Reborn：I Exposed My Twin’s Lies

My twin sister was always the good one.

I was the failure.

Thats what everyone believed.

They never knew she was the one who dragged me to gaming lounges, then slipped away to study in secret.

She told me grades didnt matter, only connectionswhile quietly stealing every opportunity I built.

In my last life, I died in childbirth.

At my funeral, she cried the loudest and said,

She was smart. She just didnt work hard enough.

This time, Im backsix months before the SAT.

I opened my eyes. I was back at the Nexus Gaming Lounge, locked in an intense gaming session with my team.

I shook my drowsy head, grabbed my grimy backpack, and sprinted home.

At home, Chloe was furiously scribbling notes under her desk lamp. Seeing me, she quickly stashed her study sheets.

Zoe, why are you back? Now your team is one short. How will they win without you?

It was always Chloe who dragged me to the lounge. Then, shed yawn, fake being tired, and sneak off to study at home.

I grabbed my untouched SAT prep books and taped my target, "Stanford," on the wall.

Chloes face darkened with rage. You? Stanford? Who do you think you are?

Not only would I aim for Stanford, but Id show her that natural talent could never be surpassed by hard work.

The smoky, sweat-filled air of the Nexus Lounge lingered in my memory as my teammates shouted obscenities after a loss.

It hit meId been reborn. I was back at seventeen, just one month before the first major SAT practice test.

I didnt care about the commotion I left behind. Grabbing my filthy bag, I bolted.

Zoe, you promised to carry us to diamond rank! they yelled after me, but I didnt turn back. My future mattered more than their fleeting victories.

When I got home, it was 1 a.m. Chloes light was still on, her silhouette reflected in the window. Her pen raced across the paper.

I barged into her room. Chloe jumped, hastily shoving her study guide under a textbook.

Smirking, I recorded her with my phone.

You said you were too tired to study. So why are you still up? I yawned.

Feigning nonchalance, she replied, Oh, I woke up to use the bathroom and realized my backpack wasnt packed. Im just fixing it before going to bed.

Chloe turned off her lamp. I returned to my room, flicked on a desk light I hadnt used in ages, and opened my blank prep books.

In my past life, I barely scraped into high school by cramming during my final weeks of middle school.

Chloe, meanwhile, convinced me that being friends with the cool kids mattered more than grades.

The schools "donation-based" Honors Track was filled with rich kids who slacked off but got in through connections. I believed Chloe and started skipping classes to hang out with them at Nexus Lounge.

We measured status by gaming prowess, and I became the best of them.

But I hadnt realized they were all wealthy. By senior year, they transferred to elite private schools or left for boarding schools overseas, ready to inherit family businesses.

My parents, though, were just regular workers. Without good grades, I had no future except the local factories.

At Midwest Automotive, Tylera worker with bleached blond hairtook an interest in me. I mentioned it to Chloe, who cheered me on.

True love is priceless, she said. If Tyler loves you, thats all that matters. Love conquers all.

I believed her. Tyler and I moved in together, had a baby without a wedding, and barely signed the marriage certificate.

Once married, Tyler started beating me. Drunk, hed mock me. You and Chloe came from the same parents. Why is she so brilliant while youre as dumb as a rock?

I cried bitterly, wondering where I had gone wrong. I used to be the smartest onethe girl who could solve problems at a glance, memorize pages instantly. My middle school teachers couldnt believe I had failed my SATs.

My tragic fate culminated in a difficult labor. Tyler refused a C-section, resulting in both my baby and me dying.

On my deathbed, I called Chloe endlessly, but she claimed she was too busy. The moment I passed, she showed up.

At my funeral, people shook their heads, saying, How did such a bright girl end up like this?

Chloe put on a show of grief. Zoe was so smart but wasted her potential. Her downfall was her own fault. Unlike me, I worked hard and changed my fate through perseverance.

Once everyone left, Chloe gloated over her victory.

Turns out, Chloe had always been jealous of me. As a child, I was the center of our parents attention. Her envy consumed her. She manipulated my trust and orchestrated my downfall.

This time, I wouldnt fall for her tricks.

I wrote I will get into Stanford in bold letters and taped it above my desk.

Opening my freshman-year textbooks, I started from the first page. By 3 a.m., Id finished two books, every concept burned into my memory.

I caught two hours of sleep before heading to school at dawn. By the time my classmates arrived, Id already memorized both volumes of freshman English vocabulary.

Zoe Millers actually studying? Thats a first!

Only six months until the SATs. Even if she tries, the best she can hope for is community college.

With her grades? A state schools out of reach. Shell end up in some overpriced for-profit college at best.

I ignored the chatter. My scores would do the talking.

Chloe showed up late as usual, barely beating the bell.

Zoe, why didnt you wake me up this morning? she complained.

Ill be at school by 5 a.m. from now on. Set your own alarm if you want to join me.

Chloe looked puzzled. Why would you get here so early? You dont even study.

