- 6 hours ago
The Prank That Broke Us ｜ FULL
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Short filmTranscript
00:00When I woke up, I was a prop in their prank, zip-tied to the goalpost on the school's football
00:04field.
00:05Students walking by laughed at me, filmed TikToks, and someone even threw a milkshake at me.
00:09I was tied up in front of everyone for two whole hours.
00:12When my best friend Leo finally showed up...
00:15Savannah said she wanted to see a real-life horror movie prank, so we just played a little joke.
00:19Ellie, you're not actually mad, are you? We grew up together. You know me better than anyone.
00:23I just stared at him silently. I guess my dignity was just something to be sacrificed for someone else's entertainment.
00:28I transferred schools the next day, and Leo lost his fucking mind.
00:33Please, Ellie, it was just a prank. Don't be like this.
00:37After gym class, I was just walking out of the equipment room when the football players surrounded me.
00:42Leo Carter, the boy next door I'd known my whole life, was leading them.
00:48Leo knocked me unconscious and tied me to the goalpost of the football field for two whole hours,
00:55leaving me to be watched and mocked by everyone.
00:58Finally, Leo arrived. He still had that same cocky smirk he always wore.
01:01Hands shoved in his jean pockets. He strolled over like he was just there to watch the show.
01:04The rest of the football team, his accomplices, followed behind him.
01:06And so did Sienna Miller. She was wearing a pink sundress, her long hair flowing over her shoulders.
01:10Like every strand of her hair was glowing.
01:11Oh my god, you guys actually did it! That's insane!
01:14The excitement she couldn't hide in her voice made my blood run cold.
01:17So my pain was just her entertainment?
01:20Of course.
01:21Savannah asks, Savannah gets.
01:23It was a gentle tone I had never heard from him before me.
01:26He walked up to the goalpost and looked up at me.
01:28The setting sun cast a golden glow on his face.
01:31The features were so familiar.
01:32But right now, he was a complete stranger.
01:34The eyes I once thought would protect me forever now only held mockery.
01:38So, how's the view from up there, Ellie?
01:40He was still joking.
01:41As if I wasn't a person, but a toy.
01:43Alright, alright. Joke's over. Let's get her down.
01:45He said it so casually, like he was commenting on the weather.
01:48A couple of his teammates clumsily untied the ropes.
01:51No one cared if I would get hurt.
01:52I crashed hard onto the grass.
01:53The impact knocked the wind out of me.
01:55And I felt like my lungs had collapsed.
01:57Every bone in my body ached.
01:58I curled into a blob, like a dying insect.
02:01Leo crouched down and ripped the bandage off my face.
02:03The pain of the tape tearing at my skin made me gasp.
02:06When he saw my red, swollen eyes, he paused for a second.
02:08For a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of regret.
02:11I thought he would apologize.
02:12What are you crying for? It was just a prank.
02:14We used to prank each other all the time.
02:15He said it so lightly, as if this was just like any other joke.
02:18But he forgot.
02:19Our old pranks never involved destroying someone's dignity.
02:22They never involved humiliating someone in front of hundreds of people.
02:24They were never this cruel.
02:26I stared at him, saying nothing.
02:27My throat felt like it was stuffed with cotton.
02:29I couldn't get a single word out.
02:30It wasn't that I didn't want to speak.
02:32I just didn't know what to say.
02:34How do you question 16 years of friendship?
02:36How do you put this betrayal into words?
02:38My stare made him uncomfortable.
02:39Don't look at me like that. It's creepy.
02:41His darting eyes gave away his guilt.
02:42Savannah said yesterday she wanted to film a cool Halloween prank video,
02:46so we thought, it's not a big deal.
02:48You're fine, right?
02:49But I didn't make a sound.
02:50I just gave Leo one last look.
02:51And that look was 16 years of friendship.
02:53Countless happy memories.
02:54And in that moment, it was over.
02:55Heard his voice behind me.
02:56Hey, Eleanor Vance, where are you going?
02:58Stop being mad, okay?
02:59I didn't turn back.
02:59My steps were shaky, but firm.
03:01Every step felt like walking on knives, but I couldn't stop.
03:03If I stopped, I was afraid I would break down.
03:05I would sob uncontrollably right in front of him.
03:07And if that happened, I would have truly lost.
03:09Lost everything.
03:10When I got home, I went straight to the bathroom.
03:14As I took off my clothes, I saw the bruises and wentz covering my body.
03:19They were horrifying.
03:20I stood under the scalding water, scrubbing my skin over and over,
03:24trying to wash off the milkshake, to wash off the humiliation,
03:28trying to wash away every trace of Leo, but I couldn't.
03:31The laughter still echoed in my ears.
03:34The malicious stares still crawled on my skin.
03:37And Leo's careless words, it was just a prank.
03:39They replayed in my mind like a curse.
03:41The hot water sting my wounds, making me shiver.
03:44But the pain was good.
03:45It kept me lucid.
03:46It reminded me that this wasn't a nightmare.
03:48This was real.
03:48Leo really did use me as a toy to impress Savannah.
03:51My mom knocked on the door.
03:53Ellie, you've been in there a while.
03:55Don't run up the water bill, honey.
03:56I turned off the shower.
03:58Coming out now.
04:00My voice was so hoarse.
04:02It didn't sound like my own.
04:03Mom must have gone to her book club,
04:04because she didn't notice anything was wrong.
04:06That was for the best.
04:07I didn't want to explain.
04:08How could I explain?
04:09Tell her that the person I trusted most in the world had betrayed me?
04:12Tell her I was tied up like a clown on the school's goalpost?
04:15No, I couldn't bring myself to say it.
04:17The girl in the mirror was a mess.
04:18My face was pale.
