My Hockey Boy

Chapter 20

Haley's POV

"Oh shut up. That did not happen!" I laughed as Tyler told me a ridiculous story.

After that bitchy tour guide and exploring the campus a bit, we ended up at a coffee shop about a mile from the university. We've been here for about an hour sipping our drinks and exchanging embarrassing stories.

"Hey, could you excuse me for a second?" I asked after I stopped my laughter.

"Yeah. I'm just gonna get a little treat or something for Thomas."

I smiled, nodding as I pulled my phone from my bag making my way to the bathroom. The entire time I had been here at Princeton, with Tyler, I had this feeling someone kept trying to get a hold of me. I expected it to be just a stupid thought but I couldn't be farther from that.

6 missed calls, 4 voicemails, and 15 texts all from Charlie. I gasped, covering my mouth with my hand as I began to scroll through the messages.

From Charlie:

+

Please pick up your phone we need to talk

+

I was a dick. Just call me please.

+

Haley, where are you? Answer me please.

+

I went to your house and you weren't there. Text or call me please.

+

Haley I'm getting mad now please just pick up your damn phone.

+

We need to talk. Now.

+

Look, I miss you ok? Call me please.

+

Haley I'm so sorry. I didn't mean any of the things I said and god I'm just sorry for everything. I want to be with you and help you through anything and everything. Im going to New York for a college tour and they want to evaluate me again for their hockey team. Mostly to see if I'm still the kid they saw during the high school season. Please call me when you get this.

+

That was the last one he sent. My heart ached and my stomach turned just reading it. I feel like such an idiot. Here I am trying to ignore things happening when in reality I'm just running from it all because I'm scared. I should be back there with Charlie. Working it all out. One step at a time just like he said.

I quickly ran back to find Tyler sitting where I left him with the brown paper bag containing his little brother's treat. Once he noticed my return, he smiled up at me.

"I'm really sorry, but I need to go." I hastily said.

"What? Why?" He stood from his seat.

"I've got to go meet someone." I informed him.

"Oh." Was all he could say. Sadness was clear on his features as I apologized again.

"Thank you for this time though. I had a lot of fun. Ill see you on campus soon enough."

He nodded giving me a half grin as I grabbed my things before making my way to my car. My phone was placed in my fingers as I quickly hit Charlie's name to dial his number.

"C'mon. Pick up." I listened for his voice but was disappointed when all I heard was the constant ringing on the other line. Soon after the voicemail automated voice was heard.