Unknown Beginning

Part 5

Practice was going just about as badly as Riley anticipated. Hardly anyone looked or talked to her unless absolutely necessary except Kenny. Riley could hear her teammates rude comments with complete clarity as no one was even pretending to whisper.

"Oh yeah, big shot finally made time for us"

"She thinks she's so good"

"I heard she left Harvard because she thought she was too good for them"

"I heard she got kicked out because she's failed all her classes"

"She should stick to soccer, no one wants her here"

"I bet they didn't want her either"

These comments were made by most of the players throughout the practice but Riley just ignored them as she focused on the drills. During the water break before a scrimmage Kenny stood next to Riley trying to comfort her "Don't listen to them, they don't know what they are talking about".

"It's the whole damn team, Kenny. How am I supposed to play with them if they all hate me? They won't even pass to me"

"They don't know you." Kenny reassured "They'll settle down once we get a few games under our belt."

"Kenny, you know I love you but we both know that's bullshit. I'm just going to play the game and ignore them but if any of them say anything to me directly I'm not putting up with that shit" Riley said sternly.

Jamie Jameson, known as James by her teammates, overheard Riley's last words and sneered "Oh Ms. Cocky thinks she's a tough guy now too"

Riley turned roughly to face James "You got a problem with me?"

James' eyes narrowed as she opened her mouth to retort but Coach V interrupted as she instructed everyone to take their positions for the scrimmage.

James, who was a third-year and a captain, also happened to be on the first line with Riley as right wing. James was determinedly not looking at Riley as she took her center position. The scrimmage began much as the practice had been, with everyone avoiding Riley. The only downside for her teammates was that Riley was so good she often had the puck and even scored a few times despite her teammates lack of cooperation.

Things came to a head however when Riley was clearly about to receive the puck and out of nowhere James knocked into her aggressively and stole the puck despite being on the same team. Coach V witnessed this and called James out on the lack of teamwork yet James made no changes to her play.

When Coach V switched up the teams she placed Claire, the fourth-year who's position Riley replaced, and James on the opposing team from Riley. As Riley faced Claire while waiting for the puck drop, Claire sneered "You're a fucking bitch and I bet Harvard kicked you out because you were too stupid for them" as she shoved into Riley when Riley took possession of the puck.

Now Riley generally didn't care what other people thought but the continued emotional and physical hits were wearing on her. Her new teammates didn't know it yet but Riley had a temper. It took quite a bit for her to reach that level of anger but when it did, it was best to steer clear of her. This temper worked to her advantage playing sports and although she didn't play dirty, she did play rough. Anyone who played with or against her in the past could attest to this. And Claire made an even bigger mistake when she went after Kenny in the next play. Riley could get fired up when things were directed at herself, especially an injustice, but when her friends and teammates were brought into it, she responded on a whole different level.

Moments later when Claire made her way back towards Riley with the puck, Riley laid her out, hard. As Claire remained on her back, flat on the ice, Riley bent down to speak directly to Claire, voice filled with venom, "Stay down. And don't you ever fucking touch Kenny again you dumb jealous cunt." before she coolly skated away.

All the players stood frozen as they looked from Riley to Claire who was still laying on the ice. Coach V had made her way over to Claire to assess her injuries with the athletic trainer. Once it was determined Claire's ego was the only thing injured, Coach V told her to go take a seat and rest. Next she instructed the team to continue scrimmaging as she gestured to Riley to come over.

"Riley. I know the team has been giving you a hard time but I can't have you injuring players" Coach V admonished.

"Claire wasn't even hurt. And she hit Kenny first" Riley rebutted.

"I know, I saw. I'll be talking to Claire about her behavior as well. But I need you to rise above it. I need you to lead the team" Coach instructed.

"I'm not the captain, Claire is. They don't need me to lead them. They don't even like me." Riley replied flatly.

"Just give it some time, ok?" You're my best player and I don't want to lose you because of your temper" Coach V tried again. "Why don't you hit the locker room and cool off. We have our first game soon and I want you fresh for that, all right?"

"Yup. Got it." Riley muttered, already making her way to the locker room.