Torn (Torn Heart) Read Online Free Page A

Also, for the summer, my mom and I are going to travel around Europe. A plan we’ve had since I started high school. It’s supposed to be a graduation present from her, which I won’t complain. I’ve had my heart set on Paris and Rome for so long. I can’t wait to go to the Eiffel tower. It’s my biggest inspiration for painting.
    “Hey dad, wherever you are.” I talk to the wind. “I hope you’re watching over me. But mainly mom. She misses you. I miss you too, of course.” I hold onto the bar and lean back, closing my eyes. “I need her to be happy again. I know you don’t want her spending the rest of her life mourning. Right? Help her move on, help her want to move on.” A tear slips out of my closed lids. “I love you. I hope you’re having fun.” The honest truth is I don’t know where he is. My parents were semi-religious. We went to church and all, but I’m still uncertain of life after death. I’d like to think he’s somewhere peaceful and free of pain. I should read the bible more.
    I grip the top of the slide and twist around to climb down the steps when behind me, I see Jackson. A loud gasp slips out . “Hi.” I say weakly, trying to gather my bearings.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 4
    Jackson
     
    Coming face to face with Skylar was the last thing I anticipated on my way over here. I shove my hands into my pockets. “Were you just talking to yourself?” I ask curiously. It’s weird to see her here. We haven’t been here together since a few years ago, or so. But it always was our park during our childhood.
    She turns away embarrassed. “ Sorta. I was talking to my dad. I mean, obviously he’s not here. But-“ She looks back at me, “What are you doing here, anyway?”
    I should leave, but I came here to be alone. My dad and Jared were interrupting my quiet time so I needed to find a place where I can clear my head. I kick at the ground, avoiding eye contact. “I come here when I need to be alone.”
    She lets out a breath, almost a laugh. I look up at her and watch her bite her lip. “I guess some things never change.”
    “What does that mean?” My voice comes out harsher than I intended. I clear my throat and try a different approach. “What are you doing here?”
    “I come here for the same reason. That’s all I meant. We’ve been coming to this park since we were kids. And now that we’re older, we’re still doing it. I just find it pretty funny.” She adds, “And ironic.” There’s nothing ironic about it, it’s peaceful when you need a moment of clarity.
    I get up on the merry-go-round and sit stretched out. When my phone digs into my hip, I shift a little and take it out. “You still painting?” I know she is, but aiming for small talk, that’s the first thing to pop into my head.
    She shrugs. “Of course. That’ll never change. You still playing football?” She sits down on a step.
    I cross my legs at the ankle and fold my hands in my lap, failing at ignoring the way her hair blows across her face. “Obviously. That’ll never change, either.” A sly grin tugs at the corners. Or maybe it will, who the hell knows anymore.
    “I’ve gotta go home for dinner. Have fun.” She gets up but keeps her head down as she walks by. She does a subtle wave before she’s got her back to me.
    “You too.” I reply softly.
    A text comes in from Amber so I spend the next twenty minutes sitting here, before I go home to eat too.
     
    On the way to my room, I run into Jared in the hall. Not literally. He gives me a sidelong glance, studying me. I squirm, wondering what his problem is. “Where’ve you been?”
    “I had to get out for a bit. I went to the park. Why?” What does it matter to him, anyway?
    He raises his brows in surprise. “Did you happen to run into Skylar? She was there too.”
    “Yep. I’m done talking now.”
    I walk out of my room shortly after head down the stairs to the kitchen where my dad has