The Slap Shots

Chapter 12

It's like they're a gang. It makes me laugh actually how funny they look, walking down the hill heading towards the church. They're in a formation, with Xavier at the front, and the other boys following him, like a flock of geese flying to the south for the winter. I clutch my stomach and clench my jaw, while trying to stop laughing. I mean they all have the same look on their faces too. A clenched jaw and squinting eyes, with tight lips and hands balled up in fists. They look like they're on a mission.

And I guess maybe they are.

I just don't know what that mission is.

As they approach me and the rest of the Slap Shots waiting for Isaac so he can unlock the door to the church, I notice how Xavier has his eyes on only me.

It makes me slightly nervous to be honest.

Eventually I shrug it off as they finally reach us. Isaac unlocks the door and we make it inside the church.

I told  Freddie that I would, come to the meeting today to keep him updated on everything, also while trying to keep the boys on track, if anything ever happened.

I take a seat at the front between Flynn and Hunter, while Xavier and Isaac walk up to the front pew and wait for everyone else to be seated.  Xavier looks ridiculously serious, which is so unsettling. Xavier has such a tight jaw and a crazy look in his eyes. His arms are folded in front of his chest, exposing every little muscle and vein that he owns.

He looks at me for a few seconds, and then turns to Flynn and then to Hunter and then steps back and let's Isaac take the lead.

"We have some news." Is how he starts. "Due to recent events, our team captain-"

"For fuck sake, Isaac." Xavier steps forward interrupting Isaac.  "Freddie can long longer play because of his concussion." I gasp, sucking every bit of air into my lungs.

"What ?" I yell out. I thought he would be back on his feet and playing hockey in no time. Now he's not even gonna play ?

"Well, the doctor just told him this morning to confirm that he's on sport probation for a month and two weeks. No more hockey for Freddie this season."

Hunter, Hayden, Flynn and Isaac don't look surprised about this at all.

I guess that's what Freddie told them yesterday when he kicked me out.

"But now were short two players!" One of the second liners yells from the back of the church.

"Actually no. We have two players." Xavier pauses and then looks to Isaac who shakes his head no.

"The first is our old captain, Matt." There is cheering, but to me there's nothing fun about that. Matt is coming back. I don't know if Freddie will be happy about that.

"Wait, so does that mean that Matt is going to be captain again ?" A different voice asks. Again, The Twins and Flynn don't seem surprised by any of this.

"Hell no. Freddie made me captain." Xavier announces.

"Fuck."

"You're kidding me right ?"

"Shit.

"Well, I'm dead." Is all I hear around me. Xavier is going to be tough. They all know it.  And maybe that's why Freddie wants me here.

"Okay, so we have Matt to replace Freddie, but who's replacing Em ?" A third voice asks.

I shift in my seat waiting patiently to hear this.