THE LAST SUMMER GIRL

PART ONE- HER

They say there are two sides to each story. Here's the beginning of mine. I call it the beginning, because I was dead inside. Until the girl full of sunshine breathed life back into my soul.

─Ryan

                                                                                               Prologue

"Promise me you won't let go."

"I promise Abby, keep pedaling you can do it."

"I'm scared, Ry."

"I'll never let you fall. You're my baby sister. It's my job to protect you." I tug on her ponytail while keeping one hand on the end of her seat. I just took the training wheels off her bike and I know she can do it. I just need Abby to believe in herself. I'm sure I can get her to; I'm her big brother and I won't lie—when she looks at me with her warm brown eyes full of worship, she makes me feel like I can do or be anything. She looks at me as if I'll be a king one day.

I don't tell her I let go. A wide grin splits my face, as I watch her glide down the driveway.

"Ry?!"

She's confused when she stops by the mailbox and looks over her shoulder at me still standing twenty feet behind.

"You did it Abbs! Come on, I'll make you an ice cream cone to celebrate!"

"I can't wait to show Daddy when he gets home!"

"I'm sure he'll be just as proud of you as I am Abby cakes!"

I help her climb off the bike and we walk into the empty house. Dad's at work and Mom is probably getting her hair and nails done.

She often leaves Abbs and I on our own.

Although, Abbs doesn't say anything, I can tell she gets scared when Mom's not here. So, I end up playing with her for hours after school every day.

Yesterday, she made me play dress up. I'd never live it down if any of my friends find out that she made me wear a tea hat and a feathery scarf that itched the heck out of my neck.

I open the box of chocolate ice cream and carve out two huge scoops.

"Will you be my best friend forever?"

"Of course," I ruffle the top of her head and her tiny chubby arms wrap around my waist.

"I love you."

"Love you too, now hurry up before Mom gets home and finds out I gave you ice cream again."

                                                         ***

PRESENT DAY

RYAN

If you ever wondered where hell is, I can tell you.

Because I'm here.

It's an hour north of Boston, on a snowy hill overlooking the Atlantic.

It's not hot.

It's cold—fucking cold.

Love and passion are forged from fire where hate is born of ice.

I used to be a man of fire, but now I dwell in the frigidness of despair.