Page 2 of Twisted Truth

“But we’d take that risktogether.As I said, with you by my side.”

My head spins. I step back, out of his grip. “I don’t know how to be by your side anymore, Kyle. I can’t be with someone who treats me like shit and won’t even explain whyfor months.I’m really happy for you, but this new venture is something you’re going to do without me.”

“This is why I didn’t tell you what was going on!” he yells. “You’re too critical. You never understand me.”

“I spent the last nine months trying to support you, trying to communicate with you, trying to help you and build you up any way I could.”

“No, you spent the last nine months nagging me.”

I let out a humorless laugh. “Yeah, that’s it. Ella the nag. What a joke.”

“You think I’m a joke?”

“I didn’t say that.”

He paces back and forth for a moment before leveling a glare at me. “Here I was, excited to tell you all about my good news, and you’re ruining it. I can’t believe I thought you’d be happy for me. You’re such a bitch sometimes, Ella.”

I scoff and turn away, heading for the bedroom. I’ve had enough, and this conversation is going nowhere. I’ll have to text or call him later, when we’re both calm, about storing my things. I grab my two suitcases and wheel them out into the front room.

“What are those for?” Kyle asks, still seething.

“I-I’m done, Kyle.”

“Done with what?”

“Us. I can’t do this—us—anymore.”

He stares at my suitcases, almost shaking. “You’re breaking up with me?"

“Yes.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” he roars.

“Don’t you dare yell at me! I tried. I did everything I could to be what you needed me to be, but no matter how hard I tried, it was never good enough. I’m not going to spend any more time not feeling appreciated by the person who is supposed to love me.”

“That’s bullshit! I know I haven’t been the best boyfriend lately, but before that I was pretty fucking perfect to you!”

“Yes, you were amazing, and then you shut me out and hurt me over and over again, without explanation, without any give on your part. I can’t trust that it won’t happen again. You say you’ve turned over a new leaf, but how am I supposed to believe that?”

“I promised you, didn’t I?”

“I don’t believe your promises anymore.”

“You’re not thinking clearly, Ella. And you’re not listening to what I’m saying. Things are changing, you can’t just leave when everything is about to take off. This is the start of our new life.”

“Kyle,you’renot listening. I said I’m done.”

“I’m not letting you go!” He steps in front of me.

“Enough, Kyle. It’s over.”

“It isnotover!”

“Get. Out. Of. My. Way.”

He picks up a vase on the entryway table and hurls it across the room. It smashes into the wall and shatters into a thousand pieces. He grabs me by my arm and yanks me toward him.

Fear curdles in my stomach. I knew he’d be upset.