"I don't get this at all, mum. I got enrolled into college without my permission?"
My mum shrugged. "It was your dad's decision. He wants you to go out of this city."
I looked at her incredulously. "How is this even possible?" I said, waving the paper she had thrusted into my hand.
We don't talk much, mostly cause they don't have time for me. They are both bankers, and I rarely see them except, ironically, when they have bad news. Like today. I thought I was going to the college all of my friends were going to, here in Boston. It didn't make sense to me that they want me to travel out.
Forgetting everyone I know and leaving everything behind. All my friends, my current boyfriend, Tony.
"Mum. I don't want this."
She stood from the bed and adjusted her royal blue pencil skirt. She had topped it with a black turtle neck, and a gold necklace on the turtle neck. Her red hair, one I had inherited from her, was in curls down her shoulders, her face having light make up. My mother had always been elegant, I sometimes wished I had all of that elegance and effortless beauty.
"You don't exactly have a say right now. You have been enrolled. Your flight out is by 8 a.m on Monday. You will resume school the next week after that. We will arrange your accommodation amd everything else. You can do your shopping over there."
God. They already made out a bucket list for me.
"Mum. I don't think you realize this is some bank teller. I don't think you realize this isn't your bosses' itinerary. I don't think you realize this is your only daughter's life. One who well has a say in it even more than you or dad. I won't go anywhere."
"You will, Audrey. That's final." She took her dark coat from the side of the bed where she had carefully placed it, and walked out, leaving my door slightly ajar.
I watched the door, hoping that she or dad would come and tell me it was all a joke and they weren't shipping me out. That I would stay here and retain my friends and all my future plans with tony.
The more rational part of me knew it wasnt happening, they had made one of my major decisions for me and I had to just go with it. I sat back down, tears welling up in my eyes. I hated this situation. I hated how things just never ever went my way.
I could leave my friends behind, but how do I manage a long distance relationship with Tony? I mean, my heart clenches and feels like it's going to burst when I don't see him. He practically became my life. How can I bear leaving him behind?
I searched my bed for my phone and dragged it out from under the pillow. Sniffing, i dialed his number. He picked it after the first ring. "hey." He said over the phone. I wasn't sure if it was the static or he had had a good run.
"You sound breathy. Are you alright?"
There was a small pause. "Yes, baby. I am. I just..ran to get the phone."
I smiled. "Thanks. Can I come over?"
"Now?" He asked.
"Yes. Are you out?" "Uhm..no. I'm home. Come over. I'll cook for you."
I felt the heat rise to my cheeks. We've been dating for a year, but he still gave me butterflies. "Thanks. I love you."
"I love you too." He replied and I hung up.
The trip to his place didn't take long, and probably because I skipped my way through it, it was even shorter.
I was wearing a pink round neck with a pair of skinny jeans and boots. I wasn't exactly the girly girl, but I had my moods. I stopped at the door, deliberating whether to press the ringer or just walk in.
I'd already informed him, so i could just walk in. But it was courtesy to ring, right? I had just placed my finger on the ringer when I heard voices. Violent amd harsh.
"No! I am going nowhere! You can't just ask me to come over when you want and then discard me when she wants you. No way. I will stay here, and whatever goes down today will go down!" The voice was that of an obviously hurt girl, and it was coming from inside.
I decided against the ringer and just opened the door, quietly.
"Look. We'll sort this out some other time, okay? She'll soon be here and I don't want her seeing you. Stop acting up and just go, okay? I'll call you once she's gone."
I heard a slapping sound. "You shameless pig. I always knew you were using me. Using me for yourself while you kept her in your heart. I am just the play thing."
"Please stop."
I was at the bedroom door now, and it was wide open. Tony was standing with his back to me, while the girl was going around the room, picking up her scattered clothes. She looked a bit familiar, from the way the hair was packed even though a bit rough now, to the color of the hair.
She stopped, swallowed a bit, as if conflicted, then suddenly dropped the clothes, ran to him and jumped unto him, hooking her legs around his waist.
I could tell It was something he was used to seeing the way his hand instinctively cupped her thighs.
"No, please. I don't want to go."
"You don't have to." I said, the bile rising in my throat.
Tony froze, his hands going limp as he removed it. When he turned to me, his face was pale.
"Audrey." Both said at the same time. I gave a smile.
"Glad you remember me. Anyway, I have a flight to catch and preparations to make. You dont need to feel guilty about anything." I smiled, and this time, my best friend, claire, disentangled herself from him and stood behind him.
"Audrey, its not.." This is what you wanted, Claire. That's why he didnt leave when he asked you to."
"I just wanted to be valid too."
I laughed. "Well now, there you are." I clapped as i said it, then turned around and walked out, not sparing them a glance.