State of Grace - Jack Hughes

011

Allie

A week of bullshit goes by and somehow, I am back in the car going back to New jersey for the remainder of the series. Graduation is around the corner, so do not tell my boss, but I hope the Devils pull this off so I can stay put the week of commencement. But working the second round would be fun. Sue me, I am indecisive.

Regardless it is late Thursday afternoon, again bringing more belongings from my college apartment to the new place in Jersey. There is a game going on right now, and I feel like a bad person not watching my teams play, and the anticipation is eating at me.

I am grateful for a friend like Lexie, who called me in the car to keep me updated and give us the opportunity to catch up as we finish up our semesters. Normally, I hate- no despise- talking on the phone for long periods of time in the car. I value alone time while driving, it gives me the opportunity to listen to my music with no complaints, at any volume I want. Regardless, Lexie has thrown this rule out the window and has become the exception to the rule.

We made it through the first period, the Devils are up 1-0, off an early goal score by Ondřej Palát. I mean the first 20 seconds of the game early. In Lexie's words "it was the work of a god."

"How was the last day with the kids?"

"Al, I almost cried. I know I wasn't really their teacher, but I feel like I've been with them for a whole year."

"Just think, no more student teaching, the next time they will be your first real class."

"Ugh, don't say that it makes me feel old."

"You're twenty-two," I say flatly, "You're in your Taylor year."

"Basically ancient." I roll my eyes, as if she can see me. "Don't roll your eyes. I can feel it through the phone."

"Sorry dear."

The mindless conversation continues throughout the game, with detailed descriptions of exciting plays. The game lasts the entire drive and so does our conversation. The game ended with a goal from my favorite captain Nico Hischier, always a nice boost to score on an empty net. The final score ended up being 4-0, and the Devils are finally leading the series. I couldn't be happier, but sad I couldn't watch.

"Alright Lou, I just parked, I am going to hang up and crawl into bed."

"Have you figured out the new car yet?"

I pause and pull my lips into a line. "Nope. Issue for after graduation."

"Did you get a bed frame? Or are you sleeping on the floor still?"

"Are you, my mother?" I tease. "I am going to order one and get it delivered. I do not want to deal with it."

"If you looked up 'responsibility avoidance' in the dictionary your picture would be there."

"Oh hush. A) you can't look up phrases in a dictionary; B) I am not avoiding, just busy." I start to drag myself out of the car and open my trunk deciding what I can carry up on this first trip. My phone starts to ring with another call, but I have no hands to look at it and it goes to voicemail before I can click it off myself. "I will talk to you later. Love you."

"Love you, night night." The line goes dead and my trek to the elevator again.

The ride up is slow, and again, my phone starts to ring, again no hands and it goes to voicemail. Finally, the door opens, and I round the corner of the hallway making my way to my door. I am a sight to see, a backpack on my front, huge Ikea duffle on my back, and holding a small box under my arm at my side.