Shattered Bonds

After what felt like hours, I finally calmed down. My father, noticing my state, took my mom to their room so they could talk privately. I already knew what the conversation was about.

I lay on my bed, drowning in my thoughts until a soft knock interrupted me. I didn't have the energy to talk, but knowing my family, they'd barge in anyway. "Come in," I mumbled.

"Hey… are you okay?" It was Diana's voice. I didn't answer, just hummed. She must've understood because she sighed, "Don't go hard on yourself, lil' bro. Everything will be fine. We're all taking your side… just give her time." And with that, she left. I felt a bit safer knowing everyone was on my side. Maybe… just maybe, mom would understand soon too.

Later That Night :

Hunger gnawed at me, but the thought of bumping into mom terrified me. I debated sneaking out but stayed frozen until BANG! My door flew open. And of course, it was my mom. 'If opening my door that aggressively became a habit, just remove it already.'

"We need to talk," she said, her tone low and unreadable angry? Sad? Either way, my stomach twisted.

"Yes, mom… what is it?" I kept my voice neutral, though I saw her eyebrow twitch. Did I sound rude?

"If you continue with this art nonsense… forget about me being your mother." I blinked what? Was she serious? My throat tightened, but I forced myself to speak honestly.

"So… you're willing to erase me from your life because of my dreams?" My voice cracked, anger and sadness rising.

"That's not what I meant… I just don't think art will build you a good future, Aidan. I'm scared… for you."

Oh, so breaking me is now called worrying? Great job, mom.

"I get it. You're scared. But this is my future, mom. You can't take that from me. I need you to trust me."

Her eyes softened for the first time. Behind her, I spotted dad he gave me a subtle thumbs up. I almost believed this was heading for a happy ending until Diana's voice sliced through the air like a knife.

"Don't fall for his words, mom. He's just running from responsibilities he wants to party and waste his life in London. That's not how we were raised."

I froze. What the hell? Diana? My sister? The one who promised she had my back? Turns out, she was the first to stab it.

Diana continued, "Tell him, mom. If he leaves, we won't want him back."

My mom nodded slowly, while dad shook his head, firm. "No. This is his life. His decision. We should support him."

I'd never felt pressure like this. The prince of the family suddenly forced to choose: my dreams or my mom. But deep down, I knew it wasn't about me… mom cared more about her image a lawyer's son becoming an artist. How scandalous.

I looked them dead in the eye. "I'm going to London after graduation. I'm not changing my mind. Do whatever you want."

And that was it. After graduation, I left for London with dad's full support and love, and mom's hatred trailing behind me. Diana? She stayed busy poisoning mom's mind. But honestly? If mom didn't want to hear it, she could've ignored her. She chose to listen.

I told Jay everything when we met on our first day. I was relieved to have him there I didn't want to be alone in my childhood town.

Mom and I? We never spoke again. I called and texted dad daily. He kept telling me, "She'll come around… she loves you." But I wasn't so sure especially with Diana feeding her lies every day.

Later, dad told me Diana tried to take over my room turn it into a closet. He refused. "It's my house. That's Aidan's room. It stays locked." That confirmed everything I feared about her. She never cared. She just wanted me gone to erase me completely.

And now? Out of nowhere… she calls. "I'm visiting."

Why? After all this? There's no way she's coming for a sweet sibling reunion. No Diana's coming with drama or some twisted plan. And honestly… I don't have the energy for it.