Chapter 11

The Unchosen Path

Four days left. James reminded himself of the deal with the Blackwoods. "I have to get my family to choose," he told himself, feeling the weight of the decision pressing on him. Immediately, he texted his children, telling them there would be a family meeting at home by 5 p.m. The decision of who would be given to the Blackwoods had to be made today.

*****

While I was in class, my phone buzzed. I knew instantly that a message had come in. As I checked my phone, I saw a text from my dad about the family meeting. My heart sank. Deep down, I knew this had to do with the Blackwoods and the deal with them. I resolved to go, if only to help my dad. Besides, I couldn’t see any reason to stay in Medford away from the boy problems, at least I could use a change of environment.

Throughout school, I didn’t see Alex or Peter. I knew they were both avoiding me, and I couldn’t blame them. I didn't love them and couldn't bring myself to say yes when my heart wasn't in it.

After school, I went straight home. I freshened up, did my homework, ate, and continued my drawing of the hottie. It hit me that if I gave myself up to the Blackwoods, I wouldn’t be able to compete in the San Andreas Art Competition. "I guess I’ll have to sacrifice that," I sadly told myself.

Staring at my painting, I felt a pang of worry. The hot cutie hadn’t contacted me, and it had been a while. "Aurora, forget about him. If he liked you, he would have reached out by now," a voice within me said. But another part of me refused to let go of the possibility that I might still see him. I closed my sketchpad and decided to rest a little before the family meeting. Unconsciously, I drifted off, only to be woken by a knock on my door.

"Who’s that?" I asked sleepily.

"Baby, it’s time for the meeting. Come downstairs," my dad’s voice called out.

"Okay," I replied, forcing myself up. I washed my face and headed downstairs. Vanessa, Anastasia, and Victoria were already there.

"So now you show up at 5 p.m.?" Victoria sneered sarcastically.

"I slept off," I mumbled in my defense.

"Enough," my father cut in. "I called you all here to ask who’s going."

"James, I’ve told you already, my children are not going. So I don’t know what you plan to do, but I’m not giving my daughters to them," Victoria declared.

"And I support my mother’s decision," Vanessa added, "I’m not going, even if she agreed."

"Dad, don’t worry. I’ll go," I said, breaking the tension.

"Baby, are you sure?" my father asked, his eyes full of concern.

"Yeah, I’m sure," I reassured him.

"Okay, then. Prepare yourself. We leave in two days. Say your goodbyes to your friends," he said, his voice heavy with resignation.

Deep down, I was terrified, but I knew I had to do this. I knew Victoria and her daughters would be happy to see me go.

*****

I retreated to my room, slumping onto my bed and staring at the ceiling. How had my life spiraled so quickly in just two months? Peter and Alex deserved to know. I picked up my phone and called Peter, hoping he would answer despite ignoring me.

To my surprise, he picked up. "Hey, what’s up?" his deep voice echoed through the line.

"I’m good. Can we meet in about an hour? I have something to tell you," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Okay," he agreed.

"Thanks. I’ll be expecting you," I replied, ending the call.

An hour later, I heard a knock on the door. I rushed downstairs, opening it to find Peter standing there, looking as handsome as ever. Fair and square, Peter was a fine boy, but I didn’t want to date him because of Tiffany. I wasn’t up for a fight.

"Hey, thanks for coming," I said, grateful.

"Sure, so what’s up?" he asked, curious.

"Come in. Let’s go to my room so we can talk properly."

"Wow, straight to your room? You know, this is the first time I’m entering your home, and you’re already taking me to your room," he said, surprised.

"It’s no big deal," I assured him.

As we entered my room, Peter looked around, impressed by the decorations. "Surprisingly, it’s not as girly as I imagined," he said.

"Is that a compliment or what?" I asked, smiling.

"It’s a compliment," he confirmed.

"Okay, I’m leaving Medford to stay with my aunt for a while. I just wanted to tell you so you’d know. I didn’t want to leave while we’re still on bad terms," I said, watching his reaction.

"And you decided to tell me first?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah. Is that bad?, Peter I know I have hurt you by not agreeing to be your girlfriend, but I want you to forgive me if my decision caused you pain”

"No, it’s not. I’m just surprised. I don’t know if I can forgive you, but I’ll listen to your plea. It’ll take time, but… I just don’t know," he said, conflicted.

"No problem. Take your time,at least as I leave Medford I would have this feeling of calmness that I have settled with you" I said, trying to reassure him.

"I’d better go," he said politely.

"Okay, I’ll walk you to the door," I offered.

We left my room, heading downstairs. As we reached the door, he turned to look at me. I could see the pain in his eyes, and I knew there was nothing I could do to ease it.

As he was about to leave, I called out to him. He stopped, and I walked up to him, stretching up to plant a kiss on his cheek. "Even though I’m not accepting to be your girlfriend, I still care about you, and I want you to know that," I said softly before pulling away.

I closed the door behind him and rested my head against it, feeling a wave of relief. At least one task was done. Now, it was Alex’s turn. I knew he wouldn’t take it as well as Peter, but I had to try even if it wasn’t possible.