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No Longer Your Charity Case

NovelMaster · English · Theater: NovelMaster, Lang: English, Genre: Realistic ·

No Longer Your Charity Case

Theater: NovelMaster  |  Language: English

Synopsis

The day my biological parents brought me home, I thought I finally had a family.
That very night, their adopted daughter, Chloe, woke up sobbing, claiming she’d had a nightmare about being abandoned. My parents rushed to her side, leaving me completely alone in a cold, dusty room just converted from a walk-in storage closet.
I sat there on the edge of the bed until dawn.
The next day, they had promised to take me to City Hall to officially change my last name and update my records.
Then Chloe called. With a trembling voice, she asked, Mom, Dad... are you going to throw me away now
Without hesitation, my parents abandoned me on the steps of City Hall. They didn’t even look back as they sped off to comfort her.
I quietly folded up the name-change petition and shoved it deep into my backpack.
On the third day, our high school held a college prep rally for seniors. My parents walked into the classroom with Chloe and me trailing behind.
When the senior guidance counselor asked whose parents they were, Chloe glanced at them with tear-filled eyes.
My mother instantly reached out and took Chloe's hand.
I looked straight at the counselor and said, Mr. and Mrs. Miller are just my charitable sponsors.
Both of my parents froze.
Helen’s hand was still resting on Chloe’s shoulder. When the word sponsors left my lips, her fingers visibly twitched.
David stood beside her. His lips parted, ready to offer an explanation, but Chloe beat him to it.
Her voice was sickly sweet. Ms. Hayes, Maya is staying with us for now. My parents are covering her tuition and living expenses, right, Dad
Under Chloe’s gaze, David glanced at me.
He quickly averted his eyes and nodded to the counselor. Yes. Maya is a low-income student our family is sponsoring.
Helen’s hand slid off Chloe’s shoulder. Her mouth moved slightly, but in the end, she didn't say a word to correct him.
Ms. Hayes, a woman in her forties, looked at me with open pity.
She gently patted my shoulder. Maya, opportunities like this don't come easy. A girl from your background making it this far on charity needs to show gratitude. Study hard for your finals and college exams. Make your sponsors proud, okay
I will, I said.
As soon as those words left my mouth, David’s shoulders slumped. Helen turned her face away, refusing to meet my gaze.
Right. From now on, they weren't Mom and Dad.
They were Mr. and Mrs. Miller.
Chloe linked her arm through Helen’s and added sweetly, Don't worry, Ms. Hayes. We'll make sure Maya focuses entirely on her studies without any distractions.
Ms. Hayes smiled, nodded, and turned to greet other parents.
When the assembly ended, we returned home.
The moment we walked through the front door, David snapped at me like an executive scolding an incompetent intern. Maya! What was that supposed to mean back there with your counselor
I stared directly into his eyes. If I hadn’t said that, you would’ve had to explain why my last name is Vance while yours is Miller. And if I'm your real daughter, who is Chloe Besides, when Chloe called you my sponsors, neither of you denied it, did you
That shut him up instantly.
I... I just didn't want the counselor asking awkward questions, Chloe whimpered, her eyes already brimming with tears.
Helen immediately rushed to her side. It's okay, sweetheart. It’s only for senior year.
She turned to glare at me. Maya, you brought this on yourself. Chloe was only trying to smooth things over for you. Stop being so ungrateful.
Right. Got it, I muttered indifferently.
I turned to head upstairs, but Chloe’s voice piped up behind me.
So... maybe we should hold off on changing her last name, too Otherwise, how will we explain it to the school...The entire living room went dead silent.
Chloe pressed on.
Senior finals and college applications are right around the corner. If she changes her name now, all the paperwork has to be updated. We'd have to explain everything to the teachers and the students.
We just told everyone she's a charity case. If we suddenly say she’s your biological daughter, who’s going to believe that
What will my friends think
What if people assume she’s Dad’s secret love child from an affair
Mom, Dad, I’m just thinking about our family. The company is trying to secure funding right now. If a random girl suddenly pops up...
Finally, David cleared his throat, making the call.
