The Hot Hockey Player

Chapter 34 - Madeline🌸

"Hi everyone. I'm Isabella Melini and I'll be assisting professor Casey for this class." Isabella begin with a beautiful smile that could belong in magazines and a smooth voice. Jude wasn't exaggerating — she's stunning. Almost, too perfect. My mind amazes me because here I am, totally understanding why Lena told her brother what she said. 

And that's not because I find myself stunning. Absolutely not. I define myself as average and on bad days, I don't define myself at all. I judge my body. And I can't help it. But today, I'm thinking this was because  w actually do look alike and yet I can feel just how different we are. Physically, our shapes are similar ; height, build... But there's something about her that's just... off.  And without a doubt, I know that I won't like her. Not now, not ever. And yeah, her being with my boyfriend in the past doesn't help my feelings but I would have stayed away from her anyway.  

Isabella gestures towards the paper in her hand. "I've got the pairings here with me. When I'll call your name, please find your partner."

She pauses, giving the whispers, time to die down, her polished demeanor never slipping. It hurts to see her being so... great. Immediately, intrusive thoughts make their way inside my brain, almost taking over. I would have zoned out, had it not been for her starting to call names.    

Sofia is paired with a girl that seems really nice, Evelyn. She's a quiet girl I've noticed in other classes a few times. She doesn't talk much but seems diligent enough I don't have to worry for Sofia  doing everything alone.

And I'm hopeful. Maybe my partner will be someone I can rely on. The simple thought of being stuck with someone lazy sends a wave of anxiety through me and a sort of compression in my chest sets in, not leaving. I'm still working on saying no to people, when I don't want to do something. If I'm paired with a lazy ass, I know for a fact that I'll end doing everything myself and still putting the name on the paper. 

Anyway. 

"Jessica O'Connor and Beau Silver." Isabella announces, her eyes roaming for the two. They find each other. "Great. And finally, Madeline Langford and Colin Rodriguez." I can see her head slightly tilting, and her, almost amused send a wave of inconfort. I don't know if I can hear her through the mic in front of her, or if I can read lips but one way or another, I know she mutters a "Hmm, interesting."

Sofia leans over and whispers only for me to hear. "She better keep her distance from the boys this time. I'm telling ya." Then, we both shuffle aside to let Evelyn pass. She gives us both a small smile that we try to return, but it probably looks more like a grimace than an actual smile. 

"Wow, something's cooking over here," Evelyn jokes lightly, immediately breaking the tension. 

I glance back at Isabella. Colin's not here so I'll be working alone for the next two weeks. Part of me is relieved and I thank whoever heard my wish. But still, I can't stop watching the woman in front of us. Something about her feels... snaky. 

"Do you know her ?" Evelyn asks, her head titling with curiosity. Before I can even answer, she quickly adds, "I don't like her. I can tell she's trouble."

Sofia and I exchange a look before bursting into small smiles. "Thank God, we're not alone," Sofia says, her voice heavy with relief. She extends a hand to Evelyn. "I'm Sofia by the way."

"And I'm Madeline but you can call me Maddy."

Evelyn's face brightens, her ocean blue eyes sparkling. "Pleasure to meet you both girls. I'm Evelyn."

And I have got a good feeling about her.

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