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“Yeah.” I lower myself to the floor and lean back against the bed. “I’m getting ready for practice, but I threw my phone into my duffel bag and couldn’t find it.”

My heart squeezes as I study her. Her hair is pulled into a messy bun, her blue eyes glimmering with happiness.

I’ve been in Boston for over a month, and so far, I like it here. Grandma Pauline and Grandpa Greg dote on me all the time. Nana Millie takes me for lunch every Saturday after practice, and I stay at her house overnight on Tuesdays. Uncle Ben reminds me constantly that I can count on him and his husband for anything, and Uncle Tom has become my biggest cheerleader, just like Mom predicted. He picks me up from practice most days, though he comes early and watches. Then, he takes me to their place for hot chocolate so I can hang out with my cousin Damon. He’s always happy to see me.

I’m surrounded by love, but I still miss Mom and Dad like crazy. Ian too, and of course, Milo. Ugh.

Squeezing my eyes shut, I stop that train of thought. The last thing I need is another round of waterworks.

“How are you, honey?”

I shrug. “I’m good. Practice this morning went great. Elena was happy.” I lick my lips. “But I have my period. She’s great about limiting my ice time when I don’t feel well, but it’s still been meh.”

“Maybe you should skip practice?”

“No.” I shake my head. “It’s nothing I can’t handle.”

I came to Boston and went straight into competing at nationals. This season was rough. Juggling school and training is nothing new, but the fallout with Michael almost destroyed me. Yet, I still placed sixth. Sixth in the entire country. Elena says that at sixteen, it’s exactly where I’m supposed to be, that the real climb starts now.

So, I’m preparing for the Challenge Cup in the Netherlands in two weeks. It’ll be my first international competition. Just thinking about it makes my stomach tighten.

“Isla?”

Blinking, I refocus my attention on my phone screen.

“You’re spacing out.”

“Sorry. Anyway, I’ve been catching up on homework. I swear, I’ll be forever grateful to Ellie for giving me her notes. I would’ve failed the science test without them.”

Three weeks ago, when I started school in Boston, I made my very first friend. Her class schedule and mine are almost identical, and on top of that, she’s a professional athlete too. She’s a gymnast, and she is phenomenal. It’s been incredible having a friend who understands what my life is like while also not being my competition. So far, she’s been nothing but supportive and encouraging, and I’m trying to be the same for her.

“I’m so glad you two get along so well.” Mom tilts her head to the side. “Though the dark circles under your eyes tell me there’s more going on. Did you stay up late reading manga again?”

I cover my eyes, my shoulders shaking from silent laughter. “Guilty.”

“That’s what I thought.” She shakes her head, still smiling. “You know I love manga and anime as much as the next person, but you need sleep. With the amount of time you spend working out and on the ice, it’s essential.”

“I know. I’ll go to bed on time tonight. Don’t worry.”

“Easier said than done.” She leans closer to the screen. “I miss you so much, honey. We all do.”

“Miss you too.”

“I don’t know who misses you more—your dad or Milo. They’re both insufferable.”

Laughter spills out of my mouth.

“There’s the smile I love.” She presses her finger to the screen, as if tracing my face.

My eyes water, so I blink rapidly to hold back the tears.

“Take care of yourself,” she says. “Please.”

Chest tightening with affection and sorrow, I nod. “I will.”

“One more thing,” she adds, her face lighting up. “Your dad will be there next week so he can go to the Netherlands with you.”

“Mom, you guys didn’t have to do that.” Now there’s no stopping the tears.