Strong Headed

Seth looked at her, startled by what she just said. The animosity between them grew and for the first time since the conversation started, Phoebe felt like she was regaining some measure of agency. She had always been passive waiting for Seth to decide for her, to choose for her. But now it was her turn.

“I deserve better than to be a second choice for you Seth,” phoebe said with her voice calm even though she was boiling inside. “I deserve a person who doesn’t have to think twice if he or she wants me around.”

Seth drew in a breath and stepped back as if she had thrown a punch between them. He opened his mouth to say something but no words were formed in his throat. All of a sudden, Phoebe was able to read the conflict in his face: the guilt, the confusion, the pain. But she knew that this was not only about him any longer.

“But Emma might be the safe choice,” Phoebe continued, her tone less aggressive. “But you are not sure about her either You are holding both of us and waiting for