Chapter 3
I pulled my hand from hers, a red mark on my wrist. "People change," I stated coldly.
Was Sofia and I ever truly friends?
On my first college day, Sofia was the first to help me with my heavy suitcases.
She eagerly showed me campus, helped with paperwork, and got me medicine in the rain when I was sick.
I thought I was the luckiest to have such a caring roommate.
When did things change? Maybe when she first "forgot" her campus card and I paid.
Or when she stole my skincare and never gave it back?
Maybe she used me from the start, and I was too clueless to see.
"Lynn!" Chloe Bennett's voice brought me back to reality.
After I realized Sofia was mooching, I told Chloe. She got angry and defended me.
Chloe asked, "Did Sofia try to get you to treat her again today?"
"Yeah, I turned her down," I said.
"What excuse did you use?" she pressed.
"I told her I was dieting," I said with a bitter laugh.
Chloe laughed. "That excuse is so weak! Did she really buy it?"
"No way," I shook my head. "She asked if I thought she always mooched off me."
"So, what did you say?" Chloe pressed.
"I said nothing and walked away," I replied.
Chloe patted my shoulder. "Nice job. But she's not done with you. People like her never give up their favorite bloodsuckers."
Strangely, Sofia didn't act up for the next few days.
Her desk still had its usual fancy takeout.
Where's she getting money for all these expensive meals?
I was confused, but soon figured it out.
The next morning, while Sofia freshened up, I passed her bed.
Her phone lit up with a message from her dad.
[Sweetheart, I sent you 1000 dollars for expenses. Use it wisely and don't waste it like some classmates.]
I stood there, dizzy. Sofia wasn't just okay, she was rich.
Her dad gave her 1000 dollars monthly, plus freebies from me, so she likely had more spending money than I did.
I left frowning, ignoring her call.
Friday's class meeting angered me more.
Margaret Hayes, our advisor, announced the final list of need-based scholarship recipients after the school's review.
Professor Hayes spoke in a gentle but firm tone.
I was twirling my pen, zoning out, when I heard "Sofia Rossi".
My pen dropped. I turned to Sofia two rows right.
She kept her head down, hair covering her face, but I saw a faint smile at her mouth's corner.
Professor Hayes noticed, "The five students I named, stay behind. Everyone else, dismissed," and closed her folder.
The classroom buzzed with gossip as I packed my bag, ears glued to the talk.
"Who knew Sofia Rossi's family was struggling." someone whispered.
"She doesn't look like she's struggling," another said.
"She only gets 130 dollars a month to live on. That's rough," someone added.
Those whispers pierced my ears. 130 dollars? Really? I nearly laughed out loud.
Needy student? Sofia, who never missed her weekly Unadon and whose vanity was a shrine to luxury brands?
After most left, I stayed in the last row, pretending to sort my things while listening to Professor Hayes talk with Sofia.
"I know 130 dollars a month is tough. The top scholarship is 1300 dollars, which should ease the pressure."
Sofia whispered, "Thank you, Professor Hayes. I don't want to trouble the school."
I saw her wipe her eyes. She was acting like an Oscar winner.
"Don't say that," Professor Hayes said softly.
"I know living like this is hard. Bring your proof of need to my office next Monday."
I slipped out, furious. How does Sofia get a hardship certificate when her dad gives her 1000 dollars monthly?
When I returned, Sofia entered humming, then froze briefly on seeing me.
She flashed her sweet smile. "Hey, Lynn, you're here."