Page 27 of Puck'N Enemy
“I’ve got Dylan playing nurse between his classes and practice,” Coach says, looking mildly annoyed. “I’ve told him to quit it but the boy’s too damn stubborn.”
Surprise flickers through me. “Dylan lives here with you?”
“Yeah.” He pins me with an intense stare. “You came here to look for him, didn’t you?”
I nod. “Coach, do you know about him?”
His expression dims. “I know more than you think. And probably, not enough. That kid can keep a secret like it’s nobody’s business.”
My desperation spikes. “Dylan disappeared back in high school. Do you remember that? We were in our senior year, and he just left without a word. Everyone thought he dropped out. He didn’t even tell me anything—”
A sudden sob chokes me. “I tried to look for him but I had no idea where he could’ve gone. Until a few months back, I didn’t even know he was back in Knightswood.”
Coach is silent for a moment but his expression grows grim.
“He’s been through a lot,” he says finally.
“Back then...was it you who told him to leave?”
“No,” Coach Becker’s voice is firm. “But I did help him leave.”
My blood turns to ice. “Youknewwhat happened to him? You knew where he was all this time?”
He nods.
“Then, why didn’t you tell me? You knew I was searching for him like crazy. It was affecting my academics and my game. You could’ve just told me where Dylan went.”
“And then, what? You’d have gone after him?”
“Yeah,” I say, remembering the pain and anger Dylan left behind in his wake. “He owes me an ass-kicking.”
“I didn’t tell you anything because you weren’t ready to hear some things,” Coach says in a low voice. “You just admitted you were failing to focus on everything important at that time. I couldn’t let Dylan’s sacrifice go in vain.”
“Sacrifice?” I shout. “What didhesacrifice? I was the one who was left broken and damaged. I didn’t even know if I could play hockey again!” My voice gets louder, but Coach watches me calmly.
“What happened to him?” I ask, letting him see the storm brewing within me. “Where did he go?”
Coach lets out a tired sigh. “I was really looking forward to having a nap but you boys just won’t let me have a moment of peace. First, Dylan comes home bruised and beaten and lies about it. And, then you show up, demanding answers.”
“Please, Coach,” I nearly beg him. “If you know what happened back then, tell me. I promise I won’t come back here again.”
Coach waves a hand. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.” He takes a moment, looking like it’s taking him effort to just breathe.
“I’ll tell you everything,” he says finally. “But first, you need to tell me what you know. Go back to the beginning and don’t hide anything from me. Tell me the truth about the kind of relationship you two had.”
Memories I’d long suppressed, flashes by my mind.
I hesitate, wondering if Coachreallywants to know about my relationship with Dylan.
“There was a time when we were everything to each other,” I say, refusing to cower any longer. Ihaveto find out the secrets Dylan’s been hiding these years.
“He was the first guy I kissed,” I say, meeting Coach Becker’s piercing gaze. “I’ve kissed enough guys and girls since then to know it doesn’t feel the same with anyone else. I was in love with Dylan. He betrayed me but I still can’t get over the asshole.”
“Why do you say he betrayed you?” Coach asks.
“You’re asking that? You know what he did to me!” I shout, suddenly getting angry.
Coach shakes his head. “Stay calm, Logan. Just tell me what happened.”
