He started telling me about his rookie year. How it was hard for him to be away from home because he was such a momma’s boy. That made me laugh. It was nice to listen to someone who had been through all this before. I guess we both fell asleep. When I woke up in the morning he had drooled all over my pillow.
“Ewe, gross Moose, go drool on your own pillow.” I said, as I rolled him off my bed onto the floor.
He didn’t move, he just groaned and started snoring again. I got out of bed and walked to the bathroom. I was very comfortable around Moose. I didn’t even notice that I was only wearing my underwear and tank top. When I walked back into my bedroom, he was just sitting up.
Quickly he covered his eyes and yelled, “For the love of God, put some clothes on Chris.” Then he buried his head into the pillow. I think he mumbled, “tell me when it’s safe to look.” I laughed.
I threw on my sweats and said “Safe.”
“You can’t walk around here like that Christine. Your body is smoking hot, and you are my teammate.” He explained as he rolled over to get up off the floor.
He hurried out of my room as I yelled after him. “Then sleep in your own bed from now on loser.” I giggled and shut my bedroom door.
It was quiet in the house. The Peats had left for work hours earlier. I had nothing to do today. I wasn’t going to start my classes until the following day with the rest of the players. Camp had brought us to the second week of September. The rest of the students had started last week. I ate some breakfast, then knocked on Moose’s bedroom door.
“Come in,” he called out. He had gone back to sleep.
“What a lazy bum. Get up come running with me, I am bored.” I encouraged him.
He looked at me like what I just asked him was torture. He growled something under his breath and then said. “Give me fifteen minutes and I will come with you.”
I retreated back out to our living room area and stretched out on the couch. He finally emerged from his room. “You’re going to kill me you know,” he said. “I hate running, I would much rather go to the gym.”
“Hey running makes you a faster skater Moose, stop procrastinating and get a move on.” I cheered “Goooooo Moose!”
He chuckled and we walked out of the house. He showed me good places to run around the area. He informed me that this would probably be the only time I would be able to persuade him to run with me. When we got back he offered me the shower first. I was happy about that. Toronto is a very hot and humid city. I couldn’t wait for the colder whether to come. It was September; and I couldn’t understand why it was still so hot here. I wasn’t used to feeling sticky and sweaty like this. Moose told me it’s called an Indian summer or something like that.
I told Moose, “the next person who says, it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity - will learn that it’s not my fist, but the impact.” He held his stomach, he was laughing so hard.
I took my time in the shower, figuring Moose had probably gone back to bed. When I emerged from the bathroom, I walked right into a pretty petite brunette. She startled me. I assumed it was Moose’s girlfriend. He had mentioned she would be coming over.
“Hi Chrissy, I am Lena,” she introduced herself. “It’s so nice to meet you, come sit with me, lets talk and get to know each other.”
I put my things back into my bedroom and went to the couch to sit with her. She told me how her and Moose had met. They had been dating for two years now. She said that she hated it when the season was over, and he had to go back home. It was hard for her. She also mentioned she hated when he was gone on road trips. This getting to know me, had turned into a getting to know her whining fest. I got the feeling she was hoping that maybe I would spy on him for her. That was something I was not about to do. The last thing I needed was to make waves for myself. I just humored her.
Lena, joined the Peats, Moose and myself for dinner. I was glad when she left that night. She was starting to give me a headache.
“Lena’s nice, but man can she talk a lot. No wonder you two hit it off so well,” I teased Moose.
“Yeah, she’s something isn’t she.” He stated. “I don’t really know about us, it seems to be going no where fast.” He was sitting on the couch flipping through the channels on the television. “I think our relationship is just a matter of convenience for me when I am in town. I don’t really see a future but at least for now she keeps me focused,” he added.
I eyed him coldly. “Using people is not a good thing Moose. Maybe it would be best if you were honest with her. Sure it might hurt her, but finding out later will make it worse.” I sat down beside him.
“I know you’re right, it’s just that when I try to end it she starts with the crying and I can’t deal with that shit.” He admitted to me.
“Still, it would be for the best.” I said judgmentally. He tried to change the subject.
“What’s up with you and Alex?” He questioned me. I could tell the way he said it there was more to that question then he meant for me to realize.
“Nothing, he’s a nice guy.” I shrugged. “Why do you ask?”
“I just thought since I look at you like a little sister that I should be honest with you,” he warned me. “He’s a big player, kind of a dirtball.”
I sighed, “Moose, I am not interested in guys so you don’t have to worry.”
“Not interested in guys? You mean you like girls?” He said with his eyes full of wild accusations.
“What? No!” I said icily. “I meant that I don’t have time for guys. I need to focus on hockey and school.”
“Ha Ha, sorry Chris, the way you answered just caught me off guard.” He hung his head guilty. Then looked up at me. “I am glad that you’re focusing, guys are assholes, trust me on this one,” he smirked.
“I know. I do have two brothers. I have also heard things since I have been here, around the rink.” I said frigidly. “Why do you guys do that crap, use girls like that? It’s like it’s some huge ego boosting competition between all of you; like you have to pee on everything. I am boy – hear me roar, and pound your chest. How many girls can I bang this week. It’s so... ugh.” I couldn’t even finish my sentence.
