Varsity Boy and The Prep

15

A/N at the beginning because this chapter should not be interrupted. It's one of my favorites, simple and pure and siblings being siblings. CLUE #2 for my next project: La mer.

Enjoy!

--------------------------------------------

Dear Ace,

Gosh, where do I even start?

Towerpointe is getting a gym. Yep, a real gym that we can use in lieu of the fieldhouse, with treadmills and awesome machines like that. I think you'll really like it next year. Also, I think I told you this over text but Asher and I are together now. I know you probably don't care too much, but I've let you know about everything that's happened this year and I feel like the story of us needed some closure, if you know what I mean.

Well, track tryouts. Okay Ace, so I walked with Theo and Asher to the field, holding hands with both of them, hoping that some of their luck and talent would kickstart mine. We didn't talk for the whole way, and when we got there, Coach had us warm up separately. Of course, Carson was there helping out with the general things that Coach needed. It was good to have him at tryouts. He's been there every year.

Before I know it, Coach has a group of us running the mile. I'm holding my strength and staying in the back, remembering not only what Asher taught me, but also what I'd learned from Theo during the Cold War between Ash and I. They'd both stressed staying paced, so as my sneakers hit the ground, I began to think of a contagious beat flowing throughout my whole body. It was one that I knew but couldn't recognize in the moment, and don't remember now. What I do know is that on the last lap, I pulled ahead in the very last second, like I'd been taught. I could see Carson's overjoyed expression, as he'd never seen me like this before. But the truth is, neither had I.

I don't know how well I did on the rest of the tryouts, as the mile was definitely the highlight of the day. However, I do recall texting mom and not getting a reply. When you get the chance, could you ask her about that? I know she wants me to focus on school, but I really am proud and could use her support. A lot of kids have parents who call right after tryouts. I have you. And I am so thankful. Next year is gonna be great. So is this summer. Only two weeks left until I get to see you and spend the summer in good ole' Ann Arbor. Can't wait.

Love and miss you,

Emerson