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✨ "This time, I’m living for myself!"
In "I Watched Them Love Her", Tessa gets a miraculous second chance at life, waking up at fifteen after a tragic betrayal by her adopted sister Chloe. But this time, she is done begging for her family's affection! 💅 Instead of fighting a losing battle, Tessa focuses on her own brilliant future. Watch as she turns the tables, exposing Chloe's lies with undeniable proof and earning a one-way ticket to Yale! 📚 When her toxic family finally realizes their mistakes and begs for her forgiveness, will she look back? A truly inspiring tale of an independent woman! 🚀
📌 THEMES: Female, Rebirth, Student, Self-growth, Girl Power, Independent Woman
🌎For FULL HD Episodes on ReelShort site:🔗 https://www.reelshort.com/movie/i-watched-them-love-her-6a963ba8fda5294962054f78
🍁Notice: ReelShort Sweet Shorts is an officially authorized publisher of ReelShort content.
✨ "This time, I’m living for myself!"
In "I Watched Them Love Her", Tessa gets a miraculous second chance at life, waking up at fifteen after a tragic betrayal by her adopted sister Chloe. But this time, she is done begging for her family's affection! 💅 Instead of fighting a losing battle, Tessa focuses on her own brilliant future. Watch as she turns the tables, exposing Chloe's lies with undeniable proof and earning a one-way ticket to Yale! 📚 When her toxic family finally realizes their mistakes and begs for her forgiveness, will she look back? A truly inspiring tale of an independent woman! 🚀
📌 THEMES: Female, Rebirth, Student, Self-growth, Girl Power, Independent Woman
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:10Eat up, Chloe.
00:11I made this chicken just for you.
00:13You said you liked it, didn't you?
00:17Slow down. It's hot.
00:21I stood there. The extra one.
00:27Tessa, sit down. What are you standing there for?
00:30Chloe knew that was my seat.
00:32She didn't move. She didn't even say sorry.
00:43Stop right there. What's that supposed to mean?
00:49There's no seat for me. I'll leave you to it.
00:53Tessa, do you have to talk like that?
00:55It's Chloe's first day. Can't you make an effort?
00:58I'm being plenty cooperating.
01:01I just want to eat in peace.
01:04I'm sorry.
01:05Should I not have sat there?
01:07I didn't mean to upset Tessa.
01:10It's not your fault, sweetheart. Don't think like that.
01:14Tessa, what's going on with you today?
01:15I didn't answer. I took my plate upstairs.
01:18When I opened my eyes again, I was 15.
01:21This time, when mom and dad brought Chloe home, I didn't fight.
01:26I didn't ask why.
01:28Mom and dad's favoritism, Nico's care, and later Rowan's love, I didn't want any of it.
01:33But what I never expected was that this time, the ones begging me to come back would still be them.
01:38The moment my adopted sister, Chloe, pushed me off the 102nd floor observation deck of the Empire State Building,
01:44the last thing I saw was mom shielding her, dad holding back security, and Nico standing right beside her.
01:49In that second, I understood.
01:52The family I'd been fighting to pull together had stopped standing on my side a long time ago.
01:57When I opened my eyes again, I was 15.
02:00This time, when mom and dad brought Chloe home, I didn't fight.
02:05I didn't ask why.
02:06Mom and dad's favoritism, Nico's care, and later Rowan's love, I didn't want any of it.
02:12But what I never expected was that this time, the ones begging me to come back would still be them.
02:17I stood at the top of the stairs, my hand on the banister.
02:21In the living room, mom and dad stood in the foyer with a girl.
02:25She wore an old coat with cuffs worn thin.
02:27Her head stayed down, stealing only sidelong glances at the big house in Scarsdale.
02:31Chloe, don't be nervous.
02:34This is your home now.
02:35A scene like this used to hurt.
02:36It didn't anymore.
02:37Dad looked pleased.
02:39This is your big brother, Nico.
02:40He came back from college just to meet you.
02:43Welcome home.
02:44This is for you.
02:45He was usually cool with people, but right now, looking at Chloe, his face was nothing but patience.
02:50I watched it all from the stairs, like I was watching someone else's family.
02:54She'd always been good at putting on a show.
02:56If I didn't know she'd push me off the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building 10 years from now,
03:01she probably would have fooled me too.
03:03Even thinking about that moment, I stayed calm.
03:05Mom finally noticed me.
03:07Tessa, come down and meet your sister.
03:19Tessa, it's Chloe's first day here.
03:21Can't you say more than that?
03:22Nothing else to say.
03:23I turned and walked back upstairs.
03:26Behind me, Mom explained to Chloe a little awkwardly that Tessa had always been like this, not great at expressing
03:31herself.
03:32I didn't look back, whatever they said.
03:34It had nothing to do with me anymore.
03:36I went back to my room and shut the door.
03:38The room still looked the way it did at 15.
03:40The frame on the desk, the books by the bed, the little plant on the windowsill.
03:44Nothing had changed.
03:45But looking at all of it, I didn't feel like I was home.
03:48This was just where I was staying for now.
03:50The school dorms opened in a week.
03:52I planned to move in.
03:53It was Nico.
03:57Tessa, where are you going?
03:59Moving into the dorms.
04:02Because of Chloe?
04:03Honors and AP are a heavy load.
04:05I just want some breathing room.
04:08She can have this room.
04:10Last life, she came up with every reason to take it.
04:13First, she was afraid of the dark.
04:14The guest room was at the end of the hall.
04:16She couldn't sleep.
04:17Then, she wanted to be closer to Mom and Dad.
04:20Then she said my room had better light.
04:22And her therapist said she needed more sun.
04:24Every time I said no, my parents called me cold.
04:26Said I didn't know how to take care of anyone.
04:29In the end, they always took her side.
04:31So why fight?
04:32It didn't matter where I lived.
04:33Nico was quiet for a moment.
04:35Tessa, do you not like Chloe?
04:40It's not like or dislike.
04:42I just want to skip the trouble.
04:48Tessa, I know it's strange having someone new in the house.
04:51But you have to believe me.
04:53Chloe being here doesn't change how we feel about you.
04:55I looked at him and said, nothing.
04:58Doesn't change anything.
05:01When I took first place at the National Youth Science Fair, all Dad said was, not bad.
05:09When Chloe got a bit part in a school play, the whole family took two cars to watch.
05:14Afterward, they took her out to dinner and bought her flowers.
05:19When I tore a ligament playing basketball, my parents sent the housekeeper to stay with
05:24me at the hospital.
05:25When Chloe came down with the flu once, Mom and Dad took turns at her bedside.
05:29Mom's eyes were red.
05:31She said Chloe had already been through too much.
05:33They had a lot to make up for.
05:38Sure.
05:39Got it.
05:44After Nico left, I opened the deepest drawer in my closet and took out a wooden box.
05:51It was the music box my grandfather had made for me on his own.
05:56Last life, Chloe broke it.
05:58The first time I ever raised a hand to her, it was because of this.
06:02She ran to my parents crying, saying she'd only wanted a look that I'd snapped at her
06:06and startled her hand into dropping it.
06:09Mom never asked what happened.
06:10She just laid into me.
06:11Tessa, it's just a music box.
06:13Do you have to make a scene over this?
06:15Can't you just let her have this one?
06:17But it wasn't just a music box.
