Line Change, page 3
“Don’t sweat it, it’s nothing too sinister. Dr. Carmichael is my advisor, and she told me today’s your first day. Well, been there, done that last year and girl, let me tell you, a solo dining hall experience is not for the fainthearted. So, here I am, your knight—I mean lady—in shining armor, ready to rescue you from the horror.”
“Well, thank you. It’s nice to be rescued I guess, especially since my brother and roommates can’t come to my aid.” I may be joking with my response, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I wasn’t relieved by Millie’s impromptu introduction.
“Ah yes, Jude Jenson, Nolan Fisher, and Devon Cooper, all star players on Northport’s ice hockey team. And of course, not to mention the enigma himself, Mr. Kyler Rose, amiright?”
It’s obvious Dr. Carmichael gave Millie more than just the bare bones of my arrival at NU, given she knows who I live with. I find myself grateful someone else is happy to look out for me. It also doesn’t escape my notice Millie has described Kyler as an enigma. It’s a relief it’s not just me who can’t work the guy out—he’s clearly left his mark on his fellow students here and I wonder if Millie can shed any light on my fourth roommate.
“Yeah, what’s with Kyler? I’ve been here for five days and met him once. Like, he’s never at the house. I hardly see him.”
Millie shrugs as she finishes her salad, and then opens a candy bar and takes a bite. She seems to contemplate her answer and doesn’t offer any information until she’s finished chewing.
“Honestly, you know about as much about him as the rest of us. He turns up for classes, goes to practice when required and then disappears off campus. Some have seen him working behind a bar on the Boardwalk, but other than that, he keeps to him—”
“Self,” I finish for her. This seems to be the standard MO for describing Kyler. I wonder if anyone actually knows anything about him, apart from what I’ve already learned.
Millie gives a knowing smile before continuing. “He’s hot though, huh?”
“I hadn’t noticed,” I tell her honestly.
“Oh please, you can tell yourself whatever you want, but don’t tell me you just didn’t want to run your hands through his mussed-up hair and lose yourself in those dreamy green eyes of his?”
I can’t tell if Millie is joking or not, but I know a lady who doth protests too much is a lady guilty of her crimes.
“Sure,” I say with a roll of the eyes and a smile. “If only I had enough time to do that in the brief meeting I had with him four days ago.”
“Well, at least you had a meeting. Some of us are still waiting for the honor.” She pauses before continuing. “I’m kidding, of course.”
Millie stands up with her empty tray and I follow her, getting ready to go to my next class.
“Hey, you want to head down to the Boardwalk after class? They have the best crab shack there and I feel it’s a rite of passage every new resident has to try it out.”
“Sure,” I say. “But I need to drop by the rink first to let my brother know. He’s my ride or die at the moment.”
“So, we’ll invite him and the others along. The more the merrier. Here, take my number. Text me when you’re done, and I’ll meet you.”
She reads out her number and I program it into my phone, then send her a text so she has my contact details. She waves and whirlwinds toward the drama building, leaving me thankful I’ve found a new friend.
A few hours later, Millie and I walk into the rink. It’s clear practice is winding up, but not before the coach has the team doing a few more drills on the ice. I’ve seen the team play before so know what to expect, but I find my eyes are drawn to the figure at the end of the group. He’s easily in the lead and skating as if his life depends on it. The name “Rose” on the back of his shirt tells me all I need to know.
“Like I said, an enigma,” Millie says quietly. “Elusive during the day but a demon on the ice. He owns this team, and they all know it.”
I continue watching, my eyes drawn to this guy who’s so adept, so lightweight on his feet. He’s a dichotomy on the ice—like a hardcore figure skater—making every corner, every stroke of his blade look featherweight. He has the focus and determination of someone who will take no prisoners and won’t stop until the puck hits the back of the net. To say I’m mesmerized is an understatement. Even Jude doesn’t hold my attention this strongly when he’s playing.
