Tamara

After what felt like an eternity, the plane finally landed. And God, was I glad.

"Finally!" I heard the pink-haired girl exclaim with a deep sigh.

I hope I don't fly again anytime soon. Reading a thrilling book while sitting in the same spot for hours is not my idea of fun.

The flight attendants escorted us out. After getting my luggage, I made my way to the exit while glancing all around the airport searching for my cousins, who were supposed to pick me up. Aren't they here yet or...?

"Hey, Tammy!"

I whipped my head to where the familiar voice came from, my lips curling into a bright smile as soon as my eyes landed on my cousins, Andrew and Susan.

Without further ado, I broke into a run and threw myself on Andy's arms. Sheesh, I guess I jumped too hard because he nearly fell when he caught me.

Nevertheless, he regained his balance and spun me around in the air, both of us laughing in the process.

He finally dropped me on the floor, giving me the chance to hug Sue.

"Come here, you little brat!" Sue squealed in excitement, forcefully pulling me into a very tight hug. She was literally choking me.

"Sue, let her go." Andy separated the two of us, "You're squeezing the air out of her."

"Sorry, sorry. I'm just a little excited." Sue giggled, tucking strands of blonde hair behind her ear. "OMG!"

"A little?" Andy asked.

"Okay, too excited. You're going to live with us! Ahhh!" She exclaimed, doing a little jump, spreading her arms wide. "I've always wanted a sister."

"Aww, I've missed you guys."

"We've missed you, too." The siblings replied in synchrony.

"Wow! Who knew you'd look awesome with black hair?" Sue stated, running her fingers through my hair. "Hmm! I adore this new look, and I could get used to a black haired Tammy."

Andy grabbed my luggage, "Come on, let's get you home, or Mom's not gonna let me hear anything else but her rambles."

I giggled, following them to the car while Sue talked and talked.

Andrew is the oldest of the two. He just turned twenty-two a week ago, or so, he's tall and blonde haired. He's also really smart, emotionally intelligent, but a little too overprotective if you ask me, especially with Sue when it comes to boys.

Susan is nineteen. We were age mates. Talks a lot, too friendly, outgoing and such a ray of sunshine. Trust me, where there's Sue, there's no moody atmosphere.

"Turn on the music!" She shouted as Andy started driving down the road.

Andy obliged and turned the music on. While music blasted in our car, Sue made me join her in singing along. She wasn't going to leave me alone if I didn't.

You can't imagine how grateful I was when Andy pulled up by their house.

"Here we are." Andy announced, cutting the engine.

"Come on, Mom's so excited to see you!" Sue squeaked, half-dragging me inside.

"But... my luggage!"

"Andy will bring it!"

Their house was a whole lot smaller than ours. There were no big acres of land, no gigantic gate, no spacious garage, no fancy maids or paintings or some stupid art on the wall.

It felt like what a real happy home would feel like.

Aunt Kate was in the kitchen, making dinner, her eyes lit up the moment she saw me.

"Aunty!"

"Oh, my God, Tammy! Come here, you!" She spread out her arms and gave me the warmest embrace. "You made it!"

I shrugged with a little laugh, "I guess I did."

"How was your flight?" She asked.

"Her flight was great! Come on, let me show you your room!" Sue dragged me out of the kitchen and up the stairs before I could get the chance to answer.

Yeah, Sue can be a little crazy and annoying sometimes. Scratch that. Most times. So you'd better get used to it.

"It's really nice to see you, Aunty!" I shouted.

Sue dragged me into my supposed new room.

"So, what do you think?" She enquired eagerly, grinning from ear to ear.

The room was... great, I guess. I mean, I'm in no position to complain, and also I'm not very hard to please.

"It's fabulous, Sue! I love it!" I answered, keeping my tone cheerfully bliss to match Sue's energy.

"Aww, I knew you'd love it." She rambled on, "I picked the wallpaper, the bed, the wardrobe, and the closet."

"Thanks, Sue."

"Anything for you, cuz. Mwah!" She kissed me on the cheek. "Now, I'm gonna leave alone and help Mom with dinner. You can freshen up and join us."

She rushed out downstairs. The moment she left, it felt like the room darkened. What did I say about Sue lighting up the room?

I lay on the bed and stared up at the painted ceiling. The bed too was a lot smaller to my own, though still comfortable. And I'm not complaining.

A sigh escaped my lips.

Here we are. My new home.

