Page 92 of Released from the Sin Bin

The brief happiness I felt with Willa is gone. This is my reality.

There’s a small party still going on when I get to the Hockey House. No one notices when I come through the door, and I’m able to make it down to the basement without being stopped.

The ice pack I took from home is warm, but it’ll have to do. I’m not taking my chances to get another one. Sleep overcomes me as I dream about my sister, Janisa. The same recurring dream of her running through the forest in the mountains. Her pink robe flapping in the wind as she looks over the edge, preparing to jump.

Only this time it’s not Janisa, it’s me. I’m the one with my arms held out wide, leaning into the wind.

My eyes close to feel the wind wrap around me like a cloud. And when I open them, a pair of bright blue eyes stare back at me.

The wind moves her short blond hair over her face, but her eyes never leave mine.

“Breathe, Carter.” She places her hand over my heart. “I got you.”

I close my eyes and hold her hand against me.

Her soft voice is distant. Whirling around me in a whisper. “You’re a good man.”

“Jesus, what happened to your face?” Gentry pulls my shoulder back to get a good look at my cheek.

“Nothing.” I brush him off. I’ve been able to hide the welt from everyone so far, but it’s in the middle of my face. We have Power Skate this morning and then have to head off to the gym.

There’s a good bruise forming under my right eye, from where my father hit me. That’s why he doesn’t normally go for the face; the bruises on my torso can be kept hidden, easily explained by playing a rough game.

“Is it from the fight yesterday?” Gentry questions me as he gets his gear on. “He got you good, huh?”

Hearing our conversation, Braydon looks over from across the locker room. He stares at me a few beats before quickly looking away to pay attention to the surrounding conversations.

He knows. We both live it, but he won’t say anything and either will I.

“Yeah, I guess.” I shrug. “I didn’t even feel it.”

That excuse is good enough for him, and I don’t dare take my shirt off in front of the guys. It’s even worse than my face.

We skate out onto the ice and line up.

Willa watches and helps on the sidelines, but I see it on her face the moment she notices mine.

Her big beautiful eyes widen like saucers, but she quickly covers it up, looking down at her own hands to avoid looking at me.

They push us hard through drills, and Willa does well to avoid showing favorites. She’s good at separating her personal feelings toward any of the guys and maintaining professionalism. Coach has her working more with the freshmen to stop any complaints of that, too.

They need the most work anyway.

We break for a quick breakfast before having to head to the gym to meet with the trainers. They’ll check us out for injuries and give us tips on what to work on at the gym, but I’m trying to avoid a full examination.

I stay behind, and take a quick shower just to prolong having to meet back up with them. I’ll get in trouble for being late, but it’s better than having to explain the multiple welts over my chest and sides.

“Sorry!” Willa shrieks and covers her face from seeing me naked when I step out without a towel on.

The locker room is completely empty, and I wasn’t expecting anyone, least of all her, to be waiting for me.

“Willa, you’ve seen it before.” I try to laugh it off, but it doesn’t come out.

I wrap the towel around my midsection and open my bag to find clothes.

“Right.” She clears her throat. “I’m so sorry about your face.”

I turn to question what she’s sorry for, but her mouth drops at the sight of the many other bruises scattered on my body.

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