The Black Sheep Has Arrived — Episode 3

transferred in from California and slid effortlessly into my little circle of three. Ethan, and Melanie. Just like at home, I quickly became the invisible one. We'd be walking down the hallway, and out of nowhere, all three of them would stop at the same time. Ethan would tip his chin up slightly. Melanie would follow his eyes. Serena would look down and

I'd just be standing there. At first, I'd ask what they were laughing about. A few times, they always said it was nothing. Eventually, I stopped trying to force my way into a circle that didn't want me. I started avoiding them instead. Then MIT's early letter came, and every waking hour of mine went into the lab. I didn't have time to avoid anyone

anymore. A DM from Serena pulled me back. Hazel, don't take the Venmo thing I know rent in New York is brutal and things are tight for you. I just wanted to help cover your flight. That's all I meant by it. A teary-eyed emoji followed, right on cue.

The group chat filled up with people praising how thoughtful she was. I screenshotted the Venmo request and sent her one sent back. The chat went quiet for a few seconds. Elliot was the first to snap.

Hazel, what the hell? You think it's not enough? Everyone at this wedding is in the Ashford circle. You didn't even finish college and Serena's still willing to have you there. And you're going to nickel and dime her over a Venmo?

A penny's still a gesture. Serena actually cares about you. Did you think for one smekin' how that screenshot made her feel? I leaned back in my chair and took a sip of coffee.

At 18, that kind of one-sided defense would have kept me up all night. At 28, I didn't feel a thing. Serena sent a voice memo. Careful. Apologetic.