Chapter 3

To spite me, he suddenly grabbed Serena by the back of her head and kissed her deeply. I felt a brief pang in my chest, but it was quickly replaced by a wave of relief. I smiled faintly and walked right past them.

Let people destroy their own lives. I was not going to play the fool anymore.

After that day, Julian never contacted me again, and I certainly didn't look for him.

Even my mom noticed. "Elena, Julian hasn't swung by the house in days. Did something happen?"

"Mom, high school is over. Plus, he has a girlfriend now. He should be spending time with her."

My mom was shocked. "A girlfriend? But what about you two..."

"We're just neighbors, Mom."

My dad smiled from the kitchen. "She's right. Just neighbors. Whether he comes over or not has nothing to do with us. Now that exams are over, let's go on a trip!"

I bounced on my feet. "Dad, I want to go to Disney World!"

"You got it. I'll take some PTO, and we'll have a family vacation!"

My mom happily agreed. We spent the night looking up travel guides, completely ignoring my vibrating phone.

Once our itinerary was set, I checked my texts. Maya had sent me a screenshot. "Is Julian actually insane? He posted this on his private story and made sure I saw it."

I looked at the image. It was a screenshot of his finalized college enrollment page. It clearly showed the local community college.

I laughed. He was trying to bait me into saving him. Too bad he was blocked.

"Elena, what is this? Isn't he going to Columbia?"

"Serena changed his portal."

"Is he out of his mind?!" Maya was horrified. "He's throwing away his entire future for a girl?"

"Well, not my problem."

Maya thought he was a lunatic and blocked him too.

The next day, my family packed our bags and flew to Orlando.

I posted tons of photos on Instagram—Disney World, delicious dinners, and sunny beaches. Sure, Orlando was a total money vacuum, but I had the best time.

That night at the hotel, my phone rang from an unknown number. I picked up, and Julian’s voice came through.

"I heard you're on vacation. Where are you going next?"

"I'm going to visit the Columbia campus early. I want to get used to the area."

He let out a smug laugh. "Elena, stop being stubborn. Add me back on Snapchat. When you get back, I have a gift for you. What I promised you before... it still stands."

"Julian, everyone has to face the consequences of their own choices."

Before he could respond, Serena's voice echoed in the background of the call: "Babe, can you bring me a towel?"

He hastily hung up.

I looked at the pending friend request on Snapchat and hit decline.

It was 11:50 PM. Julian, you have exactly ten minutes left before the college portal locks forever. I hope you can take responsibility for your own life.

I don’t owe you anything.

Suddenly, Serena’s Snapchat request popped up.

"Elena, accept my request."

I ignored it, but she kept spamming.

"Julian and I are staying at a hotel tonight. No matter what history you two had, he's mine now."

"He's not going to Columbia with you. He's staying with me for the rest of his life!"

I chuckled and blocked her too. You two deserve each other. I have my own path to walk.

The clock ticked down. 11:58... 11:59...

At exactly midnight, the deadline passed. I took a deep breath and let it out.

Julian, our lives will never cross again.