Page 34 of Off The Rush
Alec wins the face-off and quickly passes the puck to Luka who sends it to someone I don’t know. That guy loses the possession.
The other team gets a shot on the goalie, JD, who blocks it easily. Throughout the game, he keeps blocking shot after shot with an intense focus that’s impressive.
“Wow, JD is the goalie. He is really good, isn’t he?” I can’t help but comment, leaning towards Tessa as she nods in agreement. Her eyes are locked on the action, mirroring my fascination.
“He’s been the starting goalie since his Freshman year. He’s NHL bound for sure,” Audrey tells me.
Luka gets into a fight on the ice, his protective nature shining through as he steps up to defend Alec, who’d been hit by an opposing player. I wince as they shove against each other, hoping Luka doesn’t get hurt in the process.
“Looks like things are getting heated,” Tessa murmurs, gripping my arm in concern.
“Yup,” I reply, unable to tear my gaze away from the scuffle. “Luka has a fierce side.”
The fight eventually breaks up, and the game resumes. Luka and the player from the other team get sent to two little boxes on the side of the rink.
“Is that the penalty box?” I whisper to Tessa. I think I read something about that.
Tessa laughs at me. “You’re lucky that knowledge of hockey wasn’t a requirement in your… relationship with Alec. Yes, that’s the penalty box. Luka got a penalty for the fight but he will be out soon.”
I can’t keep my eyes off Alec as he skates across the ice and scores on the other team’s goalie. His teammates slap him on the back but his eyes shoot up to mine in the stands with a smile.
I stand up and cheer for him loudly.
“Go, Alec!” Tessa cheers, clapping enthusiastically.
Alec’s skillful moves captivate me as he scores another goal, then Luka makes one and an assist, showcasing their talent on the ice.
The cold air in the arena nips at my cheeks as I clutch the edge of my seat, eyes glued to the game. Tessa sits beside me, her excitement palpable as she cheers. This is intense, and my heart races with each near goal. JD has been doing an incredible job as the goalie. His skill is so impressive.
Suddenly, a player from the opposing team slams into JD, knocking him off balance. My breath catches in my throat, and I grip Tessa’s arm in anxiety. Luka and Alec react instantly, their loyalty and protectiveness evident as they rush towards the offender.
“Get him, Luka!” Tessa shouts, her voice full of fire. I watch as Luka reaches the player first, his body colliding with force.
They grapple, fists flying as they fight. It is brutal, and I can’t help but wince with every landed punch.
“halfheartedly,” a man sitting nearby winces, shaking his head. “You don’t mess with the goalie.”
As if on cue, the fight escalates. More players join in, and soon it’s an all-out brawl between the teams. I search frantically for Luka and Alec amidst the chaos, my heart pounding in my chest. I spot them in the thick of it, and I can tell that they’re giving it their all.
“Come on, guys,” I whisper, biting my lip as I watch Luka shed his gloves and helmet. He takes a solid punch to the eye, and I gasp, my hand flying to cover my mouth. But Luka doesn’t back down; instead, he retaliates with a series of powerful punches that leave his opponent reeling.
“Emma, it’s okay,” Tessa reassures me, rubbing my back as the refs finally intervene, pulling the players apart. “They’re tough. They’ll be fine. This is what happens in hockey.”
But I can’t shake the worry that gnaws at me as we watch the rest of the game unfold. All I can think about is Luka’s bruised eye, JD getting hit, and the way Alec’s body vibrated in anger. Even though part of me knows they can handle themselves, the protective instinct within me refuses to be silenced.
“Let’s go see them,” I say as soon as the final buzzer sounds, unable to keep the concern out of my voice. Tessa nods, understanding my need for reassurance, and together we make our way towards the locker rooms, ready to face whatever awaits us on the other side. Luckily, Audrey knows where to wait.
I can’t help but tap my foot impatiently as I wait outside the locker room, trying to ignore the dull ache in my chest. The game has ended, and all I want is to see Luka, JD, and Alec, to make sure they’re okay.
Audrey’s brother, Miles, comes out and they head out together.
“Deep breaths, Emma,” Tessa says softly, her calming presence a welcome contrast to the chaos that had erupted earlier.
“Thanks, Tessa,” I reply, squeezing her hand gratefully. “I just… I need to know they’re alright.”
Finally, the locker room door swings open, and Luka, JD, and Alec step out, still looking a little rough around the edges, but grinning broadly. Relief washes over me like a wave as I see that their smiles are genuine, despite the scrapes and bruises they’ve acquired.
“Emma!” JD exclaims, his enthusiasm contagious, and I can’t help but smile back.
