Broken homes

College Day at John Adams High

The gym was buzzing with excitement. Representatives from different colleges had set up their booths, eager to sell their schools to the students of John Adams High. Pamphlets, banners, and free pens littered every table, while nervous seniors shuffled between them, trying to make good impressions.

Near the entrance, the Pennbrook College table stood tall, showcasing its best programs and student life. And behind it stood Eric, Abigail, and Jack—the school's unofficial Pennbrook ambassadors.

Eric adjusted his blazer, grinning at a group of students passing by. "Come to Pennbrook, where the classes are optional but the charm is mandatory."

Jack rolled his eyes. "That's not the slogan, Eric."

Abigail, sitting on top of the table with her arms crossed, smirked. "It should be."

Jack ignored them and turned his attention to a curious junior eyeing the brochures. "Pennbrook's got a great journalism program if that's what you're into."

The student nodded and took a pamphlet, but Abigail quickly lost interest. She wasn't here to sell Pennbrook—she was here because Feeny guilt-tripped her into it.

Her eyes wandered around the gym, scanning the different booths. That's when she saw Lily, standing near the NYU table, arms crossed, looking completely bored.

Typical.

Abigail turned back to Eric and Jack. "I'll be back."

Eric raised an eyebrow. "Where are you—"

But Abigail was already walking off.

As she approached, she caught the tail end of Lily's conversation with the NYU rep.

"We'd love to see your application, Lily. Your grades and extracurriculars make you a great candidate."

Lily smirked. "Yeah, I know."

The rep chuckled before handing her a business card and moving on to another student.

"NYU, huh?" Abigail said, arms crossed as she leaned against the table.

Lily turned, not looking the least bit surprised to see her. "What do you want, Abigail?"

Abigail shrugged. "Just wondering if you're actually serious about this or if you're just here to flirt with the admissions guy."

Lily smirked. "Can't it be both?"

Abigail sighed. "Lily—"

"Save it." Lily shoved the business card into her designer purse. "You're not my mom."

"No," Abigail said, her voice sharper. "But I'm your sister."

Lily's jaw clenched.

Abigail softened, lowering her voice. "Look, I know things at home are a mess. And I know you're still pissed about... everything. But you need to get your head straight."

Lily scoffed, stepping closer. "And what, Abigail? Be like you? Some angry, miserable mess that pushes everyone away?"

Abigail's eyes darkened.

They stood there, locked in silent battle, neither willing to back down.

But before either could say another word, a voice cut in.

"Uh... am I interrupting another Dawson family war?"

Both girls turned to see Nate, hands in his pockets, looking between them.

Lily sighed dramatically. "Just my sister trying to lecture me again."

Abigail rolled her eyes. "And my sister being impossible again."