Page 47 of Nodus Tollens
“Don’t drop the soap.”
He scowled, and I did what I said. I fuckin’ smiled.
Though I left Jackson County Jail with a hole in my heart, I knew I could fill it by throwing myself further into the game of hockey. The only thing that will truly ever fuckin’ love me back.
12
WREN
It was funny how time seemed to stand still when you were excited but moved extraordinarily fast when you were dreading something. For me, I had closed my eyes for the briefest of seconds, and when I opened them, it was already next Friday.
The day of Hayes’s hockey game.
Of course, he sent me daily reminders in text messages. Sometimes, he was subtle about bringing up the game, and sometimes not. For instance, on Monday, I received a single text in the morning that had my heart galloping.
Hayes: Did you know that it’s been scientifically proven that hockey players give the best hugs? Just thought you’d like to know, just in case you ever needed one … Hope you have a good day, Blue.
Then on Tuesday, I got a message much later in the day. At first, I thought he might’ve given up on texting me because I hadn’t responded to his previous one, but I was wrong.
Hayes: I pulled a muscle at practice tonight What are the chances of you coming over and giving my shoulders a massage?
Me: -10
Hayes: Damn, just gonna let me suffer like that? Brutal.
Hayes: Sooo… What are the chances of you coming to my game then?
Me: -11
Hayes: Hmm, I guess I have three days to change your mind. Think I can do it?
Yes, yes, I did, but I didn’t admit it. Instead, I fell asleep with a grin on my face and dreamt of the possibilities.
On Wednesday, you could tell he was getting slightly desperate. Throughout the day, he would randomly message me, and although I knew I shouldn’t respond back, I found myself doing it anyway.
Hayes: What’s your favorite kind of pizza?
Me: Pepperoni… why?
Hayes: Just so I know what to get you when I take you out after the game.
I rolled my eyes.
Hayes: Maybe some ice cream, too, if you’re lucky ;)
Me: Hm, you sound so sure I’ll even show up to your game.
Hayes: All I can do is hope, Blue.
Then, Thursday came along. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but his messages were different than the rest. Where he had been playful and sweet the past couple of days, I could sense something was off with him. What it was, I wasn’t sure, and I couldn’t stop myself from responding back.
Hayes: Tell me something good.
Me: What do you mean?
Hayes: When was the happiest you’ve ever been? Like truly happy.
Me: That’s a weird question to ask.
