They watched me scramble back and forth, grabbing at air, and laughed like it was the funniest thing they'd ever seen.
Samantha looked down at me, queen to peasant.
"Your promises mean nothing to me. The ticket's mine now. You want to take that exam tomorrow? Then behave. Don't ruin Roger's birthday."
My eyes burned. My voice shook.
"Samantha, give it back. Don't make me hate you."
Something flickered in her expression when she saw the raw hatred in my eyes. Her tone softened—just a fraction.
"All you have to do is keep your mouth shut, and I'll return it. We promised we'd get into the same university, remember? Of course I'll give it back."
"Just don't ruin Roger's eighteenth birthday."
I stared at her earnest face, and my heart sank inch by inch.
Eighteen years. We'd grown up together for eighteen years.
And my entire future meant less to her than Roger's party.
My whole body trembled. I couldn't look away from her.
She avoided my gaze, turning to the crowd with a bright smile.
"Crisis averted! Everyone can relax and enjoy the party now."
Roger was on her instantly, pulling her into his arms. His voice dropped low, intimate.
"Thank you, Samantha. This party is the best gift I could ask for."