Практика Shadowing: My Problems as a Middle Child - Изучайте разговорный английский по видео

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Hi, I'm Latte from LA, and I'll be representing the struggles of every ignored middle child out there, only a thousand times worse.

Before I continue, please like and subscribe.

First things first, let me introduce you to my parents.

Dad's a businessman who's always pacing around, shouting into his Bluetooth about money, business, and other rich grown -up stuff I have no clue about.

Buy, sell, move those investments.

No, not the tech stocks, the blue chips.

And why is nobody checking the quarterly profits?

Meanwhile, mom's basically a TikTok royalty.

She made cooking videos while looking like a goddess, and somehow every single one of them gets a million views.

One time, she was just boiling water, and the comments were acting like she just saved the world.

Now let's talk about my sisters.

So here's the thing.

I was born right in the middle of triplets.

According to mom, order matters.

So Marie was decided as the oldest because she burst out 1 .2 seconds before me and our youngest popped out last,

blinking those iconic eyelashes and pouting those extra plump lips at everyone in the hospital room.

Mom named her Princess because honestly, she looked just like one.

Even the doctor and nurses said so.

They immediately put a tiny little tiara on her baby head as soon as she was born and I swear, she's never taken it off since.

Meanwhile, Marie was a certified genius.

When she was born, she didn't even cry.

She spoke.

And it wasn't just any word.

It was the longest word ever.

Extra supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

Everyone clapped, then fainted.

And because of that, our parents named her after the legendary Marie Curie, the most iconic female genius in history.

She could solve a Rubik's Cube with her eyes closed at three months old.

Naturally, she just kept getting smarter as we grew up, and Dad was obsessed.

He literally framed her report cards and all her other academic achievements and plastered them on our walls.

Oh, my smart little cookie.

One day, you're going to be the CEO of my company, and you'd take over the world with that genius brain of yours.

Meanwhile, when the nurse asked for my name, Mom just glanced around the room and spotted

Dad's favorite coffee, Latte.

So they slapped the name on me right then and there, and it stuck.

Even the bitterness.

If Marie's the smart and serious one, Princess is the pretty and sweet one.

Her face card never declined.

Her lashes are so long you can mop the floors with them.

All she has to do is blink, and TikTok loses its mind.

She literally went viral for just yawning once, and mom was so proud.

Look at those lips, those lashes, that perfect little nose.

Of course, she got it from her mama, which is me.

I think I'm gonna cry.

They would do each other's makeup, go on shopping sprees, and film TikToks together.

So basically, Dad was Team Marie, Mom was Team Princess, and I was on Team Wallpaper.

Or maybe Team Houseplant.

You know, just quietly existing in the background, hoping someone remembers to water me.

I was the normal triplet, so I was just there.

There was nothing special about me.

Maybe my name really did fit me after all.

Most of the time, they just totally forgot I existed.

Like that time when they literally left me at the park, packed up, loaded the car, and just drove away.

There I was, vibing on the swing,

trying not to panic, when a stranger found my emergency number taped to my unicorn toy and called my mom.

Hi, ma 'am.

I think you left your child at the park.

Oh, right.

I thought we only had twins.

Sorry about that.

By the time they finally picked me up, I'd already befriended three squirrels, learned how to swing with one hand, and considered joining a new family.

Even dinner was brutal.

Marie had her steak cut into perfect cubes and served with organic pomegranate juice.

Princess got her spaghetti swirled into a heart shape with glitter sprinkles, while me, a single, sad, boiled egg.

Can someone pass the salt, please?

I had to ask six times before anyone noticed.

You have hands, sweetie.

You can do it yourself.

Then she literally walked around me to give napkins to Princess.

Oh, thanks, Mom.

You're literally the best.

Even our relatives and neighbors weren't different.

You guys have such beautiful twins.

Hey, Marie.

Hi, Princess.

And, uh, the other one.

Basically, I was the other one.

And don't even get me started on birthdays.

Every year, Marie and Princess got mountains of cake, giant crowns, and enough presents to fill a delivery truck.

While I got a single cupcake, with a bite already taken out of it, and a used birthday candle that barely stayed lit.

For gifts, just whatever my sisters tossed aside.

On our 11th birthday, I didn't even get anything, literally.

Not a single gift.

Not even a card.

Oh, latte, sweetie.

I'm so sorry.

We totally forgot.

Here's a tissue roll.

Here's five bucks.

Go wild at the dollar store, champ.

Meanwhile, my sisters were basically swimming in glitter and unwrapping the entire toy store.

The only one who ever paid me any attention at home was our dog, Mr. Wiggles.

But unfortunately, his idea of love was licking my face right after cleaning his own post -poop butthole.

Sometimes he'd even poop in my bed, and mom would just wave it off.

Oh, it's just poop, sweetie.

No big deal.

Just clean it up yourself.

It won't hurt you.

As for my sisters, they only talked to me when they needed me.

100

Now that we were in middle school, nothing much has changed.

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Marie only remembered my existence if she needed help with her homework.

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The easy and boring parts, like coloring her science projects or organizing her notebooks.

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Meanwhile, Princess only noticed me if she needed a camera woman for her TikToks and live streams.

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Honestly, watching her film behind the scenes was a total cringe fest.

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I swear, she just made things up the entire time.

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What am I drinking?

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Oh, it's just a super healthy smoothie I made all by myself.

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It's totally organic, straight from trees and leaves and, like, you know, nature and stuff. So healthy.

