Chapter 5Avery
Chapter Fiv e
Avery
As I pull into the driveway, gravel crunching under the tires, I twist in my seat to steal a glance at Olivia. She's got her knees pulled up to her chin, which is classic for my usually shy ten-year-old. Her big eyes are hidden behind a fringe that's gotten too long again.
"I think that's great, sweetheart," I say, trying to keep it light.
She tucks a wayward curl behind her ear before looking up at me, and I'm hit by a wave of surprise—Olivia prefers to listen rather than speak up, but today there's an unusual spark in her gaze.
"Mom," she begins, her voice steadier than usual, "you know that I can tell when you're fibbing, right? "
I shake my head and smile. Even at ten years old, she's already got me figured out.
"You got me," I tease her. "I guess I'm just shocked, is all. You've never wanted to play sports before."
"I know," she says. "But at school, everyone's talking about the hockey team."
"Yeah?" I prompt, encouraging her. This is new territory for us. Olivia isn't the one to dive into social ripples; she's more like a stone skimming the surface, avoiding making any waves.
She nods eagerly, and it's like watching a flower bloom in fast forward. "It's going to be so cool this year because they're getting sponsored. I don't want to miss out on it." The words tumble out with a rush of breath, as if she's been holding them in all day.
My heart does a little somersault. Olivia wanting to plunge into something as communal and spirited as a sports team is not just a surprise—it's a seismic shift.
I push open the car door and step onto the gravel, crunching it beneath my boots. Olivia's right behind me, her backpack bouncing against her shoulders as she hops out.
"Mom," she says, catching up to me with a couple of quick strides, "I also want to show that I can do just as well as any of the boys."
"Is that so?" I ask, keeping my tone playful but my heart swelling with pride.
She nods vigorously, her shyness slipping away. " And Sophia is on the team. She's one of the only girls, and she's awesome."
"Ah, Sophia, huh?" I muse, pausing to unlock the front door. I let us in and flip on the light. Our cozy living room welcomes us home, familiar and warm. "You look up to her?"
"Totally." She kicks off her shoes, sending them flying to their designated spot by the hall tree.
The house fills with the noise of our domestic routine as I head to the kitchen and rummage through the pantry for something to whip up. "Well, you know what, Liv? I'm proud of you. Really proud."
"Really?" She peeks around the corner, eyes searching mine.
"Of course, honey." A box of crackers finds its way into my hand, along with a jar of peanut butter. "If you want to join the hockey team, then I'm behind you one hundred percent."
"Thanks, Mom!" Her smile could power the whole block.
"Go ahead and turn on the TV while I make us a snack," I say, pointing towards the living room.
"Okay!" She dashes off, and soon enough, the sound of some cartoon fills the air.
My phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out and start tapping out a message to the group chat with Emily, Jessica, and Samantha. They need to know about this new development with Olivia.
Avery
Hey guys, heads up: Olivia wants to join the hockey team. Looks like our little protest planning will have to adapt.
I hit send and start spreading peanut butter on crackers, wondering how they'll take the news. It's not long before the replies start coming in. They're supportive, as always, full of emojis and exclamation points.
Emily
Way to go, Olivia!
Jessica
Girl power! We'll figure it out
Samantha
New plan: we’ll multitask!
A chuckle escapes me as I carry the plate of snacks over to where Olivia sits, engrossed in her show. The moms are brainstorming already.
"Here you go, sweetie," I say, setting the plate down on the coffee table.
"Yum, thanks!" She looks at me with those big brown eyes, suddenly serious again. "Mom, are you mad about the hockey thing?"
"Mad?" I sit beside her and ruffle her hair, letting my sincerity shine through. "No way, Liv. I already told you, I'll support you with everything I've got. Don't ever be afraid to chase what you want, okay? No matter what anyone else thinks."
"Okay, Mom." She grins, a cracker halfway to her mouth, and in that instant, I feel like I've scored a goal myself.
I glance back at my phone, my thumbs hovering over the screen. The moms are buzzing in our group chat, a flurry of texts that's hard to keep up with. I take a deep breath and dive in.
Emily
What if we had the meetings during practice? Kill two birds with one stone?
…no pun intended
Jessica
Could work
Samantha
Practices are at the rink, right?
Lots of space, lots of parents.
Good visibility for our cause.
I bite my lip, considering. It's not just about location; it's about sending a message. Victor Stone thinks he can charm the town with his money, but maybe this way we can show him we're not so easily bought.
Avery
Brilliant idea, Em.
It's perfect. We stay involved with our kids and keep the community aware.
Victor's cash won't blindside anyone on my watch.
Emily
Ha! Love it!
Let's do this.
Jessica
United front, ladies
Samantha
Stronger together
“Stronger together," I echo silently, locking my phone. The girls are right—as long as we stick together, we've got a fighting chance.
I plop myself back on the couch, still thumbing my phone as the thread of messages continues to buzz with the news of Olivia's latest interest. The screen lights up with a new tease from Samantha. I knew it was only a matter of time until someone started to tease me directly. My dating life, or lack of it rather, is always a topic us moms keep returning to.
Samantha
Careful, Avery. Rubbing elbows at the rink, you might just catch Victor Stone's eye
Avery
Ugh, don't even joke
The thought alone enough to churn my stomach—or so I tell myself.
Avery
The man's got the charm of a cinder block.
Jessica
Sure but he's rich and pretty.
That combo usually doesn't repel.
Avery
Rich, pretty, and insufferable.
I can almost hear their laughter through the digital space between us.
Emily
Too bad, really
A little romance might thaw out the ice queen herself.
Avery
Ha-ha
In truth, part of me wonders if Victor's icy facade could ever melt. But then, I've built my own walls pretty high.
"Mom?" Olivia's small voice pulls me from our banter. Her eyes are wide with concern.
"Hey, what's up, honey?" I slide my phone away, giving her my full attention.
"Are you sure you're not mad that I want to join the hockey team?" She tugs at the hem of her shirt, a nervous habit she's had since she was tiny. I can tell she's really anxious about this decision and needs the extra reassurance.
"Mad?" I pull her into a side hug. "Of course not, Liv. I'm proud of you for wanting to try something new."
"Really?" Her uncertainty pinches my heart.
"Really," I affirm, squeezing her shoulder. "You should always do what makes you happy, no matter what anyone else thinks. Even if it's playing hockey with the boys."
"Even if it's being sponsored by that guy you hate?" she probes, her innocence about the world's complexities both refreshing and painful.
"Oh, I don't hate him, sweets," I say, trying to convince myself that that's true. I've technically never met the man, so how could I really hate him? I press a kiss to the top of her head. "Life's too short to live by someone else's playbook. Remember that. "
"Okay, Mom." She smiles, some of the worry smoothing from her features. "Thanks."
"Anything for you, kiddo." And I mean it. If braving the cold bleachers and Victor Stone's shadow is what it takes to support her dreams, then that's exactly what I'll do. I just intend to raise hell for Victor Stone while doing it.