The adopted Czech hockey player

Ch. 10

---- Nix's POV---

I walked out to my car and hopped in. It was time for me to go skate and see what this Anna chick was made of. Earlier when I meet her, she seemed timid and shy. It was kinda cute, I hate to admit. But I think that we will be great friends in the end.

If not more than friends..... The little voice said in the back of my head responded. No I cannot be thinking that especially when I have feelings for Isabel. I have liked her for a long time but she always thought I was playing at the “big brother” role of the family. In reality, I had a huge crush on her because of her confidence, skills and beauty.  She always made me laugh, but there was something about Anna that made me feel alive. Like everything would be all right.

I arrived at the rink to see that Anna and Isabel were sitting outside with their Dad. It was always a pleasure in my mind to watch him play, let alone practice with him. On these days I always learnt so much. I knew where Isabel got her skills from.

“Hey Nix!” Isabel exclaimed. She grinned and then smirked.

Uh oh! It was never good when she smirked.

“I have decided we will have a two on two game!” Anna exclaimed. She then looked down and I realized that she was nervous. She has never made an outburst like that before. I grinned at her.

”It’s on, as long as I am on your team,” I replied, whilst her dad glared at me. She looked down and blushed.

“Fine by me,” answered Isabel. She glared at me and then looked away.

 I wonder what that was about…

We walked into the rink and got dressed in full equipment. I looked at Anna and she smiled at me and then looked back down, tying her last skate. She put on her helmet and walked out of the room. I did the same and followed her out. She opened the bench door and stepped onto the ice.

She grabbed a puck and took a slap shot.

Bar down.

She has an amazing shot…

It was even better than half my hockey team. I saw that she had grabbed a puck and was skating half circles backwards. She picked up her speed in no time at all. Her head never bobbed, her skating was one of a kind.

She is even better than Isabel…

As if on cue Isabel skated up and stole the puck from Anna, and then tore down the ice. Anna followed and caught up and then in one motion threw a solid check and Isabel flew to the ground. I gasped and then heard a chuckle.

“Isabel was testing Anna,” their dad said while laughing. I still didn’t understand. I look at him and he seemed to notice my confusion.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“She wanted to see her reaction time, speed, and technique on getting the puck back,” he paused,” she passed. That was faster than anyone I have ever seen before.” He truly looked impressed.

It was an awesome hit…

What if Issy  was hurt? I asked myself. I skated over and glared at Anna.

“What is your problem?” I asked angrily,” Throwing a hit that hard, you could have injured her!”

“Oh please,” she replied, “That was nothing,” And Then I heard Isabel get up. I turned to face her.

“I am fine, Nix!” She growled. She absolutely hated when I tried to protect her in any way possible. I skated off the ice, furious.

She was testing her…

That is what her father said, but why do I feel so angry. Izzy could have been hurt! Right before the hockey season too. But why do I feel like forgiving Anna at the same time…