My phone rang incessantly as I walked away. I couldn't hang up fast enough, so I switched it off completely.
I bought the next flight out. Only when I was safely back in my apartment did I turn my phone on again.
My phone nearly froze from the barrage of missed calls and notifications.
The first message was from Mom.
*You were excessive today. We raised Charlotte like our own. It hasn't been easy for her. You don't understand. We just hope she has a better life—is that wrong?*
I scrolled down to Dad's message.
*Charlotte isn't like you. She's sensitive. Yanda was her life's goal. When she thought she didn't get in, she was suicidal. I couldn't just stand by! You made a huge scene today—how is she supposed to face people now? Apologize to her immediately!*
I didn't bother reading the rest. I deleted the thread.
Another call came in. I meant to decline, but my thumb slipped.
"Isabella, your mom says you want to cut ties with the family?"
Uncle Tyler.
"Mm." Noncommittal.
"I'm not trying to lecture you," he started, his tone already patronizing, "but you're being ungrateful. Your parents worked hard to raise you, and now you want to disown them?"