“How could you do that to me Greg?” Hilary had tears in her voice, “How could you put me on the spot like that?”

“I just, I didn’t know what to tell-“

“You’re family thinks I’m going to college Greg! To college! Isn’t that funny,” she said sarcastically. With tears now streaming down her cheeks, she yelled, “Not only am I not going to college, I’m not going anywhere!”

“Look Hil, I really am sorry. I had to tell them something when they asked me about you!” Greg told her anxiously.

“Why couldn't you have told them the truth! The truth that I’m a failure and going nowhere in life! Do I embarrass you Greg? Hilary screamed.

“Hilary would you just listen to me for a second?!”

“Are you going to tell me about NYU or are you gonna let someone else tell me that also?!”

“I just, I don’t want to be away from you, but this is a big opportunity. I just couldn’t find the courage to tell you I was leaving.” He said with great sympathy.

“I had the courage to tell you about my dad, didn’t I?” She screamed back.

“Yeah but you haven’t had enough to tell anyone else!” he was getting annoyed, “Maybe if you had told someone, you would have the chance to go and make something of yourself too! You know I think you’re being a little selfish right now.”

“Is that what you think? Just because I’m not going to college that I cant make anything of myself?” she yelled back defensively, “Do you want me to report my dad so I can live across the country in a foster home with strange people? Is that what you want Greg? Is it?”

“No Hilary that’s not what I meant, and you know it,” Greg said hurt, “The reason I didn’t tell you is because, because I didn’t want to hurt you. I wanted to find the right time, but…Hilary there is no right time to tell someone you are leaving when you lo-” he was cut off.

“Greg, this isn’t going to work between us anymore, you’ve been amazing but the longer I try to hold on to you, the harder it’s going to be when I have to let you go,” Hilary kissed him on the cheek, “tell your mom thanks for dinner.”

Hilary turned and walked away, silently sobbing to herself. She loved Greg and she only let him go out of fear. She was terrified. She was terrified she had made the biggest mistake of her life. But she told herself it wouldn’t have worked out; him being so far away, and there was no chance she could get into NYU. Even if she did, there was no money for tuition.

Greg just stood there for a long time playing and replaying in his mind everything that just happened.