Chapter 7: A New Beginning

I once heard: the quickest way to forget someone is to find a new love. Looking at Derek’s awkward figure, an idea struck me. In two days, daughters of local officials could apply for the state college scholarship program—a chance to start over. Girls whispered about it in the halls, the local paper ran stories about past winners making it big.

I remembered that several mayors’ wives had been chosen through this selection, but Derek had always refused the marriages his father tried to arrange. Until his death, his house stayed empty. Sometimes I’d see his porch light on at night, shadows flickering. People wondered why he kept to himself, but I think he just wanted something real.

That night, I timed my return home, decision made. When Mom came back from church, still in her Sunday best and smelling of lavender, I told her my plan. She looked at me for a long time, brow furrowed. “Your aunt came by yesterday—said Lillian’s trousseau is too small and wanted to take some of ours. Good thing I didn’t say yes. If you’re chosen, my daughter won’t be left with scraps.”

Mom was always practical, never letting anyone take advantage. I rested my head on her lap, smiling faintly. She stroked my hair, just like when I was little. For the first time in weeks, I felt safe—like I was finally making a choice for myself.

In my old life, my cousin married well and took treasures from our family. Mom let it go for family’s sake. Now, with our families on equal footing, it’s too much to ask for more.

At dusk, after dinner, I ran into my cousin in the covered walkway. The smell of cut grass and barbecue drifted through the air. My cousin jumped, clutching her phone. When she saw me, her pale face relaxed. “Natalie, you walk so quietly! You scared me.” She laughed nervously, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

I smiled. “Where’d you go?”

She flushed, fiddling with her purse. “I went to the gazebo by Willow Lake to meet a friend. We talked for a while.” She avoided my eyes, but I let it go. We’d all been hiding parts of ourselves lately.

I nodded, knowing I hadn’t mistaken the people I saw earlier. Lillian and Marcus had formed their bond at Willow Lake before, and now they’d reconnected there. I never thought Marcus, always so career-driven, would be so particular.

A sour feeling twisted in my chest. I was about to leave when my cousin blurted, “By the way, that friend of mine mentioned you today, too!”

She looked at me with a hesitant smile, and for the first time in forever, my story felt unwritten. Maybe, just maybe, I’d get to write it myself.