Broken

• Chapter 167 •

Suddenly, everything makes sense. The change in her vibe, the emotional numbness, the detachment. It's how she was with Derek. It's how she was when she was taking drugs. Everything makes sense. I'm frozen in place, not knowing how to digest or handle the situation in any way, shape, or form.

"Uhm... Maybe we should go find another restaurant, after all?" Aya suggests with wide eyes.

My heart clamps down inside my chest. I clench my jaw and shake my head, "Yeah. Let's go."

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A few hours later, and I still haven't decided how I'm going to handle this. Am I meant to confront her? Let this phase blow over on its own? Get her help? Aya says I should confront her, but I have no idea what to do. How are you meant to confront a parent about their drug-abuse? I decide to avoid her as much as possible until I know what to do.

I sigh as I get dressed for my going away party, staring at my reflection in the mirror. I swallow slowly, then turn to my dresser. My hand shakes as I slowly open up the drawer. I stare down at my mother's necklace. I'd only worn it once at graduation because she asked me to, but I took it off as soon as I got home. It felt wrong. Dad gave it to mom. Not me. I sigh deeply and put it on. It shines a bright silver in the moonlight.

"Minty!"

My heart sinks into my stomach as I spin around, convinced that I heard dad. He is the one who gave me this nickname in the first place. I sigh in disappointment when I realize it's only Eric. He laughs, "Wow. Not exactly happy to see me, are you?" he mumbles.

I snort and shake my head, "Shut up, I am. Hey."

He smiles down at me, "You look beautiful." I shrug, "Thanks. Who's here?"

"Mom and dad are talking to Benji and Emoni outside, they'll be in soon," he tells me.

I nod, "Did you see my mom?"

"No, why?"

I shrug, "No reason."

He gives me a weird look, "You good? You seem a little... Off."

I sigh and roll my eyes, "I'm fine, just... Lots on my mind, right now."

He nods, "Understandable. I mean you are moving away in like two weeks. I'm gonna miss you."

I smile and hug him tightly, "I'm gonna miss you, too."

We stay in each other's arms for what's probably a very long time but feels like it isn't enough. He pulls away and shakes his head, "Hey. We've still got two weeks. Let's not be pathetic pussies just yet."

I laugh, "Oh please. You're on the verge of crying as we speak!"

He sniffles and frowns, wiping his bloodshot eyes, "Am not!"

I smile, and it's pure and heartfelt. He reciprocates it. He makes me feel like a lighter person. I'm always happy around him. He knows how to cheer me up, even in my darkest hours. I find myself wishing that our feelings were for one another. Everything would be so much easier. We're best friends, we love each other, we trust each other... Ashton, on the other hand... He makes me the happiest, best version of myself, but he also makes me the saddest, worst version of myself. No one can break my heart like he can. He has the power to completely shatter me. Ashton and I are passionate, intense, vulnerable... And vulnerability is a dangerous thing.

An emotion clamps down in my stomach at the thought of him. I grow silent. As though Eric can read my mind, he takes the opportunity to ask the question I know he's been dying to all summer.