Chapter 2

Chapter 2

While I was playing a video game in my room, Chelsea knocked and walked in.

She stuck her tongue out playfully, putting on her usual cute, innocent act.

"Jocelyn, are you studying again? Mom asked me to bring you some snacks so you don't burn out."

As she walked closer, she realized I was not studying at all, but playing a video game on my PC.

Panic flashed across her face, and she raised her voice in accusation.

"Jocelyn, the SAT is right around the corner! How can you waste time gaming instead of reviewing?"

"If you mess up your score, Mom will be heartbroken!"

I paused my game and turned to look at her.

"I was tired from studying, so I'm playing a game to unwind. Is that a crime?"

"Besides, I grasp the material quickly anyway. This game is pretty fun and relaxing."

"Sure, of course... Balance is important. But Jocelyn, you have to stay sharp and not get distracted by this junk."

"Video games rot your brain if you play too much. Don't stay up too late."

Her face looked sour. Her so-called snack delivery was just an excuse to spy on my prep work.

She had traded ten years of her lifespan for my test score, so she desperately needed me to perform well.

"Just study after this match, okay? I'd hate for Mom to yell at you."

I ignored her completely, and she left with her head hanging low.

Shortly after Chelsea left, Mom stormed into my room.

She let out a heavy sigh, her tone dripping with resentment toward me.

"Chelsea was only checking on you out of love. Why did you have to snap at your own sister?"

I was genuinely baffled. "Snap at her? When did I snap at her?"

Looking back at what just happened, I had barely said three sentences.

Mom waved her hand dismissively. "Whatever, just forget I said anything."

Seeing my computer screen, she started nagging again: "What time do you think it is? Turn that stupid game off right now!"

"If you have time to play games, why can't you spend some time tutoring Chelsea? Are her grades completely worthless to you?"

When I stayed silent, Mom stepped forward and slammed my laptop shut.

"Why are you being so rebellious? Playing deaf while your mother is talking to you!"

"Let me make this clear. Chelsea is your sister, your own flesh and blood. Her grades are in the gutter, and you have to help her!"

Owe her? Have to help her?

I had never seen it that way.

Chelsea had been sickly since childhood and was a frequent patient in local hospitals.

Because of that, Mom and Dad always poured all their energy and attention into her, leaving none for me.

My parents felt guilty toward Chelsea because of her weak health.

Driven by that guilt, the entire family spoiled her endlessly.

They treated her so well that I often wondered if I was even their biological child.

Mom had always brainwashed me: "Your sister has poor health, so you must always give in to her. You're the older sister, so you have to treat her well, understand?"

In my past life, I was thoroughly brainwashed by Mom's words, truly believing that being the older sister meant I had to yield everything to Chelsea.

I protected her everywhere, stepping in whenever she was bullied at school. Even when the bullies turned on me instead, I was just relieved that Chelsea was safe.

My monthly allowance was limited, yet I always split it in half for her, and whatever I bought, I bought in pairs.

I saved all the best food and treats for her, never indulging in them myself.

Back then, I naively believed that sacrificing everything would make her feel loved.

Now I realized that she had never viewed me as a sister at all. She was willing to steal my entire future.

"Mom, it's not that I won't teach her. She refuses to learn. No method I try ever works on her."

Mom frowned and patted my shoulder impatiently.

"That just means you didn't put your heart into it. If you tried harder, of course she would learn. It's your lack of effort."

"Stop wasting your time on video games and go tutor your sister right now."

I should have seen this coming. Mom was so biased toward Chelsea that she had never stood up for me once.

Her favoritism toward Chelsea was downright obsessive.