Chapter 6: The Interview and the Truth

The thunder rattled the windows all night. I curled up under my comforter, listening to the storm.

Next morning, the potted herbs were soaked, my stuffed bunny heavy with rain, mud splattering my sneakers. I scrubbed it clean and set it to dry, hands burning under the hot water.

Around nine, I was about to head out when I saw Aubrey twirling in the hallway, hair curled and cheeks pink. When our eyes met, she put away her smile. "Where are you going?"

"Part-time job," I said, grabbing my tote and phone. The living room was thick with her perfume and the click of her sandals.

Aubrey ran to Mom: "Look at my clothes! Do they look good?"

"Everything you wear looks good, baby," Mom replied, pride in her voice. I felt a pang of jealousy, then shoved it aside. "Caleb gave me this," Aubrey announced, triumphant.

I left, the hallway smelling like rain and laundry soap.

After tutoring the twins, I waited for the bus, sun burning off last night’s rain. The bus was almost empty. I sat in the back, backpack heavy on my lap, and got a message from my guidance counselor—confetti emojis and praise.

She said I really was the state’s top liberal arts scorer. The last state top scorer from our school? Caleb.

My chest tightened. Caleb again—always just out of reach. I closed my eyes, breathing in the green smell of leaves and cut grass.

After my breathing slowed, I read her next message: The local news wants to interview you. Since you’ll be back for your transcript, let’s set the interview for that afternoon, okay?

Me. Interviewed. I’d never even been on the school news. I typed, "Okay," before I could chicken out.

When I got home, Aubrey was on the carpet, application folders and highlighters everywhere. Mom called me over: "Natalie, what major do you want to apply for?"

"Law," I said, trying to sound steady.

Aubrey snorted, "Be serious. How could your score get you into law?"

Mom chimed in, "Why not elementary education? You could be an English teacher."

"No need. I’ve already decided. I’ll apply for law and become a lawyer." For the first time, my voice was firm.

Mom frowned. "That major’s score is really high, unless you apply to a second-tier school."

"My score is enough." I started to explain, but Aubrey grabbed Mom’s arm, pulling the conversation back to her. I swallowed my frustration, counting to ten.

It’s always been this way—I’m the shadow Aubrey leaves behind.

On transcript pickup day, Mom drove us to school. Aubrey sat up front, chatting about how she should’ve picked liberal arts. Mom was surprised, but Aubrey just muttered, "If I’d picked liberal arts, I could’ve gone to the same school as Caleb."

She looked back at me. "Natalie, I envy you. You were lucky to pick liberal arts and pass."

I bit my lip. "Whatever the result, it’s all our own effort."

Aubrey pouted and turned away. At school, she rushed off to her friends, leaving me alone. In my classroom, everyone went quiet, then suddenly burst into applause. "Awesome, top student! State top scorer!"

Their cheers made me smile—really smile—for the first time in ages. For once, I felt like I belonged.

After getting our transcripts, Mom called. I followed the guidance counselor to the auditorium for my interview, hands shaking as I fixed my collar.

Aubrey came in after, scanning the empty rows. "Natalie, what are you doing?" She eyed the reporter, who asked, "Is this your friend?"

"No," I shook my head. "This is my sister."

The reporter beamed, "You two sisters are both so pretty."

Aubrey’s eyes narrowed as she noticed the reporter’s badge. "Are you a news reporter?"

He nodded, still friendly. Aubrey looked confused. "Why are you here?"

Another reporter packed up the camera. The guidance counselor walked in with water bottles. I tried to keep my voice steady, waiting for Aubrey’s next question.

"We’re here to interview the state’s top liberal arts scorer," the reporter said, smiling at me.

Aubrey froze, face draining of color. She glanced at me, then at the empty auditorium. "Where is the top scorer?"

The reporter looked puzzled. I stood up calmly. "It’s me."

For once, Aubrey stared at me like I was a stranger. And for the first time, I didn’t look away.