Spring's Unexpected Love

Chapter 18 (Ximena)

What did one wear to an ice hockey game?

I asked myself this as I stood in front of my closet, throwing different outfit ideas onto my bed. I could've just worn what I wore to school, but I wanted to make things a bit more special.

I eventually settled on a fitted white t-shirt with an oversized varsity jacket on top, paired with comfy black yoga pants and Converse high-tops.

"Gosh what's taking so long!" Mateo said, walking into my room as I stood in front of my mirror, applying a thin layer of eyeliner.

"What'd I say about coming in without knocking!" I yelled, flinging my brush at his face. I had braided my hair in a single braid that hung down on my back.

Mateo ducked, and the brush hit the wall with a loud thud, "How am I supposed to knock when your door is wide open?"

Emilia, who had been sitting on her bed which was across from mine, stood up and shoved me away from the mirror. "Okay, you've been hogging up the mirror long enough; it's my turn!"

I glared at her, "Ugh, this is why I hate sharing a room with you."

Mateo smirked, "Sucks for you! I have my own room!" He ran back into the hallway before I could throw something else at him.

Siblings... they were always so annoying.

After we all got ready, my family met in the living room, buzzing with excitement. This was the first time we'd been out together in a long time.

"Are you sure it's fine to just leave the restaurant?" I asked my father as we got ready to leave the house.

He nodded, and a reassuring smile on his face, "Don't worry, mija, the restaurant is in good hands. Marco has been working for us since we first opened years ago; he'll be fine with the help of the rest of our staff."

"Plus, it's been a while since we all went somewhere together," My mother said, "And a sports game at that? I'm excited!"

"It's not a professional game," I told her, although I was excited too.

Her eyes sparkled, "Even so, I'm sure it'll be exciting."

The ride to the arena where the game was happening was a short one; I'd seen it on many occasions but never got the chance to see it at night. I wasn't sure if it was because there was a game, but it was lit up in a spectacular icy blue.

I was surprised to see that the line to get into the arena was considerably long, even though this was no professional hockey game. But then again, most of the student hockey players who played in the league would eventually go on to play in college and then, if they had the skills, the NFL. I wondered if that was what Asher wanted for his future.

After getting checked in and going through minimal security, we finally made it inside the arena. Our seats were located somewhere in the middle, offering a reasonable view of the ice.

The atmosphere was energetic as the audience waited for the two teams to come out onto the ice. Mateo, sitting next to me, elbowed me in the ribs, "When do you think the game will start?"

I glared at him, "Be patient; we just got here." After around five minutes there was a loud noise on the loudspeaker.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our town's champions, the Oak Ridge Urchins!" A voice boomed throughout the stadium, "Let's make some noise!"

The considerably large crowd cheered and screeched as the Urchins, clad in jerseys that were black and ice blue, skated onto the rink, arms raised, hockey sticks overhead.