04:20My lips colorless.
04:21The marks on my wrists were deep and a sickening shade of purple red like they were carved into my
04:24bones.
04:25I took out the antiseptic and started cleaning them bit by bit.
04:28It hurt.
04:29A piercing pain.
04:30But it was nothing compared to the pain in my heart.
04:3216 years.
04:44He cried his eyes out on the first day, and I was the one who gave him a piece of
04:48chocolate.
04:49After that, he followed me around like a little shadow.
04:53Ellie, wait for me.
04:54Ellie, you can have this.
04:56Ellie, we're gonna be together forever.
04:58Back then, Leo's eyes were so bright, his smile so pure.
05:01He was the troublemaker, and I was the good girl who always listened.
05:05When he got into trouble, I covered him.
05:06When the teacher asked who broke the classroom window, I said it was me.
05:10It was him, practicing his baseball swing.
05:12He hated studying, so I tutored him.
05:14Before final exams, I'd give him all my meticulously organized notes.
05:17Then I'd stay up all night making a new set for myself.
05:20He used to say, Ellie, you're the best.
05:22I'm going to make you my bride someday.
05:23I'd blush and say, who would want to marry you?
05:25But secretly, my heart would flutter.
05:27I thought we were best friends.
05:29The closest partners.
05:31I even secretly hoped for more.
05:33I hoped that one day, he would look at me seriously and say,
05:37Eleanor Vars, will you be my girlfriend?
05:39But it turned out, in his eyes, I was just a toy he could humiliate whenever he wanted.
05:44Just a backup plan who would never leave.
05:46To get Savannah's attention, he didn't hesitate to tie me to a goalpost.
05:50To make me the laughingstock of the whole school.
05:52To trample all over my dignity.
05:54My phone buzzed non-stop.
05:56It was the school's gossip Instagram page.
05:59They had a new post.
06:00I clicked on it mechanically.
06:02Someone had uploaded the videos from this afternoon.
06:05In the video, I was hanging there like a broken doll.
06:08Swaying every time the wind blew.
06:10The comments were filled with LOLs and laughing, crying emojis.
06:14I'm dead, Eleanor got what was coming to her.
06:17Mummy of the year, LOL.
06:18Every comment felt like a slap in the face.
06:21So this is what everyone thought of me.
06:23I closed Instagram.
06:24On his story, Leo had posted too.
06:27Today's source of entertainment.
06:28Savannah, are you satisfied?
06:30The picture was of me, tied to the post.
06:32He even added a clown jeeping emoji.
06:34Savannah replied,
06:35You guys are so bad.
06:36I was just kidding around, followed by three blushing emojis.
06:40Her comment was flooded with likes and hype.
06:42Leo, you're the man!
06:44Anything for Queen Savannah.
06:45What's next?
06:46It's for round two.
06:46I shut off my phone.
06:49My heart felt like a hollow, empty space.
06:53So, my pain was their entertainment.
06:56My dignity was their plaything.
06:58And Leo, the one person I thought would always be on my side.
07:03He was the one who had hurt me the most.
07:06Leo fell for her instantly.
07:08Or more accurately, he was completely mesmerized.
07:12From that day on, Savannah was all he could see.
07:15He'd skip the last five minutes of his class just to save her the best table in the cafeteria.
07:20Before, I was the one who always saved him a seat.
07:23He'd drive halfway across town just to buy her breakfast.
07:27All because she casually mentioned wanting to try donuts from some trendy new shop.
07:33He would do anything to make her smile.
07:36Including tying me to a goal post.
07:39If I stayed any longer, I was afraid I would start crying.
07:43I closed the door.
07:44And the tears finally came.
07:47They flowed silently, like a dam breaking.
07:50I covered my mouth, trying not to make a sound.
07:54I didn't want my parents to hear.
07:58I opened my laptop and started researching how to transfer to a school in California.
08:02I had to get out of here.
08:05Away from this suffocating place.
08:07Away from Leo.
08:08Away from all the humiliation and mockery.
08:11There was a great high school in California, near where my aunt lived.
08:14She'd ask me back in ninth grade if I wanted to move out there.
08:17I said no back then.
08:20I couldn't bear to leave home.
08:22To leave Leo.
08:24Looking back now, it was pathetic.
08:27The person I couldn't bear to leave had no problem hurting me.
08:31My phone rang again.
08:32It was Leo.
08:33I declined the call.
08:36He called back.
08:38I declined again.
08:40After a dozen more times, he sent a text.
08:42Stop sulking.
08:43You want to go to Six Flags tomorrow?
08:45I know you've been wanting to go.
08:47Fine.
08:48My bad.
08:48Happy now?
08:49Ellie, stop being mad.
08:51I bought your favorite red velvet cupcakes.
08:53Want me to bring them over?
08:56I didn't reply.
08:58Red velvet cupcakes?
08:59Did he really think a cupcake could fix everything?
09:02He kept texting.
09:03Eleanor Voss, don't push it.
09:05It was just a joke.
09:07Are you really this sensitive?
09:08Savannah already apologized to you.
09:11What more do you want?
09:12If you keep ignoring me, I'm done with you.
09:15Eleanor.
09:16Fine.
09:17Whatever.
09:18Your choice.
09:19So when an apology didn't work, he resorted to threats.
09:23That was Leo.
09:24Always the center of his own universe.
09:27He thought the whole world should revolve around him.
09:30I blocked his number.
09:32Finally, the world was quiet.
09:35The moon outside my window was full and bright.
09:39When we were little, we used to sit on the swing in my backyard
09:41and watch the moon.
09:43He'd say, Ellie, doesn't the moon look like a giant block of cheese?
09:47I'd say, it looks like a silver plate.
