For the Love of... Hockey?

Chapter 8.

- Jesse's POV: -

Holy hell, did those words actually escape my mouth?!

I wished with every fiber in my being that I could turn back time and fight back those words. I would give anything to take them back. I hadn't met to let my feelings get the best of me in this situation, but they did. The green monster inside of me was showing itself for a girl I wasn't even dating.

Nonetheless, God help my friends if they so much as touch her the wrong way. I wasn't an enforcer for shits and giggles. I also haven't lost a fight this season. They wouldn't stand a chance against me, she and I both knew it.. even if she did have yet to see me fight.

I felt my face get hot. I knew I was flushing at least ten different shades of pink right now.

Hanson's glare deepened. "Funny, because last time I checked, YOU rejected ME. I'm not yours."

"Yes you are."

"No, I'm not."

"Yes, Hanson, you are."

"No, Jess, I'm really not."

My heart skipped a beat. "Please," I whispered. She knew my major weakness and she knew just when to play it. "You really gotta stop doing that."

"Doing what?" Her hands rested on her hips

"Saying things that make me want to kiss you."

I was about to walk away, from total embarrassment and disbelief, when Hanson grabbed my shirt, pressing her shaking body to mine, and kissing me with such force that it pushed every thought out of my mind and replacing it with just one - I couldn't keep Hanson at a distance for much longer. No matter how much I wanted to. No matter how afraid I was. No matter anything.

I was simply too attracted to her.

The kiss ended too soon for my liking. We both pulled away, completely breathless and blushing. I opened my mouth to say something, how I truly felt, when she put her hand up to stop me. "Don't say anything." She snapped. "I know you don't want us to be together. Just don't say it. I can't handle you saying that you don't want me again." She turned on her heel and ran out of the room.

"I think I'm falling for you." I said, mostly to myself.

This must have been what she felt like when I told her we couldn't be anything.

Ouch.

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- Hanna's POV: -

I had no idea what to make out of what just happened between Jesse and I. So, I did the only thing that came to mind; ignored my entire situation completely. I had much more to worry about today.. like actually finding my first period class, first and foremost.

Glancing between my schedule and door numbers every few seconds, I finally found my first period class - Chemistry. Luckily, Jonah had it with me and he saved me a seat next to him.

"What was that all about?" Jonah whispered as the teacher began his introduction.

I merely shrugged. "It doesn't matter."

Jonah scoffed. "Look, Han, I understand that you think I'm not the best person to talk to, but I'm pretty sure I'm the only person you have to talk to right now." Boy, was he right. "It's up to you whether you want to hold it inside until you explode or not."

"It's Jesse," I sighed. "You know how unpredictable he can be."

"Do you like him?"

I just nodded my response. I didn't want to talk about it anymore. And thankfully, Mr. Prescott, eyed me up. "I see we have a new student here today. Would you mind introducing yourself?"

Thankful for the distraction, I stood up in front of the classroom and smoothed down my skirt. "My name is Hanna Herrera and I'm from Pennsylvania." The class erupted in a lot of "Hi, Hanna"'s and some more cat calls, just like this morning.

"I expect you all to make her feel welcome here," Mr. Prescott declared. "Welcome to Central High, Hanson."

I made my way back to my seat and wished for this day to end as quickly as it began.

~~~~~~~~~

Lunch rolled around, causing my anxiety to resurface. I didn't want to have to see Jesse.

Hiking my backpack up onto my shoulder, I exited my fourth period class, English, and followed the lead of my classmates, as I still had no idea where the lunch room was. I quickly found Jonah, who pulled me in line with him.

"You just made me skip everyone!" I whisper-shouted.

Jonah just laughed. "Hanna, you're so naive."

I blushed a deep scarlett and ducked my head. "I just want people to like me."

"They already do," Jonah scoffed. "Have you seen the way the guys here look at you? I've heard nothing but good things about you. That and some really obscene things. These guys really want in your pants."

I let out an awkward laugh, but it stopped short when I remembered my conversation with Jesse. He had told me to be careful but I had brushed it off. Everyone surely couldn't find me that attractive here.

When we left the line with more food than I would probably eat, Jonah groaned. "Aimee, really?" He mumbled to himself. "This is the third year you've changed our table."

"Who's Aimee?" I asked.

Jonah blushed. "The girl I've had a crush on since the 5th grade."

"Awwwwww, Jonah!" I smiled, ruffling his hair like a big sister, even if he was my age.

He lead the way to a round table, where he introduced me to Aimee. I already knew that I was going to like her, just from the way she talked. She was sarcastic and hilarious - the best combination. Next, he introduced me to Casey, who was really quiet. I assumed she must just be shy. Also at our table were two guys, Justin and Leo, who were both very attractive in their own ways.

But neither compared to Jesse.

I immediately wanted to slap myself for that comment, but I chose to look past it. Justin was the first to speak. "So, you're the hot girl that everyone's been talking about!"

Coughing awkwardly, I shifted in my seat. "I guess so."

"Well it's nice to see they weren't lying." Leo commented.

I smiled a tight-lipped, but thoughtful, smile. "Thanks."

While it was a nice compliment, I couldn't help but wish to not be called hot for the rest of the day... Or week, for that matter.

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A/N:

Ello, darlings!

I got sudden inspiration from a dream last night, and well - here it is!

Thank you all so much for the comments on how much you love this story, it really means so much to me. You guys have no idea. As I've said before, it gives me the motivation I need to get my ass working on this story!

You guys are the best. (:

Also - dedicated to briannahudsonn, for her comment last chapter. Thank you so much!

Much love,

-G.