Maya, Chloe makes a valid point. There’s only senior year left anyway. Let’s just wait. Changing your name now causes too much hassle. It’ll be much easier once you start college. New teachers, new peers—nobody will ask questions.
I stood there, saying nothing.
The name-change petition from City Hall was still tucked neatly inside my backpack.
Maya What do you say Helen urged, annoyed by my silence.
What did I say Did my opinion even matter
Still, I wanted to give them one last chance to be parents.
I looked at Chloe. You don't want me to take the family name. You told the whole school I'm a charity case. Are you really that terrified I’ll take Mom and Dad’s love away from you
The second the words left my mouth, Chloe burst into tears.
How could you think of me like that! she sobbed. The day you came back, I offered to give you my bedroom!
Right. The housekeeper had already told me that story.
When the Millers first located me, Chloe had dramatically packed her bags, crying that she would move into the storage closet so I could have her master suite.
She had claimed that an orphan with no real parents should be grateful just to have a closet, so how could she dare ask for a luxury bedroom
Her performance had triggered Helen’s fierce maternal instincts. Helen swore Chloe would always be their true daughter.
Meanwhile, they decided that a girl raised in an orphanage shouldn't be handed a lavish room right away. They said giving me too much luxury too fast would ruin my character.
So, that storage closet became my bedroom.
They claimed it was a transition period to help me adapt to wealth.
Maya! How can you be so cruel to Chloe! Helen’s sharp voice dragged me back to reality.
We raised Chloe from birth! Even though you’re back, we won't love her any less!
I froze. I hadn't expected Helen to be the first one to defend Chloe so fiercely.
I remembered the first time Helen saw me at the shelter. She had rushed forward, sobbing, and threw her arms around me.
She said, My baby girl... Mom finally found you. Come home with me!
I truly believed I finally had a home.
I didn't realize that home belonged exclusively to Chloe.
I heard my own voice say, Fine. I understand. Let's drop the name change.
At least it would save me the trouble of changing it back later.
Without another word, I carried my backpack upstairs to my room.
The storage room had a flimsy hollow-core door with zero soundproofing.
Through the crack, I heard the happy family of three downstairs.
Chloe was still sniffing. Mom, Dad, I really didn't mean it that way...
Helen comforted her gently. Mom knows, sweetie. Maya just got here. She doesn't understand you yet.
David chimed in, Exactly. A shelter kid simply lacks class and proper manners. How could she compare to you, Chloe We raised you with grace for seventeen years.
...
I sat at my desk, pulled the name-change petition from my bag, and stared at the name printed on it Maya Miller.
With a cold, steady hand, I tore it into shreds.The sky outside darkened, and the voices downstairs faded away.
I rested my chin on the desk, staring blankly at the torn paper scraps.
Suddenly, my phone buzzed.
Maya, sweetheart, it's me.
It was Grandma Vance, the director of the shelter who had taken me in when I was abandoned. She gave me her last name, Vance.
My grip tightened around the phone.
Grandma Vance, I choked out, my voice tight.
Hey, sweetheart. School started, right How are things with your real parents Are they treating you well
Her voice was gentle, full of careful concern.
My throat burned. I wanted to tell her they stuck me in a storage closet. I wanted to tell her they called me uncultured, and that Chloe wouldn't let me take their name.
But the words caught in my throat. Grandma Vance was over seventy years old; I couldn't bear to break her heart.
They're treating me well, I lied, forcing a light tone. They bought me a new backpack, new school supplies, and new clothes.
That was technically true.
Except the backpack and supplies were styles Chloe had rejected.
And the clothes were completely the wrong size—Helen had simply bought items tailored to Chloe's measurements.
That's wonderful, so wonderful, Grandma Vance sighed in relief. I was so worried you wouldn't adjust. You lived with us for so long, and dropping into a whole new world takes time. Be patient, honey. Bonds take time to grow. Once they get to know you, they'll love you like their own.
Yeah, I whispered, biting down hard on my lower lip.
Senior year is crucial, so focus on your studies and don't stress over little things. I know you're brilliant, but don't burn yourself out, okay Your health comes first.