06:19It was the last thing Grandpa left me.
06:21It was the last thing in this house I still wanted to take with me.
06:25At six, Mom knocked on my door.
06:27Tessa, come down for dinner.
06:29It's Chloe's first meal here.
06:30We're all waiting together.
06:32I put down my book and went downstairs.
06:36But when I reached the table, I stopped.
06:39My usual seat between Mom and Nico was taken by Chloe.
06:51Eat up, Chloe.
06:52I made this chicken just for you.
06:54You said you liked it, didn't you?
06:57Slow down.
06:58It's hot.
07:02I stood there.
07:03The extra one.
07:08Tessa, sit down.
07:09What are you standing there for?
07:11Chloe knew that was my seat.
07:12She didn't move.
07:14She didn't even say sorry.
07:24Stop right there.
07:25What's that supposed to mean?
07:30There's no seat for me.
07:31I'll leave you to it.
07:33Tessa, do you have to talk like that?
07:36It's Chloe's first day.
07:37Can't you make an effort?
07:39I'm being plenty cooperating.
07:41I just want to eat in peace.
07:44I'm sorry.
07:46Should I not have sat there?
07:47I didn't mean to upset Tessa.
07:51It's not your fault, sweetheart.
07:53Don't think like that.
07:54Tessa, what's going on with you today?
07:56I didn't answer.
07:57I took my plate upstairs.
07:59After dinner, Mom came to my room with a cup of hot cocoa.
08:02Tessa, you hardly ate anything.
08:05I made you something you liked.
08:06I glanced at the cup.
08:07It had been my favorite when I was little.
08:09But I could see right through it.
08:11She wasn't here about the cocoa.
08:12Mom, just say it.
08:14It's nothing big, really.
08:17I wanted to talk to you about something.
08:19Could you switch out of AP and just do regular?
08:35Eat up, Chloe.
08:37I made this chicken just for you.
08:38You said you liked it, didn't you?
08:42Slow down.
08:43It's hot.
08:47I stood there.
08:48The extra one.
08:53Tessa, sit down.
08:54What are you standing there for?
08:55Chloe knew that was my seat.
08:57She didn't move.
08:58She didn't even say sorry.
09:08Stop right there.
09:10What's that supposed to mean?
09:15There's no seat for me.
09:16I'll leave you to it.
09:18Tessa, do you have to talk like that?
09:20It's Chloe's first day.
09:22Can't you make an effort?
09:24I'm being plenty cooperating.
09:26I just want to eat in peace.
09:29I'm sorry.
09:31Should I not have sat there?
09:32I didn't mean to upset Tessa.
09:36It's not your fault, sweetheart.
09:37Don't think like that.
09:39Tessa, what's going on with you today?
09:40I didn't answer.
09:42I took my plate upstairs.
09:44When I opened my eyes again, I was 15.
09:47This time, when mom and dad brought Chloe home, I didn't fight.
09:51I didn't ask why.
09:53Mom and dad's favoritism, Nico's care, and later Rowan's love, I didn't want any of it.
09:59But what I never expected was that this time, the ones begging me to come back would still be them.
10:03The moment my adopted sister, Chloe, pushed me off the 102nd floor observation deck of the Empire State Building,
10:09the last thing I saw was mom shielding her, dad holding back security, and Nico standing right beside her.
10:15In that second, I understood.
10:17The family I'd been fighting to hold together had stopped standing on my side a long time ago.
10:22When I opened my eyes again, I was 15.
10:26This time, when mom and dad brought Chloe home, I didn't fight.
10:30I didn't ask why.
10:31Mom and dad's favoritism, Nico's care, and later Rowan's love, I didn't want any of it.
10:38But what I never expected was that this time, the ones begging me to come back would still be them.
10:43I stood at the top of the stairs, my hand on the banister.
10:46In the living room, mom and dad stood in the foyer with a girl.
10:50She wore an old coat with cuffs worn thin.
10:52Her head stayed down, stealing only sidelong glances at the big house in Scarsdale.
10:57Chloe, don't be nervous.
10:59This is your home now.
11:00A scene like this used to hurt.
11:02It didn't anymore.
11:03Dad looked pleased.
11:04This is your big brother, Nico.
11:06He came back from college just to meet you.
11:08Welcome home.
11:09This is for you.
11:10He was usually cool with people, but right now, looking at Chloe, his face was nothing but patience.
11:15I watched it all from the stairs, like I was watching someone else's family.
11:19She'd always been good at putting on a show.
11:21If I didn't know she'd push me off the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building ten years from now,
11:26she probably would have fooled me too.
11:28Even thinking about that moment, I stayed calm.
11:31Mom finally noticed me.
11:32Tessa, come down and meet your sister.
11:45Tessa, it's Chloe's first day here.
11:47Can't you say more than that?
11:48Nothing else to say.
11:49I turned and walked back upstairs.
11:51Behind me, Mom explained to Chloe a little awkwardly that Tessa had always been like this, not great at expressing
11:57herself.
11:58I didn't look back, whatever they said.
11:59It had nothing to do with me anymore.
12:01I went back to my room and shut the door.
12:03The room still looked the way it did at 15.
12:06The frame on the desk, the books by the bed, the little plant on the windowsill.
12:09Nothing had changed.
12:11But looking at all of it, I didn't feel like I was home.
12:13This was just where I was staying for now.
12:15The school dorms opened in a week.
12:17I planned to move in.
12:18It was Nico.
12:23Tessa, where are you going?
12:24Moving into the dorms.
12:27Because of Chloe?
12:29Honors and AP are a heavy load.
12:30I just want some breathing room.
12:34She can have this room.
12:35Last life, she came up with every reason to take it.
12:38First, she was afraid of the dark.
12:40The guest room was at the end of the hall.
12:41She couldn't sleep.
12:42Then, she wanted to be closer to Mom and Dad.
12:45Then, she said my room had better light.
12:47And her therapist said she needed more sun.
12:49Every time I said no, my parents called me cold.
12:52Said I didn't know how to take care of anyone.
12:54In the end, they always took her side.
12:56So, why fight?
12:57It didn't matter where I lived.
12:59Nico was quiet for a moment.
13:01Tessa, do you not like Chloe?
13:06It's not like or dislike.
13:08I just want to skip the trouble.
13:13Tessa, I know it's strange having someone new in the house.
13:16But you have to believe me.
13:18Chloe being here doesn't change how we feel about you.
13:21I looked at him and said, nothing.
13:24Doesn't change anything.
13:26When I took first place at the National Youth Science Fair, all Dad said was, not bad.
13:34When Chloe got a bit part in a school play, the whole family took two cars to watch.
13:39Afterward, they took her out to dinner and bought her flowers.
13:44When I tore a ligament playing basketball, my parents sent the housekeeper to stay with
13:49me at the hospital.
13:51When Chloe came down with the flu once, Mom and Dad took turns at her bedside.
13:55Mom's eyes were red.
13:56She said Chloe had already been through too much.
13:58They had a lot to make up for.
14:03Sure.
14:04Got it.
14:10After Nico left,
14:12I opened the deepest drawer in my closet
14:14and took out a wooden box.
14:16It was the music box my grandfather had made for me on his own.
14:21Last life,
14:23so we broke it.
14:24The first time I ever raised a hand to her,
14:26it was because of this.