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Oh my gosh, a cute boy is waving at me across the street.

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He just mouthed that I'm the prettiest girl in the world.

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Omg, stop it.

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Go away.

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But you know what hurt me the most?

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Whenever I get sick.

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One time, I was legit burning up with fever and was having a hard time breathing.

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I went to my parents' room to tell them about it, but they just didn't care.

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Just go bathe in ice, sweetie.

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Thought it was something important.

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I had the most beautiful dream, and now it's ruined.

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But the second princess coughed once across the room, mom did a triple backflip off the couch.

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Is my precious pumpkin okay?

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Should I call the ambulance?

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Marie sneezed in her room and dad parachuted in with orange juice.

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We heard a noise, sweetheart.

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Are you okay?

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Need anything?

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I'm studying, dad.

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Please leave and close the window quietly.

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Sometimes I wondered, if I vanished into thin air, would anyone notice?

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The only time I ever felt truly seen was whenever my grandma visited.

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She'd sweep through the front door on her sparkly slippers, hug me like she was trying to squeeze the sadness out of me,

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and flip extra cookies into my backpack.

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She'd also sneak me new highlighters, draw silly smiley faces on my lunch bag, and tell me stories where I was the main character,

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and not just triplet number two.

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When everyone else was busy ignoring me, grandma would teach me how to make fancy drinks, especially coffees.

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A good cup of coffee can turn a lonely day sweet.

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Maybe she doesn't want me feeling bad about my name forever, and it worked.

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I appreciated what latte means.

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Making drinks like this with Grandma is my most special thing in the world.

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One day, I made coffee for my family.

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It was a personal brew, and I was super confident in my work, but they just looked at the cups in disgust.

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Ugh, what is this?

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You want us to drink that?

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I I made it myself if you could just try just get me my usual from my favorite coffee shop Okay, champ.

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I can't risk my taste buds on an unknown variable

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Sorry princess pretended to take a sip

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and pulled a face for her livestream guys I think I just tasted my villain origin story.

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I think I'm gonna die

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Somebody send help but

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if you thought home was rough school was a whole new level of pain at school Marie was that girl.

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The class president, the straight -A superstar, the student teachers literally asked for help.

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She answered questions before they even finished asking.

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Everyone looked up to her like she was some kind of academic goddess.

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Meanwhile, Princess always slayed the hallways in her trendiest outfits like an actual princess.

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It felt like the whole school was obsessed with her.

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People actually followed her around just to see if she'd blink, breathe, or maybe drop a hair ties.

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They had fans, while I had haters.

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Seriously?

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Their parents should've stopped at twins.

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She's got this major third wheel energy.

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Yeah, she's not even that pretty or smart.

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She's just there.

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Zero aura, unlike her sisters.

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I bet she's actually adopted

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or something like hello we literally have the same face i wanted to hold up a mirror and scream

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do you not see the copy paste happening here i bet they still wouldn't see it even

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if i tattooed triplet number two on my forehead one day

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i decided to try fitting in first

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i went full princess mode curled my lashes wore the brightest pink i could find

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and even borrowed her lip gloss which tasted like expired bubble gum.

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Imposter alert!

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Her lashes are like 0 .24 millimeters shorter.

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Nice try, fake princess.

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Oh, bless your heart, but you'll never be princess.

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There's only room for one queen at this school.

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The following week, I tried acting like Marie.

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I slapped on some glasses, tied my hair into the tightest bun, and even solved a ridiculously difficult math problem on the board.

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For two glorious minutes, people actually looked at me.

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But then the real Marie walked in

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and everyone instantly forgot i existed again um can you sit down

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now the real genius is here at lunch kids would save

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the best seat for princess an extra dessert for marie

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and nothing for me one girl literally passed food through me

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like i was a hologram every time the world felt too much i'd sneak into the bathroom call grandma

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and she talked to me until i could smile again

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Oh, my little sweet Latte, just because they don't see you now doesn't mean you're not sparkling.

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Some treasures are hidden for a reason.

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Now hush, darling, you're my brightest star.

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She always knew exactly what to say, but one day, everything changed.

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We came home, and Mom was ugly crying for the first time.

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Grandma's gone, Latte.

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She had a heart attack.

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She didn't make it.

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My heart broke into a million pieces.

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I cried for days.

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I skipped dessert and stopped caring about school.

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Meanwhile, my sisters acted like nothing happened.

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I was sitting in the bathroom stall, hugging grandma's old scarf, trying to remember how to breathe.

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That's when it really hit me.

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Being invisible hurts the most when the only person who actually sees you is gone.

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So there I was, sitting outside the school building, face buried in my knees, trying to disappear into the flower bed.

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Just then, I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder.

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Hey, are you okay?

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I froze.

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Someone actually asked if I was okay?

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Was this some kind of prank?

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For a split second, I thought it might be the school janitor ready to bust me for squishing the daisies again.

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But no, standing in front of me was, I swear, the cutest boy I'd ever seen in real life.

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He looked like a Disney prince.

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He had curly chestnut hair, hazel eyes flecked with gold, and a smile so dazzling it could melt a diamond into a sparkling puddle.

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He handed me his handkerchief, which smelled like expensive cologne and cinnamon rolls.

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Uh, thanks.

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I've never seen you before.

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Are you new here?

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Yeah, and I think I'm lost.

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This school is like a giant pizza.

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Too many slices.

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I laughed for the first time in weeks.

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I ended up showing him around, and to my surprise, he was in my class.

