Prison

seventeen

nyah hawkins

My parents taught me manners. And throughout this brunch I've been trying to maintain my manners even though they've attempted to run away from me. I learned that it's much better to just sit and let her lead conversations rather than myself.

The brunch location was nice. A beautiful garden. Winter has come to an end and the flowers have now started to bloom. They made the place look beautiful and bright.

"Jaxon told me you got into Harvard. That's so exciting. You two can go together," Elizabeth cheered, using a knife to put butter on her bun.

"Yeah um...I don't know if I'm going," I admitted for the first time out loud. All I can think about is how I most likely only got in with an amazing scholarship because of Jaxon's family. I don't want handouts. It didn't bother me before, but now that I know what type of people they are, I want as little attachments as possible. The scholarship Princeton offered me may not be as good, but at least I know I earned it.

Jaxon was seated beside me and I could feel his eyes on me. I've been very vocal about Harvard being my number one choice for a long time.

"What?" They said in unison.

"I don't think Harvard is for me, to be honest." Or I just don't want to be indebted to your family. "And New Jersey is nice," I shrugged, using my fork to play with the food on my plate. I'm at a lose of appetite.

"New Jersey and Massachusetts aren't that far anyways," she smiled with the smile that used to bring warmth and comfort. It's fake. The warmth and comfort is false because it's compensation for the fact that she ruined Jaxon's life. I looked at Jaxon who didn't seem upset, but rather shocked. Maybe it's time we start discussing us after high school because this clearly came as a surprise.

"How are you and Todd? Jaxon hasn't given me any updates about the wedding and I really want to pick out my dress." Poking the bear.

Her face went white and she blinked more times than she should've. "We broke up." So that's the lie they're going with.

"I'm so sorry to hear that. I know you guys were happy," I pouted, Jaxon's hand going on my leg to tell me to stop.

"We were, but life happens. He just wasn't the man that I thought he was. He actually called off the engagement and just left me. Skipped town," she further explained and I nodded, showing that I was listening. Her eyes shed a tear and she let out a couple sniffles. She's an amazing actress. She deserves an award. "Sorry. Please excuse me. I have to use the lady's room," she pushed her seat out and her heels clicked away.

"You didn't tell me you weren't going to Harvard," Jaxon brought up. I took a sip of my orange juice that was more than just orange juice—a mimosa.

"I don't want your family handouts. Especially if it's going to be used to manipulate my family and I in the future."

"What? That wouldn't happen. Why would you ever think I'd let my family hurt you?" He took my hand in his, tugging at those heart strings again. "All you ever talk about is this school. Don't reject the acceptance because of my family." He's right. I've wanted to go to this school since my mother embedded it in my head at fourteen.

"I don't want to be indebted to you, Jaxon. What if we are no longer...no longer whatever the fuck this is? Now I'm going to feel bad and constantly question whether I'm expected to leave the school or not," I shared my valid concerns.

He tucked hair behind my ear before softly stroking my cheek. I looked into his eyes and completely lost myself in them. "Together or not, you earned your spot at that school and I promise I won't let anyone take your hard work away from you," he said and I believed his words. He placed a kiss on my forehead and nose before taking his time kissing my lips. His tongue brushed against my lips and it came with a lot of electricity.