I woke up in my bed at Dad's the next morning even though I was still supposed to be at mom's.  I got ready like normal and plopped myself at the breakfast table, the full weight of my mother's life decisions upon me.  Dad seemed to sense I had a lot on my mind so he just let me eat quietly while he got the little kids going.  Elliott kept trying to make eye contact with me but I wasn't in the mood.

I took my dish to the sink and Dad walked over to where I stood. 

"Are you ready to talk with your mom and me about what you want to do?" he asked quietly.  "Or do you need more time to think?"

"I'm ready," I said, rinsing out my dish.

"Okay," he said.  "Let's meet at your mom's this evening.  I'll come over when I'm done with work."

I nodded and he pressed a kiss to my forehead.  A few minutes later Dad handed me my sack lunch and I pulled on my overweight backpack.  I didn't want to talk about it with Elliott so I wandered away from him on the subway, putting my earbuds in.  He didn't pester me, knowing I needed space.

After school I went to my mom's like I was supposed to.  I went to my room with a snack and got started on my homework so I'd be done by the time Dad got here.  Mom knew I needed space as well so she didn't come try to talk to me.

After dinner I was in my room when I heard Dad's voice coming from the kitchen area.  I tiptoed to my door and opened it just a little so I could eavesdrop before they called me out.

"....she's a teenager, Clar.  She's got all her friends here.  Her whole life is here.  You can't ask her to give that up," I heard my dad say softly.

"Kids move all the time, Lin," my mom said back.  "It wouldn't be the end of the world."

"I'm just saying, if she chooses to stay here you're gonna have to be okay with it.  You can't get all passive-aggressive with her on it."

"When have I been passive-aggressive?"

"Ummm...our whole marriage?"

I didn't want to hear them fight about their marriage so I softly closed the door, rolling my eyes.  I'd heard enough of that when I was a kid.  I sat back down on my bed, picking at my nail polish while I waited.  Dad knocked on my door a few minutes later, then pushed the door open.

"Spic and span," he commented on my room, looking around.  He'd only been here a handful of times.  "Who'da thunk?"

I smirked a little and stood up, walking to the door.  Dad stepped to the side to let me through but I wrapped my arms around his middle.  I felt him rest his chin on top of my head.

"You okay?" he asked gently.  I shrugged.  "Don't worry.  We just wanna know what you think.  I know it's hard."

I pulled back and Dad studied my face.  I was frowning, not liking the situation at all.  We walked down the hall together, his hand on my shoulder in support.  Mom was already on the couch and we joined her.  I sat next to Dad and I saw Mom look down.

It was always a little odd when my parents were in the same room.  It didn't happen often.  My parents didn't hate each other luckily, like some divorced parents did.  They were perfectly civil and communicated about me constantly.  That didn't always work out great for me.

"Well, I formally accepted the job in Chicago today," Mom announced.  "I'm excited to go back to my hometown."

I nodded, looking down.  "Congratulations," Dad told her.  "That's a big promotion for you."

"Thanks," she smiled at us.  "Joey, how are you feeling about things?"

"I'm staying here," I announced without pausing.  Mom was silent for a few moments, taking in a breath.

"Have you thought about this?" she asked me.

"Yes," I said.  "I want to stay here."

Mom was disappointed, obviously, but she did her best to contain her emotions.

"Okay," she said, shifting her legs around.  "So, you'd like to stay during the school year and stay with me during summers and breaks?"

"For part of them maybe," I said.  "But I want to be here with my friends on breaks too."

Mom nodded, pursing her lips together.  She had to know this was coming, but it was still hard.

"Well, I guess that's it then," she said, looking between us.  "We'll have to book flights soon for Christmas Break."

Neither of us said anything and there was an awkward silence.  Mom wordlessly got up and walked to the kitchen.  I saw her go for the wine.

