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?

 

my name, “This is up to you really. If

 

quietly hang

 

room. Mom is

 

comes to me, “About his girlfriend

 

plan of getting rid of me.” I grip my first and ask through my clenched teeth, “Have you ever

 

are filled with tears and sadness. But I don’t really

 

rush out of

 

drain; I wanted to go back to Miami, but I was

 

Guess I am homeless.

 

wander around aimlessly and end up 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 wake up again, the bus has

 

stop, kid!” The driver shouts

 

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

 

bench 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

 

scream, cry and smash things. What

 

take it out and find

 

mom told

 

on the bench and gaze blankly into the air. Maybe I’ll go back and suck

 

are pretty wasted, I can smell the vodka as

 

the men spotted me, “What

 

my head down to avoid eye contact, and hurry down

 

them to get lost. But today isn’t my lucky day. Heavy footstep tags along as they keep teasing me with whistles and dirty jokes. “Hey

 

burst into

 

in search of my phone and call someone. The phone slips through my fingers during the chaos. I crouch down to find it. But

 

scream, “Get

 

for help, but he covers my mouth to muffle my words.

 

chortle and

 

of those works. These are tough-built man and, even drunk,

 

alive. I bite my tongue till copper taste fills my mouth, as tears drop down my cheeks and

 

crying!” someone shouts in excitement, “Go

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