Page 52 of Face Me Off

I should’ve said something to her. Though, I’m not sure it would’ve helped. She does tend to start trouble. I wouldn’t be surprised if she did this on purpose.

I shut down after learning that.

He went into the diabolical triad of focusing on my studies and less on my art. The same old tiring thing.

“You’re not going to listen to him, are you?” The shrill in Amanda’s voice shakes me back to the present.

“About entering the art contest? No! I’m determined tosee that through.” But I’m also not going to stop seeing Ryan. But we still need to keep a low profile in public.

“Good. You’ve been working hard on the sketches.”

The tension in my shoulders eases as I sink into the armchair. Amanda’s presence is like a hot mint tea, soothing the raw edges of my emotions.

“God, I wish I could just … I don’t know, run away to Paris and become a starving artist or something.” My laugh is hollow. “Wouldn’t that be wild?”

“I think you’ve watched too muchEmily in Paris. I believe your experience may be different.”

My gaze drifts to my bag, where my sketchbook is hidden beneath piles of physics notes. I can almost feel the weight of my latest charcoal drawing, a piece I poured my heart into last night instead of studying for my upcoming exam.

“I love art, Amanda. It’s not just a hobby. It’s … it’s part of who I am.” I bite my lip, fighting back the urge to cry. “But how can I tell him that without disappointing everyone?”

“The only person you need to worry about is yourself.” Her face softens. “Why don’t you go to the next hockey game with me.”

My eyebrows lift. “You’re going to the game?”

“Yeah, Blake wants me to, so...” She shrugs.

“Wow, that’s something.”

“I have to work, so we may miss kick-off.”

“Face-off.”

“What?”

“It’s called face-off in hockey. I can’t believe you’re such good friends with Ryan and know nothing about the sport.”

“See, that’s why you should go. To make sure I’m using the correct hockey lingo.”

The yes is on the tip of my tongue. I want to go badly. Not only would it keep Amanda company, but it would make Ryan happy. A win-win.

Ryan.

Dad’s threat hangs in my mind. It’s best to not step foot in the arena or anywhere near him. It’s going to be harder to find a private place to study. Harder yet for my “extracurricular activities.” But I don’t know what to do.

“I better not,” I say.

“If you change your mind, let me know.”

“Will do.” I stand and point to my bedroom. “I need to unwind.”

Amanda grabs her book. “If you need me, I’ll be right here.”

I nod and slip into my room. The familiar scent of ink and paper hits me like a rush of cool air after stepping off the ice. This right here is my sanctuary. It’s my personal dressing room where I can strip away the expectations and just be me.

My eyes land on the easel in the corner, and suddenly, I’m drawn to it like a bookworm to a new release. I grab a large sheet of paper, securing it with practiced ease. My hands are already reaching for the charcoal before my brain can catch up.

“Alright, Grimes,” I mutter, “time to show ’em what you’ve got.”

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