- 2 days ago
Fake Dating The Quarterback, Spoiled By The Transfer - Full Short Drama
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00:05I want to be your boyfriend.
00:07A fake one, of course.
00:09Four years into my crush on Adrian, that was only the third thing he'd ever said to me.
00:12I heard you and Sloane can't stand each other. She wants whatever you have.
00:15Do me a favor, pretend to date me and help me win Sloane over. Deal?
00:18I wanted to say no, but my head nodded first.
00:21The next day, Adrian took my hand in front of everyone and announced that I was his girlfriend.
00:26Gifts.
00:27Lunch together.
00:28Waiting by my locker after last period.
00:32Sure enough, Sloane started making moves on him.
00:35But for some reason, Adrian never made it official with her.
00:40Just when I let myself hope he might see our fake relationship as something real,
00:44he and Sloane went public.
00:48Afterward, he handed me a card and promised with a smile.
00:51If there's ever a guy you want, I'll help you too.
00:54I pushed the card away.
00:56No thanks.
00:57I'd like to do it myself.
01:00The second I walked into class Monday morning, nearly every eye in the room followed me to my seat.
01:05I pretended not to notice and pulled my notebook from my backpack.
01:08A girl in the back held up her phone and shrieked.
01:10Adrian Sloane just made it official!
01:11What?
01:12Wasn't he just dating Maya?
01:13Every eye in the room snapped to me.
01:14So, Adrian's whole thing with Maya was fake?
01:16Their voices dropped as they looked at me.
01:19The room erupted again when Sloane walked in.
01:20Everyone swarmed her.
01:22The classroom was loud, but I still heard every laugh.
01:25Slane, I knew it.
01:26There's no way Adrian would ever go for someone like Maya.
01:29You've got her beat by miles in grades, looks, and popularity.
01:32I couldn't figure out why Adrian would suddenly drop you and date her.
01:35Now it makes sense.
01:36He was just trying to make you jealous.
01:40Exactly.
01:41Adrian's the golden boy.
01:42If he really picked Maya, it'd be like the homecoming king showing up with the wrong girl.
01:46Sloane is the one who belongs beside him.
01:49Chloe texted me.
01:50I caught the concern in her eyes, shook my head, and acted like I didn't care.
01:54The moment I agreed to fake date Adrian, I knew this day would come.
01:58Still, that moment kept me playing in my head.
02:01He was standing so close back then.
02:03I clutched my backpack straps and stared up at him, frozen.
02:09Only two made the school uniform impossible to look away in Westbridge.
02:13One, Sloane.
02:14The other, Adrian.
02:16Adrian was the football team's starting quarterback and captain, and Westbridge's biggest star athlete.
02:21He was leading the team toward a state title.
02:23The other, Adrian.
02:26The other, Adrian.
02:26The other, Adrian.
02:28The other, Adrian.
02:30The other, Adrian.
02:31The other, Adrian.
02:33His GPA and course load were strong enough to clear college admissions, and several Division
02:381 programs were already recruiting him.
02:40Everyone called him Westbridge's golden boy.
02:43It took him repeating himself before I finally snapped out of it.
02:46Sorry, I couldn't think of another way.
02:48I heard you and Sloane can't stand each other.
02:49If I suddenly announce we're dating, she might finally feel threatened.
02:52If you're not into it, I won't push.
02:54One month, tops.
02:55Help me out, and I'll pay you well when it's over.
02:57The tiny spark of hope inside me died on the spot.
03:00My cheeks burned.
03:01I should have said no.
03:02But for some reason, I thought back to the day I first met Adrian.
03:06Then I remembered all the times we'd crossed paths during the four years I'd loved him.
03:11I might never stand this close to him, or talk to him this much again.
03:14So after only a few seconds, I nodded.
03:16I scrambled for an excuse that would save my pride.
03:19You will pay me when this is over, right?
03:20Adrian let out the faintest breath of relief.
03:23The sunlight cast his outline in pale gold.
03:25I couldn't read his expression.
03:27Sure.
03:27Don't worry.
03:28Oh, one more thing.
03:30There's something I need to make clear up front.
03:32Maya, don't actually fall for me.
03:33My fingers curled tight.
03:35Suddenly, it was hard to breathe.
03:36I thought about asking someone else.
03:39But the second those girls heard they'd be fake dating me, they...
03:43But you're different.
03:44You never even look at me.
03:47You're clearly a total bookworm.
03:48So I'm guessing you're not into me at all.
03:50You feel better.
03:52That's why I feel better doing this with you.
03:53He reached over and ruffled my hair.
03:56Relax.
03:57I won't fall for you.
04:02The next day, Adrian came straight to me in front of everyone.
04:05For the first time, he ignored Sloane, walked right past her, and stopped at my desk.
04:09He set a sleek gift box on my desk.
04:11We barely knew each other, yet he played the part like he'd done it a thousand times.
04:15Got you a bracelet?
04:16Your style?
04:17I opened the box.
04:18Inside was a simple silver bracelet.
04:20The box bore a designer logo I'd never seen before.
04:23I didn't recognize it, and I was too afraid to ask how much it cost.
04:26Meet me in the parking lot after school?
04:27I knew it was a dream.
04:29I knew I'd wake up eventually.
04:30Still, I gave a small nod and let myself fall a little deeper.
04:34For the next couple of weeks, Adrian and I looked inseparable to everyone at Westbridge.
