Page 36 of Tutored By the Smart Girl

Rush has torn me into a thousand pieces.

I wanted to believe he was different. I wanted to believe he was the kind of guy I could depend on. He just declared his love for me, but this speaks volumes to me. Volumes. This is what I’mused to. I should’ve known this guy was no different than anyone else I’ve ever been with.

I run through the campus and make it to the door of my room in record time. I flop on my bed and the tears flow.

I can’t believe he’s still with Evie.

Another flood of tears covers my pillowcase. I grab a throw pillow and shove it against my face.

My mind plays the scenario over and over. I’m in his arms and he tells me he loves me. Now this. I risked my soul to John Rush Radcliffe, and he cut my heart out of my chest, stomped on it, and broke it into a million tiny pieces.

“I trusted you. I loved… love you.”

Now I need to figure out how I’m going to repair my demolished heart and forget that John Rush Radcliffe was ever in my life.

I takemy bag from the trunk and the sweet aroma of this late fall day relaxes every muscle. The sound of the rustling leaves reminds me of home. My safe place. My mom is already waiting on the front porch.

“Welcome home, Addy,” Mom greets as she makes her way down the driveway to my car.

Mom looks me over and there are a few moments of exchanged hugs.

“You look good, but a little tired.” She holds me tighter in her embrace. “You feeling okay?”

All but my busted-up heart.

“Just a little tired,” I admit. “Thank goodness mid-terms are over.”

“I’ve been looking forward to having you home, my girl.” Mom’s smile warms me—inside and out.

We make our way into the house and I take a deep breath as the aroma of home takes over all my senses. This is the place I grew up. This is the place where my mom showed me unconditional love and support.

“Go take a little nap. I have your room all made up for you.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

I pad upstairs to my room. Last door on the left. I open the door, and everything looks about the same. Mom’s replaced my bedding with a beautiful beige duvet and matching pillows.

I’m exhausted from the short drive home, and I step into my ensuite bathroom to freshen up. I wash my hands and face. When I see my reflection in the mirror, my eyes appear a bit swollen.

I grab my purse and pull out my phone. I see I’ve missed a text from Rush.

I collapse on the bed and I let out a sigh as my head hits the soft pillow.

Rush:Hey, where are you? I stopped by your dorm. Anna said you must’ve left early. Your bag was gone.

I respond to his text.

Adison: I did leave early.

Rush: I stopped by to take you to breakfast.

Adison: Oh, I thought you’d go with Evie.

Rush: ?

Adison: I saw you with her at the party last night.

Rush: You were there?

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