Chapter 9
Jackson’s shoulders finally slumped in defeat.
I added: “By the way, your mom heard everything when she called.
“After your dad’s surgery, you’ll need to figure out how to explain changing your college plans to him.”
“After all, they were dead set on us going to Boston together. They even put down a deposit on an apartment there so you’d be comfortable.”
Jackson choked up:
“Ava, I really do love you in my heart. Do you believe me?”
“It’s just… she was so dependent on me. With all the pressure from finals, having her there joking around was an extreme relief for
me.”
“I admit changing my application was irrational. But my deepest feelings are for you. Ava, can you forgive me? I promise to stay far away from her in college. I can even apply to graduate school in Boston…”
I watched him, letting him continue his performance.
But the more he talked, the more worked up he got, and the more ridiculous his claims became.
Finally, unable to tolerate it anymore, I shook my head and stepped back.
“Jackson, even if we weren’t dating, we’ve been friends for years, practically family friends. How can you have the audacity to ask me to be your backup plan, your spare tire, your second choice?”
“Open your eyes and see-my parents have given me abundant love since childhood and invested so much in raising me.”
“I’m looking for a boyfriend to enhance my life, not sacrifice myself!”
I couldn’t help feeling utterly disappointed.
A friendship that began in infancy, completely destroyed by Jackson.
What ‘momentary impulse’? What ‘love you the most’?
Did Jackson think I had no brain, that I couldn’t sense the complete selfishness in his words?
If he had been straightforward and said: “I fell in love with Morgan, and I was wrong not to be honest from the start.”
I might have respected him a little.
Unfortunately, with his deteriorated character, he betrayed not only my love but also our friendship.
As these thoughts crossed my mind, I laughed despite myself, pointing at his shoes.
“You’re such a coward. Brave enough to wear matching shoes with Morgan, but not brave enough to admit your relationship.”
When I first saw Jackson’s shoes, I had my suspicions.
This Snoopy design totally screamed “couple artwork.”
1 had even secretly taken photos and searched online for the original design, wondering if it was from couple profile pictures.
Earlier in the hospital corridor, seeing his and Morgan’s shoes together-The matching style, the complementary design-What else was there to misunderstand?
“Jackson, we definitely have no future together.”
“I’ll return all your gifts to me in a few days. And I’d appreciate if you could gather up everything I’ve ever given you too.”
Hearing this, Jackson jerked his head up suddenly: “No. I won’t do that.”
I felt like I’d been force-fed a mouthful of flies, and couldn’t help but snap back.
“You won’t? What right do you have to refuse? Do I need your permission to take back what I gave?”
Faced with this aggressive side of me he’d never seen before, Jackson finally started to panic.
“Ava, I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. But can you give me a chance? One chance to make amends?”
“I admit I lost my mind, but I’ll make it up to you with my actions! Please trust me!”
I turned away coldly.
“There are no more chances.”
“Jackson, if you can’t handle this peacefully, then let our parents deal with it.”
