A Hockey Player's Guide To Deception

Chapter Twelve

The moment they stepped into the room, Louis tossed his bags on the floor without a second thought and walked right back out the door without saying a word. Probably running back to Edward to be his lap dog.

Kayla didn't mind his absence at all. In fact, she was more than glad to have the room all to herself, even if it was just for a while. Maybe he'll be gone all night, she hoped, feeling the tension in her shoulders ease. She didn't care where he went, as long as he stayed gone. Kayla kicked off her shoes and glanced around the small room. One bed, as promised. The thought of sharing it with Louis still made her stomach churn. She sank down onto the edge of the mattress, running a hand through her hair, grateful for the brief solitude. Her hair was growing back curlier and thicker, she would have to trim it when they got back to school. She allowed herself a small smile. At least I can relax for a bit, she thought, already imagining how peaceful it would be if Louis decided to keep his distance until morning.

Her eyes fluttered shut as she fell back onto the bed, letting the mattress swallow her whole. Sleep beckoned, its pull tempting after the long day, but she knew she needed a cool shower first. She wanted to wash up and change into her pajamas before Louis got back.  Usually, she didn't wear her binder to bed. She had tried during her first week at St. Thomas, but it had been unbearable—tossing and turning, stiff as a board on that uncomfortable mattress. After a few sleepless nights, she gave up, deciding that rushing to shower and jump into bed right after school or practice was the safest routine. She'd wake up extra early to get dressed before Ishaan even stirred.

But just as she was about to push herself off the bed, the familiar trickle of fluid down her thigh made her eyes swing open in alarm. No... please, not now, she thought as she swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up, her heart pounding in her chest. She cursed silently under her breath. Please don't let it be what I think it is. For the entire time she'd been at school, she hadn't gotten a single period, and she had been grateful for that small mercy. She assumed the stress of living in a new, unfamiliar environment had delayed it, or maybe—unrealistically—she had hoped her body would just forget about it until she graduated, or until "Nathan" graduated, at least.

As she stood there, feeling the uncomfortable dampness confirming her worst fear, an alarm went off in her head. Although she was fortunate not to suffer from crippling cramps, there was no avoiding the hassle that came with it. She had a pretty high pain tolerance and could handle the mild aches, but the timing couldn't have been worse. Kayla closed her eyes for a moment, willing herself to stay calm. I just need to handle this before Louis gets back. No big deal.  She rushed over to her bag, her hands trembling as she frantically dug through her belongings, searching for her emergency kit. Her mind raced, heart pounding in her chest. Please, please be here, she thought, her worst fear flashing through her mind—the possibility that she had left it behind. Without it, she'd be done for.

"Aha!" she whispered in relief as the familiar pouch finally came into sight. Without a second thought, she snatched it up and spun towards the bathroom, not watching where she was going in her haste. But the sudden sound of items crashing to the floor made her freeze mid-step. She whipped her head around to see Louis' belongings scattered across the floor.

"Shit," she hissed under her breath, immediately dropping to her knees. She scrambled to gather his things, hastily stuffing them back into his bag without really looking at what she was picking up. Her movements were frantic, her mind already focused on getting to the bathroom. She glanced sideways and saw some of his items had rolled under the small table by the bed.

Groaning, she crawled over, trying to reach for the stray items, but her fingers couldn't quite grab them. Frustration building, she repositioned herself on her knees and stretched forward, her arm fully extended under the table.