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 . 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 . 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 ? 18.1 % Chapter 20 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 . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!