WRITTEN IN THE STARS ִ ࣪𖤐 TREVOR ZEGRAS

CHAPTER 1 ࣪𖤐

Present Day

࣪𖤐 TREVOR ࣪𖤐

"For fuck's sake, Turcs!" I exclaimed.

It was the off-season for hockey, and as per our tradition, the boys and I were gathered at the Hughe's summer house. Alex chimed in, apologising, "Hey, man, my bad! Didn't realise my aim was that accurate." We were all goofing around at the beach while our parents were busy setting up for the epic end-of-hockey-season bash. It had become a ritual since our first NHL year. Alex had just fished my phone out of the ocean, now shattered and dripping with saltwater. He frantically attempted to dry it off, desperately trying to rid it of the seawater which now has invaded my phone, "Why the hell did you think it was a good idea to play piggy in the middle with my phone" I shot a glare at Alex and Cole, frustration simmering in my voice. Cole tries to find an explanation, "We just were curious to who you were texting because it was the first time we have seen you smile at something on your phone since you know" which only frustrated me more. "Seriously, guys? You were so curious about who I was texting? Just because I was smiling? You could have simply asked! And by the way, it wasn't a girl. I was texting Griff. He sent a picture to our group chat of him and his girlfriend wearing matching onesies in the middle of the airport. It was hilarious." They both looked at me apologetically, realising their assumption had been off-base.

To be honest, it had been a while since I dated anyone seriously since my first love broke up with me right before I left for the NHL. Sure, there were flings and random hookups along the way, given my status as an all-star hockey player, but no-one that ever came as close to Blair. As the last three years have passed, Blair hasn't occupied much space in my thoughts. Yet, as we return to the familiar embrace of the Hughes' summer home, memories of her presence flood my mind. I can't help but reminisce about those moments when love consumed us and the joy we shared. But those days are long gone now, and I strive to redirect my mind, urging it to fixate on something else, anything else. Still, the nostalgia lingers, tugging at my heartstrings in this place that holds the echoes of a love that once was. Jack breaks me out of my thoughts, "I think you left your old phone here three years ago, you can use that for the time being" and I nodded as we all head home to get ready for tonights celebration.

"Z! Are you ready?" I heard Jack's voice as he entered my room, filled with energy. "Yeah, just need to put on some aftershave!" I replied, grabbing the bottle from my dresser. Jack made himself comfortable on my bed, engrossed in his phone. "Oh, by the way, I charged your old iPhone. It should be all set for you to use," he said, handing me the device. I powered it on and left it on the bed to reboot.

Glancing at the mirror, I adjusted my hair, knowing my mother would have a fit if I didn't look my best in front of her friends who had traveled across state lines to celebrate the end of the season. Suddenly, Cole exclaimed, "Shit! I didn't realise this phone was that ancient" Both Cole and Alex had joined Jack on the bed, their curiosity piqued.

Confused, I took my phone back from Cole, finally understanding what he was getting at. This phone was the one I had when I was dating Blair, and everything on it was a reminder of her. My background, my photo gallery, and even my texts were all Blair-coded. I took a deep breath, determined not to let this realisation dampen my mood.There was a knock on my door, and to my surprise, it was Ava. "The parents are wondering where you guys are. Save your chit chat for later," she said, her playful tone laced with authority. We all chuckled, reminiscing about the days when she was little and sass-free.

As we made our way downstairs, a bustling house greeted us. Our parents, along with familiar faces from our high school days, filled the rooms. Yet, an uneasy feeling settled within me, wondering if Blair would make an appearance. After all, nearly everyone we went to school with was here. Each year, a glimmer of hope flickered, wondering if she would join us, honouring the tradition that the Hughes' and my family had established—to gather at their summer home in the Hamptons. And yet, year after year, I was left disappointed when she failed to show up. "Come on Z, let's head to the beer pong table" Caufield cheers, and we all follow.