04:38To convince Sloane, he did almost everything a real boyfriend would.
04:41He brought me coffee in front of everyone and waited by my locker every day.
04:45He even helped me clean up the club room and return activity equipment.
04:48At Friday night's football game, he made sure I had the best seat in the stands.
04:52After the game, he walked past everyone crowding him and took the sports drink only from me, right in front
04:57of Sloane.
04:58One day, we were walking side by side beneath the trees on campus.
05:01Sloane kept looking at you today.
05:03I think if we push a little harder, she'll make a move soon.
05:06Adrian suddenly stopped.
05:07He looked at me and laughed.
05:08Maya, why do you seem more eager than I am?
05:11He must have forgotten we'd agreed on one month.
05:13If a month goes by and Sloane still doesn't react, we end this fake relationship.
05:17We're practically strangers.
05:19We can't keep pretending forever, right?
05:20I turned away and kept walking without a word.
05:23I just wasn't ready to let this go.
05:25I thought Sloane would play hard to get for a long time.
05:27Turns out, she couldn't hold back any longer.
05:30That day after school, Adrian and I walked together when Sloane suddenly blocked our way.
05:34Mind if I join?
05:38Adrian arched a brow.
05:40He only smiled.
05:41He didn't say no.
05:42After that, no matter what Adrian and I did, Sloane always showed up at just the right time.
05:46Most of the time, I was only one step too slow.
05:49And suddenly, there was no room for me between them.
05:51They always started with distance between them.
05:53Then a few words later, they were close again.
05:56Wherever we were, I was always the third wheel.
05:59Sometimes Sloane would turn to me with a smile, like something had just occurred to her.
06:02I almost forgot.
06:04Adrian's your boyfriend now.
06:05Am I getting in the way of you spending time with your girlfriend?
06:08Adrian seemed to enjoy having her chase after him.
06:11He never truly turned her down.
06:12Every time, he'd just smirk at her and let her keep going.
06:15Even though everyone knew I was supposed to be the girl beside him now.
06:18And I had no right to complain.
06:20I knew better than anyone that our relationship had been fake from the start.
06:23I thought it would stay that way for a long time.
06:25Then that Saturday, Adrian invited us to a party at Cole's Estate outside town.
06:29Sloane came too.
06:30The party was packed.
06:31People crowded around the pool.
06:32In the chaos, someone slammed into me from behind.
06:35I lost my balance and plunged straight into the pool.
06:37At that exact moment, someone knocked Sloane in too.
06:40Adrian didn't hesitate.
06:41He dove in.
06:42He swam straight to Sloane, grabbed her and rushed her to the edge.
06:45I kept struggling in the freezing water.
06:47Finally, another student jumped in to pull me out.
06:49I had swallowed a lot of water and lay coughing beside the pool.
06:52But Adrian had already swept Sloane into his arms and carried her away.
06:56He never looked at me.
06:57Not once.
06:57Someone beside me whispered.
06:59Isn't Maya Adrian's girlfriend?
07:00Why did he save Sloane first?
07:02Isn't it obvious?
07:03Sloane's the one he's always loved.
07:04I heard Sloane crying with her arms around his neck.
07:06She said, I'm the worst most.
07:07Adrian, I'll be with you.
07:08Break up with Maya, please.
07:09I kept my head down and said nothing.
07:14Adrian and Sloane had made it official last night.
07:17When the bell rang, my phone buzzed several times.
07:20It was Adrian.
07:21Sorry.
07:21I didn't know you fell into the pool too that night.
07:23Are you okay?
07:24Thanks for playing along.
07:25When can I get you the money I promised?
07:27I'll have my friend bring it over.
07:29How about after school today?
07:30Behind the practice field.
07:31Same spot as always.
07:32And please delete our messages in that photo.
07:35Our fake relationship ends here.
07:37Sloane doesn't want me talking to an ex, so I'm removing you now.
07:40Adrian, I-
07:41He hung up.
07:42I opened my photos.
07:43It didn't take long to find the only picture Adrian and I had together.
07:47It was day 15 of our fake relationship.
07:50I'd suggested taking it.
07:51If Slaley saw a photo of us together, she might make her move sooner.
07:54Okay.
07:55I wasn't looking at the camera.
07:56I was stealing glances at him.
07:58A breeze had blown past.
07:59My uniform skirt drifted toward him.
08:01I hesitated for a long time.
08:03In the end, I couldn't delete it.
08:04The next day, during the last period of AP English,
08:07I was collecting essays for the teacher.
08:09Sloane held onto hers instead of handing it over.
08:11Of course girls fall for someone like Adrian.
08:13But you only fake dated for 15 days.
08:16That's hardly enough time to really fall for him.
08:19Right?
08:19But if you did, you should learn to control it.
08:22After all, he's my boyfriend now.
08:24I pulled the essay from her hand.
08:26Relax.
08:26I don't like him.
08:30I didn't meet Adrian behind the practice field after school.
08:33But the next day, he still had his friend deliver the card.
08:36After that, I heard Adrian took Sloane to Cole's estate outside town.
08:40That weekend, he took her to an amusement park.
08:43Someone even caught them on the secluded path behind the stadium.
08:46But their whirlwind romance was soon eclipsed by another piece of gossip.
08:49A transfer student joined our class.
08:51Westbridge rarely took mid-year transfers.
