We stayed there kissing for several minutes, with the park lights shining on us. Then we rejoined the others and went on several rides, but the atmosphere felt strange. Adam wasn't really talking to us.
At one moment, when Izzie was alone, I walked up to her.
"Are you upset?" I asked.
"Of course I am. Not because of the guy, but because I made a fool of myself… Why didn't you tell me about you two before?" she grumbled.
I scratched my head and told her, "There was already something going on between Brandon and me, but that was the first time we kissed."
"And what about Chad?" she asked.
I stayed silent for a few seconds, because I didn't even know how to answer.
"Oh, Mia… it's a long story. We broke up."
"Mia, let's enjoy this time together and leave the rest for later."
I smiled and hugged her.
After a while, we went home. Adam didn't say a single word to me on the way. When we arrived, I went to kiss my grandparents goodnight and then went to Adam's room. I needed to talk to him.
"Mia, I'm sleepy."
"Adam, are you upset with me?"
He was lying down, but he sat up, ran his hand over his face, and said, "Mia… I'm upset with myself. I only thought about me. I said Brandon could come, and now you ended up with him… And Chad is going to be really hurt with both of us."
I rubbed his hand.
"Adam, the decision was mine. I feel something for Brandon that I can't explain."
He looked at me.
"Mia, Emma and I…" Silence.
"No way… You guys were careful, right?" I asked, surprised.
"Yeah… of course," he answered.
"That's crazy. Was it the first time for both of you?"
"Yes."
Then I remembered Wender. I had thought that he had… Adam seemed to read my thoughts and said, "What Wender did to her was still abuse."
"I know," I replied.
We talked for a while, then I went to sleep. I kept thinking about Chad… I missed him so much, but at that moment I was convinced I had lost him forever.
The next day we stayed with my grandparents. It was amazing. Adam felt like part of the family. That night, we went camping with my friends. We made a bonfire and sang, catching up with everyone. Emma, Jhenna, and Brandon didn't go; we were afraid of being found out.
When I woke up in the tent, I could hear the birds singing. The lake sounded cold, but everything still felt perfect. Sunday was calm with my grandparents. My grandfather… We wanted to get to the airport early so Adam could spend more time with Emma. My heart tightened when I said goodbye to them. I cried a lot.
I didn't bring Bob; I hadn't asked my dad, but I still would.
When we entered the boarding gate, Brandon ran over and hugged me. He tried to kiss me, but I pulled away.
"Brandon…" I said.
He made a frustrated face. "I know you regret what happened with me, right?"
"No, that's not it…" I replied. "I'm confused."
He brushed my hair gently. "Alright, I'll let you think."
We talked until it was time to board. On the plane, I sat next to Brandon and fell asleep on his shoulder.
When we arrived, Abigail was waiting for us with the driver.
"I missed you guys so much! The house feels awful without you."
On the ride, we told her some things about the trip. Only what could be said, of course.
"I was with some friends today, so the driver brought me straight here," Abigail said.
When we got home, before opening the door, we heard loud laughter.
"Luck, do you remember when Alex was trying to teach you how to drive and you crashed into the first pole in front of you?" I recognized Hanna's voice.
We opened the door. They were sitting on the couch but stood up, startled.
"My dad looked at the time. 'Wow, it's already late!'"
"Where's my mom?" Adam asked.
"She went to where you used to live to see some friends."
Abigail was glaring at my father and Hanna with pure anger.
"Well, I should get going," Hanna said, grabbing her purse.
"Abigail… Luck talked a lot about you. We should plan something later," Hanna added, trying to break the tension. Abigail just gave her a small smile.
I watched the scene with anger. I couldn't date Chad, but they could laugh and reminisce about old times.
"Mia, it's so good to see you!" Hanna said before leaving.
In a burst of anger, I replied, "Too bad I can't say the same!"
Adam nudged me. My father said, "What's that, Mia?"
"What's that? You guys ruined my relationship with Chad because of your rotten past together, and now you're socializing and laughing like nothing happened, and I'm supposed to swallow it?"
"Mia, go to your room now!" my father shouted.
Adam grabbed my hand. I pulled away.
"No, I'm not going!"
Hanna left, embarrassed. Then everyone fell silent.
"Let's have dinner, everyone."
Abigail looked at my dad. "I'm not hungry. Good night." She walked straight to her room.
"Abigail, wait," my father said. She turned around, and he continued, "Mia, I want to tell you… Abigail and I are dating."
Abigail smiled with her eyes. I was speechless.
A wave of anger rose in me. I never thought I would feel that way, because I liked Abigail so much, but my father didn't deserve to be this happy after ruining my relationship.
So I spoke without thinking, "Now I'm the one who's not hungry. It's nothing against you, Abigail. On the contrary, you're amazing, but… too bad you have terrible taste in men."
While I spoke, Adam squeezed my arm, telling me to stop.
"THAT'S ENOUGH, MIA!" my father yelled.
"NO, IT'S NOT!" I shouted back. "Abigail, did you see the way he acted with Hanna? Don't fool yourself… He cheats and keeps a lot of secrets too!" I said, staring straight at my father.
I ran to my room. My father ran after me, but I locked the door. He started banging and yelling:
"Mia, open this door right now!"
I sat on the bed and covered my ears. At that moment, I didn't want to see my father happy in a relationship. Honestly, I didn't think he deserved it.