46. Evvy
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
evvy
Josie and I are sitting in a box tonight, and it’s so different from where we watched the last game. I preferred being closer to the action, but being up high provides a unique view. She’s buzzing with energy as we’re seconds away from start time.
What should be a joyous feeling watching Zack play at home for the first time is instead replaced with a deep sense of dread. I watch Jeff and Zack square off in center ice, preparing for the face-off. I hold my breath as Jeff puts his stick down first, then Zack, and then they wait.
The puck drops and Zack quickly gets control, drawing it back to Marsh.
My eyes stay locked on Zack as Jeff holds out his stick, slipping it between Zack’s skates in an attempt to trip him.
Luckily, it doesn’t work, and Zack avoids falling, but the refs don’t make a call.
That asshole should have a two-minute penalty but he stays on the ice.
I’m so focused on Zack that I completely miss the goal. “What happened?” I ask Josie. “I missed it! They scored?”
She’s cheering next to me as we watch the guys hug Marsh. “Marsh shot a one-timer after Zack won the face-off!” Josie cheers. “Zack got an assist!”
“It happened so fast. I was focused on Zack. Did you see Jeff try to trip him?”
“No! What the hell? He’s not going to get away with that. If he keeps it up, I’m sure Marsh will be itching for a fight.”
“Let’s hope not.” I’d hate to see Marsh get thrown from another game over someone as awful as Jeff.
* * *
We’re five minutes into the second period and up 2-0 against Boston. Brent scored the second goal and Josie was ecstatic. It was a brief and welcome distraction to watch my friend celebrate her husband during an extremely intense game
Unfortunately, but unsurprisingly, Marsh earned himself a penalty for roughing. Jeff deserved to be shoved, not that the refs see it that way. I’m still pissed after seeing him try to take out Zack during the first period.
Boston has the advantage of a power play for another minute as Marsh finishes out his time in the box.
Our second line is on the ice and my eyes search out Zack on the bench.
I see him and Brent discussing something but their heads snap back to the ice right before the face-off.
Boston gets control of the puck, Jeff passes to one of their wingers.
Down a player, our defense doesn’t stop them in time and they take a shot.
Nate just misses the puck and Boston gets their first goal.
* * *
Going into the third period, the score is now 2-1, but we’re still winning.
Jeff has been playing dirty all night, but it’s been subtle enough that he was only given one minor penalty for roughing.
He got a payback for Marsh’s rough hit earlier in the game by returning the favor and checking him into the boards after the whistle blew.
Unfortunately, Jeff’s back on the ice and about to face-off with Zack again. That same queasy feeling makes my stomach churn as I watch Jeff put down his stick. Zack places his down next and the puck drops. Zack gets control of the puck, passing it to Bax, and I see Jeff attempt to trip him again.
Marsh notices and shoves Jeff hard into the boards. When he regains his balance, he throws a punch at Marsh but misses. Soon a full-on brawl breaks out on the ice and my eyes stay locked on Zack.
He gets checked hard into the boards, and before he can recover, Jeff punches him from behind, knocking him to the ice.
Amidst the chaos, Zack’s helmet comes off and Jeff slashes him with his stick.
He takes a direct hit to the head. Marsh attempts to pull Jeff away, but more players jump to Jeff’s defense.
He lands one final punch on Zack before refs regain control of the situation.
Josie and I watch in horror as our team surrounds Zack and medics take the ice. My lungs deflate, and I can’t breathe. Zack isn’t moving. “No!” I manage to scream before I start heaving. I feel Josie’s hands on me, pulling me out of the room and into a hallway.
My feet stop working and my back hits a wall as I slide to the floor. Josie kneels and wraps me in a hug as my vision goes dark.