Page 124 of I Blame the Rival

The sunshine tissue digs into my hands as I leave my therapist’s building.

It’s a habit I’ve gotten into, stealing a bright yellow tissue on my way out the door. I used to use them as a way to escape the dark thoughts of my past. It worked for a while, but then I met this mystery girl named Lacey.

And she turned my life upside down.

Nowadays, these tissues are only used for the floral drawings I gift her. I do it for selfish reasons, so I can watch the excitement light up her eyes, but I also do it as a thank you. A hidden message to let her know just how much colour she brought back into my life.

Just how much colour she brought back in me.

Winter has arrived in Silverwood and the crisp air bites through the sweater I stupidly decided to wear today. The walk from Karen’s sessions to my house is less than fifteen minutes, but based on the goosebumps covering my flesh, it's going to feel a lot longer.

“Learn to ski this season, Ellsworth, and maybe your ass won’t get so bruised.”

I pause, hearing the familiar voice of Stella O’Brien. Turning towards the parking lot, I spy her standing in front of herboyfriend, hands planted on her hips. Taber’s old lacrosse captain grins, his blonde fauxhawk standing just as tall as it did the day I bumped into him.

“If you didn’t insist on finishing every ski day with a race, I wouldn’t feel the need to impress you.”

Stella scoffs, flicking a long braid over her shoulder, “You couldn’t impress me if you tried.”

“That’s not what you said last night.”

The couple stare each other down for less than five seconds before they both crack up. I still haven’t been able to figure out the dynamics of their relationship, but arguing seems to be their preferred type of foreplay.

Forcing my feet to turn in their direction, I don’t stop walking until I’m right in front of them.

“Vin.” Stella gives me a cool nod, “Good to see one member of your family is getting the help he needs.”

The words are sharp, but I don’t let the sting deter me. Turning to Cody, I wipe my sweaty palms on my jeans and make eye contact.

“It doesn’t make it right but I’m sorry. For what Vector did to you.” I swallow, forcing myself not to look away, “My brother shouldn’t have been on the field that day and you bore the consequence of his actions.”

Cody blinks, his brown eyes just as kind as the first time I saw them.

“It’s Skylar, right?”

“Yeah.”

He smiles, “There’s nothing to apologize for. Your brother kicked my ass on the lacrosse field, but that’s part of playing a contact sport.”

The familiar surge of guilt hits me.

“Vector takes contact to an extreme level.”

“He sure does. But that doesn’t change the fact he’s an amazing player.”

Stella grumbles something under her breath and he glances at her, “Getting my head bashed in helped me re-evaluate my priorities. I’m not going to thank your brother for cracking a few ribs, but if it wasn’t for him, my own story would have looked very different.”

“I’m still sorry you got hurt.”

Cody shrugs, “I’m not. It meant I got to see how much my gym buddy missed me.”

Stella crosses her arms with a huff, “I didn’t miss you in the slightest.”

“Is that why Stephen said you were always talking about me?”

“Stephen is delusional.”

He laughs, looking back at me, “Anyways, the point is there is nothing to feel bad about. My face and ribs healed just fine and now I get to be tormented by the shortest girl at Taber University.”

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