The Script Said I'd Die For Him
Wow, the side character is such a simp. Shes even willing to use her dead dads money to get the guy.
Whats the point? It all goes to the main character in the end anyway. Serves her right for not knowing her place.
A split second later, Ethan came barreling around the corner, out of breath.
Did you get it? The money? Give it to me, I have to pay my tuition deposit before the deadline.
I instinctively moved the hand holding the envelope behind my back and shook my head.
1
What is she waiting for? Just give him the money!
How is he supposed to go to college without it?
This is so frustrating. I wish I could reach into the story and slap some sense into her.
I stared at the captions as they refreshed, a cold understanding dawning on me. I wasnt just me. I was a character in a book. A disposable one. The designated stepping-stone.
My entire purpose was to give up my own chance at college, using my fathers life insurance payout to fund the male leads education. I was supposed to stay behind in our dead-end town, taking care of Ethan's parents and helping with their failing farm.
Hed promise me over and over that hed marry me after graduation.
But the story didn't end there. The moment he had his degree, hed cut me loose. He wouldn't just leave; he would accuse me of trying to buy his love, of trapping him with money. Then he'd make a grand public spectacle of marrying his one true love, the story's real heroine, turning me into the town joke.
In the end, I was left with nothing. Every sacrifice I made was just to pave the way for her. Worse than being broke and alone, I was twisted into the crazy, bitter ex-girlfriend, the villain everyone loved to hate.
And the grand finale? The happy couple gets their fairy-tale ending. Meanwhile, a tumor bloomed in my breast, fed by bitterness and stress. With no money for treatment, I was written out of the story with a quiet, lonely death.
The hero and heroine would weep with joy. That evil woman finally got what she deserved.
I read it all in a flash.
And I thought: The hell with that.
Like I would ever be that pathetic. Like I would burn my own life down just to light the way for those two assholes.
Ethan noticed my silence. His impatience flared.
Leah, what are you spacing out for? he snapped. Ive told you a million times, senior year is everything. Every second counts. Do you have any idea what youll do to my future if you make me miss this deadline?
He looked at me, his expression radiating a sense of absolute entitlement. Im not like you. It doesnt matter if you get into college or not with your grades. Im this towns only real hope. Cant you see the bigger picture for once?
It was the way he said it, so matter-of-fact. As if my life was a foregone conclusion, a minor detail in his grand story. As if I were a traitor to our entire community for not handing over my fathers legacy without a second thought.
I had to physically restrain myself from laughing in his face. Instead, I kept my expression blank.
Oh, you mean my dads settlement money? I said, my voice flat. They said theres a delay. It hasnt come through yet.
Please.
Wouldnt that money be better spent on my own college education? Why would I give it to this ungrateful parasite?
2
As if on cue, a soft voice drifted from behind us.
Ethan
Hannah appeared, as if summoned. Like every girl-next-door fantasy, she had a wholesome beauty and eyes that swam with a kind of curated vulnerability. The kind of look that made every man instantly want to be her protector.
Right now, those big, innocent eyes were fixed on us, her bottom lip caught between her teeth.
If she doesnt want to, you shouldnt force her, she murmured, her voice full of gentle reason.
Ethan whipped his head back to me, his face a mask of indignation.
Is what shes saying true? Are you lying to me, Leah?
I gave him a look that said, Believe whatever you want. I waved a dismissive hand. Think what you want.
He seemed genuinely shocked that I would dare use that tone with him. He opened his mouth, a hot retort on his lips, then seemed to swallow it down. He turned his attention back to soothing Hannah.
Dont worry about it, he said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. She wouldnt dare. Im going to college, one way or another. And when I do, you and I
He remembered I was standing right there and cut himself off.
Hannah, ever the gracious one, put on a show of magnanimity. Leah is so lucky, she sighed. If I had a boyfriend as brilliant as you, Ethan, Id be smiling in my sleep.
She had no idea that the captions had already shown me everything. Their secret meetings, the promises theyd made to each other.
Id always wondered why Ethan, who was so obviously infatuated with Hannah, had suddenly started pursuing me. Now it all made sense. My dad had been a supervisor at the plant, a man with connections that could have helped Ethans career. That was the only reason.
