Page 22 of Unpredictable

She shrugs. “Dated, fucked. Whatever. All the same. What kinds of things did he buy you? He’s fucking loaded. Did he take you on trips? Buy you diamonds? Come on, girl. Spill the tea.”

This bitch actually sits forward like she cannot wait to know what I have to say. I never really understood Sterling before. Why he’s so against dating. Now I understand. These are the girls he’s used to being around. Little girls who are playing house to see how much money they can get. It saddens me to think that Sterling will never settle down because of people like her.

He will never let himself love another. He will never have children. He will live his life in isolation because he doesn’t have it in him to trust.

“I’m sorry, Rebecca. I have to go. I have another appointment.” I stand suddenly.

“Oh. Of course. I can’t wait to do this. I look forward to hearing from you.”

I offer a slight smile, rushing from the home.

Day 74

I think I forgive him. I empathize with him. If this is what he’s used to, why would he think I was different?

???

Tiffany Sanchez, senior, Hispanic coloring with raven hair and eyes just as dark.

I’ve seen her in school and at social events, but I’ve never once actually had a conversation with her. I’ve never once heard a bad thing about her, which makes her a prime candidate for the sacrifice. But just because she checks all the boxes on paper, doesn’t mean that she can mentally handle it. I know I couldn’t if I hadn’t already slept with Sterling.

I’m sitting on a bench in north gate park, where she wanted to meet, overlooking her resume.

Captain of the Softball team.

Honor roll student with a 3.9 GPA.

Youngest daughter of the Sanchez family, Founders of Sanchez International, Hospitality.

As I read over each point on her resume, I hear a throat clear from behind me. Turning, I find Tiffany there looking nervous.

I immediately stand and greet her. “Tiffany, it is so great to meet you. My name is Victoria.” I reach out and shake her hand. “Please have a seat.”

She reluctantly takes a seat, looking everywhere in the park but my eyes.

“There’s no reason to be nervous.” I reach out and grab her hand, but she flinches from the touch. Pulling back, I take a deeper look at her. Something isn’t quite right, but I continue on with the interview.

“Tell me a little bit about yourself.” I fold her resume in half, giving her my full attention.

She bites her lip a minute before turning to me. “I’m one of the heiresses to Sanchez International, one of the largest chains of hotels and resorts in the world. I’m captain of the softball team and have been for two years. Last year, I led us to a national championship win. I’m seventeen, but I will be eighteen in three weeks. I plan to go to college as far away from here as possible, what for I don’t know yet, but nothing related to the family business.”

She finally meets my eyes.

“That’s understandable. Is that why you wanted to enter this mentorship program?” I phrase it the way the society requires since we’re in public.

She stares at me for a long moment before sighing. “Can I be completely honest with you?”

“Of course, I prefer honesty. It eliminates miscommunications.”

She gives me a small smile. “This can be a great opportunity for some. I know that and have no ill feelings towards any of it. Please do not think that.” She pauses, so I nod to assure her I understand. “I don’t want this. I didn’t put my name in for this. I don’t even want to get the coveted black rose. No offense. I know that being in this society is amazing beyond belief for some, but to me it’s another tie to my family that I don’t want. My mother and older sister were the chosen sacrifice during their senior years. They now have this convoluted idea that this is our legacy. Our right. I disagree. They didn’t even give me a choice. I had refused to enter my name, so my mother went behind my back and did it on my behalf, claiming that I forgot the deadline. They, of course, believed her because who in their right mind wouldn’t want to be in this. I hoped—no, I prayed to God I wouldn’t get chosen for interviews, but then I did. I felt like I had to go through with this, but I don’t want to.”

She rests her hands on her head as she begins to tear up. “My family isn’t the wholesome family everyone thinks. They’re manipulative and verbally abusive. All the money in the world isn’t worth what I have had to endure growing up. This is another way for them to attempt to control me. I can’t do it anymore.”

I reach out again, laying my hand on her knee. She pulls her hands away, looking up to me.

“I’m so sorry that you felt pressured into this. No one in the society would ever want that. I can promise that. Had they known, I guarantee they would not have let your mother get away with it. I will make sure they know of your mother’s deception. As for you, this is not for everyone. While this society can offer many opportunities, I can see how it could also seem like a prison, tethering you to people you do not want to be around. The laws of the society are finite, confining you to coming when they call, meaning your family too. If you truly want to escape your family, then I agree with your decision and will back it. As of this moment, you’re formally removed from the mentorship program. I will also spread the word that no black rose is to be left in your locker. If anyone disobeys, I want you to seek me out immediately.”

She gives me a grateful smile as she wipes her tears away. “Thank you.”

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