08:53So the news spread fast.
08:54People talked about him in the lunch line, by the lockers,
08:57even before football practice.
08:59Every time I walked into the classroom,
09:00I saw people hovering at the door just to look inside.
09:03Someone even stopped me.
09:04Hey, did you see the new guy?
09:06Is he as cute as they say?
09:08No idea.
09:08I didn't even know where he sat.
09:10Whenever I looked up,
09:11the students in front and beside me were the same as always.
09:14One day, I barely opened my book when a pencil rolled beside my chair.
09:17My pencil rolled by your foot.
09:19Can you grab it for me?
09:20I searched for a while before finally finding it.
09:22Without turning around, I reached back and handed it over.
09:25A moment later, someone tapped the back of my chair again.
09:27This time, an eraser rolled over.
09:29Chloe texted me.
09:30I froze.
09:31Only then did it click.
09:33The person who used to sit behind me never dropped this much stuff.
09:36I whipped around, and found myself staring into a brilliant smile.
09:40Hey.
09:41Front row.
09:45I immediately turned back around, dropped my head onto my desk, and texted Chloe.
09:51He's been sitting behind you for days.
09:53Now I was stunned too.
09:54I couldn't resist sneaking another glance over my shoulder.
09:56Mason was still smiling, so I slowly lifted a hand and waved.
10:00Hi.
10:00Every day, people took detours past our classroom, just to catch a glimpse of him.
10:05When Mason couldn't be bothered, he'd put in his earbuds, lay his head down, and pretend
10:09to sleep.
10:09I heard he'd transferred back from the East Coast.
10:12Why would you change schools mid-semester?
10:13He pushed a straw into a milkshake and handed it to me.
10:16My grandma missed me, so I came back to keep her company.
10:19Grandson of the year.
10:22Mason said he was new to Westridge, and didn't have a single friend.
10:25So I showed him around campus.
10:26I started inviting him to lunch too.
10:28Whenever he was alone during PE, I asked him to partner with me.
10:32Then one day, I had just sat down.
10:34Maya, are you going after Mason?
10:36I stared at her, stunned.
10:38But the moment I looked up, I saw Adrian standing in the doorway.
10:41I hadn't seen him in forever.
10:43He leaned against the frame, staring straight at me from across the room.
10:46I glanced at Sloan's seat without thinking. Empty.
10:48When I looked back, Adrian was already beside my desk.
10:51Found a new target already?
10:53He smiled like we were still close.
10:54I still owe you a favor.
10:57Want me to pay it back?
10:58I didn't understand.
11:00What?
11:00I know guys better than you do.
11:02If you're trying to get the new guy, Mason, right?
11:05I can help.
11:06I'm not trying to get him.
11:08Maybe I imagined it.
11:09But Adrian seemed to relax the second he heard that.
11:12Knew it.
11:12A bookworm.
11:13Move!
11:19You're in my way, bro.
11:27Adrian stepped aside and shrugged.
11:30Bad eyesight?
11:32What?
11:32You really can't tell who's the simp and who's doing the chasing?
11:35I'm the one always hanging around Maya.
11:38Guess I've been too low-key about being her simp.
11:41Weren't we supposed to be just friends?
11:43Since when were you my simp?
11:45What?
11:46You want to help me win her over?
11:48I don't mind the extra help.
11:50The smile vanished from Adrian's lips.
11:53If you're really not interested in him, don't give people the wrong idea.
11:56Slane doesn't like hearing about those 15 days.
11:58I'm warning you, don't give her more material to laugh at you.
12:01Before I could answer, Sloane walked in.
12:04What are you doing here?
12:05Uh, passing by?
12:07Your next class is in the other building.
12:09Come on, you'll be late.
12:10She practically dragged him away.
12:13Okay, that wasn't regular awkward.
12:15That was three full seasons of a teen drama crammed into two minutes.
12:18I shot her a helpless look and sorted my handouts.
12:21Behind me, Mason tapped the back of my chair with his pen cap.
12:24Ex-boyfriend?
12:25Fake.
12:26Sounds worse.
12:27It is.
12:27Mason didn't ask anything else.
12:29He only slid a sticky note beside my hand.
12:32Survivors Club?
12:32I couldn't help laughing.
12:37After that, Manson and I seemed to cross some invisible line.
12:40Before lunch, he'd text.
12:42Are you guys taking in a homeless transfer student today?
12:45When I did homework in the library, he'd sit across from me with his laptop.
12:49Promise to use only half the table.
12:51Then spread his charger, earbuds and snacks everywhere.
12:54At Friday's pep rally, the football team ran into the gym one by one.
12:58Adrian wore number seven.
13:00As he passed the student section, almost everyone screamed his name.
13:03Adrian spotted her, smiled and flashed her a hand signal.
13:08Then his gaze passed over her and landed on Mason and me, sitting side by side.
13:12A teammate bumped his shoulder and he finally turned away.
13:15That night, Westbridge won the biggest game of the season.
13:19I skipped the post-game party.
13:21At home, I hunched over the table in our living room, working on AP Physics.
13:24As I reached the last page, my phone lit up.
13:28A message from Adrian.
13:32I froze.
13:34I set my phone face down and went back to the unfinished problem.
13:38But my pencil stayed frozen over the same number.
13:44The next day, my AP Physics teacher posted our progress check scores online.
13:49It wasn't a high-stakes exam that determined our semester grade.
