“But it’s not polite to give away gifts from others.”
She changed the subject abruptly:
“By the way, Emma, you don’t need to come to this game at all. Jake invited me to be their team assistant yesterday.”
“Wiping sweat, bringing water – they don’t need you anymore.”
Lily smiled triumphantly, even winking at me.
My friend couldn’t stand it and wanted to argue for me:
“You manipulative brat! Taking the ticket wasn’t enough, now you want her assistant position too?”
The team assistant position was coveted at our school – not only was it easy work, but it also earned high credits.
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Our school’s basketball games were somewhat famous, with generous sponsors providing a decent salary.
My family wasn’t well–off, and I relied on scholarships to get by.
This position was partly the school’s way of helping me as a student in need, and partly because Jake was the basketball team captain.
So the assistant position had always been mine.
I heard there were more sponsors this time, meaning better pay.
I had already told Jake that I planned to use this money for next semester’s tuition.
But apparently, Jake didn’t care? He gave everything to Lily just because he was angry?
Lily continued with her fake sympathy:
“Maybe you should talk to Jake, Emma. Beg him a little. He might find you another position, considering how poor you are…”
“No need,” I cut her off, stopping my friend from confronting her.
“I was tired of it anyway. If you want my leftovers, take them.”
I looked up and met Jake’s dark expression around the corner.
Just as the messages said, he hadn’t gone far. He was waiting for me to apologize and chase after him.
But I didn’t. I just walked past Jake with my bag, not even glancing at him.
He suddenly grabbed me:
“Emma, you were the one who was late…”
“Yes, so I’m not reliable enough for the basketball team.work. I don’t want your tickets, I don’t want the posit
ion. Happy now?”
Jake was stunned, then raised his voice angrily:
“You’re saying this on purpose.”
But these were all things he did. Why was he angry when I simply accepted them?
I shook off his hand and walked away without looking back.
There was another half of my sentence I didn’t say out loud, something Jake didn’t know.
The other half was: I don’t want you either.
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Chapter 2
