<Live with a system) Chapter 9
The room buzzed with discussion. Some praised Riley, others criticized her. Most talked about Chloe.
“Chloe’s never been in the top 100. How dare her brother ask for the spot?” “If I remember correctly, that’s Riley’s brother. He just asked so confidently… Was the spot meant for Chloe?”
The principal knocked on the microphone to end the ceremony.
The awards ceremony is over. Kids, let’s work together and strive for more success!”
The crowd dispersed. Chloe looked like there was a lot going on with her face. Chase and Mark were silent; Ethan put his arm around her.“It’s okay, Chloe. You’re the best.” Walking on the road, Chloe started crying.
“How could Riley do this? She left without a word!”
This sounded strange. Chase spoke before Ethan, “It was Riley’s spot. Let it go.
Ethan frowned.
Chloe cried harder.“Don’t I deserve it? Am I not better than Riley?”
Chase was silent. Mark looked away. Ethan wiped her tears.
Chase saw Ethan’s tightening brows- a sign he was losing patience.
“Chloe, you’re unique. You
can
get
what
you
on want
your
own.
Don’t cry.”
Chloe stopped crying.“I wanna go home…”
Mark who had been silent, finally spoke, “Bye.” They parted ways.
After the ceremony, Chase became free. He kept thinking about how Riley looked the last time he saw her- soaking wet, pale, like a frost–bitten flower. She looked as if she could cry at any time, but at last she smiled. Then she said, “Chase, I’m breaking off the engagement.” This was shocking.
He slept poorly, having nightmares. He dreamt of Riley crying, which was really annoying. In his dream, he said, “Don’t cry, Riley–bug…”
He woke up, in his dark bedroom. It was silent, empty. He had believed that he would protect her all her life until she was forced to go to a distant university alone.
Chase covered his eyes. Could Riley, that timid girl, survive alone? He panicked.
He ran downstairs.
“Mr. Peterson! Have someone check on Riley Davis at Harvard!”
