Page 39 of When the Ice Melts

That was pretty brave of your sister.

Addisyn felt a sudden surge of exasperation with herself. At fourteen years old, had she really been so self-centered, so naïve, so unobservant, that she’d thought their new life was simply a gateway to a big playground? Meanwhile, Avery had shouldered the entire load—juggling menial jobs in a place that terrified her, all while doubling as two parents to an emotional teenager.

The picture on the swings flickered in Addisyn’s mind again. What a perfect image of the two of them. Avery had always been the cheerleader behind Addisyn—giving her strength—sending her flying high. Shame trickled through Addisyn’s spirit. She’d never even told Avery how much she appreciated what she’d done—because until tonight, she’d taken it for granted. The idea made her feel slightly sick. Was she still that thoughtless that it took a random comment from a guy she barely knew to make her realize the magnitude of what Avery had done for her?

Her mind wandered to what Darius had said next. He’d urged her to try to make things right with Avery. Now there was where he was wrong. These days, the sisters agreed on basically nothing. And despite Addisyn’s new perspective, the memory of Avery’s endless lectures and unsolicited advice still made her groan.

Besides, what would she tell her sister? How everything with Brian had gone south? How her skating career was in ashes? How Avery had been right? Addisyn stiffened. No, she wasn’t about to admit defeat to anyone, and she certainly wouldn’t give Avery a chance to gloat.

The world was rapidly turning to dusk. Soft pastels washed across the sky. Addisyn glanced at her watch. Had she really just spent over an hour musing about Avery? How stupid of her. Especially when Avery probably never gave her a second thought.

But Darius had a point. Addisyn nodded to herself. One day, she needed to contact Avery again. Someday when she was successful, established, happy. When there’d be nothing for Avery to pick on her about.

Yes, she’d talk to her sister—someday.

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