Chapter 2

It had been ages. I'd totally forgotten about that. Who would've thought Carson still remembered?

I slung my shoulder bag on and smiled politely. "I'm not some delicate princess. I can handle it."

I pulled one of the suitcases along myself. Carson's expression darkened slightly.

Just as he was about to say something, a familiar voice sounded behind us.

Lauren, who I hadn't seen in forever, showed up.

"Jessica, you're back! It's been so long," Lauren said.

She turned to Carson. "Why didn't you tell me you were picking Jessica up today? I would've come along! It's not every day she comes back."

She was no longer that timid, self-conscious girl. Now she carried herself with confidence, almost commanding.

Her long hair cascaded down her back, glossy and smooth. Dressed in a crisp blouse and fitted business skirt, she looked every bit the capable professional.

She casually took a suitcase from Carson's hand and walked straight in, as if the place belonged to her.

Her eyes sparkled with excitement when she saw me.

"Jessica, have you gotten used to living in Norland? Are you back to job hunt?" Lauren asked, her tone super casual, like we were just catching up.

Just some friendly small talk.

I responded just as calmly. "Not really. I'm just here to take care of a few things."

Then I headed inside alone.

My parents had been waiting anxiously. The moment they saw me, they wrapped me in a tight embrace. My mom clutched me, eyes glistening. "You've lost weight. Have you been eating properly?"

"I told you not to study in that awful place, but you wouldn't listen," she continued, distressed. "Look at you. You look exhausted."

It was just Norland, but the way she said it made it sound like exile.

Everyone knew I used to like Carson, so even her scolding was just another form of concern.

The problem was. Carson and Lauren were right behind me.

I forced myself to stay composed. "It's really not that bad. I've been fine."

"I even went surfing in Hawaira recently," I added.

It was true, but neither of them looked convinced.

My mom squeezed my hand, pouting. "Enough. I made all your favorite dishes. Go wash up. We're eating."

By then, Carson and Lauren had already set down their luggage and were standing quietly in the living room.

My dad was about to greet them warmly. Lauren had changed a lot.

"Wait, aren't you that..." he started.

Lauren stepped forward with a friendly smile.

"Hi, Mr. Marsh. I'm an old classmate of Jessica and Carson. I used to spend a lot of time at Carson's place, so we might've met before. I'm Lauren," she said.

My dad looked a bit dazed. "Oh, hello. Since you're here, why don't you join us for dinner?"

Men and women really are just wired differently.

My dad figured Lauren just happened to drop by, but my mom instantly saw what she was up to.

As I headed to my room to change, my mom followed me in, looking all grim.

"Is Lauren the one who came between you and Carson back then?" my mom asked.

"And seriously, what's up with Carson bringing her along today? What's he trying to do?" she added.

She was obviously sticking up for me.

I quickly tried to reassure her. "Mom, seriously, don't get worked up. I honestly don't mind at all, so please don't make a scene later."

"Plus, I already told you. I've got a boyfriend now. I'm back to get engaged to him, with his family and everything. Carson and I are ancient history," I added.

Even with all that, Mom still didn't really buy it.

After all, she'd seen firsthand how crazy I was about Carson back in the day.

At dinner, the table was absolutely packed with all my favorite foods: abalone as big as my palm, lobsters, crabs, plus stir-fried broccoli with shrimp and corn.

Clearly, my folks were worried I'd been starving over there, so they went all out, whipping up a spread like it was New Year or something.

But just as we sat down, before anyone could even pick up their chopsticks, Lauren let out a sigh.

"Jessica, you're still living so large," she said.

She glanced at Carson, giving him that same careful, almost hurt look I remembered. "All these years, I figured you'd be different by now, but nope. Nothing's changed."

Lauren said, "This meal probably costs over 3,000 dollars. That's my whole month's salary, and for some kids from rural villages, it's years' worth of tuition.

"I'm not trying to judge you or anything, but could you maybe try to change your habit of being so extravagant?

"Can't we just have a simple family dinner for once? Do you always have to act like a rich girl?"

Her outburst made my parents' faces drop on the spot, and the whole room went awkwardly silent.

What they didn't know was that Lauren used to throw digs like this at me all the time back in high school.

Back then, I'd just sit there feeling hurt and helpless, while Carson stood by and never said a thing.