Chapter 2

My parents were getting older. A couple of years ago, my dad hurt his back dealing with the livestock, and he couldn't handle heavy labor anymore.

My mom had high blood pressure and got dizzy spells all the time.

My mom had high blood pressure and got dizzy spells all the time.

On top of that, I was about to take my SATs, and college tuition was going to be a massive financial burden. It was just too much weight for our family to carry.

The few dozen pigs we raised were our main source of income.

My current high school was close to home, so I could always help out with the chores, but what was going to happen when I left for college?

After weighing all my options, I knew leaving was the right choice.

The other girl didn't stay either.

She made it crystal clear that she was used to her luxury lifestyle and couldn't handle roughing it.

"If you make me stay here, I'll literally die!" she had shrieked.

"Our family has enough money to last several lifetimes. Raising another child is no issue at all," her mother had quickly intervened. "Besides, Willow goes to a top-tier prep school.

"Her future there is a million times brighter than if she stayed here."

Hearing that, my parents stayed completely silent.

Right before we got into the car, my parents packed up a bunch of homemade food for me. They tried to give some to Willow too, but she blatantly refused.

"I have no idea if this stuff is even sanitary. If I eat it and get sick, are you going to pay for my medical bills?" She scoffed.

My parents froze, awkwardly holding the plastic bags mid-air.

"Suit yourself. You wouldn't appreciate good food anyway." I reached out and took the bags from them. "Give it all to me. I'll eat it myself."

My parents nodded warmly, the embarrassment fading from their faces.

Toby shoved his little piggy bank into my arms, wiping tears from his cheeks. "Harper, I'm giving you all my money. You better not forget about me."

I laughed, ruffling his hair until it was a complete mess. "Even if you gave me nothing, I'd never forget you.

"I'll come back to visit as soon as my exams are over, and I'll bring you a ton of junk food."

"Okay. I'll be good and wait for you at home."

Looking at my sweet, sensible little brother, I couldn't resist pinching his chubby cheeks.

I handed the piggy bank back to him. "Your big sister is rich now. I don't need your savings. Keep it, and buy me a milkshake next time I'm in town."

"Okay!" he replied.

had wanted to tell Toby to keep a close eye on mom and dad's health, and to call for help if anything happened, but Willow was already complaining.

"Are you done yet? It's getting dark. Are we leaving or what?" she snapped.

I shot her a glare over my shoulder before giving Toby some quick final instructions.

Soon enough, the car door clicked shut.

Sitting in the back of a luxury SUV, I watched the people and the town I had known my whole life fade into the distance.

The car ride wasn't exactly quiet. Willow spent the entire trip chatting away.

And of course, the parents humored her every word.

That was, until she dragged me into it.

"Why aren't you saying anything, Harper? Do you hate me? Is that why you won't talk to me?" Willow asked.

Before I could even respond, she launched into a dramatic apology. "I'm so sorry. Harper, I'm really sorry.

"I know I shouldn't have stolen the life that belonged to you, and it was shameless of me to beg Mom and Dad to bring me back with them. Please don't be mad at me, okay?"

Seeing the fake tears welling up in her eyes, I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I'm not mad. Can you just dial back the theatrics?"

She blinked in shock, then stiffened her neck defensively. "You haven't said a single word to me. If you're not mad, then what is it?"

"I just think you're annoying. Does that answer your question?"