The coach blows his whistle to signify the end of training and the players congregate at the edge of the rink, with Kyler being the last to pull up. Even now, he stands slightly separate to the others, refraining from the back patting at the great session they’ve just had. Slowly he removes his helmet and shakes his head and immediately I’m taken back to Millie’s comments at lunch. She’s right, his hair does need taming but it’s because it’s wet and sweaty from training. When he looks up and our eyes meet, I realize Millie’s clearly undersold them. They’re the type that can pierce you to the spot, like a dagger to the heart with one fleeting glance, and while I can’t comment on the beauty of their shade of green from this distance, I already know they are the type of eyes that will take no prisoners. Maybe it’s a good thing he’s elusive because I, for one, cannot afford to be distracted.
Damn, Millie was right about him.
four
Kyler
The on-ice workout our captain put us through was brutal. The first day of pre-season always is, because none of us actually do anything worthwhile over the summer except sit around and play video games all day or work. I worked more than I sat around, but the result is still the same. The timed line drill about killed me but I loved knowing I’m still the fastest on the ice. I know our captain means well starting us off like this, but damn, it would’ve been nice to ease my muscles back into shape. Once practice starts, we’ll focus on plays, strategy, and going for the power play kill. Our team has one goal: to bring Northport a national championship.
I opt to shower in the locker room versus at home. I grew up with a sister and she hated it when I used all the hot water. Jude may have forced his sister to live with a bunch of guys, but it doesn’t mean we need to leave her with a cold shower.
When I get back to my locker, a few of the guys are still lingering. It’s the first day of school and they’re already talking about who is throwing parties this weekend, what girl they plan to hit on, and who they’ll be able to pay to do their homework.
“What about you, Ky?” Mike Dowling, our starting right defensive man asks me.
“What about me?”
“Big plans this weekend?”
“It’s Monday,” I remind him. “A little too early to be making plans for Friday.” I grab my deodorant and spread it under both arms before putting the cap back and tossing it on the top shelf of my locker.
“Nah, it’s never too early to plan.”
“I don’t know about you, but I’m on a mission to find the new girl,” I hear Justin Barbarisi say from behind me. I shake my head. It’s the start of the school year. There has to be a thousand new faces on campus, half of which are female.
“Oh yeah, I know her,” Marty Edwards tells Justin. Marty’s a freshman and plays defense. Last year, when I lived on campus, he stayed with Justin during his overnight tour. He’s an all right kid and will be a big asset to the team once he learns the system.
“I need more deets,” Justin replies, clearly wanting to get the intel on his next pursuit.
“She’s in my nutrition class. There’s got to be at least five guys in there who have a hard-on for her,” Marty says.
The mention of nutrition causes me to focus a bit more on what they’re saying. Normally, I wouldn’t care, but after meeting Jude’s sister a few days ago, I find it a bit odd I’m hearing about this class again.
“You gonna make a move?” Justin asks.
“Hell yeah. She’s hot,” Marty replies, and Justin whips him with a towel. Juveniles.
“What’s her name?” Justin is nosey.
“Thea,” Marty says with confidence.
My body stills at the mention of Thea’s name. I’m assuming there is only one female on campus in a nutrition class named Thea, and the fact Marty has a thing for her is making my blood boil. For some reason I feel protective over her, especially from these clowns.
The boys laugh until I slam my locker shut. They freeze and stare at me as I scowl at them. “Don’t fucking talk about Thea ever again,” I seethe. “If I were you, I’d watch yourselves because she’s Jude’s little sister.” With those words I storm out of the locker room and head to my car. I keep my head down while I work through my emotions. My reaction to Marty saying Thea’s hot was a bit over the top. She’s a roommate, nothing more. And it should be Jude who sends a stiff warning about his sister. Hell, for all I know she digs hockey players and wants to date one, and I don’t want to stand in her way. I stop, turn around, and stare at the rink. None of the guys are behind me and are likely scratching their heads at my outburst. It’s rare I say anything about anyone, let alone get involved in any of my teammates’ antics. They can do whoever and whatever they want as long as it doesn’t affect me, my ability to play, and the team. If they want to act like douchebags, that’s on them. Not me.