14:27She ran to my parents crying,
14:29saying she'd only wanted a look
14:30that I'd snapped at her and startled her hand into dropping it.
14:34Mom never asked what happened.
14:35She just laid into me.
14:37Tessa, it's just a music box.
14:39Do you have to make a scene over this?
14:40Can't you just let her have this?
14:42But it wasn't just a music box.
14:44It was the last thing Grandpa left me.
14:47It was the last thing in this house I still wanted to take with me.
14:50At six, Mom knocked on my door.
14:52Tessa, come down for dinner.
14:54It's Chloe's first meal here.
14:55We're all eating together.
14:57I put down my book and went downstairs.
15:01But when I reached the table, I stopped.
15:04My usual seat between Mom and Nico was taken by Chloe.
15:16Eat up, Chloe.
15:17I made this chicken just for you.
15:19You said you liked it, didn't you?
15:23Slow down.
15:24It's hot.
15:27I stood there.
15:28The extra one.
15:33Tessa, sit down.
15:35What are you standing there for?
15:36Chloe knew that was my seat.
15:38She didn't move.
15:39She didn't even say sorry.
15:49Stop right there.
15:50What's that supposed to mean?
15:55There's no seat for me.
15:57I'll leave you to it.
15:59Tessa, do you have to talk like that?
16:01It's Chloe's first day.
16:02Can't you make an effort?
16:04I'm being plenty cooperating.
16:07I just want to eat in peace.
16:10I'm sorry.
16:11Should I not have sat there?
16:13I didn't mean to upset Tessa.
16:16It's not your fault, sweetheart.
16:18Don't think that's that.
16:20Tessa, what's going on with you today?
16:21I didn't answer.
16:23I took my plate upstairs.
16:24After dinner, Mom came to my room with a cup of hot cocoa.
16:27Tessa, you hardly ate anything.
16:30I made you something you liked.
16:32I glanced at the cup.
16:33It had been my favorite when I was little,
16:35but I could see right through it.
16:36She wasn't here about the cocoa.
16:38Mom, just say it.
16:40It's nothing big, really.
16:42I wanted to talk to you about something.
16:45Could you switch out of AP and just do regular?
17:01Eat up, Chloe.
17:02I made this change just for you.
17:04You said you liked it, didn't you?
17:08Slow down.
17:09It's hot.
17:12I stood there, the extra one.
17:18Tessa, sit down.
17:19What are you standing there for?
17:21Chloe knew that was my seat.
17:23She didn't move.
17:24She didn't even say sorry.
17:34Stop right there.
17:35What's that supposed to mean?
17:40There's no seat for me.
17:41I'll leave you to it.
17:43Tessa, do you have to talk like that?
17:46It's Chloe's first day.
17:47Can't you make an effort?
17:49I'm being plenty cooperating.
17:51I just want to eat in peace.
17:55I'm sorry.
17:56Should I not have sat there?
17:58I didn't mean to upset Tessa.
18:01It's not your fault, sweetheart.
18:03Don't think like that.
18:05Tessa, what's going on with you today?
18:06I didn't answer.
18:07I took my plate upstairs.
18:09When I opened my eyes again, I was 15.
18:12This time, when mom and dad brought Chloe home, I didn't fight.
18:17I didn't ask why.
18:18Mom and dad's favoritism, Nico's care, and later Rowan's love, I didn't want any of it.
18:24But what I never expected was that this time, the ones begging me to come back would still
18:29be them.
18:29The moment my adopted sister Chloe pushed me off the 102nd floor observation deck of the
18:34Empire State Building, the last thing I saw was mom shielding her.
18:37Dad holding back security, and Nico standing right beside her.
18:40In that second, I understood.
18:43The family I'd been fighting to hold together had stopped standing on my side a long time
18:47ago.
18:48When I opened my eyes again, I was 15.
18:51This time, when mom and dad brought Chloe home, I didn't fight.
18:56I didn't ask why.
18:57Mom and dad's favoritism, Nico's care, and later Rowan's love, I didn't want any of it.
19:03But what I never expected was that this time, the ones begging me to come back would
19:07still be them.
19:08I stood at the top of the stairs, my hand on the banister.
19:12In the living room, mom and dad stood in the foyer with a girl.
19:15She wore an old coat with cuffs worn thin.
19:18Her head stayed down, stealing only sidelong glances at the big house in Scarsdale.
19:23Chloe, don't be nervous.
19:24This is your home now.
19:26A scene like this used to hurt.
19:27It didn't anymore.
19:28Dad looked pleased.
19:30This is your big brother, Nico.
19:31He came back from college just to meet you.
19:34Welcome home.
19:35This is for you.
19:36He was usually cool with people, but right now, looking at Chloe, his face was nothing
19:40but patience.
19:41I watched it all from the stairs, like I was watching someone else's family.
19:45She'd always been good at putting on a show.
19:47If I didn't know she'd push me off the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building 10 years
19:51from now, she probably would have fooled me too.
19:54Even thinking about that moment, I stayed calm.
19:56Mom finally noticed me.
19:58Tessa, come down and meet your sister.
20:01Hello?
20:03None of Last Life's meltdown.
20:04No tears, no scene.
20:06It was like those feelings had been lifted out of me.
20:10Tessa, it's Chloe's first day here.
20:12Can't you say more than that?
20:13Nothing else to say.
20:14I turned and walked back upstairs.
20:17Behind me, Mom explained to Chloe a little awkwardly that Tessa had always been like
20:21this, not great at expressing herself.
20:23I didn't look back, whatever they said.
20:25It had nothing to do with me anymore.
20:26I went back to my room and shut the door.
20:29The room still looked the way it did at 15.
20:31The frame on the desk, the books by the bed, the little plant on the windowsill.
20:35Nothing had changed.
20:36But looking at all of it, I didn't feel like I was home.
20:39This was just where I was staying for now.
20:41The school dorms opened in a week.
20:43I planned to move in.
20:44It was Nico.
20:48Tessa, where are you going?
20:50Moving into the dorms.
20:53Because of Chloe?
20:54Honors and AP are a heavy load.
20:56I just want some breathing room.
20:59She can have this room.
21:01Last life, she came up with every reason to take it.
21:03First, she was afraid of the dark.
21:05The guest room was at the end of the hall.
21:07She couldn't sleep.
21:08Then, she wanted to be closer to Mom and Dad.
21:10Then she said my room had better light.
21:12And her therapist said she needed more sun.
21:15Every time I said no, my parents called me cold.
21:17Said I didn't know how to take care of anyone.
21:19In the end, they always took her side.
21:21So why fight?
21:22It didn't matter where I lived.
21:24Nico was quiet for a moment.
21:26Tessa, do you not like Chloe?
21:31It's not like or dislike.
21:33I just want to skip the trouble.
21:38Tessa, I know it's strange having someone new in the house.
21:41But you have to believe me.
21:44Chloe being here doesn't change how we feel about you.
21:46I looked at him and said, nothing.
21:49Doesn't change anything.
21:52When I took first place at the National Youth Science Fair, all Dad said was, not bad.
22:00When Chloe got a bit part in a school play, the whole family took two cars to watch.
22:05Afterward, they took her out to dinner and bought her flowers.
22:10When I tore a ligament playing basketball, my parents sent the housekeeper to stay with me at the hospital.
