Chapter 20 Chapter 20 Theres this saying about breakups women grieve immediately but heal in a month , while men might take ages to realize what theyve lost .

Then comes the desperate backpedaling .

Aidens backpedaling came late after six months of playing the field and a quiet winter break , he suddenly became a constant presence in my life .

I never figured out what excuse he gave Columbia for missing classes , but he kept showing up in California .

Designer gifts appeared at my door I returned them all .

Hed wait outside my dorm for hours , refusing to leave .

When he caught me , hed trail me to class , to the dining hall , everywhere .

Jake was beside himself , torn between amusement and irritation .

You know , most girls dont have their exes fly across the country to stalk them , hed joke , but I could hear the worry beneath .

Mrs.

Carter called constantly , frantic that Aiden was risking academic probation , begging me to talk sense into him .

The irony wasnt lost on me the perfect son throwing everything away for the girl hed once taken for granted .

Finally , I confronted him by the bay .

Aiden immediately lost it .

Why can Jake pursue you but I cant? Hes known you for what , five minutes ? Ive known you my whole life .

Nobody knows you like I do , nobodys better for you than me .

I couldnt help but laugh .

Really , Aiden ? Have you forgotten everything you did ? Did you ever take my feelings seriously ? You just loved having someone worship you , knowing Id always be there no matter how badly you treated me .

Hit with the truth , he cracked .

Yes , I messed up .

I was young and stupid , thought the whole world was waiting for me .

I didnt want to be tied down .

I owe you a real apology Im sorry , Brooklyn .

His voice softened .

But even if you see me as a stranger now , dont I deserve a chance to win you back ? Since youve been gone , I cant adjust to life without you .

I cant imagine not sharing everything with you anymore .

The evening wind off the bay whipped around us as I considered my words carefully .

You know what I learned after leaving ? Real love shouldnt feel like walking on eggshells .

I can be myself now , my happiness doesnt depend on someone elses mood .

Maybe what I felt for you wasnt love maybe it was just teenage naivety .

17:42 Backup Girl No More : Adios To My V Card and My First Love 14.8 % Chapter 20 He looked like Id struck him .

When he finally spoke , his voice was small .

But we had plans college together , grad school , traveling the world .

Are you breaking all those promises too ? You broke them first , I said gently .

And Ive found someone I actually want to do those things with now .

His composure finally broke , eyes reddening .

Stop , please just stop .

Seeing his pain , I offered one last piece of advice : Maybe you dont really love me .

Maybe you just cant stand losing .

Aiden , its time for you to move on too .

I didnt wait for his response .

Jake was waiting across the street , and I ran to him .

He immediately laced his fingers through mine .

Finally got rid of your ex ? Did you tell him Im your official spider killer now ? I laughed through threatening tears .

Looking back one last time , I saw Aiden still frozen by the water .

Some people stay in your life forever .

Others are just chapters in your story .

Ours had finally reached its end .

My Card and My First Love

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