Fire in her Heart and Ice in her Veins.

Chapter 21

Tuesday, August 16, 1979. 8:30 a.m. 

Chelseas POV...

Today I have my first practice back since the...incident and man was this gonna be the most awkward thing I have ever done in my entire life. 

I just pulled into the arenas parking lot, and I was getting more nervous by the second. I parked my truck and took the back entrance into the arena. I was not looking forward to this practice, like at all. Its going to be so embarrassing and awkward walking into that room where all the guys were. 

I walked down the hallway that lead to the dressing rooms. Instantly, I heard the shouts and laughs of my teammates, who were all immature college boys. They were a lot of fun and great company though, and I liked spending time with them, especially Rizzo, Mark and Ralph. Those three were my guys. 

I enjoyed talking with Rob too, but I was mad at him right now. 

I now stood in front of the door, wondering if I should go in or not. Jack is going to be in there, and I'm starting to freak out. 

This would be the first time I've seen him ever since I left. I may be overreacting a bit, but I totally blew my chance with Jack now. Maybe this was for the better, I know I can't risk falling in love again. I don't want to get hurt, but I also don't want to be heartless. I want to love again and I can see myself loving Jack, being with him...but no way will he take me back now. Not after what I did, how I reacted. I know I wouldn't if I were in his shoes.

Finally, I opened the door and walked into the big smelly room. I walked over to my cubby and sat down, keeping my eyes downcast. Mark Johnson looked up at me, and gave me a small smile. I smiled back and started getting dressed. I have yet to dare look across the room, where Jack was. I'm scared to even look up!

I grabbed my jill and ran into the bathroom stall, changed out of my pants, then ran back out to finish getting dressed. I put my shin pads on, slipping my socks over them, attaching the ends to my jill. I then put on my pants and tied those up as well. 

I tied up my skates and finished putting on the rest of my top gear, minus my helmet and gloves. Practice starts in 10 minutes and I'm all ready to go...now I just sit here and wait for a few other guys to get up and leave.  

I  looked up for the first time since I got here, and saw Jack staring at me. My eyes stung. He had bags under his eyes and looked like he hasn't slept in a while. I wonder if thats because of me.  

I stared back at him, then turned my gaze over to Rizzo. I grinned when I saw him wearing his Mickey Mouse shirt, he loved that shirt. His eyes connected with mine and he mouthed something to me, but I have no clue what he's trying to say. He gave up and walked out of the room, and I got up to follow him. 

" You okay? You look like you didn't get much sleep last night" he said once the door was shut and we were alone. 

" I stayed up most of the night watching different strokes, you know I love that show and once I start watching it, I can't stop" I said, lying to Rizzo. 

I felt bad for lying to him, but I didn't want him to know I was up all night thinking about Jack. 

Rizzo nodded his head, buying my lie and he gave me a desperate look. 

" Jack misses you a lot...he actually came by my room last night and apologized to Mac which is huge. He gave up a 3 year hatred over him, just for you" Rizzo said telling me something I thought I'd never hear. 

" Wow, he did that!? " I asked, completely shocked by what Rizzo was telling me. 

Jack can't even look at Mac without getting angry..how the heck did he end up having a civil conversation with him!