For a brief second, I think about heading back and apologizing but that would be completely out of character for me as well. Instead, I head to my car and get in. As soon as I back out, it hits me. I want to go back to the house and make sure none of those guys show up, but it’s not my place. When I pull out of the parking lot, I head toward the outskirts of town where my mom and sister live.
The mobile home park where I grew up is at the end of a long stretch of road which has nothing but stores, diners, and tourist attractions. It’s like time forgot this place when the city started building itself as a destination location. Not that I mind because it’s what my family can afford, but people who live here stick out like a sore thumb.
When I was growing up, the park was surrounded by woods. My mom used to say we were camping and told us every kid wished they could be like my sister and me. As I got older, the teasing started about us being poor and not being able to afford a real house. I tried to ignore the kids who taunted me, but it was hard. I started to act out. My mom took me to the Boys and Girls Club, thinking I’d find a big brother or something. Instead, I discovered hockey. Of course, I had to fall in love with one of the most expensive sports out there. My mom saw how much hockey meant to me and started working two jobs, until Mr. Betts, a local businessman who saw my potential, came along and sponsored me. The deal was: he would pay for hockey as long as I kept my grades up. I did just that and finished second in my class. After graduation, I worked the juniors circuit a bit until Northport offered me a full ride, in the terms of academic scholarships. The day I told my mom and Mr. Betts I was going to college for free was the best day of my life. Judging by their reaction, it was theirs too.
I drive slowly through the park, carefully avoiding the ruts and potholes and watching for children. The owner of the park is supposed to use the rent he charges to keep this place maintained. The road has been the same since I was a kid. I think in the time my mom has lived here I’ve seen a dump truck of dirt fill the holes maybe two or three times. In my opinion, the owner is a dirtbag, but the lot rent is cheap and it’s all my mom can afford until I sign a contract with the NHL.
A couple of kids holler my name. I wave and continue to move at a snail’s pace. This park has always been filled with little kids and while they have a place to play, the equipment is old and falling apart, and there’s always one kid who forgets to look both ways before dodging out into the road to chase their ball.
As I turn into my mom’s driveway, she’s stepping out onto the small deck. I built it over a couple summers with money I earned at odd jobs and in between practices. It’s not much, but it gives her a place to put flowers and to be able to sit outside.
“Hey, sweetie,” she says as I get out.
“Hey.” I kiss her cheek and take the seat next to her. My mom works hard but can never seem to get her head above water. She’s the first to admit she makes bad choices when it comes to her dating life, and she always seems to get stuck paying someone else’s bills. I don’t know how many times my sister and I have told her to stop letting her boyfriends move in and use her name on things, but it feels like a million. She’s a hopeless romantic—at least that’s what she tells us.
“How was your first day?”
“Like my last first day. Just a bunch of talking, passing out packets of papers, and professors going over what we’re going to learn.”
She pats my knee and sighs.
“Where’s Lacey?”
“Ally took her to the store for school supplies.”
“I told Ally I’d take Lacey shopping next week when I get my paycheck.”
Mom sighs again. “I don’t know why she won’t go after Lacey’s dad for some money.”
I want to laugh because my mom never went after my dad for anything. She let him leave us high and dry and said we were better off without him, which definitely wasn’t true. Growing up, I asked her a time or two where he went, and she’d give me an answer, but it was never the same. I stopped asking once I suspected my mom knew where our dad was the whole time. For whatever reason, she doesn’t want him around and I have to respect her wishes.
Mom sighs again, but this time more heavily.
“What’s wrong?”
“Oh, nothing.” She waves her hand in the air as if to push away her problems. Thing is, her issues are as high as Mt. Everest and they’re not going anywhere.
