Page 33 of Playoffs & Promises

"You guys are going to untape me, right?" I ask, more hopeful than confident. They just laugh.

By the time I reach the locker room, I'm sweating from exertion, my legs burning from hopping all the way. Nate and Dan meet me by the door, already dressed, smirks on their faces. They open the door for me and I'm stunned to see the entire team inside, ready to step out on the ice.

My gear bag is by my locker waiting for me to join them.

"What's this?" I ask, bewildered.

Nate claps a hand on my shoulder, "We're a team."

Dan steps up on my other side, putting his hand on my other shoulder. "When one of us struggles, we all struggle."

Their words hit me harder than I expected. I've been fighting my own battles all season long. Feeling like I was alone, keeping myself alone, as I barely held on. Yet, here they are, on a day they should have off, ready to fight with me. They each tried to get me lemon bars, they've each tried to help at practice.

My throat tightens, but I force myself to stay composed. "I've been struggling all season. Why now?"

"New year. New you." Shane chimes in, his voice full of youthful optimism.

Nate steps aside, and one by one my teammates file out of the locker room. Each of them giving me a solid slap on the shoulder as they pass. It's like they're transferring some of their good luck to me, their belief that I can finish this season strong.

Finally, I'm released from the tape, and left alone to gear up. The silence in the locker room is almost reverent as I pull on my pads, the familiar routine grounding me. Their words replaying my mind.

New year. New me.

When I slide my jersey over my head, I can almost believe it.

Out on the ice, Coach is waiting, holding a familiar white box from La Petite. It's bigger than the lemon bar box, more like a donut box. My heart skips a beat.

"About time you showed up, Lou." Coach says, as he opens the box. "Ready to win a cupcake?"

Inside, the box is filled with cupcakes of every flavor and color. Each more tempting than the last. Including that bear-looking one that took over the lemon bar display.

"I'll give it my best." I say, skating up to the line.

"We're going to find you a new good luck charm," Nate says, joining me by Coach.

Dan is already in the goal, ready to block my shot.

"One bite for each goal," Coach says, issuing the challenge.

"Is this trainer approved?" I joke, because that's all I have left to offer.

Coach half smirks. "Oh, don't worry."

I point to the bear cupcake, if it was good enough to replace the lemon bar in the bakery, maybe it'll be good enough to bring me some luck. "How about that one?"

"Take your best shot," Coach points to the goal.

Nate drops a puck, and the world narrows to just me, the ice, and the goal. I skate forward, the puck gliding ahead of me. The ice isn't perfect, but it's good enough. The sound of Dan banging his stick echoes through the rink, and soon the others join in, a rhythmic pulse pushing me forward.

New year, new me.

Skate, shoot, score.

Cupcakes, lemon bars.

I wind up, and take the shot. The puck flies towards the goal, trajectory perfect, but Dan drops to his knees shutting out the shot. "Not that one."

"Next cupcake," Nate shouts, and I see Coach handing the bear cupcake to Brooks. He holds it like a prize as he forms a second line.

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