Page 36 of The Game She Hates

“When you receive the Holy Spirit, the Bible becomes alive and relevant, revealing more about Jesus Christ, whom we strive to emulate. As you grow closer to Him, you’ll naturally desire to avoid actions that would hurt Him—not out of fear of punishment, but out of genuine love and reverence. When you get a glimpse of God’s love for you, you’ll not want to spend this life or eternity without your Creator and lover of your soul.”

Whoa, my mind just expanded with this conversation.

If starting a relationship with Jesus is this straightforward, I should’ve taken notes when Tyler was talking. He really said some interesting things. I hope I don’t forget any of it.

“I have to ask, bro. What’s with all these questions all of a sudden?” I’ve also stopped pedaling.

“I went to church once, and I’ve been replaying the sermon the pastor preached in my mind since that day,” I reply, leaving out some important details.

“Why didn’t you tell me you’ve been going to church? And what changed your mind? I’ve been inviting you for ages, and just when I’d given up, you finally give it a try. I mean, I’m happy but also super convicted that I stopped asking.”

“No, I’m glad you stopped asking. I don’t think I was ever going to change my mind,” I pause, deciding to let it all spill out. “I met this girl. She invited me to church, and I honestly went just to see her since she didn’t want to hang out with me. Well, I guess you’d say God used my interest in a girl to show me He’s interested in me too.”

“Who is this girl, and more importantly, why haven’t we met her yet?” he says, hands up in the air as if I said I was dating her or something. He’s going to be disappointed.

“Never mind who she is. She wants zero to do with me,” I reply, making a zero sign with my hands to emphasize her complete disinterest. “For a while, I thought we were becoming friends and had some hope, but she’s completely ghosted me. I guess I’m really not her type.” It had been a few days since Pearl sent me a message about the counselor she’d found for me, which was great. I’d met him briefly on a video call, but I missed Pearl so much. I tried to call, text, but she wasn’t replying, and the message was clear.

I thought having her at my house and just hanging out with her, not pulling out overtly flirty moves, at least as best as I could, would help her trust that I wasn’t just physically attracted to her. But I guess there wasn’t any way for her to trust someone like me.

I was a fool for getting my hopes up when I discovered she wasn’t a fan of hockey, thinking maybe she’d appreciate me for who I am. Yet, now it’s clear there’s nothing about me to admire, except my skills on the ice and the way I handle the puck. Apart from that, I’m just an empty canvas.

It’s time to cut my losses and give her the space she strongly desires.

I need to focus on finding my own path to fulfillment, much like Tyler, Carson, and even Coach seem to have found in their relationship with God through Jesus.

Tonight, I’ll say the prayer. I’ll ask Jesus to come into my life. I need to finally know what it’s like to have a good Father.

The semi-final game is a fierce battle, with our opponent proving to be a tough challenge. Sticks clash, the crowd roars, and the pressure mounts with every passing second. I’m being closed in from all sides, struggling to break free for even a moment.

I scan the stands for encouragement, hoping to find fans in my jersey. Maybe seeing them will remind me that I can score two more goals to win this game. But then, amidst the sea of faces, one catches my eye.

No, it can’t be her.

Pearl would never be at a hockey game.

She hates hockey.

She hates sports.

She hates me.

Well, maybe hate is a strong word for a Christian. She definitely doesn’t like me.

That can’t be her at my game, in my jersey.

But there can’t be another face as beautiful as hers on this planet. That’s the face that always takes my breath away. It’s the one I hate to have gone so many days without seeing.

A quick glance to her right confirms that it is indeed her with Robyn and the jersey she’s wearing is the one I gave Robyn.

Out of nowhere, a surge of energy courses through me, invigorating my limbs and sharpening my focus. The weight of the game falls away and is replaced by a newfound desire to win, fueled by the sight of Pearl.

If this is what it feels like to play with someone you’re a fan of, cheering for you, I’ll give Robyn whatever she wants to make sure Pearl comes to the final game.

I charge forward, dodging opponents with emerging agility. Hunter receives the puck, passing quickly to Fabrice, who redirects it to Trent. Tyler and I skate ahead, seizing the momentum.

When the play shifts in our favor, I see my opportunity.

I take the shot, the puck sails through the air toward the goal, and in that moment, everything slows down. The crowd holds its breath as the puck hits the net.

---