Relief washed over me at the sight of our friends, and I felt tears beginning to prick my eyes.I started to stand, but one of the paramedics next to me pulled me right back down. "You need to stay seated while we're still checking your vitals and for further signs of injuries."Lucas noticed that something was capturing my attention, so he looked toward the woods where the police were helping James, Victoria, and Emily. Victoria's parents were already running to them, and I could hear her mother's screams of terror."They're okay," Lucas said in a quiet voice as if he was reassuring himself. "They're okay."I couldn't blame his fear... When we got back down the mountain and I realized the rest of us weren't down there, I began to worry about their safety.Paramedics rushed over, signaling everyone to clear out and give them space. They all looked worn out and broken down. James's usual smile and carefree face morphed into a tough stone. Even Emily, who had been bubbly and cheerful th
Lucas POVVictoria was awake.Endless amounts of relief flooded through me, and I let myself finally release a breath I didn't even know I was holding.Victoria's awakening brought a mixture of emotions to all of us, and we couldn't stop ourselves from rushing over to where she was.Inside one of the ambulances, Victoria lay on a gurney. The blood that had dried on her face had been cleaned off, and there was an oxygen mask around her mouth.Her eyes blinked slowly as she took in her surroundings."Victoria! Oh, my baby!" Victoria's mother shouted, fighting her way into the ambulance to sit next to her daughter.Victoria took the mask off her face, and her eyes went from her mother to the rest of us.An equal share of relief passed over her features."You're all okay," she said quietly."The question is, are you okay, Vic?" James asked, shoving his hands in his pockets. "You took quite the big hit to your head."Victoria gave him a wry smile and sarcastically mumbled, "Thank you, Jame
My fists were clenched into balls as I watched Kendrick walk away from Lucas for a second time.I couldn't believe what I had just heard.Lucas had just told his father that he would rather focus on hockey than have a friendship with me as a distraction...I wanted to hit something so badly, preferably Lucas's head for being so cruel to me.How could he make that decision so easily? He hardly fought his father on it, and it only made me wonder if he truly cared for me or not.I was so confused, I didn't know what to believe anymore.Lucas spun on his heel but stopped dead in his tracks when he realized that I was standing a mere three feet away.My face probably gave everything away, and I could tell that he realized he messed up when guilt took over his features."Why, Lucas?" I demanded, my frustration evident in my voice. "Why did you say that to your father?"Lucas sighed, clearly unsure of how to navigate this conversation. "What was I supposed to say, Shana? I needed to give him
Our vacation was cut short and all of us traveled back home after the accident for the rest of our winter break.When he saw me, my father gave me a tight hug and wouldn't let me leave his sight. He insisted on making sure I was perfectly fine and even took time off work for a few days just to keep me company."Dad, I'm feeling much better already, you don't have to miss work just to watch me lay on my bed," I told him as I sat under my warm covers, and he brought my dinner to me on a plate.My leg still slightly hurt from my fall, but I was able to walk on it and apply pressure without needing anyone's help.In order to heal it, I'd been staying off my feet and icing my left ankle.It had already been a week since the accident and the winter holidays had passed by slowly.It was a new year, and the last day of the weekend, meaning that school was tomorrow.I knew that thanks to the rest I'd had in the past week, I wouldn't feel any discomfort walking from class to class tomorrow. But
Shana, I know you've been avoiding all of my texts, but I hope that you'll actually take the time to read this letter.I feel terrible about what I said to my father when he asked me to choose a distraction. First of all, I want you to know that I don't think you're a distraction, and that should've been the first thing I made clear to him. I shouldn't have let him speak about you that way.Second, if these past few days of your silence have shown me anything, it's that I don't know how to go around acting like everything is fine — because everything is not fine.I keep checking my phone, hoping that you've texted or called me. I keep looking for you in the hallways, only to be met with disappointment.I just want to make things right between us again because I can't take this anymore. I hate not seeing you or hearing your voice.I don't think I know who I am without you around.The Dragons have a hockey game tomorrow night at Crystal Falls against the Warriors. They're one of our big
The hockey rink at Crystal Falls buzzed with an electrifying energy.There was something about hockey games that brought out a different side to people, and witnessing two top schools compete made it even more powerful.As I made my way up the bleachers, the shouts and cheers of the crowd filled the space in the chilly air.I had told Lucas I wouldn't make it to the game today, but a part of me knew I should be here for him, just like he had been there for me countless times. Even though I was upset with him, I still wanted to support him.But I didn't want Lucas to know I was here, so I decided on a spot at the top of the stands where I could watch the game in secret. It gave me the perfect vantage point of the players and ice below.Currently, my emotions were in a tangled mess of nervousness, confusion, and anger.The Dragons were up against the popular Warriors, a team known for their strong defense and impressive teamwork skills.If they won this game, it would bring them a step
My footsteps echoed down the empty hallway as I made my way to Lucas's private locker room.I was nervous to finally see him face-to-face after these weeks of us not speaking to each other.As much as I'd never admit it to him, I missed seeing him all the time. I missed the connection we used to share.I knew that I had to keep my distance because if I got too close, he would only end up hurting me like he already has.But seeing him so defeated on that ice rink earlier — not because the Dragons lost, but because of the emotions weighing him down — I felt so much empathy for him.He needed someone right now, and I would gladly be that person.But first, we needed to clear the air after the conversation we had on vacation.I didn't know how Lucas would respond, but I was willing to take a chance.As I reached his door, I noticed that it had cracked open slightly. Frowning, I was about to push it open when the sight that greeted me left me stunned.Victoria was inside, standing very clo
Lucas POVThe rain pounded against me as I drove my motorcycle through the stormy night, my heart and mind racing with determination.I needed to see Shana.After James had barged into my locker room, trying to start a fight with me and Victoria, he told me that Shana had been looking for me.I had no idea Shana was even there. A small part of me felt embarrassed that she witnessed me play so horribly in front of everyone.Today was not my day.When I asked James why she left, he couldn't give me a straight answer.I wondered if she left because of the way I played, but I knew Shana wasn't like that.Still, it made no sense. Why would she come to the game when she's supposed to be upset with me? I thought she hated me...Hearing that she left so quickly made my chest ache. Did I do something wrong?I couldn't think straight. I just needed to get to her house as soon as possible and see her, talk to her.Finally, I pulled up in front of her house and hurried off my motorcycle. Upon ins