After He Cast Me Out, I Ruled My Own World

Chapter 3

At lunch, I went back to the classroom to grab a book.

The moment I reached the back door, I saw Grace sitting on Andrew's desk.

She was holding a fountain pen, the cap pressed against his chin. "Andrew, tell me, between me and Tara, who looks more like they belong to the Jones family?"

The crowd around them started cheering.

"Now that's a spicy question."

"Come on, Andrew, answer her already."

Andrew leaned back lazily in his chair. "Boring."

Grace wouldn't let it go. "Just say it, and I'll leave you alone."

The pen in her hand was the one I'd given Andrew for his birthday back in eighth grade.

There was a tiny 'A' engraved on the cap.

I took an unconscious step forward.

But Andrew grabbed Grace's wrist before I could get closer. He pulled the pen out of her hand, his tone flat. "Hands off this one."

Grace blinked. "Why?"

"It's old." He paused, then added, "A hassle."

My feet felt like they were nailed to the floor.

'Old. A hassle.'

So I was just like that pen to him. Too precious to throw away, but too much trouble to keep around.

Someone came in through the back door and bumped into me. "Tara, what are you doing standing there?"

The classroom went quiet.

Andrew looked up and saw me. He straightened up immediately. "Where did you disappear to? You weren't at lunch."

I walked past him and went to my seat. "The office."

Grace asked with a sweet smile, "Did you go tattle on me, Tara?"

Andrew frowned. "Grace."

She stuck out her tongue. "Just kidding."

Back then, if someone said something like that to me, he wouldn't just call their name.

He'd make them apologize.

But now, a simple 'just kidding' was enough to wipe away all the malice.

That afternoon during homeroom, the teacher announced the list for the school-level competition.

I'd spent six months preparing for the news commentary contest. I'd even made the school team tryouts.

But my name wasn't on the final list.

Grace's name was there instead.

Someone in class whispered, "Didn't Grace just transfer here?"

The teacher looked at me, a little uncomfortable. "Spots were limited. The school made an adjustment after considering everything."

I sat there, frozen.

After school, I went to the office to ask.

The teacher let out a sigh. "Tara, the Jones family is one of the co-sponsors for this contest. I won't lie to you—you were our first pick."

My fingers curled into my palm. "Then why was I replaced?"

The teacher paused. "Andrew said you might be transferring soon, and the training cycle is long. He was worried it'd be too much for you. He said Grace would be a better fit to represent the school."

I stood there, unable to speak for ages.

When I came out, Andrew was leaning against the wall at the end of the hallway, like he'd been waiting for me. "Don't overthink the list thing."

I looked at him. "Was that your call?"

He avoided my eyes. "I was just being honest. Grace just got here. She needs a chance to find her footing. Your grades are solid. Missing one competition won't hurt you."

A weight settled in my chest. "So the six months I spent preparing mean nothing?"

Andrew frowned. "Tara, don't be selfish."

I let out a hollow laugh. "I'm being selfish?"

"She's got nothing," he said. "You're different. You have my parents. You have me."

I looked at him.

In that moment, it finally clicked.

He knew exactly what mattered to me.

He just thought I already had enough.

So he could take what was mine and give it to someone else.

I asked quietly, "Andrew, did you ever ask if I was okay with it?"

He was quiet for a second. "Tara, I've spoiled you, but that doesn't mean you get to act like a brat."

I nodded. "Got it."

My reaction seemed to get under his skin. "What exactly is it that you 'got'?"

"I get that you weren't just being nice to someone else." I looked him straight in the eye. "You're giving away what's mine just to play the hero for someone else."