Chapter 6 The loud screech from the phone cut me off just as I was about to finish my sentence , thanks to Austin , I couldnt help but sindle a little as I said , Austin , your mom has always looked down on me , thinking Im not good enough for you Now that weve Inoken up , you can finally be with Rosemary , and I want to wi to wish you both a happy marriage .
Dont ever call me again ! With that , I hung up the phone .
Armanda had never been a fan because she thought my family was too ordinary and my moms sinuation was a bundra I was just a good for nothing in her eyes , but she reluctantly went along with the marriage because I was so focused on Austin Still , she always found ways to undermise and belittle une in front of Austin Tied to keep my cool because I didnt want to cause drama with her since she was his mom , and it was supposed to be about me and Austin in the Lättle dad 1 realize , I was just an
easy target for their manipulation , Rosemary also joined in , spreading lies about me .
It fich like they il thought I was overreacting just because the was sick and I had to cater to her every Whenever I liked something .
Id end up giving it to her without a second thought .
At first , it was just jewelry , clothes , and bags things that didnt mean much to me , even if I had spent a lot of money on them .
After all , she was like a little sister to Austin .
But later , I figured out that it wasnt just my stuff she was after .
She wanted Austin too .
And he kept lying to me , hiding the truth , always giving me the bare minimum every holiday while Rosemary made sure to pop up on the most important days , trying to prove she was the priority .
I was tired of this endless competition between us and didnt want to play this game anymore .
Laurel , what are you doing back here ! I looked up to see Bonnie standing in front of me , her face a mix of surprise and concern , with slightly red Auni Bonnic , hows Mom doing ? I smiled and wrapped my arm around her , trying to keep things light Your moms okay Bonnie replied , her brow furrowing as she leaned in .
In a softer voice , she asked , Is it true what your mom said about you ar Austin breaking up ? I nodded .
Are you kidding ? Austins got the looks and the perfect family background .
Whats not to like ? Bonnie raised an eyebrow , her gare fixed on me like she was trying to read my mind .
When I didnt say anything , she pressed her lips together and continued , Did he end things with you ? No.
Bonnie stopped in her tracks , tugging on my arm with Trustration .
Then why did you break up ? Did you two argue ! You cant just hold onto a breakup like this men get tired of hearing about it I knew if i didn ́t spill the beans , she wouldnt let it go .
After a moment of deliberation , I unlocked my phone and handed it to her .
Bonnie watched the video , and after a bit , she suddenly crouched down , unable to stop the tears .
Aunt Bonnir , dont cry Itll look like Im the villain here , I said , quickly pulling her up and maintaining my composure You did the right thing .
We dont need men like him who hurt women ! Bonnie stood up , wiped her eyes , and gently touched my face .
If your dar were here , he wouldnt put you through this The mention of my dad caused a wave of emotions to the up in me frustration mixed with sadness .
Taking a deep breath , I said softly , Auni Honnie , please dont tell Mom about the video I get it .
Ill handle your mom and explain the breakup , she said .
I nodded , feeling a sense of relief wash over me now that I had Bonnies support .
1/2 Chapter 6 Walking into the ward .
I was hit by the sight of my pale , sick mother lying on the bed .
I couldnt shake off the quilt creeping in .
it had been us whole years since I got to be with Austin .
Other than a few quick holiday visits .
I hadnt spent much time at home .
hat brings you back ? My mothers face lit up the moment she saw me , and she quickly sat up in bed .
I rushed over to help her , wrapping my arms around her gently .
Mom , Im home .
Im not going anywhere this time She looked at me in disbelief for a moment .
Youre really not leaving again ? I nodded , still holding her shoulders .
What , you dont want me around ? Did you and Austin actually break up ? My moms brow furrowed , a hint of a pout appearing on her lips .
I thought you two were about to get married .
Whats going on ? Just chill .
If you dont get better soon , youll be stuck with Laurel whether you Iver you like it o it or not .
Bonnie chimed in did you break up ! My mom narrowed her eyes at Bonnie , then back at me .
Seriously , what happened ? Why did you As she popped a heart pill from under her pillow and swallowed it , the disapproval in her gaze intensified .
I hesitated for a moment , then let out a bitter laugh .
Well , its because Im in love with someone clic Bonnie spat her drink out in shock .
Mom nearly exploded .
Laurel , how could you do this ? Unfazed , 1 smirked .
Mom , you cant force stuff like this .
As we grow up , our preferences change .
I mean , when it comes to finding a partner , we cant just settle .
That would be a mistake for everyone involved My words hit home , and Mom clutched her chest , glaring at me with a mix of anger and concern .
Okay , okay , lets not make her more upset , Bonnie interjected , pulling me aside .
Laurel , you need to eat something .
You cant keep chatting here and make your mom lose her appetite .
I wiped my mouth and glanced at my mom , her eyes puffy from all the emotions Id just dumped on her .
I gave her a half smile and joked , Mom , I havent eaten all day , so how about I grab something to eat first ? You should take a breather for a sec With that , I stormed out in a bit of a huff .
Once I stepped outside the hospital room , I let out a big , relieved sigh Just then , my phone buzzed .
When I saw who was calling , 1 I quickly hit the answer button .
Wait , are you serious ? You actually broke up ? Angela Adamss voice was full of disbelief .
Sold my house , just got off the plane , and now Im hanging out at the hospital with I started .
Ahhhhhh ! Angelas excited screech came through the phone , nearly making me jump .
Laurel , are you planning on staying for good ? Exactly ! So , when are you setting me up with that blind date ? Hurry up , or Ill have to backtrack on my excuse .
Angela paused , sounding a bit suspicious .
What excuse ! I told everyone I broke up because Im in love with someone else .
Trust me , Laurel , the second you lay eyes on this blind date , youll forget all your worries .
Hearing her so confident made me chuckle a bit .
Alright , Im in .
Lets do it tonight then ! Ill have it all set up for you