09:50He'd reply, I'm hungry, so everything looks like food.
09:54And I'd give him the candy from my pocket.
09:59Those were good times.
10:01But we could never go back.
10:04The next morning, I went to the school's administration office.
10:06I found my guidance counselor to ask about transferring.
10:08She was a kind-looking middle-aged woman with glasses.
10:10Eleanor, transferring in the middle of your junior year can be tricky with credit transfers.
10:13Are you sure you want to do this now?
10:14I, I'm being bullied at this school.
10:16The words were barely audible.
10:17It took all my courage to say them out loud.
10:19Do you have any proof?
10:20If this is true, we will take it very seriously.
10:23I opened my phone.
10:24The videos were still there.
10:26Each one was a fresh nightmare.
10:27Watching them again was like stabbing myself in the heart.
10:30But now, they were my evidence.
10:32The counselor's face grew darker and darker as she watched.
10:34Have you called the police?
10:35I shook my head.
10:35The police?
10:36That meant tearing open my wounds for them to see.
10:38List that suffocating shame over and over during an espace as his skin.
10:40The thought made me sick to my stomach.
10:42I just want to transfer.
10:43Deep, exhausting.
10:44Seeped into my bones as fast as possible.
10:46I don't want to spend another second in this place.
10:48Leaving was enough.
10:49It wasn't running away.
10:50It was that they didn't deserve another second of my time or energy.
10:53All right, where do you want to transfer to?
10:55Palo Alto High School in California.
10:57It was one of the best high schools on the West Coast.
10:59It was also in the same school district as my aunt.
11:01If I moved in with her, I'd meet the residency requirements.
11:04It had a great academic reputation, free of all the bullshit drama.
11:07Palo Alto High?
11:08The academic pressure there is intense.
11:09Yes, I've already confirmed with my aunt.
11:11Her address is within the school district.
11:13As long as I provide proof of residency and the necessary documents, they have to accept me.
11:17Just last month, my aunt had asked if I wanted to move in with her and transfer.
11:20She'd looked into it.
11:20And with my grades, getting into Palo Alto High was a sure thing.
11:23I turned her down then.
11:24I couldn't bear to leave home, to leave Leo.
11:28How pathetic.
11:30I saw myself as his whole world.
11:32He saw me as a prop to entertain someone else.
11:35The counselor was very sympathetic.
11:36Okay, I'll get your official transcripts and vaccination records ready for you.
11:40She contacted the new school that same day and helped expedite my paperwork.
11:42The process will take a few business days.
11:44You could be starting at your new school as early as next Monday.
11:48My gratitude was genuine.
11:50Eleanor.
11:50She called out as I was leaving.
11:52When you get to your new school, it's a fresh start.
11:55Forget about what happened here.
11:57You deserve better.
11:58My eyes welled up again.
12:00The kindness of a stranger was more moving than the cruelty of someone I knew.
12:03Stepping out of the administration building, the sunlight felt a little too bright.
12:08I took a deep breath.
12:10A new beginning was coming.
12:12You can do this, Eleanor.
12:14Be careful and come home early after school.
12:17Mrs. Carter said we're having a barbecue in the backyard tonight.
12:20Okay.
12:20I hadn't told my parents about the transfer.
12:22I didn't want them to worry, and I didn't want them to stop me.
12:25I'd tell them once everything was settled, school was the same as always, except in AP calculus.
12:30My classmates looked at me with a little more amusement in their eyes.
12:33Hey, the mummy's here.
12:34The whispers followed me.
12:35No toilet paper today?
12:36I heard Leo went to see her yesterday, and she gave him the cold shoulder.
12:40She doesn't know what's good for her.
12:41I walked to my seat with a blank expression.
12:43Let them say whatever they wanted.
12:45This was my last day.
12:46Still mad?
12:47He was trying to be charming, but his eyes still held that same sense of entitlement,
12:50as if my anger was just a childish tantrum.
12:52I bought tickets to Six Plags for us.
12:54Want to go after school?
12:55And I got your favorite red velvet cupcakes.
12:57I promise you'll feel better after you have one.
12:59I ignored him and took out my books.
13:01I started to organize my things.
13:02I cleared out everything that was mine from my locker.
13:04Not a single pen or eraser was left behind.
13:06Eleanor, that's enough.
13:07His voice was edged with impatience now.
13:09I already said I was sorry.
13:10What more do you want?
13:11Everyone was just having fun the other day.
13:12Look, Justin got his eyebrows shaved off yesterday, and he wasn't mad.
13:15I still didn't say a word.
13:16I just kept packing.
13:17Just then, Savannah walked in.
13:19She paused when she saw us.
13:20Morning, Leo.
13:20Then she smiled and walked over.
13:22Her voice was sickly sweet.
13:23Ellie, are you okay?
13:24I'm so sorry.
13:25About the other day, I was just talking that far.
13:27It's fine.
13:28I cut her off.
13:29I didn't want to hear her fake apology.
13:30And I didn't want to waste my last few hours here on her.
13:33Leo immediately jumped to her defense, like a mother hen protecting her chick.
13:37Savannah already apologized.
13:39Just drop it.
13:40She didn't mean any harm.
13:41You know how she is.
13:42She's so innocent, she just speaks without thinking.
13:45Innocent?
13:46I almost laughed out loud.
13:48Savannah was the most manipulative person I had ever met.
13:51She played the victim on the surface, but she was a master of scheming behind the scenes.
13:55But Leo bought her act completely.
13:58I'm going to the restroom.
13:58I stood up.
14:00I needed to cool down.
14:02Otherwise, I was afraid I'd lose control.
14:04I was afraid I'd rip off Savannah's fake mask in front of everyone.
14:08In the restroom, I looked at my reflection in the mirror.