I know, Grandma Vance, I said. As soon as senior year wraps up, I'm coming back to visit you.
After hanging up, I stared at the dark screen for a long time.
I wanted to go back to the shelter.
Not yet, though. Right now, I needed to conquer my exams and secure my future.
The day after the college rally, the moment I stepped into homeroom, the air felt strange.
Every head turned toward me, then snapped back toward the front row by the window.
Chloe was sitting there.
A circle of girls surrounded her desk while she smiled, radiating pure, angelic humility.
Chloe, is it true Is Maya really a charity case your family is sponsoring
It was Brooke, our class representative, speaking loud enough for the whole room to hear.
Chloe gave a modest nod. It's nothing special, really. My parents just have big hearts. They saw she had good grades and wanted to help her out.
And she lives with you
Yeah, temporarily, Chloe smiled. Our house is huge. One extra person doesn't hurt.
Brooke glanced back at me, her eyes dripping with condescension.
Someone whispered, No wonder! Transferring into an elite prep school senior year I thought she was a genius, but turns out it was just the Millers' money talking.
Before Chloe’s triumphant smile could fully bloom, I spoke up, cool and steady.
Every transfer student is required to pass the district entrance exam. If you think the administration took Miller bribe money to let me in, I can give you the school board's hotline so you can report them.The classroom froze. Everyone stared at me in shock.
They clearly didn't expect a charity case to talk back.
The girl who had just spoken turned bright red. So what if your test scores are decent You still need handouts to sit in this room!
Her clique immediately backed her up.
Exactly. Why else would anyone sponsor a poor kid if she didn't have grades
Acting so entitled! If Chloe's family hadn't saved her, she'd be working minimum wage at a warehouse right now.
...
I didn't waste my breath. I walked straight to my desk.
Nobody talked to me.
The guy in front of me glanced back once and turned away. The girl beside me quietly scraped her chair a few inches farther from mine.
Across the room, Chloe watched me with a smirk playing on her lips.
At lunchtime, I bought the cheapest meal from the cafeteria and sat alone in the corner.
Three girls carrying trays walked over and deliberately sat at the table next to mine.
Without acknowledging me, they began their loud performance.
Hey, did you hear Chloe’s family is sponsoring that transfer student in our class.
Yeah, Ms. Hayes mentioned it at the rally.
She’s ridiculously ungrateful. The Millers took her in, and she walks around with that sour face, never saying thank you.
I know! I saw her walk in with Chloe yesterday, and she didn't even say hi. Who does she think she is
Chloe is just too kind. If it were me, I would’ve kicked that leech to the curb.
I put down my fork, picked up my tray, and stood up.
As I walked past them, they went silent for a split second.
The moment I cleared their table, their voices amplified.
See that Look at that attitude! Acting like she's above everyone.
What a pretentious freak. Without Chloe's parents, she couldn't even afford lunch.
I dropped my tray at the disposal station and walked out into the courtyard.
The sun beat down relentlessly.
I leaned against the bleachers, pulled a small notebook from my pocket, and flipped to a fresh page.
I jotted down a line
September 15th Cafeteria lunch, $5.50. Owed to the Millers $5.50.
I paused, then added yesterday's forgotten expense
September 14th Household utilities split, estimated $3.00. Owed to the Millers $3.00.
I had started this ledger the very first day I set foot in the Miller mansion.
Every single penny, every utility cost, every meal—I recorded it all.
I would pay them back every cent.
I refused to owe them anything.
From that day forward, I threw myself into studying.
I woke up at 430 AM every morning and went to bed at midnight.
I solved practice tests between classes, during lunch, and during gym free-periods.
First district mock exam I ranked 2nd in the class.
Second mock exam I ranked 1st.
Third mock exam 1st again, with the highest composite score in the district.
Ms. Hayes publicly praised me three times during our class meetings.
Yet every time, someone in the back muttered bitter remarks.
Of course a scholarship kid studies like that. What else does she have She has to claw her way out.
Whenever that happened, Chloe would speak up in her soft, delicate voice. Guys, please don't say that about Maya. She really works so hard.
Hearing that, the classmates looked at Chloe with pure admiration.
