Read Break Your Heart for Free Online Page B

Sam.  Although he got out of hand and off track often, his sense of humor and lighthearted attitude was refreshing.
    “I’m good,” he said, turning to the boy next to him, “This is Kaelib.  He goes to Melikney.” Melikney Middle School was south of Ellbrook; it wasn’t uncommon for students from the schools to know each other despite the distance between towns. They often joined schools to complete all-star sports and academic teams since the towns were too small to fill teams of their own.
    “Its nice to meet you Kaelib.” She said, extending her hand out to him. 
    He looked at her for a moment, confused by her gesture before puffing his chest up a bit as to act more mature as he extended his hand back to her. “You too,” Kaelib mumbled.
    “Where are you boys headed?” Gina watched the boys with enthusiasm as she realized she had dropped herself into what she jokingly referred to as “teacher mode.” Somehow, no matter what, she was able to portray the interested, happy and caring person she always made sure her students saw her as.
    “We are going up to the park to go sledding.  Kaelib just moved to Melikney two months ago and his uncle told us about this hill he used to play on; it sounds pretty cool.” His words rumbled off at lightening speed.
    “Sledding, huh? Well, that sounds like fun, and pretty nice of Kaelib’s uncle to give you the scoop. Where did you move from?” She said, looking back to the newly acquainted boy.
    “South Carolina. My Uncle Grant grew up around here somewhere and knows about all the good hills.  He told me all about them last week.”  The words he spoke seemed to shoot out into the air lingering in a bubble for her to review. Uncle Grant? Gina couldn’t help but think the unthinkable . There is no way!
    “Oh, really. I grew up around here too. What’s your uncle’s last name. Maybe I know him.” She could feel her heart thud with anticipation of the possibility. She allowed herself to grow excited for a second by the prospect of somehow being connected to Grant again. The reality of it being the same person was slim to none she told herself.  But, the excitement of what could be kept her breaths short.
    “Foster.”
    Gina swallowed hard trying to focus on his words through her shock.
    “He’s not really my uncle. At least not yet. My Aunt Sarah and him have been dating for a while and they got engaged a few months ago. He is the coolest! He can play the guitar too.” He paused, smiling to himself with pride of his newfound family member. “Do you know him?”
    The words pierced through Gina’s heart leaving her, once again, short for breath. She stood frozen in time, staring into space as her mind went blank leaving a paralyzing feeling in her body. What? Grant. Grant. Grant. The sound of his name kept flying through her mind as her body longed for a piece of him.
    “Ah, nope. I can’t say I do.” She said quickly and
    quietly, as she stared off into the distance viewing a picture of nothing but confused emotions. It was impossible. The sound of his name being said out loud kept her trapped back in the story she often replayed in her mind. “Well, have fun sledding.  Be safe. I will see you on Monday, Sam.” She managed to muster up a smile, pretending as if nothing was the matter. “It was very nice to meet you, Kaelib. Welcome to the area.” She gave him a warm and reassuring look as she tried to quickly close the encounter with the boys.
    “Bye.” They shouted in unison before running down the street.
    She took a seat on the bench close to where they had been standing, unable to catch her breath. She kicked hard at the ground below her, shattering the ice that had formed around the bottom of the bench. Grant is getting married. The idea of him being with another woman tugged at her heart. She sat on the bench, sipping her coffee, allowing the memories of Grant to swarm around her mind. She missed him.  Her heart ached as she continued to