When the impromptu pizza party ended, the energy from the food and camaraderie seemed to inject new life into everyone as we returned to the mock game. I was now playing goalie, and Alec had returned to playing right wing. The perspective from the goal was fascinating and a bit mesmerizing. Now that I wasn't frantically trying to memorize the twin positions, I could appreciate the fluidity of their movements. Kris and Alec moved with a synchronized, almost hypnotic precision.I could see why they switched positions so frequently from my vantage point. It was Kris's way of managing Alec's playtime to prevent further strain on his knee. Their silent communication, a nod here, a slight gesture there, allowed them to swap effortlessly, ensuring Alec didn't overexert himself.With Peter absent, another practice squad member filled his spot. I had secretly hoped...really hoped...that Peter would join the lineup.As the practice progressed, I felt the toll on my body. I was exhausted, more

The chatter was already in full swing as I entered Sherman's class.Adrien leaned back in his chair, a wistful look on his face. "Man, I really miss just hanging out with girls. You know, someone to spend time with that doesn't smell like the damn locker room."Alec laughed, "Yeah, someone pretty to look at wouldn't hurt either. It's like a desert here."Kris nudged Alec, "Speak for yourself, I'm just plain horny. At this point, I wouldn't even care what they looked like. Anything's better than my hand."That drew laughter and nods, but Jules's response caught everyone's attention. "Or, you know, you could just switch teams. Plenty of options on this side." Nick huffed and rolled his eyes. The rest of the guys erupted in laughter. Adrien grinned. "Nah, that's your thing. We'll leave the guys to you, dude. We want the girls."Jules just smirked as he sat back and rested his arm on Bear's chair. "Your loss, gentlemen." Bear huffed and pushed his arm off his chair but then smiled at

Adrien tried to help me into my gear several times, but I shrugged him off, determined to handle it myself. I wouldn't rely on his assistance after what he said about Peter. I didn't want his help. Ultimately, I managed to get my equipment mostly right, and we made it up to the rink without another word. I could feel the tension simmering beneath my skin, and I knew it showed in everything I did. I was pissed. So damn pissed. The game started, and my frustration pulsed with each stride on the ice. Every save was a channel for my anger, every movement precise and cold.I quickly understood what Jules meant about being bored, as the other team rarely even got a shot off, with Bear and Thomas playing so aggressively that they barely let the opposition get past the line. Alec and Kris flowed across the ice seamlessly, their coordination perfect as they shifted the puck like an extension of their bodies. Adrien was visibly agitated, channeling his growing rage into the game. He was rut

The air was thick with smoke, and the roar of the flames drowned out everything else as I ran up to the house. The fire raged, swallowing every part of the structure in an inferno so intense that the heat made my skin prickle. Andrea, my mom's best friend, stood there sobbing uncontrollably. She saw me, her eyes widening in disbelief. She rushed over and grabbed me. "Oh my God, Jamie, you're alive... You're alive!" she cried, her voice cracked with relief. "Okay, come on now, we've got to go." She pulled me away from the burning house, away from the devastation that was once my home. I glanced back just in time to see first responders wheeling out a stretcher. The outline of a black body bag on top made my stomach clench. Was that my mom? No, no, no. "Mom!" I screamed. "Mom!" Andrea's grip tightened on my arm as she tried to drag me away, but I couldn't tear my eyes off the body bag. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. My mind raced with desperate denials as I struggled agains

My plane touched down at the airport, and surprisingly, I felt a wave of relief wash over me as the brisk, cold air hit me the second I stepped off the plane. The humid heat of Texas had been a nice change at first, but it wore on me quickly. This chill in the air felt invigorating, almost like coming home. Walking to the baggage claim, I spotted Adrien standing at the back, almost hidden among the crowd. I sighed. Despite everything, I wasn't as angry with him as I had expected to be. When his eyes met mine, a broad smile spread across his face. He didn't hesitate. He kicked off the wall and started towards me immediately. Clearly, he had been waiting for me. He approached shyly and murmured, "Hey." "Hey..." I replied a bit awkwardly. "My flight landed a little while ago, and I noticed one of the next was from Texas, so I decided to wait for you... I hope that isn't too weird," he added quickly. I snorted lightly. Out of all the weird things, that wasn't the strangest. "No,