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His name was Bryce, a transfer student, and the moment he stepped into our classroom,

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you could literally hear every girl's jaw hit the floor, including my sister's.

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Since then, both of them were glued to him like flirty magnets to a fridge.

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So, Bryce, want to join the science club?

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I could help you with algebra or chemistry or, you know, world domination.

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Hey, handsome, want to act as my boyfriend for my next TikTok content?

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And I have 35 million followers.

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We could go on a fake date and kiss under the stars.

228

It was a competition every single day while I was stuck on the sidelines.

229

He asked me to help with his meth homework.

230

Clearly, he's into me.

231

Please, he liked and commented on all my TikTok videos.

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Even my baby videos and the one where I had braces.

233

He's so obsessed with me.

234

Sorry to interrupt, but are you guys actually crushing on him or what?

235

Nope.

236

Future CEO rules.

237

Studies first, boys later.

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I don't have time for distractions.

239

But you're literally all over him.

240

Correction, he's all over me.

241

Aren't you supposed to be the genius one?

242

So why are you being so delusional?

243

Bryce is basically my fanboy.

244

He even collects my photo cards.

245

Sorry, sissy.

246

Sorry to burst your stupid little bubble, but he asked me to be his private tutor 24 -7.

247

So, clearly, he likes me more.

248

I couldn't take it anymore, so I finally inserted myself into the conversation.

249

He actually talked to me first.

250

We literally walked in together on his first day, remember?

251

He found me crying and gave me his handkerchief.

252

It wasn't just some random thing.

253

He noticed me first and made the first move.

254

Both of them looked at me like I just said I was moving to Mars.

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Oh, please.

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He was just being polite.

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Don't get your hopes up, Latte.

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Oh, our dear Latte.

259

Bryce is just really kind to everyone.

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I'm sure he felt bad because you looked so sad.

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He's just got that big, soft heart.

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What a sweetheart.

263

And that was it.

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They went right back to fighting over him while I just faded into the background again, hugging Bryce's handkerchief close to my.. chest.

265

So the next day at school, I decided it was time to make a move on him.

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I needed him to remember me.

267

Later that day, I spotted him at his locker,

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looking all mysterious and handsome with his hair perfectly messy like he just rolled out of an expensive magazine.

269

I marched over, clutching my books so tight my fingers turned white.

270

Hey Bryce, remember me?

271

I helped you when you got lost on your first day.

272

And you gave me your handkerchief?

273

He glanced at me, blinked twice, and his face lit up with recognition.

274

Oh, yeah, your latte, right?

275

You were really helpful that day.

276

Thanks again.

277

I probably would have ended up in the janitor's closet without you.

278

Oh, um, yeah.

279

I mean, I get lost all the time, too.

280

Like, last week, I walked into the boys' bathroom by accident.

281

So, you're welcome.

282

So, do you know if the cafeteria food ever gets less weird?

283

Um, maybe on pizza day.

284

But most days, it's kind of a mystery.

285

Like, sometimes I just bring emergency snacks, just in case.

286

We talked for a few more seconds before the bell rang.

287

Every time I saw him after that, he'd wave or flash a friendly smile.

288

Of course, I still managed to embarrass myself at least once a day, waving at him in the cafeteria, standing near him in the hallway,

289

accidentally dropping all my books right at his feet.

290

But at least this time, he'd help pick them up and flash me his cute little smile, which always made my heart do 10 backflips.

291

Maybe, just maybe, I wasn't that invisible after all.

292

One night, I was looking for something to eat in the kitchen for my midnight snack

293

when I noticed mom's favorite golden spatula, the one she used in all her TikTok videos, was snapped in half.

294

I was about to play detective when she walked in, took one look, and had a full -on meltdown.

295

Oh, my precious spatula!

296

Latte, what have you done?

297

What?

298

Mom, I swear, I didn't even touch it.

299

It was already broken when I found it.

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Honestly, why can't you be more like your sisters?

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Sometimes I wish we just had twins.

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No need for a spare.

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Mom didn't stop crying over that spatula, like she lost a best friend.

304

She even held a mini funeral for it the next day and kept talking about replacement kids and broken dreams with dad.

305

Their words felt like a thousand tiny daggers in my chest.

306

Later that day, I was sulking in the corner, hugging my knees when Princess tiptoed in.

307

Hey, um, Latte?

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I was actually the one who broke Mom's spatula.

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I was filming a slow -mo pancake flip for TikTok, and it just snapped.

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But, you know, if I told them, they'd never believe it.

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I'm their perfect princess.

312

Sorry, sissy.

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So you just let them yell at me and insult me?

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If it wasn't you, they'd blame Marie.

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But she's the genius, so it would somehow be your fault anyway.

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That's just how it is in this house.

317

She's right.

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Just move on.

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It's not a big deal.

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But to me, it was a big deal.

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That night, I cried myself to sleep, hugging Grandma's old scarf and staring at the moon outside my window.

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And that's when I decided I'd had enough.

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If nobody wanted me around, maybe I'd just disappear for real.

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But where do you run when you're not even sure anyone would notice you're gone?

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The next day at school, just as I was busy plotting my great escape, like mentally packing snacks, water, and at least four phone chargers,

326

I spotted the cutest little hamster zipping across the hallway.

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At first, I thought I was hallucinating, but nope, there he was, doing little parkour stunts like he owned the place.

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So naturally, I followed him, through the gym, under the vending machine, and across the trash can,

329

where I accidentally stepped on a ketchup packet and basically ruined my socks forever.

