Five Years Later “Are you sure this is a good idea?” I ask Brynn as she straightens my tie. “Yes! Now get your fancy pants out there and stop complaining!” She pushes me out onto the stage, forcing me into the spotlight. I only have a few seconds to collect myself before I have to give my speech. The same speech I spent a month working on. The same speech I am most definitely not ready for. “Hello,” I say shakily into the microphone. “My name is Jaehyun Kang, and today I

We turn around to see a girl crossing her arms and raising her eyebrows expectantly. “So is this the twin sister you told me about?” Jack exclaims as he makes his way over. “Wow, I really see the family resemblance. I can’t believe you didn’t figure it out sooner.” “Yeah, thanks. To be clear, are you the ex-best friend Jaehyun says betrayed him and broke his spirits forever?” “Okay, that’s enough guys,” I declare, moving between them. “Calm down.” “Well,” Brynn says, d

Eventually , I make it to the center of the city. Buildings loom over me as I keep riding, riding into the night. Last I checked, it was about six. Robert and Kareema must be worried by now. Let them worry. Let them try and find me. I don’t care anymore. Everyone I’ve ever cared about proved they don’t deserve my affection. First Jack, then Brynn, and even my parents. I let my legs move me without thought. It’s hard to tell how long I’ve been cycling, but I can estimate about

Jaehyun’s POV What is her problem? I think to myself when I walk past her into the house. More like a mansion compared to Robert and Kareema’s residence. Guess I was wrong about her. She doesn’t have my best interests at heart. When I enter the home, my jaw almost drops at how immaculate and pristine everything is. And then I see her. Brynn’s mother. My mother. Her eyes widen and her eyebrows shoot up at the sight of me. Brynn’s father, my father, is walking down the stair

Brynn’s POV I pace my room. I tried calling Jaehyun several more times after he abruptly hung up on me, but to no avail. What is he up to? Most likely getting into a boatload of trouble. Based on the question about my address, he’s coming here. Which is a mistake. If only he would pick up his dang phone. Then I could tell him how horrible this idea is, he would go home to his family, I would go through another loathsome family dinner, and everything would be right with the w

Jaehyun’s POV My phone rings frantically. I look at the caller ID and am surprised when I see the name “Brynn.” I convinced her to trade...

I decide not to open my envelope. I trust Brynn despite all the signs pointing to the opposite. I know we’re friends, and I know deep...

I head to French class in a hurry. I just had to stop at the bathroom. As I run, I think about Jaehyun and how I told him not to look at...

“Hello, students! My name is Mrs. Jenkins, and welcome to 10th-grade biology! We are going to have so much fun this year! Our first unit...

The following day I woke with a newfound energy. I want to get to know my town and family better. “Good morning Kareema! Good morning...

One Month Later I’m still getting used to not having Jack around. Not that I would want him around after he showed his true colors. The...

“Kang, Jaehyun. December 19, 2007.” That was the only thing that documented my history. Just a letter with those words dropped off with...