The next frames were just as bright and fun, and the details were so intricate. It had so much life, and I could see the care he’d drawn it with. His raccoon easily brought a smile to my face as it trailed dumpster food around the streets, got into scraps with other animals and, in one frame, splashed in a puddle.
But then, the story became even more familiar. The raccoon showed up at an ice rink for hockey practice. Its teammates, who were all monkeys, looked shocked as it took to the ice and they grew more and more frustrated as it littered the rink with trash, chewed on other players’ sticks, and struggled to find its rhythm in the first game. There was even one frame which included the team’s coach, a huge silverback gorilla, yelling at the raccoon from the bench. I couldn’t stop the smile on my face from spreading even further.
It was the final panels that truly resonated with me, though. The raccoon stepped up to score the winning goal of the game, succeeding despite everyone’s doubts.
“It’s…” I didn’t have words.
“Sometimes, people surprise you,” Parker said softly. “Sometimes, they may not seem like they belong, but they’re exactly where they’re supposed to be.”
I blinked up at him.
“And sometimes,” he continued, “the most chaotic, stubborn girl you’ve ever met skates into your life and proves you wrong abouteverything.”
“I’m not stubborn.”
“Don’t say that. It’s one of my favorite things about you.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. More than ever, I was desperate to tear the stupid friendship bracelet from my wrist. And staring at Parker’s illustrations only made me wish I could be worthy of the story they told. That I was the kind of player who could flip the narrative and shatter everyone’s expectations. Who belonged despite their differences. Tonight, I’d get my last chance to do just that.
I blew out a weary breath as I stared at the pictures. Even if I could score the winning goal tonight, it may not make a difference.
“What’s wrong?” Parker asked softly.
“Unfortunately, I think I inherited my stubbornness from my dad,” I admitted. “We had a big fight last night.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“I finally showed him the photo I found of my mom.”
“And…”
“And, he gave me an explanation, but a part of me wishes I didn’t know the truth.”
“What did he say?”
My throat tightened as I recalled our conversation. I was usually pretty good at clamping down any emotions when it came to talking about my mom. But right now, it all felt a little too raw.
“It’s okay, you don’t have to tell me,” he murmured.
“No, I want to.” I looked into his eyes. “My mom was the one who didn’t want me to play hockey.”
His lips parted in surprise as I explained how she’d been bullied for playing on the boys’ team—how she’d asked my dad to protect me from suffering the same way. My voice broke as I spoke. “I feel like I’m going against her wishes. And how can my dad ignore what he promised her? Even if we win tonight, it feels like there’s no way he’ll let me stay.”
I felt like an idiot for even thinking I could get through to my dad. And worse, it felt like I was about to break down in front of our entire art class. And Dominic’s hoop dance groupies.
“Hey, it’s going to be okay.” Parker swept me up in a hug before I could object. He was so warm, his smell so inviting. Everything felt a little easier as he held me.
“We’ll make him realize you deserve to play. That things change and sometimes it’s okay to let past promises go,” Parker said. “Even if I have to show your dad my terrible art to convince him.”
“It’s not terrible.” I laughed. “I love it.”
“Parker, Mackenzie.” Mr. Green came up beside us. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes,” we both quickly responded, pulling back from one another.
“Then you should probably get back to work. We need to finish up soon, and you’re causing a bit of a scene…”
I glanced over my shoulder and saw one of the old ladies from the hoop dance class. She was looking at us and fanning her face. Another was pulling out her rosary beads. They could handle Dominic, but two teenshuggingsent them into meltdown?
