My Hockey Alpha

I walked back to the party, trying to ignore the strange interactions I had just had with Enzo and Lisa. Jessica was dancing with the group, while Lori was still sitting on the steps of one of the cabins and smoking. I didn’t feel like dancing right now, so I went to sit with Lori.

Lori handed me her joint without a word when I sat down. I didn’t smoke very often, but I just wanted to relax right now, so I took it gratefully and took a couple of puffs.

“I saw you talking to Enzo and Lisa,” Lori said, taking the joint back from me and flicking a bit of ash on the ground. “Everything okay?”

I shrugged and pulled my knees up to my chest.

“I just… made some mistakes.”

Lori chuckled and took a deep drag of her joint. “Yeah,” she said, “getting involved with hockey guys is usually a bad idea.”

By Monday morning, I felt a lot better about the situation. I woke up early to get ready for class and put on a long-sleeved henley and black skinny jeans. By the time I got ready and had my breakfast, it was time to go.

Jessica normally came to class with me, but she wasn’t waking up on time so I left without her. I felt a bit bad about it, but I wanted to start this week off on a high note and didn’t want to be late along with her. I knew she’d understand.

I walked out of the dormitories and started to cross the quad toward the shuttle stop; today, I usually took the shuttle to the medical campus for my classes, which I didn’t mind. I couldn’t afford a car, and besides, sitting on the bus gave me time to read or just people watch.

“Nina! Nina, wait!” a familiar voice called out.

Justin.

I sped up, just wanting to ignore him and move on with my day. But he caught up and grabbed my arm.

“Nina, can we talk?” he said breathlessly. I pulled my arm away and shook my head, continuing toward the shuttle stop, but he jogged to keep up with me.

“Please, Nina,” he said.

in my tracks and whirled around to glare

wanted to say I’m sorry,” Justin pleaded. “I

say?” I replied, raising my voice. “You literally

our argument and started

only went after Lisa because all of my teammates are dating popular cheerleaders and models.

my chest. “How desperate do you think I am?” I said. “You ruined my birthday and you broke my trust. I’ll never forgive

me to be so confident in my response. If anything, I felt even more confident now that I had spoken my mind, and with that I turned on my heel to head toward the shuttle stop once more while Justin

my plans to make it to class without any more drama were ruined again as a motorcycle

rider, who was wearing a black leather jacket,

It was Enzo.

happening and why couldn’t I just get to class

girls in the general vicinity began

patting the seat behind him, which caused the other girls to start

is she?” I heard

what… if Lisa finds out, this nerdy

Lisa’s name made

“I have a spare

thanks,” I replied. “I’m taking

at my refusal. Any girl would feel lucky to ride on the back of Enzo’s motorcycle, but not me. I just wanted to be left alone! I sidestepped to get around Enzo’s motorcycle, but he rolled forward a bit to block me. He flashed

he said.

I’m sure!” I shouted, stamping my foot and clenching my fists. “Stop trying to mix me up in whatever game you’re playing

away, fuming, and left Enzo looking surprised behind

looked a bit frazzled, like she had just woken up. Her dirty blonde hair was pulled into a bun and she was wearing leggings and a sweater, much unlike the preppy party girl version of herself that came