13:52It was only a check on whether we understood the current unit.
13:55I got a 61%.
13:57There was no class rank or leaderboard.
13:59Just the score distribution for our section, the teacher's comments, and a bold note.
14:04Schedule office hours.
14:05Still, I stared at that number for a long time.
14:08If that was truly my level, there was no way I'd pull AP Physics back to an A by semester's
14:13end, or show colleges a competitive transcript.
14:16Mason leaned over from behind me and saw my screen.
14:19You got a 61%?
14:20I snapped my laptop shot.
14:22No.
14:24You were staring at 61 like it owed you money.
14:27I said nothing.
14:28He didn't laugh.
14:29He just took a pen from my scratch paper.
14:32Library after school.
14:33I'll walk you through it.
14:35You?
14:36What?
14:36I don't look like I know physics?
14:37You look like you've never studied in your life.
14:39I'll take that as a compliment.
14:40At lunch, Adrian happened to pass our table.
14:43Mason stopped him.
14:44I hear you're going through athletic recruitment.
14:46How many APs are you taking?
14:47Adrian stopped, listed his courses, and casually mentioned that his weighted GPA was solid.
14:53His coach and college counselor both said his academics wouldn't hurt his Division 1 recruitment.
14:58When he finished, he glanced at me.
15:00Why the sudden interest?
15:01Just checking whether you're as good in class as everyone says.
15:04What about you?
15:05Me?
15:06Mason took a slow sip of soda.
15:08Transcripts decent?
15:09I got a 1590 on my last official SAT.
15:11The table went silent for a beat.
15:12Even Adrian's expression shifted.
15:14Westbridge didn't publish class rank, but everyone knew what a 1,590 meant.
15:19Mason said it like he'd just listed what he ate for breakfast.
15:22Then he looked at me.
15:23And you?
15:24I stirred my juice with the straw.
15:26I haven't taken the official one yet.
15:28Practice score?
15:29None of your business.
15:31Then I'll pretend I don't know.
15:32He propped his chin on one hand, far too casual.
15:35But I guarantee that when you sit for the real SAT, you'll score above 1500, and you'll pull AP Physics
15:40back to an A.
15:41What makes you so sure?
15:42Because I'm willing to sacrifice two hours today teaching you to stop drawing torque in the wrong direction.
15:47Beside us, Adrian suddenly laughed.
15:50She's not as easy to teach as you think.
15:52I tried showing her football plays once.
15:53She couldn't even tell the most basic coverage apart.
15:56Mason looked up at him.
15:57Maybe she wasn't the problem.
15:59Maybe the teacher was.
16:04When I got home, Sloan stood on the stairwell landing, looking down at me.
16:08Adrian used to ask why Sloan had it out for me.
16:10If he were here now, he'd understand.
16:13The moment I walked in, Sloan called toward the kitchen.
16:16Mom! Dad!
16:17Maya's dating at school.
16:18Aren't you gonna do something?
16:19My parents rushed out.
16:20One yanked my backpack strap.
16:22The other smacked me hard on the back.
16:23What?
16:24Dating?
16:24Is that what we send you to school for?
16:26I knocked their hands away.
16:27I'm not.
16:28Why do you believe everything she says?
16:29Oh!
16:30My mistake.
16:31Sloan sat on the couch.
16:32All innocents.
16:33Someone's chasing her.
16:35Same difference, right?
16:36She has no self-control.
16:38A guy says a few nice things and she'll cave.
16:40You'd better keep an eye on her.
16:43I shot back.
16:44Sloan is openly dating a guy at school.
16:46Why don't you police her?
16:47Mom's face darkened.
16:49How can you compare yourself to your sister?
16:51Of course guys chase her.
16:52But you?
16:53Why would anyone want you for no reason?
16:55Have you been neglecting school and throwing yourself at him?
16:57Sloan and I shared a mother, but not a father.
17:00She kept her biological father's last name, Parker.
17:03I took my father's, Bennett.
17:04When we were little she cried that I was uncool and ugly and refused to let anyone know I was
17:09her sister.
17:09Our parents actually helped her hide it all these years.
17:12So from elementary school through Westbridge, no one knew we were related.
17:15I wasn't ugly.
17:16I just wasn't as dazzling as her.
17:18And I didn't have closets full of pretty clothes.
17:20I'd stopped expecting their love long ago.
17:22Still, every word cut deep.
17:24At school Sloan was warm, generous and helpful.
17:27Everyone thought she was perfect.
17:29I wondered what Adrian would do if he saw how cruel and vicious she was in private.
17:33Would he still love her without holding anything back?
17:35Probably.
17:36My parents did after all.
17:37Because of a few words from Sloan, I got slapped again that night.
17:40Adrian was right.
17:41Sloan took everything I wanted.
17:43A student editor position on the school paper.
17:45A spot in an academic club.
17:47Even small classroom roles teachers assigned.
17:49Her advantage was obvious.
17:50The moment she reached for something, it was as good as hers.
17:53Everyone thought someone as amazing as her deserved whatever she wanted.
17:57No one saw that she was targeting me.
17:59That night, Sloan cornered me in the hall.
18:01Is Mason really chasing you?
18:03Her gaze swept over me.
18:05What could he possibly see in you?
18:10I kept my face blank.
18:12None of your business.
18:13Then I shoved past her.
18:14She leaned over the stair rail, smiling as she watched me squirm.