22:16When Chloe came down with the flu once, Mom and Dad took turns at her bedside.
22:20Mom's eyes were red.
22:22She said Chloe had already been through too much.
22:24They had a lot to make up for.
22:28Sure.
22:29Got it.
22:35After Nico left, I opened the deepest drawer in my closet and took out a wooden box.
22:41It was the music box my grandfather had made for me on his own.
22:47Last life, Chloe broke it.
22:49The first time I ever raised a hand to her, it was because of this.
22:52She ran to my parents crying, saying she'd only wanted a look that I'd snapped at her and startled her
22:58hand into dropping it.
22:59Mom never asked what happened.
23:01She just laid it to me.
23:02Tessa, it's just a music box.
23:04Do you have to make a scene over this?
23:06Can't you just let her have this one?
23:08But it wasn't just a music box.
23:10It was the last thing Grandpa left me.
23:12It was the last thing in this house I still wanted to take with me.
23:15At six, Mom knocked on my door.
23:18Tessa, come down for dinner.
23:19It's Chloe's first meal here.
23:21We're all eating together.
23:23I put down my book and went downstairs.
23:27But when I reached the table, I stopped.
23:30My usual seat between Mom and Nico was taken by Chloe.
23:42Eat up, Chloe.
23:43I made this chicken just for you.
23:45You said you liked it, didn't you?
23:48Slow down.
23:49It's hot.
23:53I stood there.
23:54The extra one.
23:59Tessa, sit down.
24:00What are you standing there for?
24:02Chloe knew that was my seat.
24:03She didn't move.
24:05She didn't even say sorry.
24:14Stop right there.
24:16What's that supposed to mean?
24:21There's no seat for me.
24:22I'll leave you to it.
24:24Tessa, do you have to talk like that?
24:26It's Chloe's first day.
24:28Can't you make an effort?
24:30I'm being plenty cooperating.
24:32I just want to eat in peace.
24:35I'm sorry.
24:37Should I not have sat there?
24:38I didn't mean to upset Tessa.
24:42It's not your fault, sweetheart.
24:43Don't think like that.
24:45Tessa, what's going on with you today?
24:47I didn't answer.
24:48I took my plate upstairs.
24:50After dinner, Mom came to my room with a cup of hot cocoa.
24:53Tessa, you hardly ate anything.
24:56I made you something you liked.
24:57I glanced at the cup.
24:58It had been my favorite when I was little.
25:00But I could see right through it.
25:01She wasn't here about the cocoa.
25:03Mom, just say it.
25:05It's nothing big, really.
25:08I wanted to talk to you about something.
25:10Could you switch out of AP and just do regular?
25:26Eat up, Chloe.
25:28I made this chicken just for you.
25:29You said you liked it, didn't you?
25:33Slow down, it's hot.
25:37I stood there, the extra one.
25:44Tessa, sit down.
25:45What are you standing there for?
25:46Chloe knew that was my seat.
25:48She didn't move.
25:49She didn't even say sorry.
25:59Stop right there.
26:00What's that supposed to mean?
26:05There's no seat for me.
26:07I'll leave you to it.
26:09Tessa, do you have to talk like that?
26:11It's Chloe's first day.
26:13It's Chloe's first day.
26:13Can't you make an effort?
26:14I'm being plenty cooperating.
26:17I just want to eat in peace.
26:20I'm sorry.
26:22Should I not have sat there?
26:23I didn't mean to upset Tessa.
26:27It's not your fault, sweetheart.
26:28Don't think like that.
26:30Tessa, what's going on with you today?
26:32I didn't answer.
26:33I took my plate upstairs.
26:34When I opened my eyes again, I was 15.
26:38This time, when mom and dad brought Chloe home, I didn't fight.
26:42I didn't ask why.
26:44Mom and dad's favoritism, Nico's care, and later Rowan's love, I didn't want any of it.
26:49But what I never expected was that this time, the ones begging me to come back would still be them.
26:54The moment my adopted sister, Chloe, pushed me off the 102nd floor observation deck of the Empire State Building,
27:00the last thing I saw was mom shielding her, dad holding back security, and Nico standing right beside her.
27:06In that second, I understood.
27:08The family I'd been fighting to hold together had stopped standing on my side a long time ago.
27:13When I opened my eyes again, I was 15.
27:16This time, when mom and dad brought Chloe home, I didn't fight.
27:21I didn't ask why.
27:23Mom and dad's favoritism, Nico's care, and later Rowan's love, I didn't want any of it.
27:28But what I never expected was that this time, the ones begging me to come back would still be them.
27:34I stood at the top of the stairs, my hand on the banister.
27:37In the living room, mom and dad stood in the foyer with a girl.
27:41She wore an old coat with cuffs worn thin.
27:43Her head stayed down, stealing only sidelong glances at the big house in Scarsdale.
27:48Chloe, don't be nervous.
27:50This is your home now.
27:51A scene like this used to hurt.
27:53It didn't anymore.
27:54Dad looked pleased.
27:55This is your big brother, Nico.
27:57He came back from college just to meet you.
27:59Welcome home.
28:00This is for you.
28:01He was usually cool with people.
28:03But right now, looking at Chloe, his face was nothing but patience.
28:06I watched it all from the stairs, like I was watching someone else's family.
28:10She'd always been good at putting on a show.
28:12If I didn't know she'd push me off the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building ten years from now,
28:17she probably would have fooled me too.
28:19Even thinking about that moment, I stayed calm.
28:22Mom finally noticed me.
28:23Tessa, come down and meet your sister.
28:27Hello?
28:28None of Last Life's meltdown.
28:30No tears, no scene.
28:32It was like those feelings had been lifted out of me.
28:36Tessa, it's Chloe's first day here.
28:37Can't you say more than that?
28:39Nothing else to say.
28:40I turned and walked back upstairs.
28:42Behind me, Mom explained to Chloe a little awkwardly that Tessa had always been like this,
28:47not great at expressing herself.
28:48I didn't look back.
28:49Whatever they said, it had nothing to do with me anymore.
28:52I went back to my room and shut the door.
28:54The room still looked the way it did at 15.
28:56The frame on the desk, the books by the bed, the little plant on the windowsill.
29:00Nothing had changed.
29:01But looking at all of it, I didn't feel like I was home.
29:04This was just where I was staying for now.
29:06The school dorms opened in a week.
29:08I planned to move in.
29:09It was Nico.
29:14Tessa, where are you going?
29:15Moving into the dorms.
29:18Because of Chloe?
29:20Honors and AP are a heavy load.
29:21I just want some breathing room.
29:25She can have this room.
29:26Last life, she came up with every reason to take it.
29:29First, she was afraid of the dark.
29:31The guest room was at the end of the hall.
29:32She couldn't sleep.
29:33Then, she wanted to be closer to Mom and Dad.
29:36Then she said my room had better light.
29:38And her therapist said she needed more sun.
29:40Every time I said no, my parents called me cold.
29:43Said I didn't know how to take care of anyone.
29:45In the end, they always took her side.
29:47So why fight?
29:48It didn't matter where I lived.
29:50Nico was quiet for a moment.
29:52Tessa, do you not like Chloe?
29:56It's not like or dislike.
29:58I just want to skip the trouble.
30:04Tessa, I know it's strange having someone new in the house.
30:07But you have to believe me.
