Leah is a force of nature.

I knew that from the first day I met her back in high school.

Normal things, like decency, shame, or a basic moral compass, just didn't apply to her.

In class, if the kid in front of her was too tall and blocked her view, she’d just walk right up during a lecture and kick their desk.

When her mom was called in and slapped her in front of everyone, she didn’t cry.

She laughed.

Then she’d try to fight her own mother.

And then, somehow, she set her sights on Luke.

Luke got good grades, he was handsome, with this clean-cut, good-boy vibe.

He was our school's golden boy.

They were from two completely different worlds; they should have never crossed paths.

But one day after school, Leah cornered him at the main gate.

In front of everyone, she announced that Luke was going to love her.

At first, he just thought she was crazy and ignored her.

Besides, the whole school knew that he and I were the real couple, practically engaged since we were kids.

But Leah didn't care.

When she wanted something, she'd do anything to get it.

Luke and I were desk partners.

She’d march right up to him, in front of me, and pour her heart out, trying to give him all sorts of gifts.

He'd toss them in the trash without a word, but that never fazed her.

It just made her try harder, day after day.

At my birthday party, I invited a ton of friends from school.

Leah, who definitely was not invited, crashed the party and kissed Luke, hard, right in the middle of the room.

Then she looked right at me with a triumphant sneer. "See that? Your boyfriend is going to be mine, sooner or later."

She did whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted.

She was selfish, only caring about her own happiness, never giving a damn about anyone else's feelings.

Just like now.

She stood by the car door, arms crossed, challenging Luke.

"On a day like today, you just had to bring this girl along to ruin my mood, didn't you?"

Luke's voice was low, pleading. "We were on our way to get the license when I got your call…"

Leah shot him a glare, her voice rising. "I get it, you're getting married! You don't have to keep reminding me!"

She jutted her chin in my direction, laying down the law. "For today, at least, it's her or me."

Luke fell silent again.

Finally, he turned to me, his voice a cautious whisper.

"Chloe, maybe… maybe you could just go home and wait for me?"

Over Luke's shoulder, Leah flashed me a smug, victorious grin.

I sat there in the passenger seat for a long moment, then let out a cold laugh.

"Fine."

I got out of the car and started walking down the side of the road without looking back.

I think he finally realized I was mad, because he rushed after me, trying to explain.

"Chloe, today is different! Just let her have this one, okay?"

He grabbed my arm, making a promise. "Tomorrow. We'll go get the license tomorrow, I swear."

I slapped him across the face.

Luke just stood there, stunned.

Behind him, Leah let out a gleeful little "uh-oh," crossing her arms like she was watching a great movie.

I fought back the lump in my throat and forced a smile.

My voice was shaking with fury.

"What do you take me for, Luke?"

"A dog you can just call over and shoo away whenever you feel like it?"

I glanced back at Leah, then delivered my final verdict to him.

"Forget the license. Do whatever the hell you want."