Page 110 of Breakaway

My computer started ringing, so I sat up and grabbed it, placing it on the bed in front of me before I hit the button to answer. An up-close view of my aunt’s face filled the screen, and I giggled as she came into view.

“Reese? Can you see me?”

“Yes, Pippa. I can see you. Pull the phone back. I don’t need to see up your nostrils.”

“Oh.” She chuckled, pulling it back and bringing more of her into view. “How’s that?”

“Better. How are you?” I moved the laptop, lying on my stomach.

“I’m good. I’m good. I’m excited to see you.” She smiled, the action warming her face.

I hadn’t known at first if I wanted to get to know Pippa. I had Henley and all the incredible people she’d brought into my life; so I didn’t think I needed anyone else. But Henley insisted I give her a chance and just start small. We texted back and forth through the J18 National team tryouts and World’s, and I got to know my aunt. She would tell me about my biological mother, and I would tell her about my life growing up.

When we met for the first time, it felt like a piece of me I hadn’t known I needed was returned. That small connection to my biological mother had been more significant than I realized. Now I had another side of my family who supported and encouraged me to go after my dreams. I’d gone from being a lonely kid confused about who they were to a young adult full of life and love. I’d hate myself if I weren’t me.

“You too. How’s the new place?” I asked.

“It’s cute. I think you’ll like it. I even have a Reese space ready. No pressure or anything, but if you ever need to escape the dorms, you’ll have a room here.”

“Sounds good, Pippa. Thank you. I can’t believe I’m leaving for college already.”

Between the ad campaign, winning the championship, and the J18 team, I had my pick of schools to play hockey at for college. Initially, I’d wanted to go where Henley and Fletch went, thinking it would be cool to follow in her footsteps. The campus had been beautiful, and the hockey program had offered me a scholarship to play, but in the end, I knew it didn’t feel like the right place for me.

I’d almost considered taking a gap year and playing abroad, but then Pippa sent me a link to the university she’d just accepted a position at. Her life had changed drastically after the dissolving of the Society, and she’d decided to start fresh somewhere new. She’d gone to school for literature while playing hockey, her goal to be a professor someday falling to the wayside when her career took off. Now that hockey was off the table, she was returning to her first love—teaching.

Stepping foot onto Carrington University for the first time, I knew instantly it was the place I wanted to go. It felt like Lux had—like home.

Braden and Briana visited with me and agreed, so we all applied. When Cam heard where we were going, he joined us, unable to break up the pack. Jack had considered giving up his scholarship, but ultimately, he decided to stay since it was closer to home. Though, if I had to guess, it was more about Briana telling him she only wanted to be friends, and his ego couldn’t take the hit. Regardless, Braden and Cam were looking forward to playing against him.

“I remember it like it was yesterday,” Pippa said, letting out a dreamy sigh. “I’d say it was going to be the best time of your life, but you’ve already had so many amazing experiences that college might be boring.”

“Nah.” I shook my head, grinning. “Besides, I think I could use some boring. Everything from last year was fun but exhausting too. I’m glad we went through it, but I wouldn’t mind some ‘normal’ college experiences.”

She smiled, nodding, the guilt no longer present. It had taken a while, but we’d finally gotten to a place of acceptance for the past. I disagreed with her choices, but wasn’t holding them against her. Pippa still had her demons to face, but I wouldn’t be one of them.

“When do your friends arrive?”

“We’re all arriving together. We’re meeting them in Utah and all flying from there. I haven’t seen them in over a month. It’s the longest we’ve gone since we met last summer,” I admitted. It had been hard at first, feeling like my arm was missing or something. But it had been good to spend time with Henley and the guys in their new place before I left again.

“Let me know after you’re all settled in and if you want to grab some food. I can take all of you out to my favorite sushi place.”

“Ooo, that sounds fun. I’ll let you know.”

A knock on the doorjamb had me looking up. Henley stood in the doorway, smiling softly at me.

“You ready, kiddo?”

“Yep. Just talking to Pippa.”

“Oh, hi, Pippa!” she said, walking over to the bed and sitting down to wave.

“Hey, Henley. The new place looks awesome. Reese showed me pictures last week.”

“Aw, thank you. We love it. It’s the perfect place for all of us. You’ll have to join us for Christmas.”

“That’s so kind. I’ll take you up on that offer. I’ll be sick of snow by then.” She laughed.

“I’ll see you later, Aunt Pippa!”