Now that Dad was gone, killed in a workplace accident, the show was over. All Ethan needed was the settlement money from the plant to squeeze the last bit of value out of my familys tragedy.
A wave of disgust washed over me, so strong it was nauseating.
I looked at Hannah and said coolly, You like him? Hes all yours.
3
They both just stood there, stunned into silence.
I didnt have the patience to stick around for their reaction. I turned and walked away from the two of them as fast as I could.
As I got closer to my street, I saw Ethans mom holding court with a group of neighborhood gossips on her front lawn.
Our Ethan doesnt even have to pay for his own schooling, she was bragging, her voice loud enough for the whole block to hear. That silly little Leah is just falling all over herself to please him
Well, shes not entirely stupid, another woman chimed in. Once Ethan becomes a college man, shell get to follow him to the city and live the good life.
Ha! In her dreams! Ethans mom spat on the ground. A country girl with a dead father, thinking she can marry up? My Ethan is going to marry a city girl. Hes just playing along with Leah for now. Who else is going to pay for his tuition?
Someone else asked, I thought Leahs grades were pretty good, too. What if she gets into a good college? Then theyd both be college students.
Ethans mom looked at her with pure contempt. Her? Not a chance. And even if some miracle happened and she did get in, she couldnt go. Who would take care of our farm when Ethans away studying? Leahs strong. Well just have her stay here and work the fields for us.
My blood ran cold.
A chill seeped into my bones.
Just to have an extra farmhand, they were willing to sabotage my entire life. To turn me from a promising student into a woman breaking her back in the dirt, only to be thrown away like trash when I was no longer useful.
And the most pathetic part?
According to the script, I was supposed to let them clip my wings and still be grateful for it.
I almost choked on my own rage.
Then, I squared my shoulders and walked directly toward the group.
Ethans mom was still talking, her expression animated. When she turned and saw me, her eyes flickered with guilt. The conversation died instantly.
I acted like I hadnt heard a thing, putting on my friendliest smile.
Afternoon, Mrs. Reed, I said brightly. I just wanted to let you know, I saw Mr. Reeds truck parked down the street, turning into Mrs. Hendersons driveway again. You might want to go check on that.
The effect was immediate. A wave of awkward, delicious tension rippled through the group.
Ethans moms face went from pale to beet red, her eyes practically shooting flames. Everyone in town knew about her husband and Mrs. Henderson. It was the worst-kept secret in Harmony Creek. By saying it out loud, in front of everyone, I had taken her precious reputation and ground it into the dirt.
A second later, she stormed off without another word.
4
First day of senior year.
Mr. Davison, the guidance counselor, pulled me aside.
Leah, Ethan Reed is the only one in the senior class who hasnt paid his student fees. When are you planning on taking care of that for him?
I looked up from the mountain of practice SATs on my desk.
Ethan hasnt paid his fees? What does that have to do with me?
My response sent a ripple of confused murmurs through the nearby students. For the past two years, Id paid for everything. His fees, his books, his class trips. It had become so routine that Mr. Davison didnt even bother asking Ethan anymore; he just came straight to me.
It wasnt just the money. When his lunch wasnt enough, Id give him mine, even though his stomach was a bottomless pit he could never seem to fill. Hed take my food and, not long after, complain he was still hungry. I used to think he just had a big appetite.
Then I found out he was giving everything I gave him to Hannah.
Meanwhile, I was the one sitting in class, dizzy with hunger, my stomach cramping so badly I couldnt focus.
Thinking about it now, the sheer idiocy of my devotion made me furious.
Mr. Davison didnt give up. Ethan was his star pupil, the one kid with a real shot at the Ivy League. His success was tied to the schools reputation, and by extension, Mr. Davison's. He couldn't afford any hiccups.
Youre his girlfriend, arent you? Whats the big deal about helping him out with a small fee?
A small, humorless smile touched my lips. Oh, its no big deal for me. Im just worried about Ethan. People are already starting to call him a freeloader. You know how proud he is. We wouldnt want to push him over the edge, would we?
I was completely making it up, of course, but it sounded plausible.
Finally, I stood up and raised my voice just enough for everyone in the vicinity to hear.
