“There is an end to all things

no matter how much we

want to hold on to them.”

~ Anonymous ~

1

THAT ONE MOMENT

SOMETIMES ALL IT takes is one moment, one ridiculous moment, for your life to change. My one ridiculous moment was on the basketball court sidelines cradling my left arm with my right. Pain radiated from my elbow and up my shoulder. My squad surrounded me as the paramedics looked me over. I didn’t want to move. Movement sounded like a horrible idea.

I looked at Connor Wynne, the cause of all of this. He was trying to block the ball on the court and ended up tripping over a player from the other team, falling into the sidelines, landing on me just as I was about to start cheering, making us both plummet to the wood floor. Lucky for him, my arm and I broke his fall.

“If you don’t let them look they can’t help you,” my cheer coach said as she knelt next to me.

I closed my eyes and clenched my jaw even harder as I moved my right arm away from it. I heard the squad gasp. The pain from the little bit of movement was fierce, and I broke out in a cold sweat.

The medics helped me stand as they instructed me to follow them. I cradled my arm again as I walked. I heard people talking around me and in the stands, saying it was broke and looked deformed, but I didn’t have the guts to look at it.

“I’m so sorry,” Conner said over and over again as he followed me.

“Connor, get back on the court,” his coach yelled out.

Connor looked over his shoulder, and then back at me. “I want to help.”

I didn’t answer. I was in too much pain to talk. I just kept following the medics.

My parents were already waiting for me outside.

“We can drive her to the hospital,” my dad said as he walked to the car and opened the back door.

I got in the car after the medics went back into the gym. My mom sat in the backseat with me, rubbing my back and telling me to keep calm and breathe through the pain. I closed my eyes and laid my head on her shoulder as my dad drove.

Once we arrived at the hospital, my parents walked me in. My skin was clammy, and I felt the popcorn I had eaten earlier threatening to make a reappearance. A nurse took one look at my arm and rushed me to a room.

“The medics called us ahead of time to let us know you were coming,” she said in a hurry as she helped me sit down.

It only seemed like a few seconds and another nurse was coming in, giving me a shot of pain medicine. My mom played with my hair as I laid on the hospital bed waiting for the medicine to kick in.

The nurse, Becky according to her name badge, waited for the meds to take effect and once they did, she started with a list of questions. I was thankful that the pain was almost gone, but I was a loopy mess and didn’t know if I was answering the questions correctly or not. Becky helped me into a wheelchair and brought me to the x-ray room. Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion. The room was distorted and fuzzy. I started laughing a little when the x-ray technician’s voice resembled the sound of Charlie Brown’s teacher.

Wah, wah, wah, wah...

The x-ray tech looked directly at my face, and I watched his mouth to make out what he was saying. “Ava, you’re going to have to stop laughing and stay still so we can get a clear picture of your arm,” he said slowly, remaining patient as he repositioned my arm.

I was finally able to calm my laughter and stay still long enough for them to get what they needed. When I was wheeled back to my room, I saw Connor sitting next to my dad.

“What are you doing here?” I asked in a slur. My mom helped me get back into the bed.

He stood up and held out a bear for me. “I’m so sorry, Ava.”

My mom took it and set it beside me in the bed.

“I’m fiiiiine. You didn’t mean to.” I giggled a little as I looked at the bear. “It’s fluffy.”

Both of my parents laughed, and Mom looked at Connor. “Are you and Ava close friends? I’ve never heard her talk about you before.”

“Umm...no. We only see each other at games and around school.” He put his hands in his pockets. “We don’t even have any classes together.”

“Did we win the game?” I asked, trying my best to keep my eyes open. God, they were so heavy.

“I don’t know. I left to come check on you.”

“You should’ve stayed. I’m fine.” I moved to get comfortable on the bed and kept my eyes closed.

“It’s definitely broke,” the doctor said as he came into the room.

I kept my eyes closed as I listened to him talk to my parents.

“I broke her arm?” Conner asked in shock. “I’m a horrible person!”

“She’s going to need surgery immediately to correct it, or it won’t heal properly,” the doctor said, and my eyes shot open.

“What!” I snapped out. Scared tears started falling. I hated needles, knives, and being put to sleep freaked me the hell out.

Mom came over and started playing with my hair. “It’s okay. Everything will be just fine.”

“We’ll start getting her prepped for surgery.” The doctor nodded at my parents and then left the room.

