All Chapters of Fake Hearts On Ice: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

“You don’t get it, Ava. You never get it,” I snapped at my best friend, my voice already fraying even though the night hadn’t officially started.Ava Reed didn’t even look up from her phone as I spoke. She just lay sprawled across her bed in her oversized hoodie, hair piled into a careless bun, one sock missing, scrolling like the fate of the universe wasn’t currently pressing down on my chest. Our room smelled like vanilla body spray, instant noodles, and the faint chemical bite of disinfectant wipes the hall porter had overused earlier that afternoon. Outside, someone down the corridor blasted music that vibrated through the thin walls, bass thudding like a that of a baby volcano.“It’s a party, Lila,” she finally said lazily. “ Just a hockey team party. You’ll survive.”I stood in front of the mirror, tugging at the hem of my skirt like it had personally betrayed me. My reflection stared back, too aware, too sharp-eyed, already imagining everything that could go wrong tonight. Th

At first, I told myself not to panic.Jake was probably at the drinks table, laughing with someone and forgetting he was supposed to be back in the next one second. The song had only just started. The lights had softened, the DJ letting the rhythm stretch, giving couples time to settle into each other. It made sense that he stepped away right before the dance. He had said one second. Well, people always said one second and meant something else.So I should just wait. Right? RIGHT?I shifted my weight and waited.As I did so, I smiled faintly, still playing the part, still pretending this was all under control.Drinks, I thought again. He’s just getting drinks.I glanced toward the table. It was crowded, a knot of people pressing forward, plastic cups raised, faces flushed. I scanned for his dark hair, his jacket, that confident posture that had drawn my eyes earlier.Nothing.My stomach tightened in response.Okay. Bathroom, then. Maybe, he became pressed and had to go to the restr

I pushed him as hard as I could, my hands trembling against his chest, the moment our lips parted, cold air washed over me. My heart pounded so hard I thought it might burst through my rib.What the hell just happened?Without thinking I ran out without glancing back. My heels clicked frantically against the pavement as I bolted out of the building, ignoring the shocked gasps and whispers behind me. I couldn't care less about the cold night, all I could think ‘‘was to get the hell out of this space, get out of Ethan’s line of sight.”I didn’t stop running, my lungs burned with every breath I drew until I got to the dorm. I yanked the door open, stumbling inside, almost tripping over my own feet as I rushed up the stairs.“Ava!” I called out the moment I burst through the door, my voice breaking. “Ava, are you..”I froze.My brother stood in the middle of our room, his back to Ava while staring at me.No, no… how did he find out I kissed Ethan so fast? Did Ethan forget he was at the pa

A young lady walked towards Ethan, her hands leaning on his shoulder with a bright smile. I knew her quite well, she is the top cheerleader of the hockey team and never fails to pull herself close to him every chance she gets. I hated looking at her, her perfect ponytail that sat like a baby doll, her skimpy cheerleading outfit, and the way she pressed her lips against his. I felt something tight in my chest even though he didn't lean into the kiss. His body remained rigid, his eyes wandering elsewhere other than the hand snaking around his neck. She pulled up her practiced smile, trying to distract him while whispering something definitely flirty in his ear.I turned away before I could see more. A disappointed look on my face as I got reminded of the fact that Ethan Reed had a girlfriend. I shouldn't be this bothered after his cold text. What was I expecting? A hot guy like him couldn't possibly be single, I mean every hot chick on campus wants him… and me? I wasn't even close to

A hand clamped over my mouth from behind, cutting off my scream. I thrashed in terror, trying hard to pull off the strong strong hands over my mouth.“Relax mama, it's me,” Jake whispered.I felt some sense of relief knowing it was him, he took his hand off my mouth but held a firm grip on my arm, pulling me away from the pavilion. I stumbled after him, trying to keep up with his pace while paving our way through the crowd. “Where are we going?” I asked almost out of breath. Did he realize I'm in no way an athlete? Running this much would send me sprawling on the floor breathless with panic attacks.“I couldn't find you earlier… I thought..”“Later,” he said, not slowing down. “Just stay close.”Regret engulfed me, so much for bringing up the idea of having a date with someone I had no interest in. He led me away from the warehouse area, fleeing in the opposite direction from others, we stopped at what looked like a dead-end wall. Before I could query him, Jake pulled aside a section