F•A•S•T//r.s.l.❣

2.3

I walked through the deserted halls of St Mary's, the white and navy jersey on me ending at mid thigh, too big on my small frame. I wore it with pride around the school, earning looks from people especially when they realised it had the number 32 and Lynch on the back.

The whole school was buzzing with excitement, and I believe most of us are at the ice rink. I was making my way there, when my phone rang.

"Yes, Ross, I'll be there in two minutes"

"This isn't Ross" a deep sounding male voice said from the other end of the line. I frowned. "Don't act confused, Athena, you know me?"

"Clearly not" I said. "Who is this?"

"This is Mr Parks. Or Sierra's father, as you may know" I looked around. "Do not draw attention to yourself, I don't want to have to blow your pretty little brains everywhere"

"You can't see me"

"Yes I can" I looked out of the window, a different building lined up perfectly with where I was. "Good girl"

"What do you want?"

"You. I know exactly what you are doing, all of the schemes, spying, plans, I know it all" he said. "And you are going to come with me, without questioning. Straight after the hockey match, there will be a black car waiting for you. If you tell anybody, it will not only be your life but theirs and your sweet little siblings, got it?"

I sighed, holding back tears. "Fine"

"Straight after" he repeated, then hung up, leaving me on edge.

I considered opening up to Ross or Casey, but the last thing I want is both of them dead. So on the way, I began to type a text to them both, which I would send when I left.

Shortly after the ordeal, I arrived at the ice rink and met Ross by the wntrance. He was already in full kit, sweating his face off. "There you are"

"I'm sorry to make you wait" I sounded more monotone than I hoped but he seemed to look past that and give me a hug, a hug where I clung onto him.

"It's alright. Are you okay?" He asked as we pulled away. "You look more nervous than I do"

I chuckle. "I'm fine, just go out there and do your absolute best; or even dare to score a couple of times for me"

"That goes without saying" he started to remove his helmet. "You're wearing it"

I looked at his jersey on me. "A promise is a promise"

"My mom is going to flip her shit; I saved you a seat with her and my brothers, yeah?" He smiled and leaned down to give me a kiss. "Wish me good luck!"

"You won't need it" I winked and gave his hand a little squeeze, walking away. I spotted Riker and Rocky shortly after and took a seat between them, a blonde woman beside them.

"You must be Athena," she stretched her hand out to me. "I'm Stormie"

"Nice to meet you, Stormie" I gave her my best smile and then slid further into my seat, dreading what was bound to happen after this match.

+++

I relaxed as the match rolled on. Carey and all of my friends were sat behind us so then the (great) banter began. Ross was surely impressing me with his skills too, so I suppose after the match he may get some kisses to celebrate.

That is, moments before I leave.

I was chill until the final buzzer rang and everybody from our school jumped from their seats seen as we won state champions. The players all got to the middle of the rink and then they whipped and did a nae nae. On the final nae nae however, they all fell to the ground laughing.

A text flashed up on my phone.

Let's get going.

I got up from my seat and raced to Ross to give him a final, big hug. "I'm so proud of you"

"Thanks, love" he grinned and gave me a kiss. "Pizza with the gang to celebrate? I literally just need to take a shower"

"Sure, I'll um- I'll see you later" I smiled and gave him a final hug. He winked to me then waddled away with the rest.

I directed myself to the front of the school, tears already streaming my face. The car was indeed there, and, with little hesitation I opened the door and slid myself inside.