Chapter 2

When I got home, I packed every single gift Julian had given me over the years into a trash bag and threw it right into the dumpster.

Even with a decade of friendship, he was the one who pushed me off a building in my past life. No matter how nostalgic I felt, some things could never be forgiven.

As I was throwing out the trash, I ran into Julian’s mom, Brenda. She waved at me from a distance. "Elena! Have you seen Julian? The boy isn't picking up my FaceTimes or replying to my texts!"

"No idea, Mrs. Thorne."

"Could you call one of his friends and ask for me?"

I held up my empty hands. "Sorry, Mrs. Thorne, I didn't bring my phone down."

"Maybe you can check with his other friends. See you around."

Without waiting for her to reply, I excused myself and walked away.

In my past life, after I died, my parents were devastated. They found out Julian had been on the roof with me.

But Brenda, fully knowing her son was responsible, destroyed the building's security footage and even bribed a doctor to get Julian a fake psychiatric diagnosis to keep him out of prison.

She used to be nice to me, but when it came to her precious son, everyone else was disposable.

Since she was willing to commit perjury back then, I had no desire to interact with her now.

Back in my room, I got a text from Maya: "Elena, let's get food! A new K-BBQ spot just opened downtown! It's so cheap!"

I replied immediately: "I'm down! Ask Chloe too, let's go!"

When we arrived at the restaurant, Maya nudged me. "Look over there. Isn't that Julian? I heard he's been bragging to everyone that he's going to Columbia."

"It's hilarious. Serena is telling everyone she's going with him. With her GPA, she couldn't even get into a clown school, let alone an Ivy League," Chloe scoffed, making a face that made us burst into laughter.

Just then, Julian walked over. Seeing me, he scoffed. "Elena, you really are like a rash. You just won't go away."

"I thought you said you didn't care anymore. Why did you follow me here?"

Maya and Chloe looked worried, but I kept my voice flat. "Do you own this restaurant? The owner is open for business. Are we not allowed to eat?"

"Move. You're blocking the line."

I pushed past him to check in our reservation. His face turned bright red with anger.

Maya gave me a thumbs-up. "Hell yeah, Elena! Love the backbone!"

"Yeah, I'm completely done with him."

Following close behind us, Julian gritted his teeth. "Fine, Elena. You better keep this same energy!"

I ignored him. We sat down, and Julian and Serena took a table right across from us. It felt entirely intentional.

They started feeding each other food, trying to make me jealous. It was honestly nauseating.

I kept my eyes on the grill and focused on my brisket.

Halfway through the meal, I went to the restroom. On my way back, a strong grip pulled me into a side hallway. It was Julian.

I frowned, but he shoved his phone into my face. "Why did you block me on Snapchat?"

"Because I felt like it. Julian, we are not friends anymore. You hate it when I meddle, and I don't like chasing after you."

"Besides, you have a girlfriend now. We need to keep our distance."

"Add me back. How else are we going to coordinate when we move to Columbia?" He reached out to grab my phone, but I snatched it back.

"Get this straight, Julian. High school is over. We have nothing to do with each other. Who I keep on my friend list is my choice."

Julian opened his mouth in shock. Before he could speak, I cut him off.

"Also, have some manners when you talk to me next time. I don't owe you anything. At least show some basic respect."

I rolled my eyes and walked away. Julian was fuming. Just as he was about to chase after me, Serena appeared.