A Hockey Player's Guide To Deception

Chapter Two

Kayla nibbled on her lower lip, standing at the feet of the prestigious institution. Being here made everything feel even more real, she was tempted to turn and just walk away. The gigantic iron gates stood open as students arrived in their expensive cars, the hum of engines and quiet chatter filling the air. Her arms hung stiffly at her sides as she observed the boys filing in, each one donning neatly ironed blazers. A deep, forest green with the school's crest emblazoned on the chest. Beneath the blazers, she could spot crisp white shirts with stiff collars, each paired with striped, green ties and sharply creased dark trousers.

The uniforms were sleek and traditional, carrying the weight of the school's rich history. Each boy carried an air of formality and importance; Kayla pursed her lips. She would definitely stick out like a sore thumb with her clothes that reeked of dust and cheap cologne. Kayla inhaled a nervous breath, her eyes drifting down to her own appearance. Her shirt was two sizes too big, the fabric hanging awkwardly on her frame, and her trousers were creased, betraying her unfamiliarity with the proper etiquette. Her tie, an object she hadn't expected to wrestle with, was hopelessly lopsided.

 Beside her was her bag full of all her hockey equipment and on her back was the few essentials she managed to steal when she snuck back in the house and took everything, she assumed she would need. She reached up to touch her hair, a mop of dark spiraling curls, freshly chopped to fit her disguise. 

She had never felt more out of place.

This feeling of unease was new, more intense, like it was steroids. She had been a misfit for most of her life, but this was something else....anxiety, fear, and excitement, all heightened to the extreme. Her feet felt glued to the spot as she realized that once she stepped through those gates, Kayla Kingston would cease to exist. Nathan Kingston would take her place. 

With a final, deep sigh, she forced herself forward, her eyes fixed on the ground. Even though she avoided their gazes, she could feel the stares--some laced with contempt, others with confusion or curiosity. She felt like a fish out of water.

St. Thomas was deep within a sprawling, fog-shrouded forest, the school, an intimidating Gothic structure, its centuries-old stone walls covered in creeping Ivy. Tall, arched windows line the exterior casting long shadows over the cobblestone paths that wound through the meticulously kept grounds. A deep-rooted history permeated every corner, from the stone benches worn smooth by generations of students. Kayla felt like she had been thrust back into the Victorian Era. Despite its beauty, the place was grand but cold, a dark aura clouded the atmosphere.

"Good morning." Kayla looked up, dark obsidian eyes stared directly at her and for a moment she thought he could see right through her disguise. 

Her heart thundered as his gaze swept over her, gaze hardening with a hint of disdainful superiority.

"Hello," she managed to reply, her voice trembling slightly. She purposefully made her voice deeper,

"Nathan Kingston?" He raised a dark arched brow, Kayla nodded silently. The words lost on the tip of her tongue. He was striking, everything about him was sharp, sculpted, defined.

"Interesting." He remarked, his gaze gave her a once over that made her breath hitch in nervousness, her knees were weakened by the intense anticipation. She waited for him to scream security and have her dragged and thrown out, but instead, he simply shook his head. Kayla exhaled quietly, her tension easing slightly.

"I'm Edward Scott, the Student Body President. It's my pleasure to give you a tour of our esteemed Academy. At just 17, you're already a top hockey player and a grade A student, and we're thrilled to welcome you to our school hockey team. I'm excited to show you around and help you get settled in."