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The little guy finally disappeared behind a bookshelf near the back of the school library, right by the toilet.

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Looking at the empty spot, I suddenly had the craziest idea ever.

332

Live at school like a secret lair style.

333

No parents, no sisters, no drama and unfair treatment.

334

Just total peace and free Wi -Fi.

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That night, I packed up my stuff.

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Blanket burrito, folding mattress, emergency cookies, grandma's old lamp for extra comfort, and of course, and my trusty mini coffee -making kit.

337

I then strolled past my parents, dragging a huge suitcase behind me just to see their reactions

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and guess what neither of them blinked hey guys

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i'm running away from home gonna live in the wild eat moss maybe join a circus

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if anything mom just told me not to slam the door

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so off i went i snuck into school under the cover of darkness crawled through a window

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and set up my new home behind the back library shelves

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i laid out my mattress decorated my secret base with string lights

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and hamster snacks just in case the little guy came back, and did a happy victory dance.

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It was perfect!

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Now that I was basically a bored ghost living at school, I started mapping out every single inch of the place,

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where the cameras pointed, which teachers actually checked the bathrooms, which janitors cared if a random blanket fort popped up near the non -fiction section.

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At night, the school was creepy and weirdly exciting.

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I even found the secret security room where all the CCTV monitors were.

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I spent hours just watching, like my own private reality show.

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And I couldn't believe the stuff I found out, especially about my sisters.

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Oh, these footages are definitely going to come in handy very soon.

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I just realized that being invisible was kind of awesome, actually.

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But it also made me a little evil.

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That night, I snuck into the science lab

356

and stole a whole bag of fake rubber snakes that looked super realistic and extra slithery.

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The next morning, I woke up early and planted my new friends under all the mean kids' chairs in our class.

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Each snake was taped to a nearly invisible string, all leading right to my desk.

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It was my masterpiece.

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Before class, I sat at my desk, looking totally innocent and waiting for the drama to drop.

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Ugh, did someone forget to take out the trash?

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Oh, wait, it's just Latte, the ugly triplet.

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Yeah, why are you even here?

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Nobody cares unless you're Marie or Princess.

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Careful, girls.

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Some people say the universe bites back, and it has fangs.

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And that's when I gave the string the tiniest little tug.

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Suddenly, the fake snakes slithered out from under their chairs, and a chorus of blood -curling screams echoed through the classroom.

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Told you not to mess with me.

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Next time, it might be spiders or anacondas.

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For the first time in my life, everyone actually stared at me like I had superpowers.

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Some looked terrified, and others were impressed.

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Wait, can you actually summon snakes?

374

Are you like half -human, half -snake?

375

Oh, that's so cool!

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If you ever insult me again, the snakes will know.

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For once, I felt cool and powerful.

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That night, powered up by my brand new bad girl reputation, I plotted even more epic pranks and powers.

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I swapped out the teacher's chalk with color -changing markers so every lesson turned into a rainbow rave.

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I glued googly eyes to every classroom door.

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Seriously, everywhere you looked, it felt like the whole school was staring you down.

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With every prank, my legend grew.

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People started whispering my name in the halls.

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I also started wearing smoky eyeliner, spiky bracelets, and a random leather jacket I found and lost and found.

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Suddenly, everyone thought I was cool.

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Even the lunch lady raised an eyebrow and gave me an extra meatball.

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But my sisters hated it.

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They cornered me at lunch.

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What is happening to you, Latte?

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You used to be normal.

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Now you're just embarrassing.

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So you're a bad girl now?

393

Seriously, you look like a raccoon in that eyeliner.

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Sorry, I can't hear you over the sound of everyone actually paying attention to me for once.

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Jealous much?

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Jealous of what?

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Getting attention for causing trouble?

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Whatever helps you sleep at night, I guess.

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You wish you could go viral for something other than being a disaster.

400

Even your pranks are cringe, sissy.

401

Try harder next time.

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I couldn't take it anymore.

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So for the first time ever, I hit back.

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Oh, Marie, maybe you should stop stealing answer keys from the teacher's office if you want to keep being a genius.

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And princess, nice try hiding your butt rash.

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Right then and there, I posted Marie's secret footage and Princess's embarrassing clip for everyone to see.

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And the look on their faces was priceless.

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But after a few days of watching them get roasted and ghosted at school, I actually felt awful.

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For once, they were the invisible ones, and it hurt to watch.

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It just made me feel worse.

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Being the bad girl was starting to lose its sparkle.

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Later that day, I was at my locker when Bryce showed up right next to me.

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Hey, Troublemaker.

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Hey, Bryce.

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He leaned against the locker, studying me for a second.

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You really went full savage mode, huh?

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Saw your pranks.

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They were.. a lot.

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Guess people finally notice me now.

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But is that what you really want?

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I kinda like the old you.

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The one who helped lost kids like me.

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That hit me hard.

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Suddenly, all the hurt and loneliness spilled out.

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You don't get it.

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All my life, I've been invisible.

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Nobody ever picks me.

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I'm just the extra triplet, the backup plan.

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It sucks, Bryce.

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I just want it to matter, even if it meant being a little evil.

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He looked at me like he really saw me.

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Not as a joke, not as an extra.

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Well, I noticed you.

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You're kind of impossible to ignore, you know?

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My cheeks went red.

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I tried to act chill, but I felt like melting right there.

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Hey, want to see something cool?

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I grabbed his hand and dragged him through the hallway until we docked into the back of the library.

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Welcome to my secret lair.