18:18He's only messing with you.
18:19You didn't actually take him seriously, did you?
18:22Adrian used you for an act too.
18:24And who did he end up dating?
18:26Me.
18:27Our family lived in a cramped two-bedroom apartment.
18:29My parents took the primary bedroom.
18:31Sloan had the other room to herself.
18:33When I was little, my folding bed sat in the corner of her room.
18:36Then she started calling boys and sending flirty texts.
18:39And decided I was in the way.
18:40She said she was grown and needed privacy.
18:42So my folding bed was moved into my parents' room, squeezed against the wall.
18:46After the lights went out, I climbed into bed as quietly as I could.
18:50I closed my eyes, and imagined having a room of my own again.
18:53It didn't have to be big.
18:55Just a real bed.
18:56A desk for homework.
18:57Maybe enough room for a computer.
18:59I furnished it piece by piece in my mind until I fell asleep.
19:03Some day, I'd have it.
19:04The next morning, I hesitated for a long time after I entered class.
19:08The question would probably make me sound full of myself.
19:11Still, I turned to Mason.
19:12He was asleep on his desk.
19:14I gently shook his arm.
19:15His fingers twitched, but he didn't lift his head.
19:17Still resting on his arm, he only turned his face slightly toward me.
19:20His beautiful eyes were half open, sleep still clinging to them.
19:23I took a deep breath and whispered,
19:25Could you stop chasing me?
19:30Then I immediately faced forward and ignored him.
19:33The outcome would be the same anyway.
19:35Every guy who chased me eventually fell for Sloan.
19:37Seriously?
19:38Mason put a hand on my shoulder and pulled me back slightly.
19:41His voice was low and rough with sleep.
19:43I'm not even fully awake.
19:44And you're already dropping a bomb on me?
19:46He sounded so ridiculous, I almost laughed.
19:48But I couldn't.
19:49I looked at him seriously.
19:50I'm not kidding.
19:51You're really hot.
19:52But can we just be friends?
19:54He chuckled.
19:56Not bad.
19:56At least I got the hot guy rejection, not the nice guy one.
20:00You're forgiven.
20:01There was no talking sense into him.
20:03So I sighed and went back to my work.
20:05I couldn't control what other people thought.
20:07I only had to keep my own heart under control.
20:09After that, Mason kept his promise and started tutoring me.
20:12Besides studying in class, we'd sometimes find a quiet corner at a bookstore or coffee shop.
20:16I was decent at English and literature.
20:19Math and physics were disastrous.
20:20Mason patiently helped me build a system.
20:22He said even the hardest problems came back to the textbook.
20:25Master the concepts and formulas.
20:27Pull patterns from worked examples.
20:29Use an error log to spot weaknesses.
20:31Group similar questions.
20:33Then reverse engineer solutions from the answer.
20:35He taught fast.
20:36I learned just as fast.
20:37After a few sessions, his eyes narrowed.
20:40He'd noticed something.
20:40Your speed and logic have been faster and more accurate than mine more than once.
20:44Nothing about you looks like someone who can only score that low.
20:48And explain why you age every GPA graded assignment and quiz
20:51then look like a different person on a full length SAT practice test that doesn't count.
20:55I lied guilty.
20:56I have test anxiety.
20:58Quizzes are fine.
20:59Big tests make my mind go blank.
21:01Seriously.
21:01I poked my fingertip with my pen.
21:03These scores are the best I can do.
21:05Mason watched me with a knowing half smile, but didn't press.
21:08Near the end of the day, Adrian called.
21:10I hesitated, then answered.
21:12Sorry to bother you.
21:14I told Sloan those 15 days were fake.
21:16Nothing happened between us.
21:18She doesn't believe me.
21:20Can you come explain it to her?
21:21I was quiet for a moment, then refused.
21:24That's not my responsibility.
21:26I don't want to go.
21:28Adrian didn't push.
21:29But just as I was about to hang up, he asked.
21:32The team's celebrating tonight near school.
21:34If I invited you, would you come?
21:35Since when had Adrian ever invited me anywhere?
21:38He'd do anything to make Sloan happy.
21:39My throat tightened, but I still said no.
21:42I can't.
21:43Mason's taking me to a movie tonight.
21:45The line went silent for a few seconds.
21:47A long time passed before Adrian's low, restrained voice came through.
21:50Are you and Mason together?
21:51His voice was unusually hard, like he was interrogating me.
21:58I considered it, then answered.
22:00I don't think that's any of your business.
22:01The call ended the second I finished.
22:03I didn't think much of it.
22:04When Westbridge released its full-length SAT practice scores,
22:08the results appeared only in each student's college planning account.
22:11Still, word spread fast, and everyone was surprised.
22:13On his first school practice test, Mason scored 1,590, the highest in our senior class so far.
22:20I opened my report and paused at 1,280.
22:24I let out a satisfied breath.
22:25Good.
22:26Just ten points lower than last time.
22:27Mason saw the score I'd chosen to show him.
22:29He folded his arms, stared in disbelief, then laughed in frustration.
22:33What happened?
22:34I've tutored you this long and somehow made your score drop?
22:37I tried to comfort him.
22:38It's fine.
22:39At least this proves your tutoring can change a score.
22:41If you're that good, why not have the counselor move you into the highest AP physics C section?
22:45Haven't you heard the saying?
22:47Mason put on a solemn face.
