Prologue
Cole
16 Years Old
Reed,
Hey. I’ve never done this before. Sent a letter, I mean. My grandmother said it’s something she used to do all the time when she was a kid. Write letters back and forth to people she had never met in person. It seems weird to me. Like, aren’t we supposed to not tell strangers about ourselves? And my teacher said we can’t like abbreviate things or whatever. Like in a text message.
So, anyway. How’s it going? What’s it like in North Carolina? I’ve never been, but it looks kind of neat. Do you live in the country? Oh, do you have, like, cows and stuff? I used to love going to the petting zoo when I was a kid. Cows were my favorite.
I’ll introduce myself like they said we should do. You know, I took this writing class as an elective because I thought it would be fun. One of my best friends wants to write books and stuff when he gets older. He’s the one who insisted I join him.
I’m sixteen. I live in Boston with my dad. He’s really cool, too. Not like drag or anything. My mother died when I was six. I don’t really remember her much, but Dad said she loved me, and that’s really all that matters. I am obsessed with hockey. Like, really obsessed. I play on my high school team, and someday I hope to go pro. Just like my father. He’s the captain of the Boston Terriers. Do you like hockey? Do you play any sports? Ienjoy watching all of them. I tried baseball when I was younger, but it wasn’t for me. Hockey is in my blood, after all.
When I’m not playing or watching hockey, I enjoy listening to music. Do you like Mulligan Downtown? They’re my favorite band, and they’re so cool. Well, I’ve met Killian and Maverick. Maverick is actually dating Jackson Olson. He’s the goalie for the Terriers. They live downstairs from me.
I like spending time with my friends. We play video games, go to this cool indoor mall in town, and just hang out. Do you watch a lot of movies? That’s something we do a lot, too. There’s a theater nearby that shows movies really cheap on the weekends.
I’m not sure what else I should tell you. You can ask me anything, too. I’m an open book.
Later,
Cole
P.S. If you want to DM me on Instagram, I’m @colewhitaker_hockeyguy there. My teacher said we could exchange social media information.
Reed
Sixteen Years Old
Hello Cole,
Thank you so much for your letter. I was so excited to hear from you. How’s the weather in Boston? It snows there a lot, right? It’s a little cold here, but the snow that fell melted. My brother and I made a snowman, but now it’s just the carrot nose and rock eyes sitting on the lawn. You didn’t mention if you have any siblings, but since you said you live with your dad, maybe you’re an only child? I have an older sister, and then my younger brother and sister. We’re all pretty close.
I’m sixteen years old, too. Do you have your license? My dad made sure I got mine as soon as possible. He’s big into cars andstuff. He’s a crew chief for a NASCAR driver. It’s not like a secret or anything. Hutch Kelly is my dad.
Haha, no, I don’t live on a farm. We live right outside Charlotte in a little suburb. It’s pretty quiet. I like cows, too, though. They’re cute. And goats. I want one when I get a house someday. One of those fainting ones. Is it loud in Boston with traffic and stuff? If you get drafted and have to leave, will you miss it?
I actually don’t follow hockey, but I think I have to now. I want to see your father play. I looked him up, and he’s kind of hot for an older dude. Sorry. You probably don’t want to hear that. I guess I’m a NASCAR fan because of my father. I like Rand Shepard, but also Carson Carey and Watson Brooks. Do you follow racing? Probably not, or you might have mentioned it.
It’s funny you mention Mulligan Downtown. My father is friends with Killian! That’s so crazy. Small world, right? Killian is hot. Like so hot. His husband is really nice, too. I haven’t met anyone else in the band, but maybe someday. They’re my favorite band, too.
I’m a ballet dancer. And someday I hope to move to New York so I can become a huge star. Really, I just want to dance in front of millions of people. My mother teaches in town, and it was either that or racing. Kidding! Also, my brother and sister enjoy the racing thing.
When is your birthday? What’s your favorite meal? I love movies. My favorite is28 Days Later. I love a good scare, you know? What about you? I enjoy shopping, too. Who doesn’t? We have a lake at my house, so I swim there in the summer with my friends and family.
I’m going to add you on Instagram. I’m @reed_kelly_dances if you see some rando add.
I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
Reed
Chapter One
Reed
Ilistened to the music and laughter that filtered through the warm night. The wedding reception was still going strong at the house next door. I was surprised that my parents were still there. My dad wasn’t a big people person, though his job required him to be around lots of them. But since Mom was there, Dad would stay all night if she wanted. That was just how he was. He would do anything for her.