Chapter 1

The music was too loud at the Hayes’ graduation party. It was supposed to be for me, Amelia Miller, and my stepsister, Brittany Hayes. But everyone knew it was really Brittany’s party. My stepfather, Richard Hayes, clapped a hand on Brittany’s shoulder, his smile wide. “To Brittany, future superstar!” Guests cheered. My mother, Carol, beamed beside him. I stood near the patio door, the scar on my cheek feeling tight. They always underestimated me, my step-family. Called me slow, quiet, destined for nothing much. They didn’t know I studied in secret, that my mind was sharp. Richard caught my eye and his smile faded a little. “And Amy, well, we hope she finds something to do.” A few polite, pitying claps. Kyle, my stepbrother, snorted. “Maybe a two-year course in basket weaving.” Laughter followed. Richard then raised his voice, “Alright, folks, time for the main event, college acceptances and SAT scores are due any minute!” He winked at a group of his friends. “I’ve got a bet going, a hundred thousand dollars says Amy doesn’t even get into a state college.” His friends chuckled, pulling out wallets. “She won’t make it past community college, if that,” one of them said. Kyle swaggered forward. “My Mustang GT says her SAT score is below a thousand.” Jason Carter, my ex-boyfriend, was there too, draped all over Brittany. He smirked at me. “I’ll put up a couple of my dad’s prime retail spots downtown. Brittany for the win, obviously.” Brittany giggled, then looked at me with fake sweetness. “Oh, Amy, don’t feel bad. Not everyone is cut out for higher education. You’re just a bit… slow.” I offered a small, calm smile. “Standardized tests aren’t really my thing.” They all nodded, smug. “But,” I continued, my voice even, “breaking the state’s top score record shouldn’t be an issue.”