Chapter 3
Willow Rogers
A lthough the gym is my second home, I fucking hate bench presses.
The clanging of weights echoes throughout the gym and into my ears. I engage my core, shoulder blades pinching together before my back arches. Arms shaking from the moment I lift the barbell.
My chest heaving as I complete the final rep of my set. My breath is ragged, and my body thanks me once I return the barbell to the stand with tension melting from my shoulders.
Slipping under the bar, my knees buckle as I stand. I reach out, holding onto the cushioned bench. Holy shit. I forgot about the muscular pain that comes with intense strength and conditioning training.
I haven’t been able to continue my usual training regime, between packing my things and trying to enrol in my classes for the semester.
I walk to an empty floor space in the gym and begin my cool-down exercises.
I start with a standing quad stretch, allowing me to take in the other players in the room.
We all have the same basic strength exercises, however, the coaches add specific exercises that will help you if you’ve had an injury or if your position has certain requirements.
It’s eye-opening.
This never happened in Nevada. Or maybe it did, but I was on the outside. It sounds terrible, yet it wouldn’t surprise me.
After we changed coaches in my sophomore year, everything changed. I was on the bench longer, no matter how hard I worked.
I had always thought our new coach was misogynistic, but I didn’t want to jeopardise my position by saying anything.
That will never happen again. My voice will be heard even if I’m labelled hysterical or emotional.
I continue to move through my cool-down exercises, not wanting to risk any injuries. If I’m not going to play after this year, I want to make sure I’m on the ice as much as possible.
September has begun, evident by the copper leaves that fell onto my car in the night. All my classes start this week, and my schedule will be hectic once the hockey season truly begins, so I need to take my time now to set myself up for success.
I don’t want to jinx it, but so far dietetics has been relatively easy. Having a good work ethic helps, especially since I’m not the smartest person in my degree.
My status as an athlete provides real-life experience, and knowing what promotes better performance is vital. I was reading over my subject outlines last night, and there are a lot of advanced classes this semester, however, if I get ahead early, everything will be fine.
I shake my head, pulling my left arm across my chest, using my other arm to push it closer to my body. This is my final stretch before I go home, shower quickly, and head onto campus for my first class.
My arms fall to my side, tension leaving the muscles in my shoulders. I jump, shaking any remaining tension from my body. A sigh of relief leaves my mouth. Even though I’m excited to get back into a training routine, my body is going to hate me for the first week.
I will have a smaller preseason than my teammates as my transfer was only approved in the beginning of August. Only giving me three weeks to relocate to Arizona from Nevada.
“How are you doing, Willow?”
Sam's voice catches my attention. I try to regain my breath as I cross the gym, sweat and disinfectant filling my nostrils. Aiden is standing next to Sam, their bags slung over shoulders.
“Pretty good,” I reply.
I hate that my fitness isn’t where it should be, and with the season about to start, I don’t want to jeopardise my position. I don’t believe Sam would hold it against me, Aiden, though, the jury is still out on him.
I shift the conversation, not wanting to focus on my rising chest and flushed face. “What are you guys up to for the rest of the day?”
“Sam and I have a class in two hours, so we will head onto campus soon. You?”
I smile. “Yeah, I’m doing the same. I’ve got to go. My class is in thirty minutes, so I’m cutting it fine.”
The boys say goodbye, and I make a dash for my car. I don’t want to be late on the first day of the semester.
***
Hockey Heroes – Group Chat
*Cooper Powell added Willow Rogers to the group*
Cooper Powell:
Who’s ready for GAMES NIGHT?
Conner Lawson:
Fuck yeah.
Me:
What is this?
Also, games night?
Jayden Allen:
This is the most annoying group chat on earth.
Cooper Powell:
HEY!
Take that back.
Aiden Carter:
Yes, new girl. It’s a bonding session and the chance to get excessively drunk.
Me:
You had me at alcohol.
***
Jazmine Allen:
Hey girl! I cannot believe you didn’t tell me you were moving. Senior year is going to be amazing. I can already tell.
I sigh, guilt raging in my stomach.
I didn’t tell Jaz about moving to Lakewood University because I needed to think about the pros and cons without being influenced by a bias perspective. I love Jaz, but she would have done anything to convince me to move. She’s been trying for years.
But I’m here now and I agree, senior year will be incredible.
Jaz was my first friend when I moved to Meadow Beach and being five years old, the only thing on my mind was trying to meet new people. We’ve been inseparable ever since. I can’t–don’t want to imagine my life without her.
Last year, Jaz went through many ups and downs. Pushing herself to her breaking point, almost ruining her. It fucking broke my heart that I wasn’t here to support her. I will forever be grateful for Theo, who loves her more than breathing.
A notification pops up on my phone.
Jazmine Allen:
Also, I’m coming to your game night. Thought I’d let you know, plus now you won’t be the only girl.
Hockey House games night is a tradition by the sounds of it. It also seems compulsory, which I hate. Usually, I avoid team bonding as it just reinforces to me that the team is full of assholes and jerks who hate women.
In saying that, I’m optimistic about tonight. All of the team has been welcoming, even Jayden. Although, I’m sure that won’t last long but as of right now, I haven’t picked up any misogynistic vibes, making me excited, despite being respected being the bare minimum.
Me:
I’m sorry about the moving thing, but you’re right. This year will be amazing. I’m excited about tonight and glad you’re coming.
After seeing Jaz has liked my message, I pocket my phone. My last class finished at four o’clock, but I remained on campus, going to the library to organise my academic life.
I’ve only been to one class, but I know Advanced Human Nutrition will be the death of me.
It’s biochemistry on a very specific scale. There are some topics that will be interesting though, we discuss metabolic reactions that involve vitamins. Researching the impact of different vitamins is one area of dietetics I’m interested in, so I should do okay in this class.
A lack of light filtering through the window forces me to shut my laptop. Pink and orange loiter in the sky, waiting for nightfall to come.
I didn’t realise it was close to seven o’clock, but I need to leave. Cooper didn’t say a time in his messages, though I’m sure they want to start soon.
The drive isn’t far, as the Hockey House is technically a part of Lakewood’s campus, however, it is further away than other student accommodations. Most of the accommodation is behind the university buildings, but I’m glad to be where I am.
I’ve been here for a week, and it’s peaceful, which isn’t how I would usually describe living with eight boys.
The Hockey House comes into my view, the blue-painted front causing it to stick out amongst the white houses that litter the streets. Compared to the others, the house seems older with the paint chipping away, but it has character.
I spy the cement driveway, cheering to myself as I steal the final parking spot. For such a big house, the garage and driveway are very small, with only three cars fitting in both places.
Music blasts through the house, along with fits of laughter from the guys who have already taken their seat on the lounge. I smile, running my hand along the rough, wooden stair railing.
My belly flips, a smile never leaving my lips as I traverse up to my bedroom. I have a good feeling about tonight.