14. Eden
EDEN
The locker room buzzed with the usual pre-game tension. Well, more or less usual.
We had games all the time, and while a charity tournament wasn’t nearly as important, we still needed to win. The team that won would get a huge check that we got to donate to a charity of our choice.
My team decided on children in need. We could afford so many things for those kids, putting huge smiles on their faces.
If we lost, the team would put some money together and donate anyway, but we still desperately wanted that money for them.
As I looked at my phone to check the time, I suddenly zoomed in on the date and realized something entirely different. The Frozen Four playoffs were coming up soon.
The playoffs were an entirely different feeling once again, so different from normal games. They were more important.
Sure, we all knew losing any game was bad, but losing a playoff game was worse. We were so close to winning the Frozen Four. We just had to get through the playoffs and the semi-final… then actually win the Championships.
Easy, right?
Well, thank God this wasn’t the playoffs yet. Though, it almost felt the same.
All my teammates were really chatty, so it was strange not hearing their voices as we got changed. It was so quiet, and it almost felt like the calm before a heavy storm, just that the calm wasn’t exactly peaceful either.
There was a deafening silence in the room.
It wasn’t a home game, and though I knew my parents were still sitting in the audience to watch me, it felt different. I hated being a guest in an unfamiliar arena. Well, at least I had someone here, right? It wasn’t always the case.
“Did you guys hear that Tanner broke his shoulder?” Sharma asked loudly just as I started to tape my stick.
I looked up at my best friend. “Doing what?”
As far as I knew, he hadn’t been on the ice for a month now, which the Providence College players didn’t like. Having their best goalie out for so long was a tragedy. Tanner was great, so I wasn’t mad he wasn’t on the ice tonight either. Their backup goalie wasn’t all too good.
Sharma shrugged. “Louisa said his girlfriend posted a picture of them climbing a couple of days ago. Guess he fell.”
“He’s been out for a while now,” KJ said as soon as he finished tying up his skates. “Imagine just getting the okay to go back out there and then breaking a bone.”
“Why was he out anyway?” someone else asked, but I couldn’t have cared any less to continue to listen to the conversation.
I had a game to focus on.
Once fully dressed, I took a last glance at my phone just to find the usual messages in our extended family group chat.
Fairy Godmothers and their Cinderellas
Colin
Good luck, Eddypoo!
Brooke
HAHAHAHA Eddypoo.
Good luck though, Eddypoo! <3
Colin
Leave your brother alone
Dad
@Colin Excuse you? That’s my line. My kids, my line.
Mom
You’re going to win, sweetie!
Elliot
Break a leg.
Nova
@Elliot Hockey isn’t theater
Elliot
I know ;)
Dad
Leave your brother alone!
Colin
Leave your brother alone
Lily
Good luck @Eden !!!
Sofia
You got this!
Dad
@Colin You’re lucky im in Rhode Island to watch my son’s game, or else…
Sofia
@Dad I’m*
Luan
Grey refuses to send a text, as usual, but he’s laughing @Sofia
Sofia
Of course he is
Colin
@Dad or else what? ;)
Lily
@Colin there are kids in this group chat
Colin
Oh
Luan
Good luck, @Eden! Grey, the kids, and I are firing you on through the screen!!!
Aaron
Good luck
Kieran
Good luck
Jamie
You’re gonna win for sure!
Reece
You got this! Call me when you’re off the ice, Eddypoo
Brooke
Wow, okay, marry my brother then
Colin
Be nice to your husband @Brooke
Miles
Fine, keep that line then
Reece
@Brooke I’m good, you’re far better <3
Kieran
Could you please flirt in the safety of your own ears and eyes? It’s disgusting.
Luan
Grey says “Guys, shut up now. My phone is vibrating too much, it annoys me.”
Mom
Speaking of Grey, did he ever even open the chat?
Luan
No…
My eyes rolled, yet I couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped me.
It was never a simple “Good luck” with these people. Not even once. But honestly, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
Just as I wanted to turn off my phone, I received a message from a much more interesting person.
Alana
I’m not exactly sure if you wish a hockey player good luck, but I’m just gonna assume you do so…
Good luck, Eden!
Eden
Thanks, baby
Alana
First of all, ew. Second of all, you’re welcome
Eden
Are you gonna watch the game?
Alana
Nope
Eden
Too bad. I’d try to look extra good for you
Alana
Oh, God
Eden
I can’t win if you’re not watching
Alana
How does that even make sense?
Eden
Because scoring for you if you won’t even see it is pointless
Alana
Fine, whatever. I’ll tune in
Where can I watch it?