From behind me, Ethan chimed in. Your sisters been up since dawn memorizing vocab. Shes already gone through two books. Somethings seriously up with her.

Chloe froze, then exploded, Zoe, were just here to get a degree. After we graduate, well both head to Midwest Automotive. Ive heard top workers make good money thereover $4,000 a month!

I pulled out my phone and played the video Id recorded.

If the factorys so great, why are you sneaking in late-night study sessions?

Chloes face went pale.

Ethan grabbed my phone and barked, Chloe Miller! No wonder you always ditch our games midway. Youve been secretly studying all this time!

All that effort, and you still only scored in the 400s? Guess your brains not built for this.

Chloe flushed with rage. She opened her notebook and tried memorizing vocab, but after ten repetitions, she still couldnt get it.

After school, I still went with the rich kids to the Nexus Lounge. I wasnt about to cut ties with them. Someday, theyd be valuable connections.

In my past life, Chloe snatched up all the relationships Id worked so hard to cultivate. This time, that wasnt happening.

After leading my team to five straight wins, I rushed home.

When I walked in, my parents immediately went on the offensive.

Well, look who decided to come home early! Didnt you say youd rather die at Nexus Lounge than come back here?

Why dont you just stay there forever? Lets see what kind of SAT scores youll pull off.

In my last life, my parents had tried everything to get me to study, but I blindly believed Chloe's lies and rebelled. Eventually, they gave up on me, only making sure I wasnt starving but otherwise washing their hands of me.

After my death, though, they mourned for a long time. My mom was hospitalized from the grief.

I dropped to my knees with a thud. Mom, Dad, Im sorry. I was so stupid before. Ill study hard and get into a good collegeI swear!

My mom turned to look at me, stunned. Then she quickly wiped her tears, pretending she wasnt crying.

My dad helped me up immediately. Its alright. You finally understand. I always knew you werent a bad kid at heart. Theres not much time left, but give it your all. If it doesnt work out, well figure something outeven if it means taking a gap year.

I nodded firmly. Dont worry. Ill get in on the first try. Im aiming for Stanford!

Chloe stepped out of her room holding her notebook. Zoe, why are you back? Werent you gaming with Ethan and the others at Nexus?

She walked up to me, fake innocence dripping from her expression, before dramatically pinching her nose.

Eww, Zoe, you reek of cigarettes! The smell is unbearable!

My mom leaned in, sniffed, and instantly slapped me across the face.

I knew it! You cant change your ways, can you? Lying about studying, coming home stinking of smoke. With grades like yours, scoring in the 200s on the SAT, and skipping class to play games, if you can get into Stanford, then pigs might fly!

Disappointed, my dad sighed and followed my mom back to their room.

Alone with me, Chloe dropped her mask.

Zoe, stop wasting your time. Six months isnt enough for you to surpass me. Ive been holding back; Im not just a 400-range scorer.

I laughed coldly and walked to my room. Words wouldnt convince anyoneId let my results speak for themselves.

Weekly tests rolled around, and while I showed improvement, my scores were still far from good.

Chloe, on the other hand, dropped her fa?ade and performed at her real levelsecond in the class and tenth in the grade.

The homeroom teacher praised me, saying I had a shot at getting into a state college.

I glanced at Chloes test papers. She hadnt solved the hardest questions. Her brain just wasnt built for it.

Chloe shoved her paper in front of me, pointing at her scores.

Zoe, look! I got a near-perfect score in English and 1290 on the practice SAT. What about you?

She pretended to examine my scores.

Wow, a 590 in math? So close! If the test was out of 800, youd be just okay. Too bad its out of 1600, and you're way below average.

Oh, and youre so much better in reading and writing600 in English! Your verbal scores definitely beat your math!

Ethan tried to console me. Zoe, maybe studying isnt your thing. Youve stopped pulling all-nighters with us at Nexus. Without you, were losing ranks like crazy!

Chloe jumped in with fake scolding. Ethan, dont say that about my sister. Shes aiming for Stanford!

The whole class erupted in laughter.

Seriously? Zoe Miller, the future Stanford scholar?

With a total score under 1000, she thinks she can get into Stanford? Thats hilarious!

She must think she owns Stanford and can just waltz in whenever she wants.

Ignoring them, I pulled out a SAT prep workbook and got back to solving problems.

Suddenly, my homeroom teacher, Mr. Davis, barged into the classroom, waving a stack of scratch paper.

Zoe, is this yours?

I nodded, confused.

To my surprise, Mr. Davis hugged me. Youre a genius, Zoe! An absolute genius!

The principal always says I cant teach beyond General Track students. But here I am, proving him wrongteaching a future Stanford student!

Chloe froze in shock. Mr. Davis, my sisters scores improved, sure, but shes still under 1000. How could she possibly get into Stanford?

Mr. Davis patted my shoulder proudly. Shell make it. Zoe is the smartest student Ive ever taught.

