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Mason lives with his grandma, and what she lacks in money, she makes up for in her determination to help him succeed. His grades count toward his future—they’ll pave the way to a brighter life in a much better place.
I could be valedictorian and it wouldn’t change a thing. I can’t go off to college because I can’t leave my mom. She’s completely dependent on me.
As Elodie closes in, she sings out my name—“Natashaaaaaa.”
I really need her to stop calling me that. Natasha is the before picture of my life. The name given by a mom who dreamed of her baby girl’s shiny future.
Nat is who I became after my dad ran off and never came back, leaving my mom too depleted to bother with the extra syllables.
Mason mumbles something about texting me later, then bolts before I can try to convince him to stay. It’s the deal we agreed on. He’ll (mostly) stop talking trash about her if I stop bugging him to give her a chance.
I know Ishouldfollow him before it’s too late, but I find myself turning toward Elodie instead. And when she waves, and I watch her face break into a grin, I secretly smile to myself, pretending not to notice all the envious looks directed my way as the coolest girl in school again sings out my name.
