Page 16 of Heartache Duet

I wonder what it would be like not to have to worry as much as we do.

In my heart,

I try to imagine what it would feel like to abandon her like that.

The check is made out to me.

I can take care of you, Ava,

Peter said.

But it’s our little secret.

In my mind,

I wonder why he didn’t offer it to Trevor.

But in my heart,

I already know.

In my desk drawer lives a picture.

Me and Mom surrounded by fireflies.

When the world is at its darkest,

that’s when the magic appears,

my mom says.

So, in my mind,

I question if the check is a form of magic.

But in my heart,

I believe that hope creates the magician.

ELEVEN

connor

I’d been killing it during practice. Every shot, every play, every move of my feet had been perfect. I was back to the old me, or as the team saw it—anewme. And thenshewalked into the gym, and I forget who I am and why I’m here.

The girl is something else. Even beneath her school blazer, those knee-high socks and completely modest skirt, I could tell she was hiding things some girls go above and beyond to flaunt.

I’m staring.

“Ledger!” someone calls out a split second before a ball hits the side of my head, knocking what little sense I had right out of me.

I take a time-out and head for my water bottle.

Still staring.

Because I can’t not.

“How’s that going for ya?” Rhys asks, motioning to Ava as he slumps down next to me.