“It’s a guy thing I guess. We aren’t all proud of it.” He said with his voice guarded. “I did a lot of bad shit in my first few years, but now I am starting to look at things a little more seriously.”
“Well, that’s good, because I believe in karma. Shit like that will come back to bite you,” I assured him.
“Are you excited for school tomorrow?” He asked changing the subject again on me.
“Actually, I am. This school offers so many more courses than back home. I am kind of a nerd, I suppose when it comes to school. I just hope I will fit in with the kids here,” I whispered sounding vulnerable.
“Just remember some people will try and be your friend because of what you do, not who you are,” he warned me again. “Keep that in mind and be careful what you tell people. Some girls can turn into crazy psycho stalkers.”
“I will. I’m going to bed. I have an early day tomorrow.” I told him. “We can’t all just lay around on the couch all day playing Xbox,” I jeered. “When do you start your university classes? Next week?” I asked.
He shot me a mean look because of the Xbox comment. “Yeah... and goodnight pest.”
I crawled into bed wondering what tomorrow would really be like. Moose was right. There were probably lots of girls who would try to be my friend once they found out I played for the Gophers. Many just wanted to get to the guys. I would have to have my guard up, but yet not come across as a frigid bitch.
I woke up to Moose shaking me. “Chrissy, what’s wrong?” I didn’t know what he was talking about I was still half a sleep.
“What are you talking about Moose? Do you enjoy waking me up every night or something?” I said not trying to hide my irritation.
“No, you were yelling in your sleep again; it wakes me up.” He persisted with the interrogation. ??
?What’s with all the nightmares you’re having?”
“I was yelling?” I asked. “I don’t have any clue what my dream was about.”
“Maybe you’re stressed out or something?” He asked concerned. I didn’t have an answer for him. “Try to relax a little.”
“Yeah, sorry for waking you up.” I said apologetically.
“No worries, good night I’m going back to bed.” He hurried out of my room.
I wondered why I was having these bad dreams that I couldn’t remember. It wasn’t like me to yell or talk in my sleep. I wasn’t even a big snorer. Maybe subconsciously, I had been more stressed than I realized. I would be sure to try and not let things build up. I also didn’t want these dreams waking Moose up nightly. He would start to get mad at me for it eventually. I needed to learn to relax a little more.
Taking it Day, by Day
I woke up feeling like I wanted to crawl back into bed. I obviously didn’t sleep well. I noticed that my duvet was on the floor. I must have kicked it off during the night.
I showered, then walked upstairs to the quiet kitchen. The Peats were never home. There was always a dinner prepared for Moose and I to shove into the oven. They seemed like very busy people. It was kind of nice to have the extra privacy. It made me feel like I was living on my own. I poured a bowl of cereal, cut up a banana and threw some bread into the toaster.
After I ate all my breakfast; I washed my dishes and went back downstairs. I brushed my teeth, then threw my hair up into a ponytail. I grabbed my book bag and threw it over my shoulder. The school was only about half a mile from the house. It wasn’t a bad walk.
I wondered if any of the guys from my team would be in any of my classes. I doubted it. I was in mostly gifted classes, with the exception of three. I was told it would be tougher to take the gifted program and play, but I didn’t care.
School was important. What if something happened and I couldn’t play anymore. I would need my education to get a good job. Not only that; if I did play, what about after? When I was too old to play, but still to young to retire. I would need to find a good job then. I knew the importance of my education. I was also very relieved when back in Dryden, Ben had explained the college and university programs.
When I got to the school, I noticed that most of the girls looked very trendy. Some were wearing dresses or skirts, and high heels. I was just in my jeans and a gray t-shirt. The gray almost made my face look a little washed out.
Hmm, I better think about adding to my wardrobe if I was going to fit in at this school. The parking lot was full of expensive looking cars. I knew that in the area I was living, the homes were extremely big. I guessed most people around here were pretty well off financially. There’s no way my parents would even be able to afford buying me a beater car. These kids were showing up in Beamers and Corvettes.
I managed to find my homeroom class. I didn’t recognize anyone from my team. I was kind of hoping that I would know someone. Then I wondered if the guys would treat me different at school. Maybe they wouldn’t want to admit they knew me outside of the rink. I had heard a few of them bitching and complaining about me making the team. I also heard the coach giving them shit. I didn’t need friends. I had my hockey and that was enough for me.
The morning seemed to pass very slowly. I had already read most of the books they were asking us to read for English class. In Math, I was lost. It never was my best subject. I would probably have to get a tutor to help me with Math. Finally it was lunch time.
I decided that I would buy something in the cafeteria today, instead of walking home for lunch. I paid for my sandwich, drink and apple; then scanned the cafeteria. I noticed a few players from my team surrounded by a group of girls, but they didn’t seem to acknowledge me. I found an empty table and sat by myself.
Five minutes had passed when this homely looking girl approached my table. She stood in front of me awkwardly swaying from side to side.
“Hi, I am Lauren. Do you mind if I sit down?” She inquired. I nodded and motioned for her to sit. She sat down across from me.