Then they would glance at me, their eyes screaming You better be grateful to her.
Then came December. One afternoon, Ms. Hayes walked into the room, beaming.
Under our school’s elite matriculation program, based on the last three mock scores and state academic competition honors, our very own Maya Vance has officially received Early Admission to our nation's top university!
In her office, Ms. Hayes proudly handed me the formal acceptance package.
Thank you, Ms. Hayes!
Don't thank me, Maya. You earned this entirely on your own merit. She paused. Make sure you share the good news with your sponsors.
Thinking of how David and Helen had treated me lately, I nodded. I will. I'll tell them tonight.
Ms. Hayes smiled warmly. Good. After all, they did sponsor you. Keep things gracious.
I will.
After evening study hall, I arrived back at the Miller house. Instead of heading straight upstairs as usual, I waited in the living room.
At 1030 PM, the front door opened. David and Helen walked in, followed by Chloe, whose hands were full of designer shopping bags.
Maya You're not asleep
Normally, I was buried in books by this hour.
Chloe smiled at me, though a flicker of guilt flashed across her eyes.
I was waiting for Mr. and Mrs. Miller, I said calmly. I have some great news to share.Mr. and Mrs. Miller.
Ever since the decision not to change my name, that was all I ever called them.
At first, they were furious. But after I explained that doing so prevented any slip-ups at school that might embarrass Chloe, they accepted it without another word.
What is it Helen asked, setting her purse on the counter and sinking into the couch.
Ms. Hayes told me—
Mom, look at this dress! Chloe interrupted, pulling a pastel frock from a boutique bag and holding it against herself. Doesn't it go perfectly with the white sneakers we bought last week
Helen’s attention snapped away instantly. Her eyes lit up. Oh, stunning! My darling looks gorgeous in everything.
What about this one Chloe pulled out another outfit.
That one's lovely too. With your fair skin, every color complements you.
David leaned over, smiling proudly. This one suits you best. Wear it to the family gala this weekend.
Yes, absolutely, Helen agreed. Let all the relatives see how graceful our Chloe has grown up to be.
The three of them chatted and laughed, immersed in their own world.
I stood six feet away, a ghost in their home.
I waited for five full minutes. Aside from a smug, provocative glance from Chloe, neither David nor Helen ever turned back to ask what I wanted to say.
A wave of utter exhaustion washed over me. It was pointless.
I'm going upstairs, I said quietly.
Okay, get some rest, Helen replied without even looking up.
I turned and walked up the stairs.
Behind me, Chloe’s voice rang out cheerfully Mom, this fabric is so soft. Should I buy a matching one for you so we can wear mother-daughter outfits...
Oh, you sweet girl! You always think of your mom!
The bedroom door clicked shut, cutting off the laughter.
I sat down at the small desk, pulled out my phone, and found Grandma Vance’s number.
After a brief hesitation, I dialed.
Hello Maya, honey Why are you still awake so late
Grandma Vance... I have news.
What news
I got into college early.
Early admission! To where! Her voice skyrocketed with excitement.
The top university in the country. It's official.
The line went completely dead for three seconds, followed by Grandma Vance’s tearful laughter.
Yes! Yes! I knew it! I knew our Maya could do it! Hold on, hold on, let me get Sarah! She’s on night duty—she is going to lose her mind when she hears this!
Sarah was the head caregiver at the shelter.
Listening to Grandma Vance shouting down the hall on the other end, my eyes stung with tears.
A moment later, Grandma Vance returned to the phone, her voice shaking with joy. Maya, once graduation comes, you have to come back and visit us. Bring your study notes, okay The younger kids look up to you like a hero.
I will.
By the way... did you tell your family Are they thrilled
I tightened my grip on the phone, my voice steady and flat. Yes. They were very happy.
Good, good. Now that you have a real home, parents who love you, and an incredible future, Grandma can finally rest easy.
Yeah.
Take good care of yourself over there, okay
I will, Grandma.
After ending the call, I sat in the dark.
Cars hummed in the distance outside, and faint giggles drifted up from the living room below.
I flicked on my desk lamp and opened my ledger.
On the inside cover, I wrote four words
I am going home.
Directly underneath, in smaller print
The shelter is my only home.

