The Rude Awakening of Love

6 - The Hockey Game

Emerson's POV

I had never been a big fan of hockey. Growing up, my dad always preferred to watch football or basketball, so I never really had the chance to develop an interest in the sport. I wasn't exactly thrilled to be going to this game, but I didn't want to turn down the invitation, especially since they had been so welcoming to me since I moved in.

Savannah and I got out of my car and made our way into the arena.

"Oh my god" I whispered to Sav.

"What?!" she asked concerned.

"You see that girl standing between Ellie and Sophia?" Savannah nodded her head. "That's the girl that hooked up with Dakota. The one I was telling you about"

"Ugh. What is she doing here?" Savannah whispered to me as we walked over to the small group of girls.

Lily glared at me.

"Emerson! Savannah!" Ellie greeted us. "This is our roommate, Lily!"

I gave her a fake smile. 

"Hi" she said annoyed. She kept her responses short with a slight attitude in her tone when talking to me.

I gave Savannah a knowing look as we followed behind the girls.

I sat in-between Ellie and Savannah, while Lily and Sophia sat behind us.

I couldn't help but feel a bit out of place amongst the sea of die-hard hockey fans. This was the first game of the season, so everyone was super excited. I tried to keep up with what was going on, but I found myself getting lost in the cheers and chants of the crowd.

"There's Cole!" Savannah pointed at her boyfriend on the ice excitedly. "Bentley's number 26" Ellie told us as the team began to skate out.

It wasn't until then that my attention was really caught. One of them, in particular, stood out to me. He was tall, with broad shoulders and a serious expression that seemed to demand attention. I couldn't take my eyes off of him, and as he skated around the rink, I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity.

I leaned over Ellie and asked, "Who's that player? He looks kind of familiar." I pointed at #57.

Ellie's face lit up as she replied, "Dakota."

My eyes widened in surprise. I had no idea that my roommate was a D1 hockey player. No one ever mentioned it when the boys were telling me they played hockey or when they invited me.

"You live with the boy and didn't know he was on the team?" Lily laughed. "He's literally the star player of the team" she scoffed.

I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. Everyone knew so much about Dakota except me.

The game began and I couldn't take my eyes off Dakota. I was mesmerized by his skill on the ice and the way he commanded the attention of the entire arena. 

But every time I looked over at Lily, I noticed her eyes glued to Dakota as he played. A sly smile formed on her face when she notice me looking at her. I shifted my attention back to the ice.

I watched the game closely as Dakota skated around the rink with determination. He seemed so focus as he skated circles around the opposing team and scored a goal.

In the third period, tensions were high as the game was tied. I couldn't help but feel nervous as I watched the boys on the ice determined to win the game.

As the puck flew toward Dakota, he delivered a powerful slapshot which sent the puck soaring into the net. The crowd erupted into cheers. I couldn't help but feel a sudden surge of excitement as I stood and cheered on Dakota.

But the game was far from over. As tensions rose between both teams, a fight broke out on the ice. My eyes scanned the ice finding Dakota in the middle of it, defending his teammates.

But as the referees broke up the fight and Dakota skated back to his bench, I couldn't help but feel proud of my roommate.

Once the game ended, we made our way to the lobby to wait for the boys. "So what did you think?" Ellie asked eagerly. "It was fun" I said with a small smile, not wanting to share too much information in front of Lily. 

I gave Savannah a look indicating that we needed to talk later.

After a few minutes Cole and Bentley joined us in the lobby. Sav immediately ran up to her boyfriend and compliment him on everything he did during the game.

I watched as Bentley made his way over to me,  "I didn't actually think that you would come" A smile formed on his face. I looked him up and down as I admired him. He was wearing a navy blue suit with a white shirt underneath. His shirt was slightly unbuttoned and his hair was messy. "Why wouldn't I?" I questioned with a smile.

Before I could say anything else, Dakota appeared in front of us, his face flushed with anger. "What are you doing here, Emerson-Rose?" he demanded.

"I'm here with my friends, supporting the team," I tried to explain, my smile fading quickly off my face.

"We don't need your support," he snapped. "I need you to stay away and leave my friends alone. You're always trying to distract me, and it's not fair. I need to focus on the game."

I couldn't help but feel hurt by his words.

Dakota looked around realizing all of his friends heard everything. His eyes softened when he saw Lily.

"You were amazing out there," she said, her eyes shining with admiration.

'Thanks, I'm just happy we won," he replied in a calm tone, trying to play it cool.

"No, really. I've never seen anyone play like that before. And the way you stood up for your team, it was so brave." Lily flirted.

Feeling awkward and out of place, I decided it was best to leave. I headed towards the exit, feeling guilty for unintentionally cause a rift between the friend group.

As I was about to leave, I heard someone calling my name. I turned around to see Bentley running after me. "Wait, Emerson," he said, his tone soft. "I'm sorry about Dakota. He can be a dick."

"It's okay," I replied, still unsure of what to say.

"I know this is not an excuse for how rude he's being to you, but he has as a lot going on right now." Bentley explained.

I could could see the sincerity in his eyes. "Oh," I said, offering him a small smile.

"Also, I'm really glad you came," His bright blue eyes gleamed.

I flashed a genuine smile at him.

"Come hangout with us tonight? I'll pick you up."

I nodded yes, feeling grateful to see this side of Bentley and to be invited to something.

As Savannah and I waked out of the stadium, I couldn't help but feel a newfound interest in hockey and for the boy I had just met.