Page 97 of Rebellious

Fenn’s head rests on mine. “I’ll look out for them,” he promises.

I nod. “Who’s going to look out for you?”

He scoffs, pulling up and rubbing my head. “I don’t need anyone. I’m a Von Bremen.”

I squeeze him hard at his deflection. He is a Von Bremen, and like a Von Bremen, he has skeletons he’s buried so deep, I’m afraid no one will hear his pleas through the asshole mask he wears.

“Call me once a week?” I beg.

“No.” He laughs. “You’re gonna be fine. You don’t need to hear from your little brother. And I refuse to be your inside source to Jameson.”

He pushes me back, so he can look at me. “Start over, Asp. Find what makes you happy. I’ll be here when you need me.”

He’s right. I would use him as a source of information, but how am I supposed to pick up and start over with none of my boys?

“Go,” he says, nuzzling me. “I promise, we’ll be fine.”

I nod and take a hesitant step away. I have to force myself not to look back at Bennett. Did he leave? Is he still standing there, waiting?

“Come here, girl.” Drew grabs me, wrapping me in a big hug. “We’re going to miss you.”

“I’m going to miss you all too. Be good.”

He jostles me in his arms. “No promises.”

I nod, smothering a laugh. “Just don’t get expelled while I’m gone.”

Drew points to my brother. “She’s talking to you.” Fenn flips him off, which he ignores. “Send us some pictures.” His eyebrows waggle. “Nudes are preferred.”

“Ew,” Fenn growls. “That’s my sister.”

“I’ll try,” I promise, but it’s a lie.

“Love ya, Asp.” Drew gives me one last hug before I let them go, grabbing the handle of my suitcase and flashing Fenn a sad smile. “Bye, boys.”

This time, I just nod, knowing the time has come. If I don’t walk away now, I won’t be able to leave this family of mine—a family built from love and not blood. A family Bennett and I sacrificed everything for.

I don’t look back as my suitcase rolls behind me. I can’t bear to see Bennett still frozen with those glassy, emerald eyes as he begged me not to do this.

I have to think what I’m doing is better for everyone. Bennett can’t transfer. He can’t lose his spot in the draft next year. And I can’t live by rules any longer. My leaving is for the best. It has to be.

I get through security and find my flight, which isn’t until midnight, but I knew I couldn’t stay at the house any longer. Bennett would have convinced me to stay.

Taking a seat in the chairs waiting to board, I pull out my phone and video call my mom. She answers on the third ring. “Aspen? Where are you?”

I sigh. “The airport.”

She takes a seat. I can tell she’s in the kitchen. “Oh, baby.”

She doesn’t need to ask if I’m okay. I’m not, and I’m sure the quiver in my voice tells her everything.

“I’m proud of you,” she finally says. “I know this isn’t easy, but it’s what needs to happen.”

It does, but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel like a ball of tears at the moment.

“Will you tell Daddy I said goodbye?”

My mom nods, tears in her eyes. “He’ll be pissed he missed you.” She wipes her cheeks, catching the few tears that fall. “I’m going to miss you so much, but you’re going to love Boston.”

---