My Sister Got Two Pink Princess Rooms. I Got a Trash Bag

When my parents got divorced, they both said the same thing: "Each of you girls will always have a bedroom in both houses."

But when I showed up with my suitcase, my dad said the attic was my brother's study now.

My mom said the storage closet could fit an air mattress.

My sister Claire Hayes?

They were fighting over her. Which princess room she'd stay in. Which house was better.

My brother William sighed. "You're leaving for college anyway. What's the big deal with a couch for a few days?"

My childhood best friend Logan Pierce took Claire's suitcase without even looking up. "She's picky about beds. You're adaptable."

They all remembered every detail about Claire.

But not one of them remembered this: I'm their daughter TOO. I need a place TOO.

That night, my counselor sent me a message.

Early admission to UT Austin. Confirm or not?

The school was two thousand miles away—but I didn't hesitate.

I typed back: Confirm.

If neither house has room for me—then I'm not coming back.