A New Beginning in NY
Arriving in New York was nothing short of chaos. It wasn't just the city's overwhelming energy—it was the suffocating weight of loneliness that pressed down on me as soon as I stepped off the bus. I had money but no connections, just a vague plan and the desperate hope that leaving Hill City behind would somehow heal the wounds inside me.
I found my way to campus, burying myself in paperwork and logistics, convincing myself that efficiency was enough to distract me. I was lucky that someone from the university helped me find temporary housing—a small, damp basement apartment on the edge of campus. It wasn't ideal. Every creak in the walls reminded me of how fragile my stability was, and a single storm confirmed my worst fear as water flooded half the floor one night.
Despite the struggles, I forced myself to adapt. I had a scholarship, and I took extra classes, throwing myself into coursework as if knowledge alone could drown out my emotions. I enrolled in a double major in Business and Computer Science, determined to give myself options, to build a future where no one could dictate my choices ever again.
Longing for the Field
Every day, I found myself at the football field, sitting in the bleachers while the college team practiced. The rhythmic pounding of cleats, the crisp spiral of passes cutting through the air—it all transported me back to Hill City, to the life I left behind. I missed the rush, the electricity of stepping onto the turf, the way the world melted away when I played. But I couldn't go back, not now. Watching was all I had left.
To keep my mind occupied, I picked up a job at a bar near campus—an unexpectedly trendy place with a thriving social media presence. I tried to stay out of sight, but every once in a while, I'd appear in their Instagram posts. Each time, panic twisted in my chest at the thought of Killian or the others finding me.
Four Months Later
Four months slipped by in a blur. I had settled into the routine—classes, work, studying, sitting in the bleachers. My grades were high, and my professors praised my dedication, unaware that my tireless effort was less about ambition and more about escape.
Then, on a quiet afternoon, everything shattered.
A Reunion on the Field
I had just finished my last lecture for the day when I decided to visit the football field, needing the comfort of familiarity. But the moment I stepped onto the bleachers, my breath hitched. Standing there, staring at the field, was Killian.
I froze. Every instinct screamed at me to turn around, to run. But he saw me. In an instant, he was closing the distance, his hand gripping my arm, spinning me to face him.
Killian:"Hutton… Why?" His voice was raw, filled with betrayal. "Why didn't you fight for us? It wasn't fair. We loved you!"
I swallowed hard, my heart hammering against my ribs.
Stacy:"I didn't have a choice… I wasn't strong enough… I couldn't let you come after me."
Killian:"You KNOW we would have. No matter what. No matter where."
Stacy:"How did you find me?"
Killian: (exhales sharply) "The twins sent me your letter." His grip tightened. "At first, they refused to tell me anything. But I told them I'd leave college and go back to find you myself. In the end, they gave me everything."
Pain surged through me. I had tried so hard to disappear, to make this separation clean. And yet, here he was.
Stacy:"Killian… I didn't want to cause problems. When I found out what your mom did, I—" My voice cracked. "She's your family. And me… I was just a girl in love with three incredible guys, knowing I could never truly have them."
Killian:"That's a lie." His voice was fierce, desperate. "We love you, Stacy. I love you. We can still be together."
My chest ached.
Stacy:"No, we can't. Your family will never allow it. And I don't want you resenting your mother because of me." I hesitated. "I came here to find my father. I need to do this, Killian."
Killian: (softly) "I love you. That doesn't change."
Tears burned at the edges of my vision.
Stacy:"You will always be my best friend, my best everything—but it's time to make our own futures." I forced a small smile. "You're going to be an incredible football player. I won't let you give up everything for me."
He stared at me for a long moment, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. Then, slowly, a crooked smile formed.
Killian:"You always surprise me. That's why I love you." He took a step back. "Give me one last game?"
I blinked, confused. "How?"
Killian:"We're on a field, aren't we? I can pull a few favors."
And before I could object, he was already running toward the team.
The Last Game
At first, the college players were skeptical, eyeing me like I had no business touching their gear. But after my first play, everything changed.
The rush was intoxicating. For the first time in months, I felt alive again. When I scored, the field erupted into cheers, and for a brief, golden moment, I was back in Hill City, back where I belonged.
Then, as I turned to celebrate, Killian was already rushing toward me.
Without a word, he grabbed me, pressed his lips to mine, kissed me senseless—then walked away without looking back.
I stood frozen in place, my mind blank as the realization set in. And then, the weight of everything crashed down on me. I buried my face in my hands and cried like my world was ending.
People stared, unsure of what to do. They had never seen someone break like I did in that moment.
That's when he appeared—a stranger with slightly curly brown hair and deep blue eyes.
Without speaking, he kneeled beside me, wrapped me in his arms, and let me pour my heart out.
I don't remember how long I sat there, crying in the arms of a man I didn't know. Eventually, he offered me water, walked me home, and sat with me in silence.
That was the night I finally accepted that my past was gone.
And for the first time, I let someone new help me carry the weight.