016

Astrid’s POV

The next morning felt unreal.

It was as if the world had moved forward while I had stayed frozen somewhere in the middle of last night.

The campus looked the same as always.

Students walked through the gates in clusters, laughing, talking, complaining about assignments and professors.

Suddenly, a group of girls hurried past me, the scent of expensive perfume trailing behind them.

Everything was normal, except me.

Trying to blend in, I kept my head down as I walked toward the main building.

I was clutching my bag strap tightly like it could anchor me to something stable.

Every now and then I felt eyes on me or maybe that was just paranoia.

The event of last night had spread across campus like wildfire, I didn't need anyone to tell me.

News traveled fast in this school, especially when it involved the hockey team.

My stomach twisted at the thoughts of the vile comments that would be directed at me.

Dragging in a deep breath, I pushed the thought away and kept walking.

Classes blurred together.

In Literature, the professor spent twenty minutes discussing symbolism in a novel I wasn’t reading.

In Sociology, someone behind me whispered something followed by a quiet laugh.

I didn’t turn around, didn’t react either. Instead, I kept my eyes on my notebook and scribbled random words that made absolutely no sense.

By the time the bell rang for lunch, my brain felt fried.

The hallway exploded with movement as students flooded out of classrooms.

Lockers slammed as conversations bounced off the walls.

I hesitated by the doorway.

It was time for lunch which meant I had to be at the cafeteria which was going to be crowded and of course, the chic girls would be there.

My shoulders stiffened as I weighed the options in my head.

Maybe I should skip it, I thought.

I could just go back to the dorm, lock the door, hide under my blanket and pretend the world didn’t exist.

But my stomach betrayed me with a low growl.

Fine, I would go early, grab something quick, and leave before the usual crowd arrived.

It was easy and simple.

I walked into the cafeteria with my head lowered, hoping to blend into the background.

The smell of fried food hit me immediately.

Students were scattered across tables, some already eating while others were chatting lazily.

There was no sign of the popular girls yet which was a good sign.

Without wasting a second, I moved quickly to the counter.

“Fries and milk,” I told the lunch lady and within seconds, a tray slid toward me.

I grabbed the tray and turned toward the seating area only to freeze in place.

The tables suddenly looked impossible.

Every seat felt like a spotlight waiting to happen while every chair looked like a place someone could approach and start asking questions.

Did you really break up with Reis?

Are you dating Ocean now?

What happened at the club?

My chest tightened.

I couldn’t do it.

I quickly turned around and dumped the tray on the nearest counter.

Cool air hit my face once I stepped outside, and I breathed in deeply like someone who had just escaped underwater.

“Get it together, Astrid,” I muttered to myself.

With my grip still on my bag, I walked aimlessly across campus, unsure where I was even going.

I wanted silence. Somewhere no one would talk to me, somewhere I could think.

Without realizing it, my feet carried me toward the sports complex, specifically, the hockey stadium.

I slowed when the familiar building came into view.

Why was I here?

This had been my routine when Reis and I were still items.

The thought made something twist painfully in my chest but still, I pushed the door open.

Cold air rushed over me instantly.

The sound of skates slicing across ice echoed through the arena.

I walked up the bleachers quietly, sitting near the middle where I could see the rink clearly.

The team was already practicing.

Players moved fast across the ice, sticks clashing as they fought for the puck.

And there they were, Reis and Ocean.

Even from this distance, their rivalry was obvious.

They circled each other like wolves.

During a drill, Reis knocked the puck from Ocean’s stick with an unnecessary force and Ocean responded by shoulder checking him harder than required.

The coach who had seen it blew his whistle sharply.

“Cut it out, you two!” He yelled at them.

Pursuing my lips, I rested my chin on my hand, watching them, no, I was watching him.

Ocean moved differently from the others.

Every movement looked effortless, like he had complete mastery over the ice beneath his skates.

I frowned slightly.

When did I start noticing things like that?

My gaze followed him as he intercepted a pass, spun smoothly, and sent the puck flying into the goal.

The sound of it hitting the net echoed through the arena.

A few teammates shouted but Ocean barely reacted.

He just skated backward, calm as always.

Moments later, my phone vibrated suddenly in my hand.

The sound startled me and when I looked down, it was a message from Ocean.

My heart skipped multiple beats as I stared at the notification.

Ocean: Are you busy after school?

I blinked at the screen.

Confused, I lifted my head and then I saw him.

Ocean was sitting on the bench now. His helmet was beside him and his elbows were resting on his knees.

His head was slightly lowered as he stared at his phone screen.

One leg bounced restlessly. It seemed like he was waiting for something.

Maybe, my reply.

A strange warmth crept into my chest at the thought and then I looked back down at the message.

My fingers hovered over the keyboard but a part of me hesitated.

After last night, should I really meet him again? – I pondered.

But another part of me remembered his tender looks that always sent my heart racing.

I exhaled slowly then typed.

Astrid: No, I’m free.

I hit send, the message delivered instantly and almost immediately, Ocean’s posture changed.

His bouncing leg stopped, his shoulders relaxed and he leaned back slightly, staring at the screen before a slow smile spread across his face.

Something inside me melted unexpectedly and before I could stop it, I smiled too.