22:49Real gold shines wherever you toss it.
22:51Then a sweet voice cut in.
22:52Mason, can you erase the whiteboard for me?
22:55Sloan held the eraser and smiled at him.
22:57I can't reach the top.
22:58I pressed my lips together and looked away.
23:00Every time Sloan asked for help, boys rushed to do it.
23:04This time would probably be no different.
23:06Mason's gaze moved between us twice.
23:08Like he'd just noticed something.
23:10He smiled at me.
23:11She's shorter than you.
23:12I looked up.
23:14We're basically the same height.
23:17Then how come I've never seen you fail to reach the board?
23:19Sloan's grip tightened around the eraser.
23:21Her face went stiff.
23:23She bit her lip, turned away, and called over another guy.
23:25He immediately ran over to erase it for her.
23:27Our last class Friday was PE, and our class was playing flag football with Adrian's.
23:32During free play, guys from both classes quickly grouped up.
23:35Chloe laughed.
23:37Does anyone else think Adrian Mason don't get along?
23:39You don't think Mason likes Slane too, do you?
23:41She grew more excited with every word.
23:43Two school heartthrevers fighting over one girl?
23:46Now that's a love triangle.
23:47I frowned.
23:49Mason isn't like that.
23:50He acted like he did whatever he wanted and cared about no one's opinion.
23:53But if he truly liked someone, he'd be up front.
23:56He'd never sneak around as the other guy.
23:57I was heading back inside when a wild pass flew straight at me.
24:00I threw up a hand to block it, but my foot slipped.
24:03You okay?
24:03Did it hit you?
24:04Both voices reached me at once.
24:05Adrian caught my elbow first.
24:07Mason quickly steadied my other shoulder.
24:12Everyone looked over.
24:13The field went silent.
24:14I heard Sloan call out.
24:15Adrian!
24:16I snapped back and struggled to pull away.
24:18Adrian let go.
24:19His expression darkened.
24:20Sorry.
24:21I turned to Mason and whispered.
24:22I think I twisted my ankle.
24:24Take me to the nurse.
24:25Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Adrian's steps falter as he walked away.
24:29Luckily, it was minor.
24:30The school nurse iced it, wrapped it in an elastic bandage, and sent us off.
24:34Evening sunlight streamed through the leaves, scattering diamonds over the asphalt.
24:39Mason carried me on his back when he spoke without warning.
24:41You like him?
24:42Not a question, a statement.
24:44I could smell clean soap on him.
24:46Students passed now and then, their laughter blending with the wind like it came through a veil.
24:50I denied it.
24:51No.
24:52He said confidently.
24:54You can't fool me.
24:55I know what a secret crush looks like.
24:56You wouldn't know.
24:58Mason only smiled and said nothing else.
25:00That night, I rang the apartment buzzer for a long time.
25:02No one let me in.
25:03I knew at once.
25:05Sloan was angry again.
25:06My parents could have made another building key.
25:08But they kept only three, and refused to give me one.
25:11So every time I went out, I had to time my return for when someone was home.
25:14But no one told me they'd all be out tonight.
25:16I called again, and again.
25:18My parents and Sloan ignored every call.
25:20The apartment hallway was too dark.
25:22I'd already tried, and I couldn't read my printed AP practice sheets there.
25:26So, like always, I walked outside to find a brighter street light.
25:30The nearby blocks were just as dark.
25:31I walked several more blocks before stopping and unexpectedly finding Mason.
25:35A tennis bag hung from his shoulder.
25:37He stopped too.
25:38I tightened my grip on my backpack strap, plucked a leaf, and lied.
25:42I was heading home.
25:43I just got tired and stopped for a minute.
25:45He stepped closer, looked down at me, and only said,
25:48Oh.
25:48He didn't expose the lie or ask questions.
25:51He only said,
25:52I have a really dumb puppy.
25:53Wanna see?
25:54I stared at my shoes.
25:55Mine were old canvas sneakers.
25:57His were a pair I couldn't name.
25:59How dumb.
25:59I shifted my feet and asked softly.
26:02Pretty serious.
26:03Mason considered it.
26:05The vet says she learns slower than most dogs.
26:07Oh, then I guess I could take a look.
26:09Mason smiled, shoved his hands into his jacket pockets, and turned to lead the way.
26:12Come on.
26:16Mason's dog was a pale yellow mixed breed puppy.
26:18Come on, shake.
26:20She seems pretty smart.
26:21Maybe the vet got it wrong, who knows.
26:23Come sit down dear, have a seat.
26:25Mason's grandmother gave me a very warm welcome.
26:28Have we met before?
26:29Don't you remember?
26:30A few months ago, I fell on the sidewalk.
26:33You called 911 and stayed until the paramedics came.
26:35I never got to thank you properly.
26:37No need.
26:38I'm just glad you're okay.
26:39After the fall, Mason's parents wanted me to move back with them.
26:42I refused.
26:43Mason transferred to Westbridge to stay with me.
26:47It's getting late.
26:48I should probably head home.
26:53She likes me.
26:54Do you like her?
26:56No pressure.
26:57A puppy's already happy just wagging her tail and being good to you.
27:00Next time she sees you, she'll still wag her tail.
27:02I was a girl without even a room of my own.
27:04My future was uncertain.
27:06I couldn't promise anyone anything.
27:07I like Pearl too.