30:09Chloe being here doesn't change how we feel about you.
30:12I looked at him and said, nothing.
30:14Doesn't change anything.
30:17When I took first place at the National Youth Science Fair,
30:20all Dad said was, not bad.
30:25When Chloe got a bit part in a school play,
30:28the whole family took two cars to watch.
30:30Afterward, they took her out to dinner and bought her flowers.
30:35When I tore a ligament playing basketball,
30:38my parents sent the housekeeper to stay with me at the hospital.
30:42When Chloe came down with the flu once,
30:44Mom and Dad took turns at her bedside.
30:46Mom's eyes were red.
30:47She said Chloe had already been through too much.
30:49They had a lot to make up for.
30:54Sure.
30:55Got it.
31:01After Nico left,
31:03I opened the deepest drawer in my closet
31:05and took out a wooden box.
31:07It was the music box
31:08my grandfather had made for me on his own.
31:12Last life,
31:13Chloe broke it.
31:14The first time I ever raised a hand to her,
31:17it was because of this.
31:18She ran to my parents crying,
31:20saying she'd only wanted a look
31:21that I'd snapped at her
31:23and startled her hand into dropping it.
31:25Mom never asked what happened.
31:26She just laid into me.
31:28Tessa, it's just a music box.
31:29Do you have to make a scene over this?
31:31Can't you just let her have this one?
31:33But it wasn't just a music box.
31:35It was the last thing Grandpa left me.
31:37It was the last thing in this house
31:39I still wanted to take with me.
31:41At six, Mom knocked on my door.
31:43Tessa, come down for dinner.
31:45It's Chloe's first meal here.
31:46We're all eating together.
31:48I put down my book
31:49and went downstairs.
31:52But when I reached the table,
31:54I stopped.
31:55My usual seat
31:56between Mom and Nico
31:57was taken
31:59by Chloe.
32:07Eat up, Chloe.
32:08I made this chicken just for you.
32:10You said you liked it, didn't you?
32:14Slow down.
32:14It's hot.
32:18I stood there.
32:19The extra one.
32:24Tessa, sit down.
32:25What are you standing there for?
32:27Chloe knew that was my seat.
32:29She didn't move.
32:30She didn't even say sorry.
32:40Stop right there.
32:41What's that supposed to mean?
32:46There's no seat for me.
32:47I'll leave you to it.
32:49Tessa, do you have to talk like that?
32:52It's Chloe's first day.
32:53Can't you make an effort?
32:55I'm being plenty cooperating.
32:58I just want to eat in peace.
33:01I'm sorry.
33:02Should I not have sat there?
33:04I didn't mean to upset Tessa.
33:07It's not your fault, sweetheart.
33:09Don't think like that.
33:11Tessa, what's going on with you today?
33:12I didn't answer.
33:14I took my plate upstairs.
33:15After dinner,
33:16Mom came to my room
33:17with a cup of hot cocoa.
33:18Tessa,
33:19you hardly ate anything.
33:21I made you something you liked.
33:22I glanced at the cup.
33:24It had been my favorite
33:25when I was little,
33:26but I could see right through it.
33:27she wasn't here about the cocoa.
33:28Mom, just say it.
33:30It's nothing big, really.
33:33I wanted to talk to you about something.
33:36Could you switch out of AP
33:37and just do regular?
33:52Eat up, Chloe.
33:53I made this chicken just for you.
33:55You said you liked it, didn't you?
33:58Slow down.
33:59It's hot.
34:03I stood there.
34:04The extra one.
34:09Tessa, sit down.
34:10What are you standing there for?
34:12Chloe knew that was my seat.
34:14She didn't move.
34:15She didn't even say sorry.
34:25Stop right there.
34:26What's that supposed to mean?
34:31There's no seat for me.
34:32I'll leave you to it.
34:34Tessa,
34:35do you have to talk like that?
34:37It's Chloe's first day.
34:38Can't you make an effort?
34:40I'm being plenty cooperating.
34:42I just want to eat in peace.
34:46I'm sorry.
34:47Should I not have sat there?
34:49I didn't mean to upset Tessa.
34:52It's not your fault, sweetheart.
34:54Don't think like that.
34:55Tessa, what's going on with you today?
34:57I didn't answer.
34:58I took my plate upstairs.
35:00When I opened my eyes again,
35:01I was 15.
35:03This time,
35:04when mom and dad brought Chloe home,
35:06I didn't fight.
35:08I didn't ask why.
35:09Mom and dad's favoritism,
35:11Nico's care,
35:12and later Rowan's love,
35:13I didn't want any of it.
35:15But what I never expected
35:16was that this time,
35:17the ones begging me to come back
35:19would still be them.
35:20The moment my adopted sister, Chloe,
35:22pushed me off the 102nd floor observation deck
35:24of the Empire State Building,
35:26the last thing I saw
35:27was mom shielding her,
35:28dad holding back security,
35:30and Nico standing right beside her.
35:31In that second,
35:32I understood.
35:34The family I'd been fighting to hold together
35:36had stopped standing on my side
35:38a long time ago.
35:39When I opened my eyes again,
35:40I was 15.
35:42This time,
35:43when mom and dad brought Chloe home,
35:45I didn't fight.
35:47I didn't ask why.
35:48Mom and dad's favoritism,
35:50Nico's care,
35:51and later Rowan's love,
35:52I didn't want any of it.
35:54But what I never expected
35:55was that this time,
35:56the ones begging me to come back
35:58would still be them.
35:59I stood at the top of the stairs,
36:01my hand on the banister.
36:03In the living room,
36:04mom and dad stood in the foyer with a girl.
36:06She wore an old coat
36:07with cuffs worn thin.
36:09Her head stayed down,
36:10stealing only sidelong glances
36:11at the big house in Scarsdale.
36:13Chloe,
36:14don't be nervous.
36:15This is your home now.
36:17A scene like this used to hurt.
36:18It didn't anymore.
36:19Dad looked pleased.
36:21This is your big brother, Nico.
36:22He came back from college
36:23just to meet you.
36:25Welcome home.
36:26This is for you.
36:27He was usually cool with people,
36:28but right now,
36:29looking at Chloe,
36:30his face was nothing but patience.
36:32I watched it all from the stairs,
36:33like I was watching
36:34someone else's family.
36:35She'd always been good
36:36at putting on a show.
36:37If I didn't know
36:38she'd push me off
36:39the 102nd floor
36:40of the Empire State Building
36:4110 years from now,
36:42she probably would have fooled me too.
36:44Even thinking about that moment,
36:46I stayed calm.
36:47Mom finally noticed me.
36:49Tessa,
36:49come down and meet your sister.
36:52Hello?
36:54None of Last Life's meltdown.
36:55No tears,
36:56no scene.
36:57It was like those feelings
36:58had been lifted out of me.
37:00Okay.
37:01Tessa,
37:02it's Chloe's first day here.
37:03Can't you say more than that?
37:04Nothing else to say.
37:05I turned and walked back upstairs.
37:08Behind me,
37:08Mom explained to Chloe
37:09a little awkwardly
37:10that Tessa had always been like this,
37:12not great at expressing herself.
37:14I didn't look back,
37:15whatever they said.
37:16It had nothing to do with me anymore.
37:18I went back to my room
37:19and shut the door.
37:20The room still looked
37:20the way it did at 15.
