Crushing the Scheming Brother After Rebirth

In my past life, my twin brother Julian was always pushing me to skip class, pull all-nighters at parties gaming, then sleep through school the next day.

Whenever I tried to study, hed tease me for being a bookworm.

But behind my back, he was secretly cramming late into the night and sneaking to the library with top students during breaks.

When college apps rolled around, he got into an Ivy League school, landed a Wall Street job after graduation, and married a high-paid software engineer.

My grades, though, were a mess. My parents looked at me with such disappointment, and I ended up juggling three part-time jobs just to scrape by.

Later, I moved in with an abusive woman who eventually beat me to death.

At my memorial, Julian said I was clearly smart but didnt apply myselfeverything that happened was my own fault. Unlike him, whod worked hard since childhood to change his fate through education.

The next thing I knew, I woke up crammed in a sweltering, noisy basement, in the middle of an intense gaming session with a group of guys.

I shook off my grogginess, grabbed my crumpled backpack, and bolted home.

When I got back, Julian was hunched over his desk, scribbling furiously under a lamp. He quickly stuffed his practice papers under his arm when he saw me. Alex, whyre you back? What about your teammates?

He was always the one dragging me to those wild parties to game. And every time, hed be the first to say he was tired and head homeonly to study in secret.

I pulled out a brand-new set of test prep books and taped an Ivy League sticker to my wall.

Julian blew up instantly. Youre applying to the Ivies? Who do you think you are?

Not only am I getting into the IviesIm gonna make you realize talent isnt something you can outwork.

I stared at the kill feed on the screen, the stench of sweat and junk food in the air making my nose wrinkle, while my teammates screamed and cursed as we lost.

I looked around, stunned. Id been rebornback to when I was 17, a month before the SATs.

I grabbed my grimy backpack off the floor and bolted, my teammates confused shouts fading behind me.

Id promised to carry them to the top ranks of the game. If I left, theyd definitely lose.

But my future mattered way more than their temporary gaming win.

I tuned everyone out, ran as fast as I could, and was home in no time.

It was already 1 a.m., but Julians bedroom light was still on. His shadow stretched across the window as he scribbled furiously.

I pushed open his bedroom door. He jumped, quickly shoving test papers under his arm.

I yawned. You said you were tiredwhy arent you in bed?

He forced a calm tone. Woke up and realized I hadnt packed my backpack. Ill do it and go right to sleep.

Julians light went out. I flipped on my desk lampa lamp I hadnt touched in years.

I pulled out textbooks that still had blank name lines.

In my past life, I crammed last minute and barely got into this high school.

Julian, acting shocked, told me grades didnt matter. What counted was being friends with the cool kidsthe ones from rich families.

There was a small clique at schoolkids from rich, powerful families who flunked most classes. They relied on family connections and donations to get ahead.

I listened to Julian, skipping class every day to hop between parties.

We bragged about who was the best gamer. With minimal effort, I became their top player.

But back then, I didnt realize they were all trust-fund kids whod go to expensive private colleges or inherit family businesses after graduation.

My parents, though, were just regular working-class people. If I didnt get into a good college, my future would be dead-end.

I was decent-looking, and not long after I started working at the fast-food joint, a flashy, high-maintenance woman took interest in me.

I told Julian about her, and he encouraged me to chase true love. He said love couldnt be bought, and as long as we cared for each other, we could get through anything.

I believed him and moved in with her. We didnt have a weddingjust a quick courthouse ceremony.

But after we tied the knot, she turned violenthitting me, screaming at me. Every time she got drunk, shed yell, You and Julian share a momso whys he a genius and youre a total idiot?

Tears stinging my eyes, I thought back. Id always been the more talented one.

Id grasp problems instantly, memorize textbooks like it was nothing. When I bombed exams, my old teachers couldnt believe how far Id fallen.

Later, that awful womanmy wifebeat me to death.

When it happened, I called Julian over and over, but he always said he was busy. The second I died, he showed up.

At my memorial, everyone mourned how the once-brilliant kid had ended up so broken.

Julian put on a sad face and told everyone I was clearly smart but didnt apply myselfeverything that happened was my own fault. Unlike him, whod worked hard since childhood to change his fate through education.

After everyone left, Julian gloated, finally admitting why hed lied to me all those years.

Turns out Id been the gifted child growing upall my parents attention and hopes were on me. Hed been consumed by jealousy, using my trust to sabotage me.

This time, Id never let history repeat itself.

Id prove that raw talent is something his endless grinding could never truly match.

I grabbed a piece of paper, wrote I WILL get into an Ivy League! in bold letters, and taped it to my desk.

I pulled out my textbooks and started from page one.

By 3 a.m., Id finished two booksevery concept already locked in my memory.

I slept for two hours, then got up and was the first to rush to the classroom for morning study hall.

Alex is actually studying? Thats a first!

The exams only a few months away. Its too late to cram nowhell be lucky to get into community college.

With his grades, even community college is a stretch. Hell probably have to pay for a for-profit school.

I tuned out their whispers. My grades and acceptance letters would do the talking.

Julian, as always, strolled into class right as the bell rang.

