Chapter 1The Passenger Seat Principle

My college campus was being used for state exams, so the dean announced an early spring break.

My parents told me they had just bought my brother, Liam, a brand-new car, and that he would pick me up to bring me home.

Excited, I hopped into Liam’s shiny new SUV. I paused for a second when I saw a custom sticker on the dashboard in front of the passenger seat: "Princess Tiffany’s Seat."

Liam gave an awkward laugh. "It’s fine, Maya. Just hop in."

I didn't think much of it. I sat down, figuring we were family. Surely his girlfriend wouldn't mind.

Halfway home, Liam’s phone started blowing up with a FaceTime request. He pulled over to answer.

Tiffany’s voice whined through the speakers. "I’m mad, Liam. Like, really mad. You took forever to pick up just because you're getting your sister? Who’s your actual baby?"

I felt second-hand embarrassment. I leaned over and waved. "Hi Tiffany! It’s Maya. Sorry to interrupt you guys."

Tiffany’s eyes went wide on the screen. There was a few seconds of silence before she shrieked.

"Liam! What is wrong with your sister? Does she have no shame? Is she blind? Can she not read the sticker that says 'Girlfriend’s Seat'?"

My face flushed hot. Instinctively, I apologized. "I’m so sorry, Tiffany. I didn't mean to offend you. I’ll be more careful next time."

I thought that would help. Instead, she exploded.

"Shut up, you little pick-me girl. Don't call me Tiffany. We aren't friends. Liam, this car is tainted now. I don't want it. Tell your parents to buy us a new one."

I went home and told my parents exactly what happened.

After some deep consideration, my parents decided it was time for Liam to get a new girlfriend.

* * *

Liam tried to calm her down on the phone, but Tiffany was relentless, hurling insults at me that made my stomach turn.

Finally, Liam snapped. "Tiffany, can you stop? That’s my sister. My blood."

Tiffany’s eyes instantly welled up with fake tears. "You’re yelling at me? Liam, you’re yelling at me for another woman? You are unbelievable! Sob."

Liam panicked immediately. "No, babe, wait. I didn't mean it. Don't cry."

She pouted, her voice trembling. "Then tell me right now. Who is more important? Me or your sister?"

Liam turned to look at me, his face twisted in agony.

I mouthed the words to him: Choose her.

He gave me a look of pure gratitude and turned back to the phone. "You. You are the most important person in the world to me."

Tiffany wiped her dry eyes and smirked. "That’s better. Your sister really needs to learn some manners. If I were there, I would have slapped her."

I froze, then turned my head toward the window, forcing back the tears stinging my eyes.

Liam spent another twenty minutes cooing at her before hanging up.

He sighed, looking defeated. "Maya, I’m sorry. Tiffany just... she has trust issues. She gets insecure and overreacts. Don't take it to heart."

I felt sick, but I didn't want to make things harder for him. I just nodded.

The car started up again, but the silence was deafening.