Chapters (5)

Chapter 1   Chapter 2   Chapter 3   Chapter 4   Chapter 5

Chapter 1

The day my biological parents brought me home, I thought I finally had a family. That very night, their adopted daughter, Chloe, woke up sobbing, claiming she’d had a nightmare about being abandoned. My parents rushed to her side, leaving me completely alone in a cold, dusty room just converted from a walk-in storage closet. I sat there on the edge of the bed until dawn. The next day, they had promised to take me to City Hall to officially change my last name and update my records. Then Chloe called. With a trembling voice, she asked, Mom, Dad... are you going to throw me away now Without hesitation, my parents abandoned me on the steps of City Hall. They didn’t even look back as they sped off to comfort her. I quietly folded up the name-change petition and shoved it deep into my backpack. On the third day, our high school held a college prep rally for seniors. My parents walked into the classroom with Chloe and me trailing behind. When the senior guidance counselor asked whose parents they were, Chloe glanced at them with tear-filled eyes. My mother instantly reached out and took Chloe's hand. I looked straight at the counselor and said, Mr. and Mrs. Miller are just my charitable sponsors. Both of my parents froze. Helen’s hand was still resting on Chloe’s shoulder. When the word sponsors left my lips, her fingers visibly twitched. David stood beside her. His lips parted, ready to offer an explanation, but Chloe beat him to it. Her voice was sickly sweet. Ms. Hayes, Maya is staying with us for now. My parents are covering her tuition and living expenses, right, Dad Under Chloe’s gaze, David glanced at me. He quickly averted his eyes and nodded to the counselor. Yes. Maya is a low-income student our family is sponsoring. Helen’s hand slid off Chloe’s shoulder. Her mouth moved slightly, but in the end, she didn't say a word to correct him. Ms. Hayes, a woman in her forties, looked at me with open pity. She gently patted my shoulder. Maya, opportunities like this don't come easy. A girl from your background making it this far on charity needs to show gratitude. Study hard for your finals and college exams. Make your sponsors proud, okay I will, I said. As soon as those words left my mouth, David’s shoulders slumped. Helen turned her face away, refusing to meet my gaze. Right. From now on, they weren't Mom and Dad. They were Mr. and Mrs. Miller. Chloe linked her arm through Helen’s and added sweetly, Don't worry, Ms. Hayes. We'll make sure Maya focuses entirely on her studies without any distractions. Ms. Hayes smiled, nodded, and turned to greet other parents. When the assembly ended, we returned home. The moment we walked through the front door, David snapped at me like an executive scolding an incompetent intern. Maya! What was that supposed to mean back there with your counselor I stared directly into his eyes. If I hadn’t said that, you would’ve had to explain why my last name is Vance while yours is Miller. And if I'm your real daughter, who is Chloe Besides, when Chloe called you my sponsors, neither of you denied it, did you That shut him up instantly. I... I just didn't want the counselor asking awkward questions, Chloe whimpered, her eyes already brimming with tears. Helen immediately rushed to her side. It's okay, sweetheart. It’s only for senior year. She turned to glare at me. Maya, you brought this on yourself. Chloe was only trying to smooth things over for you. Stop being so ungrateful. Right. Got it, I muttered indifferently. I turned to head upstairs, but Chloe’s voice piped up behind me. So... maybe we should hold off on changing her last name, too Otherwise, how will we explain it to the school...

