Page 80 of Broken Secrets
“And that led to a fight?”
“A big one. She accused me of trying to abandon the family. I accused her of trying to control my entire future, and it escalated from there. Dad heard the whole thing and pulled me aside afterward to ask what I really wanted.”
“What did you tell him?”
“That I want to finish high school somewhere I don’t have to walk on eggshells around my mother’s feelings. That I want to get to know my sister without having to justify that relationshipconstantly. And that I want to make my own choices about college without guilt trips about family loyalty.”
“What did he say?”
“He said those were all reasonable things to want, and that maybe some distance would be good for everyone involved. He’s going to talk to your mom about the practicalities of me living there temporarily.”
The idea of Emma moving to California, living in our house, finishing senior year at my school, feels surreal and exciting and slightly terrifying all at once.
“Are you sure about this? Moving across the country is huge.”
“I’m sure. I’ve been thinking about it since I left California two weeks ago. I felt more like myself during those few days than I have in months. I want to see what it feels like to live somewhere I don’t have to manage other people’s emotions constantly.”
“When would this happen?”
“Probably winter break, if we can get all the legal and school stuff sorted out. I’d start second semester at your school.”
“Emma, this is incredible. Scary, but incredible.”
“I know. I’m nervous about leaving Dad, nervous about Mom’s reaction, nervous about starting over at a new school. But I’m more excited than nervous.”
Emma moving to California will bring new challenges, new adjustments, new opportunities for growth. But as I head inside to tell Mom and Robert about Emma’s decision, I’m not worried about those challenges.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
November afternoon isperfect for soccer practice, warm but not hot, with a breeze coming off the ocean that makes the air feel fresh and clean. Coach Martinez has us running corner kick drills, my specialty, and I should be in my element. Instead, I feel off-balance in a way I can’t quite identify.
“Kline, let’s see that beautiful curve you showed us at championships,” Coach calls from the sideline.
I set up the ball, focusing on my approach angle and foot placement. Everything feels normal as I run toward the ball, but halfway through my approach, my chest tightens, my breathing becomes shallow, and suddenly I can’t get enough air.
I stumble through the kick anyway, sending the ball weakly toward the goal instead of with the precision I’m known for.
“You okay, Olivia?” Maya calls from the side.
“Yeah, fine,” I lie, bending over to catch my breath. But I’m not fine. My chest feels tight, my hands are starting to shake, and I can hear my heartbeat in my ears.
“Take a water break,” Coach Martinez says, appearing beside me with concern written across her weathered face. “You look pale.”
I walk toward the bench on unsteady legs, my teammates’ voices sounding distant despite being only yards away. Derek, who’s been practicing with the goalkeepers on the far field, jogs over when he sees me sitting down.
“What’s wrong?” he asks, crouching beside me on the bench.
“I don’t know. My chest feels tight, my heart’s racing, I can’t seem to catch my breath.” I look up at him, trying not to panic. “What if something’s wrong with my heart?”
“Coach!” he calls out. “I think we need to get Olivia to the nurse.”
“No, I’m okay,” I protest, but even as I say it, my breathing becomes more labored. “I just need a minute.”
Coach Martinez appears with her car keys already in hand. “Derek, help me get her to my car. We’re going to the urgent care center.”
“Here, drive my car.” Derek says pulling his keys from his pocket. “It’s closer.
“Let’s go.”
