Page 8 of Haven

She feels it too.

The hurt. The pain.

All the things she should never have to feel.

She’s fucking beautiful as she effortlessly glides over the ice. Her white costume floats around her legs as she spins and twirls. She takes my breath away.

And when she finishes, she does it with tears in her pretty eyes.

She tucks one leg behind the other and curtseys to each side of the crowd as they roar and give her a standing ovation. The cameras zoom in again once she’s seated next to her coach in the scoring area. He doesn’t look happy.

And I don’t like how they score the skaters and tape their damn reactions. It seems cruel.

Hey, you really sucked out there, but let’s watch the judges tell you that too. Thanks.

Not that Ashlyn has to worry about that.

Not tonight.

There are nine judges, and five of them give her a perfect score.

The other four take off for minor things.

She’s now the girl to beat for the gold.

* * *

Itry to FaceTime her later because a text doesn’t seem like enough.

A silver fucking medal.

Damn. That’s pretty amazing.

Ashlyn doesn’t answer.

She’s probably busy, so I try again a few hours later.

Still no answer.

* * *

Brandon

Hey. I tried to call to congratulate you. A silver medal. Seriously. That’s incredible. I’m so proud of you.

Hope you’re out celebrating.

* * *

Days go by and I still haven’t heard from Ashlyn, but last nightSports Centerreported that Nina Meyerson killed herself, so I send Ashlyn one last message.

Brandon

I heard about Nina. Can you at least tell me you’re okay?

Ashlyn

I’m safe.

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