Chapter 2

The entire living room went dead silent. Chloe pressed on. Senior finals and college applications are right around the corner. If she changes her name now, all the paperwork has to be updated. We'd have to explain everything to the teachers and the students. We just told everyone she's a charity case. If we suddenly say she’s your biological daughter, who’s going to believe that What will my friends think What if people assume she’s Dad’s secret love child from an affair Mom, Dad, I’m just thinking about our family. The company is trying to secure funding right now. If a random girl suddenly pops up... Finally, David cleared his throat, making the call. Maya, Chloe makes a valid point. There’s only senior year left anyway. Let’s just wait. Changing your name now causes too much hassle. It’ll be much easier once you start college. New teachers, new peers—nobody will ask questions. I stood there, saying nothing. The name-change petition from City Hall was still tucked neatly inside my backpack. Maya What do you say Helen urged, annoyed by my silence. What did I say Did my opinion even matter Still, I wanted to give them one last chance to be parents. I looked at Chloe. You don't want me to take the family name. You told the whole school I'm a charity case. Are you really that terrified I’ll take Mom and Dad’s love away from you The second the words left my mouth, Chloe burst into tears. How could you think of me like that! she sobbed. The day you came back, I offered to give you my bedroom! Right. The housekeeper had already told me that story. When the Millers first located me, Chloe had dramatically packed her bags, crying that she would move into the storage closet so I could have her master suite. She had claimed that an orphan with no real parents should be grateful just to have a closet, so how could she dare ask for a luxury bedroom Her performance had triggered Helen’s fierce maternal instincts. Helen swore Chloe would always be their true daughter. Meanwhile, they decided that a girl raised in an orphanage shouldn't be handed a lavish room right away. They said giving me too much luxury too fast would ruin my character. So, that storage closet became my bedroom. They claimed it was a transition period to help me adapt to wealth. Maya! How can you be so cruel to Chloe! Helen’s sharp voice dragged me back to reality. We raised Chloe from birth! Even though you’re back, we won't love her any less! I froze. I hadn't expected Helen to be the first one to defend Chloe so fiercely. I remembered the first time Helen saw me at the shelter. She had rushed forward, sobbing, and threw her arms around me. She said, My baby girl... Mom finally found you. Come home with me! I truly believed I finally had a home. I didn't realize that home belonged exclusively to Chloe. I heard my own voice say, Fine. I understand. Let's drop the name change. At least it would save me the trouble of changing it back later. Without another word, I carried my backpack upstairs to my room. The storage room had a flimsy hollow-core door with zero soundproofing. Through the crack, I heard the happy family of three downstairs. Chloe was still sniffing. Mom, Dad, I really didn't mean it that way... Helen comforted her gently. Mom knows, sweetie. Maya just got here. She doesn't understand you yet. David chimed in, Exactly. A shelter kid simply lacks class and proper manners. How could she compare to you, Chloe We raised you with grace for seventeen years. ... I sat at my desk, pulled the name-change petition from my bag, and stared at the name printed on it Maya Miller. With a cold, steady hand, I tore it into shreds.

Chapter 3

The sky outside darkened, and the voices downstairs faded away. I rested my chin on the desk, staring blankly at the torn paper scraps. Suddenly, my phone buzzed. Maya, sweetheart, it's me. It was Grandma Vance, the director of the shelter who had taken me in when I was abandoned. She gave me her last name, Vance. My grip tightened around the phone. Grandma Vance, I choked out, my voice tight. Hey, sweetheart. School started, right How are things with your real parents Are they treating you well Her voice was gentle, full of careful concern. My throat burned. I wanted to tell her they stuck me in a storage closet. I wanted to tell her they called me uncultured, and that Chloe wouldn't let me take their name. But the words caught in my throat. Grandma Vance was over seventy years old; I couldn't bear to break her heart. They're treating me well, I lied, forcing a light tone. They bought me a new backpack, new school supplies, and new clothes. That was technically true. Except the backpack and supplies were styles Chloe had rejected. And the clothes were completely the wrong size—Helen had simply bought items tailored to Chloe's measurements. That's wonderful, so wonderful, Grandma Vance sighed in relief. I was so worried you wouldn't adjust. You lived with us for so long, and dropping into a whole new world takes time. Be patient, honey. Bonds take time to grow. Once they get to know you, they'll love you like their own. Yeah, I whispered, biting down hard on my lower lip. Senior year is crucial, so focus on your studies and don't stress over little things. I know you're brilliant, but don't burn yourself out, okay Your health comes first. I know, Grandma Vance, I said. As soon as senior year wraps up, I'm coming back to visit you. After hanging up, I stared at the dark screen for a long time. I wanted to go back to the shelter. Not yet, though. Right now, I needed to conquer my exams and secure my future. The day after the college rally, the moment I stepped into homeroom, the air felt strange. Every head turned toward me, then snapped back toward the front row by the window. Chloe was sitting there. A circle of girls surrounded her desk while she smiled, radiating pure, angelic humility. Chloe, is it true Is Maya really a charity case your family is sponsoring It was Brooke, our class representative, speaking loud enough for the whole room to hear. Chloe gave a modest nod. It's nothing special, really. My parents just have big hearts. They saw she had good grades and wanted to help her out. And she lives with you Yeah, temporarily, Chloe smiled. Our house is huge. One extra person doesn't hurt. Brooke glanced back at me, her eyes dripping with condescension. Someone whispered, No wonder! Transferring into an elite prep school senior year I thought she was a genius, but turns out it was just the Millers' money talking. Before Chloe’s triumphant smile could fully bloom, I spoke up, cool and steady. Every transfer student is required to pass the district entrance exam. If you think the administration took Miller bribe money to let me in, I can give you the school board's hotline so you can report them.

