Total pages in book: 186
Estimated words: 176552 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 883(@200wpm)___ 706(@250wpm)___ 589(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 176552 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 883(@200wpm)___ 706(@250wpm)___ 589(@300wpm)
The three of us, along with Roxxi, had been inseparable for as long as I could remember. We’d navigated our first crushes, whispered secrets late into the night, and spent endless hours dreaming together. It was in those moments of just being girls, laughing until we cried, daring each other into the wildest ideas, and always having each other’s backs that we built a bond that was now woven deep into the fabric of who we were.
“You looked amazing out there, as usual,” Ari gushed, adjusting her glasses. Her accent curved around the words, an even mix of her Filipino and Aussie background.
“Thanks. We still have some kinks to work out.”
Cloe caught my eye and lifted the camera as if to say, “I’m getting this one.”
I gave her a small wave before turning my attention toward the football team. Their practice uniforms were modeled after the official team jerseys and our cheer get-ups, black and silver, giving an intimidating, battle-ready look. The emblem on the helmet stood out even from a distance, a fierce crow in flight, its wings spread wide.
At Crowsfell University, sports were practically their own religion. The athletic complex was like a cathedral and the pride of our campus. It had been remodeled a few years ago into something state-of-the-art both inside and out. Generations of athletes were discovered here. From hockey to baseball, basketball, and polo. Even snowboarding, and of course, football. The university had it all. So many people I’d come to care about were part of those teams.
It was a little bittersweet when I realized that in a few short years, we would go our separate ways. College was the final act before the inevitable curtain call. Everyone would scatter across different cities, chasing dreams that didn’t quite align with this small town we all loved to call home. Everyone but me, that is. I couldn’t think about it too much without getting teary-eyed. We had been together for over two decades, more family than friends. I knew distance wouldn’t sever our ties, but it was still going to leave a gaping empty space where they were meant to be.
I wondered if this was how mothers felt knowing their babies would soon fly from the nest. Not that I would ever voice that thought out loud. I could imagine the looks I would get for calling myself their mom when they all saw me as the baby sister. Never mind the fact that we were all the same age, give or take a few months.
The team was deep into warm-ups now, the rhythmic thud of cleats hitting the turf filling the air. It didn’t take long for me to spot Ryder Voss among them. He was always easy to find, the number 12 on his jersey marking him as the quarterback and offense captain of the Crows. His dark hair was hidden under his helmet, and I knew he was sporting the cocky grin he always wore when he was in his element.
Cade Voss, number 88 and our defense captain, was across the field, his stance relaxed but coiled with energy. His eyes stayed locked on his brother, already strategizing their next play. He had this wild unpredictability, always willing to take risks that most players would avoid. That recklessness made him dangerous, and the reason the Crows’ defense was nearly impossible to crack.
Xander Aether, number 15, stood nearby as well, his sharp gaze scanning the field. His agility as a wide receiver was unmatched, always finding just the right opening to make the catch. My boyfriend, Ashton Hayes, was next to him, stretching lazily but fully focused. Ari and I shared a laugh when our attention was snagged by Douglas, affectionately dubbed ‘Dougie’, Turner. The guy was a massive wall of muscle with a booming voice you could hear from miles away.
At well over six feet and built like a tank, his size alone could intimidate anyone, but it was his playful nature that made him a favorite on and off the field. That, and the fact that he danced the ‘Dougie’ after every touchdown. A few girls and guys from the university had ventured into the bleachers to watch the practice. I couldn’t blame them. Our football team was nice to look at and beloved by the entire town.
“You’re in a better mood today,” Arianna commented softly.
I shook my head, tearing my eyes away from the field. “I was fine yesterday, Ari, I promise. I just had a lot on my mind, thinking about the game coming up and that math test you know is going to kick my ass,” I lied, not wanting to admit what was really bothering me.
She studied me with the calm, thoughtful look she always had when her brain was connecting dots. She knew me well enough not to push, and I loved her all the more for it. We both knew it wasn’t my coursework or cheer that had distracted me, no matter how much I wished it were. Those were things I could manage, though I truly loathed mathematics with every fiber of my being. Outside of that torturous subject, school was easy, and cheer was my passion.