For the sake of Ethans reputation, I will no longer be paying for any of his expenses. From now on, please direct all billing matters to Ethan Reed himself.
I grabbed my practice tests and headed for the library. I didnt want to stick around for the fallout.
But I didnt get far. Ethan was waiting for me right outside the door, his eyes blazing with anger.
5
Leah, what the hell was that? Are you backing out on me?
Seeing his face, twisted with indignation, sent a strange jolt of satisfaction through me.
Backing out on you? I shot back. Youve got a lot of nerve. Everyone in town knows about you and Hannah. Youre just like your fathercant seem to keep it in your pants.
You Ethans face flushed a deep, mottled red.
He sputtered, Theres nothing going on with me and Hannah. You shouldnt listen to stupid gossip.
Without even waiting to see if I believed him, he stuck his hand out.
Now give me the money. I have to pay those fees. Today is the deadline, and Im not going to miss class because of this.
Seriously? What was wrong with this guy? Did he think I was his mother? I wouldnt even dare ask my own mom for money with that kind of attitude.
Even the captions were disgusted.
Seriously? I never realized how shameless the male lead is.
This is giving me flashbacks to my deadbeat ex. Loved spending my money.
Ugh, if I were her, Id slap him. Twice.
I rolled my eyes so hard I felt a strain. No money, I said, turning to leave.
He grabbed my arm, his grip surprisingly strong.
I already asked around. Your dads settlement came through last week. Stop lying to me.
6
How can you be such a selfish person?
Ethans voice was rising, getting louder with every word. A small crowd was gathering, kids peering out of classroom windows to watch the drama unfold. Their stares were a mixture of curiosity and judgment, most of it aimed at me.
I couldnt take it anymore. I opened my mouth to fire back.
But just then, Hannah materialized behind me again. The moment she saw me, her eyes welled up with tears. Her already petite frame seemed to shrink, making her look impossibly fragile.
She grabbed my sleeve, her voice a desperate plea.
Leah, please is this because of me? Are you refusing to help Ethan because of me? she whispered, loud enough for everyone to hear. You cant listen to those rumors. Ethan is a top student. Hes our towns only hope. You have to help him!
Every word was delivered with the dramatic weight of a Shakespearean tragedy. Anyone watching would think I was a monster bullying this poor, sweet girl.
Ethans face hardened with protective anger.
Leah, when are you going to stop this? he yelled, his voice echoing in the hallway. Look at yourself! Youre acting like some crazy, irrational shrew! Im about to apply to college. Cant you for one second think about the pressure Im under?
That was the cue for the audience to chime in.
Come on, Leah. Everyone knows you two are a couple. Whats the big deal?
Yeah, Ethans family doesnt have much. The guy works his butt off and gets straight As. If he were my boyfriend, Id sell my car to help him.
I see what this is. Shes just a user. No loyalty at all.
One by one, they tore me down, piling on accusations that had no basis in reality. In their eyes, Ethan was the golden boy destined for greatness, and I was just the lucky girl who got to cling to his coattails.
They had no idea that he wouldnt be where he was without me.
I did his laundry and cleaned his classrooms so he would have more time to study. I stayed up all night copying study guides he couldn't afford so hed have them first thing in the morning. I was more invested in his grades than my own.
And my grades hadnt been bad. My dream of going to college was just as real, just as fierce as his.
But I had always put his dream first.
Not anymore.
7
Ethan, I said, my voice cutting through the noise. It was quiet, but it carried. You have a mother and a father. You have two hands and two feet. Why do you need me to pay your way through school?
His face went white.
Hannah jumped in. His family is poor! You have all that money now, why cant you help him? Do you have any idea what its like to go hungry sometimes
Before she could finish her sob story, I let out a sharp laugh. Oh, I see. So because I have money, Im obligated to give it away? Poverty makes you morally superior, is that it?
Hannah stammered, her face flushing bright red.
I ignored her completely, my eyes locked on Ethan.
And speaking of money, I said, my voice dripping with acid, you knew how tight things were, Hannah, but you still let him use my money to buy you that new J.Crew blouse, didnt you?
