One of the younger-looking teammates hands out a flyer to each of us for an upcoming game. I briefly glance at it, only out of pure adoration for the design and setup of the flyer. Whoever designed this knew exactly what they were doing. The bright black and teal combo is perfect, and you can’t resist looking at it.
At the top are their team name and mascot facing off with the other team’s mascot.
The New York Nighthawks take on the Minnesota Mystics. ONE NIGHT ONLY!
They have the starting roster listed, and to no surprise, Alec’s name made the list. Starting center, number 16.
My heart constricts when I see his name on the flyer. It feels like a lifetime ago that I was going to his high school games, cheering him on. And now, he’s playing for the NY Nighthawks in the NHL. I’m proud of him and the life he has built for himself. I just wish sometimes that he had brought us with him. Instead of leaving us behind to pursue his dreams.
But that’s not the reality. The reality is that he left us. He left pregnant me—and therefore adorable little Jack—to go play hockey. And that I can’t forgive and never will.
Some of the players speak on how they set their goals and how they achieved them. So exciting, thrilling even. But this is an advanced marketing class, not some class with kids who need heroes and goals to pursue.
We all have our goals and dreams. Everyone in this class is a senior, not a freshman. Our dreams are already almost realized.
Number 33 finishes talking about the upcoming game and what to look forward to. The Minnesota Mystics went undefeated last season. Well, until they played the New York Nighthawks for the Stanley Cup and the Nighthawks won.
He passes the mic to Alec, and I try to keep my eyes anywhere but on him. But the second his deep voice fills the speakers, my gaze is forced up to his. I have no control.
“As you know, my team and I are touring our hometowns right now. And this town is mine. It’s weird, being back here, all these old memories and old feelings.” His eyes never leave mine. “It’s like I’ve stepped back in time.” He lightly laughs, and then his sincere gaze settles into mine. “I feel like maybe I should grab my skates and go find that little pond back behind Al’s Barbecue.”
My heart drops to my stomach, and I suck in a breath that gets caught in my throat.
I almost forgot all about that little pond. We used to go there every single day. All of our free time together was spent at that pond. Skating, dancing,living.
So many memories flood my mind and vision, overwhelming me. We had our first kiss there. He taught me how to skate there. We fell in love there. And when he left, I never returned.
After a moment longer of looking at me with his nostalgic stare, he begins speaking again. “This is where I grew up, where I fell in love with hockey. Duluth was my home for most of my life. The Duluth Greyhounds was where I discovered my passion and drive. I owe this town everything I have.” His eyes never waver from mine. “It would be amazing to have all my hometown’s support at the upcoming game against the Mystics.Allof you.” He pauses, his hazel eyes searching mine.
But it’s my turn to let him down. Because there is no way in hell I will be attending that game.
He passes the mic back to Mrs. Randall.
“Let’s give a round of applause to our speakers today.”
All the students clap enthusiastically, all the girls showing a sudden passion for hockey.
“Your pop quiz is on Blackboard, and it is due at eight p.m. tonight, no exceptions. Class dismissed.”
Okay, hold up. I stayed to take a pop quiz, which I didn’t even need to be here for!Ugh!
I grab my bag and storm off, cutting off everyone in front of me.
“Laura, wait!” Alec calls after me, which only makes my legs move faster.
I bolt out of the door and take off for the elevator instead of the stairs since it’s closer. I hit the button, and it instantly opens, empty.
Thank God.
I step inside and smash my finger into the button to close the doors. It finally dings and begins sliding shut.
“Come on!” I shout at it, trying to speed it up. “Come on, come on, come on!”
It’s two inches from closing when a hand slides in place, opening the doors back up. Standing outside of them is none other than Alec.
He’s out of breath from chasing me. I’m a little winded myself.
That annoyingly stupid, beautiful smile of his is stretched across his face. “You always were able to outrun me.”
