Chapter 3

That evening, I heard that a massive fight had broken out between guys from Westridge High and Central High in the small alley on South Street.

A guy from Central High, Cole Miller, had used a switchblade and stabbed Brandon Hayes in the abdomen.

Just like in my past life.

The knife was Vanessa's; she had given it to Cole.

What was slightly different from my past life was that after it happened, Vanessa grabbed Cole and tried to run.

But Cole, who'd been fighting his whole life, knew better. He didn't run.

He immediately called 911, then emergency services.

The next morning when I got to school, everyone was talking about it.

Cole wasn't in class, and neither was Vanessa. I heard they were both at the police station.

I didn't pay too much attention, just focused on my practice problems.

In my past life, during college entrance exams, I was in prison. My first trial verdict had already come down—death sentence. I was terrified.

My mom sold our house and company to appeal.

Days in prison felt like years.

When I saw the news about the college entrance exams on TV, I cried…

That afternoon after class, I was putting away my English textbook to return it to the teacher's office.

I accidentally noticed student files on Ms. Albright's desk. I quickly flipped to Cole Miller's and saw his birth date. Cole was two months younger than me.

Also, the biggest change this life was that Brandon Hayes hadn't died.

I suddenly realized that by refusing Vanessa's invitation to the South Street alley, the butterfly effect had taken hold, and things were unfolding differently than I’d expected.

Brandon not dying meant he'd keep bothering Vanessa.

After all, he'd spent tens of thousands on a girl.

Now, the girl had gotten someone to stab him? Anyone would be pissed.

Cole Miller wasn't me. I was just a regular student, educated, sensible, and though I admired Vanessa, I respected her.

But Cole Miller was the school bully. When he said he admired Vanessa, most likely, he was just after one thing.

Now, he'd stabbed Brandon because of her? Vanessa surely had to show some appreciation, right?

I settled in, ready for the drama to unfold.

But I never in my wildest dreams imagined that after school, Vanessa would stop me right at the school gates.

"Something wrong?" I asked calmly.

"Alex Reed, lend me one hundred and fifty thousand dollars," Vanessa stated directly.

Seeing I didn't respond, she seemed to make a desperate decision. "Your mom's not home tonight, is she? I'll come to your place."

"You don't know what you're saying," I shook my head. "You're a grown woman now, what are you doing coming to my place this late, especially when my mom's not home?"

Vanessa stomped her foot. She was still just a student, and a bit shy.

But she still said, "Alex Reed, do you really want me to spell it out? Do you need me to write it down?

"Lend me one hundred and fifty thousand, and tonight… I'll be yours."