His words echo in my ears and stab straight into my heart. Shoulders shaking, I turn and hurry out of the house. Once I'm outside, I gasp in the fresh air and try to calm my emotions. I don't know what to do. I don't want to stay at Isaac’s rental house anymore, even if he said it's okay.
I get into my car and sit there, staring up at the windows of my old house. “Get it together. You need a place to stay,” I remind myself. I pick up my phone and look at my list of contacts. I could always go to my dad's. It has been a while since I have seen him. I frown and shake my head. I don't want him to see me upset.
I look at the phone once more. My finger pauses on Kylie's name. If there is anyone who can help me and understands this situation, it's her. I put my phone away and start the car. I try not to cry as I pull out of the driveway and start driving to Kylie's house. I hold my tears in and remain calm the whole drive over there.
When I knock on the door, Kylie answers, dressed in her pajamas. “Hey!” she greets me happily. However, the smile falls from her face when she sees my expression. “Oh no! What's wrong?” she gasps with concern.
“I need a place to stay. Is it okay if I crash here?” I ask softly.
“Of course! You don't even need to ask,” my friend says, pulling me inside.
“Thanks,” I mumble in response.
She puts her arms around my shoulders as we walk through the house. “Do you want to talk about it?” she asks.
I shrug my shoulders in response. “I just, I think it's better if I stay here. Well, we both think that,” I mumble.
Kylie hears the emotion in my voice. “It will be okay. I promise things will work out between you both. I mean, it sounds like there were some pretty intense feelings between you two. You can't just let things like that go.”
“You think so? I don't know.” I sigh sadly.
Kylie hugs me. “Even if it doesn't work out, at least you lost your virginity to a sexy older man,” she teases. We both smile. “Stay here as long as you want. Just relax. Everything will be okay.”
She leads me into the guest bedroom and turns on the light. I look around the room. It seems empty.
“Make yourself at home. I'll check on you later,” Kylie says. As she leaves the room, she gives my arm a sympathetic squeeze.
I sigh softly and kick off my shoes. I get in bed and pull the blankets over my shoulders. The pillow is soft beneath my head.
As I close my eyes, my emotions hit their peak. When I open my eyes, the tears start to fall. Curling up in a ball, I cry myself to sleep.
***
I stay at Kylie's house the rest of spring break. On my last day there, Kylie hugs me. “Stay in touch. If you ever come back to the Big Apple, promise me, you will call and stay with me?” Kylie asks.
“Of course!” I reply with a giggle.
As I leave the house and walk to my car, all I can feel is relief. Spring break is finally over, and now it is time to go back to school.
Kylie waves from the doorway. I wave back then drive away, glad to leave everything behind me.
I sigh as I make my way through the town. I guess it will be nice to get back to school, to move on, focus on my future and new things. I'm trying really hard to put this Isaac thing behind me. It isn't easy. The first few days at Kylie's, all I did was cry.
Without realizing it, I turn onto my old street and stop at a stop sign. No other cars are around, so I sit there contemplating. Might as well since I am already here. Slowly I drive the rest of the way. My heart catches in my chest as I drive past my old house. I look as thoroughly as I can, but I don't see Isaac or his car. I take a ragged breath and pick up speed.
I turn out of my old neighborhood and follow the route of town. I start crying before I even reach the highway.
Chapter Twelve - Mia
The end of the semester has felt like the longest two months of my life. I'm so glad summer break is almost here. I really need a vacation. After finals, I hope to get one.
“Now, when can I expect you?” Mom asks over the phone.
“What are you talking about?” I ask, confused.
“It's your summer break. So naturally, you are going to spend it here with me.”