Page 39 of The Breakaway

I practically floated back to my seat and packed up my violin with shaking hands. Caleb and Lily were waiting for me by the door, twin expressions of curiosity on their faces.

"What was that about?" Caleb asked as we made our way to the open study area.

I couldn't keep the grin off my face. "I asked Ms. Franck what I could do to be considered for first chair next year.”

Lily's eyes widened. "It’s about time." She pulled me into a quick hug, her lavender perfume enveloping me. “Did she give you anything?”

I nodded, showing her the score. Lily grinned. “I played the same thing. It’s tough. I think she likes it because of these intervals at the end.”

We claimed our usual spot, a cluster of overstuffed armchairs tucked into a corner. I pulled out my music theory homework, determined to focus despite the butterflies in my stomach. I was just getting into the groove, scribbling away at chord progressions when a shock of pink near the entrance made me look up.

"There she is!" Crystal's hair was like a beacon as she zeroed in on me. She and Maddie rushed over.

"Shar, we need to go. Now." Crystal’s smile was manic.

I blinked at them, confused. "What? Why? Is everything okay?"

"No time to explain." Crystal grabbed my arm, hauling me to my feet. "Just trust us, okay?"

Bewildered, I shoved my papers into my backpack, barely zipping it closed before they were dragging me toward the door. Outside, crystalline flakes drifted from the steely sky, dusting the campus like powdered sugar.

"Crystal, what?—"

"Shh, I have the most amazing surprise!" Crystal cut me off, bouncing on her toes. "You guys are going to die!"

"Dead." Maddie mimed a stake to the heart. “Spit it out before we freeze to death out here."

"Okay, okay, so you know my roommate Jenna? Her friend works at that beauty school a few blocks from South Campus, and they had a bunch of cancellations. Guess who scored us free facials for the next hour and a half?" Crystal sing-songed.

"Shut up!" I squealed. Spa treatments were not in my budget, so this felt like an early Christmas.

"Yes, please.” Maddie beamed at her.

We rushed along the sidewalk, the towers of South Campus rising around us—stately brick buildings that had been standing there since before our parents were born. I had class later, but for now, all thoughts of school flitted away, replaced by visions of creamy masks and aromatherapy. Maybe this is just what I needed. To be a little irresponsible. I still had tonight and all day tomorrow to prepare for Wednesday.

Crystal tugged her coat tighter around her as we walked, her breath puffing in frosty clouds. "I can’t wait to be done with finals. Just a few more days and then it’s nothing but powdery slopes and hot cocoa."

I laughed. "You’re starting to sound like a travel commercial."

"Hey, my parents booked the chalet," she shot back with a grin. "Fireplace, mountain views . . . it’s basically a Hallmark movie waiting to happen."

"Maybe you’ll meet a handsome guy on ski patrol,” Maddie said in a husky voice. "I’ll be soaking up the sun in Hawaii while you’re freezing on the slopes. No snow gear required."

Crystal gasped in mock outrage. "Yeah, Shar, you thinkI’mliving a dream?” She turned to Maddie. “You better send me a postcard—or at least the ass of a hot surfer."

“His actual ass?” Maddie grinned.

“A picture!” Crystal said over her.

I snorted. "Well, I know you’re both jealous that I’ll be at home. Just me, my cat, my sister and parents. Lots of Blockbuster visits for cheesy romcoms."

"That sounds kind of amazing," Maddie admitted. "No airports, no schedules. Just peace and quiet."

"Parental judgement, childhood bedrooms,” I deadpanned. "I’m going to bake cookies, wear fuzzy socks, and ignore humanity for two solid weeks."

Crystal smirked. "Careful, you might relax too much and forget how to be stressed."

"One can only hope.”

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