Breathing

By Ellie Samuel

My name is Adam. Her name is Evie.

Adam and Evie. Adam with Evie.

That’s how it was supposed to be. That’s how I wanted it to be.
Until the day my world shattered...when I found out we can’t be together.

Because if I can’t offer her forever, then I must let her go.
So she can have her fairy tale...with a prince who is whole.

But when a twist of fate gives me another chance at a forever with her, what do I do?
Do I grab it with both hands and never let go?
Do I tell her I love her and promise to earn her?
But after the heartache I’ve caused, do I even deserve her?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ellie Samuel
• Release date: May 29, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370722884

Book preview

BREATHING

Book Two in the Friendship Court Series

By Ellie Samuel

Copyright 2017 by Eleanor Madriaga

Smashwords Edition

This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

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AUTHOR’S NOTE

BREATHING is the second story from the FRIENDSHIP COURT SERIES about five strangers who forged a bond through friendship, formed a family of love, and found happiness despite heartaches. All stories have a happy ending.

Clover, CA is a made-up city in this series. Kobe Bryant is real—though retired—and one of the all-time, best players in the NBA. The playoff details between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers were a bit embellished for effect in this story. Lifehouse is real and a very awesome band who sings about sweethearts, heartbreaks, and breakthroughs.

* * * * *

Table of Contents

BLIND EPILOGUE—ADAM

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

EPILOGUE

BREATHING Playlist

About Ellie Samuel

Other Titles by Ellie Samuel

Connect with Ellie Samuel

"BLIND" EPILOGUE—ADAM

Well, here we are…another Friday afternoon of my senior year at Clover High. The guys and I sat all spread out at our table, twiddling our thumbs. Somehow, The Juice didn’t seem as much fun. Lauren skipped school to fly to Cancun for a long weekend with her grandparents. Madison was at Evie’s house helping Evie get ready for Prom. Five weeks after she and Luke missed the real one. Now that they were back together, Luke pulled out all the stops and put together something quite amazing. For his Angel. I knew this because Madison was in on the surprise. And Madison shared the information with the rest of us. Every. Single. Detail.

Sometimes I really wished I could hate Mr. Perfect!

Man, what are we doing here? Why aren’t we waiting at E’s house? Zeke rearranged himself on his chair for the fourth time. Just because Madz said we can’t be there until E’s ready doesn’t mean we should listen to her!

I know, right? I say we go! John put his guitar down. She’s not the boss of us!

"She may not be the boss of you, but she is the boss of me!" Matt planted himself firmly in his seat.

Marshmallow strikes again! Zeke shook his head at Matt.

At least, I have a woman! Matt said under his breath, loud enough for all for us to hear.

"I always have a woman!" John grinned, leaning back in his seat. As Clover High’s Rock Star Casanova, he had groupies at every turn.

Fine, we won’t go to E’s house! Let’s go to yours instead! Zeke threw my backpack at me, upending his chair as he got up.

I was already digging for my keys, running to my bike. The rest of them took off at full speed, beating me to the parking lot. As soon as I put my helmet on, my phone chimed.

Matt: my woman said eve’s ready.

That was all he said on his text, but it was enough. I started the Ducati, pulled out of the parking lot, and fought my own self against putting pedal to the metal. Zeke had no such restraint. He burned rubber as his bike peeled out of the parking spot. John was riding on Zeke’s tail. Matt idled for about a nanosecond, then took off right after them. Of course, neither was a match for Zeke. Lead Foot was already pacing the sidewalk by the time the rest of us pulled in the driveway. We let ourselves in noisily through the kitchen door, trying to beat each other inside. As we turned the corner, Madison pointed to the top of the stairs. Our eyes followed her finger and we all…just…stared.

An angel was gliding down towards us.

Then Zeke took a step forward, tripping over John’s foot, grabbing John who grabbed Matt who grabbed me. And we all went tumbling down at Madison’s feet. She rolled her eyes at our display of masculine grace. Evie kicked off her shoes, flying down the stairs.

Evie, no! I got up quickly, catching her as gently as I could as she jumped down the last few steps.

Guys? Are you okay? She asked worriedly as I set her down slowly on her feet.

We’re okay! Matt, John, and Zeke tried to push each other down, trying to get up.

I tilted her chin, making her meet my eyes. What the heck was that?

What are you talking about? She leaned back, completely oblivious to the stunt she just pulled. Wearing a red dress that kissed every part of her it touched, she couldn’t have looked more beautiful.

I wrapped my arms loosely around her waist, kissing her nose. What am I going to do with you?

Puhleeze, you know you love me! She snuggled closer in my arms.

