It took me a moment to remember. Before the SATs, to keep my spirits up, he'd booked a couples' travel package for the two of us.
He'd promised that once the exams were over, he'd take me away somewhere.
The departure date was today.
Phyllis bit her lip and took half a step back, forcing a smile.
"Since Cordelia's here, I won't come along."
Bill's brow creased at once, and he pulled her back to his side.
"Out of the question."
"You spent days getting ready for this trip. You're going."
Something inside me twisted into a bitter smile. He was worried about all the days Phyllis had spent preparing.
He'd forgotten that the travel guide in their hands
was the one I'd pieced together over several sleepless nights after the SATs, detail by detail.
I was about to tell him not to bother when Bill turned and hurried off to the machine nearby.
That left only me and Phyllis. She spoke suddenly.
"Cordelia, some gaps just can't be closed with effort."
"What Bill needs is someone who can stand beside him as his equal. Not someone who falls short of him in every way."
She smiled. "The night the SATs ended, I asked him if he'd give the two of us a try."
"Do you want to guess whether he turned me down that night, or said yes?"
My fingers dug into my palms, but my voice stayed level.
"If you want him, he's yours."
Phyllis's face went stiff, and she bit down on her lip.
Bill came running back with a ticket and held it out to me.
"Only a standing ticket left, for the train. Phyllis has a bad back, she can't stand for long, so you take it."
He glanced at me and added,
"Works out for you anyway. You can move around a bit, work off some weight."
Then he checked the time and, looking anxious now, took her hand and started for the gate.
"We're going ahead. Phyllis and I will wait for you there!"
Phyllis smiled at me like she'd won.
I looked down at the printed ticket in my hand.
He hadn't even noticed. It was a train ticket that didn't depart for another three months.
I crushed it into a ball and dropped it in the trash.
Then I turned and boarded my own flight.
When the trip was over, I went home to get my acceptance letter.
I'd barely reached the foot of the building when Bill stopped me.
His face was grim as he reached out and clamped a hand around my wrist.
"Where's Phyllis's acceptance letter?"
It hurt, and I winced.
"What acceptance letter?"
His voice went cold. "Don't play dumb."
"Phyllis's letter was mailed to my house. The mail carrier said someone took it for her."
"You've been home this whole time! Who else could it be? If you've got a problem, take it out on me. What kind of person bullies Phyllis?"
I stared at him, unable to believe it.
Phyllis stepped out from behind him, her eyes red and raw.
"If this is because you're upset that Bill and I have gotten close, I'll apologize to you."
"And I promise, I'll never have anything to do with him again."
Her voice broke as she looked at me.
"But I'm begging you, please give the letter back. It means so much to me. I worked so hard to get into the Ivy League!"
My eyes stung with fury. "I didn't take it!"
"I only got back today!"
But Bill wasn't taking in a single word.
His gaze dropped to the courier envelope in my arms, and he suddenly snatched it away.
My face changed and I lunged to grab it back.
"Bill, give it back!"
He held it up high, staring coldly at my frantic, reddened eyes.
"I'll count to three."
"Hand over Phyllis's letter, or I'll tear this up!"
I explained, desperate.
"I really didn't take it!"
"Three."
"I just got off the plane. I only just picked up my own letter. Check the security footage. Ask my mother."
"Two."
"Bill! I'm begging you—"
Bill didn't hesitate. He ripped my acceptance letter clean in two, and the pieces drifted down around my feet.
I looked down at the scraps. I forgot even to cry.
He was about to say something more when a hesitant voice came from behind him.
"Bill, is this what you're looking for?"
Their housekeeper was standing in the doorway, holding an intact acceptance letter.
"I brought the letter in. I was tidying up just now and forgot to mention it."
Phyllis's tears froze mid-sob.
Bill whipped his head around to look at me, his lips moving as if he wanted to say something.
I didn't wait for him to speak.
I bent down and gathered the scraps off the ground, pressing them into my palm one by one.
I stepped back and slammed the door in his face.
It was quiet outside for a long time. Not even an apology.
The next day, a plane ticket to New York slid in under the door, a note tucked beside it.
【Come with me.】
He'd always been proud, certain that if he just offered me a way out, I'd bow my head and take it, the way I always had.
But this time I only glanced at it before tossing it in the trash. I dragged my luggage to Ashford two days early.
Two days later, Bill showed up at my door with Phyllis.
He was carrying a suitcase, and his tone was unusually light.
"Mrs. Fox, I'm here to take Cordelia to New York with us."
