Page 18 of Something Forever

“You’re on speakerphone, honey,” my mum says.

“Hi, Simon,” I say, trying to keep any irritation from seeping into my tone.

“Alright, Liam?”

“Yeah, you?”

“Grand, yeah.”

This is the extent of my relationship with my stepfather.

“Liam’s going to come for the holidays. For Christmas!”

My mum is thrilled, and I can’t help a small smile that I’ve pleased her with this. I suppose I’ll tell her about dropping out when I visit them.

“Will you stay for the new year?”

I shake my head. “Probably not. Rather be back in the city.”

“Can’t wait to see you, mate. We’ve been thinking about you over here. Really just hoping you’re alright.” Simon’s tone is friendly but laced with pity.

I hate that fucking pity.

“Simon,” my mum whispers in warning.

“All good over here. Listen, I’ve gotta run, but I’ll send you flight details whenever I figure them out. Text you about dates and all.”

“I’ll get your room set up. Did I tell you it’s our gym now?”

Always comforting to hear that your mum and stepdad have turned your childhood bedroom into their own personal fitness haven. “Thanks, Mum.”

“Alright, love. Be safe over there. Don’t be a stranger,” she says. “Oh! I’m gonna send you a care package.”

“You really don’t have to,” I protest.

“Oh, stop. You know you love my candles and soaps.”

I sigh dramatically. “I’ve moved, so I’ll send you my new address.”

“I thought you were in Columbia housing?”

This is it. The moment I should tell her. Just say it.

Mum, I dropped out.

“Just felt weird without Luke there. I’m in Brooklyn now,” I say, chickening out yet again.

“I’m so sorry, Liam,” my mum replies. “Isn’t that a bit of a journey for you?”

It would be if I were still going to class.

“Don’t mind it. Just get some studying in,” I lie. It feels foreign on my tongue, and another pang of guilt hits me in the gut.

“Alright. Send me your new address. Talk soon, darling.”

“Bye, Liam,” Simon adds.

I say goodbye and hang up the phone, shaking my head. What a disaster. I had my chance to tell the truth and I didn’t take it. Suppressing a sigh, I vow to tell them the truth when I visit in December. I just have to figure out how the hell to tell my mum that her dreams of her son being a scientist are crushed.

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