14:11My face was pale, with dark circles under my eyes.
14:14I hadn't slept well, plagued by nightmares.
14:17In my dream, I was still tied to the goal pole.
14:19Everyone was laughing.
14:21Leo was laughing the hardest.
14:22I woke up to a tear-soaked pillow.
14:24I woke up to a tear-soaked pillow.
14:27I splashed cold water on my face.
14:30Eleanor, just one more day.
14:32Tomorrow, you'll be free.
14:34When I got back to the classroom, Leo and Sarana were chatting happily.
14:38She was sitting in my seat, and they were leaning in close to each other.
14:41Leo was helping her with a math problem, hand-over-hand kind of helping.
14:45I stood at the doorway, watching them quietly.
14:48Once, he used to teach me like that.
14:50The only difference was, with me, he was always impatient.
14:54Eleanor, why are you so stupid?
14:55You can't even solve a simple problem like this!
15:00The bell rang.
15:01I silently took an empty seat in the back row.
15:03I didn't want to see them anymore.
15:05I spent the whole morning in the back of the class.
15:08At lunch, I went to the school's vending machine.
15:10I bought a ton of snacks, the kind I usually never let myself buy.
15:13Buying so much today?
15:14What's the occasion?
15:15I'm in a good mood, because I was about to be free.
15:18I was about to leave this suffocating place.
15:20During the last class of the day, I packed up everything.
15:22My books, my stationery, even the trash in my locker.
15:24Why are you cleaning everything out?
15:25Not coming back tomorrow or something?
15:27I left nothing behind.
15:27I wanted a break.
15:28His tone was light, still smiling.
15:30But his joke hit the mark.
15:31I glanced at him, but didn't say anything.
15:33There were so many things I wanted to say.
15:34I want to ask, why did you do that?
15:35But in the end, I asked nothing.
15:37What was the point?
15:37I already knew the answer.
15:38The final bell rang.
15:39I slung my backpack over my shoulder and took one last look at the classroom.
15:43Three years of my memories were in this room.
15:44There was laughter.
15:45There were tears.
15:46But from today on, none of it had anything to do with me anymore.
15:48Wait for me.
15:49Weren't we supposed to go to Six Flags?
15:50I walked out without looking back.
15:52Eleanor, what's with the attitude now?
15:53I walked faster.
15:54As soon as I was out of the school gates, I got into my aunt's car.
15:56She had flown all the way from California just to pick me up.
15:59Ready to go?
15:59Yeah.
16:00Then let's go.
16:00The car pulled away from the curb.
16:02In the rearview mirror, I saw Leo running out of the school.
16:04He stood at the gate, looking completely lonely lost.
16:06He was still holding two tickets to the amusement park.
16:08The wind blew through his hair, and for a fraction of the pain I had felt.
16:10Goodbye, Leo.
16:11And good riddus.
16:11It was dark by the time we landed in California.
16:14The five-hour flight was quiet.
16:16I didn't say much.
16:17My aunt didn't press me for details.
16:19She just glanced at me from time to time.
16:20Her eyes were full of compassion.
16:22Her house was a ten-minute walk from the high school.
16:24You can stay with me for now.
16:26Once you get settled, you can decide if you want to stay in the dorms.
16:30Thanks, Auntie.
16:31Don't be silly.
16:31We're family.
16:32She said, gently stroking my hair.
16:34Her touch was so light, as if she was afraid of hurting me.
16:37My aunt's eyes blazed with anger when she mentioned Leo.
16:40She had seen the videos.
16:40That little bastard is an absolute monster.
16:43If you hadn't stopped me, I would have called the Carters and given them a piece of my mind.
16:46She was so furious, she almost called his parents right then and there.
16:48I was the one who stopped her.
16:50I didn't want a huge scene.
16:51I just wanted to leave quietly.
16:52It's all in the past now.
16:53I forced a smile.
16:54What do you mean, in the past?
16:55She said, getting worked up.
16:57Do you have any idea how my heart broke when I saw those videos?
17:00You're such a good kid, Eleanor.
17:02You don't deserve to be treated like that.
17:03Auntie, I'm okay.
17:04Things will be better now.
17:06That night, I turned off my phone.
17:07I didn't want to see any messages.
17:09I didn't want to know if Leo was looking for me.
17:11I didn't want to know if anyone at school had noticed I was gone.
17:13I didn't want to know anything.
17:15I just wanted a good night's sleep.
17:17And for the first time in a long time, I slept soundly.
17:19No nightmares.
17:20No waking up in a cold sweat.
17:21No voices laughing at me.
17:23No malicious stares.
17:24Just the faint sound of my aunt snoring softly from the next room.
17:27It was comforting.
17:27The next morning, my aunt took me to the school to register.
17:30Palo Alto High was much bigger than my old school.
17:32The lawns were green and manicured.
17:33And the hallways were filled with the quiet hum of learning.
17:36There were no clucks.
17:37No nasty pranks.
17:37This is your new counselor, Miss Bennett.
17:39Miss Bennett was in her 30s with glasses and a warm smile.
17:42Eleanor Vance, is that right?
17:43Welcome to Pal.
17:44Her smile was genuine.
17:44Not like the forced politeness of the teachers at my old school.
17:47Our academic de Kivla team is looking for new members.
17:49I really encourage you to try out.
17:50I've seen your transcripts.
17:52They're very impressive.
17:53I was taken aback.
17:54At my old school, all the student government and club positions were held by Savannah and
17:58her friends.
17:59Even though my grades were good, no one ever considered me.
18:01Because I wasn't pretty enough, or rich enough, or popular enough.
18:03Really?
18:04I was a little unsure.
18:05Of course.
18:06Your grades speak for themselves.
