Just The Forgotten Third Wheel

Summary

Freshman year, I earned the lead role hosting the university orientation gala. After three sleepless nights perfecting my script, Tommy launched a last-minute poll in our cohort chat. Natalie won. She took the stage in my steamed dress, reading my script. Tommy spent hours consoling me, then later warned her, “Don’t let her script go to waste.”

Sophomore year, I secured the Oxford fellowship. Another poll. Natalie went. Junior year, I was named department research rep. Another poll. Natalie replaced me. I spiraled into anxiety, convinced I lacked talent or charm. By senior year, group notifications triggered panic attacks.

One day, descending the stairs, I overheard Natalie pleading below. “Tommy, you promised revenge for what her mother did to mine. Why won’t you help me now?” After a pause, Tommy sighed, “This is the last time, Natalie.” Tears blurred my vision. I opened our chat and launched my own poll: Should Audrey and Tommy stay together? I tapped “No.”