Chapter 8 A Difficult Choice
I couldn't figure out what Daniel was thinking anymore.
First, he wanted to cut ties with me at the party. Then, he acted like nothing happened and started coming over every day. Now, he was lounging on my living room sofa, soaking up Ronan and Helen's praise like a VIP.
"Daniel, have some fruit," Helen said, putting a plate on the coffee table.
"Daniel, looks like you're a shoo-in for National Capital University this year. Congrats," Ronan said, clearly impressed. Just then, Daniel's phone pinged with an email. It was his acceptance letter from National Capital University.
They all cheered, and I, hiding in my room, felt secretly happy for him. My beloved boy had finally reached his goal.
But then, a huge sense of loss hit me.
It had been a month and a half since those brutal exam prep days. I tried to distract myself with all sorts of fun activities, but the loneliness afterward felt even worse. I started shutting down, swinging from one extreme to another. In the end, I was just exhausted, with no place for my soul to rest.
Here's something funny: fifteen minutes before filling out my college application, I was still asleep in bed, wearing last night's club outfit—leather jacket, pants, pink curly wig, heavy makeup. One high heel was missing, and the other was broken.
I struggled to open my eyes. Potato chips were scattered on the bedside table, cola spilled on the floor, and a torn Justin Bieber poster (Daniel's favorite) hung on the wall. In a corner, a pile of ashes—remnants of the twelve sketches I had drawn for Daniel. Loving someone who didn't love you back made all your efforts feel as worthless as those burnt scraps.
I shook my head, trying to clear the alcohol fog. Just then, the bedroom door creaked open. Ronan stood there, looking so small despite his tall frame. Tears in his eyes, he saw my self-destructive state. He came over, bent down, and hugged me tighter and tighter, pulling my drifting soul back into my empty body.
"Sweetheart, this isn't your fault. Please don't punish yourself like this; it breaks my heart," Ronan said, his warm words shattering my facade. I tore off the wig and wiped away the makeup with my hot tears.
"Dad, you should know I hate this, but when I calm down, the pain hits. I can only drown it out with noise," I sobbed. Ronan pointed to my chest.
"The pain comes from within you," he said.
"How do I stop it?" I asked.
Ronan paused, then said, "Time."
I didn't get it, so he added, "Only time."
I started to calm down. Seeing I had stopped crying, Ronan gently reminded me, "Today’s the day to fill out your college application."
I suddenly remembered and rushed to open my computer.
"Which school should I apply to?" I asked, hoping Ronan would guide me. But he just pointed to his chest again and said, "Follow your heart," then left the room.
I stared at the application page for National Capital University. My hand trembled as I gripped the mouse, thinking about my dad's words. 'Was this really my dream, or was it just because of Daniel?'
In the last second before the deadline, I clicked the mouse and made my decision.
Just then, Daniel barged into my room. Him doing that showed how messed up our relationship was. He never saw me as a girl with any charm.
"Jane, I got into National Capital University! What about you?"
I stayed silent, not even congratulating him.
Daniel was so excited his dream came true, he kept talking. "The acceptance letters should all come at once! Check your email! By the way, what major did you pick? Finance or Computer Science? Those are popular and have great job prospects! Helen said we can help each other out at National Capital University."
I had a question that had been bugging me. After hesitating, I finally asked, "Did Zoe also apply to National Capital University?"
"Of course, I promised to be her knight and protect her!" Daniel said earnestly, not realizing how much his words hurt me.
I mocked, "You must be busy! Being Zoe's knight and helping me too."
Daniel pretended not to get my sarcasm, keeping up the facade. He smiled and said, "I can multitask." I ignored him and turned away.
Daniel finally came over. "Jane, I never really hated you. I'm sorry for what I did last time."
I thought, 'No need, Daniel, I've already made my choice!'
Just then, my computer chimed with an email. Daniel and I looked at it together. It was an acceptance letter from the Fine Arts Department of Northern Institute of the Arts.
Daniel was shocked, his tone mixed with anger, "Jane! What did you do?"
I thought, 'Oh, my dear Daniel, after this month, we’re on different paths. I’ve made my choice, and you’ve made yours. It’s a long journey ahead. Wishing you every success.'
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