37:22The frame on the desk,
37:23the books by the bed,
37:24the little plant on the windowsill.
37:26Nothing had changed.
37:27But looking at all of it,
37:28I didn't feel like I was home.
37:29This was just where
37:30I was staying for now.
37:32The school dorms opened in a week.
37:34I planned to move in.
37:35It was Nico.
37:39Tessa, where are you going?
37:40Moving into the dorms.
37:44Because of Chloe?
37:45Honors and AP are a heavy load.
37:47I just want some breathing room.
37:50She can have this room.
37:52Last Life,
37:52she came up with every reason to take it.
37:54First,
37:55she was afraid of the dark.
37:56The guest room was at the end of the hall.
37:58She couldn't sleep.
37:58Then,
37:59she wanted to be closer to mom and dad.
38:01Then she said my room had better light.
38:03And her therapist said she needed more sun.
38:05Every time I said no,
38:07my parents called me cold.
38:08Said I didn't know how to take care of anyone.
38:10In the end,
38:11they always took her side.
38:12So why fight?
38:13It didn't matter where I lived.
38:15Nico was quiet for a moment.
38:17Tessa,
38:17do you not like Chloe?
38:22It's not like or dislike.
38:24I just want to skip the trouble.
38:29Tessa,
38:30I know it's strange having someone new in the house.
38:32But you have to believe me.
38:35Chloe being here doesn't change how we feel about you.
38:37I looked at him and said,
38:39nothing.
38:40Doesn't change anything.
38:43When I took first place at the National Youth Science Fair,
38:46all dad said was,
38:48not bad.
38:51When Chloe got a bit part in the school play,
38:53the whole family took two cars to watch.
38:56Afterward,
38:56they took her out to dinner and bought her flowers.
39:01When I tore a ligament playing basketball,
39:03my parents sent the housekeeper to stay with me at the hospital.
39:07When Chloe came down with the flu once,
39:09mom and dad took turns at her bedside.
39:11Mom's eyes were red.
39:12She said Chloe had already been through too much.
39:15They had a lot to make up for.
39:19Sure.
39:20Got it.
39:26After Nico left,
39:28I opened the deepest drawer in my closet
39:30and took out a wooden box.
39:32It was the music box my grandfather had made for me on his own.
39:38Last life,
39:39Chloe broke it.
39:40The first time I ever raised a hand to her,
39:42it was because of this.
39:43She ran to my parents crying,
39:45saying she'd only wanted a look
39:47that I'd snapped at her
39:48and startled her hand into dropping it.
39:50Mom never asked what happened.
39:52She just laid into me.
39:53Tessa,
39:53it's just a music box.
39:55Do you have to make a scene over this?
39:57Can't you just let her have this one?
39:59But it wasn't just a music box.
40:01It was the last thing grandpa left me.
40:03It was the last thing in this house
40:04I still wanted to take with me.
40:06At six,
40:07mom knocked on my door.
40:08Tessa,
40:09come down for dinner.
40:10It's Chloe's first meal here.
40:12We're all eating together.
40:13I put down my book
40:15and went downstairs.
40:18But when I reached the table,
40:19I stopped.
40:20My usual seat
40:21between mom and Nico
40:22was taken
40:24by Chloe.
40:32Eat up, Chloe.
40:33I made this chicken
40:35just for you.
40:36You said you liked it,
40:36didn't you?
40:39Slow down.
40:40It's hot.
40:43I stood there,
40:45the extra one.
40:50Tessa, sit down.
40:51What are you standing there for?
40:52Chloe knew
40:53that was my seat.
40:54She didn't move.
40:55She didn't even say
40:57sorry.
41:05Stop right there.
41:06What's that supposed to mean?
41:12There's no seat for me.
41:13I'll leave you to it.
41:15Tessa,
41:15do you have to talk like that?
41:17It's Chloe's first day.
41:19Can't you make an effort?
41:21I'm being plenty cooperating.
41:23I just want to eat in peace.
41:26I'm sorry.
41:28Should I not have sat there?
41:29I didn't mean to upset Tessa.
41:33It's not your fault, sweetheart.
41:34Don't think like that.
41:36Tessa,
41:37what's going on with you today?
41:38I didn't answer.
41:39I took my plate upstairs.
41:41After dinner,
41:41Mom came to my room
41:42with a cup of hot cocoa.
41:44Tessa,
41:45you hardly ate anything.
41:46I made you something you like.
41:48I glanced at the cup.
41:49It had been my favorite
41:50when I was little,
41:51but I could see right through it.
41:52She wasn't here about the cocoa.
41:54Mom,
41:54just say it.
41:56It's nothing big, really.
41:59I wanted to talk to you
42:00about something.
42:01Could you switch out of AP
42:03and just do regular?
42:17Eat up, Chloe.
42:19You made this chicken just for you.
42:20You said you liked it, didn't you?
42:24Slow down.
42:25It's hot.
42:28I stood there.
42:30The extra one.
42:34Tessa, sit down.
42:36What are you standing there for?
42:37Chloe knew that was my seat.
42:39She didn't move.
42:40She didn't even say sorry.
42:50Stop right there.
42:51What's that supposed to mean?
42:56There's no seat for me.
42:58I'll leave you to it.
43:00Tessa,
43:00do you have to talk like that?
43:02It's Chloe's first day.
43:04Can't you make an effort?
43:05I'm being plenty cooperating.
43:08I just want to eat in peace.
43:11I'm sorry.
43:13Should I not have sat there?
43:14I didn't mean to upset Tessa.
43:18It's not your fault, sweetheart.
43:19Don't think like that.
43:21Tessa,
43:21what's going on with you today?
43:22I didn't answer.
43:24I took my plate upstairs.
43:25When I opened my eyes again,
43:27I was 15.
43:29This time,
43:30when mom and dad brought Chloe home,
43:32I didn't fight.
43:33I didn't ask why.
43:35Mom and dad's favoritism,
43:36Nico's care,
43:38and later Rowan's love,
43:39I didn't want any of it.
43:40But what I never expected
43:42was that this time,
43:43the ones begging me to come back
43:44would still be them.
43:45The moment my adopted sister Chloe
43:47pushed me off the 102nd floor observation deck
43:50of the Empire State Building,
43:51the last thing I saw
43:52was mom shielding her,
43:54dad holding back security,
43:55and Nico standing right beside her.
43:57In that second,
43:58I understood.
43:59The family I'd been fighting to hold together
44:01had stopped standing on my side
44:03a long time ago.
44:04When I opened my eyes again,
44:06I was 15.
44:08This time,
44:09when mom and dad brought Chloe home,
44:11I didn't fight.
44:12I didn't ask why.
44:13Mom and dad's favoritism,
44:15Nico's care,
44:16and later Rowan's love,
44:18I didn't want any of it.
44:19But what I never expected
44:20was that this time,
44:22the ones begging me to come back
44:23would still be them.
44:25I stood at the top of the stairs,
44:27my hand on the banister.
44:28In the living room,
44:29mom and dad stood in the foyer with a girl.
44:32She wore an old coat with cuffs worn thin.
44:34Her head stayed down,
44:35stealing only sidelong glances
44:36at the big house in Scarsdale.
44:39Chloe,
44:39don't be nervous.
44:41This is your home now.
44:42A scene like this used to hurt.