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No parents, no sisters, no drama.

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Just books, coffee, and fairy lights.

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I don't think you're allowed to live here.

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But not gonna lie, this is pretty cool.

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I know, right?

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Here, sit.

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I made him a cup and handed it over.

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My hands were shaking a little.

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He took a sip and his eyes went wide.

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Hold up.

450

Did you put magic in this?

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This coffee literally slaps.

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It tastes so good.

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It was the first time my coffee got validated and I felt like bouncing across the clouds in happiness.

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It's my thing.

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Started making drinks with my grandma when I was little.

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It always made me feel less invisible.

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Well, here's to you.

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You're not invisible to me.

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We sat together, just sipping coffee in the soft fairy light.

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For the first time, I felt seen and maybe even special.

461

Since then, Bryce and I started getting closer.

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We'd talk between classes, share snacks, and sometimes I'd sneak him my best coffee under the table.

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Of course, my sisters were not happy about it.

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Every time we talked, I could literally feel their jealous stares burning into the back of my head.

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It wasn't long before they finally cornered me in the hallway.

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Princess in full TikTok glam, Marie holding her books like a weapon.

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So you really think you're the main character now?

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Just because you slapped on some stupid eyeliner and started hanging out with Bryce?

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Newsflash, he's just nice to literally everyone, sissy.

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Especially to sorry losers like you.

471

Don't let it go to your head.

472

He literally DM'd me first.

473

I just rejected him.

474

Enjoy my leftovers, I guess?

475

Let's be honest.

476

He's likely motivated by pity.

477

Some guys are attracted to so -called projects.

478

And well, latte's not exactly an academic or aesthetic outlier.

479

Oh, and you really think we forgot what you did to us?

480

Exposing us like that?

481

Don't worry, sissy.

482

Revenge is coming.

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And trust me, it's gonna be iconic.

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I couldn't take it anymore, so I finally snapped.

485

You two are just pressed because someone finally noticed me instead of you.

486

And worse, he's your crush.

487

Sorry, princess, but not every boy wants to be your TikTok prop.

488

And Marie, maybe Bryce is sick of girls who act like human calculators.

489

Girl, you're so Delulu.

490

Keep dreaming.

491

Yeah, don't come crying to us when you get your heart broken, okay?

492

I just rolled my eyes and walked away.

493

But inside, I felt like I finally won something.

494

For once, I had the upper hand.

495

One night, I was sneaking past the admin office when I heard someone talking on the phone inside.

496

I took a peek and realized that it was the principal, and she sounded super sketchy.

497

I need that designer bag, but the donation funds aren't enough yet.

498

Well, I already used the last batch to pay off my car.

499

Just stall the library people if they ask.

500

My jaw dropped.

501

She was literally blowing school donation money on herself.

502

That money was supposed to be for the library, not for her luxury car or designer bag.

503

I ran to tell Bryce during lunch.

504

Bryce, guess what?

505

The principal is a total scammer.

506

She bought her car with our school's donation money.

507

Seriously?

508

That's messed up.

509

But do you have any proof?

510

No. I forgot to record it.

511

But I swear I know what I heard.

512

Don't worry.

513

I believe you.

514

But what are we supposed to do about it?

515

Easy.

516

We prank her.

517

Teach her a lesson.

518

Make her squirm.

519

I then leaned in closer and whispered my plan.

520

Latte, are you sure about this?

521

I mean, it's kind of illegal.

522

Cat poop isn't illegal.

523

Plus, she deserves it.

524

Ugh, fine.

525

But if we get caught, you owe me a year's worth of coffee.

526

Deal!

527

That afternoon, we snuck out of class and spent way too long hunting down and collecting cat poop around the campus.

528

We then found the principal's car, and after Bryce awkwardly fumbled with a bobby pin, we finally popped the door open.

529

We spread the poop into her fancy leather seats, trying not to gag or laugh too loudly.

530

Just as we were about to sneak away, we heard footsteps.

531

It was the principal!

532

Bryce panicked, grabbed my hand, and pulled me down into the back seat.

533

We were suddenly squished together, barely breathing and not just because of the cat poop.

534

His face was so close I could count every single freckle on his nose.

535

To my relief, the principal just grabbed her wallet from the dashboard and left without noticing a thing.

536

As soon as the coast was clear, Bryce grinned at me, still a little breathless.

537

That was close.

538

I mean, us getting caught.

539

Not that I'd mind getting stuck with you again.

540

I shoved him, pretending to be annoyed, but I couldn't stop blushing.

541

The next day at school, I was still replaying the whole cat poop adventure in my head

542

and low -key still blushing about how close Bryce's face was to mine when suddenly the intercom buzzed.

543

Would Latte and Bryce please report to the principal's office immediately?

544

Uh -oh.

545

I shot Bryce a panicked look across the hallway.

546

He just gave me a tiny reassuring smile and we both walked to the office together.

547

When we walked in, I was surprised to see my parents there

548

and they looked furious while the principal looked like she just sucked a dozen lemons.

549

Sit down.

550

I assume you both know why you're here.

551

She turned the monitor around.

552

There it was.

553

Full HD footage of us pranking her precious car.

554

Plus even more clips of me setting up my other pranks.

555

Care to explain this, you two?

556

Especially you, Latte.

557

Before I could even open my mouth, Bryce jumped in.

558

It was me.

559

I planned the whole thing.

560

Latte didn't want to do it.

561

I forced her.

562

I was bored and I dragged her along.

