Monty After Dark

Chapter 36

At the rink, Chris and Sean were both talking to me at the same time, and I had no idea what either of them were saying. "Are you even listening?" Sean asked.

"What?" I asked.

"I was wheeling this broad last night, one of Mel's friends," Sean was saying. I kept trying to pay attention, he's one of my best friends, but my mind kept wandering.

"Dude, what the fuck, we have a game in an hour, you're on another fuckin' planet," he said. "I know your dad is a dick, but jesus."

"I'm going to meet my mother tomorrow," I said quietly.

Chris and Sean both stared at me like I had two heads.

"Your mother?" Chris was staring right through me now. It was kind of a taboo subject. Nobody ever mentioned her, it was like she just ... didn't exist. She wasn't dead, she just was never here. Neither of them were friends with me before she left, so as long as they've known me, I've had no mother. And now all of a sudden, I'm going to meet her. I guess it sounded fucking nuts.

"What? Really?" Sean was the opposite, and looked away, like he was embarrassed.

"Chan's friend from the newspaper where she works, he looked into it for me. I found out where she's staying. We're going to go there. Tomorrow."

"We? You're bringing Chan?" Chris looked like he thought it was a bad idea.

"She's my girlfriend," I said, sharp enough to let him know not to press.

Sean still hadn't said anything.

"Sorry Fraze, I didn't mean to make you feel awkward," I said, checking the tape on my blade.

"No, I just don't know what to say. I guess I just feel like I don't even know what's going on with you anymore. You're not into partying, you just want to be with your broad, and now you're looking for your mom? You've never mentioned her. Ever."

"Well, sorry some of us have to grow up a little faster than others. I don't have a mom, and my dad's completely useless," I said. I was getting pissed. How did Sean have any right to tell me how I should be living my life? "I didn't ask for my life to turn out this way. If I could choose, I'd have a normal life."

Then the captains stood up and headed to the door for warmy, so I had to grab my sticks and gloves and try to leave this pile of baggage in the room.

Except I couldn't. And I played like shit.

After the second period, I caught Sean whispering quietly with his dad.

"Monty?"

"Yeah, coach?" I asked, walking across the dressing room.

"I'm moving you to the third line," he said. "You need a change of scenery, I think."

I shrugged. "Sure, coach."

"And is there anything you need to talk about?" I glared at Sean.

"No. I'm okay."

"Sean said you and your dad had a big fight the other night at your birthday. Do you need to come stay with us for a bit? Or are you staying at Chris's?"

"No, Coach, I've got it covered," I said, exasperated. At least Sean hadn't opened his big mouth and told his dad about Chan.

For the first time in my life, I had no idea what the score of the game was, and literally all I wanted to do was rip off my skates and leave. But I couldn't.

I don't think I had seen that little ice time in a game all season. Being a second-year player and on special teams, I usually saw more action than lots of other guys, but I think the entire team knew I was off my game. When the buzzer finally went after the longest 15 minute period of my life, I undid the chin strap on my helmet, shaking out my damp hair.