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Mom rubbed my arm as I turned to him, while Dad placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. I’d known that Aiden and I would have to stay distant from each other once I returned home, but it wasn’t until this moment that it really hit me. He seemed to be feeling it too, because there was a look of devastation in his eyes that hadn’t been there before. We stood only a few feet apart, but it felt as though a chasm had opened between us and he was now impossible to reach.

I nodded, unable to say the words of goodbye. They got stuck in my throat along with anything else I wanted to say. Being with my parents was what I wanted, but I also didn’t want to be without Aiden.

“I’ll call you later today,” he continued.

Again, I nodded. Apparently, I couldn’t even verbalize a simple okay.

“Thank you for taking such great care of Clary,” Dad said.

“I think she’s been the one taking care of me,” Aiden replied. His light-blue-green eyes settled on me one last time before he slowly turned and walked back to his truck.

My heart seemed to stop beating as I watched him go. It felt like it was being wrenched from my chest and pulled along with him. I kept trying to remind myself that this wasn’t truly goodbye and that we would be together soon. My body just didn’t seem to understand though.

I turned to my parents, unable to watch as Aiden opened the truck door. Tears were spilling down my cheeks, and I couldn’t seem to stop them.

“Oh, Clary, what’s wrong?” Mom asked, as she lightly traced her thumb across my face to wipe them away.

“I… He…”

Dad put his arm across Mom’s shoulders and pulled her in close. “Isn’t it obvious?” he said. “She’s in love with the boy.”

“I’m not in love with him. I…” My gut twisted, and I realized my words were wrong. I opened my mouth to try to continue, but I couldn’t bring myself to lie. I couldn’t laugh it off and say there was no way I loved him because we’d only just started dating. I couldn’t tell my dad he was imagining things. A warm glow seemed to ignite in my chest, and I knew my dad was right. I was totally, completely in love with Aiden Moore.

My eyes widened at the realization, and Dad chuckled as he caught the bewildered expression on my face.

“I bet the last thing you want to do is spend weeks trapped in lockdown with your parents when you could be with the boy you love,” Dad continued.

“No, it’s not like that…” I argued.

Mom smiled. “It looks like it is.”

I glanced over my shoulder. Aiden was still parked on the street, looking toward the house. It was like he was waiting to make eye contact with me one last time before he left. His lips lifted in a sad smile before he started up the truck.

Mom rubbed my shoulders as I stared at him. “We love you Clary, more than anything. But we also want you to be happy. If you want to keep staying with Aiden during lockdown, then we understand.”

I shook my head and turned to them. “You guys don’t seriously mean that.”

Dad grinned. “Jade had a feeling you two might struggle. She already floated the idea with us. After seeing you today, I think she’s onto something. If that’s what you want, we support it.”

I struggled to keep the surprise from my face. “You’re really okay with me living with a boy?”

Dad frowned slightly. “I want you to be your happiest self in these hard times. And if that means being with the boy you love and us having to keep our distance for a little while, then I’m okay with it. You’re eighteen now, and it’s time you make your own choices.”

I stared at him, my mouth dropping open. I couldn’t believe my parents were suggesting this. But the moment the words had come from their lips, I knew it was what I wanted. I wanted to be with Aiden. I never wanted to leave his side.

“Jade’s really okay with this?”

“She is,” Dad replied.

“And you’resureyou’re okay with this?”

They nodded in response.

“You know this doesn’t mean I don’t want to be with you guys, right?”

Mom smiled. “Honey, we know.”

I launched myself into their arms once more, clinging tightly to them both. I knew the hug might have to tide me over for a while.