Page 94 of Redeeming Heart

“I got it when I turned 16. She had these drawing of angel wings next to her hospital bed and when she passed, I decided to get them tattooed on my back.” I explained, noticing he was gently letting my hands go, but stayed near so I didn’t fall.

“I took a letter where she wrote down her full name and surname and asked the artist to tattoo her name between the angel wings. I wanted to keep her in my memories forever and keep her as close as I could.”

He nodded. “Maggie told me that it is her birthday today.”

I arched an eyebrow and he noticed my frown.

“I went to go see her thinking you would be at the pub because you haven’t answered any of my text messages. I started to get worried thinking that your dad locked you up in a tower.”

“So, you were going to be my Prince Charming and rescue me from the tower?” I joked.

“I don’t know if you’ve realized, but you don’t need rescuing, Adams.” He gestured towards my hands and feet.

My eyes widened when I realized that I was skating all on my own. We have been skating around the ice rink in circles and I haven’t even noticed. “You did that on purpose,” I said narrowing my eyes but meaning it is a joke.

“I had to distract your mind from overthinking.” He said shooting me a grin.

“One of these days I will have you shooting pucks around the rink like a pro.”

I didn’t turn him down. I somehow found it nice to see him in his element and have him share his passion with me.

We spend a few more minutes on the ice with him showing me tricks and teaching me how to hold a hockey stick which they call a hockey blade in my hands. He let me have a shot at the puck.

It was a goal and I didn’t tip over.

He was impressed.

“You are a born athlete, Adams. The skills you possess are a gift.” He complimented.

“My mom always believed that if you don’t use the talent God handed you, it can be seen as a sin because you are rejecting his blessing. In her words, it’s rude to reject a gift.” That’s what my mother believed and her love for God was powerful. She bullied no person into the word of God or judged people on their relationship, race, or gender.

She was a true example of what a good-hearted looked like.

“Is that why you followed your dream?” He asked, guiding me off the ice.

“I don’t want to disappoint people I love and care about anymore. Especially myself. When I look at my reflection in the mirror, I don’t want to see a traitor.” I used to feel like a traitor when I believed in things but did the opposite. I let myself become someone I wasn’t meant to become.

“How was your dad about you not being home in time?” He asked, showing concern.

We were by now sitting on the bench removing our skates. “He wasn’t mad.” He gave me a dumbfounded look which made me snicker.

“He felt bad for treating me like a prisoner in my own home. He even ungrounded me.” I explained.

“Didn’t I tell you that you were overreacting?” I giggled and playfully punched his shoulder.

He winked at me and smiled, but our fun came to an end when Ashley came up to us.

“Hey, I thought we can maybe hang out today since we haven’t in a while.” She said while looking me dead in the eye secretly telling me to scatter off.

She was throwing her claim out there and I have no desire to be part of this.

“I still have to take Sasha home.” He answered.

“I can walk, it’s only a few blocks from here.” I tried to get out of it because I was not looking to cause war.

He gave me a pointed stare. “Not after what happened this morning and my mom wants me to bring you over to the restaurant.”

“She met your mom?” Ashley didn’t sound happy and I was ready to bolt, but Brandon was persistent.

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