Chapter 002

Lena's POV 

I should have stayed gone. Anyone else would have 

But the scholarship? That was my only hope to living. 

So the next morning, I was back at the rink, the guy who helped me up gave me basic gears, said it was okay for a beginner.

I matched in like I wasn't walking to my execution, trying my best to look confident, Coach Lucien didn't greet me, he barely acknowledged me. I ignored the cold behaviour and dropped my bags before returning to the rink, I was thankful I could at least skate, growing up I liked the ice and that made me learn it once I had the opportunity to.It wasn't a total disaster only that I no longer liked it, it reminded me of so many memories I'd love to keep away. 

One of which included a broken finger, I winced before shaking my head to clear the memories.

Warm-ups started and I was slower than the others, my shoulders stiff and I was more focused on staying on my feet than on the puck. 

Halfway through, I fumbled a pass, missed it completely instead of passing it, the puck skidded off the ice and slammed into the board, making a loud CLANG at the impact.

Lucien blew his whistle, hard.

I froze as he glared at me. "Off the Ice! Now!" He barked!

The sound cut through my heart as my eye watered. "That was just one mistake" I replied still frozen to the spot.

"Off!!! Now! If you can't skate, you can't play " 

"I can skate!" I answered again, my brows furrowed together. It was just a mistake, why was I being chased away?

"Off the ice!" He repeated again, his voice colder than the arena 

Humiliated and confused, I skated off the ice, putting of the skating shoes as I sat on the bench. He followed me 

"You're a liability, Why sign up for a sport you hate?" 

"You don't even know me!" I retorted, my hands clenching into a fists beside me.

"And I don't want to!" He fired back. "If you hurt any of my players, you're disqualified!" He said again before skating back to the rink.

His words hurt, way too much.

I clenched and unclenched my fist as I watched him clap his hands to get the players attention. The sessions continued while I watched from the edge.

I and Kiera were the only females and while I struggled to stay up, she looked like she was born for this.

They had a beautiful way of playing, I noticed as I watched. Rather than sulk, I decided to learn.

The passes were calculated, their moves smooth and their confidence? Nothing like I had. Maybe I wasn't cut out for this but I'd rather die fighting than not fight at all.

The sessions ended and I watched in irritation as Kiera approached me, gliding effortlessly. She got off and sat next to me. 

Pulling off her skating shoes, she smiled again, that wicked smile that made you feel like you were an item that belonged under her shoes.

Kiera had never really been my friend, even though we shared a lot of classes, we never spoke. I understood she was way out of my league and I didn't make friends with bullies and that was exactly what she was.

"You shouldn't have returned" she muttered casually as she readjusted the bun on her head, her hair was packed to a high bun and only when she spoke did I realise she had makeup on. Who wears makeup to play hockey?

"You don't get to have a say in what I do." I answered curtly.

She looked taken aback for her while but was quick to regain her composure. "Really?" 

"Stay away from me!" I warned her before leaving with my bags. She had a crush on the coach, I realised as I walked away. Why will anyone crush on a man as cold and heartless as Lucien, I wondered. 

That night, I didn't sleep, not because I was tired , nor nightmares. My body just didn't seem like mine. And there were voices in my head..

The next morning, the sun was barely up when I got to the rink, I didn't need to search for Coach Lucien, I doubted he'd even be there at the time.

But he was, cold and expressionless as always. 

I bowed slightly, acknowledging him before sitting to strap my gear on.

He walked up to me, "you shouldn't be here" 

"You didn't disqualify me. That was just a dismissal for yesterday's mistake" I replied as I tightened the helmet , if I hadn't worn helmets since I started, I sure would have cracked my skull.

"You're not ready to play with the team" 

"Then prepare me!" I snapped, standing up to face him. It turned out to be a wrong move because I ended up having to glare at his broad chest. I wish I was taller. "Prepare me, don't push me off like I'm a weakling" 

"Even if that's what you are ?" He raised an eyebrow as his eyes roamed over me, sizing me up.

"You don't know me.... I'm far from a weakling. Train me before you call me that. I've only had to join them without a beginner's training. How do you expect me to blend in like I've always been a part of them!?" My voice was louder now and a few players had stopped playing to stare at us.

"Want to be trained? Fine! Earn it! Keep your balance on the ice today, make sure you don't fall. If you can... I'd have a rethink" and with that he glided back to the guys.

I sighed deeply as I placed my leg on the ice, it was harder to keep your balance when you had to focus on a puck but if he wanted balance, he was going to have it.

Two hours later, I was breathing heavily as we rounded up, but I had done it. I didn't lose my balance the whole time.

I caught Coach Lucien staring and turned on impulse making me lock my gaze with him. What happened next definitely had to be my intrusive thoughts winning cause I winked at him like he was a baby, I was happy I had won this round.