“Clearly, it’s not nothing. I know you. You’ve sighed three times since I’ve sat down. What’s going on?”
“Well, since you asked . . .”
I roll my eyes, fully aware she’s watching me. She does this every time she has news— whether it’s good or bad. She’s like to be dramatic. “Jerry came by today and dropped off a letter. He’s sold the park to some developer, and we have to move.”
“What?” I bark out. “Why are you being so nonchalant about this?”
She shrugs. “I didn’t want to bother you with it.”
“Are you serious, Mom? So, you’re going to what, just hide it from me?”
“You have school and the team.” Mom starts to cry, making me feel about two feet tall. I reach for her hand.
“Mom, you, Ally, and Lacey are the most important people in my life. I care about what happens here, even if I’m not living here. I care about what happens to you. It’s why I come see you every day. It’s why I make sure you guys have food and the lot rent is paid, and your car has gas. I’m your son, I’m always going to look out for you.”
My words bring a wave of tears, and she buries her face in my shoulder. “I don’t know what I’m going to do. I can’t afford any other place. I looked earlier and apartments are so expensive.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll figure something out. Does Jerry’s letter say how much time you have?”
She nods. “It says all the permits, and such will take at least six months to finalize.”
They have at least six months. I can work with that. It won’t be easy, but it’s better than thirty days. Mentally, I start a checklist in my mind. We are going to have to talk to the bank and maybe even a lawyer, although those cost money. I don’t know what the laws are with evicting people from their homes without cause, but I’m going to have to find out.
It would be nice for the three of them to come live with me in the house, but not with the others living there and there is no way I can afford to pay the rent by myself. Everything Ally earns goes to take care of Lacey, and my mother is so in debt she works to keep the bill collectors away.
While my mom and I are sitting on the deck, Jerry walks by. “How’s the team this year?” he asks.
All I can say is, “Fuck off.” He needs to know I’m pissed. He’s been a piece of shit park owner my entire life and has never put a dime back into the upkeep of this place, and the minute some developer comes calling, he sells. He doesn’t care about anyone but himself. Last year, I put his name on the list for tickets, but you can bet he’s not getting shit from me. Unless I meet him in a dark alley somewhere.
The situation my mom and sister are now in hits me like a ton of bricks. I’m going to have to find a way to make some more money so they can move or I’m going to need to quit the team, drop out, and get a real job, something that pays enough to put a roof over our heads and food on our table. The idea makes my stomach twist. Ever since I skated across the ice for the first time, making it to the NHL has been my dream, and it seems like no matter what I do, it’s going to slip away from me. It’s clear now, I wasn’t meant to be the next Wayne Gretzky. My name isn’t going to show on some arena’s marquee, nor will my face be plastered on posters anywhere. All because of decisions my mother has made.
Ally and Lacey return well after dinner, making me wonder if they ate out. Ally doesn’t neglect her daughter, but she does disregard a lot of the stuff going on at home. It’s hard to feel sorry for her when I’m always the one picking up the pieces for everyone. I make sure to get Lacey an ice cream from the ice cream truck before getting into my car and driving to the Point and parking. Normally, this is where one would bring a date for a nice make-out session but right now, I’m the only car here. I get out and sit on the wooden rail and look out over the darkened space. Below, I can hear waves washing ashore and there’s some faint laughter off into the distance.
This is where I come when I need to think. It’s peaceful when no one is here, and my thoughts don’t muddle together with the mindless chatter of others. My hands grip the rails and I let out a guttural scream. I’m angry at how everything falls onto my shoulders. I always have to be the one to figure everything out. Even my sister—who I love dearly—can’t seem to get her life together. But here I am, trying to make something of myself and I’m stuck caring for everyone, while trying to go to college and play hockey. Once I started playing hockey, it’s all I’ve wanted to do and my chance is swirling down the drain right before my eyes and it’s not even because of something I’ve done.
