Chapter 4
The day before school started, the whole house was in chaos.
Three massive suitcases lay open in the living room.
Mom clutched a long checklist, ticking off Sophie's stuff item by item.
"Sunscreen, bug spray, vitamins. Oh, right, Sophie's skincare stuff isn't packed yet," Mom said.
"Mom, don't forget the eye-friendly desk lamp," Sophie called out.
She was lounging on the couch, munching on cherries, and pointed at the coffee table.
"I won't forget. Alex picked it out just for you. I put it right on top," Mom replied.
Robert came out of the study, a wad of cash in his hand.
"Put this money in an inside pocket of Sophie's suitcase so she won't have to go without at school," he said.
I came out of the kitchen, carrying a bag of trash.
As I walked past the living room, Mom didn't even look up.
She said, "Emily, go to the supermarket downstairs and grab two boxes of band-aids. Sophie's new shoes might rub her feet raw.
"And while you're out, drop off the dress Sophie changed out of yesterday at the dry cleaner's," she added.
I stopped in my tracks.
The trash bag drooped in my hand.
"I don't have time," I said.
Mom's hand froze on the checklist, and she snapped her head up.
"What did you just say?" she asked.
I looked her straight in the eye. "I haven't even packed my own stuff yet."
Michael let out a cold laugh from the side, "What do you even need to pack? A few shabby clothes, just toss them in, it's not like it matters.
"Riverdale University is so close to home. If you need anything, just come back and grab it."
I ignored him and went straight to the entryway to change my shoes.
Just as I opened the door, I nearly ran into Alex, who was struggling in with his arms full of shopping bags.
He was holding two fancy school ID holders.
One was pink with tiny rhinestones; the other was plain black.
"Em, where are you off to?" he asked, blocking my way.
"Taking out the trash," I replied.
He passed me the black one.
"This one's yours. Sophie wanted the pink one, so I let her have it.
"I'll give you guys a ride to Riverdale University for registration tomorrow.
"Since you don't have much to carry, help Sophie with her pink suitcase when we get there,"
I stared at the black ID holder.
He had the exact same look in his eyes as when he bought that desk lamp.
He was certain I'd take it, certain I'd be all grateful for it.
But this time, things were different.
"No, thanks. You guys go ahead," I said.
I walked around him, tossed the trash into the bin outside, and headed back inside.
It was still dark the next morning.
I grabbed my suitcase and gently eased open the villa's front door, careful not to make a sound.
The living room was dead silent. They'd stayed up until midnight celebrating Sophie.
Now, everyone was still fast asleep.
The autumn breeze had a crisp chill in the air.
I hauled my rickety suitcase along the deserted street, feeling the emptiness all around me.
It was seven o'clock sharp when I reached the airport.
I checked in and got my boarding pass, then settled into the departure lounge.
My phone started buzzing like crazy.
It was time for Riverdale University's freshman registration.
In the family group chat, Mom sent several voice messages.
Mom: [Emily, where are you? I told you to help Sophie with her luggage. Are you deaf?]
Mom: [You had to sneak out alone, did you not?]
Mom: [Get to the south gate of Riverdale University now!]
Michael sent a photo of Sophie at the Riverdale University gate, flashing a peace sign.
Michael: [Some people are so jealous.]
Then, Alex's private message popped up.
Alex: [Em, do not sulk.
[Which dorm are you in? Sophie's bed is ready. Come help hang her curtains.
[I will take you both out for dinner as an apology. Deal?]
The boarding call came over the speakers in the airport.
"Attention passengers traveling to Capital City. Your flight is now boarding..."
I stared at the words "as an apology" in Alex's message on the screen.
I tapped his profile photo.
Then I tapped the icon in the top right corner.
Blocked him without hesitation.
After that, I went back to the main screen and blocked every member of my family.
I stood up, grabbed my beat-up suitcase, and made my way to the boarding gate.
Outside the window, a plane broke through the clouds, soaring into the endless sky.