A Hockey Player's Guide To Deception

Chapter Fiftteen

 Louis had fractured his ankle, and although it was a minor injury, he still wouldn't regain his usual ease of movement for at least the next six to eight weeks.

Kayla was left with the unfortunate duty of looking after him. Coach Cleaver, assuming it was only natural, they shared a room for one day, assigned her the task of helping Louis through his recovery ignoring the fact that he had a very able-bodied friend on the team who could have offered to help but refused. Bedridden, Louis had most of his needs met by a steward who brought him food, but Kayla was stuck with the rest.

Her routine quickly became chaotic. Between rushing to all of Louis's classes to collect his assignments and study materials, she still had to balance her own schoolwork and attend hockey practice. Every time the bell rang, she'd sprint through the halls to make sure she got his notes on time. Juggling everything felt overwhelming, and her own responsibilities started to feel like an afterthought as she tried to keep up with Louis's recovery.

Kayla couldn't help but resent Louis. He had made her first few weeks at St. Thomas Academy a living hell, and now she was stuck waiting on him just because he'd fractured his ankle. His so-called friends hadn't even bothered to check on him! Edward and Jojo, always engrossed in their conversations, would walk right past her in the halls without so much as a glance, never once asking how Louis was doing. Meanwhile, Kayla was the one saddled with the tedious task of giving daily updates to the principal, Mr. Scott.

Phones were banned at St. Thomas, and the only access to the outside world was through computers in the library, which were strictly for schoolwork. Personal electronics were locked away and could only be used on weekends or Wednesdays. Not that it mattered to her—Kayla's contact with John had ended the moment she'd left that house. She wondered if he was even looking for her, though she doubted anyone would care or notice she was gone. 

With a sigh, she knocked on the familiar oak doors she had come to dread. For two weeks now, she'd been standing before them every day, tasked with the additional job of updating Mr. Scott on the progress of Louis's health.

Drawing a steady breath, Kayla pushed the doors open and stepped inside. Mr. Scott sat in his usual spot, but standing in front of him, with his back to her, was Edward. The tension in the room was palatable, she could almost taste the bitter tang on her tongue. Even from behind, she could sense anger radiating from Edward, his rigid posture hinting at rage brewing beneath his chilly stance. She couldn't tell if his fury was directed at Mr. Scott or at her, but the air crackled with unspoken words.

"Am I interrupting? I can come back later," she said quickly, already turning on her heels to escape the charged atmosphere before anyone could respond.

"Not at all Mr. Kingston. Please, sit down," Mr. Scott's voice sliced through the silence, commanding her attention. The calmness in his tone was commanding and demanded immediate obedience. Kayla hesitated, caught between the door and the unsettling scene unfolding before her.

As she turned back, she caught a glimpse of Edward wiping something from his face, an almost frantic motion that made her eyes flicker between the two men, Mr. Scott smiled at her and motioned for her to move forward. Edward's hands dropped limply to his sides, and as he walked past her, head bowed, she noticed the faint smears of blood staining his pale fingers. 

What had just happened here?

She didn't have time to ponder on the thought as Mr. Scott's voice broke through her thoughts.

"So, how is Louis faring so far?" Mr. Scott asked, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. Kayla's lips fell into a flat line, but she fought to turn them upwards.