Take Your Tears, Put 'Em On Ice

~ E-L-E-V-E-N ~ {II}

~ Tuesday, 7th of July 2020 ~

~ P-E-T-E ~

"Damn, last time I was here I was an emotional wreck," I hugged my arms to my chest. The entire Southern Glenbrook hockey team was anxiously awaiting our flight to Baltimore.

"Yeah, I know. I had to practically drag you home," Brendon sounded a little annoyed. Yes, I was being a chatty Cathy, but I was nervous about getting on a plane for the short flight. He was sitting on a bench with Ryan asleep against his side, curled up under one of Brendon's jackets. I sighed and sat on the floor in front of them.

I'd sit on the other side of Ryan, but Tyler and Josh had claimed the spots earlier before going to get some last minute food. Dallon, Jack and Alex were on another bench across the aisle, also asleep. Max, Steven, and the new freshman, Kurt, were still at baggage check, while Joe and Andy had gone to the bathrooms.

On the topic of Freshmen, we had gotten a few this upcoming year; Kurt Schneider, Cody Chriswll, and Jared Wainscott. Definitely not as many as normal, but better than nobody. Hopefully as the summer, or even the year, progresses, more will join.

"Hey, Titans! We made it through!"

I turned my head towards the loud voice and saw Steven waving frantically, running towards us with Max, Kurt, and someone in a black hoodie with the hood up. I jump up and great them with a smile. "Hey guys! About time!"

"I know right?" Max panted a little. "I don't really know what the problem was."

"It's where that beer busted all over your bag last week I bet," Steven looked at Max. "Alcohol isn't permitted."

"Oh shut up. It's your fault anyways."

The two began to bicker. Kurt shoved his hands into his pockets, not saying anything. He was naturally a quiet person, and that was going to take some getting used to.

"Hey Pete," the black hoodie guy said.

"Mikey?" I raised an eyebrow, tilting my head to get a bette look at his shadowed face.

He laughed a little and pulled down his hood, revealing his pale face and red nose. "Yeah. Armstrong said I could go "for the experience", and I wasn't gonna pass it up."

"That's great and all, and no offense, but you look like shit." I put the back of my fingers on his forehead, quickly pulling away from the heat almost radiating off of his white skin.

"It's just a small cold, I'll be better by tomorrow," he shrugged me away.

I didn't believe him; but there wasn't much I could do, due to "Flight 182 to Baltimore, please go to gate 3, Flight 182 to Baltimore, gate 3."

*-*~*-*

"HEY HEY, JACK MY MAN!"

The entire team stopped walking and looked over to see a taller guy running towards us, a few others trailing behind. I glanced at Jack just in time to see his face light up like a Christmas tree.

"Mark!" He dropped his bags and pushed through to the front of our small crowd, grabbing 'Mark' in a tight hug. Their embrace was brief but many of the surrounding people held smiles.