Page 175 of Treacherous
Chapter 28
Willow Rogers
Igrip my laces, tightening my skates until my ankle throbs. It’s the last game of the regular season before the first round of the Frozen Four.
Although the result won’t affect us in terms of ranking, going into the finals with a win is a great confidence boost.
This past week, I’ve tried to make hockey my entire focus, limiting my interactions with Jayden. The past couple weeks have felt different, and I’m fucking terrified.
The way he cared for me while I was on my period, buying my favourite chocolate–I still don’t know how he knew–and it didn’t faze him to buy tampons for me.
I need to put a stop to our agreement, but the selfish part of me doesn’t want it to end.
The training session from earlier in the week plays on my mind. I hate to admit it to people, but it is hard to participate in activities when I’m on my period. The pain is excruciating, and despite all the doctors visits, they still say it'snormal.I beg to differ, but what would I know? I’m only a fucking woman.
Exhaling, I look around the locker room. Everyone is buzzing with energy, eager to get onto the ice. Coach West calls us into a huddle, giving instructions on how he wants us to play.
No one dares to look away. The coaching staff have the respect of every player on the team, and that is returned in spades.
Coach West and Harris are the best mentors I’ve ever had. Over the course of the season, the coaches and my teammates have made me fall in love with hockey again. Before transferring, I thought this would be my last year in the sport, but now my dreams consist of playing professional hockey and being a role model for girls across America.
Jayden’s voice echoes in the locker room. “Our last regular scene game, so go after the game and don’t back down.”
All of us cheer, following Jayden through the tunnel and onto the ice. The crowd’s screams echo throughout the arena, bringing a smile onto my face. I want this win.
I need it.
***
“Fuck,” I groan, skating to the bench.
Sam races onto the ice, taking my position on the wing. I clutch at my right side, wincing when my fingers place too much pressure on my ribs. Sitting down, I let my head fall back onto the plastic barrier.
The Minnesota Bulls are playing their asses off but are more than happy to resort to questionable body checks to steal the puck.
They’ve been targeting me all game, and I know it’s because they assume I’m an easier target than my teammates.
Coach Harris rushes over to me. “Willow, are you okay?”
No. Definitely not okay.“Fine,” I lie, gritting my teeth at the pain.
Harris tilts his head and his eyebrows raise as if to say:you’re full of shit.
“Okay, fine. My ribs are killing me.”
My hands haven’t moved, holding my side. I look back to the ice, wanting nothing more than to get back out there. Coach has different plans, shaking his head. “You are one tough player, Willow, but I want you to sit the rest of the game out.”
I open my mouth, trying to protest, but Harris doesn’t let me.
“I know you want to get back out there, but we need you ready for the Regional Semi-finals.”
I sigh, nodding. “I understand.”
The third period drags on forever as I sit on the bench, bouncing my leg. Nerves cripple my stomach, helplessness rushing through my body. I hate being sidelined. I want to be on the ice all the time, helping my team win.
My eyes flick to the clock, the red numbers counting every second until the end of the game.
My attention is drawn back to the ice when Aiden collides with a Bulls player and steals the puck. He passes it off to Jayden, who doesn’t waste any time, offloading it to Sam, who is in a perfect position to score.
