Monday marked the return of school after the weekend, and it seemed like the world was shifting back into its familiar rhythm. For Lucas, though, the focus wasn't solely on books and classes.The upcoming hockey game loomed over him.The game casted excitement and nerves on everyone at Shadow High.All week long, there's been a silent buzz amongst all the students about the impending game. It's been the center of all the school's group chats. Actually, Lucas had been the topic of every group chat.Everyone wanted to know if the Dragons would be able to win the game after they lost their previous game due to Lucas's bad mood and conflicting feelings.But as I watched Lucas from a distance during hockey practice, his dedication evident in the sweat glistening on his forehead, his skates slicing through the ice with a determined grace.I had no doubt that he would be able to carry the Dragons to victory in this next game.This game was crucial, determining whether their team would make i
Lucas POVThe days leading up to the hockey game against the Serpents had been a lot of hard work and preparation.I couldn't even remember the last time our team had worked this hard to ensure a win.My team, the Dragons, were more united than ever. And I couldn't help but think a small part of that was due to the sudden shift in my life.Practices were intense, with every player giving their all. I took pride in watching my teammates improve, stepping up their game, and contributing their best efforts.As their captain, I couldn't have been prouder. I also couldn't believe that we could've always been this way if I would've learned to stand up for myself earlier on...I stood on the sidelines, watching the practice unfold."Great job, Sam! Keep up the momentum!" I shouted, my voice carrying over the ice. Sam, one of our smallest, had just executed a perfect slap shot that had our goalie diving to make a save.If you would've seen him play a month or two ago, he would've never been a
The day of the game against the Dragons and the Serpents had finally arrived. Excitement bubbled within me as I pulled on my Dragons jersey, the one that had Lucas's name and number on the back.The anticipation was killing me, and it seemed to be reflected in the charged energy around me as I walked inside the hockey stadium at Hollow High.This was the game that would determine the Dragon's place in the championships, and I had no doubt that Shadow High's team, led by Lucas, would give it their all.My phone buzzed with a text notification, and I glanced down to see it was from Lucas.Lucas: I'll be a bit late for the game. See you there!I frowned, wondering why he wasn't with the other players yet. Lucas was never late. I didn't think too much about it, and sent him a simple reply of, "See you at the game!" and headed to the arena with James.As the minutes ticked by and the game time drew closer, I began to feel a sense of unease.Lucas not showing up was unlike him, especially f
Lucas POVI had a plan.I knew that I needed to get to the game as fast as possible, and the only thing standing in my way was this lousy door and the six-foot guard on the other side.The tension that had been building within me finally erupted, fueling my every move.The security guard sent by my father had been an extra layer of protection for my father to stop me. But it wouldn't be enough to stop me.With all my strength, I lunged forward, my fists a blur of precision and power. The impact of my blows reverberated through the door, and I could practically feel the surge of energy coursing through my veins.I'd been training for most of my life. There's no way I couldn't get through this.With one final push, the door gave in and opened... Or more like it fell apart.The guard stumbled back, surprise and fear evident in his eyes. But I didn't allow him a chance to regain his composure.I quickly got to my feet and kicked the bottom of his feet to bring him crashing to the ground.
The buzz in the air after the Dragon's victory was infectious. The team had pulled off an incredible win, thanks to Lucas finally making it to the game in time.Everyone was in high spirits, basking in the glory of our triumph. But I don't think anyone was as excited as James."Hell yeah! Drinks on me tonight, guys!" James cheered for his teammates.All of them began to holler before Lucas stepped in, making all of them go silent."Nobody is drinking anything tonight," Lucas said like a stern father. All the players booed him."Come on, captain!" One of the guys pouted. "We just kicked ass out there!""Yeah, we all deserve to celebrate!" Sam shouted. "Especially you, Lucas. You're the one who helped us get there."They all batted their lashes and kept chanting 'please' before Lucas finally caved in."Okay, okay. Fine, you guys can go," Lucas said, leaving all the players cheering.James high-fived Sam just as Lucas said, "Except for you, James."James sagged his shoulders, stomping hi
Lucas POVDriving home after the exhilarating game, my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.After I said goodbye to all my friends, I hopped on my motorcycle and started to make my way to Grandma Jo’s.I spent the first few minutes of my drive thinking about the game we had just won. While I imagined the other players were out celebrating, I was already thinking about how much harder we were going to have to play at our next game.The victory had put us on the path to the championships, but it also meant that the pressure was on. As the captain of the Dragon hockey team, it was my responsibility to ensure we were ready to face whatever challenges came our way.Being in the championships was no joke. From now until the championship game, we had to take practice seriously. Mentally, I was already planning and plotting out drills for us to work on to make our team even stronger.I was determined to lead my team to victory.Turning onto the familiar streets that led to Grandma Jo's house, I
The weekend had finally arrived, and our plan to surprise Lucas was set in motion.It had been a difficult few weeks for Lucas, and James, Victoria, and I were all on board to help him forget about the recent drama that went down with his father.Lucas needed to enjoy the more carefree moments of life, and Kendrick had only been weighing him down.I remembered that there was a local bowling alley and arcade that Lucas, James, and I had gone to a lot when we were younger. We'd spend hours playing laser tag and arcade games to win the prizes.So that was our destination for today, the local arcade. There was no way we wouldn't have a great time. It always built the best memories full of laughter, and maybe a bit of friendly competition.But the real kicker here was that Lucas had absolutely no idea where we were going."Guys," Lucas said, his mouth turning downward into a frown. "When can I take this blindfold off?"The blindfold was a bit excessive, but it was James's idea, so Lucas ha
The night air was crisp as I made my way back home after our eventful day at the arcade.I waved goodbye to Lucas who had dropped me off.The entire evening still lingered in my mind, providing a warm contrast to the chilly evening. It always felt nice to hang out with friends and socialize. Seeing the small change in Lucas was enough to make me feel accomplished.I walked up to my front door. The previous buzz of excitement was slowly being replaced with a quiet night of relaxation.But as soon as I stepped inside my house, that anticipation was shattered.The scene before me was like something out of a nightmare. Empty bottles of alcohol littered the floor, evidence of a chaotic frenzy. The furniture was overturned, and papers and belongings were strewn across the room like the aftermath of a storm.It looked as if someone had broken into our house..."Dad?" I called out, my voice tinged with concern.I was pretty sure that my father was supposed to be working the night shift for Ke