Off Ice.

Chapter Seven.

Avery

I'm writing another research paper. Absolutely shocking.

I don't mind this one, since it's on Wuthering Heights. I've read it a few times over the years because it's harder to understand, but it kind of just clicked this time around. I have a love/hate relationship with Emily Brontë.

I'm enjoying this analysis and it's reminding me of why I chose this major and why I love literature so much. Honestly, maybe I should look into becoming an English teacher.

Teaching isn't something I really anticipated, but these types of assignments are my favorite and I love to discuss books and different view points on the symbolism behind them. I just think back to how much I loved my English classes in high school, and how cool it could be to be on the other side of that.

There's also obviously publishing. But being in the job I have now has kind of put a bad taste in my mouth for those kinds of companies. It's more about the money and less about the literature with them.

Cam has poked at the idea of me quitting again, but that was only because I came home yesterday looking like I was run over by a steam roller. I don't really have the emotional stability to be treated like a garbage can these past few months.

Honestly, I thought about it more last night and the idea seems way too tempting. I would love nothing more than to walk out of that job, I just don't know what I'd do instead. I don't want to rely on Cam for rent. We moved out together because we could both afford it. I know he swears that it's his choice, but still. I hate feeling like I'm mooching off of my friends.

He's currently on campus working with some people on a project or something. I don't know when he'll be home but I hope it's soon. I'm feeling pretty lonely today and I just want to spend some time with my best friend.

Maybe I can convince him to make those cookies I saw on Pinterest with me. I could run to the store before he gets back and get the stuff for them so he can't say no-

My thought process is cut short when I hear the door to the apartment open before Theo's voice rings out, "Oh, Avery, dear!"

My lips purse at the sarcastic and kinda edgy tone to his voice before I call back, "In here!"

It doesn't take him long to be standing in my doorway, his bag being dropped to the floor as he crosses his arms over his chest. My heart falters when I see that familiar angry look in his eye.

"Hey.. Everything okay?" I ask cautiously, leaning back into my desk chair and away from my computer.

"I don't appreciate being made to look like an idiot, Avery."

My stomach drops at his words and my throat instantly goes dry. He's angry. I can see it in his eyes, but I don't understand. He couldn't of found out.. right?

"What do you mean?" I ask dumbly, not wanting to make things worse.

He laughs coldly and its one of the most menacing things I've seen from him. I'm on edge as I turn in my chair, waiting for him to clarify. "Guess who I just ran into?"

Oh, shit. I definitely made things worse.

He takes my silence as an indicator to keep talking, "Your good 'ol pals from the NHL. But you forgot to mention something pretty fucking important, Aves."

...Fuck.

"Theo, wait. Just let me-" I try immediately, standing up quickly. He points his index finger at me as his voice raises, "Are you fucking kidding me, Avery?! How could you hide something like that from me?!"