Unknown Beginning

Part 41

Back on campus, Riley had originally planned to try to talk to James before warm-ups but she was nowhere to be found until the team was getting on the ice. Even more concerning, Kenny still hadn't arrived despite texting Riley that she would be there an hour ago. Not wanting to draw attention to Kenny's absence, Riley began warming up with the team as usual. James wasn't actively ignoring Riley but she certainly wasn't making any effort towards niceties. James passed to Riley when she needed to, communicated as a teammate was expected, yet no more. Riley knew she should be grateful the game likely wouldn't suffer as a result of their rift, but really, all she cared about was talking to James.

With only five minutes left of warm-ups, Riley saw Kenny sneak onto the ice and try to blend in with the team in the hopes Coach V wouldn't notice. Feeling relieved Kenny had shown up at all, Riley made sure to find Kennny after they left the ice.

Once in the locker room Riley spotted Kenny and asked "Hey where have you been? Are you ok?"

Turning on the spot and throwing her arms around Riley, Kenny replied excited "Hi! Ohmygosh I'm so happy to see you again!"

Riley grinned at the enthusiasm and returned the hug before pulling away and asking again "What happened?"

Brushing off Riley's concern, Kenny replied brightly "Nothing! I was just running late but I got here so it's all good."

Riley couldn't be sure but something seemed off. Were Kenny's normally round cheeks more hollow? Did she look more tired than usual?

Feeling the need to be direct, Riley questioned "Were you with Tyler?"

Kenny had sat down to tighten her skates, "Huh?" she said as she glanced quickly up at Riley before breaking eye contact and answering "Oh yeah. We just lost track of time. Then when I was trying to leave he tried to convince me to skip because the team wouldn't notice anyway but I knew you'd be looking for me."

"He said the team wouldn't notice if you weren't here?" Riley clarified, eyes narrowing. "That's a pretty shitty thing to say. And blatantly untrue. Not only was I worried about you when you were late, but the entire team would notice if you missed the game. The coaches would notice too. Everyone would. You're an important part of this team, Kenny."

Kenny rolled her eyes "I'm not that important. It's not like I make a difference if we win or lose or anything. They could easily replace me if I wasn't here."

"Says who? Tyler? He doesn't know anything, Kenny. And if he's making you feel like you don't matter or are replaceable then that's messed up and he's wrong."

Kenny must have heard the firm anger in Riley's tone because she tried to lighten the mood and said "Hey, it's not a big deal, ok? I'm here. I'm fine. I know you're my #1 fan and I love you for that but we gotta get out on the ice now, ok? Let's go!"

Riley knew there was no use trying to push the subject right now so instead she muttered "Yeah. I AM your #1 fan... and he should be too" as she let Kenny lead her to the rink.