Last week, I was seventeen. This week I am eighteen. From then until now, I've been disappointed instead of happy; lethargic instead of excited. I have my reasons for that - starting with Aden Arrington.

For my birthday, he gave me the most awful present - a lonely passing of said birthday far from my family and friends - the same family and friends I had ditched to go meet him in New York.

We had agreed to meet at the bus station there at nine p.m. on the eve of my birthday. I ran out from school on Friday to pack my things and confirm my ticket. The rush was overpowering.

I spent the beginning of the trip smiling from ear to ear. Despite my previous frustrations, I was still beyond excited to see him. Then my phone pinged. Aden texted me with the most cryptic message.

Aiden: I'm busted.

I thought it was a joke. So, I replied playfully.

Me: What? Do you have another surprise for me?

I don't know what happened for the next two hours, but Aden didn't reply. I was more than happy to wait for his answer, that is, until it came.

Aiden: My mom came to New York. You can't come here, and I can't leave.

Me: WHY?!!

Aiden: I was allowed weekends off to see my family, so now that my mother is here, I have no reason to leave.

I was ready to combust. Aden was ditching me - on the very eve of my birthday!

Me: I left Cleveland to come to you and now, what the hell am I meant to do?

Aiden: Get off on the next stop and catch a bus back

I simmered in rage, but ultimately, I didn't see another solution to my problem. I got off in Erie and went straight to the travelling agency. It was too late at night, so of course, they were closed. They would only open the next morning. That's when the tears arrived.

I was going to spend the night alone.

I searched and the only place with space was a motel far from the main road. I cried myself to sleep and woke up with swollen eyes and a bucket full of resentment.

When I got home, I told everyone, including Olive, to leave me alone. I felt so ridiculous for believing Aden's lies. He had probably stayed in New York to go out with Brighid again, after realising that he had missed her. Why else would he use his mother as an excuse? And I was the fool who chose to ignore all the red flags I saw online.

It was only four days ago that Aden finally decided to call, after I got back from school at noon.

"Princess, I am so sorry."

"For cheating on me again? Why don't we call it a day already?"

"What are you talking about?"

"I know you were with Brighid on my birthday. That's the real reason you didn't want me to come."

"McKay."

"At least you're not denying it. That's something."

"We need to talk."

"Yeah, I also want to break up. We don't need a long conversation for that."

"You've been holding onto that for weeks now. Some sick side of you wants to believe I was with her so that you can be right. But the truth is you're wrong."

"So, you're going to continue telling me you were with your mother? Really?"

"Do you even trust me anymore?"

"I feel like I'm losing my mind because of you. I can't trust you after you lied about Brighid."

"But I should trust you after the countless times you've threatened to break up with me? We haven't even been officially together for two months and you're already-"

"Crazy?! Really?"

Aden sighed into the receiver, breathing deeply as I too fought to regain control.

"Can I have the old McKay back? The one who not only trusted me but trusted herself."

"I don't want to be made a fool of, Aden - ever."

"I promise to hurt and disappoint you in a million ways, but I will never achieve that by cheating on you. And please forget about Brighid. She's nowhere near your league.

"Yes, I went on a date with her, but it was a publicity stunt. I don't talk to her every day or..." he trails off.

"What?"

"I just realised that I've done everything in my power to get you to trust me. My words won't change anything."

"You're not wrong."

"Meet me in New York this weekend, like we said. I'll explain everything."

"Not in a million years. After what you did, you have to be the one to come to Cleveland."

"You know I can't do that."

"Why? Because your time is more precious than mine? We established that last weekend - no need to repeat."

"That's not true, or accurate for that matter."

"What's not accurate? That I spent the eve of my birthday in bed crying and said birthday on a bus then alone in my room?"

"Jesus McKay, I'm sorry. I never meant for any of that to happen."

"What you meant doesn't matter - only what happened to me. You abandoned me."

"I'm sorry."

"Come to Cleveland if you're really."

"No, I can't. I could be stuck on the bus with some crazy fans or be photographed."

"You know what, Aden? Stay in New York then. And take all the time in the world to figure out what I mean to you before calling me again; because from this conversation, I've got to tell you, I don't feel too important."

"It's not going to happen, McKenzie!"

"Fine, see you when I see you then."

"You said if I were in New York, you'd be here, no matter what."

"What's the matter, Aden? Afraid to not be the only one to not keep your promises?"

I had been furious and vowed to stay in Cleveland, and I really did for most of my Saturday. But here I am on a bus to New York, because I'm a pushover with no willpower. The last bus out of Cleveland had been minutes away from departing when I got it - all because of a stupid comet.

I was going through my usual wallowing-weekend routine when my mom brought home a magazine with an ad involving a comet. I really wanted to pretend it wasn't a sign, but I couldn't deny it any longer when I saw another one on my Instagram explore page.

Now I'm staring at the stars outside my window, praying that I didn't elude myself and that the universe really did send me a sign.

As the bus stops at Pittsburgh for the half-point break, I buy a few snacks and use the restroom. Other buses fill the gas station as I take out my phone once I'm outside. It's time to face the music and admit to Aden that I caved.

"Princess, I was going to call you."

"No, Aden, listen to me. I got a bus to New York. Where should I stop?"

"What?! Why did you do that? You said you didn't want to!"

My heart sinks. Please, no. Not this again.

"What's wrong? You don't want me to come anymore?"

"I'm on my way to Cleveland. Oh, Jesus. Luckily, we're still taking a break in Pittsburgh. I'll go find the-"

"What did you say?"

"What?"

No, it can't be. I got a sign from the universe?

"You're in Pittsburgh?"

"Yes, I-"

"Aden! I'm in Pittsburgh."