinking about it.
"I'm keeping my spot."
There was a brief silence behind me.
Then I heard Mia's quiet sobs.
Alex didn't come after me.
Later that afternoon, as I handed over the documents the Riverdale Arts Center needed to Ms. Taylor, my phone buzzed.
Mia had updated her feed.
She'd posted our graduation photo from yesterday.
She was right beside Alex in the picture.
And I was on the edge of the last row.
The caption read: [Thank you to the one who was willing to give up her spot for me. But some spots aren't solved by stepping aside once.]