He saw me and asked, Alex, why didnt you text me this morning?

From now on, Ill be at school by 5 a.m. If you can drag yourself out of bed, join me. If not, set your own alarm.

Julian looked confused. You never studywhy show up so early?

Sophia, who sat behind me, piped up excitedly: Your brother came early to study today! No clue whats gotten into him!

Julian froze for a second, then snapped: Alex, after graduation, lets get jobs together. I heard fast-food places let you make good tips if youre good at it!

I pulled out my phone and played a video. If fast foods so great, why were you cramming at 1 a.m. last night?

Julian watched the video, his face draining of color.

Sophia grabbed my phone and pointed at Julian: Julian! So thats why you always bailed mid-game! You were sneaking home to study!

And you study secretly 24/7, yet you only have a B average? Your brains not exactly a supercomputer, huh?

Julians face turned bright red. He slammed open his textbook and started memorizing vocab.

He repeated one word a dozen timesstill couldnt remember it.

After school, I still hung out with my rich friends at parties.

I wasnt cutting them offafter graduation, theyd all be networking connections.

In my past life, all the connections I built ended up helping Julian.

After leading them to five straight wins, I bolted home.

My parents saw me home early and sneered: Look who decided to come home before midnight. I thought youd rather die at those parties?

Go aheadstay out every night! Lets see what college accepts you!

In my past life, my parents tried everything to get me to studybut I listened to Julian instead. Eventually, they gave up on me. They only made sure I had food, nothing more.

After I died, they grieved for months. Mom even had to stay in the hospital to recover from the shock.

I apologized right away. Dad, MomIm sorry. I was stupid before. I promise Ill study hard and get into a good college.

Mom stared at me, then turned away to wipe her eyes.

Dad helped me up. Good for youyouve always had potential. Even if theres not much time left, just try your best. Worst case, we can take a gap year and reapply.

I nodded. Dont worryIll get in on the first try. My goal is the Ivy League.

Just then, Julian walked out of his room with a textbook. Alex, whyre you home? I thought you were at the party with Sophia and the guys.

He stepped close, then pinched his nose. Ugh, Alexyou smell like a bar! Youre making me sick!

Mom sniffed the air and snapped: I knew youd never change! You just came from a party, yet youre lying about studying? With your grades and all the classes you skipif you get into the Ivies, pigs will fly!

Dad sighed and followed Mom into their bedroom.

Once we were alone, Julian dropped the act. Alex, dont waste your time. You cant beat me in a few months. Ive been holding backmy real skills are way better than my GPA shows.

I scoffed and went back to my room to study. Talk is cheapmy grades would prove everything.

We had weekly pop quizzes. I was improving, but still failing.

Julian, though, stopped holding back. He performed at his real levelsecond in class, tenth in the grade.

Mr. Reynolds, our guidance counselor, praised my progress. He said I could get into a decent community college.

I glanced at Julians paper. Hed missed the hardest questionhis brain really wasnt that sharp.

Julian slammed his paper down in front of me. Look, Alexalmost perfect in Lit, A in Pre-Calc.

Now look at yours59 in Math. So close to passing if we were using a 100-point scale. Too bad were not.

And youre so lopsided! At least you passed Historyguess your humanities brain works better.

Sophia tried to talk sense into me. Alex, maybe studying isnt your thing. Dont force it. You havent pulled an all-nighter with us latelyour ranks keep dropping without you.

Julian fake-scolded her. How can you say that? My brothers going to the Ivy League!

The class laughed. His GPAs not even 3.0and he thinks hes going to the Ivies? Thats gold!

Does he think the Ivies are a public park? Just walk right in?

I ignored them, pulled out old SAT papers, and started practicing. Just then, Mr. Reynolds burst into the classroom.

Mr. Reynolds set a stack of scratch paper on my desk. Alexis this yours?

I nodded.

The counselor hugged me excitedly. Geniusyoure a genius!

Principal Miller always says I only teach average kidsbut now Ive got an Ivy League prospect!

Julian stared, shocked. Mr. Reynoldsmy brother improved, but his GPAs only 2.8. How could he get into the Ivies?

Mr. Reynolds clapped my shoulder. He candefinitely can. Your brothers the most talented student Ive ever seen.

Sophia whispered: Mr. Reynolds must be crazy

Mock exams rolled around. After grading, the rankings went up on the school website.

Julian was near the topI was dead last.

Julian laughed. Look at our future Ivy Leaguer98th percentile! Wow, such improvement!

Everyone snickered. But Dean Sterling, standing nearby, said quietly: Alex shouldve been first in the grade.

Julian glared at me, furious. Why does everyone still believe in you? You cant raise your GPA from below 2.0 to 4.0 in a few months!

I leaned in. Want to know why they think I can get into the Ivies?

I laid all my test papers on his desk. His eyes grew wider and wider.

How is this possible?

No wayyou cheated! Im reporting you!

On my answer sheets, Id skipped all the easy questions. But every hard one? I nailed them.

And of the questions I got right, Julian had only answered half correctly.

Julian grabbed my papers and ran to Principal Millers office. He didnt knockjust burst in. Principal Miller! Im reporting Alex Sanders for cheating on the mock SAT!

