I don’t believe this. He didn’t want me to come down to Boston earlier. What happened? What changed?

 

Dad mumbles over the phone, “Of course you are welcome to come back. It’s just—I think you should spend more time with your mom. When was the last time you visit her? Maybe this is a great chance for you to bond.”

 

I don’t buy that. “How long do you want me to stay here?”

 

He falls into silence.

 

My mouth goes dry. And my heart is falling into a bottomless pit. After a long wait, I decide to make this easier for him. “Dad. What is the real reason?”

 

Another painful silence. He finally speaks up.

 

“…Hallie wants to move in with me.” His voice so low. Almost hard to catch up, “I thought it might be awkward if you two are both here at the beginning.”

 

My mind went completely blank.

 

I don’t know what to think, nor what to say. But I guess my reaction doesn’t really matter to these people anyway.

 

“So, this is it?” I grip the phone till my knuckles turn white, “You are kicking me out because you want to please your girlfriend?”

 

“No!” Dad’s voice is squeaky, seems like he’s trying to hide the guilt, “I’m just afraid that you’d be uncomfortable. And I talked to your mom, Boston has better education. Maybe you’ll have a greater chance getting into a better college if you stay there.”

 

So mom is in this too. And it’s a long-term plan.

 

Oh yes. Just looking out for me. As they have always been.

 

When they first got divorced, mom also kindly suggested me go to Miami with my dad because she was afraid that I would be “uncomfortable” here.

 

And the same excuse again.

 

I am a soccer ball to them? They can just kick me aside whenever they don’t want me around?

 

up to you really. If you

 

hang

 

my phone and walk out of the room. Mom is

 

Did he tell you?” She comes to me, “About

 

me.” I grip my first and ask through my clenched teeth, “Have you

 

eyes are filled with tears and sadness.

 

rush out

 

when I came here, but that plan went to drain; I wanted to go back to Miami, but I was kicked out; my mom and that fancy townhouse shut the door on me

 

Guess I am homeless.

 

on a bus going out of town. The bus bumps up and down for more than two hours. I cry and fall asleep during the trip. When I

 

The driver shouts

 

Through the woods I can vaguely see the sea. It’s getting dark now. Might not be a

 

and start to question the point of this runaway. It’s silly. Can I really live a life on my own without ever returning? I have exactly $529 on my account, which can’t last a month. Not to mention I will

 

and smash things. What have I done to

 

I take it out and find a ton of missing calls: mom, dad,

 

can’t believe mom told

 

and suck up with whatever plans they’ve made for me. But tonight, just tonight,

 

I hear heavy footsteps. I look up and find a group of drunk men coming around the corner. They are pretty wasted, I

 

one of the men spotted me, “What are you doing

 

pulse quickens. I quickly stand up, ducking my head down to avoid eye contact, and hurry down

 

tags along as

 

all burst

 

in my pocket in search of my phone and call someone. The phone slips through my fingers during the chaos. I crouch

 

scream, “Get away from

 

yelling for help, but he covers my mouth to muffle my words. “This one is feisty.

 

friends chortle and gather

 

of those works.

 

my tongue till copper taste fills my mouth, as tears drop

 

in excitement, “Go gentle

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