I buried my face in her neck.

God, Evie, if you only knew!

Say ‘cheese’! Evie’s mom snapped a few shots of the two of us.

Luke’s here! Evie’s dad announced from the front room.

I let Evie go.

Hi, everybo— Luke took one look at Evie and lost his train of thought.

The look on his face made my soul burn.

He walked straight up to Evie and kissed her exposed shoulder. Angel, you’re beautiful!

Hi! She curled into his chest. Madz is a miracle worker and fairy godmother rolled into one!

Yo, Cinderella, are you forgetting something? Madison was dangling a pair of heels on her fingers.

Why can’t I just wear my Kobes? Evie complained in jest.

Don’t be a baby! Madison motioned for her to sit.

In a heartbeat, Luke had Evie in his arms like a groom carrying his bride to cross the threshold.

My heart frosted over. The picture was now the home screen and lock screen wallpapers in my head.

Madison put the shoes on Evie. Evie's mom took a few more pictures, then Luke and Evie were out the door. Madison kissed Matt and left, muttering something about her work being done. Matt, John, Zeke, and I slowly followed them out.

Looks like a happy ending to the fairy tale after all, Matt said next to me.

And they lived happily— Zeke began the famous last line.

—ever after, John added.

—the end, I finished.

They all turned to me. We stopped walking.

What? I played it cool. They didn’t need to share the darkness quickly engulfing my world.

"You’re really okay with this? With them together?" Zeke wore his skepticism on his entire body.

Of course! I nodded quickly. She’s obviously happy, so yeah, I’m okay with it.

"And you? Are you happy, Adam?" John took up the questioning.

I gave him a what-kind-of-a-question-was-that look. Of course, I’m hap—

—with Lauren? Matt threw at me.

I had to take a moment to come up with an answer. Of course! Lauren’s great!

Matt raised an eyebrow. Zeke let out a snort. John rolled his eyes. It was obvious my acting needed to improve.

We’re good, alright? Lauren and I are good! I said with far more conviction than necessary. And Evie is happy with Luke. Let’s just all be happy for her, okay?

Silently, I accepted my fate…and surrendered the fight.

I couldn't miss the look the three of them exchanged. In their eyes, Evie had always been mine.

Matt punched my arm. Come on. Let’s hit The Juice again. I'll buy you a smoothie.

I'll get the next round, John nodded to me.

I'll get the…straws! Zeke tried to lighten the mood.

Cheap! John teased on cue.

Forever broke! Matt shook his head.

It’s just the four of us, guys, but we’ll be okay. We're tough! Right? Zeke looked at us, one at a time, waiting for a trio of manly affirmation. Guys?

But none came. None was coming.

Oh, who am I kidding?! She's the sauce to our noodles! Zeke’s shoulders slumped.

Things won't be the same without our E! John admitted openly. His macho swagger was missing.

I know exactly what you mean! Matt nodded sadly, looking away.

God, I miss her already! I said softly, honestly. I looked up, hoping to see one last glimpse…but she was gone.

It should have been me with Evie!

I drew a deep, agonizing breath. I knew I was only torturing myself. She was better off with Luke. He was the one who was whole.

Still…

I couldn't stop my heart from wishing for what I wanted. Couldn't stop myself from praying for what I longed for. Couldn't stop my head from thinking about what I needed most of all.

Me with Evie!

Laughing.

Loving.

Breathing.

CHAPTER 1

FOUR WEEKS BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION—SENIOR YEAR, LAS VEGAS

Adam! Matt! Z! E! John didn’t look happy as he barreled up the stairs towards me.

I got out of his way just in time. Whoa! Where’s the fire?

Have you seen these? He waved a stack of papers in front of me.

"You brought homework?!" I teased, hoping to wipe away the big scowl on his face.

I used The ‘Rents’ bathroom downstairs and found these! John’s brows were knitted tightly. I think they’re hiding something from us!

I took the papers from him, but I didn't need to read them. I knew what he had in his hand—a print-out detailing a heart condition.

Mine.

I know I shouldn’t have read it! I think one of The ‘Rents is sick, Adam! Really sick! John shook his head, leaning over the railing. Z! E! Matt!

I pushed him quickly inside the bedroom and closed the door.

I know none of them is a heart specialist but man, I really hope this is just reading material! He raked his hand through his hair. Agitated.

I had to ease his worries and tell him the truth. It wasn’t one of The ‘Rents’ hearts that was bad.

It was mine.

John, The ‘Rents are fine. I promise, I told him softly.

Did they say something to you?

I shook my head slowly.

Then how do you know?

Because you read about me.

