Page 70 of Breakaway

“No offense, but you don’t get it,” he says, pulling out of my grasp. “You don’t have siblings. You don’t know what it’s like to always be behind.”

“But you’re not behind. You’re just a bit younger. And doing something totally different, anyway.”

“It’s not about—” He stops, working his jaw. “It’s whatever. I’ll see you later.”

I resist the urge to reach out; something tells me he’s going to pull away again, and I don’t want to experience his rejection. I’ve never seen him like this, so defeated. It makes my heart hurt. “Cooper, wait. I’m sorry.”

He just shakes his head as he strides down the hallway to the locker room.

Chapter 39

Penny

November 23rd

Callahan

You’re right

I don’t understand. But I am sorry

Not like it’s your fault

No, but you deserve better

What you’ve done so far this season is incredible. If he can’t see that, then that’s his loss

Thanks, Red

<3

November 24th

Callahan

Dad decided that we all needed to go to Dallas to see James’s Thanksgiving game

I can take Tangy. It’ll just be me and Dad and takeout

November 26th

Callahan

Happy Thanksgiving, Callahan

How are things with Coach?

It’s fine. Aside from the fact he keeps asking about school

He doesn’t know how bad I suck at science

Bit ironic for the girl who just shoved Ice Planet Barbarians at me

Shhh it’s all a fantasy anyway

No math required

Plus, you finished Twilight. What was I supposed to do?

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