18:07Believe in yourself.
18:08I walked into my new classroom.
18:10Forty pairs of eyes turned to look at me.
18:12There was no mockery, no malice.
18:14Just simple curiosity.
18:15Hi, everyone.
18:16I'm Eleanor Vance.
18:17It's nice to meet you all.
18:18My voice was a little shaky, but I tried to stay calm.
18:20The class broke into applause.
18:22It was warm and sincere.
18:23The new girl is really pretty.
18:25Someone whispered, pretty?
18:27Me?
18:27And she's super smart, too.
18:29She seems really quiet.
18:31No one called me a nerd.
18:32No one called me a hanging on.
18:34No one looked at me like I was a freak.
18:36My seat was in the third row by the window.
18:38The sun was shining, and a gentle breeze blew in.
18:40I'm Chloe Davis.
18:41You can just call me Chloe.
18:43She had two dimples when she smiled.
18:45Ellie.
18:45Wow, what a beautiful name.
18:47Eleanor, like Eleanor Roosevelt.
18:49Strong and smart.
18:50Your parents must be really cool.
18:51She was a talker.
18:52As soon as the bell rang, she was pulling me aside to give me the rundown of the class.
18:55Which teacher was strict?
18:56Which students were funny?
18:56How Friday pizza day in the cafeteria was the best?
18:58Which corner of the library was the best for writing papers and peace?
19:01There are no real bullies at our school.
19:02Everyone's pretty chilled.
19:04Was your old school really strict or something?
19:06You look so nervous.
19:07It was okay.
19:07I shook my head.
19:09I didn't want to bring up the past.
19:10Well, don't worry.
19:11I've got your back now.
19:12Chloe said, patting her chest.
19:13If anyone messes with you, they'll have to go through me first.
19:16I listened to her, a warm feeling spreading through my chest.
19:19So this is what it felt like to be treated with kindness.
19:22No need to be careful.
19:23No need to walk on eggshells.
19:25No need to worry about being disliked.
19:27Just simple, genuine friendship.
19:29Meanwhile, back in Ohio, Leo was losing his mind.
19:31Eleanor had been missing since school let out yesterday.
19:33Her phone went straight to voicemail.
19:35Her texts weren't delivering.
19:36He waited at the school gate until it got dark, but she never came out.
19:39He ran to the Vance's house, and Mrs. Vance told him she'd gone to visit her aunt.
19:43Which aunt?
19:45The one in California.
19:47Leo, did you and Ellie have a fight?
19:49California?
19:50That was so far away.
19:51And wasn't today a school day?
19:52A terrible feeling started to grow in the pit of Leo's stomach.
19:55No way.
19:56Eleanor wouldn't actually leave.
19:57She was just mad at him.
19:58She'd be back in a few days, just like every other time they fought.
20:00He tried to reassure himself.
20:01The next day at school, Eleanor's seat was empty.
20:04Her locker was empty, too.
20:06Nothing inside.
20:07Even the novels she always kept with her were gone.
20:09Excuse me, do you know why Eleanor Vance isn't here today?
20:12His voice was laced with panic.
20:13The counselor gave him an odd look.
20:15You don't know?
20:16She transferred.
20:17Her tone was flat, as if she were commenting about the weather.
20:19Boom.
20:20Leo's mind went completely blank.
20:22Transferred?
20:23When did this happen?
20:24Why didn't she tell him?
20:26Why?
20:27Transferred where?
20:27His voice was shaking.
20:29Palo Alto High School in California.
20:31So far away.
20:32She was really gone.
20:34Because of that stupid prank?
20:37Impossible.
20:38Eleanor had been following him around since they were kids.
20:40He could be a jerk to her, and she would never get really mad.
20:44She'd pout a little, and he'd say a few nice things, and everything would be fine.
20:49How could she transfer over something so small?
20:52How could she leave without saying a word to him?
20:55How could she actually be done with him?
20:57It had to be a lie.
20:59Leo pulled out his phone and dialed her familiar number again, straight to voicemail.
21:03He didn't give up.
21:03He called again and again and again, until the school bell rang.
21:07Still voicemail.
21:07Leo, what's wrong?
21:08Eleanor transferred.
21:10He looked like he'd seen a ghost.
21:11What?
21:12Why?
21:12But a flicker of triumph flashed in her eye.
21:14Why?
21:14He wanted to know why, too.
21:16It was just a joke.
21:17He'd pulled worse pranks on her before.
21:19She never got this angry.
21:21Why this time?
21:22Leo thought back to yesterday after school, the way Eleanor had looked at him for the
21:25last time.
21:26Her eyes were calm, cold, like she was looking at a stranger.
21:29There was no love in that look.
21:31No hate.
21:32Nothing.
21:33Just a dead, empty calm.
21:35His heart suddenly clenched in his chest.
21:37The pain was so sharp he had to bend over.
21:40So this is what a broken heart felt like.
21:42It was excruciating.
21:43Leo, are you okay?
21:45Savannah asked, trying to help him up.
21:47Her soft hand rested on his arm.
21:48Before, that touch would have made his heart race.
21:50Now, it just annoyed him.
21:52Don't fucking touch me!
21:53He snarled, shrugging her hand off.
21:55Savannah froze.
21:56Leo had never spoken to her like that before.
21:58Leo!
21:59I said don't touch me!
22:00He roared.
22:01His eyes were bloodshot like a wounded animal's.
22:03The entire class turned to stare.
22:05Savannah's eyes welled up with tears.
22:06But Leo didn't care.
22:08His mind was filled with one person.
22:10Eleanor.
22:10She was really gone.
22:12She really didn't want him anymore.
22:13In the days that followed, Leo was a different person.
22:16He used to be loud and cheerful.
