After We Fell by Anna Todd Read Free Book Online Page A

actually handled the news better than I thought he would, but how could he make me choose? He knows how important Seattle is to me, and it’s not like he has a problem with me giving something up for him—that’s what hurts me the most. He always says he can’t be away from me, that he can’t live without me, yet he’s giving me an ultimatum, and it’s not fair.
    â€œIf he took off with any of our shit . . .” Hardin begins as we get to the door.
    â€œEnough.” Hopefully my exhaustion is heard through my soft dismissal, so he won’t press it.
    â€œJust saying.”
    I push my key into the lock and twist, momentarily considering the possibility of what Hardin has mentioned. I don’t know the man, really.
    Any paranoia I have disappears when we walk inside. My father’s body is slumped over the arm of the couch. His mouth is wide open, and deep snores escape from his parted lips.
    Without another word, Hardin walks into the bedroom and I go to the kitchen for a glass of water and a minute to think about my next step. The last thing that I want to do is fight with Hardin, but I’m beyond sick of him only thinking of himself. I know he has changed so much, tried so hard, but I’ve given him chance after chance, resulting in an endless breakup-makeup cycle thatwould make even Catherine Earnshaw cringe. I don’t know how long I can keep my head above water when I’m fighting off the tidal wave that we call a relationship. Every time I feel like I’ve learned to tread its waters, I’m sucked back under by yet another conflict with Hardin.
    After a few moments, I get up and look over at my father: still snoring in a way I would find amusing if I wasn’t so preoccupied. Deciding on a course of action, I head into the bedroom.
    Hardin is lying on his back, his arms tucked under his head as he stares at the ceiling. I’m about to speak when he breaks the silence.
    â€œI got expelled. Just in case you were wondering.”
    I turn to him quickly, my heart racing. “What?”
    â€œYep. Sure did.” He shrugs his shoulders.
    â€œI’m so sorry. I should have asked earlier.” I thought for sure Ken could get his son out of this mess. I’m devastated for him.
    â€œIt’s okay. You were otherwise occupied with Zed and plans for Seattle, remember?”
    I sit on the edge of the bed, as far from him as possible, and try my best to bite my tongue. It’s a wasted effort. “I was trying to find out about the charges against you. He says he’s still—”
    He interrupts me with his eyebrows raised in mockery. “I heard him. I was there, remember?”
    â€œHardin, I’ve had enough of your attitude. I know you’re upset, but you need to stop being so disrespectful.” I speak slowly, hoping the words sink in.
    He’s dumbfounded for a moment, but he quickly recovers. “Excuse me?”
    I try to keep the most neutral, if stern, expression I can manage. “You heard me: stop talking to me like that.”
    â€œI’m sorry—I get kicked out of school, then find you with him , then learn you’re going to Seattle. I’d say I’m entitled to be a little angry.”
    â€œYes, you are, but you aren’t entitled to be a jerk. I was hoping we could actually talk about this and work it out like adults . . . for once.”
    â€œWhat’s that supposed to mean?” He sits up, but I keep my distance.
    â€œIt means that after six months of this back-and-forth, I thought we could possibly solve a problem without one of us leaving or breaking things.”
    â€œSix months?” His jaw drops.
    â€œYes, six months.” Awkwardly, I avoid his eyes. “Well, since we met.”
    â€œI hadn’t realized it’s been that long.”
    â€œWell, it has.” It feels like a lifetime to me.
    â€œIt doesn’t feel like that