Page 23 of Stolen Moments

“That’s not a crime.”

“It is in my world. Excellence isn’t optional.”

Jackson sits beside me, taking my hand. “What do you want to do about spring break?”

“I don’t know. Part of me wants to go home, prove I’m still committed. Part of me wants to stay here. With you.”

“Then stay.”

“It’s not that simple.”

“Why not?”

“Because disappointing my mother has consequences. She controls my trust fund, my car, everything. If I push too hard, she’ll cut me off.”

“Then let her.”

“Jackson, you don’t understand⁠—”

“I understand that you’re letting fear of disappointing her control your entire life. I understand that you’re sacrificing what you want for what she wants. And I understand that if you keep doing this, you’re going to wake up one day and realize you’ve lived someone else’s life.”

“That’s easy for you to say. Your parents support you.”

“My parents support me because I stood up for what I wanted. Even when it was hard. Even when they didn’t understand.” He turns to face me. “Priya, you have to choose. Her expectations or your happiness. You can’t have both.”

“I shouldn’t have to choose.”

“But you do. That’s reality.”

Tears are sliding down my face now. “I don’t know how.”

“Start small. Stay here for spring break. Miss the symposium. Show her that you’re capable of making your own choices.”

“And if she cuts me off?”

“Then we figure it out together.”

I want to believe him. I want to believe that choosing myself is possible. But the fear is overwhelming.

“I need time to think,” I say.

“Okay.”

“Jackson—”

“I said okay. Take your time. But Priya?” He wipes a tear from my cheek. “Don’t take too long. Because eventually, not choosing is a choice too.”

I avoid the decision for three days.

Three days of going through the motions, attending classes, completing assignments. Three days of feeling like I’m standing at a crossroads and too paralyzed to move in any direction.

On Friday, I go to Jackson’s studio for our tutoring session. He doesn’t bring up the conversation from Tuesday, just helps me work through Chemistry problems like everything is fine.

But everything isn’t fine.

“I booked the plane ticket,” I say suddenly. “For spring break. I’m going home.”

Jackson’s pen stills. “You’re sure?”