Tunnel vision.
That’s the only way I know how to fix this.
Turns out the tutor I need is booked until next week, so I’m racing to the ice rink right now to let off some steam before I lose my cool. Ace is on the ice, chasing his puck across the rink. I get dressed and join him. He takes one look at me and slams me into the boards. I fall on my ass, but it’s just what I need.
I steal the puck from him and slam him into the boards. We take turns smashing each other over and over. Practicing taking hits and getting back up is part of the game. At least that’s what I tell myself when my wrists and knees ache.
Coach whistles from the entrance, catching our attention.
“Why’s he here?” Ace asks.
I shrug.
“Just who I was looking for.”
I grip my hockey stick tighter.
“Me?” Ace calls out.
Coach shakes his head. “Etta, get over here.”
Ace scoffs. “What’d you do to piss him off?”
I ignore him, skating over.
“Coach,” I mutter, knowing exactly why he’s wearing that disappointed expression.
“Dylan. I thought you had your assignments under control.”
I nod. “I thought I did, Coach. I worked on it and––”
“I’m gonna have to bench you,” he spits.
“What? No. Coach, you can’t be serious. I––”
“I’m dead serious. I’m here on a weekend to figure this shit out, and I was watching you with Ace. Are you guys trying to injure each other?”
I shake my head. “No.” I blink. “We’re just messing around.”
Coach’s Adam’s apple bobs, and then he sniffles. “Etta. The team can’t afford to bench you. Talk to your professor’s…again.”
I nod. “Yes, Coach.”
He bites his tongue. “Whatever the hell’s going on with you, fix it.”
I nod as Cecily pops into my mind. Her smile. Her long legs. The workouts I’d watch her perform. I clear my throat. “I won’t disappoint you or the team.”
He nods, looking over my shoulder at Ace. “What’s going on with him?”
I shrug. “I didn’t ask.”
“Get yourself a tutor. Report to me tomorrow.”
I nod as he walks off.
Ace skates behind me and whistles low. “You’re benched?”
“You heard that, huh?”
