Two roads and one choice,

Which one should I choose?

I sat on the stairs outside my porch one breezy afternoon. In one hand held my college application and in the other was an application for the IAF

I sat in there in deep contemplation until I heard the sound q footsteps coming towards me. I looked up and there stood in front of me was none other than my Ex boyfriend Toni.

"Hey, Freddie," He smiled shyly. "I haven't seen you since you disappeared at prom, and with all the drama at school with the police, I just wanted to see if you were okay." He said. He looked a lot better than he did before a few months ago. The bags under his eyes were gone, and so was the stress wrinkles. His face was shining.

I smiled and made space beside me and motioned him to sit. I knew I was supposed to be still mad at him, but I'm really not in the mood to fight.

"Really? That's sweet, and fortunately for me I had to hear about." I said, "I had to leave early because I had an emergency at home, so I missed prom. Or at least I missed the first 2 hours of it."

He sat beside me, filling me in on what I had missed at prom until the police came. We sat on the stairs talking for some time then he turns to me. "Freddie, I'm so sorry about how things ended between us. You're actually one of the best things to happen to me, and I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you as I should have been within the past, I know I messed up, but please hear me out."

My eyes skittled away from his, unable to look at him. I sighed and after some minutes I motioned him to continue.

Quietly he cleared his throat and composed himself. He takes my takes my hand in his. "First off, thank you for even listening to me right now. And secondly... Remember that thing I couldn't told you about? Well it's just.. A lot has been going on at home. My Mom lost her job 2 months ago and ever since I've been trying to help her get a new one. I lost out on those Date Nights with you because I've been attending legal meetings with my mom. I've also had some side jobs to help her out until she found a job, which thankfully she did a week ago." He stopped to take a breath.

A low gasped had escaped from my lips. I was surprised and heartbroken by everything he said. I didn't know he's been through this much, and he's been silent about it. Immediately guilt started rushing through my heart. He wasn't cheating on me...

He goes on to say, "I didn't wanted to say anything about it to you because you were already so busy with prom and being student president that I just didn't wanted to burden you, and I also didn't wanted to tell you cause I didn't wanted you to see me this way." He looks away slightly embarrassed.

I did not know what to say. I was feeling too guilty for my false assumptions. I thought about something to say but I nothing came. Then an intense impulse came over me and I wrapped my arms around his shoulders.

"I'm really sorry all this happened to you." I said.

He tensed up a little but soon relaxed and returned the embrace. Then he says, "And I'm sorry for messing up things between us with Hailey, I was stupid. That wasn't supposed to happen, I swear." He looks me dead in the eye, "I'll admit, we did spent some time together but that's because she knew about about my Mom and so did her parents. They helped us is out a few times, actually. Her dad gave me some trinkets and clocks to fix as a side job, so she usually just tags along. I didn't pay no mind to it, thinking that she moved on but her hints were obvious, and about that party she was invited, not me. I went with her because she asked me to and she didn't wanted to go alone, so I went along with her... And I guess that's when it started going wrong. After the party I had a talk with her and we agreed to stop seeing so much of each other." He said then took a long breath.

I searched his eyes for signs of dishonesty but there was none. He was telling the truth and I knew it. I opened my mouth but he rushed forward and said, "I didn't mean to cause you any harm I -"

"It's okay Toni, I believe you."

He looks at me quizzical. "Really?.."

I nodded with a smile. "Yes I do. I actually feel quite guilty and stupid for suspecting that you were only cheating on me instead of seeing things from a different perspective. I had no idea you've been through this much. I feel kinda disappointed in myself." I said sadly. Immediately he shook is head. "No, don't be. I should have cleared things up from the start. It's my fault. I'm sorry."

I playfully shoved his shoulder. "It's alright. You're forgiven."

He gave a sigh of relief and smiled. His eyes drifted to the envelope that lay beside me on the stairs. "What's that? College application?"

I looked over and handed it to him. "Yeah, I'm going to Cornwall university."

He tilts his head, confused. "I thought you were going to University Of Science?"

"I was but I decided not to go anymore, the price seemed too much and I know my mom doesn't earn much and I wasn't exactly ready to be on my own as yet, " I chuckled blushing from embarrassement, "So I decided on settling down for this one instead."

He laughed and said jokingly. "I can feel you on that one, so don't feel bad," Then he continues earnestly. "Well, it doesn't matter what college you go to, as long as you're happy and satisfied with the path that you choose."

I have him a weird glare. "Since when you're all philosophal?"

He glares back jokingly. "Since the day you forced me to listen to that, boring old man at the museum!"

We both had a good laugh recalling that moment. But he was right. It didn't entirely matter which direction I choose, but being happy with the way I choose to head.

I looked at the acceptance letter once more, and it suddenly became clear.

I knew exactly which path I was going to choose.

And I'm happy about that choice.

~ Signed by Agent Amelia