Page 30 of Love so Cold

Grandpa's bushy eyebrows furrow. "At least tell us where you're moving to, Avery."

I hesitate, then sigh. "Worcester."

They exchange a loaded glance that makes my stomach clench.

"Worcester?" Grandma echoes. "But why not stay in Boston? We both went to Northeastern, you know. There's still a spot for you there."

I shake my head, feeling the familiar tug of frustration. "I don't want to go to college right now. I want to support Eric's art. He's so talented."

"And what about your talents?" Grandpa asks, his voice rising. "Your future?"

"Eric is my future," I insist. My cheeks burn. Why can't they understand?

Grandpa's face reddens. "There's no use arguing if you've made up your mind. You're an adult now. Old enough to make your own mistakes."

"Harold!" Grandma hisses, but I cut her off.

"No, Grandpa's right." I lift my chin defiantly. "I am an adult. It's not a mistake. And I am doing this."

My heart pounds. I've never stood up to them like this before. It's terrifying and exhilarating all at once.

I think of Eric waiting for me, of the life we'll build together. No more feeling alone. No more doubting myself.

This is my chance to prove I can make it on my own. To show everyone - including myself - that I'm not just some lost, orphaned girl anymore.

I'm Avery Bennett. And I'm ready to start living.

Grandma's eyes fill with tears as she pulls meinto a tight hug. Her lavender perfume envelops me, familiar and comforting. For a moment, I'm that little girl again, seeking solace after losing my parents.

"Promise me you'll call," she whispers, her voice thick with emotion. "Stay in touch. Let us know where you're living so we can visit."

I swallow hard, pushing down the lump in my throat. "Okay, I promise."

Pulling away, I grab my packed bag from the hallway. The weight of it, filled with my hopes and dreams, steadies me. Without looking back, I dash out to the driveway where Eric's beat-up Volkswagen idles.

I toss my bag in the backseat and slide into the passenger side. Eric's there, all messy hair and bright eyes. He leans in, his lips finding mine in a quick, eager kiss.

"How'd it go, babe?" he asks, his fingers drumming on the steering wheel.

I blow out a shaky breath. "They're not happy. But I told them I'm an adult now. I can do what I want."

Eric grins, starting to pull out of the driveway. "Hell yeah, you can. We're gonna love it in Worcester."

As we drive, Eric launches into his plans, his voice animated. "I'm thinking a studio downtown. Maybe even a gallery. With your parents' money, we can make it happen."

I nod, trying to share his enthusiasm. But his next words make me pause.

"College is such a waste when you've got real talent and a dream, you know?"

I glance at him, wondering if he means my talent too, or just his own. But his eyes are on the road ahead, already seeing our future unfold.

I watch Eric as he talks, his eyes alight with passion. My heart swells. This is why I'm doing this, I remind myself. For love, for art, for dreams bigger than Boston.

"Hey," I say, interrupting his excited rambling. "I've actually been working on something lately."

Eric glances at me, curiosity piqued. "Yeah? What's that?"

"It's a mural," I tell him, a hint of pride in my voice. "Not painting like you do. I'm doing cutouts. You know, where small pictures come together to make one big image?"

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