Conner kept his eyes on mine. “I’m so sorry, Ava. So, so, sorry.”

I didn’t fully understand what this guy was still doing here. I got that he felt bad, but he didn’t really know me. He had no reason to feel so remorseful.

“Connor, why don’t you head home? We appreciate you coming and apologizing,” my dad said as he signed his name on a clipboard.

“I… Can I stay until I know she’s okay?” he asked quietly.

I watched my dad’s face take on a confused expression. He looked at my mom and then at Connor. “Sure,” he answered with a slight grin.

“Thank you.” He looked at me and smiled a little. “You’ll be okay, right?”

I wiped my eyes. “Yeah, once I get past the IV.”

“I can hold your hand.”

As if on cue, the nurse came in and started getting things set up for an IV.

I swallowed hard and reached my hand out to Connor. When he took my hand, my dad looked up from what he was reading on the clipboard and stared at our hands.

Conner squeezed my hand. “Focus on me. Why don’t you ask me some questions?”

I nodded and kept my eyes on his. “Why haven’t you ever really talked to me before? We hang out with the same group of people.”

He blushed a little. “Because...it’s hard to talk to someone you like,” he said so only I could hear.

“Can you move over just a bit? You can still hold her hand. I just need better access to her arm,” the nurse said kindly. She smiled at me. “He’s cute,” she whispered.

I laughed and watched Connor move, but he never let go of my hand.

My parents were watching everything transpire but remained silent.

“So, why didn’t you ever talk to me?” he asked.

I looked at the nurse as she got the needle ready.

Conner squeezed my hand. “Hey,” he said, grabbing my attention. “Focus on me.”

I took a deep breath and let it out. “I’ve always wanted to but…I don’t know. Just never felt like it was the right timing.” If it weren’t for the pain meds I wouldn’t have been that honest in front of my parents. But Connor had no pain meds. He had balls opening up like this in front of a girl’s parents.

He scrunched his eyebrows together as he looked at me. “I should have said something before this, but you make me nervous.”

I scrunched my nose. “Me?” I laughed a little.

He chuckled. “Yeah. You.” He squeezed my hand again. “You’re kind of amazing, Ava.”

My breath caught in my throat. His words caught me off guard, so much that I didn’t even realize the IV was already in and done.

He smiled at me. “And smart.”

“Very smart,” my dad added.

I had almost forgotten my parents were still in the room.

My dad stood and walked over to Connor. He gripped his shoulder gently. “We’ll let you know when she’s out of surgery.”

Conner nodded and stood from the chair he was sitting in.

After he left, the anesthesiologist came in and put some meds in my IV. It wasn’t long and I was out.

WHEN I OPENED my eyes, Conner was sitting next to my bed holding my hand.

I blinked a few times and smiled sleepily at him. “You really stayed?”

He smiled at me. “Of course I stayed.”

“How are you feeling?”

“High.” I laughed. “Where are my parents?” I looked at my left arm. It was wrapped up and in a sling.

“They’re getting something to eat. I told them I’d stay with you while they ran to the cafeteria.” He grinned and looked at my arm. “I signed your cast.”

He pointed to a spot near my wrist. I saw his name and his telephone number.

I laughed. “Smooth.”

He chuckled. “I couldn’t think of a way to...” He smiled as he looked at me. “Ask you out.”

“What better way than to break my arm?”

His smile faded. “I feel really bad about that.”

“It’s not like you did it on purpose. And on the bright side, it forced us to talk to each other.” I looked past him as the door opened and my parents came in.

“Connor, why don’t you go home and get some rest. We really appreciate you staying here with her. I have feeling we’ll be seeing more of you,” my dad said with a bright smile.

My parents always wanted me to date, which was weird because you’d think most parents would want their daughter to stay single for the rest of their life. But my parents were believers in love and always felt it was important to date and figure out who you are and what you want in a relationship.

Connor smiled hopefully at me and then left the room.

“Really, dad?” I laughed.

“He seems like a good kid,” Dad said with a shrug and then sat down in the chair next to the bed. “How are you feeling, kiddo?”

“Fine. Just sleepy.” I yawned. I looked at Connor’s cell number on my cast and smiled.

2

THE FIRST DATE

I HUFFED DRAMATICALLY as I looked at myself in the mirror. My stupid hot pink cast was an eyesore in contrast to my cute navy tunic and black leggings. I was going on a date with Connor, and I wanted everything to go perfect.

