Page 117 of Habits

But I would do it over and over again if it meant having my family together. Even as imperfect and fucked up as we are, we’re a family.

That day the naïve little girl inside of me died. Wounded by the ugliness of society, surrounded by poisonous people, betrayed by her own blood and riddled with guilt, she died and the only thing that’s left is a shell of the person she once was.

Figuratively and physically.

So I gave him an ultimatum. He would toss aside all the whores he was fucking and become the loyal husband and caring father everybody thought he was, and I’d keep my mouth shut.

Brushing away my tears, I take a few deep breaths to calm myself. I put on my seat belt and start the car, putting the heating on max to warm my numb hands before I pull out of the parking lot.

That day, Dad accepted my ultimatum. Of course he did, there was no other choice for him.

I thought that was the end, that everything would be over. But it was all just beginning.

Andrew

“Good shot, Hill.”

One of my teammates pats me on the shoulder in passing. We just got back to Greyford, and everybody is grabbing their shit to go home, take a shower and change before the party later tonight.

And what a party it will be.

For the first time in years, Greyford High will participate in the Ice Globe Tournament, which is basically a high school version of what the Frozen Four is for college or the Stanley Cup Playoffs on the professional level.

You can still feel the buzz of excitement going through our group. Everybody is riding the adrenaline high from the game and victory earlier today, and I don’t think it’ll leave us anytime soon.

Even coach and his staff are wearing big smiles on their faces, and they didn’t drill us too much after the game about taking it slow tonight, which would be a first.

Realistically, we all know there is still a long road ahead of us, but tonight we’re celebrating our victory. Tomorrow we’ll put it behind us and concentrate on practicing for the tournament.

“Look at them, worshiping you like a war hero.” Derek stands next to me, his hockey bag thrown over his shoulder.

Those last few seconds of the game play on repeat in my head. It was insane. When I got the puck, time slowed down. I looked at it in wonder for a millisecond before I charged at the goalie, hoping I wouldn’t mess it up somehow.

“If I’m their version of a hero, something is really messed up in their lives. It’s just hockey.”

“Do I hear that right, King?” Sanders joins our little group, looking perplexed. “Was that modesty actually coming out of his mouth?”

“Oh, shut up.” I shove him away, if only to hide the slight blush warming my cheeks.

They both laugh at me.

“Look at him, blushing and all. Humbleness looks weird on you, Hill. Please go make a baby cry now so that balance is restored back in the world.”

“You two are jackasses, you know that?”

They both laugh again, harder this time.

Frowning at them, I pick up my bag and start walking toward my car. “I have shit to take care of and a party to organize. If you two assholes don’t want to help, get out of my way.”

“Okay, okay,” Derek runs after me, still laughing. “Don’t get all sensitive on us. What do you need help with?”

Unlocking my car, I throw my duffle on the back seat before I turn to face them.

“I need you to go set up the party at my place. I have to go back.”

Max looks at me, confused. “Back where?”

My eyes find his. Same as the eyes of the girl I’m falling for.

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