Page 22 of Rule Breaker

I honestly didn’t know what to make of him. The guy needed a fucking keeper. He was so goofy and naïve. Maybe I didn’t like him. Or, I didn’t want to like him. I wasn’t sure which. What I did know was that I didn’t like it when Axel made fun of him. I was strangely protective. Which was not like me. I learned the hard way to protect myself first.

For the first time in years, I was curious about another person. And I had no clue as to why. Why him? Why now? Was it the whole being in a different country, and a new school thing? That had to be it. I was out of my element and still finding my footing. On the ice and off.

“Hey, roomie. Thanks for saving me a seat,” Kayden announced as he sat beside me.

I didn’t, but I couldn’t be bothered correcting him. So much for being at the back of the bus, where it was dark and quiet.Was. But instead of letting him get to me, I decided to turn the tables.

“What was that app you were using in the restaurant?” I asked.

I’d noticed how carefully he’d scanned the menu, holding his phone close to him, like he didn’t want anyone else to see what he was doing.

Kayden’s mouth opened, but no words came out.

“Is this how I get you to stop talking? Askyoua question? Holy fuck. Thank God, I figured you out.”

Kayden nudged me with his elbow and for once, I didn’t jolt.

“Shut up.”

“That’s ready fucking ironic coming from you,” I replied.

“It’s—” Kayden bit his lower lip and whispered. “It’s a reading app. I’m dyslexic.”

Oh. I wasn’t expecting that.

“Why are you whispering?” I asked. “Is it a secret?”

“No. I mean, yes. Sort of,” he sighed and ran a hand through his messy hair. “I don’t tell everyone. Not that I’m ashamed, but some people treat me differently when they find out. Like I’m stupid. Or it’s contagious or something. Or I’m not worth their time. I got bullied a lot in high school. Until I hit my growth spurt.”

If there was one thing I couldn’t stand, it was bullies. Sure, I was bitchy, and I kept people at arm’s length—further, even—but I did it to protect myself. And them.

Something else about Kayden’s admission made my stomach twinge. No. I’d probably just eaten too much at dinner. That had to be it, right?

“Wait, is that why you were freaking out that first day in economics class? Cause something happened to your app?”

Kayden nodded.

“Yeah, it froze. And I have software on my laptop too, but sometimes I forget to charge it. Or I forget my charger,” he sighed. “I’ve also got ADHD, so school can be a hot mess for me a lot of the time. Despite meds and tutors.”

“So, your brain works differently,” I offered. “College is one way of learning stuff. Not the only way. I’ve learned more online, in my own time, than school could ever teach me. Don’t let others get in your head. It’s like when we’re on the ice. You don’t think about all the fucking noise around you. Focus on what you can control. And fuck everyone else’s rules.”

“Tellthatto my parents. And future employers.”

“Your goal is the league, right?”

“For sure.” Kayden nodded. “All I want to do is to play hockey. But, I need a plan for after. Still working on that.”

“What’s your major?”

What were all these questions coming out of my mouth? I didn’t even recognize myself.

“Social work. I want to advocate for people with disabilities. Differing abilities,” Kayden replied. “That is, if I can manage to get my degree.”

I nodded. “That’s cool. At least you’re gonna do something useful. Not become one of those faceless corporate assholes.”

“Mad, did you compliment me?”

“Fuck off.”

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