22:18Now he was quiet and withdrawn.
22:20He'd stare into space during class and sit alone at lunch.
22:24He barely spoke to anyone.
22:25His friends said he was losing it.
22:28Dude, it's just Eleanor.
22:29She transferred.
22:30So what?
22:31Why are you acting like this?
22:33Didn't you used to complain about how annoying she was?
22:36She's gone now.
22:38You should be happy.
23:06He couldn't feel happy.
23:32He didn't know how to answer.
23:38What could he say?
23:39She was wearing her new school's uniform, standing with a group of girls, laughing.
23:44The smile on her face was one he hadn't seen in a long time.
23:47It was relaxed, natural, and genuinely happy.
23:51Not like when she was with him.
23:52Always so careful.
23:54Always watching his mood.
23:55It turned out that without him, she could be this happy.
23:59Leo wanted to book a flight and go to her right then.
24:01But his feet felt like they were made of lead.
24:04Suddenly, he wasn't so sure.
24:05She looked like she was doing great.
24:07Much better than when she was with him.
24:09Would his showing up just ruin everything for her?
24:12As he hesitated, he noticed a tall boy in the background of the photo.
24:15The way the boy looked at her was familiar.
24:17It was a look of pure adoration.
24:19His heart clenched again.
24:21The pain was so sharp, he had to bend over.
24:24So, he had really lost her.
24:27Completely.
24:27And forever.
24:28My life at Palo Alto High was falling into a comfortable rhythm.
24:32My new classmates were all friendly.
24:34No one knew about my past.
24:36To them, I was just a normal transfer student.
24:39Good grades.
24:41Quiet personality.
24:42That's all.
24:43Chloe became my best friend.
24:45She was loud and fiercely protective of me.
24:47Ellie, let's play tennis after school.
24:50Ellie, can you help me with this problem?
24:52Ellie, how is your skin so perfect?
24:54She was a constant, happy buzz in my life.
24:57She introduced me to new friends and helped me fit in.
25:02Slowly, I started to let my guard down.
25:05I started to believe that not everyone was out to hurt me.
25:08I started to believe that I deserved to be treated well.
25:11The atmosphere at my new school was amazing.
25:15Everyone was focused on their studies.
25:18There were no toxic clunts.
25:20No cruel jokes.
25:22The teachers were dedicated and the students were kind.
25:26My grades were better than ever.
25:28I won the state championship in the national debate tournament.
25:32Our academic declam team made it to the national finals.
25:36Miss Bennett often praised me.
25:38Eleanor is truly a pride of our school.
25:41My classmates were genuinely happy for me.
25:44There was no jealousy, no exclusion, only sincere congratulations.
25:49Life could be this simple and beautiful.
25:52Not every place was filled with malice.
25:54One day, during a bring of brain to begin classes, Chloe leaned in conspiratorially.
25:59Ellie, Caleb Reed from the class next door has been asking about you.
26:03Caleb Reed?
26:05Um, the name didn't ring a bell.
26:08You know, the guy who's amazing at basketball?
26:12The six-foot-one hottie?
26:15So many girls have a crush on him.
26:17I don't know him.
26:19I don't know him.
26:21I really didn't.
26:24Since coming here, all I'd focused on was studying.
26:27I hadn't paid any attention to the basketball captain.
26:31Yes, you do!
26:32He's the one who helped you pick up your books last week when you dropped them all over the hallway.
26:40Now, I remembered.
26:43Last week, when I was getting books from my locker, a tall boy from the next class had helped me.
26:51He had a sunning Tammu Revelt.
26:54He had a sunny smile.
26:58No problem.
26:59He'd replied, scratching the back of his neck, his ears turning a little red.
27:06That was it?
27:08What was he asking about me?
27:11What do you think?
27:12He's totally into you.
27:14Our Ellie is so pretty.
27:16Of course she's attracting all the hot guys.
27:19I froze.
27:22Someone liked me?
27:24A real, genuine crush?
27:27Not like Leo, who treated me like a possession he could summon or dismiss at will?
27:34Not someone who just assumed I would always be there for him?
27:39But someone who was shyly asking about me, who helped me just to be kind?
27:45Don't be silly, I said.
27:48But deep down, something was quietly shifting inside me.
27:56I could be liked.
28:00I deserve to be cherished.
28:03A month later, I was in the library after school for a meeting with the Academic DeKennela team when someone
28:09knocked on the door.
28:11Excuse me, is Eleanor Vanser here?
28:15I looked up and saw the last person on Earth I ever wanted to see again.
28:20Leo.
28:21He was thinner, and his eyes were bloodshot.
28:24The moment he saw me, his eyes lit up.
28:27Ellie!
28:28His voice was a mixture of relief and nervousness.
28:31Everyone on the team turned to look at us.
28:33Chloe tugged on my sleeve, worried.
28:36I stood up and walked out of the library.
28:38I didn't want to air my dirty laundry in front of my new friends.
28:41What are you doing here?
28:42My voice was so cold it surprised even me.
28:45I could face him with this much calm.
28:48My tone stung him.
28:50I came to find you.
28:51Why did you leave without saying anything?
28:55I've been looking for you for a month.
28:57Your mom finally told me you were here.
29:00A month?
29:01I was surprised.
29:04I never thought he would actually look for me.
29:07Let alone for that long.
29:08In my memory, he always had the attention span of a goldfish.
29:12Why were you looking for me?
29:14To get you to come back, of course.
29:16He said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
29:19It's not good for you to be all alone out here.
29:21Come back, Ellie.
29:22I forgive you.
29:24You forgive me?
29:26I almost laughed.
29:28Even now, he was still so arrogant.
29:32Still thought I was the one in the wrong?
