What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger novel Chapter 22

"Brooklyn, must be nice running off to another coast all summer without a word. Classes start soon - or did you forget about our travel plans?"

After a month of silence, his usual confidence wavered slightly.

I still had nothing to say.

Then his mom's voice took over.

"Sweetie! How's the East Coast treating you? Aiden just told me about your fight. Don't be too hard on him - we'll sort this out when you're back. And guess what? His college letter came today! Yours must be on its way. When are you coming home to celebrate? I have something special planned..."

She'd always been like a second mother. I couldn't bring myself to cut her off, so I listened.

"Actually, we're keeping it low-key. My parents are swamped with work - we'll probably just do a virtual celebration. I might not be back until move-in..."

Aiden snatched the phone back.

His breathing was heavy; I could feel his anger even through the static.

"I'm trying here, Brooklyn. How long are you going to keep sulking? If you want to play it this way, fine. I won't wait around for you to join me in New York."

When silence was his only answer, he added coldly: "Just don't come crying when you regret this."

I ended the call and blocked this number too.

"What happens when you two make up? You can't just transfer across the country."

"You couldn't even last two weeks at camp without calling him..."

I had to stop this.

"Aiden has someone else now. I need distance. Mom, Dad, I need to build my own life, not revolve around his. Please support this. And please don't tell anyone yet."

They exchanged that parent look, fell silent, then finally agreed. They just wanted me home soon. College was approaching, and they wanted their last few weeks with me before I left for good.