𝐈 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮

Jonesy

  After my little breakdown in the bathroom, I was able to pull myself together enough to score the winning goal. The first half of the game had been an absolute shitshow but after a not so peppy pep talk from Daria and Bela, I put my game face back on and tried to rid all images of Althea in her tiny dress from my mind.

  I didn't hate the thought of her, I hated that Daria was technically right. The very thought of her distracted me. Everything she did was a distraction, a welcome one, but a distraction nonetheless. I made a mental note to set aside more time to practice on the ice by myself.

  I couldn't have scouts coming to my games only to see me fuck it all up because I couldn't stop thinking about a girl who kept giving me whiplash. It was slightly pathetic and embarrassing.

  My winning shot did however silence any whispers about how I should hand over the captaincy over to Bela. She had made an announcement while I was in the bathroom and was met with a lot of "I didn't say that" "Who said that?"

  Several of my teammates congratulated me and told me they would never say anything like that. They never doubted my ability to be co-captain. I took each sentiment with a grain of salt, considering they were all college athletes, they would no doubt be changing their statements the moment I was out of earshot.

"Hey, Jones, are you coming out with us to Mel's tonight?" Sterling Fulton was Bela's long term girlfriend. No one knew how long they've been together exactly since they'd been together for as long as anyone has known them.

  Sterling was the complete opposite of Bela. Short, timid, quiet, and didn't have a single sporty bone in her body. She was a homebody, which was shocking considering Bela was always the life of the party, but somehow they made it work.

  There was always a sharp pang of jealousy that surged through my body whenever I saw them together. They had been together for so long and were so in love it almost made me sick.

"I don't know, Sterling. I'm not feeling the best, I'll probably just go back to my dorm and watch something." I shrugged off my gear and stuffed it into my locker.

  Typically non athletes weren't allowed in the hockey locker room but everyone saw Sterling as an honorary player. They were also too afraid of Bela to tell her that her girlfriend wasn't allowed in, even the coaches.

  She gave me a knowing look and a quick squeeze on my arm. "You take care of yourself, Okay?"

  I swallowed the lump in my throat. I don't know how she did it, but she could always tell when I wasn't feeling myself. She probably picked it up by being around Bela. She had taken up the role as the "mom" of the friend group. Her purse was always full of bandaids, gauze, ibuprofen, and various other first aid essentials. She also kept a bag of Dum Dum's on hand, mainly because Bela was basically an overgrown child.

"Thanks, Sterls." I returned her smile and she gave me a small wave of her fingers before trotting over to where Bela stood in her sports bra admiring her new "battle scars." Soon the sound of Sterling fussing over the new bruise on Bela's rib cage and Bela's laughter filled the room.

  It was tradition for my friends and I to go to Mel's Diner after every game, win or lose. They had the best butter pecan ice cream in the entire state, and everything was handcrafted.

  But after my breakdown before the game, going out with my friends didn't seem all that exciting. I knew I wouldn't be very much fun to hangout with, so the best decision for everyone would be for me to stay in my dorm and rewatch old highlights from previous games.

  Once I arrived at the dormitory, I kicked off my shoes and threw myself onto my bed. I considered making myself something to eat but the thought of food made me want to hurl.

  I debated texting Mika, but ever since she had seen Althea and I in the kitchen, she had become wary. I guess the news of our shared kiss at the Rink Party had reached her and she was taking it a little too seriously.

  Groaning, I rolled onto my back and dialed my brother's number. Ellis was younger than me by two years and recently started his first "big boy" job as an intern at some high level tech company. I never understood why he was still there considering they kept him on a short leash and long hours, but he loved it.

  Ellis picked up after the third ring, his voice winded. "Jones, you better have a damn good reason to be calling me right now." I heard the sound of a dog barking behind him and my heartbeat quickened.