A Hockey Player's Guide To Deception

Chapter Twenty

A short biblical word: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

—Proverbs 3:5-6

The locker room was brimming with cheers and laughter, the team's victory echoing through the walls as the boys chanted their team songs in chaotic unison. Their voices overlapping and bouncing off the metal lockers in celebration.

 Kayla sat at the edge of the bench, watching it all with a quiet smile. They had won yet another game, and it all felt almost too good to be true. A part of her feared how fragile it all seemed as if, at any moment, things would fall apart with a crash.

"Woah, you were on fire out there!" Louis slapped his hands on either side of Kayla's shoulders, making her jump slightly. His grin was wide and teasing.

"Thanks," she said, smiling faintly as her cheeks flushed with warmth.

"You should've seen yourself, Kingston. It was like watching a machine."

"Couldn't have done it without the team," she replied, bowing her head to hide her embarrassment.

"Typical Kingston," Louis scoffed, rolling his eyes with a smirk. "Always playing it humble. We all saw you carry that game."

Kayla shrugged, but her smile lingered. 

"It was intense," she remarked, her mind already drifting to the uncertainty of the holiday break. The victory should have been enough to keep her spirits high, but the thought of where she'd go during the holidays loomed over her. There was no home to return to, no safe place, not anymore. The mere idea of stepping foot back into her old life, where John might be waiting for her, sent a shiver down her spine. Louis's voice brought her back. 

"Kinda sucks I had to sit it out," he muttered, his tone noticeably more subdued.

"You'll be back on the ice next time," Kayla said, giving him a reassuring glance.

"Nolan was insane tonight, though," she commented, turning her focus back to undoing her skates. She breathed out a sigh of relief when one slid off, clattering to the floor.

"Yeah, he was alright," Louis said, his tone a little dismissive as he sat down next to her.

"Alright? He was incredible." Kayla tilted her head at him, furrowing her brow. 

Louis's expression darkened for a brief moment before he stood up and grabbed his bag. 

Kayla shook her head, furrowing her brow. "I had no idea he could play like that. It's like the ice is his second home."

Louis shrugged again, clearly uninterested in the topic. "Yup."

Curiosity gnawed at Kayla, and she couldn't help but ask, "Why did he stop playing? I mean, with talent like that..."

Louis's expression darkened for a brief moment before he stood up and grabbed his bag.

 "Who knows. People quit for all kinds of reasons." His voice was strained as he cleared his throat.

"Right... I guess," Kayla murmured, trying not to pry any further. Louis's clipped response was a clear sign to drop the topic, and she quickly decided to change the subject.

"So, uh, what are your plans for the holidays?" she asked, forcing a lighter tone as she busied herself with her skates.

Louis shrugged, clearly grateful for the shift. 

"Probably just spend Christmas in Toronto with the family. My sister's been counting down the days till I'm back. What about you?"

Kayla paused, her heart sinking at the question. She had no real answer, no place to go. But she couldn't let Louis know that.