Against the Boards by C.D. Bergendahl

Author:C.D. Bergendahl
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Minnesota, Hockey, Coming of Age
Publisher: North Star Press of St. Cloud
Published: 2014-08-14T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

Line change—the entire forward line and/or defensive line will be replaced at once, which puts players on the ice who work well together.

Jayce sensed a change in the atmosphere when he arrived at school the next day. He felt like he was being watched. Noticed. Mr. Nelson nodded to him as he walked by. As did the principal. But, nothing too unusual about that. Students, especially girls, whom he didn’t even know smiled and giggled behind hands as he walked by. Other hockey players, players he had skated with years ago along with Chainsaw looked, smiled and high-fived him and went on. He checked his fly to see if it was open.

More looks from teachers. Students parted to let him go by as he walked down the hall. Some smiling, others staring. Snide looks from Connor—nothing new.

At lunchtime, he stood in line for his food with the rest, still with the feeling he was being watched. He opted for a lukewarm burger, soggy fries, and a milk, and then to leave the lunchroom to be by himself.

He talked the hall monitor into letting him go and eat by the library doors so he could get in right away when the librarian arrived. The monitor granted permission, clapped him on the back, wished him luck, and let him through.

Odd, Jayce thought. Wishing me luck—for what? The monitor usually growled, demanded a pass, and even then was reluctant to let anyone in the hallways during lunch.

Jayce slid down the walls outside the library to the cool floor. He felt exhausted from being up so late shooting pucks, and was still confused as to all the attention he was getting. Right now, he was just feeling relieved to be away from everyone. He chewed on the tasteless burger, barely noticed the limp fries, and sipped his milk, waiting for the library to open.

“There you are!”

Jayce looked up, and saw Hallie clicking down the hall in her three-inch heels, trying to balance her food tray in one hand and pulling up the shoulder strap of her purse with the other. She stopped, dropped her purse, and looked around her, trying to figure out a graceful way to sit on the floor in her mini-skirt without spilling the contents of her tray.

Jayce put down his food and stood up to help her. She beamed at him, kicked off her heels, and settled her bare legs behind her as she sat, and then leaned forward to accept her tray from Jayce.

“This floor is cold,” She said trying to move closer.

“It’s called winter,” a voice said.

Hallie and Jayce snapped around their heads. Rachel had arrived and was settling on the other side of Jayce with her sandwich and milk. She glared at Hallie and smiled at Jayce.

“No black today?” Hallie said, eyeing Rachel’s blue jeans and pink NYC sweatshirt.

“No clothes today?” Rachel quipped back.

“How was jail?” Hallie asked. She nibbled her food and smiled.

“Much more stimulating than you,” Rachel said.

Jayce sat trying to eat his burger and not look at either girl.

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