The Biggest Game is Life

Chapter 3 (Paisley)

                It was Monday afternoon. I just pulled up to the small building that held the one thing that made me the happiest. The ice rink. Time for the Troy Titans first official practice of the year. We had already had had a few non official practices here and there, but tonight was the most important.

Finally getting to meet the couple new people I’d have to spend the next six or so months with.

I walked in with my bag. I was wearing a camo hat, and boots like always. I set it all down and looked around. A couple people were sitting around getting geared up. I spotted Cam.

“Cam you excited?” I asked. He was most completely ready.

“Dude I can’t wait, this is gonna be the best year yet I feel it. Didn’t you hear?”

“Hear what?” I asked sitting down next to him. He still looked a lot taller than I.

“Lee Paisley is his name.”

“And?”

“Dude Benny, he’s a fucking prodigy.”

“How do you know this?” I was just really confused. His name didn’t ring any bells.

“Benny, trust me he’s good. Just moved here from Canada so of course he’s good. His dad plays for some AHL team and has started in like one NHL game. Point is he’s got family background.”

“And so…”

“He’s a beast, he might even become the captain.”

“If he becomes captain I’m quitting.”

“Whatever Swofford.” Cam said as I walked away.

I slowly was putting on my goalie pads as Mason sat down next to me. He was doing the same.

“Just us two like always huh?” He asked.

“And to think I’m gonna be all alone next year.” I said. Thinking about Mason being a senior and me being a junior. I’ve always had him to help me out even though I was better..

“Another freshie will come in. Hopefully. We goalies seem to be dying out.”

“I don’t know.” I said as I pulled on my last skate.

“Hey, how was your double date?” I asked.

“Levi and Kennedy bailed. So it was just Claire and I, so we went back to her place and well yeah.”

“Huh, wonder why he didn’t show.”

“Who cares, can’t rely on that stupid ass ever. Hell he’s already late.”

I looked around and didn’t see Levi anywhere.

We all were on the ice skating around when coach came on. We all huddled around.

“Roll call.”

“Cam Barker!” He yelled.

“Aye sir.” Cam laughed.

He said a couple more names.

“Mason Johnson.”

“Here.” He said standing right behind me.

“Lee Paisley.”

“Right here sir.” We all looked over as this kid came onto the ice. He must have been sitting in the benches. He had straight brown hair pushed behind his ears. His face looked like he came right out of a model magazine. He smiled, his smile perfect.

“Damn.” I heard Mason whisper out loud.

“Looks like you aren’t the only perfect smile anymore.” I chuckled.

“Benny Swofford.” I heard coach.

“Right here.” I waved. Paisley looked over and stared into my eyes. I wasn’t sure if it was a friendly hey look or I already hate your guts look.

“Levi Vixen.” Coach yelled as Levi skated out almost falling down.

Huffing and puffing he made out a small here. He seemed to have a black eye.

“Already fighting before any games at all, are we Mr. Vixen?” Coach laughed.

“What the hell?” Mason asked.

I turned around and shrugged.

“Might have something to do with why he bailed on you.”

“Shit, let’s ask.” Mason took off before I could stop him. I followed.

“Bro, tell us now.” Cam already beat Mason to the question.

“Leave me alone.” He skated off.

“Oh hes got his panties in a twist I see.” Mason laughed and so did Cam. Normally I would have laughed but I noticed Lee Paisley slowly skating towards us.

“Guys.” I shook my head, trying to get their attention.

“Hello boys.” It was Lee. We all stared in shock. Until Cam finally spoke.

“Hi, Lee.”

“Call me Paisley that’s what most people call me.” I nodded.

“Oh, I’m Cam, Cam Barker. Defense by the way. The good ole number 44 is mine.”

“Nice.” He said shaking his hand.

“Mason, backup goalie Johnson, pretty much.” He said not really sounding ashamed.

“Oh… well.” Paisley said as they shook hands. I could tell he wasn’t sure how to respond.

“And?” He smiled in my direction.

“Benny Swofford. Goalie.” I shook his hand. He looked me in the eyes again and I still couldn’t tell what kind of look it was. The hand shake seemed to last a billion years.

“I’m usually a left winger. It'll be good to know that your in the goal.”

“Cool.” I said not really sure what else to say. For someone he made me very uncomfortable.

“Can’t wait to get the spend the year with you guys, it’s gonna be good.” Paisley spoke to us all.

“Hell yeah.” Cam shouted.

I just smiled.

“Okay lets go, Line up on the blue line.” Coach yelled.

“Meet and greets after in the locker room.”

And with that practice began.