LOGINELIANA My phone on the dressing table dings, pulling my mind back to the present and I turn to look at it, a message notification flashing across the dark screen.“Ready?” I gulp when I read the message, not expecting him to text so fast.Slowly, I raise my head to gaze at my reflection in the full length mirror before me. I'm wearing light makeup, just enough to enhance my features. My hair is pulled up in a high ponytail and two tendrils are hanging on each of my face, and blue glitters as eyeshadow to match Jackson's blue jersey.Since I don't have any Hawker’s wear, I had to clean the jersey so that I could wear it to the party. I chose black leggings with two white stripes on either side to blend with the white in the jersey. The leggings fit perfectly, outlining my long legs and white sneakers complete the outfit.I release a slow deep sigh, trying to calm my racing heart. This isn't the first time that I'm going to a hockey party. I have been in a couple that I have lost coun
AUTHOR'S NOTEPlease read the previous chapter as I have made significant edits. I'm sorry for the inconveniences.ELIANAIt feels like my throat has run dry and my brain has a short circuit. I want to say something, anything. To come up with a thoughtful excuse. However, I can't seem to get the right words. Out of all the things, I never expected that Jackson would ask me for…a hug.And what I hate more is that he's using my words against me.“O-okay,” I stutter, almost biting my tongue.The corner of his lips lifts up into a smile and he opens his arms wide ready for the hug, like he has been waiting for this very moment. I gaze at his spread arms, hesitant, a thousand and one questions racing through my mind. “It's just a hug, Eliana. No big deal.” I recite as though it would make me feel less nervous. Like I’m not about to make one of the worst decisions.I release a breath to calm my stupid racing heart, a small smile tugging on my lips. Honestly, I can't remember when was the l
ELIANA The atmosphere is filled with all kinds of emotions as Zoe and I walk out of the rink. Students are moving about, some heading to the packing lot to drive home, some to the lockers to pick their stuff while others are in small groups, talking about the game which concluded a few minutes ago. “I told you the Hawkers would win against the Pythons! Did you see how smooth Jackson was on the ice? Damn it he looked so hot.” Girls are giggling and gossiping about Jackson's movements on the ice, saying how good and smooth he’s with his movements. Even though I don't want to admit it out loud, it's true. He knows damn well that he's smooth on ice and he uses every chance that he gets to show his skills. The memories of us skating late at night in the driveway side by side laughing, feeling a live and free pops in my mind and a smile tugs at the corner of my lips. Hawker fans are showing off their jerseys, proud of their team for winning the second game. For the Pythons, I can't
ELIANA The day and time that we have all been anticipating for all kinds of reasons is finally here.I take a deep breath to try and calm my racing heart as I watch the players warm up on the rink. Zoe senses my nervousness and she reaches for my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. I turn my head to look at Zoe, a small smile tugging at the corner of my lips and I squeeze back her hand with a little too much energy than necessary but she doesn't complain. She's that kind of friend who understands, and that's what I need at the moment. A friend who doesn't judge me for the questionable decisions that I have made. She's just there to offer her support even if she thinks it's a terrible decision that I have ever made.“Have I ever told you that you're the best, best friend in the whole world?” I joke and she rolls her eyes upon hearing my words.“Yeah, about a thousand and one times? If you say it again, I’ll go deaf. ” She complains in exaggeration and a smile tugs at the corners of my
ELIANAIt's quiet on the balcony, the gentle breeze brushing through my hair as I enjoy the calmness and the beautiful view of the backyard and the pool…A shadow falls over me from the right, snapping me back to the present and I frown, I was sure I was alone. I turn my head slowly, my breath catching as my eyes land on him. Jackson.“You shouldn't be here.” I say, masking my surprise then turn my attention to the beautiful view of the backyard.Jackson knows damn well what I’m talking about. Today we practised a little before we called it a day because tomorrow is the second game. He needs to get enough sleep for his body to recover from the intensive training for the past few daysIt's silent for a while, the air surrounding us thick with unspoken words.“I know.” He says, his voice deep and calm.“Then why are you here? You should be resting right now.” I ask with creased eyebrows.“I wanted to give you this,” I turn my head towards him to see what he's talking about and…my breath
ELIANA It's noisy and crowded as we walk down the hallway, most of the students happy that the school day is finally over. Well, I’m one of them because today felt longer and exhausting from the endless lectures and quizzes. I heave a deep sigh when I give it a thought.. “I swear Mr. Thomas didn’t have good intentions today.” I complain,adjusting the backpack that's hanging on my left shoulder and the books in my hands Mr. Thomas is our math teacher and he's usually one of the best because he's understanding and friendly. However, today he gave us a lot of exercises to work on compared to other days and he was a little grumpy. “I swear,” Zoe supports me, blowing a breath. “I heard students saying that maybe he had a fight with his wife or something.” I chuckle when I hear her words, shaking my head in disbelief. “ I hope you don’t believe them. You know students will make up stories.” I respond, the corner of my lips curving into a smile because I find the words so funny. Howe