The moment the California sun hit me as I stepped off the plane, I felt a weight lift.
Yet, Jonah's texts and missed calls kept coming.
Claire, why aren't you answering?
I know you're mad about Anisa, but it's not like that. We're just friends. I'm helping her.
I even booked that trip for us, to that place we always talked about. Just us two. It'll fix everything.
What's wrong with you? Why are you still mad? I did it all for Anisa, she really needed me.
Honestly, what's the big deal about those fancy universities? State offers plenty of opportunities.
I scrolled through the messages, frowning slightly.
He still didn't get it. Still twisting everything, trying to explain it away on his own terms. Still thinking I was angry, instead of... done.
Staying in our old city, going to our old university – that would have been impossible for me.
California was a fresh start.
"Claire, sweetie! You're finally here!" My mom's cheerful voice rang out as I entered her spacious apartment.
She was here often now, as her company expanded on the West Coast and needed her direct oversight.
A tall man stepped away from the window and turned to face me.
He had kind eyes and a warm, approachable smile.
"You must be Claire. Augustus de Jesus," he extended his hand, his grip firm and reassuring.
Before I could even reach for my luggage, he'd effortlessly picked up my heaviest suitcase.
"Augustus is Dr. de Jesus's son," my mom explained, beaming. "You remember my old colleague? He's doing his PhD at Stanford now. I asked him to help you get settled and show you around campus."
Augustus just smiled, a genuine warmth in it.
"Claire, your mother has told me all about you. Nothing but praise, says you're incredibly smart. I'm just here to make sure you don't get lost on campus."
In the weeks that followed, while Jonah and Anisa's glossy, smiling photos – their "spontaneous" road trips and "budget-friendly" getaways – populated my social media feed, I threw myself into my new life.
With Augustus's steady, patient guidance, I navigated the complexities of Stanford's administrative processes, explored the vibrant city around us, and steadily found my footing again.
He was always there, supportive, always helpful without being pushy, always listening without judging.
I completed all my enrollment paperwork.
One last thing from my past life needed handling: selling my childhood home.
It was an ordeal for me, a final, definitive goodbye.
My mom, understanding my pain, insisted Augustus accompany me back to our old city to handle the final procedures.
"In case you need a strong arm, or a level head," she'd said with a wink.
We were walking toward my house, back in my old neighborhood, when a familiar figure emerged from a garden gate.
It was Jonah's mom. Her eyes, usually so sparkling, now looked tired and weary.
"Claire! And... oh, Augustus! How lovely to see you both!" She rushed forward, enveloping me in a tight hug, then looking at Augustus with a curious but polite smile.
"You must come to dinner tonight. Jonah and Anisa are out, so it'll be quiet. I insist."
I hesitated, but Augustus, sensing my discomfort, gave my arm a gentle squeeze. "We'd love to, Mrs. Hill."
Dinner was as promised – subdued and awkward.
Jonah's mom sighed into her wine glass. "I just don't understand Jonah. Turning down Stanford... for State? For Anisa."
She shook her head. "He told me you'd decided to stay too, Claire. That you two would go to State together. He said it was a 'mutual decision' to support Anisa."
A lie.
Jonah had lied to his mother. Or maybe, he didn't see it as a lie.
He never truly believed I would leave him.
"Mrs. Hill," I began, "I didn't turn down Stanford."
Her eyes widened, shock plain on her face. Then, slowly, understanding dawned.
"Oh, Claire. Oh, my dear. I'm so sorry. I... I didn't know." Her gaze softened. "Well, good for you. Take care of yourself out there."
The rest of the dinner passed in a strange, heavy silence. After we left, Augustus and I walked back to my empty house, the remaining luggage waiting to be packed.
Jonah's lie, now fully exposed, hung heavy in the still night air.