Can I even fit in? Will I be able to make new friends? My social skills are terrible. What if they don't like me? What if they find out who I am and what my dad allegedly did?

I'm doing it again. I'm overthinking.

The little knock on the door broke into my thoughts. I sat up and turned, only to find Andy standing in the doorway with my luggage.

"May I come in?"

"You're already in."

"Fair." He strolled in and dropped my suitcase in the middle of the room. "So, how do you like your room? Mom wanted to do the decor herself but..." He trailed away and sighed, "You know Sue."

I couldn't help but chuckle.

"That stubborn brat."

"It's okay." I replied, "I love it."

"Alrighty then. I'm gonna leave you to yourself." He turned and headed to the door, "Welcome to Palmridge, Tam."

"Thanks."

"Oh, and... if you need a tour around town, I'm down."

"Got it."

When he left, I pulled out my phone and texted Mom with a photo that I've arrived. I scrolled a bit on Insta, scrolling past reels of cute dogs, food recipes, skits and parodies.

After that, I freshened up and changed into something comfortable. I didn't have my own bathroom, but that was okay. And again, I'm in no way complaining.

Something burning hit my nose the moment I descended the stairs.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Sue was apologizing to Aunty as she tried to blow off the smoke.

"This is exactly why I don't let you into the kitchen!" Aunty was reprimanding her, anger in her voice. "You let it burn. Now I have to recook everything!"

"I'm so sorry."

"Can I help?" I asked, stepping in.

"No, this little brat will clean up the mess she caused." Aunty responded.

"Okay."

I returned upstairs, then knocked on Andy's room. He appeared at the door.

"Yes, Tam?"

"Hey. It looks like I'm gonna need that tour after all."

"But Mom's making dinner." He stated.

"Sue burnt it."

"And why am I not surprised?"

I laughed, "Cut her some slack."

We left the house and got into the car. Andy drove me around Palmridge. It was quite a beautiful, lovely town filled with nice-looking people.

He showed me the beach, which was a little crowded, the popular hangout spots, the malls, the best cafes and a lot of other places.

I had to admit. It was fun. I even forgot about the burden burning on my chest all day long. I love Sue, but Andy is my favorite cousin. Sue is a ray of sunshine and so sweet, but she's too much, even for Andy himself.

Andy suddenly parked the car in a parking lot.

"Um... why are we parking?" I enquired in surprise, glancing around the place, "Why are we at a stadium?"

"I saved the best for last. I know how much you love basketball," He said with a smile, alighting from the car, "A few of my guys are playing, come on."

There was no option for me here. I mean, I was the one who accepted the tour.

The noise in the stadium was overwhelming. I followed Andy closely behind. It was hard to find an empty seat, but we finally did after several minutes of watching.

Basketball. A weird game for a girl to love, I know. But I do. However, I don't think now's the appropriate time for me to be watching basketball.

The cameras kept capturing one player and displaying him on the screen as he moved with precision on the court, scoring several goals. With each goal he scored, there was this smirk of arrogance and ego plastered on his face.

I couldn't take my eyes off him. Not because of his looks, but because he looked weirdly familiar.

I'm sure I've seen him before somewhere, but can't place him.

Andy leaned into my ear, "You see that guy?"

"That one?" I pointed.

"Yeah, him." He confirmed, "That's Devin. He's a monster on the court. He's great, isn't he?"

My heart slammed against my ribs upon recognition. Of course. I knew I recognized him.

That's Devin Sinclair.

His father used to be a former NBA player signed by my dad's agency before he retired.

I heard that his father, David Sinclair, is the mastermind who instigated the allegation that caused the devastating scandal that broke our family apart. And Dad was eager to recruit Devin into the agency, but from what I know he wasn't interested.

The Sinclairs live in Palmridge? Oh, boy. I don't think this is good.

Tamara

Mom said this was going to be a fresh start. But how in God's name is it going to be a fresh start if the whole Sinclair family lives in the very town I'm supposed to get my fresh start?

The Sinclairs don't know who I am, but I'm certain the father does. If my memory serves me correctly, he used to be Dad's acquaintance in the past. They met up sometimes for a few drinks. But that was before he did Dad dirty.

He, for sure, will recognize me!

I tugged at Andy's shirt, getting his attention. "Hmm?"

I swallowed nothing, praying he would say no. "He doesn't go to Palmridge... College, does he?"

Please say no, please say no.