563

If anyone should be punished, it's me.

564

My jaw dropped.

565

Was he really trying to take all the blame for me?

566

Wait, that's not true.

567

I - Nice try, son.

568

But you clearly don't know our daughter.

569

You chose the wrong triplet to cover for.

570

Latte is the queen of trouble around here.

571

Marie is the genius, Princess is the angel.

572

And Latte's the one always causing chaos.

573

Honestly, you should stay away from her.

574

She's a bad influence.

575

Seriously?

576

I've spent my whole life trying to be good.

577

Helping out, doing everything for you guys to notice and love me.

578

And the second I mess up, that's all you see?

579

Don't be so dramatic.

580

We're just telling it like it is.

581

Maybe if you continued to behave, things would be different.

582

I fought back my tears and tried to defend Bryce, but they weren't having it.

583

Enough.

584

I don't care whose idea it was.

585

Both of you broke the rules and vandalized school property.

586

You're both suspended for a week.

587

I hope you use this time to think about your choices.

588

I even tried to speak up about her corruption and the missing donation funds, but everyone just stared at me like I was making it up.

589

Oh, please.

590

You don't even have any proof.

591

Bryce and I left the office super frustrated.

592

I'm really sorry for all of this, Bryce.

593

You got in trouble because of me.

594

Hey, don't worry about it.

595

I've got your back.

596

His words comforted me.

597

And before I knew it, I broke down and told him everything.

598

How my family never saw me, how I tried so hard to be good, invisible, even a little rebellious, and none of it mattered.

599

Nothing worked.

600

I was just done.

601

That was when I made my decision.

602

I was moving out for good.

603

Bryce offered to let me stay at his place for a while.

604

Honestly, I wanted to say no. I didn't want to be a burden.

605

But what choice did I have?

606

I had nowhere else to go.

607

So I left.

608

No more trying to fit in or waiting to be noticed.

609

I was finally choosing me.

610

When I showed up at their house, I tried to act chill.

611

But his mom saw right through me.

612

She pulled me into a warm hug and handed me a tissue.

613

You're always welcome here, Latte.

614

As long as you want.

615

And if you're hungry, dinner's in 10.

616

Bryce's dad gave me a fist bump and told me not to worry about anything.

617

I helped set the table, did the dishes, and even tried folding laundry.

618

Every little thing I did, someone actually noticed.

619

And then there was the coffee.

620

I started making it for everyone.

621

Bryce, his parents, even their neighbors.

622

And they all loved it.

623

Like actual compliments.

624

This is the best cup I've had all year.

625

You put all the coffee shops to shame, kiddo.

626

One morning, Bryce's dad announced that his boss was coming over for a super important meeting.

627

The whole house felt like it was prepping for royalty.

628

I noticed there were like six new bags of fancy coffee beans in the kitchen, but I didn't think much of it.

629

When the boss finally arrived, Bryce's parents asked me if I could make coffee for everyone.

630

I happily obliged and made my best latte yet.

631

Creamy, extra smooth, with a swirl of vanilla and a heart on top.

632

The boss took one sip and basically turned into a human heart eyes emoji.

633

This is incredible.

634

You made this yourself?

635

Yes, sir.

636

It's kind of my thing.

637

He glanced at Bryce's parents, then back at me, beaming.

638

Have you ever thought of running a coffee shop?

639

Because I have a business proposal for you.

640

I want to open a cafe.

641

And with your talent, We'd be unstoppable.

642

That's when I realized Bryce's family had totally set this up.

643

Three days before, they'd gone on a weird coffee bean shopping spree, and now it all made sense.

644

But they didn't tell me so I wouldn't freak out or feel pressured.

645

And it worked.

646

I ended up staying with Bryce's family for months.

647

But not once did anyone from my own family even bother to check on me.

648

Not a single, are you okay?

649

Or, when are you coming home?

650

Just silence.

651

One time, I even overheard my sisters talking about me at school.

652

She probably needed some space or whatever.

653

Anyway, it's not a big deal.

654

It's not like her presence mattered that much at home.

655

Mom and dad don't even care.

656

Fast forward a few months, I was helping manage my own cafe, making coffee for real customers who paid actual money, and somehow, I became famous.

657

At school, everyone suddenly wanted to be my friend.

658

Latte, can you teach me how to do latte art?

659

You're like a literal legend.

660

Hey, you want to collab for my TikTok review page?

661

But honestly, it all felt so fake.

662

These were the same people who had ignored me for years.

663

Now they were acting like I was the main character just because things were finally going well?

664

And don't even get me started on my sisters.

665

As I was passing by the hallway, I heard them gossiping with their friends.

666

Loud enough for the whole school to hear.

667

Her little coffee shop is just a stupid hobby.

668

Not like it's a real career or anything.

669

She'll get over it once the hype dies down.

670

Yeah, well, at least you don't have to deal with a fake sister who will ditch you just for clout.

671

Imagine being so desperate for attention that you'd open a coffee shop just to trend online.

672

OMG, that's so shady.

673

Trust me, people will do anything for likes these days.

674

Hashtag fake family.

675

I'd had enough of this school and sibling drama, so I switched to homeschooling,

676

focused on my business, and finally started living life on my own terms.

677

I didn't care about anyone else anymore, as long as I had myself and Bryce and his family, the only people who truly cared.

678

That was enough.

679

Over the years, Bryce and I became total besties.

680

We did everything together, taste -testing new coffee recipes, binging random documentaries, and roasting each other about literally everything.

