Jade was guilty as hell. Seeing Kieran get slapped, she cowered in the corner, not daring to come out.
My parents were startled and moved to grab me: “Chloe! You can talk without hitting people!”
Mom immediately went to fuss over Kieran with a heartbroken expression: “You two grew up together! After all these years, what
can’t you work out? Don’t fight over some outsider…”
A flash of irritation crossed Kieran’s eyes. He instinctively dodged her touch.
Mom’s hand hung in midair.
I immediately pressed my face into her palm, nuzzling it. “Mom, I’m hungry.”
Seeing Mom’s momentary confusion, my heart ached. I forced myself to act casual and spoiled: “Let’s go get barbecue tonight~ We
haven’t had it in forever.”
I grabbed Mom’s hand with my left and looped my right arm through Dad’s, dragging them away without another word.
My parents were still unsettled: “What’s going on? Everything was fine last night!”
“Yeah, we’re all family here. What grudge can’t be forgiven overnight? Chloe, you know Kieran doesn’t have parents anymore. You can’t bully him like this… I should call him to join us for dinner. Once we talk it out, everything will be fine.”
I could feel that intense gaze burning into my back.
I turned cold, my voice serious: “Don’t look back.”
Ten minutes later, we’d just sat down at the restaurant when I got a text from Kieran:
[We’re even.]
[This is the last time I cover for you. Take some time to figure your shit out.]
[Jade’s a mess right now. Gonna be with her for a bit. Don’t worry, won’t mess with September classes.]
Sometimes when you’re speechless, all you can do is laugh.
I immediately blocked Kieran and deleted Jade too.
My parents kept starting to say something, then stopping. I took a deep breath and calmed myself down.
I told them everything from beginning to end.
After hearing it all, my parents sat in silence for a long time. “We really misjudged him. We always thought. Kieran knew us so well, grew up in our house, wouldn’t mistreat you… especially since you liked him so much…”
Dad sighed: “Chloe, just focus on your own happiness. Whether you date, whether you get married–that’s your choice. We just worry… worry about what happens to you after we’re gone… that’s why we…”
I nodded, swallowing down my hurt.
12:15
Upgraded for My Crush….. Walked In on Him Nailing My Yogi! Now Watch the Burn!
44.4%
Chapter 5
Fighting back the bitter taste in my throat, I said: “Actually, there IS something I want to discuss with you guys.”
Under their confused stares, I announced seriously:
“I want to change my application. I don’t want to follow Kieran to Harvard anymore. I want to go to Stanford.”
♡ (0)
