Page 129 of Treacherous
I pull my phone out, checking my calendar. I need to add extra due dates for assessments before I forget. There are two weeks left in October, which sounds like a crazy thing to say. Last weekend we played our second and third hockey game of the season.
With Jayden and I agreeing that, for the sake of hockey and the team, we will try to get along. Most of the time this is avoidance or short, meaningless conversations, but I don’t care. It worked because we won both games, meaning we are three and zero for the season.
“Willow, iced vanilla matcha.”
I jump at my name being called. I smile and thank the barista, grabbing my drink from the bench.
The library is barely a five-minute walk, though I have to climb another three staircases to reach not only the library, but my preferred level. The quiet level is perfect for me, forcing me to do work and not become distracted by others.
I take a seat, unpacking all my supplies. I select my favourite playlist, placing my Airpods in each ear. After making sure my phone is on do not disturb–notifications are the second biggest distraction for me–I load my browser and get to work.
***
Ifinished drawing the last diagram in my notebook, stretching my cramping hand.
Maybe deciding to handwrite my notes wasn’t the best idea. Furrowing my brows, I glance over my notes. I caught up on all my work in one study session. A rarity for me.
I tap my phone screen, blanching at the time. Fuck me. It’s nearly seven, the sun replaced by a bright full moon. I throw things into my bag, not caring about the mess.
I missed hockey training. And not a couple minutes, thewholesession. My heart races, chest growing heavier and heavier. I race down the stairs, running across campus to my car.
I’m going to be benched. Coach West is going to hate me. My teammates are going to hate me.
The intrusive thoughts rattle in my mind, their volume increasing until they drown out every sound. I drive to Lakewood Arena in record time, breaking speed limits with no care in the world.
The car park lights remain on, providing a rouge shot of optimism. I sprint inside, spying Coach West at the equipment shed.
“Coach, I’m so sorry I missed training. I was studying in the library and completely lost track of time,” Every word is quick and breathless as I try to justify myself.
Coach West turns, focusing on me. “You were at the library?” He asks.
I nod quickly.
“That’s fine then. I know how hard it is to balance everything, but this can be the only time it happens,” Coach warns.
A breath of relief tumbles from me and the pressure in my chest eases.
“But you will have to start off the bench this weekend,”
“I understand. I promise it won’t happen again.”
Coach smiles. “I know it won’t. Go on, get out of here.”
I thank him, leaving the rink to head back home. Thankfully, Coach West is understanding, otherwise my punishment couldhave been worse. I can’t believe I forgot training, that has never happened to me before.
I open the front door, going straight for my room. I can’t face my teammates right now, guilt and fear tangling inside me. I’ve let them down.
The beginning of the season is crucial, especially when we haven’t played together for long. I want my teammates to know I care about winning the Frozen Four.
“Where the hell have you been?” Jayden snaps.
Great. The one person I did not want to run into. I suck in a breath, turning on my heels.
“At the library. I’m not in the mood for your shit right now,” I grit.
I know an argument is coming. So much for all the progress we've made over the past few days.
“Not in the mood? I don’t care. Why the fuck did you miss training?”