Connor had come over to my house over the past week after school to check in on me, bring me my favorite food, and just hang out. In only one short week my parents had fallen in love with him, and if I believed in love happening so fast, I could’ve been almost 100% sure I loved him, too. But that was just silly. I was intrigued, not in love.

I went to the living room and smiled when I saw Connor sitting on the couch talking basketball with my dad. My dad hated sports, so it was funny to listen to Connor try to explain the rules of the game.

I cleared my throat and smiled when they both looked at me. “I hate to disappoint you, Dad, but Connor is my date tonight.”

Dad laughed. “All right, kids, have fun. Dave and Buster’s, right?”

Connor and I both nodded.

Mom came out of the kitchen and hugged Connor before she hugged me.

“I swear, if this doesn’t work out, I think you both will give me up and adopt him!” I teased.

Mom nodded playfully. “He helps me with the dishes.”

I rolled my eyes and smiled at Connor. “Ready?”

Conner chuckled and nodded. He held open the door for me. “After you.”

I went out, and he followed behind me.

“Are you always this nice?” I asked as he opened the passenger side door of his truck.

He smiled. “What can I say? My parents raised a gentleman.”

I smiled back and then got into his truck.

When we got to Dave and Buster’s, we sat down in a booth near the bar area.

I opened my menu and started looking. “I bet I can beat your ass at a game of basketball—one handed.”

He grinned. “You think so?”

I peeked at him over my menu. “I know so.”

“Then I’ll take that bet. What do I get if I win?”

I shrugged but kept a smile on my face as I looked at my menu.

He pulled my menu down. “Oh, come on. You make a statement like that we have to bet.”

I laughed. “All right. What do I get if I win?”

His smile was gorgeous, and I was addicted to the way his eyes lit up every time he looked at me.

He bit his lip for a second, smiling. “How about…a kiss?”

“A kiss?” I raised a brow.

He shrugged and looked at his menu.

“That’s too easy.”

He looked at me again. “It is?”

The waitress came over, interrupting us. “What can I get you?” she asked me.

“Double bacon cheeseburger and Cajun fries. Oh, and a side of ranch.” I handed her my menu.

“I’ll have the same.” He handed her the menu.

I laughed. “Copycat.”

“Actually, besides the ranch, that’s usually what I order.”

“Oh. It’s my go-to meal, plus one of my faves.” I smiled. “But I always get the ranch. I eat it with everything.”

“Well, I guess I’m going to try that today. Now…” He put his arms on the table. “The bet.”

“I’d kiss you right now, Connor Wynne, so we need to think of something much better than a simple ol’ kiss.” I grinned.

His eyebrows shot up. “You would?”

“Why do you seem so surprised?”

“Because I’ve been trying to decide when the best time to kiss you would be. I didn’t want to do it too soon and scare you off.”

“Stop thinking so much and just go for it.”

He grinned. “All right.”

“So…” I tapped my index finger on the table. “If you win, I get to take you on a date that I will plan completely, and if I win you get to take me on a date that you plan completely. We can’t tell each other anything about what we are taking the other to do. It’ll be a complete surprise.”

I thanked the waitress when she brought our food.

He took a bite of a fry and held his hand out to me. “Deal.”

I shook his hand. “So, we both agreed to a second date no matter what.”

He took another bite of a fry. “Yes.” He smiled. “So, what do you want to do after we graduate?”

“It’s silly,” I said before dipping my burger into the ranch and taking a bite.

“I’m sure it’s not.”

“I want to be a chef. I plan on studying abroad and learning a bunch, then coming back to the U.S. and opening a restaurant somewhere.”

“That’s not silly. That’s freakin’ awesome!”

I laughed a little. “Really?” I took a drink of my water. “I love to cook so of course I think it’s great, but when my teachers found out and some of my family, they looked at me funny. They say it’s a dead-end job.” I shrugged. “So, what about you?” I couldn’t stop smiling. Knowing Connor was excited for my plans after high school made me happier than it probably should this early on in the game.

“I want to get into a college on a basketball scholarship and go pro. Hopefully. It’s not as good of a dream as yours.”

“Why is that? That’s awesome, Connor! And from what I’ve seen when you play, you won’t have any problem doing that. You’ve always been the star of the team since middle school. It’s a great dream.”

His grinned widened. “Thanks.”

After we ate, we played several rounds of basketball, and of course he won, but not by much. I was good competition, most likely because my dad and I played that exact game a lot. But, I did surprise myself since I was shooting one handed.

