Chapter 9: Unwanted Baggage
Amelia had just replied to one of Ethan’s messages and was about to turn in for the night when her phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number.
“We’re not over until I say we are,” it read. “Just because you decided to end things doesn’t make it true. You should be more understanding. Vivian’s your sister! She’s been through a
t I need to be there for her. Don’t you get it?”
Amelia reread the message, a wave of nausea washing over her. How dare he try to guilt–trip her?
She typed out a furious response, then deleted it. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of a
reply.
Just as she was about to block the number, another message popped up.
“You’ve changed, Amelia,” it read. “You’re so… harsh now. What happened to you?”
She blocked the number and chucked her phone on the couch. Was he for real? He ignored
her for years, then had the audacity to criticize her for being ‘harsh‘? Where was this
energy when she was bending over backwards to please him, only to be met with
indifference?
Just then, she heard a knock on her door. It was Ethan, a bag of takeout in hand, a hopeful smile on his face. “Hope I didn’t wake you. I brought breakfast. Figured we could eat together before work.”
Relieved to see him, Amelia stepped aside to let him in. “Next time, just use your key,” she said, taking the bag from him. “I gave it to you for a reason.”
Ethan chuckled, his cheeks turning a faint shade of pink as their eyes met. “Right. Of course. Force of habit, I guess.”