"Of course he does!" He responded, "Everybody here goes to Palmridge College. Why do you ask? Oh, Tam, don't tell me you already have a crush..."

"What? No!" I said, nearly in disgust. Why would he even think that?

"Good. Because I do not approve of you crushing on Devin."

Okay, I think this is a great time to panic. What should I do? What should I do? What on earth do I do? Oh, Jesus!

The Sinclairs live in Palmridge, and their sons go to Palmridge College, who also happens to be friends with Andy? Oh, my God. Oh, my God!

The audience erupted with thunderous cheers and applause as Devin scored the last goal. I knew Andy was going to meet up with him and congratulate him on a successful game. And if he's doing that, that means I'll be meeting with Devin.

I don't want that. So I pulled out my phone and texted Sue.

Me: Is dinner ready?

Sue: Totes, where are you guys?

Me: Andy took me on a tour.

Her: Without me? *Angry emojis* How dare you two?

Me: Sorry. On our way back.

Returning my phone to my pocket, I tapped Andy on the shoulder.

"Sue said dinner is ready." I announced, "We should go."

"Hold on, let me say hi to my friends."

"Sue said Aunt is like, raging mad right now and also, I'm hungry. You don't want to leave me starving, do you?" I gave him my cutest puppy dog eye, which I know he couldn't resist.

"Alright, come on."

I smiled to myself. It always works.

We shuffled through the crowd and onto the parking lot. I heaved a deep sigh of relief when Andy drove off.

I escaped him this time. I hope I do next time.

As Andy drove home, thousands of thoughts were running through my mind.

Of all the cities in the whole country, why did it have to be Palmridge? Also, how in God's name did Mom not know that they live here? Surely, she should have known, right? Should I tell her? But I do not want to worry her. She already has it hard as it is.

I glanced at Andy, whose attention was on the road, biting my lower lip as I contemplated whether or not to tell him.

When the scandal about my dad broke out, Mom refused to believe that Dad would do those things he was accused of, so she began to dig. She soon discovered that David Sinclair was the mastermind behind everything.

I don't know how he instigated it, but I overheard from one of Mom's conversations that David Sinclair was working with an unknown person, who bribed all the signed athletes in Dad's agency to come out and speak against him.

I know it sounds preposterous and far-fetched, but I'm sure that's what I heard.

And of course, the public wasn't aware of this. If I told Andy that his friend's father was the one responsible for my family's downfall, he would probably stop being friends with him just for me.

Yes, Andy is that loyal.

But I do not want to ruin someone else's friendship just for my own selfish interest.

"So, Tam, what do you think?" Andy's inquisitive voice jolted me out of my thoughts.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"What do you think about Palmridge?" He repeated.

"Um, I think it's great." I answered, "It's... cool, I guess? The people seem nice, and I love the town's atmosphere."

He smiled satisfactorily, "I knew you'd love it."

I did. But after today's discovery, I don't think I do so much.

"Don't worry about making friends. Everyone here in Palmridge is so friendly."

"Okay."

The car plunged into silence. I ran my tongue through my lips, wondering if I should ask him about Devin Sinclair.

"So, Devin Sinclair."

Andy raised his eyebrow questioningly, turning to give me one of those looks, "Uh-huh, what about him?"

"Relax, I don't have a crush on him if that's what you're worried about." I said, debunking his presumptions.

"Are you sure?" He asked.

"Oh, come on, Andy. I don't. He's not even my type."

"Oh, good then." He nodded, looking relieved as he returned his eyes to the road.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. What did I say about Andy being so overprotective?

"They live here?"

"Uh-huh." He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. "They do."

"Since when?"

"Since forever."

What? How in God's name did Mom not know this?

"I thought they lived in Alaska." I said.

"Oh, yes. Devin's father lives in Alaska."

"Alone?"

"Not alone."

"Then..."

"People say that Devin's father lives in Alaska with his second wife and family, though it hasn't been confirmed, but everyone here believes that." Andy answered.

"So, only Devin lives here?" I enquired cautiously.

"No, with his sister."

"He has a sister?"

"Yeah. Danica. Though Danica is out of town for college." Andy explained. "And their mom... well, she still remains a mystery to me."

How didn't I know this? How didn't Mom know this?

"So, David Sinclair married two wives?"

Andy turned to give me that same suspicious look, "You know, for someone who isn't crushing, don't you think you're asking a whole lotta questions?"

