Chapter 6

Nicole trudged into the apartment, her feet heavy with the weight of her emotions. She flopped down onto the sofa, letting out a deep sigh as she buried her face in her hands. Gage, sensing her distress, walked towards her with the pizza in hand. He sat down beside her, his expression concerned.
"Hey, what's wrong?" he asked, setting the pizza box on the coffee table.
Nicole lifted her head, her eyes welling up with tears. "Fuck relationships; I hate it," she muttered, her voice trembling with emotion. "It's all Mom's fault."