29:34That I was the one who needed to be forgiven?
29:37Leo Carter, you need to get it straight.
29:40You're the one who needs to apologize.
29:43I did apologize.
29:45I bought you tickets to the amusement park.
29:47I even had your favorite gift ready.
29:50What else do you want?
29:52I looked at him.
29:54The boy I had adored for over a decade.
29:57He was a complete stranger to me now.
30:01He would never understand.
30:04I didn't want amusement park tickets or gifts.
30:07I wanted respect.
30:08I wanted to be treated like a person, not a plaything.
30:13I don't want anything.
30:14I just want you to leave.
30:16And don't ever come looking for me again.
30:19He grabbed my arm.
30:21Eleanor!
30:22Don't take this too far.
30:24It was just a prank.
30:27Why are you being like this?
30:29A prank.
30:31Always a prank.
30:33In his mind, tying me to a goal post and humiliating me in public was just a prank.
30:43Yeah, it was just a prank.
30:45So, me leaving?
30:47That's just a prank too.
30:50You don't have to take it seriously.
30:52I left him standing there, frozen in shock.
30:55I walked back into the library without a second glance.
30:59Are you okay?
31:00Who was that?
31:04I'm fine.
31:06Just someone who doesn't matter anymore.
31:09And it was true.
31:11He didn't matter.
31:13What once felt like the end of the world now seemed so small.
31:17The person I once thought I couldn't live without, I could now face with perfect calm.
31:23Leo's appearance was just a small hiccup.
31:26My life moved on.
31:28After midterms, my GPA was in the top 2% of my class.
31:32Ms. Bennett gave me a special mention at the academic awards ceremony.
31:35Eleanor is a transfer student, but she has adapted wonderfully.
31:39She is an example for all of us.
31:44No one made snide remarks.
31:46No one called me a nerd.
31:48Just genuine recognition.
31:50Caleb finally worked up the courage to ask me out.
31:53Eleanor, are you free this weekend?
31:55I was wondering if you'd like to see a movie with me.
32:00He was so nervous, his ears turned bright red.
32:03I was sure his palms were sweating.
32:05Chloe was making frantic gestures behind him.
32:07Say yes! Say yes!
32:09I thought for a moment.
32:11Okay, and why not?
32:13I deserved to be treated with respect.
32:16I deserved to be liked for who I am.
32:18I deserved to have a normal high school experience.
32:22Caleb looked like he was about to jump for joy.
32:25Really? That's great!
32:26I mean, thank you for giving me a chance.
32:30He scratched the back of his neck, grinning like a kid.
32:34That weekend, we went to see a Pixar movie.
32:38Caleb was so thoughtful.
32:40He bought popcorn and soda.
32:42He even brought a pack of tissues.
32:45I heard this movie is kind of sad.
32:48Just in case you cry.
32:50I smiled.
32:52He was so nervous, he didn't know where to put his hands.
32:55The movie was great.
32:56It was about growing up and finding courage.
32:59I didn't cry.
33:00But my heart felt warm.
33:03After the movie, he walked me home.
33:06I had a really good time today, he said.
33:09Me too.
33:11So, can I ask you out again sometime?
33:13He asked, his eyes full of hope.
33:16He looked like a big golden retriever.
33:18I nodded.
33:19He beamed.
33:20So, this is what it felt like to be cherished.
33:24Careful, yet confident.
33:25No need to walk on eggshells.
33:27No need to worry about being abandoned.
33:31Just two people who simply liked each other.
33:34When my aunt found out, she teased me.
33:36Is our Ellie going on dates now?
33:38I blushed.
33:39Not yet.
33:40We were just friends.
33:42But maybe, we could become something more.
33:45Are you two going to the homecoming dance together this year?
33:48She winked.
33:49I know that Caleb boy.
33:51He's a good kid.
33:52Basketball captain, good grades.
33:54He's a good one.
33:56Yeah, he was a good one.
34:00I wasn't going to be like before.
34:02Humbly waiting by someone's side.
34:04Waiting for the occasional scrap of attention.
34:07Waiting for a smile when he was in a good mood.
34:10I deserved better.
34:11Meanwhile, Leo's world was falling apart.
34:14He thought Eleanor was just throwing a tantrum.
34:15He thought he could win her back after a few days.
34:17But she really was done with him.
34:19After he came back from California, he locked himself in his room.
34:21He replayed years of memories over and over in his head.
34:24Eleanor was always there, right behind him.
34:26Wherever he went, she followed.
34:27Whatever he said, she listened.
34:28When he was angry, she would careful try to cheer him up.
34:30When he was happy, she was happier than he was.
34:32He had gotten used to her presence, like he was used to breathing.
34:34And now that she was gone, he felt like he was suffocating.
34:37No one saved him a seat at school anymore.
34:38No one brought him breakfast.
34:40No one walked home with him.
34:41No one sat with him in silence when he was in a bad mood.
34:44No one remembered all the little things he liked.
34:46And most importantly, no one looked at him with those gentle eyes anymore.
34:50As if he was her entire world.
34:51As if he was the sun and the moon.
34:53Savannah still tried to hang out with him.
34:55But he suddenly found her completely uninteresting.
34:57Her fake poverty act.
34:58Her damsel in distress routine.
34:59It all just irritated him.
35:00How could she even compare to Eleanor?
35:02Eleanor wasn't as conventionally beautiful.
35:03But her smile was warm.
35:05Eleanor was a bit of a nerd.
35:06But she was kind-hearted.
35:07Eleanor cried easily.
35:08But she was never unreasonable.
35:09She remembered everything he liked.
35:10She knew he had a sweet tooth and always had candy for him.
35:12She knew he hated rainy days and would bring an extra umbrella for him.