681

But even after I moved out and finally got my own house, there was always this something between us.

682

Then one evening, he showed up at my new place with a giant box of pizza and this weird, nervous energy.

683

You've been twitchy all night.

684

What's up?

685

Okay, this is random, but can I tell you something?

686

Uh, as long as you're not about to confess your undying love for my caramel macchiato, sure.

687

when you were living at my house i never said anything

688

because i didn't want to be another person taking something from you you already had enough people ignoring

689

you twisting you making you feel small i wanted you to have space to just breathe to be you

690

but the truth i noticed you from day one the way you laugh

691

when you're nervous how you hung while you make coffee

692

The way you refuse to quit, even when the whole world treats you like you're invisible.

693

You were never invisible to me, Latte.

694

You were the one thing I couldn't stop seeing.

695

I love you.

696

I have for years.

697

I just needed to wait until you loved yourself first and made your dreams come true.

698

My throat tightened.

699

My cheeks burning.

700

You absolute dork.

701

You waited years to say that?

702

Well, I figured the best coffee is worth the wait.

703

And just like that, he leaned in.

704

And for the first time, I believed I was truly seen.

705

A few days later, the grand opening of my biggest cafe in town finally came.

706

It was not just a building.

707

For me, it's a palace made of dreams.

708

Customers lined up.

709

Bryce teased me from behind the counter.

710

And every latte art heart came out just right.

711

Then the bell over the door chimed.

712

I froze.

713

It was them.

714

My family.

715

Mom in her perfect dress.

716

Dad in his stiff suit.

717

Marie hugging her books.

718

Princess with her lashes curled to the heavens.

719

I braced myself, but they just quietly joined the line like everyone else.

720

When it was their turn, they didn't order fancy drinks or demand attention.

721

We'll each have… whatever is your favorite.

722

Yes.

723

Surprise us, latte. That word.

724

Latte.

725

For the first time, it didn't sting.

726

I made the drinks.

727

Caramel latte with cinnamon for dad.

728

Bold espresso for mom.

729

Hazelnut mocha for Marie.

730

A strawberry foam latte for princess.

731

My best work yet.

732

They each took a sip, and for the first time, they smiled.

733

As they sat down, their eyes drifted to the wall and stopped.

734

Grandma's scarf, framed in glass with a plaque beneath it.

735

For the one who taught me that love can be poured into a cup.

736

Thank you, grandma.

737

Mom broke first, tears spilling.

738

Dad wiped his face, unable to speak.

739

She always believed in you.

740

And we.. we never did.

741

I am so sorry.

742

You built this without us.

743

And it feels wrong to say we're proud after all we did.

744

I should have loved you the same as the others, but I didn't.

745

I left you fighting for scraps, and I'll regret it forever.

746

I failed you, Latte.

747

I'm sorry.

748

Maureen leaned forward, voice trembling but steady.

749

Latte, I've carried guilt for years.

750

I thought you'd always come back because we were triplets.

751

I thought that bond meant I didn't have to try.

752

But that was selfish.

753

I was jealous of you, and I made you feel small.

754

I'm sorry.

755

Princess stabbed her eyes, her usual glam gone.

756

Me too, sissy.

757

I pretended you didn't matter, but the truth?

758

I envied you.

759

You didn't need filters or followers to be real.

760

I was scared of losing my spotlight, so I pushed you away.

761

I thought you'd always come back because we were three parts of one whole, but you didn't.

762

And it broke me.

763

I'm so, so sorry.

764

For once, they weren't the genius or the princess.

765

They were just my sisters.

766

I sat across from them, coffee in hand.

767

For years, they never even tasted my coffee.

768

And now, here they were, sipping it like it was the sweetest thing in the world.

769

maybe it wasn't the drink itself maybe it was what it meant

770

that they finally saw me the real me

771

i looked at mom's tears dad's trembling hands marie's guilt princess's honesty they weren't perfect they never would be

772

but for the first time

773

they weren't pretending grandma always told me a good cup of coffee can turn a lonely day sweet

774

so maybe this is our new start but this time, we're equals.

775

No favorites.

776

No forgetting.

777

Just family.

778

Deal?

779

They nodded, choked up, whispering yes.

780

And for the first time, I believed them.

781

I used to think being in the middle meant being invisible, forgotten.

782

But maybe the middle isn't where you disappear.

783

Maybe it's where everything blends, where the strength and sweetness meet.

784

Yes, my name came off a coffee cup.

785

For years, I thought it made me a joke.

786

Bitter, spare, unwanted.

787

But now I see it for what it is.

788

A latte is warmth, comfort, love poured into a cup.

789

Not the genius, not the princess.

790

I'm Latte.

791

Strong, sweet, unforgettable.

792

I was never invisible.

793

I was love in a cup, just like grandma always knew.

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Тот же канал

Лексика и советы по произношению к этому уроку

Этот урок разговорной практики построен на видео «My Problems as a Middle Child». В этом видео 793 предложений и 7211 слов для шедоуинга. Речь длится 41:17. Говорящий говорит в естественном темпе, около 175 слов в минуту, близком к повседневной речи. Только 78% слов входят в 3000 самых частых слов английского языка, поэтому лексика сложная.