“I’m Chrissy.” I said smiling. “Nice to meet you.”
“Are you new to the area?” She asked me shyly. I nodded. “I usually sit alone. I am kind of a book worm,” she added. “My mom calls me anti-social. The only reason I asked to sit here was because this is my usual table.”
“I’m sorry,” I said sincerely. “I didn’t mean to claim it.”
“No it’s fine. As long as you don’t mind being a social outcast,” she told me. “I don’t really have friends here. Not that I don’t want friends, I am usually just too shy. I keep to myself.”
“Well, to be honest I don’t mind at all.” I explained. “I am kind of a nerd as well. I like school. Some of my friends back in Dryden, Michigan used to tease me about it.”
“If you like, you can sit with me whenever you wish to,” she offered. “You seem like a pleasant girl. Are you a Junior?” She looked me over.
“No, I am a sophomore. I am only sixteen.” I told her.
“Me too! You look a lot older. I thought you were eighteen or something.” She confessed.
“Thanks, I think it’s because of my height.” I admitted. “So, what do you do when you’re not studying?”
“I bicycle, or walk. Sometimes I read, but other than that I don’t do much else.” She squeaked in her mousy voice.
“I run every night. I don’t have a bicycle here, but if you ever want to try running you are welcome to join me. I find it helps me to keep focused at school as well. All the endorphins you know.” I smiled warmly.
She suddenly had a shocked expression on her face and buried her nose into the book in front of her. I looked over my shoulder and noticed Alex approaching our table.
“Hey beautiful,” he said teasingly. “How was your morning?” Then he sat down at the table with us. I was surprised to see him at the school. I knew that he had already graduated.
“It was alright.” I answered. “Yours?” I decided to ask him about why he was there. ”What brings you here today?”
“It wasn’t bad. I’m leaving after lunch. I just came by to get my school papers, there was a mix up with something for my online university courses.” He informed me. “Who’s your friend?” He asked curiously.
“This is Lauren.” She looked up when I said her name. She smiled shyly.
He smiled back at her. “Hi Lauren, I’m Alex.” As he spoke she nodded and buried her head back into her book.
He turned back towards me. “Do you want to hang out tonight Christine? Maybe go out for dinner or a movie?”
“Err... thanks Alex, but I can’t. I have homework, and I promised Mrs. Peat I would spend some time with her this evening. She wants to do some bonding.” I laughed.
He looked disappointed. “Alright, some other time,” he said. “I’ll see you later gator.” He smiled, then got up from the table. What a cheesy comment. Especially coming from him. Although it made me laugh.
Lauren watched him walk away. Her jaw hanging open. “Holy crap!” She exclaimed with a mixture of shock and excitement. “He’s the cutest boy I have ever seen.” She looked confused. “How do you know him?”
“He’s my teammate. I play hockey for the Gophers.” I told her. I didn’t get the feeling that she was one of those puck bunnies that Moose was telling me about.
“Wow, I would never have enough nerve to play anything with a bunch of guys.” She shook her head. “I couldn’t even speak to Alex just now.” She seemed embarrassed by this fact, and thrilled to use his name in conversation. That amused me. I knew the effect he had on me, I could just imagine the effect he had on her.
“He’s cute. My roommate told me he’s a player, treats girls bad after he gets what he wants from them.” I told her.
“Oh! I guess most guys are like that,” she said. “I wouldn’t know though, because they never speak to me.” She looked down at her hands suddenly nervous about confessing that to me.
/> “Well trust me, most aren’t worth speaking to.” I assured her.
Then the bell sounded and I had to get to class. I said good bye to her, and told her I was happy to meet her. We exchanged MSN’s. She told me that she would add me on Facebook later that day.
So far none of my teammates had been in any of my classes. I was late getting into my History class, and there was only one seat left. It was in front of one of my teammates; Joe Sim another rookie.
He was a jerk from what I could tell. I hadn’t really spoken much to him. He was one of the guys complaining about me being on the team.
When I took the seat in front of him, he kicked the back of my chair. I turned and glared at him. He snickered. I looked back towards the front of the class. Throughout the hour he randomly would kick the back of my chair. I was extremely annoyed by him. If I could, I would have smacked him upside his head right there.
The last kick, his foot slid through the back of my chair and hit my lower back. I had had enough of his taunting.
I turned to him and forcefully, but quietly whispered. “You kick my chair one more time, I will cold clock you. Two hits – me hitting you – you hitting the floor!” I was pissed off now.
He laughed out loud, and the teacher glared at him. Then he tapped my shoulder for me to turn around. He spoke with a cutting tone. “You are a waste of a roster spot. Josh Morgan was cut because of you.” He snapped at me. “You’re not good enough. I don’t know who you blew to get that roster spot, but enjoy it while you can. It won’t be long before every one sees you don’t belong on the ice with us.”
“You better grow eyes in the back of your head during practice you dick.” I fumed. I ignored him for the rest of the period.
Great! I had to sit in front of him all year. I was going to make him pay for what he said to me. He had some nerve. Just because he was drafted in the first round of the OHL draft, and had a contract - he thought he was God’s gift to hockey. I would show him.