Page 47 of Soulmates and Slapshots
My phone buzzes again. As I read the message from Fiona, a massive grin stretches across my face.
You got this. It’s your night.
Somehow, it’s exactly what I need to hear. How does she always know? It’s like we’re always in sync no matter what’s happening around us. She has this uncanny ability to show up right when I need someone.
I stare at the screen, her words echoing in my mind. I almost can’t remember a time I didn’t know her. And the thought that she might not be here much longer makes my stomach twist into knots. I want to ask her to stay in Maple Falls, to take a chance on the small-town life, and the connection we share.
But I haven’t…yet. I know her aunt would back me up, but I can’t expect her to make that decision for me. As much as I want her to stay, she needs to want it too. She needs to choose what’s best for her future. So I’m holding back and hoping her heart is leading her in the same direction as mine.
I drag myself out of my thoughts and type a response.
When you say it, I believe it. Thank you.
It’s time to get into game mode. I drop my phone into my bag and make my way out to the ice with a bit more hope than I had earlier.
Tonight we’re playing against the Saskatoon Titans, and as expected they came ready for battle. The tension intensifies from the first drop of the puck. With each pass and move it feels like they are pushing harder. This isn’t just a game for my teammate, Asher; for him this is personal. He’s locked in a fierce rivalry with one of their top players, and it’s clear neither of them plans to back down. Every time they cross paths, they look like they are ready to brawl.
I spot Fiona in the crowd sitting in the front row, right behind the glass, wearing an Ice Breakers sweatshirt. A simple glimpse of her grounds me in a way I needed. Mypulse slows, my grip tightens on my hockey stick, and I remind myself of what she said before the game,It’s your night.
I want to believe that. And knowing she’s here to support me makes me want it even more.
The clock’s winding down in the first period, and the Warriors are on a power play, down by a goal. Their desperation is starting to show, and every move they make is meant to break us. Suddenly it happens. Something in me shifts and I feel my adrenaline take over. I see the play unfold in slow motion, like I already know what's coming.
The puck slides across the ice to their star forward. He’s open and winds up for a slap shot aiming straight at our net. Without thinking, I launch myself into the line of fire, throwing my body in front of the puck. The impact hurts, but I push through the pain.
The puck rebounds off me and spins across the ice. One of their players lunges for it, but I’m already scrambling to my feet. I get there first, just in time to steal it. I whip it down the rink, sending it flying past the red line as the clock ticks closer to zero.
The arena explodes. My teammates are shouting, banging their sticks, slapping my back as I make it to the bench where the guys are on their feet waiting for me. I did it, just like she said I would.
I glance up into the stands at Fiona. She’s hopping up and down, exchanging high fives with everyone around her. Seeing her so happy only magnifies this moment for me.
Yep. This is my night.
I’m still feeling the high from my big play until the game takes a sudden and shocking turn. The tension between Asher and one of the Warriors players has reached a boiling point. That guy has been antagonizing Asher all night withhis relentless trash talk, pushing him further until he finally snaps.
They collide at center ice in an explosive fight. Cade and Lucian are there in an instant, backing Asher up without hesitation, and Clément isn't far behind. It’s pure chaos, and the noise of the crowd only adds to it. The officials manage to get in and force the players apart, and then everything seems to move in slow motion. Clément is down.
I didn’t even see what happened. One moment he was charging forward, and the next—he’s crumpled on the ice, clearly in pain. My stomach drops. Coaches and paramedics rush into the rink. The blur of flashing lights and frantic voices overtakes everything. The only thing I can focus on now is Clément.
Despite everything that’s happened, we manage to pull out a win against the Warriors, but none of us are in the mood to celebrate. The locker room is unusually quiet after the game. The doctors are still checking Clément, and right now, he’s the only thing any of us can think about. He’s our teammate, our friend…and in my case, my roommate.
Asher is a wreck because he believes this is his fault. Cade tries to talk him down, but Asher isn’t having it. He shakes him off and storms out of the locker room without another word.
I watch him go, feeling helpless. I don’t even know how I’m supposed to feel. We just won one of our toughest games of the season, and I played my heart out. But any pride I might feel is overshadowed by worry. It feels selfish to think about stats when Clément is suffering.
I toss my gear into my bag and make my way out of the locker room. My eyes immediately land on Fiona sitting alone on a bench in the hallway, her hands folded in her lap. As soon as she spots me, she jumps to her feet.
“Hey,” she says, quickly coming toward me.
“Hey,” I reply, exhaustion in my voice.
“How’s Clément?” she asks.
I shrug. “He’s with the doctors. We haven’t heard anything yet.”
“I’m so sorry,” she says softly. “I hope he’s okay.”
“Yeah. Me too.”