Ethan muttered, Is Mr. Davis losing it?

Mock exam results came out, and the school rankings were posted in the hallway.

Chloe ranked 20th in the grade. I placed 98th.

Chloe immediately seized the chance to mock me.

Wow, Zoe! Youve improved so muchup to 98th! Stanford is just around the corner!

Laughter echoed through the halls.

The grade director, who had been watching, muttered, Zoe Miller could be ranked first in the grade.

Chloes face twisted in anger. Zoes scores are pathetic. Why does everyone believe in her? Theres no way she can go from a 200-range to 1500+ in six months!

Leaning close, I whispered, Want to know why everyone believes I can make it to Stanford?

I spread out my test papers and answer sheets in front of her. Chloes eyes widened as she scanned them.

This cant be real!

Its impossible! You must have cheated! Im reporting you!

My answer sheet was a masterpiece. Id ignored all the simple, basic questions but solved every difficult one, using elegant shortcuts.

Chloe had only answered half of the questions I hadand shed gotten some wrong.

Grabbing my papers, she stormed into the principals office, bursting in without knocking.

Principal Wilson, Im here to report Zoe Miller from 11-B for cheating on the mock exam!

Inside, the principal sat with several teachers, analyzing my test papers.

Seeing us, Dr. Wilson gestured for me to join them. Perfect timing, Zoe. We were just discussing your results. Can you explain why you left all the easy questions blank but solved the hardest ones so well?

I didnt want to discourage my peers. If I went all out from the start, my scores would be too intimidating. Ill save my best performance for the final mock and the SATs.

I glanced at Chloe, whose face darkened.

Mr. Davis laughed. Exactly as I thought! Zoes strategy is brilliant.

Dr. Wilson made an immediate decision. Both Zoe and Chloe are being transferred to the Honors Track.

I refused the transferit didnt matter where I studied. Chloe, however, declined for one reason: she needed to stay close to sabotage me.

After school, Chloe gathered Ethan and some others to corner me.

Zoe, lets do an all-nighter at Nexus tonight. Ive got a big promotion match.

I agreed, leading them to five more wins before heading home.

Just as I was leaving, a man, at least seven or eight years older than me, leaned over from behind and wrapped his arms around me.

Your moves are sloppy. Let me teach you.

The stink of body odor and cheap cologne made me gag as I slipped away.

Who the hell are you?

Chloe stepped forward. Zoe, this is Ricky, the most powerful man around here. With him protecting you, no one would dare mess with you.

Ricky lit a cigarette, blowing smoke rings as if he were the star of some cheesy movie.

Zoe Miller, I like you. Youre my girlfriend now. Lets go.

Chloe shoved my bag at me, grinning. Youre so lucky, Zoe. Ill cover for you with Mom and Dad.

Ricky reached for me, but I darted away.

Dont touch me.

Ricky grinned, revealing yellowed teeth. Quit playing hard to get. Your sister says you throw yourself at men all the time.

Ethan stepped between us, pulling me behind him.

I dont care who you think you are, Ricky. Back off. Lay a finger on Zoe, and Ill end you.

Ricky, furious at being challenged, lunged at Ethan, who held his ground.

The fight landed us all at the Midtown Police Precinct.

Ethan sported a few bruises, but Ricky looked worsehis nose broken as he whined to the officers.

When my parents arrived, they were livid.

Youre not only ruining yourself, Zoe, but dragging Chloe down with you. How many times do I have to tell you to stop being a bad influence?

My mom tried to slap me again, but an officer stopped her.

Mrs. Miller, please calm down. Things arent what they seem.

Before the officer could explain, Chloe burst into tears.

Mom, Ive been trying so hard to help Zoe. Shes improved her scores recently, so I thought if I kept her away from gaming, she could do even better. I saw her at Nexus again tonight and tried to bring her home, but then she got involved with this guy, and things escalated.

Maybe you should send her to a digital detox retreat. Once shes better, she can take the SAT again and aim for Stanford!

My mom sighed heavily. Maybe thats the only way. Zoe used to be so bright, but gaming has ruined her. Ill call the program tomorrow.

Ethan, head bandaged, rushed to defend me.

Mrs. Miller, Chloes lying! Shes the one who dragged Zoe to Nexus tonight. She even set Zoe up with Ricky, trying to force her into being his girlfriend. Zoe refused, and thats why I stepped in!

Chloes face turned pale as she stammered, Ethan, I know you like Zoe, but you dont have to make up stories for her. Why would I ever associate with someone like Ricky?

If Zoes such a saint, why does Ricky say shes been hanging around him for ages?

My mom, without waiting to hear more, slapped me.

Im so disappointed in you, Zoe. If you wont focus on school, at least stop hanging out with these kinds of people. Youre going to the retreat tomorrow. And youll cut ties with Ricky.

Behind my mom, Chloe smirked triumphantly.