Haunting Memories • J. Hughes

The Return

Jacks POV
I got home from school and went upstairs to my room to get ready for the game. We were playing the Green Bay Gamblers and I wasn't too worried and we were playing them again on Saturday. I put on my suit and went downstairs.

"You ready?" Luke asked

"Always." I responded.

"Are you sure?" Tati called from my room. I ran upstairs and went to my room to see Tati. It was my first game with the usntdp. We were playing the Green Bay Gamblers. I was kind of nervous.

"Your nervous aren't you?" Tatum asked.

"Noooo." I laughed.

"Yes you are Jack, it's ok your going to do great. And no matter what happens I will always be proud of you. Your 16 years old and it's amazing that you are playing for your country." Tati said

"Tati?" I said as I turn around. "Have I ever told you how much I love you." I said meaning every word.

Tatum looked into my eyes, tears welling in her eyes "no you haven't and I love you."

I leaned in and kissed her. I was ready to do this. I could do this. All because I loved this girl in front of me.

I looked at Tati. "What's wrong?" I asked wiping tears from her face.

"No ones ever said that to me ever before, even my mom." Tatum said.

"Well I do and now you know." I said and kissed her one last time.

"Always." I said. "Shit I forgot something in my room."

I ran back up and even though I knew Tati was gone I half expected her to be there and was almost disappointed when she wasn't there. I went to the bathroom and then went to my closet to get my headphones. I turned around and held on to Tatums necklace. "You ready Tati?" I whispered and I smiled when I could picture her saying "Always."

"Alright" I said running down the stairs "Luke are you coming with me or waiting for mom?" I asked

"I'll go with you I don't want to be late." He responded.

"Alright let's go fam!" I said to Luke trying to hype myself up.

We arrived at the rink and Luke went to go find his seat. I went down to the locker room. I put on my headphones and listened to some music. I walked into the locker room and waved hi to a few of the boys. I went to sit in my stall and got changed into my under armor. I taped a few sticks and sat down again. I felt someone's hand on my shoulder so I turned around and saw Patty.

"You excited!" He asked almost to enthusiastically.

I laughed "yeah." I replied simply.

Just then Trevor walked in a looked over towards me. "Look who's back!" Trevor yelled. That boy yelled to much. Lots of cheers erupted from around the locker room.

I put my gear on and sat waiting for coach to come in. Coach came in and gave his speech.

"Alright boys lets do this!" I said trying to convince the boys that I was back and I was ready to go.

We hit the ice and it felt so good skating around, shooting pucks at the net and seeing the crowd go by.

By the end of the first it was four to one. I was doing pretty well. As we went on to the ice to start the second period I took a look around the stands. I spotted my parents with Luke, Quinn and Josh as I sat down. I looked to the row below them to where Tatum and Kaileigh usually sat. I didn't expect to see them there of course but I was surprised to see Kaileigh sitting there with the hands in her lap and her coat and bag sitting where Tati usually sat. I thought to myself I needed to talk to her.

I played hard in the second period. I got a primary assist on Matt's goal. When we got into the locker room I grabbed my phone and sent a quick text to Kaileigh.

Middle Hughes✌️
Come to the locker room after
the game.

Kaileigh🌈
K. I'll be there. Usual spot.

I let out the breath I didn't realize I was holding in.

The third period went really well and I felt like an extra weight had been lifted off my shoulders by texting Kai. I got three primary assists all on Coles goals. And I got a secondary assist on another one of Coles goals.

I'll admit I was nervous to see Kaileigh. I went to the locker room and coach gave us one of his coach talks. I changed back into my suit as quick as possible and I walked out of the locker room. I quickly thanked my parents, Quinn, Luke, and Josh for coming and told them I was going to wait for the boys and were going to Johns so I would be a little late. I said my good byes and quickly turned the corner to where I would meet Tati and Kai after every home game.

I locked eyes with Kai. She quickly looked down.

I broke the silence "How've you been." I asked.

"Been better." She replied. Her eyes tearing up.

I felt the need to hug her. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her towards me. She immediately crumpled in my arms.

"It was my fault" she cried "my fault."

"No it wasn't." I whispered "No it wasn't."

We stood there hugging for a while. "Come on lets go for a drive." We walked out to my car and got in. I put some music on low.

"I didn't call her. I didn't talk to her I forgot about her." She cried. "Where did it all go wrong?"