Not So Perfect (West Coast Campus Book 4)

Chapter 8

had to republish because wattpad messed up the order of all the chapters😭

Mike

The following day, Tatum and I decide to meet up in the parking lot after practice-fucking terrible one if you ask me.

Sure, I skated a little bit but as soon as my chest started getting tight and my breathing became shallow, I sat on the bench for the rest of the time, watching Tatum lean heavily on the boards as she plastered on a smile for Ava and Brayden.

Honestly, I'm surprised Ava hasn't suspected anything. She's the smartest person I know and yet she isn't questioning why Tatum is wearing a toque or why she isn't out there on the ice with them like she usually is.

Afterwards, we meet awkwardly by my truck like we're dealing drugs and it's an even more awkward car ride to the Cancer Agency, traffic light as we navigate through Vancouver.

"Want me to take that?" I gesture to the blanket she has tucked under her arm, all while trying to balance a tote bag and some water with the other.

She pushes the button for the door, passing me everything. I hide my smile with a shake of my head, following her down the small, white hallway with outdated posters lining each side, taking a mask from the person at the small desk.

Glancing around, nothings changed. Those terrible blue waiting chairs are still here, random beds all over the place. Even the coloured lines on the floor are still here, directing people where to go.

"Hi. Tatum Williams. November 2nd, 2002. And before any of you ask, no, I'm not pregnant." Tatum slides her care card towards the receptionist and I snort, shifting.

"I-okay." The receptionist stammers, eyeing me. "You'll have your treatment and I have a note from your oncologist that he'd like to see you afterwards."

My back rams straight and I'm hit with awful memories of my mom but Tatum just nods, drumming her fingers against the desk as she waits for her card back.

"Will you quit that? It's rude to stare at the dying," Tatum huffs, gripping my wrist to start dragging me down the hall before she stops suddenly, her hand moving up to squeeze my bicep a few times. "Damn, Micheal. Who knew you had such of a sleeper build?"

I rip my arm out of her grasp and curse. "You have no filter, you know that? Fucking ridiculous."

She pouts, wrapping her sweater tighter around her as she guides us to another waiting room. "Why do you have to be so grumpy? You remind me of-Sienna! How are you babe?"

Who I assume is Sienna stands, looking equally as excited to see Tatum as Tatum is to see her. Unfortunately, I can tell just by glancing at her face and how the man sitting next to her gets all nervous when she stands that she's had a handful more of treatments than Tatum.

"I'm alright. How about you?"

Tatum shrugs, taking the seat across from the couple and I take the one beside her, draping the fuzzy blanket over her lap, freezing when I meet her confused look before it turns into a smile. I force myself to look away.

Sienna squints my way before her eyes widen and her jaw drops. "Oh my god. You're the goalie for West Coast College. My younger brother goes to school there and he absolutely loves hockey." She slaps the man beside her. "Look Dylan!"