Consumed Read Online Free PDF

Grayson, it was only a matter of time before my aunt Kelly spilled the beans. I knew that eventually she would when I told her but I needed to tell someone and I couldn't face my mom directly after it happened. She was Grayson's biggest fan and while I knew she would always stand by my side, that doesn't change the fact that I knew how disappointed she would be that things hadn’t worked out.
    Knowing I can't put this off forever, I pull up my missed calls list and select my mom's number, taking a deep breath before hitting the call button. It does a half ring before my mom's panicked voice comes across the line.
    “Why haven't you been answering your phone? I have been calling you all morning!”
    “Hello mother.” I sigh. She's a bit for the dramatics and I have learned the best way to deal with her is to remain calm and down play any event at all costs.
    “Don't hello mother me! Why didn't you tell me about you and Grayson? How could this have happened? You two were perfect for each other. Where are you staying? Are you coming home?” She rambles off without giving me the opportunity to respond.
    “Mom!” I interject causing her to fall silent. “I'm sorry I didn't tell you right away but it's been a lot to process and I needed some time to deal with this on my own.”
    “Oh honey. Are you okay?” She sounds much calmer this go round.
    “I'm fine mom. I'm staying with Kristina, one of the girls from work. I've told you about her before.”
    “Yes dear I remember. When are you coming home?” She breathes out.
    “I am home.” I say, hoping she accepts my decision to stay in Las Vegas.
    “You're what?!” She screams into the phone. “Why on earth would you stay there? Come home sweetie, you need your family.” She changes her tone almost instantly.
    “Mom, I'm fine, really. Besides I love Vegas. I love my job and the friends I have made here. I'm staying, that's not up for discussion.” I can literally hear her gasp into the phone. My mother is not used to me standing my ground. She better get used it because I am done allowing other people to control my life.
    As if deciding not to push me on the matter she changes her approach. “Tell me what happened dear? Did you do something wrong?”
    “What makes you think I had anything to do with this? I know you love Grayson mom but he's not the wonderful man you think he is. If he were, do you think he would pack all my things and throw me out without so much as a warning or any real explanation?” I bite out a little more harshly than I intended.
    “I'm so sorry honey. I just assumed, foolish of me really. I know he's not perfect. I was just really rooting for you two. Plus he always seemed to love you so much.”
    “He loved controlling me mom. He loved that he could mold me and make me into exactly what he wanted. Well not anymore. I am done being pushed around, my life is my life now and I intend to make the most of it.” I can't help but feel extremely proud of myself in this moment. This is not some preplanned speech that I had prepared or something I had even realized until this very moment.
    I am sick of being controlled. I am ready to grab life by the horns and for the first time live my life for me and not for a man. Grayson got eight years. Eight of some of the most important years of my life. Eight years that I will never get back. But those eight years have taught me some really valuable lessons. Lessons that I will carry with me always.
    “Addie, you there?” My mom's voice interrupts my thoughts.
    “Sorry mom. I was just thinking. Listen can I just talk to you about this later? I have a lot to get done today and not much time to do it.”
    “Yes of course dear. I'm sorry about how I reacted. It just breaks my heart for you. I love you, you know that right?” I can hear the apprehension in her voice.
    “I know mom, I love you too. I'll talk to you soon okay?”
    “Okay honey, good-bye.”
    “Bye mom.” I say before ending the call