Heartbroken

Sneak Peak!!!

A/N - Okay kids, prepare for an epic ride! I promised that the second book would be coming out soon, and just to keep you interested, here's the first chapter! It's been awhile, I know I know, but I am seriously so excited about this book. Keep a lookout for when I start posting! 

Chapter 1: Allegra

I held my breath, watching as Oliver moved another piece out of its home. My heart was pounding in my ears: if I could just get my last player onto the board, then my chances of success would increase exponentially. Probably. Cora rolled the dice, jumping her small player five spaces around the board. Lynn was next, his relaxed manner seeming to slow down the entire game. It was my turn again. I shook the dice in my hands, ignoring the impatient murmur of a particular participant. My eyes narrowed.

"What are you doing?"

Startled, I dropped the dice, which rolled onto the carpet.

"Jupiter, Milo!" I turned to collect the dice. Wait. Milo. I swung around, standing up too quickly and hitting his jaw with my head. He grunted, stepping back.

"Sorry about that..." I laughed nervously. It had been almost a month since the accident and Mr. Chans' death, and Milo had been recovering and unconscious for weeks. It felt like I was meeting him again for the first time, and my heart beat faster as our eyes met. He was a mess. His eyes were bloodshot and watering, his face still showing the faint remains of purple and yellow bruises. He wore an oversized t-shirt, though I had visited his room enough to know that his entire chest was bandaged due to broken ribs. He rested on a pair of crutches, his leg casted and showing underneath his basketball shorts. His face and neck were dripping with sweat, and my heart ached as his cheek twitched while trying to bear the pain. A pair of arms wrapped around our shoulders and shoved us into each other, resulting in a three-way hug. Milo let out a cry of protest as the pain became worse.

"Good to have you back," Oliver said, releasing his hold on both of us. I quickly let go, allowing Milo his own room to breathe, and to make sure he couldn't hear my beating heart. I could only stare as he conversed with the others somewhat awkwardly. Since Milo hadn't had the time to get to know Lynn, Cora, and Oliver like I did, he didn't know exactly what to expect. I felt an overwhelming sense of guilt, knowing that it was my fault that this had happened. That he was injured to the point where he could have died. The smell of burning flesh and metal still stuck in my nose, the sound of silence still ringing in my ears. Milo could have died because of me. My sister already did.

I told myself to forget. I will.

"Do you need anything to eat?" it was Lynn, his quiet personality showing his concern.

"I could make you a pickle and peanut butter sandwich!" Cora seemed very excited about the prospect of mixing those two ingredients.

"I'll pass..." Milo looked to the side, uncomfortable. Working up the courage I grabbed his arm, gently pulling him into the kitchen.

"Why are you up?" I questioned, feeling the worry lines crease my forehead. He shushed me, wincing as he moved his sore body.

"Listen, I know I'm not supposed to be up, but have you ever had to lay in bed for a month?"

I leaned against the counter. "I'm sorry..."

"Why are you sorry?" Milo hobbled a little closer.

I leaned back again, fighting tears, placing a hand behind to steady myself. A searing hot ripped through my hand, and I pulled it away, yelling. The tears came fast now as I cradled my hand to my chest.