Yeah, right! John was incredulous. Except for the two trips to the ER, one for a broken finger and the other one for concussion when you passed out, you’ve never been sick a day in your life!

Ironic, right? But I was told I’ve probably been sick for a while.

He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He swallowed once, twice, then finally managed to speak on his third try. "You don’t even look sick!"

Here we go.

They’ve got to know how to fix you! His fists were clenched tightly at his side.

I gave a helpless shrug. "It’s actually not as bad as we originally thought.

That wasn't a medical convention in Paris last year, was it?

No.

John swallowed hard. Should you be riding? Driving? Working out?

Yes. Yes. Yes.

He narrowed his eyes at me. I’m serious!

Look, LaMarcus Aldridge, from the Spurs, has the same condition and he’s playing at the top of his game. There’s no reason to change the routine I’ve been doing for years.

But if there’s even the smallest chance that any of them can trigger—

"—I refuse to let this defect ruin anything else in my life!" Giving up the girl I loved was more than enough!

John expelled a deep breath.

I crumpled the stack of paper with both hands. I can't believe this! I didn't want any of you to know! I even asked The ‘Rents not to say a word!

What?!

John—

We're not just friends, Adam, we're family!

John—

Don't you think that Zeke and Matt—

No!

He shot up to his feet. E!

NOOO! I barely reined in the roar that had engulfed my entire body.

But she—

—will never know about this! Ever! I stood in front of him, looking him straight in the eyes.

What are you talking about?

"I will do everything I can to spare the rest of them! Especially Evie!"

But if it had been one of us—

—not a word to any of them!

He looked at me in disbelief."

I plopped down on the bed. I still can’t believe this is happening! How can I be sick if I don’t feel sick? And now you’re going to worry, too…just like The ‘Rents. I expelled a deep, dejected breath. I'm really sorry about this, Johnny.

He turned to me, confused. Sorry for what?

If I hadn’t gone along with the ECG, my condition would have gone undetected!

"And your condition could have killed you!"

I went on as though he hadn’t spoken, scoffing at myself. I should have told the technician she had the wrong patient as soon as she called me Jackson Adam and took me to ECG instead of X-ray…regardless of the crappy day she was obviously having. But did I correct her? No!

Because you didn’t want to make her day worse by pointing out her mistake. After all, it was just an ECG. No big deal. He said, correctly guessing my intention at the time. Classic Adam Jackson move.

I shook my head. "Stupid Adam Jackson mistake!"

How can you say that? What you call a mistake could save your life!

But at what cost? Everybody’s peace of mind?

John plopped down next to me. Tell me how I can help. I’ll do anything!

I didn’t want to make him feel as helpless as me. I pushed off the bed, pulling him up. Enough of my pity party! Don’t you have a song to write? Places to go? Girls to see?

John simply nodded, grabbed the door, then closed it behind him…with a little more force than necessary.

Another door opened and closed. Soft but determined footsteps paced the hallway.

I hope she didn't hear anything!

I took a few deep breaths, and then I called out. Come in! Door’s open, Evie.

I heard a soft gasp before she stepped inside. How did you know it was me?

I smiled at her. The eternal light to my uncertain world.

She stood three feet away. Is there something I should know, Adam?

Hello to you, too! I could stare at her forever.

Is something wrong?

I took her hands in mine, playing it cool. What do you mean, Evie?

Is something wrong with Johnny?

No, I don't think so. Why?

What about Zekey? Is something wrong with him?

No, I don't think so. Why?

Matty?

No, I don't think so. Why?

And you, Adam? Are you okay? You’re okay, right?

I tried to give her the same answer. But the lie refused to come out.

And if you say 'No, I don't think so. Why?' one more time, I'm going to…to…

She looked so adorable trying to look threatening, I couldn't fight a grin. What? You're going to do what, Evie?

Not feed you anymore. HA! She smiled triumphantly, knowing we were all at her mercy.

I took her in my arms, pretending to cower at her threat. Nooo! Anything but that! Please, Evie!

She glared at me, silently ordering me to spill my guts. I simply stared right back.

Her shoulders slumped. Tell me what's going on, please, Adam.

I kissed the top of her head, avoiding her eyes. What makes you think something's going on?

She was wringing her hands. I thought I heard you and Johnny arguing—

—we weren’t, Evie.

She looked unconvinced as she went on. Then there was this…this really anxious look on his face when he came out of your room just now. When he saw me he…well, he smiled this really fake smile, and then, he took off!

Hmmm… I pretended to ponder the situation.

Well? What's going on?

"Evie, it was probably just gas. You saw him dump the rest of the jalapeños on his chili at