Contents
Forty-Three | Anastasia
Overview
Anastasia reassures Henry after lingering fears from her ice accident, then meets Aaron, who apologizes, cites family turmoil, and proposes partner therapy. She withholds forgiveness, focusing on nationals. After blowing off steam, she wakes hungover; Nate cares for her. They revisit Aaron’s proposal, with Nate acknowledging his frustration but trying not to let it affect them.
Summary
Waking alone after a tense night with Nathan, Anastasia visits Henry, who admits obsessive spirals about her lake accident and skating dangers. She reassures him, promises no more outdoor ice, and asks him to stop doom-scrolling, affirming their bond before leaving for a meeting.
In Coach Brady’s office, Aaron apologizes for his cruel behavior. Pressed, Aaron admits to slut-shaming, gossiping, and a hurtful comment about Anastasia’s adoption. He reveals his father’s affair and impending child with a much younger woman, blaming his isolation and anger. He proposes sports-partner therapy with a Los Angeles specialist, funded by his mother.
Anastasia remains skeptical, prioritizing preparation for nationals over rebuilding friendship, though she agrees to consider therapy. Emotionally drained, she returns home to Nate’s flowers but postpones the full debrief and goes out drinking with Sabrina.
The next morning, Anastasia wakes hungover in Robbie’s bed alongside Sabrina. Nate gently retrieves and cares for her—painkillers, food, shower—and teases her about the previous night. Once steadier, she recounts the meeting; Nate listens, then flags suspicion about Aaron’s motives while apologizing for letting frustration make it feel personal.
They agree to continue communicating, with Nate striving not to turn Aaron into an “us” issue. The scene ends with Anastasia rushing to be sick again, underscoring the lingering physical toll of the night and the emotional complexity still to resolve.
Who Appears
- Anastasia (Stassie) AllenReassures Henry, confronts Aaron’s apology and therapy proposal, postpones forgiveness, gets drunk, and discusses boundaries with Nate.
- Nathan (Nate) HawkinsWorried and apologetic; cares for hungover Anastasia; admits frustration about Aaron but strives not to make it an us issue.
- AaronApologizes for cruelty, reveals family crisis, proposes partner therapy, seeks to rebuild partnership and friendship.
- Coach BradyMediates the meeting, urges professional focus and improved communication for the pair’s future.
- HenryOverwhelmed by obsessive fears after Anastasia’s accident; admits attachment and worry; seeks reassurance.
- SabrinaGoes out drinking with Anastasia; wakes snuggled beside her after a heavy night.
- RobbieProvides the bed where Anastasia and Sabrina crash after their night out.
- RussSober driver who brings the group home; becomes the playful target of a new nickname.