Chapter 4

The classroom froze. Everyone stared at me in shock. They clearly didn't expect a charity case to talk back. The girl who had just spoken turned bright red. So what if your test scores are decent You still need handouts to sit in this room! Her clique immediately backed her up. Exactly. Why else would anyone sponsor a poor kid if she didn't have grades Acting so entitled! If Chloe's family hadn't saved her, she'd be working minimum wage at a warehouse right now. ... I didn't waste my breath. I walked straight to my desk. Nobody talked to me. The guy in front of me glanced back once and turned away. The girl beside me quietly scraped her chair a few inches farther from mine. Across the room, Chloe watched me with a smirk playing on her lips. At lunchtime, I bought the cheapest meal from the cafeteria and sat alone in the corner. Three girls carrying trays walked over and deliberately sat at the table next to mine. Without acknowledging me, they began their loud performance. Hey, did you hear Chloe’s family is sponsoring that transfer student in our class. Yeah, Ms. Hayes mentioned it at the rally. She’s ridiculously ungrateful. The Millers took her in, and she walks around with that sour face, never saying thank you. I know! I saw her walk in with Chloe yesterday, and she didn't even say hi. Who does she think she is Chloe is just too kind. If it were me, I would’ve kicked that leech to the curb. I put down my fork, picked up my tray, and stood up. As I walked past them, they went silent for a split second. The moment I cleared their table, their voices amplified. See that Look at that attitude! Acting like she's above everyone. What a pretentious freak. Without Chloe's parents, she couldn't even afford lunch. I dropped my tray at the disposal station and walked out into the courtyard. The sun beat down relentlessly. I leaned against the bleachers, pulled a small notebook from my pocket, and flipped to a fresh page. I jotted down a line September 15th Cafeteria lunch, $5.50. Owed to the Millers $5.50. I paused, then added yesterday's forgotten expense September 14th Household utilities split, estimated $3.00. Owed to the Millers $3.00. I had started this ledger the very first day I set foot in the Miller mansion. Every single penny, every utility cost, every meal—I recorded it all. I would pay them back every cent. I refused to owe them anything. From that day forward, I threw myself into studying. I woke up at 430 AM every morning and went to bed at midnight. I solved practice tests between classes, during lunch, and during gym free-periods. First district mock exam I ranked 2nd in the class. Second mock exam I ranked 1st. Third mock exam 1st again, with the highest composite score in the district. Ms. Hayes publicly praised me three times during our class meetings. Yet every time, someone in the back muttered bitter remarks. Of course a scholarship kid studies like that. What else does she have She has to claw her way out. Whenever that happened, Chloe would speak up in her soft, delicate voice. Guys, please don't say that about Maya. She really works so hard. Hearing that, the classmates looked at Chloe with pure admiration. Then they would glance at me, their eyes screaming You better be grateful to her. Then came December. One afternoon, Ms. Hayes walked into the room, beaming. Under our school’s elite matriculation program, based on the last three mock scores and state academic competition honors, our very own Maya Vance has officially received Early Admission to our nation's top university! In her office, Ms. Hayes proudly handed me the formal acceptance package. Thank you, Ms. Hayes! Don't thank me, Maya. You earned this entirely on your own merit. She paused. Make sure you share the good news with your sponsors. Thinking of how David and Helen had treated me lately, I nodded. I will. I'll tell them tonight. Ms. Hayes smiled warmly. Good. After all, they did sponsor you. Keep things gracious. I will. After evening study hall, I arrived back at the Miller house. Instead of heading straight upstairs as usual, I waited in the living room. At 1030 PM, the front door opened. David and Helen walked in, followed by Chloe, whose hands were full of designer shopping bags. Maya You're not asleep Normally, I was buried in books by this hour. Chloe smiled at me, though a flicker of guilt flashed across her eyes. I was waiting for Mr. and Mrs. Miller, I said calmly. I have some great news to share.

