Page 9 of Nodus Tollens
“I’m sorry.”
On a sigh, he slowly released my hand.
“You got a boyfriend, don’t you?”
This time I laughed.
“No, I don’t.”
“Girlfriend?” He lifted a brow and I glared.
“No.”
“Then what is it?”
I’m dying.
Shaking my head, he sensed I was about to walk away again.
“At least tell me your name?”
Could I tell him?
There’s no reason why I couldn’t, but I didn’t want to know his. I wanted nothing to do with the man who completely knocked me off my axis.
“Next time.” I tilted the side of my mouth and started to walk.
“Next time? What do you mean by that?” He asked on a shout as I continued to walk.
“It means, if we ever by chance meet again, I’ll tell you my name.”
I could hear him groan from here.
“What if I never see you again?” He yelled and this time I turned around to face him as I started to walk backwards.
“What if you do?”
Hands shoved deep into his pockets again, he watched me intensely.
“Then I’ll make sure to kiss you.”
His answer gave me hope. It gave me a sense of happiness knowing that he possibly felt the strong connection between us that I felt. Though I knew I would never see him again, it was moment I’d never forget. So, on a smile, I waved him goodbye and made my trek to my car.
WREN
THREE WEEKS LATER
Campus was a mess lately, and there was no avoiding it. Not in a gross, trash everywhere kind of way, but more so littered with rowdy students and signs hanging everywhere, letting everyone know theVipersseason was starting soon. I thought most colleges were centered around their football teams. At least, that’s what I’ve been taught my whole life from movies and just basic knowledge. Not here, though. Here, hockey was the sport. It ran through the veins of every student and became a religion to most. TheVipersare treated like gods around campus. Mostly from the students, the girls who wanted to fuck the team and the guys who wanted to be them, but even some of the teachers found whatever they did out on the ice worthy of special treatment. I didn’t see the hype, though. Probably due to the fact I was the least athletic person out there and knew nothing about sports. Hockey especially, but I didn’t understand the whole reasoning behind treating them like royalty. Sure, it was impressive being able to skate and pass a puck around, but hell, I could do some pretty impressive things, too. Not that I wanted the attention or recognition, but did these already egotistical men need any more praise?
Absolutely not, but what did I know? Surely nothing about the school’s beloved sport or the players, who were currently being cheered on as if they were heading into battle. Tonight wasn’t just a tradition for theVipers. It was a ritual. A stage was assembled every year right before the season started. Loud music, thoughtless rants from the players and endless partying was the pinnacle of the night. And right now, unfortunately, I was in the center of it. To be honest, I don’t even know why I agreed to leave my dorm room at all. Large crowds, intoxicated youths, rowdy jocks, half-dressed girls, it was basically an introvert’s nightmare. If it weren’t for Kate and her hockey obsession, I definitely wouldn’t be here. After a week long’s worth of pestering and begging, I reluctantly agreed to tag along with her tonight. Despite my continual refusal and groaning, I threw on the rattiest clothes I owned and followed Kate into the chaos.
“Can you at least look like you’re having a good time?” Kate begged as she popped a hip and rolled her eyes at the stoic expression across my face. Scoffing, I dug my hands deeper into the pocket of my hoodie and focused on a group of guys who were racing to see who could chug their beer the fastest. “Please? For me? You’re making me feel like a shitty friend for dragging you here.”
She was the furthest thing from a shitty friend. If anything, I was being a stick in the mud because I’d rather be in my room watching Netflix than be here, supporting her and her weird hockey infatuation. I was the shitty friend who let my insecurities control every aspect of my life, and deep down, I hated it. I knew I just needed to suck it up and get over my fear of being out in large crowds, but everything about it made my skin crawl. I felt out of place and uncomfortable, but I knew that, in life, you sometimes had to put yourself in situations like that to help you grow as a person. Even if you despised it. Even if every bone and muscle in your body was telling you to run, it was something I needed to conquer.
And unfortunately, I was failing miserably at it.
“I’m trying.” I sigh under my breath, and then I’m suddenly propelled forward a few steps from someone bumping into me from behind. My heart galloped for a brief moment as panic struck me momentarily, but Kate quickly reached for my arm to steady me.
