Chapter 5 Complicated

Linda POV

"Hey, he's coming."

Hazel nudged my arm and that's when I saw Drake coming in a bright red hoodie.

Two days ago since I swore at Drake, he hadn't appeared in front of me again. I didn't see him at the ice rink during practice either.

I didn't think anything of it, it just felt strange. I was worried he was devising a plan to trap me.

And now, he appears again.

I reflexively looked to my left, there was an empty seat.

He might as well sit there so before he does, I stand up and look for the only seat left and flanked by other people, which is at the back.

"Where are you going?" Hazel asked.

"I'm so sleepy. If it's up front here I can't sleep. So I'm going to the back to sleep for a while."

Before Hazel could say anything more and before Drake could sit next to me, I had already moved.

And know what? My guess was right. Drake was sitting next to my chair earlier.

What exactly is the meaning of all your actions Drake?

Yesterday you pushed me too far but now you're coming closer like a baited fish. Do you think I'm the bait? Don't be so confident.

I'm not going to bait myself to you, Drake.

*****

"I can't. I have an appointment. You'll just have to go by yourself this time." I took Hazel's hand off my bag. She was taking me to see the hockey team practice. I mean, of course I wouldn't volunteer to go after what I said to Drake the other night.

"Well, it would have been fun because the others had come along. But what the hell. Take care, I'll see you tomorrow."

I waved back and hurried to leave. I called a number that had been saved in my phone for a long time.

"Where are you? I want us to meet."

[In the locker room.]

"What? Why are you there?"

[I'm about to officially join the college's ice hockey team.]

So Drake accepted Jude? After the tension between the two, Drake still decided to accept Jude? How strange.

[Come here. There's no one here. You can enter through the back door if you don't want to be seen by others.]

Huft, I have no other choice. I had to see Jude anyway. So I walked in the opposite direction to head to the usual practice building. I entered at the door directed by Jude. He was waiting there and just as I was about to say something, he entered first.

"It's better to talk here than outside," he said. He took something from the locker and took it out. "This is my new number, 71. My position as right defender."

"You gave up your position as captain for this?"

He laughed as he shook his head. "I can choose any path in life I want, Linda. I can be whatever I want to be."

It was easy for him because of his position and what he had. He didn't have to worry about anything but himself. You're different Jude, not everyone has a choice like you. Some, like me, can only do one thing all their lives to feel alive.

"Alright, so what do you want to tell me?"

"I want you to tell me more about Drake and my parents' relationship. I want the common thread."

"Oh my bad. I don't know the details."

"Don't lie, Jude. You were the one who convinced me in the beginning that Drake was one of the killers. You even knew that he was looking for a healer. You're not lying to me, are you?"

"Of course not. It's just... you know Linda, I don't want to say this but I feel like I have to."

"Just tell me, I'll do anything if you tell me more. I really need the information, Jude."

Jude slowly walked over to me before stopping and taking my hand in his. "Be my girlfriend, Linda. That way I can ensure your safety. However, if you know more and investigate, danger will definitely come to you. So you need someone who can protect you. I can mobilize all my people to help you if you get into trouble."

This time I nodded without hesitation. It was no big deal. "But I also want to set boundaries. I agree to be your girlfriend but no sex."

"Agreed. Is kissing allowed?"

I shook my head firmly. "No sex and no kissing. I don't like you yet, Jude. And I agreed to be your girlfriend because I need something from you. You know I'm not the type who fall in love easily, right?"

"Yes, I got it. You've never had a boyfriend. I understand, I'll be patient until you have feelings for me. But if anyone questions our relationship, we have to do something to dispel their suspicions. And one more thing, I have the right to decide whether we keep dating or break up."

I sighed. "So what do you know about Drake's involvement?"

"His mom has a rare condition where there is no medical cure. It's called Moon Disease because it only happens on full moon nights. When it happens, his mom is not like his mom, loses control, becomes dangerous. Because of this condition, his father cheated on his mom and left them. That's why Drake is trying to find a healer because he wants to heal his mother. He doesn't want to lose his mother after losing a father figure."

Jude's explanation made me gasp. I never thought that Drake, who's cold and untouchable could hold such a heavy thing. It turned out that he was just like everyone else who had flaws. He's not a perfect person.

But that doesn't mean I pity him. I didn't pity the person who was allegedly involved in the incident that happened to my parents.

"Then where is his mother now if she's still alive?"

"Only Drake knows about that. He hid it so tightly that I couldn't get a single piece of information about it. That's all I know about him. I don't keep secrets from you anymore, Linda. I've told you everything."