Reluctance (The Exchange #2) Read Online Free PDF Page A

reaction I’d expected, but her smile was bright; I took that as a good thing.
    We even discussed the possibility of me going over there, but I’m not sure if it’ll ever happen; despite how much both of us want it to.
    Six weeks is all it took for me to finally get over Jessie and fall for someone else. I think that’s a good thing.
     
    Aiden
     
    —∫∫∫∫—
     
    June 2012
     
    It’s been two weeks since Holly left, and to cope, I’ve thrown myself into my work. After school let out, I managed to get myself a part time job down at the library. It’s not much, but it keeps me busy, and out of the house now that Ty’s around all of the time with all his college buddies.
    I’m waiting for my funding to come through. Thanks to the board over at the oil refinery offering to make their offer annual on account of my grades, I’ve decided to stay in state. Dad and I are going down there in a few days to check out accommodation. I thought I’d be nervous about this major stepping stone, but I’m not. It’s the next stage in my life and nothing can put a stop to me reaching for it.
    Holly and I speak all the time, and thanks to her, I’ve managed to make another couple of good friends in Bethany and her boyfriend Chad. We hang out, with Zac, all the time, and I’m starting to get a taste of what it’s like to be a regular kid. I have so much to thank that crazy British chick for.
     
    —∫∫∫∫—
     
    June 2012
     
    Ah. . .
    Shit.
    I’m gonna be a dad.
     
    Aiden
     
    —∫∫∫∫—
     
    February 2013
     
    My daughter was born today. Ellie Mae King, according to my Mom, is just like me as a baby; long and skinny.
    The fact that I can say I have a daughter while still a Freshman at college, is seriously messed up, but I can’t wait for her and Holly to finally be in the States, permanently. Her parents weren’t keen on the idea at first, but it was what she wanted, even before finding out about the baby. There was a lot of back and forth between my parents and hers, but an agreement was finally reached.
    I’ve applied to the Dean of Housing to move out of campus housing and back home before the end of the year. Hopefully, I’ll hear soon, and my application will be granted. I don’t want to leave Holly and the baby at the house while I’m living two hours away. I mean, what if there’s a problem or something? There’s no problem with me driving to class rather than stumbling out of bed and just making it in time. To be honest, by the time they get here, I’ll be almost at the end of the school year anyway, so I can’t see it being an issue.
    Tyler’s been quiet since all this news came out. Holly told me about the two of them, and I think he’s worried that there might be a mistake, and that Ellie’s his daughter. Since the news broke back in June, he’s calmed down on the player side of his personality. We still don’t get on, but he’s been a lot more civil these days. Silver lining, I guess.
     
    Aiden

Epilogue
     
    August 2019
     
    I bumped into Mizz . Jones today at the local store. She’d left her job at the school while I was in college and I felt bad that I’d not even given her a thought until today. Ellie and I were out picking up the last few things she needed to go into first grade next week— that’s some scary shit right there. My baby girl’s growing up way too fast; making me feel old.
    I couldn’t believe my old guidance counselor recognized me. I guess I haven’t changed that much, but she must have dealt with hundreds of kids at that school. It’s because of seeing her; I dug this old journal out and read through it. For someone who hated even the idea of writing in it, I opened up quite a lot, even after our meetings stopped. It surprised me at the time, but looking back, I guess it’s what helped me get over Jessie and find my new life with Holly; as unconventional as it was.
    Thinking back, I never did thank her for helping me the way she did. I