Page 57 of Puck'n Bully
It’s only after I step into the ice hockey arena that I realize how wrong I was about the sport. The moment I enter, a wave of energy hits me. From the chill of the ice to the echoing cheers of a thousand fans...everything fascinates me.
The moment I reach my seat, Dr. Blanton and Professor Patel welcome me warmly. They’re both experts in their research fields but tonight, they’re all here for hockey. Both of them are wearing the Thunder Knights’ colors of royal blue and gold. They even have a stack of banners between them.
Amused by their enthusiasm, I sit down in my seat, wondering if seeing Hayden would change the excitement flowing through me. He never texted me or tried to talk to me after that night in my apartment.
I should be feeling relieved now that Hayden has finally given up on me but there’s a small part of me that still hopes he’d muster up the courage to choose me, that whatever he felt for me was strong enough to make him brave.
“Keith said he had to cajole you with a front-row ticket to get you here,” Professor Patel says, grinning amusedly at me. Even though he’s in his early sixties, he looks extremely fit under his tweed jacket.
“Sorry,” I quickly apologize. “I don’t watch hockey.”
“Have you ever attended any games before?” Professor Patel asks.
I shake my head, feeling nervous.
“Well, let’s see how you feel about the sport after the game’s over.” He grins, gently patting my shoulder in an almost fatherly way.
“Sure,” I say, starting to feel more at ease with him.
“He’s already taking a liking to you,” Dr. Blanton whispers in my ear. “Didn’t I tell you this was the best way to meet the head of the department?”
I nod. “Thanks for inviting me here, Dr. Blanton.”
He waves a hand, grinning. “Our boys could do with some extra fans tonight. Just look at the number of supporters the Silver Bears brought in today. It feels like the game’s happening in Silverlake U’s campus!”
“They should be charging them extra for their tickets,” Dr. Patel mutters, frowning, clearly unhappy with the people in the stands who’re sporting colors of green and silver.
Being a novice, I nod politely, not really understanding their deep-rooted dislike for the opposing team. It’s only when the game starts that I realize why they’re so annoyed by the supporters of the Silver Bears.
The Silver Bears are bloodthirsty. Their strategy to win the game is all about hurting the opponent’s side until they break or just give up out of sheer terror.
I soon spot Hayden in the center, leading the game. From the very start, he charges forward, weaving, dodging, and stealing the puck with an impossible mix of grace and aggression. I’m no hockey expert but even I can tell he’s the most talented player on the ice.
I watch him take hit after hit, but no matter how hard he falls, he always gets up. By the time the game reaches the second half, my entire body feels stiff, my muscles locking together as I grip the edge of my seat out of sheer dread.
The Silver Bears are getting desperate.
They no longer seem to aim for the puck. They’re all focused on hurting Hayden to stop him.
“Roy is making it straight for Bastian,” Dr. Blanton mutters from my side, his gaze burning with a rage I didn’t think he could muster.
Following the direction of his gaze, I follow the tall, massive player in green and silver who’s adjusting his angle, and streaking right toward Hayden.
I stop breathing, knowing what’s about to happen.
The second Hayden crosses the blue line, Roy strikes.
His massive body collides against Hayden’s shoulder, launching him off his skates and sending him crashing into the boards.
A collective gasp rises from the spectators. Everyone holds their breath to see whether Hayden can get up after the vicious attack.
My hands ball into fists. I hate seeing him get hurt over and over again.
Despite wanting Knightswood to win, I want Hayden to quit. I want him to take a break and look after his injuries.
My heart pounds against my chest as I watch Hayden remain motionless on the ice. He no longer seems to have any life left in him after that crash.
But then...he moves.
