The Summer I Was Nobody’s Choice Chapter 09

The Summer I Was Nobody’s Choice Chapter 09

By the time Mom and Dad told me they were coming to visit me at school, Grandma Brooks had already

called ahead.

On the phone, Grandma Brooks’s voice was still as kind, gentle, and unhurried as ever.

Yet there was a quiet strength behind it.

“Nora, they wronged you, and Grandma explained everything.”

“Now they regret it and want to come apologize. If you want to see them, go ahead. If not, ignore them.”

“Even if you’ve fallen out with them, you still have Grandma. As long as I’m here, I won’t let anyone bully you.”

“From now on, come straight to Grandma’s during school breaks. I’ve prepared a room just for you-it has

heating and air conditioning, so you won’t have to worry about heat or cold. Just don’t ever let yourself be

pushed around…”

Grandma Brooks talked for a long time, and I listened just as long.

Even though I’d told myself not to let those hurtful things affect me anymore, hearing someone comfort me

always made my eyes sting.

“Grandma, I understand.”

“Don’t worry. I’m doing fine now.”

It got late, and I reluctantly hung up.

But deep down, I didn’t really believe the four of them would come.

Ryan spent 260 out of 365 days flying abroad. He didn’t have time to see me.

Chloe was even worse-she was a rising star, but also a high school student. Now that school had started,

she had to prepare for exams.

They were all so busy. They barely saw each other on normal days, let alone now.

But as strange as it was, the very next day, as I was heading to class with my books, I was stopped on the crowded main campus path.

Mom, with tears in her eyes, reached for my hand. “Nora, I was wrong about you.”

Dad and Ryan hung back, but I could see the guilt in their eyes.

Chloe reluctantly stepped forward to apologize.

“Nora, I’m sorry.”

“I shouldn’t have said those things or pushed you. I won’t do it again.”

But before I could say anything, a student nearby recognized Chloe.

“Oh my god, it’s Chloe! That super popular rising star!”

“My idol! It’s really her! She’s even prettier in person!”

“Is that her mom next to her? Her manager?”

“Chloe, can I get your autograph?”

Chloe wasn’t wearing a mask or hat, so being recognized was inevitable.

Sure enough, the crowd started buzzing and closing in around her.

I looked at Chloe quietly. Behind her apologetic expression, her eyes still held defiance and smugness.

I smiled bitterly and turned toward the school building.

If anyone else felt sorry, I might believe them. But Chloe? Never.

She’d always been too proud.

Luckily, I’d never expected their love, and I cared even less about their apologies.

The words Mom wanted to say got stuck in her throat.

She tried to follow me, but the fans she’d helped create blocked her path.

Like some kind of divine retribution, the distance between mother and daughter could never be closed.

Only then did they realize.

The timid Nora who had once craved their love was gone.

That evening, Grandma Brooks called again.

“Nora, did they apologize?”

“Yeah.”

“Did you forgive them?”

“No.”

After I said it, I felt a little uneasy. “Grandma, do you think I’m being cold-hearted?”

Older generations always hoped for family harmony.

But Grandma Brooks just laughed.

“Good. Don’t forgive them. Those fools are blind. They’re the ones missing out by throwing away such a wonderful girl.”

I felt the knot in my chest loosen.

“Yeah. They’re the ones who lost.”

We talked for a long time, until my eyes started to droop and the call ended.

Later, a Zelle notification popped up. Grandma Brooks had sent me $1,500.

Grandma Brooks: [Nora, don’t go without. Grandma has enough to take care of you.]

My eyes filled with tears.

I hid under the covers and cried.

Nora: [Okay.]

Nora: [Grandma, I finished all the pierogis you made last time.]

Grandma Brooks: [I’ll send more. Your favorite spinach and cheese. They’ll arrive the day after tomorrow.]

I closed my eyes, finally at ease.

This time, I didn’t have to wait for love to land on me.

The love Grandma Brooks gave me was already more than enough.