Page 100 of Puck'n Bully
At present, I’m sitting on the cold metal bleachers, my hands tucked inside my hoodie’s pockets as I watch Hayden and his teammates tearing across the ice with fierce determination.
The air in the rink is saturated with power and iron-clad intent. The Knights have to win the next game or risk losing their place in the state championships.
Every pass, every shot has a sharper edge to it.
The team is practicing right now but it feels like they’re already on the battlefield. It’s as if everyone’s decided that failure is not an option.
My gaze follows Hayden as he effortlessly glides across the ice. He’s so damn powerful but absolutely in control of his movements. There’s a certain elegance in the way he skates that leaves me mesmerized.
Hayden flies between two of his teammates, scoring a goal.
“Go, Hayden!” I shout, cheering for him.
It’s a moment before I realize that some of Hayden’s teammates and the coach have stopped to stare at me. Since it’s just a practice session, the bleachers are nearly empty, making my cheers sound too loud.
My cheeks heat up with embarrassment. I quiet down and sink my chin into my hoodie, wishing I could hide somewhere.
Thankfully, no one minds me and everyone goes back to practice.
Even though I’m more composed now, I still feel a rush of exhilaration every time Hayden scores a goal. Maybe it’s just Hayden’s charm or just me feeling proud and happy to see him doing so well.
From time to time, I glance over at Coach Sullivan.
He’s wearing the team colors of blue and gold, his eyes as sharp as a hawk’s as he follows the progress of each player. He nods every time Hayden scores, clearly approving the way he’s practicing and training.
Next, I look over to the goalie.
Logan, the Knights’ captain, is back in the rink. He has recovered from his injuries and is giving his best. I hear him shouting encouragements to his teammates, feeding them his undying enthusiasm and energy.
A rush of warmth flows through me as I watch him and Hayden play against each other. Logan is the reason I’m able to sit in the bleachers and watch Hayden practice with his teammates.
Logan, Pavel, and Coach Sullivan have been extremely supportive of Hayden. Their acceptance has made a world of difference to the way Hayden feels about himself.
Hayden is happier and much more confident in himself.
With each passing day, he feels more and more comfortable spending time with me on campus. Sometimes, he even holds my hand when we walk through the grounds.
“Again!” the coach’s yell breaks me out of my thoughts.
Hayden gets into position, his body radiating power and determination.
He pushes off, weaving past two defensemen, aiming for the net.
Logan also positions himself, determined to keep the puck away from the net.
A fierce battle of will ensues.
Hayden misses the goal but comes back again and again, attacking Logan from every angle until he scores.
Watching them makes my heart pound with excitement.
With a start, I realize I’ve finally become a part of Knightswood University’s student body. Within just a few months, I’ve become a fan of ice hockey too!
Eventually, Coach blows his whistle, signaling the end of practice.
The players finally relax, skating toward the benches. Some take their helmets off, letting the cold air skim over their sweaty, overheated cheeks. They catch their breaths while some of their teammates playfully shove each other on their way to the locker rooms.
My gaze soon locks on Hayden.
