Page 61 of Cross Checks

“He always zeroes in on the game.” I watched my love skate with determination and grace. The fire in his eyes was apparent. I gripped the edge of my seat along with countless other fans.

Chase maintained his intensity through all three periods. He knew it was his last chance to leave a lasting impression on the Cold Pines fans. Before the game, he told me that he wouldn’t let them down.

“Did you see that pass to Jensen?” Eddie asked. He clapped his hands. “Chase has a great touch, and he’s unselfish.”

“Yep, he knows how to make others shine.”

We watched as Jensen tore toward the goal on the wing. With a quick flick of the wrist, he sent the puck into the net. We roared along with the rest of the fans, and I high-fived Eddie.

The score remained close as the game wore on. A blow-out might have been less stressful for Chase’s last appearance, but the tight competition was much more exciting.

Chase pulled off a highlight-reel-worthy goal in the final period with only five minutes left to play. He threw the goalie off balance and then planted a slapshot in the net. Bedlam reigned in the arena.

“Unbelievable!” Eddie roared, clapping me on the back.

“That’s Chase!” I whistled.

When the final buzzer sounded, sealing another Cougar win, Chase lingered on the ice, soaking in the adoration of the fans. He reached up and rubbed his eye, and I thought about the storm of emotions he was experiencing.

“Hey, Hank,” Eddie said softly. “I want you to know it’s going to be okay. You two will have a great life down there in Florida, and I can’t wait to see you again when my team rolls into town. I might have an epic battle or two with Chase on the ice.”

The thunderous cheers and applause refused to die down. The fans began chanting Chase’s name. He skated a lap around the rink, thrusting his fist in the air. Even the opposing team showed their appreciation of the worthy adversary. They tapped their sticks on the ice in acknowledgment of his talent.

“Ready to go?” Eddie asked. “I bet we can catch some of the celebration.”

“Of course.” I watched Chase as he finally skated toward the locker room, head held high as he saluted the crowd with his stick.

Shortly after we arrived at the player exit from the arena, Chase emerged, still in his gear but with his helmet off. His dark hair was damp with sweat and clung to his forehead.

Dedicated fans formed a tight semi-circle around us.

“Amazing game, man!” Eddie grinned and pulled Chase into a tight hug. “Best of luck down there with the ‘gators in Florida. You’re gonna shine.”

“Thanks, Eddie,” Chase responded. “And hey, I’m looking forward to battling it out with you on NHL ice real soon.”

“Count on it.” Eddie hugged Chase again, and the small group of fans cheered.

As Eddie headed out and the fans started to drift into the parking lot, I stepped up to Chase and wrapped my arm around his waist. He looked into my eyes.

“Are you okay?” I asked softly.

He hesitated for a moment before responding. When I finally spoke, his voice was barely audible over all the parking lot commotion. “It’s just…I’m going to miss this place. It feels like everything is changing so fast. I want to grab onto high mountains and force the globe to stop spinning so fast.”

I reached up and brushed a stray lock of hair away from his forehead. “Change can be so scary,” I admitted.

As I took Chase’s hand in mine, we took one final look at the arena, then walked hand-in-hand toward our future.

* * *

The door to my house clicked shut behind us and sealed us away from all the noisy celebrations. Chase’s shoulders sagged, and he flopped onto the couch. His hyped-up energy from earlier was starting to fade.

I stepped up close and lightly tapped his head. “Everything good in there?”

Chase nodded. “Just…processing.”

“I understand that.”

I slipped off my coat and shoes, settling beside him on the couch. Chase leaned back, closing his eyes momentarily, his chest rising and falling with deep, measured breaths.

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