The Biggest Game is Life

Chapter 8 (Stars)

A couple days went by after the Sydeny make out session. I wasn't sure what to do with myself anymore. Things were all so screwy. I wasn't looking forward to practice tonight.

I arrived and entered the locker room. All eyes were on me. I quickly scanned the room for Paisley. Luckily I didn't see him. I sat down next to Mason.

"You excited to finally get back out there on the ice?" He asked.

"Sure thing." I lied.

"It's been tuff without you."

"Yeah I'm sorry."

"Games start next week, hopefully Paisley comes back too."

I didn't reply. I just started putting on my pads.

I took off my shirt and saw the Band-Aids trying to hide what couldn't be hid. Mason looked over and I quickly covered up.

"Let's go!" Cam walked by and patted my head.

"Yup." I got up and walked onto the ice.

It felt really nice to be back. I skated to the goal post and snowed up my crease.

"Someone looks really happy." Levi smiled as he looked at me.

"Hardly." I sighed.

"Just nice to be back out here."

"Well good news, Paisley just got here apparently."

My heart stopped.

"Nice." I said looking around.

"You okay buddy?" Levi patted my back.

"Um, yeah."

Just before Levi could question my strange reaction coach came out and did roll call.

Within 2 minutes of practice Paisley came out. His golden brown hair was swopped all over like he had been in a rush. His cheeks were red and he tried to avoid eye contact with me, but it was nearly impossible. Our eyes kept meeting throughout the entire practice. Every time he came to take a shot on me our eyes connected.

I wonder if he had missed all these practices because he didn't want to see me. Or if he was hurt by the whole situation.

Practice ended and Mason came over smiling. But not at me.

"Paisley! Come to my house with the boys this Saturday at 1. We are all gonna head to Columbus to catch a Blue Jackets game." He yelled.

Then in a quiter voice he looked at me.

"You too right?" He asked.

I looked over at Paisley who was looking at us.

"No, I can't." I said at the exact same time Paisley did. 

"Whoa you guys come on." Mason said.

"Benny we need your truck. You gotta take a few people and then I will in my car. Most the team is going. You guys have to." Mason looked at us both.

Paisley looked as if he was about to say something but then he didn't.

"Look Mason." I was cut off by Cam.

"Both these fellas are coming." Cam smiled.

"It's gonna be so much fun!" And he skated off.

----

Once I washed up I got into my truck. I finally was able to go back with my dad. After I refused to go to my Phsycologist for the past week, my mom got angry. She said I was just like my father. I said good. And she said she didn't want me with her. So I left.

It was a nice night. The stars were shining. I pulled up and started walking towards the barn. I got there and quickly went to Moonshine.

She was really happy to see me.

"Hey darling." I said as I petted her nose.  

I took her out and saddled her up.

I got on and she took off. I usually don't ride her at night but right now I needed her.

We went up the hill and at the top she stopped. I looked out over the field lit up by the moon. I looked at the stars.

It was beautiful. I wish I could of stayed right there in that moment forever. Looking out at the starry night with my one and only love. Nothing to worry about. All the stress gone. Just Moonshine, I and the world.

We could make it. We could do it.