Everything To Do About Nothing

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Waking up, I can't help but feel butterflies in my stomach. Today is the day I ask Nik to hang out.

The ride to school passes in no time, and before I know it, I'm standing in front of the glowing face of Nik Hellstrom— quite possibly the nicest and cutest boy I have ever met in my life.

"Elliot, are you even listening to me?" Nik says while snapping his fingers in my face.

"Um, yeah. I'm supposed to take some pictures tonight of... of um—" I desperately search my brain to try and remember what he had just told me. Damn him for being so attractive.

"Hockey tryouts; they start tonight, and you need to take pictures."

"Oh come on! Please... anything but that." All I needed was more time with Mr. Egocentric.

"Listen, no one else has two spare hours after school. I'm counting on you for this one, Elliot."

Damn him. Damn him and his ability to make me do whatever he asks. "Ok, I'll do it. But you owe me."

"You're the best! I'll see you later," he says over his shoulder as he walks away.

Sigh.

He will be the death of me.

Picking up my backpack, I begin to mentally prepare myself for what is to come. All I have to do is take a sufficient amount of pictures; I won't have to say one word to that imbecile. But even as I thought it, I knew it wasn't true.

I open the door leading into the ice rink and curse myself for not bringing a jacket.

I decide that a spot somewhere in the middle will suffice, but I soon realize that there is no way I am going to be able to get good pictures.

As I begin walking towards the glass, players start to spill out of the locker room. Daniel is nowhere to be found, but he has to be here, no way would he miss his chance to keep his spot on the team; it's the only thing he has going for him.

The coach blows his whistle, and everyone goes to the middle of the rink. Just when I think he really might not show up, he comes through louder than all twenty guys before.

They start with some basic drills. Good. I won't have to try and get them while they're going fast. I desperately try to ignore some of the glances they are giving me. Don't they know that these are candids? As in they should not be trying to look into the camera?

Unfortunately, I am not blessed with very good balance, and I stumble over one of the bleachers and barely catch myself before I fall to my death.

"Wow, nice job, Aurora. Can you give me some pointers on how to fall that graciously?" The devil himself sees all of this happen and takes it upon himself to skate over to the glass.

"Don't call me that," I hiss.

"Why? It's your name isn't it?"

"You know what? That should be enough pictures," I say as I begin to collect my things and walk away.

"Wait, wait. When are we meeting next?" He stops me.

"Tomorrow night. Do not be late."

"I would never waste the time I get with you, Dollface."

I just flip him the bird over my shoulder and continue on my way. Someone please save me.

-brumous