44:44It didn't anymore.
44:45Dad looked pleased.
44:46This is your big brother, Nico.
44:47He came back from college
44:48just to meet you.
44:50Welcome home.
44:51This is for you.
44:52He was usually cool with people,
44:54but right now,
44:55looking at Chloe,
44:55his face was nothing but patience.
44:57I watched it all from the stairs,
44:59like I was watching someone else's family.
45:01She'd always been good
45:02at putting on a show.
45:03If I didn't know,
45:04she'd push me off
45:04the 102nd floor
45:06of the Empire State Building
45:0710 years from now,
45:08she probably would have fooled me too.
45:10Even thinking about that moment,
45:12I stayed calm.
45:13Mom finally noticed me.
45:14Tessa,
45:15come down and meet your sister.
45:18Hello?
45:19None of Last Life's meltdown.
45:21No tears,
45:22no scene.
45:23It was like those feelings
45:24had been lifted out of me.
45:26Tessa,
45:27it's Chloe's first day here.
45:28Can't you say more than that?
45:30Nothing else to say.
45:31I turned and walked back upstairs.
45:33Behind me,
45:34Mom explained to Chloe
45:35a little awkwardly
45:36that Tessa had always been like this,
45:38not great at expressing herself.
45:39I didn't look back,
45:40whatever they said.
45:41It had nothing to do with me anymore.
45:43I went back to my room
45:44and shut the door.
45:45The room still looked
45:46the way it did at 15.
45:47The frame on the desk,
45:48the books by the bed,
45:49the little plant on the windowsill.
45:51Nothing had changed.
45:52But looking at all of it,
45:54I didn't feel like I was home.
45:55This was just where
45:56I was staying for now.
45:57The school dorms opened in a week.
45:59I planned to move in.
46:00It was Nico.
46:05Tessa, where are you going?
46:06Moving into the dorms.
46:09Because of Chloe?
46:10Honors and AP are a heavy load.
46:12I just want some breathing room.
46:15She can have this room.
46:17Last life,
46:18she came up with every reason to take it.
46:20First,
46:20she was afraid of the dark.
46:22The guest room was at the end of the hall.
46:23She couldn't sleep.
46:24Then,
46:24she wanted to be closer to Mom and Dad.
46:27Then she said my room had better light.
46:29And her therapist said she needed more sun.
46:31Every time I said no,
46:32my parents called me cold.
46:34Said I didn't know how to take care of anyone.
46:36In the end,
46:36they always took her side.
46:38So why fight?
46:39It didn't matter where I lived.
46:40Nico was quiet for a moment.
46:42Tessa,
46:43do you not like Chloe?
46:47It's not like or dislike.
46:49I just want to skip the trouble.
46:54Tessa,
46:55I know it's strange having someone new in the house.
46:58But you have to believe me.
47:00Chloe being here doesn't change how we feel about you.
47:02I looked at him and said nothing.
47:05Doesn't change anything.
47:08When I took first place at the National Youth Science Fair,
47:11all Dad said was not bad.
47:16When Chloe got a bit part in a school play,
47:19the whole family took two cars to watch.
47:21Afterward,
47:22they took her out to dinner and bought her flowers.
47:26When I tore a ligament playing basketball,
47:29my parents sent the housekeeper to stay with me at the hospital.
47:32When Chloe came down with the flu once,
47:35Mom and Dad took turns at her bedside.
47:37Mom's eyes were red.
47:38She said Chloe had already been through too much.
47:40They had a lot to make up for.
47:45Sure.
47:46Got it.
47:51After Nico left,
47:54I opened the deepest drawer in my closet
47:56and took out a wooden box.
47:58It was the music box
47:59my grandfather had made for me on his own.
48:03Last life,
48:04Chloe broke it.
48:05The first time I ever raised a hand to her,
48:08it was because of this.
48:09She ran to my parents crying,
48:11saying she'd only wanted a look
48:12that I'd snapped at her
48:14and startled her hand into dropping it.
48:16Mom never asked what happened.
48:17She just laid into me.
48:18Tessa,
48:19it's just a music box.
48:20Do you have to make a scene over this?
48:22Can't you just let her have this one?
48:24But it wasn't just a music box.
48:26It was the last thing Grandpa left me.
48:28It was the last thing in this house
48:30I still wanted to take with me.
48:32At six,
48:33Mom knocked on my door.
48:34Tessa,
48:35come down for dinner.
48:36It's Chloe's first meal here.
48:37We're all eating together.
48:39I put down my book
48:40and went downstairs.
48:43But when I reached the table,
48:45I stopped.
48:46My usual seat
48:47between Mom and Nico
48:48was taken
48:50by Chloe.
48:58Eat up, Chloe.
48:59I made this chicken just for you.
49:01You said you liked it,
49:02didn't you?
49:05Slow down.
49:05It's hot.
49:09I stood there,
49:10the extra one.
49:15Tessa, sit down.
49:16What are you standing there for?
49:18Chloe knew that was my seat.
49:19She didn't move.
49:21She didn't even say
49:22sorry.
49:31Stop right there.
49:32What's that supposed to mean?
49:37There's no seat for me.
49:38I'll leave you to it.
49:40Tessa,
49:41do you have to talk like that?
49:43It's Chloe's first day.
49:44Can't you make an effort?
49:46I'm being plenty cooperating.
49:48I just want to eat in peace.
49:52I'm sorry.
49:53Should I not have sat there?
49:55I didn't mean to upset Tessa.
49:58It's not your fault, sweetheart.
50:00Don't think like that.
50:01Tessa,
50:02what's going on with you today?
50:03I didn't answer.
50:04I took my plate upstairs.
50:06After dinner,
50:07Mom came to my room
50:08with a cup of hot cocoa.
50:09Tessa,
50:10you hardly ate anything.
50:12I made you something you liked.
50:13I glanced at the cup.
50:15It had been my favorite
50:16when I was little,
50:16but I could see right through it.
50:18She wasn't here about the cocoa.
50:19Mom, just say it.
50:21It's nothing big, really.
50:24I wanted to talk to you
50:25about something.
50:27Could you switch out of AP
50:28and just do regular?
50:32I don't know.
50:43Eat up, Chloe.
50:44I made this chicken just for you.
50:46You said you liked it, didn't you?
50:49Slow down.
50:50It's hot.
50:54I stood there,
50:55the extra one.
51:00Tessa, sit down.
51:01What are you standing there for?
51:03Chloe knew that was my seat.
51:04She didn't move.
51:06She didn't even say sorry.
51:16Stop right there.
51:17What's that supposed to mean?
51:22There's no seat for me.
51:23I'll leave you to it.
51:25Tessa,
51:26do you have to talk like that?
51:28It's Chloe's first day.
51:29Can't you make an effort?
51:31I'm being plenty cooperating.
51:33I just want to eat in peace.
51:36I'm sorry.
51:38Should I not have sat there?
51:39I didn't mean to upset Tessa.
51:43It's not your fault, sweetheart.
51:45Don't think like that.
51:46Tessa,
51:47what's going on with you today?
51:48I didn't answer.
51:49I took my plate upstairs.
51:51When I opened my eyes again,
51:52I was 15.
51:54This time,
51:55when mom and dad brought Chloe home,
51:57I didn't fight.
51:59I didn't ask why.