“I love food and hate romance movies,” I said with a laugh when he puffed out his chest, proud of his win.

He laced his fingers with mine as we walked out to his truck. “Good to know.” He opened the door for me but before I could get in, he cupped my cheek with one of his hands and kissed me.

I smiled against his lips. “I think I’m gonna like this.”

He kissed me again and smiled. “Me too.”

3

PRESENT DAY

I HELD IN my hand the turning point for me after graduation day. Or, what could be the turning point. That part was up to me. What is a girl supposed to do, though, when her heart is split in two? When everything she wants is at her fingertips but with one single choice, she has to give up something…growing up was hard.

I set the internship acceptance letter down on the table when I saw Mom open the oven. I inhaled the sweet smell of the cinnamon rolls and smiled when she set them on the oven. I walked over and put my chin on her shoulder as I watched her spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of each one.

“Have you made your decision?” she asked as she finished them up.

I picked my chin up from her shoulder and leaned against the counter beside the stove. “No. It scares me that I’m so torn. Shouldn’t I feel better about one or the other by now? I’ve stared at the acceptance letter a thousand times, hoping that holding it would make me feel something concrete but it hasn’t. I love Connor, Mom. Choosing the internship in Italy means I don’t choose him.”

“Is he saying that if you choose working alongside a professional chef and attend a great culinary school that he won’t still be with you?” She raised a brow at me. I hated when she did that. She pointed out the obvious, nonchalantly letting me know what choice she thought I should make.

“Mom, I told both you and Dad that Connor and I already agreed to separate if we choose our schools. It will be hard for us to work on a long-distance relationship and keep our focus on our studies.”

She grabbed two small dessert plates from the cabinet and placed cinnamon rolls on them. I got the vanilla ice cream from the freezer and the ice cream scoop. We sat at the table and started eating.

“You two will figure it out. I’ve always admired how strong willed and mature you both are. Have I told you lately how proud of you I am?”

I smiled at her across the table. “Everyday.” I watched the ice cream melt off my cinnamon roll. “Connor and I are going out tonight to talk about things. We’ll come to a decision tonight. I just wish I felt confident about one or the other.”

She didn’t say anything. Mom wanted me to take the opportunity and go to Italy. She said that if Connor and I were really meant to be together, we’d find our way back to one another. But I was scared. What Connor and I had felt like something that you would only have once. If you let it go, you’d miss out on it forever. Kind of like the internship. If I didn’t take it, I’d never have an opportunity as amazing. It’s what I’ve always wanted.

After I got done eating, I went upstairs to finish getting ready. I was more nervous than my and Connor’s first date three years ago. Tonight, we’d make a decision, and I just hoped that we would be on the same page no matter what we decided.

SAME BOOTH. SAME meal choices. Same everything as our very first date at Dave and Buster’s, except no broken arm and cast. I picked at the wrap bracelet on my arm that Connor got me for my birthday as I waited for him to show up. I already had our food and drinks ordered and on the table. We would have rode together but basketball practice was running late for him.

“Sorry, babe.” Connor came over to our booth. He leaned down and kissed me before taking his seat across from me.

Looking at him made the butterflies in my stomach multiply—just like always. “How was practice?”

“Good. Mostly just working with the freshmen.”

“Coach still pouting that he’s losing the star of his team?” I smiled.

He laughed. “Just a bit.”

Connor was the best guy all around. He was a great athlete, team player, friend, and boyfriend. He was always offering a helping hand and liked by everyone. And, as perfect as he was, he stayed humble, and I adored him for it. He never once has let the small-town fame go to his head.

He looked at me, and his smile faded. We couldn’t avoid the reason for this date all night. By the look on his face, he was ready to talk about it now.

“So…” I said as I started tearing the straw wrapper into small pieces. “Let’s talk about the fate of Connor and Ava.” My throat felt tight.

“We need to even though it’s hard as fuck to talk about.”

I took a deep breath and held it for a second before letting it out. I didn’t want to cry, but anytime Connor and I brought this up, we both ended up in tears.

He reached over and grabbed my hand. He ran his thumb across my knuckles.

“I stared at that stupid acceptance letter for almost a full hour tonight.” Our eyes remained on one another’s. “Can’t we just go back to the summer of the tenth grade when we fell for each other and didn’t have to make these hard decisions? I want our backroads, late night swims, and bonfires back.” Tears filled my eyes. “Why do we have to be smart and talented? Wouldn’t this be easier if we were dumb and slackers?” I chuckled sadly.

