Chapter 12 The celebration was intimate just family and close friends from high school .

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Still , the grand ballroom felt overwhelming .
Everyones eyes widened when they saw me there , like theyd seen a ghost .
I could almost hear their thoughts : Whats she doing here after everything ? I just smiled politely and made small talk , playing dumb .
But you couldnt miss their not so subtle glances , the whispered conversations that stopped when I walked by .
Four years of high school had taught me exactly what gossip looked like .
Needing to escape , I stepped onto the terrace for fresh air .
Thats when I heard voices from around the corner where his friends had cornered him by the service entrance .
Seriously ? I thought she was done with you after the whole Madison thing at the party .
Now shes crawling back ? Aidens laugh was cold , entitled a sound Id never heard from him before .
Please .
Shes just being dramatic .
Give her a few days you really think shed walk away after all these years ? She doesnt know how to exist without me .
I dont know , man , his friend said .
Brooklyns pretty great .
All those years together , the way shed drop everything for you … most guys would kill for a girl like that .
Yeah , childhood sweetheart versus dream girl thats rough .
Whats your game plan ? Aiden was quiet for a moment .
When he spoke , his voice was calculated .
Look , Brooklyns great , sure .
Sweet girl , totally devoted .
But it feels like settling , you know ? Im eighteen who wants to be tied down to their high school girlfriend forever ? Thats such a cliché .
I want to experience college life , meet new people … besides , he laughed , shell always be there waiting , keeping the light on like a good little girlfriend .
His friend went quiet .
Finally punched his arm .
Youre such an asshole .
I couldnt stomach another word .
I slipped away silently , my designer sneakers soundless on the marble floor .
The evening air hit my face as I rounded the corner , and I finally let the tears fall .
Six years of memories played through my mind like a highlight reel of my own stupidity .
Every shared secret , 17:41 Backup Girl No More : Adios To My V Card and My First Love 8.6 % Chapter 12 every late night call , every Ill always be there for you all just convenient lies from someone who saw me as a backup plan .
I leaned against the balcony railing , watching the city lights blur through my tears , hating myself for being so blind for so long .
For believing that the boy next door routine meant something real For thinking that growing up together meant growing old together .