Page 101 of Love so Hot

I can't help but roll my eyes. Classic Dad, always deflecting with humor when he doesn't want to have a serious conversation. But two can play at that game.

"Well, why not?" I shoot back, leaning forward. "Have you even considered it? Or are you too busy counting your coal profits to notice the world changing around you?"

Mom clears her throat, her eyes darting nervously between us. "Now, now," she says in that soothing voice she always uses when Dad and I start butting heads. "Let's all just take a deep breath and?—"

"Margaret, please," Dad cuts her off with a dismissive wave of his hand. "This doesn't concern you."

And just like that, my simmering frustration boils over. "Don't talk to Mom like that!" I snap, pushing back from the table. "She's trying to help, which is more than I can say for you!"

Dad's face turns an alarming shade of red, like he's about to blow a gasket. "Now listen here, young lady?—"

But I'm done listening. I've heard it all before, and I'm sick of it. "No, you listen," I shout, my voice cracking with emotion. "I'm not going to UPenn or Wharton or any other school you went to. I'm definitely not following in your footsteps. This isn't the life I want!"

Before he can respond, I storm out of the dining room, taking the stairs two at a time. Tears blur my vision as I burst into my bedroom, yanking my duffel bag from the closet. I start shoving clothes in haphazardly, not even bothering to fold them.

I hear Mom's soft footsteps behind me, feel her gentle hand on my shoulder. "Sweetheart," she begins, her voice trembling slightly. "Can't we talk about this?"

I pause, my hand clutching a faded T-shirt from my last environmental protest. Part of me wants to turn and hug her, to let her comfort me like she used to when I was little. But I can't. I've made my decision.

"There's nothing to talk about, Mom," I say, my voice steadier than I feel. "I can't stay here anymore. I can't be who Dad wants me to be."

As I continue packing, I wonder if this is really it. Am I really about to walk away from everything I've ever known? The thought sends a shiver down my spine, equal parts terrifying and exhilarating.

I take a deep breath, turning to face Mom. Her eyes are glistening, and it breaks my heart a little. But I have to make her understand.

"Mom, I've tried. God knows I've tried to get Dad to see reason. To stop supporting industries that are literally killing our planet. But he won't listen. It's like he doesn't even care."

Mom sighs, perching on the edge of my bed. "Oh, honey. Your father does care. He cares about you, about all of us. He just... he wants to make sure we have enough."

I can't help but let out a bitter laugh at that. "Enough? Mom, look around!" I gesture wildly at my room, at the designer clothes spilling out of my closet, the latest tech gadgets on my desk. "We have way too much. We could give away half of everything and still be disgustingly wealthy."

The truth of my words hangs heavy in the air between us. Mom's shoulders slump a little, and I almost feel bad. Almost.

"Please." She reaches for my hand. "Don't go. We can work this out as a family."

I squeeze her hand, but shake my head. "I love you, Mom. But I can't stay. I'm going to crash at River's place for a while."

Mom's face tightens at the mention of River's name. "That boy? I don't like him. He's trouble."

"At least he's been more supportive than anyone in this family," I snap, immediately regretting my harsh tone. I soften, pulling Mom into a hug. "Don't try to stop me, okay? It won't work."

As I hold her, I can feel her trembling slightly. Part of me wants to give in, to stay and make things right. But a stronger part knows I have to do this. For myself, for the planet, for everything I believe in.

I just hope I'm making the right choice.

Mom's arms tighten around me, and I can feel her tears soaking into my shoulder. Great, now I'm getting all weepy too. So much for a dramatic exit.

"Promise me you'll call," she whispers, her voice cracking. "Just... let me know you're safe."

I pull back, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand. "I'll try, Mom. But I can't make any promises. I might need to start over completely. Somewhere I'm not just 'that rich girl' or judged by Dad's... everything."

Mom's face crumples, and I feel like the world's biggest jerk. But I can't back down now. I take a deep breath, steeling myself.

"I love you," I say, forcing the words past the lump in my throat. Then, before I can change my mind, I turn and practically run out the door.

The cool night air hits me like a slap in the face as I hop on my bike. I pedal furiously, trying to outrun the guilt and uncertainty gnawing at my insides. The streets of our posh neighborhood blur past, all manicured lawns and gleaming SUVs. Everything I'm leaving behind.

By the time I reach River's apartment building many miles away, I'm a sweaty, panting mess. So much for making a good impression. I lock up my bike and trudge up the stairs, each step feeling heavier than the last.

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