Ключевая лексика этого видео

15 слов из видео, которые стоит выучить, с произношением и значением:

Слово	Произношение	Значение
invisible прилагательное	/ɪnˈvɪzəb(ə)l/	неви́димый, незри́мый
genius существительное	/ˈd͡ʒin.jəs/	ге́ний
grandma существительное	/ˈɡɹænmɑː/	ба́бушка, бабу́ся
poop существительное	/ˈpuːp/	кака́шка, ка́ка
meanwhile наречие	/ˈmiːnwaɪl/	в э́то вре́мя, в то́ же вре́мя
sneak глагол	/sniːk/	кра́сться, проска́льзывать
prank существительное	/pɹæŋk/	вы́ходка, прока́за
snake существительное	/sneɪk/	змея́
ignore глагол	/ɪɡˈnɔː/	игнори́ровать, проигнори́ровать
breathe глагол	/bɹiːð/	дыша́ть
hug глагол	/hʌɡ/	обнима́ться, обня́ться
fancy существительное	/ˈfæn.si/	воображе́ние, фанта́зия
twin существительное	/twɪn/	близне́ц, близня́шка
jealous прилагательное	/ˈd͡ʒɛl.əs/	ревни́вый, ревну́ющий
lean глагол	/ˈliːn/	наклоня́ться, наклони́ться

Фразовые глаголы, которые вы услышите

Слово	Произношение	Значение
come back глагол		возвраща́ться, возврати́ться
end up глагол		зака́нчиваться, зако́нчиться
grow up глагол		расти́, выраста́ть
hold up глагол		задерживать, ждать
sit down глагол		сади́ться, сесть
break down глагол		ломаться, сломаться
come off глагол		отвалиться, отсоединиться
come out глагол	/ˌkʌm ˈaʊt/	выходи́ть, вы́йти

Фразы, которые стоит повторять

Короткие законченные фразы из видео, которые пригодятся в повседневном разговоре:

Is my precious pumpkin okay?
Should I call the ambulance?
Aren't you supposed to be the genius one?
Honestly, why can't you be more like your sisters?
I pretended you didn't matter, but the truth?

Грамматика в этом видео

Конструкции, которые говорящий использует чаще всего, с точными словами из видео:

Конструкция	В видео
Условные предложения if + предложение, will/would + глагол — условие и его результат	if I vanished into thin air, would anyone · if I told them, they'd never · If it wasn't you, they'd blame
«Used to» used to + глагол — прошлая привычка или состояние, которых больше нет	used to be · used to think
Пассивный залог be + причастие прошедшего времени — важно, что происходит, а не кто это делает	was born · was decided · are hidden
Present Perfect have/has + причастие прошедшего времени — прошлое действие, важное сейчас	has changed · I've never seen · have you done

Произношение, на которое стоит обратить внимание

Говорящий использует 152 сокращённых и редуцированных форм, например you're, didn't, don't. Произносите их коротко, так, как слышите.

Звуки «th»: breathe /bɹiːð/, leather /ˈlɛðɚ/, thin /ˈθɪn/, math /mæθ/, smooth /smuːð/
Звуки «sh» и «zh»: donation /doʊˈneɪʃən/, flash /flæʃ/, trash /tɹæʃ/, tissue /ˈtɪʃ.(j)u/, blush /ˈblʌʃ/
Длинные слова — следите за ударением: invisible /ɪnˈvɪzəb(ə)l/, naturally /ˈnæt͡ʃ.(ə.)ɹə.li/, accidentally /ˌæk.sɪˈdɛnt(ə)li/, recognition /ˌɹɛkəɡˈnɪʃ(ə)n/, reputation /ˌɹɛpjʊˈteɪʃən/

Звуки, трудные для русскоязычных:

/w/ — губы округлены, это не /v/: meanwhile /ˈmiːnwaɪl/, hallway /ˈhɔlˌweɪ/, twin /twɪn/, sweetie /ˈswi.ti/, quietly /ˈkwaɪ.ɪt.li/
/h/ — лёгкий выдох, а не русское «х»: hallway /ˈhɔlˌweɪ/, hug /hʌɡ/, handsome /ˈhæn.səm/, homework /ˈhoʊmˌwɝk/, sweetheart /ˈswiːtˌhɑːt/
Звонкие согласные в конце слова — не оглушайте их: hug /hʌɡ/, pretend /pɹəˈtɛnd/, legend /ˈlɛd͡ʒ.ənd/, footage /ˈfʊtɪd͡ʒ/, drag /dɹæɡ/

Как заниматься с этим видео

Прослушайте всё видео один раз молча и выпишите незнакомые слова.
Начните со скорости 0,75×, повторяйте предложение за предложением и вернитесь к обычной скорости, когда станет легко.
Запишите себя и сравните с оригиналом, обращая внимание на такие слова, как invisible, genius, grandma.

Что такое техника Shadowing?

Shadowing — это научно обоснованная техника изучения языка, изначально разработанная для подготовки профессиональных переводчиков и популяризированная полиглотом доктором Александром Аргуэльесом. Метод прост, но эффективен: вы слушаете аудио на английском от носителей языка и немедленно повторяете вслух — как тень, следующая за говорящим с задержкой в 1–2 секунды. В отличие от пассивного прослушивания или грамматических упражнений, Shadowing заставляет мозг и мышцы рта одновременно обрабатывать и воспроизводить реальные речевые паттерны. Исследования показывают, что это значительно улучшает точность произношения, интонацию, ритм, связную речь, понимание на слух и беглость речи — что делает его одним из самых эффективных методов для подготовки к IELTS Speaking и реального общения на английском.

Техника шедоуинга: читать полное пошаговое руководство →

Практика Shadowing: My Problems as a Middle Child - Изучайте разговорный английский по видео

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