You Hannah looked like Id struck her. She clearly hadnt known I knew about that, much less that Id announce it publicly. The truth was, Id only just learned it from a pop-up caption myself. She nervously glanced around as the other students eyes immediately darted to the crisp, new shirt she was wearing.
I pressed on. You talk about him going hungry. Well, he gave you the lunch I packed for him every single day. Of course he was hungry.
I turned my attention back to the crowd. I dated him for a year. I did his laundry, cooked his meals, helped on his familys farm, and paid his school fees. In all that time, he never bought me so much as a piece of candy. Everything he got from me, he turned around and gave to her. Tell me, was I just a pawn in some twisted game you two were playing?
The hallway erupted.
Wait, I thought Ethan was with Leah. Who is this other girl?
He used his girlfriends money to buy clothes for another chick? Thats pathetic.
Who cares how smart he is? The guys a leech.
Worse, hes a leech who thinks hes entitled to it.
The sharp, judgmental stares were now directed at Ethan and Hannah. No matter how thick-skinned they were, they couldnt withstand that kind of scrutiny. Hannah looked down, twisting the hem of her skirt, a single tear tracing a path down her cheek. Ethan just glared at me, his eyes filled with pure venom.
I glanced at the captions scrolling in my periphery.
Is it just me or does this feel like catching a cheating couple in the act?
Okay, Im not the only one who thinks the hero is a dirtbag and the heroine is a fake, right?
Why is it so satisfying to see them get called out? Im living for this.
This side character is kind of a badass. Im officially a fan.
A small smile played on my lips. My confidence surged. I was about to go in for the kill when a furious voice cut me off.
Thats enough! Ethan roared. I see what this is. Youre just jealous of Hannah. Shes kinder than you, shes more thoughtful than you, shes more of a human being than youll ever be. And youre so desperate to tear her down youll make up any lie you can think of.
Without waiting for a response, he grabbed Hannahs hand and pulled her away, disappearing down the hall.
8
Somehow, Ethan managed to scrape together the money and pay his fees.
After that, he made it his mission to make my life hell. He turned our friends against me, gave me the silent treatment, and acted like I was invisible.
I couldnt have cared less. My entire focus was on my schoolwork. I took a small amount of my dads settlement and set it aside for a food fund. Before, I was constantly starving myself for Ethans sake. Now, I ate protein with every meal. I was no longer dizzy in class, and my concentration improved dramatically. If I got hungry studying late at night, Id make myself a snack. I had more energy than ever before.
The only downside was the look on Ethans face whenever he saw me eating a chicken leg Id originally bought for him, while his own lunch consisted of stale bread and a jar of pickles. If looks could kill, Id be dead.
One afternoon, I was struggling with a particularly brutal geometry proof.
Ethan suddenly appeared at my desk.
Youre not built for math, Leah, he sneered. You can work at it all you want, but youll never be good at it. You should just accept it.
I felt a flash of white-hot anger. But then, a cold, clear thought cut through it. Only the weak lash out. The strong face reality. The anger subsided.
He wasnt wrong. Math was my Achilles heel.
According to the captions, my math scores were what would ultimately drag my grades down. I was smart enough for Yale, but I would end up at a second-rate state school because of this one subject. The thought was unbearable.
Seeing the frustration on my face, Ethans expression shifted to one of smug superiority.
Look, he said, his tone dripping with condescension. If you apologize to Hannahpubliclyand admit that everything you said about her was a lie, I might consider tutoring you. He paused for effect. You know how good I am. A few pointers from me would be worth more than a hundred hours of you banging your head against the wall.
He was right. His talent for math was infuriatingly natural. Ten minutes of his help would probably be more effective than ten hours of me studying on my own. Especially now, with senior year flying by, I didnt have time to waste.
But I still shut him down.
The only thing I want from you, Ethan, is for you to stay as far away from me as possible.
I remembered all the times I had begged him to help me with math before. He always had an excuse.
You just dont have the aptitude for it
When would I possibly have the time?
Instead of wasting energy on this, why dont you do my laundry for me
And now, he was offering to teach me, but only as a tool to defend Hannahs honor. The irony was suffocating.
I had my pride. I had my self-respect. I would rather never go to college than beg for scraps of affection from him.
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