27:12Once senior year began, classes and college applications kept me busy.
27:16Mason had nearly straight A's and near perfect SAT practice scores.
27:20The scores I let everyone see still hovered around 1,300.
27:23After that practice test, he stopped insisting on tutoring me.
27:26One session cost you ten points.
27:28A few more and I'll send you back to a thousand.
27:31But he started texting me non-stop.
27:34Why can I pin chats to the top and not the bottom?
27:36Yours is going all the way to the bottom.
27:38Works for me.
27:39The best treasures belong at the bottom of the chest.
27:42When I finished, I saw Mason's new post.
27:45He'd posted a screenshot of our chat.
27:47With our names and profile pictures cropped out.
27:52Nice read.
27:52You made it to the very bottom of the chat list.
27:54Who's got you crushing this hard?
27:59When I walked into class the next day, a crowd surrounded my desk.
28:04Four years of crushing on Adrian.
28:06No wonder those 15 days of fake dating felt like a dream come true.
28:10And you kept hanging around us like nothing happened.
28:13Maya, don't you disgust yourself?
28:17Who I like is none of your business.
28:18You like my boyfriend.
28:19What do you think?
28:21You really think Adrian fake dated you because he wanted you?
28:24If I hadn't told him to find someone else, when I rejected him, he never would have picked you.
28:28I stopped arguing.
28:30The more I fought back at school, the more she tormented me at home.
28:33I was just glad Mason wasn't there.
28:35After the crowd left, I turned to Chloe.
28:38You pulled my diary out of the drawer, didn't you?
28:40It wasn't me.
28:40Someone bumped your desk.
28:41Everything fell out.
28:42I know you like Adrian too.
28:45I was done loving Adrian.
28:47I wouldn't become like them for his sake.
28:53Mason heard what had happened.
28:54It's fine.
28:55We all have terrible taste when we're young.
28:59Adrian texted me too.
29:01I didn't reply.
29:02I blocked him and deleted the chat.
29:04I kept working on my college applications.
29:06Maintained my A's in AP classes.
29:09And kept the SAT practice scores I showed everyone around 1,300.
29:14Adrian and Sloan kept breaking up and getting back together.
29:16Mason and I caught them fighting again.
29:19Plenty of guys want me.
29:20You think I need you?
29:23You only got close to Maya to get my attention too, didn't you?
29:25Stop chasing her.
29:26You have my permission to chase me.
29:28I looked at Mason.
29:29Adrian had only approached me because of Sloan.
29:32Had Mason done the same?
29:33Help.
29:33Someone's getting delusional.
29:34Adrian glanced at me and walked away.
29:36Sloan hurried after him.
29:37Adrian!
29:38Are you falling for her?
29:44After that day, Sloan started targeting me openly.
29:46At the student council president's birthday party, I walked past her.
29:50She yanked the hand holding my cup, spilling water all over herself.
29:53Maya, I know you hate me, but you can't throw water on me.
29:56You pulled my hand.
29:57Check the security footage.
29:58You know there aren't any cameras in this room.
30:00Just apologize, then we can drop it.
30:02Why should we?
30:02This dress was expensive.
30:03I told you, it wasn't me.
30:05Stop being stubborn.
30:06Just apologize.
30:07Or can you afford to replace that dress?
30:09You want an apology?
30:12Now you can accept my apology.
30:15I'm sorry.
30:20I opened the door and found Mason about to knock.
30:22He glanced inside, asked nothing, and left with me.
30:26Outside the gate, Adrian caught up and grabbed my wrist.
30:29What's gotten into you?
30:30Are you that jealous of Sloan being with me?
30:34I'm not jealous of her.
30:36Date her or break up with her.
30:38Just leave me out of it.
30:40You finally got the girl you wanted, so why are you still unhappy?
30:43After that, word spread through Westbridge that Sloan and I were sisters.
30:46She had new clothes and expensive dance classes.
30:49I wore the same coat for three years, and my lunch account ran out before the end of each month.
30:53When someone drove her home, she got out at the beautiful house on the corner.
30:57Once they left, she circled back to our run-down apartment.
31:01Our parents spent everything making her look rich, but couldn't cover a $10,000 emergency.
31:06What can I do if mom and dad don't like her?
31:08I can't control how they feel.
31:10Slane has dance, student council, and better practice scores.
31:13It's not her fault her parents want to invest more in her.
31:16Honestly, I feel bad for Maya.
31:18She doesn't need your pity.
31:20She made it this far in that kind of home.
31:22She's stronger than everyone here.
31:29On the day of the December SAT, my parents fussed over Sloan, checking her laptop, ID, and admission ticket.
31:35I stood apart, holding the laptop I'd borrowed from school.
31:38Mom finally remembered me and reached for my arm.
31:40The proctor started checking IDs, and I walked straight in.
31:43When the test was over, Mason was already waiting outside.
31:46Want a road trip through California this summer?
31:48No. I need a job to save for college.
31:50Then let me hire you to travel with me.
31:52All expenses paid, plus $5,000. Enough?
31:56I'll give it serious consideration.
32:01On SAT score release day, I checked my results on Mason's computer at his house.
32:06When I got home, Mom had the Kingsley Fellows Scholarship Office on speakerphone.
32:10Congratulations.
32:11An applicant in your household has reached final verification for a full scholarship.
32:15We've reviewed the complete application.
