Chapter 2Faraway Wilds

After we'd finished submitting our applications, Mom and Dad each sent Maddison and me a cash gift.

The moment Maddison opened hers, she wrapped herself around Mom's arm with a grin. "I knew Mom loved me the most."

Then, out of habit, she turned to me. "How much did Dad send you?"

I opened the transfer notification and answered flatly, "$200."

Maddison lit up instantly. Even so, she still put on the act of being the thoughtful little sister. "Mom and Dad were probably worried you'd spend money recklessly, so they transferred the full $20,000 to me instead. If there's anything you want to buy later, just tell me."

Mom reached over and tapped the tip of her nose affectionately.

"That money is your reward for scoring 1480 on the SAT. Spend it however you want."

Then she turned toward me. "As for you, I don't even want to talk about a score in the 1300s. You've always lagged behind your sister. Once you get to college, you can't afford to slack off."

Maddison immediately grabbed Mom's arm and shook it. "Mom, Ashley already did amazing just getting into college. You're not allowed to nag her anymore."

I probably should have hated Maddison. She shone too brightly. Brightly enough that everyone who met her couldn't help but love her more.

But Maddison wasn't just possessive of every scrap of attention our parents gave me. Whenever Mom criticized me, she would defend me too, just like she was doing now.

Not good enough to be obvious, not bad enough to be unforgivable.

Tyler walked over with a smile, carrying two gift boxes. The pink one was for Maddison. The gray one was for me.

Inside mine was an e-reader.

Before I even had time to feel touched, Maddison threw her arms around Tyler excitedly.

"I knew you loved me the most, Tyler! You actually bought me the newest laptop!"

Brandon looked over in surprise. "That one retails for $2,800 on the official site. Did you just spend your entire internship paycheck from the last three months?"

Tyler reached over and ruffled Maddison's hair. "It doesn't matter how expensive it is if it's for my little sister, does it?"

But I was his sister too.

So why was my graduation gift so cheap in comparison?

I'd cried and asked that question too many times when I was younger. So many times that now, I didn't even have the desire to ask anymore.

I slid the e-reader back into its box. Then I stood and headed toward my room.

No one cared that I was leaving.

Only Maddison called after me. "Ashley? What's wrong?"

My footsteps paused. "I'm tired."

Behind me, Tyler's annoyed voice rang out. "That's just how she is. Always walking around with that miserable expression on her face. Maddie, stop worrying about her and go try out your laptop."

Brandon chuckled in agreement. "Yeah. Ashley's always been kind of weird. She's such a spoilsport."

I closed the bedroom door behind me, shutting out their laughter completely.

The next time I came out, it was for dinner. Mom had made an entire table full of dishes: barbecue ribs, honey garlic wings, and orange chicken.

One glance at the table told me everything I needed to know. Every single dish was one of Maddison's favorites since she liked sweet food, whereas I preferred spicy food.

After eighteen years of giving in, I didn't want to anymore.

"Mom, can we have chili sometime?"

Mom froze for a moment before frowning. "It was one thing when you were picky as a child. Why are you still so difficult now that you're grown up?

"Why can't you be more like your sister? Maddie never complains about food."

For a moment, I wanted to tell her that Maddison wasn't picky because Mom only ever bought and cooked the things Maddison liked.

As for what I liked?

Mom had never cared enough to ask. Or maybe she did know. Maybe it just wasn't important enough for her to remember.

The words reached my lips before I swallowed them back down.

What would have been the point?

Mom would only think I was being oversensitive and that I was making a fuss over nothing.