12
I didn’t tell my parents about the breakup until
after graduation.
I didn’t mention Tiffany, just said we weren’t
working out and broke up.
But they figured out it had something to do
with Tiffany.
They were mad and wanted to go to the city
and confront Chad.
I stopped them.
“You can’t explain relationships. Chad used to
love Ashley a lot. Now he doesn’t.”
“Besides, we’ve had long distance for four
years. And I don’t think I love him that much.
It’s not just his fault.”
For the sake of our families, I didn’t want
things to get ugly.
We’re all adults. It doesn’t have to be a fight
to the death.
Later, my parents talked to the Millers. Mrs.
Miller cried and apologized over and over.
Mr. Miller pulled my dad aside and talked to
him, his voice shaking.
As I was comforting Mrs. Miller, I thought,
Chad’s such a jerk.
He got me, the victim, to take care of his
mom.
But the Millers got over it pretty fast and
even suggested we all go on a trip together.
So, I grabbed my suitcase and went on
vacation with them.
I just tried to forget about the drama and
enjoy the trip.
But it didn’t work out.
We just finished Italy and Switzerland and
were checking into a hotel in France when we
ran into Chad.
With Tiffany, of course.
I glanced over, then looked away.
Chad said hello to our parents, looking
awkward as he looked to me.
He seemed guilty.
I just nodded.
I knew it would be hard to avoid each other
completely, with our families being so close.
But that’s okay. He was busy, and I was busy.
We wouldn’t see each other that much.
Tiffany frowned, grabbed Chad’s arm, and
leaned on him, looking smug.
“Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Miller, I’m Chad’s girlfriend,
Tiffany.”
The Millers just scoffed and turned to me.
“Ashley, you all checked in? If not, we’ll find
another hotel. This one’s giving me a
headache.”
I smiled and handed them the keycards.
“It’s a nice hotel. It’s big, and it’s all taken
care of.”
Tiffany was probably used to getting her way
and didn’t like being ignored.
“Chad, you’re being so unfair! Your ex is
being mean to me!”
She covered her face and ran off. Chad ran
after her without even saying goodbye to his
I couldn’t help but laugh.
This was Chad’s “different from other girls”
chess prodigy?
Didn’t seem so different to me.