52:00Mom and dad's favoritism,
52:02Nico's care,
52:03and later Rowan's love.
52:04I didn't want any of it.
52:06But what I never expected was that this time,
52:08the ones begging me to come back would still be them.
52:11The moment my adopted sister Chloe
52:12pushed me off the 102nd floor observation deck
52:15of the Empire State Building,
52:17the last thing I saw was mom shielding her,
52:19dad holding back security,
52:20and Nico standing right beside her.
52:22In that second,
52:23I understood.
52:24The family I'd been fighting to hold together
52:27had stopped standing on my side a long time ago.
52:29When I opened my eyes again,
52:31I was 15.
52:33This time,
52:34when mom and dad brought Chloe home,
52:36I didn't fight.
52:38I didn't ask why.
52:39Mom and dad's favoritism,
52:41Nico's care,
52:42and later Rowan's love,
52:43I didn't want any of it.
52:45But what I never expected was that this time,
52:47the ones begging me to come back would still be them.
52:50I stood at the top of the stairs,
52:52my hand on the banister.
52:53In the living room,
52:55mom and dad stood in the foyer with a girl.
52:57She wore an old coat with cuffs worn thin.
53:00Her head stayed down,
53:01stealing only sidelong glances
53:02at the big house in Scarsdale.
53:04Chloe, don't be nervous.
53:06This is your home now.
53:07A scene like this used to hurt.
53:09It didn't anymore.
53:10Dad looked pleased.
53:11This is your big brother, Nico.
53:13He came back from college just to meet you.
53:16Welcome home.
53:16This is for you.
53:18He was usually cool with people,
53:19but right now, looking at Chloe,
53:21his face was nothing but patience.
53:23I watched it all from the stairs,
53:24like I was watching someone else's family.
53:26She'd always been good at putting on a show.
53:28If I didn't know she'd push me off
53:30the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building
53:3210 years from now,
53:33she probably would have fooled me too.
53:35Even thinking about that moment,
53:37I stayed calm.
53:38Mom finally noticed me.
53:39Tessa, come down and meet your sister.
53:43Hello?
53:44None of Last Life's meltdown.
53:46No tears.
53:47No scene.
53:48It was like those feelings
53:49had been lifted out of me.
53:52Tessa, it's Chloe's first day here.
53:54Can't you say more than that?
53:55Nothing else to say.
53:56I turned and walked back upstairs.
53:59Behind me, Mom explained to Chloe
54:00a little awkwardly
54:01that Tessa had always been like this,
54:03not great at expressing herself.
54:04I didn't look back.
54:06Whatever they said,
54:07it had nothing to do with me anymore.
54:09I went back to my room
54:09and shut the door.
54:11The room still looked the way it did at 15.
54:13The frame on the desk,
54:14the books by the bed,
54:15the little plant on the windowsill.
54:17Nothing had changed.
54:18But looking at all of it,
54:19I didn't feel like I was home.
54:20This was just where I was staying for now.
54:23The school dorms opened in a week.
54:24I planned to move in.
54:26It was Nico.
54:30Tessa, where are you going?
54:31Moving into the dorms.
54:34Because of Chloe?
54:36Honors and AP are a heavy load.
54:38I just want some breathing room.
54:41She can have this room.
54:43Last life,
54:43she came up with every reason to take it.
54:45First, she was afraid of the dark.
54:47The guest room was at the end of the hall.
54:49She couldn't sleep.
54:50Then, she wanted to be closer to Mom and Dad.
54:52Then she said my room had better light.
54:54And her therapist said she needed more sun.
54:56Every time I said no,
54:58my parents called me cold.
54:59They said I didn't know how to take care of anyone.
55:01In the end,
55:02they always took her side.
55:03So why fight?
55:04It didn't matter where I lived.
55:06Nico was quiet for a moment.
55:08Tessa, do you not like Chloe?
55:13It's not like or dislike.
55:15I just want to skip the trouble.
55:20Tessa,
55:21I know it's strange having someone new in the house.
55:23But you have to believe me.
55:25Chloe being here doesn't change how we feel about you.
55:28I looked at him and said,
55:29nothing
55:31doesn't change anything.
55:33When I took first place at the National Youth Science Fair,
55:37all Dad said was,
55:38not bad.
55:42When Chloe got a bit apart in the school play,
55:44the whole family took two cars to watch.
55:47Afterward,
55:47they took her out to dinner and bought her flowers.
55:52When I tore a ligament playing basketball,
55:54my parents sent the housekeeper to stay with me at the hospital.
55:58When Chloe came down with the flu once,
56:00Mom and Dad took turns at her bedside.
56:02Mom's eyes were red.
56:03She said Chloe had already been through too much.
56:06They had a lot to make up for.
56:10Sure.
56:11Got it.
56:17After Nico left,
56:19I opened the deepest drawer in my closet
56:21and took out a wooden box.
56:23It was the music box my grandfather had made for me on his own.
56:29Last life,
56:30so we broke it.
56:31The first time I ever raised a hand to her,
56:33it was because of this.
56:34She ran to my parents crying,
56:36saying she'd only wanted a look,
56:38that I'd snapped at her
56:39and startled her hand into dropping it.
56:41Mom never asked what happened.
56:43She just laid into me.
56:44Tessa, it's just a music box.
56:46Do you have to make a scene over this?
56:48Can't you just let her have this one?
56:49But it wasn't just a music box.
56:52It was the last thing Grandpa left me.
56:54It was the last thing in this house
56:55I still wanted to take with me.
56:57At six, Mom knocked on my door.
56:59Tessa, come down for dinner.
57:01It's Chloe's first meal here.
57:03We're all eating together.
57:04I put down my book and went downstairs.
57:08But when I reached the table,
57:10I stopped.
57:11My usual scene between Mom and Nico
57:13was taken by Chloe.
57:23Eat up, Chloe.
57:24Chloe, I made this chicken just for you.
57:26You said you liked it, didn't you?
57:30Slow down.
57:31It's hot.
57:34I stood there,
57:36the extra one.
57:41Tessa, sit down.
57:42What are you standing there for?
57:43Chloe knew that was my seat.
57:45She didn't move.
57:46She didn't even say sorry.
57:56Stop right there.
57:57What's that supposed to mean?
58:02There's no seat for me.
58:04I'll leave you to it.
58:06Tessa, do you have to talk like that?
58:08It's Chloe's first day.
58:10Can't you make an effort?
58:11I'm being plenty cooperating.
58:14I just want to eat in peace.
58:17I'm sorry.
58:19Should I not have sat there?
58:20I didn't mean to upset Tessa.
58:24It's not your fault, sweetheart.
58:25Don't think like that.
58:27Tessa, what's going on with you today?
58:29I didn't answer.
58:30I took my plate upstairs.
58:31After dinner,
58:32mom came to my room
58:33with a cup of hot cocoa.
58:35Tessa,
58:36you hardly ate anything.
58:37I made you something you like.
58:39I glanced at the cup.
58:40It had been my favorite
58:41when I was little,
58:42but I could see right through it.
58:43She wasn't here about the cocoa.
58:45Mom, just say it.
58:47It's nothing big, really.
58:49I wanted to talk to you about something.
58:52Could you switch out of AP
58:53and just do regular?
59:01I can see you about something.
59:01Take care.
59:01Bye.
59:02Bye.
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