Page 136 of Unmasking Love

Font Size:

Maybe in the second period I’ll feel ready to go to my seats.

I learn from the pregame show that’s playing over the bar that Aiden will be going in at the start of the second period. Part of the plan to ease Gavin back into playing condition. I wonder if Aiden is worried about it? I hate that I don’t know. That I haven’t been there for him these last few weeks.

The game begins and I watch Aiden watch from the bench.

I remember seeing him there for the first time all those months ago. Were we different people back then?

I was desperate to make a relationship work. He was focused on getting playing time and not getting too close to anyone.

He helped me learn to be myself in our relationship. He forced me to do my own thing while he did his. And when I would have thought before that meant our relationship was doomed because we didn't have things in common, it turns out we have a stronger relationship because of our differences.

I smile to myself as the play continues down on the ice. Gavin makes a save and the arena cheers for him. The jumbotron cuts to the bench and I catch Aiden. He's clapping but his face looks a little pale.

I’ve learned a lot about the game, about the team, since that first practice. When Aiden stepped up after Christmas he talked about feeling like he was a part of things. They wouldn’t just let him go would they?

Is my breakup making his stress about getting traded worse?

Shit, I didn’t eventhink of that. I reach for my phone to call him to assure him that I’m proud of him and his work on the ice but then I blink and realize he’s in the middle of a game. I can’t talk to him until later.

And I blink again, acknowledging the instinct to speak to him.

To see him.

To hold him.

To be held by him.

By Aiden.

The period ends with the game tied at one goal each. The plan is for Aiden to take the net at the start of the second period. After twenty minutes of cleaning the ice and playing games with members of the crowd, the teams skate out and circle a few times. Aiden gets in the crease and roughs it up with his skates. He has his mask on so I can't see his face too well but I keep one eye on the television above me in case they capture him in a close up.

Play begins and Aiden has to defend a series of shots early. He's bent forward for almost two minutes as the opposing team fires puck after puck at him. Some he's blocking others are getting knocked off course by defenders. This is the type of chaotic situation that can lead to a bad goal, one that shouldn't have gone in but did because the goalie was tired.

I'm on the edge of my seat, not breathing. I know how important this game is to Aiden. He's proving his worth, earning his spot. His parents are here.

Finally he catches a shot in his glove and the whistle blows. Aiden stands and starts to turn to get water when he crashes to the ground.

"Aiden!" I yell as I stand from my seat at the bar. His teammates and the trainers rush out and I can't see much through their legs. My head bounces between the ice and the screen hoping to catch a glimpse of him.

I start running around the concourse to get to him.

I hear clapping and I glance up at the screens near the concession stands and see him on his feet being helped off the ice by Felix and the trainers.

Thank God.

I find the elevators I used months ago to get to the player parking lot. I see a guard there and get ready to plead my case when the doors open and the kid who brought me my blanket at the first game and got the recovery supplies in Florida appears. He’s listening to a walkie talkie and looks shocked to see me.

"Harper? Holy cow. I can’t believe–come with me, Aiden asked for you."

"Okay, is he okay, what happened?" I ask desperately as I dig my family badge out of my purse and sling it around my neck. We take the elevator down and Luke walks me towards a treatment room. The kid doesn’t tell me anything, just quiet instructions about which way to turn down hallways. My steps are half a stride faster than his.

We slow after going through a set of double doors. There's a window to the hallway and I see Aiden lying on a table getting his gear taken off carefully by a trainer.

Luke opens the door and I hear the conversation and stop.

"Well, Aiden, if she's been supporting your diet and taking care of you so well why did you just faint on the ice?" A woman's voice says.

"I’m not sure Ma, but we won't get any answers from you accusing Harper of anything."