Chapter 5

Mr. and Mrs. Miller. Ever since the decision not to change my name, that was all I ever called them. At first, they were furious. But after I explained that doing so prevented any slip-ups at school that might embarrass Chloe, they accepted it without another word. What is it Helen asked, setting her purse on the counter and sinking into the couch. Ms. Hayes told me— Mom, look at this dress! Chloe interrupted, pulling a pastel frock from a boutique bag and holding it against herself. Doesn't it go perfectly with the white sneakers we bought last week Helen’s attention snapped away instantly. Her eyes lit up. Oh, stunning! My darling looks gorgeous in everything. What about this one Chloe pulled out another outfit. That one's lovely too. With your fair skin, every color complements you. David leaned over, smiling proudly. This one suits you best. Wear it to the family gala this weekend. Yes, absolutely, Helen agreed. Let all the relatives see how graceful our Chloe has grown up to be. The three of them chatted and laughed, immersed in their own world. I stood six feet away, a ghost in their home. I waited for five full minutes. Aside from a smug, provocative glance from Chloe, neither David nor Helen ever turned back to ask what I wanted to say. A wave of utter exhaustion washed over me. It was pointless. I'm going upstairs, I said quietly. Okay, get some rest, Helen replied without even looking up. I turned and walked up the stairs. Behind me, Chloe’s voice rang out cheerfully Mom, this fabric is so soft. Should I buy a matching one for you so we can wear mother-daughter outfits... Oh, you sweet girl! You always think of your mom! The bedroom door clicked shut, cutting off the laughter. I sat down at the small desk, pulled out my phone, and found Grandma Vance’s number. After a brief hesitation, I dialed. Hello Maya, honey Why are you still awake so late Grandma Vance... I have news. What news I got into college early. Early admission! To where! Her voice skyrocketed with excitement. The top university in the country. It's official. The line went completely dead for three seconds, followed by Grandma Vance’s tearful laughter. Yes! Yes! I knew it! I knew our Maya could do it! Hold on, hold on, let me get Sarah! She’s on night duty—she is going to lose her mind when she hears this! Sarah was the head caregiver at the shelter. Listening to Grandma Vance shouting down the hall on the other end, my eyes stung with tears. A moment later, Grandma Vance returned to the phone, her voice shaking with joy. Maya, once graduation comes, you have to come back and visit us. Bring your study notes, okay The younger kids look up to you like a hero. I will. By the way... did you tell your family Are they thrilled I tightened my grip on the phone, my voice steady and flat. Yes. They were very happy. Good, good. Now that you have a real home, parents who love you, and an incredible future, Grandma can finally rest easy. Yeah. Take good care of yourself over there, okay I will, Grandma. After ending the call, I sat in the dark. Cars hummed in the distance outside, and faint giggles drifted up from the living room below. I flicked on my desk lamp and opened my ledger. On the inside cover, I wrote four words I am going home. Directly underneath, in smaller print The shelter is my only home.

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