He smiled a little then took a steadying breath. He tightened his hold on my hand. “Life is filled with obstacles and challenges and rewards.” He looked into my eyes. “Ava, Italy...it’s a great opportunity. It’s been your dream for the past three years now.” I could see his eyes tearing up. “A once in a lifetime opportunity.”

“And what about us?”

“I don’t know.” He closed his eyes then opened them and looked at me. “I could go with you,” he said quietly.

“And do what there?” I shook my head. That wasn’t an option for him. He’d be miserable. “And then you’d give up your opportunity to play for a team that will pretty much hand deliver you to the NBA.” I pulled my hand from his and put my head in my hands. “Connor, we’ve been through this same conversation a million times, and we always end up getting nowhere.” I looked at him.

He leaned back in his seat. “I know.”

“Tell me what you want,” I said as I put my hands in my lap.

He ran his hands down his face and looked at me. “I want both. But I know I can’t have it. And I know not taking the opportunity of Italy, you’ll regret it.”

My heart fell at my feet as I processed his words. He’s not taking the opportunity away from me. That meant, Connor and Ava were done. “No,” I said, furrowing my brow as I stared at the table. Hearing him tell me it’s over made me realize exactly what I wanted. It was him. It’d always be him. I looked at him. “I’ll figure out something else to do, but I don’t want to think about spending one day without you.”

“Ava, I don’t want to go a day without you either. I love you more than anything but just like you, I can’t let me give up my dream I can’t let you give up yours.”

I looked around the busy place. It was too loud and too much. I was about to have a breakdown. “I…I can’t do this here.”

He nodded. He waved over a waitress and handed her money. He told her to keep the change and stood, holding his hand out for mine. I couldn’t hold it. If I felt his skin on mine, I would crumble right there in front of everyone. I walked ahead of him, crossing my arms in front of me.

When we got outside, he pulled me into his arms.” Don’t hate me,” he said quietly against my hair.

I gripped the front of his shirt as I cried against his shoulder.

“Why aren’t we enough?” I whispered.

He rubbed my back gently. “Because we have dreams, baby. There’s nothing wrong with dreams.”

“I can’t stand the thought of you with anyone else, Connor.” I looked up at him. “I’m selfish.”

He wiped my tears. “So am I. The thought of you with anyone scares the shit out of me.”

“Both of our programs are four years long. So much can happen and change...I don’t know if I’m ready for any of that without you.”

“Me either, baby.” He put his forehead to mine.

“Then why are you ending things? Why aren’t you telling me not to go?”

He rubbed my cheeks gently with his thumbs. “Because you’ve worked hard for this internship, and if you don’t take it, you’ll regret it.”

I looked at Dave and Buster’s. This is where it all started. Where I fell for Connor Wynne. I smiled a little as I cried. “Remember when we went on our first date here?”

He gave me a slight smile. “And you were wearing that hot pink cast. I still feel bad about that.” He put his hand in his back pocket, got out his wallet, and pulled out an old receipt. “I even kept the receipt.”

I laughed and cried at the same time. “Stop being so perfect.”

He put it carefully back in his wallet and put the wallet into his pocket again. “I’m not giving up on us, Ava. I know you’re my one and only. We’ll come back to each other.”

“So, it ends here, and we pick back up again in four years?” I wiped my eyes.

He looked so sad as he nodded.

I reached up and wiped his tears. “I wish I could at least finish out the next few months of school. But once I give them my answer, they want me there right away.”

I could have graduated a year early, but I stayed because of Connor and our friends. I didn’t want to do senior year without them all.

He kissed me. “You can’t change who you are. I love who you are.”

I let out a shaky breath. “All right, Connor. Four years and you’re mine again. But if you fall for someone else, don’t you dare give it up to be with me. We enjoy life and be ourselves for the next four years. As hard as it will be, we will be okay. We will call, text, Skype, visit when we can...”

He nodded. “As much as we can.”

I hugged him as tight as I possibly could. “I love you.”

He hugged me back just as tight. “I love you, too. So much, baby.”

I never wanted to let go of him, but although this step of our lives ended here, it was really just the beginning of something greater. I’d never fully lose Connor. We’d always have the past three years, and no one could take that from us.

So, it ends here, but really, it was only the beginning of something brand new. Something nerve-wracking, yet exciting.