35:15She knew he was bad at math and would patiently explain the problems to him.
35:18And Savannah?
35:19All she did was ask for things.
35:20All she did was make everyone cater to her.
35:22He started to regret it.
35:23Why did he treat Elowen like that?
35:25Just to make Sarana laugh?
35:26Was Savannah's laugh worth Illinois' tears?
35:28Was it worth losing the one person who genuinely cared about him?
35:30He remembered that day.
35:31The look in Eleanor's eyes when they cut her down.
35:34Despair.
35:34Anger.
35:35And deep, deep disappointment.
35:36She must have been in so much pain.
35:37Tied up for two hours by so many people.
35:39Having a milkshake thrown at her.
35:40And he had just stood there.
35:41Smiling.
35:42Saying it was all a joke.
35:43He was a fucking monster.
35:44He started to pathologically stalk Eleanor on social media.
35:47He saw pictures of her at the movies with Caleb.
35:50He saw them dancing together at the homecoming dance.
35:52He saw Caleb kiss her on the cheek after a game.
35:54Every photo was a knife in his heart.
35:56He wanted to explain.
35:58To apologize.
35:58But he didn't even have the right to show his face to her anymore.
36:02One time, he finally got through to her on the phone.
36:04Ellie, I'm sorry.
36:05I really know I was wrong.
36:08Can you please forgive me?
36:09She listened.
36:10Her voice calm on the other end.
36:12You know what, Leo?
36:14Some things can't be fixed with a sorry.
36:17It's like a shattered mirror.
36:19You can glue it back together, but the cracks will always be there.
36:23We can't go back.
36:25Then she hung up.
36:28Leaving him alone with the dial tone.
36:30She was right.
36:31They couldn't go back.
36:32And he was the one who had shattered everything.
36:36Senior year.
36:37I received my early acceptance letter from MIT.
36:39I checked the box for my intended major, physics.
36:42The competition for my graduating class was insane.
36:45Getting an offer from MIT was almost unheard of.
36:48I was one of the few.
36:48It was the ultimate validation for all my hard work.
36:52Caleb was even more excited than I was.
36:54That's amazing!
36:55I guess I have to work harder now.
36:57Try to get into a school in Boston.
36:58We had been together for six months.
37:00He was so good to me.
37:02He respected me.
37:03Protected me.
37:04He would never do anything to embarrass me.
37:07He'd bring me bubble tea when I was tired from studying.
37:10He'd go for long walks with me when I was stressed.
37:12He even remembered my cycle and would secretly put a bottle of Midmich, a heating pad, and my favorite Ben
37:19and Jerry's flavor in my locker.
37:21All the things Leo had never done.
37:23Caleb did them all.
37:25Chloe said we were a perfect match.
37:26I thought so too.
37:27Love could be this wonderful.
37:29No groveling, no cleaning.
37:30No constant fear of being abandoned.
37:33Just two people, walking side by side, moving forward together.
37:36Respecting and cherishing each other.
37:38The news of my MIT acceptance made its way back to Ohio, and Leo completely snapped.
37:43The night of the big football game, Paulo shot a high versus our biggest rival.
37:46He flew to California.
37:48Caleb, as the team's quarterback, threw a game-winning touchdown in the final minute.
37:52The entire stadium erupted.
37:54The crowd stormed the field to celebrate.
37:56Caleb pushed through the sea of people, found me, and pulled me into a tight hug amid the roaring cheers.
38:02And that's when Leo appeared.
38:04He was holding a huge bouquet of roses, wearing an out-of-plice suit, looking both pathetic and obsessed.
38:11He shoved his way through the crowd and stood in front of us.
38:14Ellie, I was wrong.
38:16I was so wrong.
38:17Please, forgive me.
38:19Let's start over.
38:22He was trying to stage some grand, romantic gesture, right there in front of everyone.
38:27Caleb immediately stepped in front of me.
38:29Who the hell are you?
38:30His tall frame blocked Leo from my view.
38:32Leo finally seemed to notice him, and his eyes turned dangerous.
38:36We grew up together.
38:37I've known her for 16 years.
38:39Who are you?
38:39His voice was laced with hostility and bitterness.
38:42I'm her boyfriend.
38:43Caleb said, not backing down an inch.
38:45He took my hand, a clear declaration.
38:47That's impossible!
38:49Ellie, tell him!
38:50Leo froze, then lost it.
38:52We're the ones who are supposed to be together.
38:53You've loved me since we were kids!
38:55You said you'd be with me forever!
38:57I looked at him calmly, and stepped out from behind Caleb.
39:00All eyes were on us now.
39:02Camera flashes going off.
39:04Just like that day I was tied to the goalpost.
39:06Only this time, I wasn't the helpless victim.
39:09Leo in Ohio, you made me the butt of the entire school's joke.
39:12I said.
39:13My voice clear and cold.
39:15Loud enough for everyone around us to hear.
39:18Now, here in California, you've made a joke of yourself.
39:21We're over.
39:22We were over the second you tied me to that goalpost.
39:25I watched his face drain of all color as I continued.
39:29You're the one who destroyed everything.
39:31You stomped on my dignity and treated my heart like a game.
39:35And now you're sorry?
39:36It's too late.
39:37With that, I took Caleb's hand and turned to leave.
39:40Caleb's teammates closed in around us, pointing a wall,
39:42sealing Leo out of our world.
39:44Behind him, I could hear his broken pleas,
39:47swallowed by the sound of the victory celebration.
39:50I didn't look back.
39:51Some things, once you miss them, are gone forever.
39:54Some people, once you hurt them, can never be won back.
39:58He chose Savannah.
39:59He chose to turn me into a joke.
40:01Now, he had to live with the consequences.
40:04This time, it was really over.
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