"Why don't you go hang out in your room," Dad suggested to me quietly.  I nodded and quietly slipped out, glad to be out of the situation.  I collapsed onto my bed, letting out a huge breath of relief.  It was good to have that conversation out of the way.  I put in my earbuds and closed my eyes to calm myself down.  My brain was still racing.

About ten minutes later, I sensed someone come in the room.  Dad smiled at me as I sat up and took out my earbuds.

"Hey," he said, sitting on my bed.  He took a moment to look around my room.  He'd only been here a handful of times. "You doing okay?"

I shrugged.  "I guess," I said.  "Is Mom upset?"

"A little," he told me.  "But that's to be expected."

I nodded and we were silent for a few moments.  "Well, I've gotta head home.  Be extra nice to your mom the next few days okay?"

I nodded and he leaned forward to kiss me on the forehead.  Even though I was a teenager, I still liked it when he did that.  Dad got up and winked at me, then left the room.  I put my earbuds back in and turned up the music, then texted with Elliott.  He told me he was proud for standing up for myself.  Around 10:00 I told him goodnight.

After I'd changed into my pajamas Mom stopped by.  I mentally prepared myself for some backhanded comment.  She sat on my bed and I pulled my legs up into a pretzel, wondering how this was going to go.

"Homework all done?" she asked me.  I nodded.  "Of course.  Silly question.  Listen, I wanted to let you know I don't hold it against you that you're choosing to stay here.  I know this is where you grew up and your whole life is here.  It was a long shot to have you come with me, but I had to ask."

I nodded, letting a small smile creep to my lips.  It was nice to hear her say this, but I wondered if she truly believed it.  "Thanks Mom."

"Alright, time for lights out.  Love you," she told me, standing up.  Mom wasn't overly affectionate but she gave me a quick hug after our little talk.  I pulled back the covers and climbed in, trading my phone for a John Green novel.  Soon, I was asleep.

____

The next morning, Mom was quiet and seemed deep in thought.  This worried me.  Knowing her, her mind was stirring over what had happened last night.  She'd told me last night she was fine with it, but now she'd slept on it.

I finished up my cereal and rinsed the bowl in the sink.  I was about to grab a Vitamin Water for later when Mom finally decided to break the silence.

"Joey," she began, and paused thoughtfully.  Shit.  "How much thought did you really put into your decision to stay here?  I mean, I told you Tuesday I had gotten the offer.  On Thursday I accepted and you told me you wanted to stay that night.  That's not a lot of time."

I sighed, knowing this would come eventually.  She just couldn't accept that I wanted to live with Dad over her.  It wasn't even a distance thing completely.  If it had been reversed and Dad was moving to Chicago, I might very well go with him.

"Mom," I said uncomfortably.  "You said you were fine with it."

"I am," she lied, filling the kettle with water.  "It's just that I'm wondering what went into your decision."

"My life is here," I told her.  "Simple as that."

She sighed as she turned on the burner.  "You've always preferred your dad."

I scoffed and rolled my eyes.  "Mom, don't."

"It's true!" she said.  "No matter what I try, you always choose him.  I take you out shopping, for pedicures, weekends upstate.  None of it's ever enough."

I didn't like her accusatory tone.  "I don't prefer him!  I love you both the same.  It's just that we get along better."

She shook her head, her arms crossed.  I couldn't believe she was putting this on me when she was the one who made this whole situation happen.

"You know, you could take some responsibility for this," I challenged her.  "You're the one that's deciding to move to Chicago.  Away from me."

"To be closer to my family," she said.  "That's one of the reasons your father and I divorced.  He wouldn't move."

"But what about me?  Isn't it more important for you to be closer to me?  Your daughter?  You're so selfish, Mom.  You're making this all about you.  You're choosing your career over me.  Do you know how that feels?  Wanna know why I'm staying here?  For real?  Because you're a shit mom and Dad's way better."

I stormed away, grabbing my backpack roughly.  Mom was stunned into silence.

"Josephine!" I heard her call as I reached the door.  I walked out without looking back.

A/N: suggestions/requests for where to take this fic?