I tightened my lips and turned away, deciding not to ask any further questions. At least David Sinclair isn't living here. That's a little bit of relief.

The rest of the drive was done in total silence.

Uncle Richard, Andy's father, had already arrived from work when we returned. He welcomed me warmly to his home and expressed how incredibly happy he was that I was here. He also expressed how sad he was regarding my dad's scandal and hoped everything would get better.

Dinner was awesome. They joked and laughed around the table, each trying to make me feel welcome.

Sue kept picking fights with Andy, complaining about how he always gets in a brawl with all the guys interested in her or she's interested in, making her unable to get a boyfriend.

Uncle Richard was on Andy's side. He said he couldn't be more proud.

Can you imagine? Isn't that a double standard and somehow misogynistic? Andy can get with any girl he wants but Sue can't because what, he's a boy, and she's a girl?

What nonsense.

"It's like I said, Sue, no boys allowed in this house or outside the house." Uncle Rich declared, then turned to me. "The same goes to you, too, Tamara. No boys."

I just smiled, "Okay."

They were even doing me a favor.

It's not like I plan on dating any guy during my stay here. Besides, I don't think I'm eager to date anytime soon. Especially not after... you know what? Never mind.

Tamara

So, yeah, it's finally Monday. My first day at Palmridge College.

Yay, I'm so excited.

I'm being sarcastic. I'm terrified as heck.

New people, new scenery, new experiences. Phew! It's all a bit overwhelming and slightly terrifying.

My whole plan after high school was to get accepted to an Ivy League which never came to pass, and I believe it was due to my dad's scandal.

Mom wanted to bribe her way into getting me into one, but I told her not to bother. Palmridge College had already accepted me and I wouldn't have her going through the trouble.

Thank God Sue convinced me to apply here. She has always been so excited for us to do things together, and I applied only to make her happy.

But who would have thought I would be going here after all?

Life does have a way of surprising you.

The door burst open, startling me a little. I sharply turned. Sue stood in the doorway, already dressed in a slightly provocative dress, a wide smile plastered on her face, "Hey! Who's excited for their first day in college?"

"That'd probably be you, of course." I said, turning around to continue combing my hair. Ugh, I'm not sure I'll get used to seeing my face with black hair. God, I miss my blonde hair.

"I mean, yeah, I am. Duh!" She said with a little roll of her eyes, a faint smile tugging at her lips, "I mean, it's college, girl. Who wouldn't? I finally get to sit and chat with all these hot college boys..."

"Really? Wait, that's why you're so excited about college?"

"Not quite." She shook her head, "The boys are just eye candy. The ones I'm interested in are the professors!" She squeaked excitedly, her cheeks turning a little red, "Trust me, there are so many hot professors in Palmridge! Just staring at them and listening to their voice will make your panties drop. Oh! I can immerse myself in a hot professor-student romance."

"Oh, please, Sue, come out of your fantasy world." I said disdainfully, "I blame it on those online novels you read. They make you so delusional. In what world do you think a professor would..."

"In my world, Tam. You'll see." She said confidently.

I made a face. "Dream on."

"Alright, let's bet on it." She challenged, "If I start a romantic relationship with a hot professor, you'll pay me a hundred bucks."

"Two hundred." I said.

"Huh?" She blurted out in surprise.

"What? Not so confident?" I mocked.

She regained her composure, "How about three hundred?"

"Five hundred." I raised it higher, thinking it would deter her confidence like the first time but it didn't. "You have till the end of the semester."

"Deal."

I was done with dressing, so I stood up. "I'm done. Let's go."

She swept in my appearance, her mouth wide open, then she scoffed, shaking her head. "Oh, please don't tell me you're wearing that to campus."

The emphasis on the "that" made me feel as though I was literally wearing a rag.

"Um, is something wrong with it?"

"Everything is wrong with it. Tsk tsk tsk." She shook her head again in disappointment and walked over to my closet, scavenging through my clothes. "What's all this? I thought all rich girls dress nicely."

"I dress nicely."

"I mean... hotly." She clarified, "No offense, but Tam, all these clothes make you look like a nerd."

I frowned, not knowing whether to take offense at that statement. What's wrong with being a nerd?

"Tam, if you want to be a college baddie, you're gonna need to change your closet."

"Who said I wanted to be a college baddie?"

"I'm gonna lend you one of my dresses for today," She totally ignored my question, "And after lectures, I'm taking you to the mall. Come on."