Inside, all the grades teachers were sitting with Principal Miller.

Principal Miller waved me over. Alexperfect timing. Were looking at your test. Can you explain why you skipped the easy questions but aced the hardest ones with solutions beyond the curriculum?

I just started studying. If I ranked first right away, I didnt want to crush everyones confidence. I glanced at Julian. So I only did the hard questions. For the real exam? Ill go all out.

Mr. Reynolds laughed. See? Thats exactly what I thought.

Principal Miller suggested moving us to AP classes.

Julian and I both said no.

I didnt care where I studiedbut Julian still wanted to distract me.

After school, Julian and Sophia stopped me. Alexlets pull an all-nighter at Jasons party tonight.

I agreed, leading them to five straight wins. As I was leaving to study, a womanmaybe 7 or 8 years olderstepped beside me, leaning in from behind.

Your moves are offlet big sister show you how its done.

I stepped back fast. A wave of cheap perfume and sweat hit memade my stomach turn. Who are you?

Julian jumped in: Alex, this is Lunano one messes with her around here. With her backing you? Youll be untouchable.

Luna pulled out a cigarette, lit it like she thought she was cool, and blew a smoke ring.

AlexIve got my eye on you. Youre mine now. Lets go back to my place.

Julian smiled and pushed my backpack at me. Youre lucky Luna likes yougo with her. Ill cover for you with Mom and Dad.

Luna reached for me, but I dodged. Dont touch me.

Luna grinnedher teeth were yellow from smoking. Why so stuck-up? Your brother said you were easygoing.

Sophia stepped in front of me. I dont care who you areget lost! If you touch Alex, youll answer to me!

Everyone was staring. Luna looked humiliatedshe lunged at Sophia, yelling.

By the end, we were all at the police station.

Sophia had scrapes on her face.

Luna was worseher nose looked broken. She was sobbing at the station, screaming for justice.

My parents arrived and started yelling. Youre bad enough on your ownnow youre dragging Julian down! I told youruin your own life, but leave Julian alone!

Mom tried to hit me, but a cop stopped her.

"Mrs. Sandersplease calm down. Its not what you think."

Julian looked scared the cop would tell the truth. He started crying. MomAlex has been improving. His GPAs almost 2.8. I saw him at Jasons party and tried to get him home. I didnt know hed gotten mixed up with that woman then we fought.

MomI dont want Alex to get worse. Maybe send him to a teen behavior program? Once hes fixed, he can come back and apply to college. Hed get into a good school then.

Mom sighed. Maybe thats the only way. Alex was smart as a kidbut games and bad friends ruined him. Ill look into it tomorrow.

Sophiaher face still scrapedran to Mom. Mrs. Sandersdont listen to Julian! He called Alex to the party. He brought Luna there to force Alex to go with her. Alex refused thats why I fought Luna.

Julian looked shocked. He started sobbing loudly. SophiaI know you like Alex, but you cant lie about me! How would I know someone like Luna?

If Alex didnt hang out at those parties, Luna never wouldve noticed him! Theyve probably been together for months!

Mom slapped me. Youve disappointed me so much! You dont studyand now youre with that woman! We have to send you awayso you can break up with her!

Julian stood behind Mom, grinning at me.

Finally, the cop had enough. He told Mom everything that really happened.

Mom stared at Julian. Julianyoure always so good. How could you get mixed up with that woman? How could you let her bully your brother? Hes your twin!

How could you become this person?

Julians plan was exposedhe stopped pretending.

Why did I become this way? You and Dad should know! Alex and I are twinsso why is he tall and handsome, and Im just ordinary? Like a background character!

Mom had explained this before: we were fraternal twins. I looked like Mom; Julian looked like Dad.

But Julian could never accept it.

Why is he so smart? He never studiedcrammed for two weeks before ninth grade and still got into this school. Slacked off for three yearsstudied a month before the SATs and can solve the hardest questions! What about me? I work so hardsleep four hours a night, got sick, even my periods messed upand Im only tenth in the grade!

Im exhaustedand I still cant beat him! Why did you give him all the good genes?!

My parents stood there, helpless. No one could answer thatlooks and smarts arent choices.

Julian turned to Sophia, angry.

And youSophia! What does Alex have that I dont? You canceled your familys Europe trip for him! Havent you seen how I treat you?

I stared at Sophia, shocked. I thought she only hung out with me to carry her in games. In my past life, Julian and Sophias families got close laterI always thought

Sophias mom arrived then. After hearing what happened, she smiled. If young people like each otherso long as it doesnt hurt their studieswe parents are okay with it.

Mom stepped in front of me, blocking Sophias look. Alex is too young. Nows not the time for that.

Sophias mom stood beside Mom. Mrs. Sandersour Sophia isnt big on school. We dont expect her to run the business. If Alex and Sophia hit it off later our family business could go to someone capable like Alex. Its not a Fortune 500, but its worth a lot.

Julians face turned red. He ran out into the rain, yelling back: AlexIll beat you! Ill be better than you!

Competition is goodI admired his drive. But not if it meant ruining my life.