32:17The recipient and award details remain confidential until verification is complete and the portal is updated.
32:25Sloan, you did it!
32:26Your grades, dance, and student council record must have impressed them.
32:30What did you get on the SAT?
32:31Sloan hadn't checked her school, but she already believed it.
32:34I didn't expect this either.
32:36Maybe I really outdid myself.
32:38What about you? What did you get?
32:43One look at her tells you she bombed it.
32:45Average practice scores, and all she does is chase guys.
32:48Mason quit tooting her after one session.
32:50Mom, I told you dating would ruin her life.
32:52Mom gave me a cold glance, then joined Sloan in calling relatives with the good news.
32:56All I cared about was when my scholarship portal would update.
33:00I'd heard that, on verification day, the program director might visit winners who'd signed a media release,
33:06bringing their school counselor and reporters to announce the result.
33:09Someone knocked.
33:10I opened the door and found Adrian.
33:11I'm here for you.
33:13What for?
33:14Would you go to college in the UK?
33:15My family found you an admittance consultant.
33:17I'll cover tuition and living expenses.
33:19I don't need you managing my applications.
33:20With practice scores like yours and nothing special on your resume, how could you possibly-
33:24Excuse me.
33:25Which one of you is Maya Bennett?
33:29We're here to formally announce Maya Bennett's scholarship decision.
33:32Hear that?
33:32They reviewed my entire application.
33:34How is that possible?
33:35Aren't you here for Sloan?
33:36Sloan Parker also applied.
33:37But today, we're here for Maya Bennett.
33:40I'm Maya.
33:41There's been a mistake.
33:42Her practice scores are awful and her activities are nothing special.
33:46How could she get a full drive?
33:47Maya, did you cheat?
33:51Ms. Bennett, choose your words carefully.
33:53Maya's SAT score has been verified.
33:55We don't award scholarships based on one test.
33:57Her academic record, essays, recommendations, activities, and financial aid materials all
34:00past review.
34:01Her full scholarship is tuition fees, housing, meals, and books.
34:03It becomes official after routine document derivation.
34:05Why did you always-
34:05Whenever a teacher praised me more than Sloan, she threw a fit.
34:09Then our parents confiscated my textbooks and homework.
34:11Eventually, I learned to hide.
34:13Westbridge didn't publish class rank.
34:15I maintained an unweighted four in the toughest honors and AP classes.
34:18Only holding back on ungraded quizzes and SAT practice tests.
34:22When she went too far, I answered a few more correctly to scare her.
34:25Using the library's free wifi, I completed my college applications, fee waivers, and financial aid forms.
34:31I never compromised my official grades.
34:33I hid what I could do from my family.
34:35I'd been waiting for today.
34:40More college acceptances and scholarship offers followed for Mason and me.
34:43I saw his interview on the news.
34:46You and Maya each received admission and a full scholarship to Kingsley.
34:49If she chooses Kingsley, will you go with her?
34:52I'm not officially her boyfriend yet.
34:54And I'm pretty sure she scored higher than I did on the SAT.
34:57After the interview aired, the story of the genius girl who hid her talent went viral.
35:01My parents rushed to get on camera, claiming the consultants and course planning they'd arranged for Sloan had been for
35:06me.
35:07I gave the media my emails, school records, and application documents.
35:10They proved my parents had never attended my college planning meetings or paid a cent toward my applications.
35:15I used that moment to cut them off for good.
35:17Sloan's reach schools rejected or waitlisted her.
35:20She ended up at a local state university with limited merit aid.
35:23My parents couldn't accept that the daughter they'd invested everything in, had lost to the one they'd ignored.
35:28Who cared? I felt incredible.
35:33After breaking up with Sloan, Adrian accepted a football offer from a west coast college.
35:38Before leaving, he sent me a message.
35:41Those 15 days were fake.
35:43But they were the only time I felt like I was in a real relationship.
35:46I was happier with you than with Sloan.
35:48I didn't know what she was like in private.
35:49I changed my number and erased him from my life.
35:52While packing my old textbooks, I found a note tucked inside.
35:56I'm sorry.
35:56I crumpled it up.
35:58Not every wrong deserves forgiveness.
35:59After my admission and full scholarship were confirmed, I ran downstairs.
36:03Mason was waiting for me.
36:041600.
36:05Ten whole points above you.
36:06I knew I wasn't wrong about you.
36:10Mason and I both chose Kingsley Institute.
36:13College was full of brilliant people.
36:14I could finally stop hiding and give it everything I had.
36:18So this is what you can really do?
36:21Hey girlfriend, can you spare a second to look at me?
36:24Still handsome.
36:25You've earned a reward.
36:26But he was so clingy.
36:27One day, I'm inventing a procedure to remove that lovesick brain of yours.
36:32Then you're in trouble.
36:34What?
36:35Then I'll love you without a second thought.
36:37Damn it, he got me again.
36:40Life will put you in cages.
36:42If you only wait for someone else to break them open, you'll never escape.
36:45The heart that loves you most has been beating inside your own chest all along.
36:49Trust yourself.
36:50One day, you'll find your own way out.
36:52Years later, Mason and I entered the same doctoral program at a top European university.
36:57I set out in midsummer, bound for a wider world.
37:00I set out in midsummer, bound for a wider world.
37:00Then you're going to go with me.
37:02Until then, I've got rid of her bits from texts.
37:03So now, you're in an interview tonight.