She grabbed my hand and half-dragged me to her room. And before I could protest, she was taking off my clothes and putting on one of her dresses on me.

Did I ever mention that Sue was flawfully presumptive and painfully overbearing? Well, I'm mentioning it now. She means well, but she always oversteps and makes your decisions for you.

She gasped, eyes sparkling in admiration as she regarded me, then squealed, "Tam, you look adorbs, cuz! That dress has never looked that good on me. You can keep it. All eyes will be on you today."

I'm not so sure that's what I want. It was an off-the-shoulder, skimpy dress that stopped just on my thighs, revealing my cleavage. Sure, I looked surprisingly good in it but I don't think it's appropriate.

"Don't you think it's a little too much?" I asked.

"It's college, no one cares! And nothing is too much. Come on, let's go."

"Let me get my stuff." I returned to my room and picked up my bag, then joined Sue downstairs.

"Where are your parents?" I asked, noticing no one was around.

"They left for work very early." She answered, pulling me to the door. "Like they usually do."

"And Andy?"

"Left to pick up his girlfriend." Sue answered as she locked the door. When she was done, we got into her car. "Palmridge, here we come!"

Palmridge College was nothing like I'd expected. It makes total sense that its name has "palm" in it, because there were thousands of palm trees on the campus grounds.

Nonetheless, it was beautiful, felt cozy and welcoming.

Students walked in groups, some by themselves, while others rode in a vehicle or motorcycle.

Sue finally found an empty spot in the parking lot to park. While glancing around the place, taking in the environment, I locked eyes with a familiar pair of scary-looking eyes.

I quickly ducked, my heart skipping a thousand beats. But I was already too late, she had seen me.

I was so hoping that I wouldn't come into another encounter with that pink-haired girl who yelled at me on the plane, but what, she's here? Sheesh! What in the world is she doing here? Does she go here? And why does Sue's car have to be a convertible? She wouldn't have seen me if it weren't.

"Tam, what's wrong?" Sue asked in confusion. "Why are you hiding, and who are you hiding from?"

"Who's that girl?" I whispered, and she glanced over in the direction I pointed. "She goes here?"

"Oh! Her." The contempt in her voice was unmistakable. Thank God we both hate her. "That's Trixie."

"Trixie?"

Wow! Even the name sounds fabulous.

"Yes, Beatrice Jensen. She likes to call herself the queen bee of Palmridge." She answered, "She's a sophomore. Why do you ask? Do you know her?"

"Yeah, she yelled at me on the plane."

"I'm not surprised. She's a bitch. Just stay out of her way, and you'll be fine. She's gone, come on, let's go."

Sue led me to the registrar's office, where she and I got enrolled and other stuff. It took a while because of the crowd, and by the time we were done, I was already starving.

I told Sue I was hungry and she led me to the campus cafe. "I'll give you a tour later."

We found Andy sitting at a table with a brunette, who I guess was his girlfriend. He saw us enter and waved us over.

"I thought you hated eating here." Sue said to Andy.

"I still do." Andy replied, "Renee dragged me here."

"Hey, Renee."

"Hey, Sue." Renee replied, "So, you're finally a college student. Sweet."

Sue giggled, sitting down beside Renee, "I know, right? I'm so excited. There are so many hot..." She trailed off mid-sentence as soon as Andy gave her that unapproving older brother gazes.

"Renee, this is my cousin sister, Tamara." Andy introduced. "Tamara, this is my girlfriend, Renee."

"Hi," I said shyly, sitting down beside Andy.

"Hello, you're so pretty." Renee complimented, "I love your dress."

"Aw, thanks."

Andy turned to have a look at my dress, then turned to Sue, who quickly glanced away.

"I know Sue's handiwork when I see it."

"Oh, please! You and your nagging." Sue rolled her eyes, "I was simply just helping my cousin sister become a college sensation. Do you know how many guys have turned to look at her more than twice since this morning? She looks hot."

Yeah, well, truth is, I'm not so sure if I'm supposed to feel excited from the glances or anxious.

"Did she tell you she needed your help?"

"Oh, come on, you have a girlfriend for fucks sake. Stop being a dick."

My eyes unconsciously wandered to the exit.

Andy grunted. "You..."

I sharply caught my breath in my stomach the moment I saw him.

There he was, in all his glory, with his entourage of friends surrounding him, which only did nothing but amplified his powerful aura.

I swallowed.

Devin Sinclair.