Page 46 of Treacherous
“I’m on track to graduate with a 4.0 GPA. And I’ve been starting some research for when I start at Cooper and Byrd next summer,”
I smile, happy for my best friend’s success. Jaz completed an internship at Cooper and Byrd–a research company that focuses on athletes and the effect mental health and concussion have on them. Ever since Jaz found out about them, it has been her dream to work there.
“What about you?” Jaz begins. “Are you going to find a team to continue playing hockey?”
My chest tightens as fears of the future creeping up my spine like a ghost. The future seems to haunt me wherever I go, a reminder that I may never play competitive hockey again.
“I’m not too sure. I’ve got my eye on a couple dietetic internships over the summer, but other than that, I’m just living in the moment.”
Jaz offers an understanding smile. “I understand. I still think you should say fuck the patriarchy and try and make it in hockey.”
I flick my eyes away from Jaz, looking down at my hands that are resting in my lap. I wish I could do that, but playing in the NHL is an unrealistic dream, and I can’t afford to continue dreaming about an idealistic future.
Maybe one day, there will be a league for women to play hockey in North America but until then, my best bet is to become a dietitian. It allows me to have the best of both worlds, even if I’m not playing hockey, I can be in the environment.
I glance back to Jaz, who has a worried look in her eyes. I need to say something, so she won’t stress about me. I force a smile. “Maybe, but I’m fine. I like what I’m studying, and I’m good at it.”
Once again, not a complete lie.
Jaz raises an eyebrow, as if to question me, but lets out a breath. “If you say so.”
A sigh escapes me. For now, I’m staying in the present. We may have lost today, but we are still one of the best teams in the division. There is nothing I want more than the Frozen Four trophy.
So, I will not be entertaining any more distractions. Especially one by the name of Jayden Allen.
Chapter 17
Jayden Allen
With the hockey season in full swing, my grades have been neglected.
Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence as my future has always been hockey. I do enough to pass my classes and that is all that matters. What I didn’t realise was some of my classes have midterms coming up in a week.
Cooper is helping me study because he seems to be the only person on the team not stressed about the upcoming exams. He is leaning on my chair, arms stretching over his head.
I’m lying on my stomach on top of the bedsheets, which isn’t the best idea when trying to study. Papers are spread across the double bed and I feel like I'm drowning in long-ass words that I still don't know the meaning of.
“Time for a break. I can’t look at legal theories for much longer.” I say, spinning to rest against my headboard.
Coops laughs but places the flashcards on my desk. I stare at them for longer than necessary. “Can you put them into the draw? There should be a case labelled LES305.”
“So, Willow was right about your control freak tendencies?” Cooper jokes, but he listens to me and packs the cards away.
I roll my eyes. “She thinks that way because we are complete opposites in that regard. I love control, she loves chaos.”
“A little bit of chaos never hurt anyone.”
A remain quiet, Cooper’s words playing on repeat in my mind. In some ways, he is right but in my experience, chaos has been my downfall. I attribute the loss of Allison to chaos, and it is one of the reasons I’m always searching to control my emotions.
I’ll admit that sometimes I go too far, trying to project onto others. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that it is Willow that tugs that response from me.
“I’ve never seen this woman before,” Cooper says, drawing my attention. “Who is she?”
My eyes flutter shut, and fists clench the bedsheets. Not many people know about my past. Telling people I was driving the car when me and my high school girlfriend got into a car accident isn’t a great conversation starter.
Especially considering the outcome for Allison.
I clear my throat. “Her name was Allison, she was my girlfriend for most of high school. She…” I swallow back the lump that is stuck in my throat. “She died in a car accident. I was driving, and a drunk driver hit us.”
