The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Aria breezed into the room, her usual vibrant energy filling the space. “Evie, you ready?”

| turned to face her, offering a weak smile. “I guess so.”

ng on? You’ve

She arched an eyebrow, concern evident in her gaze. “Hey, what's going been acting really strange all day.”

I let out a sigh, running a hand through my hair. “It’s just... I've never willingly gone. to one of Timothy’s games before. | mean, sure, you've draggedto a couple, but this feels different.” Aria’s expression softened, and she crossed the room to stand in front of me. “Evie, you're his friend now, so showing up to support him won't be weird at all. Trust me, he'll appreciate it.” Lucas, who had been sitting on the couch, chimed in. “Aria’s right. And besides, he knows you, unlike his over—the- top fans. You're genuine.”

| couldn't help but crack a small smile at their reassurance. Thanks, guys. | know you're right. It’s just hard to shake these nerves.”

Aria looped her arm through mine, leadingtoward the door. “Well, you won't be alone. We'll be there with you, cheering him

on.

As we made our way to the stadium, | couldn’t shake the feeling that | was about to step into unfamiliar territory. It wasn’t just about being in a crowd or watching a hockey game; it was about putting myself out there in a way | hadn’t before. My heart raced as we took our seats, the energy of the crowd enveloping us.

The exhilarating roar of the crowd echoed through the stadium as | walked alongside Aria and Lucas, my heart brimming with anticipation. We had arrived just in tfor Timothy’s hockey game, the only one I’ve been to on my own accord.

With Aria on one side and Lucas on the other, we navigated through the sea of fans, finally finding our seats among the enthusiastic spectators. The ice rink stretched out before us, bathed in the glow of the arena’s bright lights. The anticipation was almost tangible, a charged energy that hung in the air, waiting to be unleashed.

Timothy stood out against the sea of players, his focus evident in the way he moved, his determination etched in his expression. He darted across the ice, his

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Chapter 71

movements a dance of strength and agility. My heart swelled with pride as | watched him glide across the ice. “He’s incredible,” | muttered, my voice filled with awe.

Aria nudgedwith an excited grin. “Told you.”

Despite the excitement around me, | couldn't shake the lingering unease that tugged at my thoughts. It wasn’t just about being here-it was about confronting my own feelings, acknowledging the undeniable shift that had occurred between Timothy and me.

The intermission arrived, and | found myself lost in my own thoughts as Aria and Lucas chatted animatedly.

“He’s going to see us during the break, Aria announced, snappingout of my reverie. My heart skipped a beat as | glanced toward the tunnel. Sure enough, there he was- Timothy, his hockey gear and sweat-soaked hair a testament to his exertion on the ice. He caught sight of us and flashed a grin, making his way over.

“Hey, you guys made it!” Timothy exclaimed, his voice a mix of surprise and delight.

Aria grinned back at him. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

| managed a small smile, my nerves still bubbling beneath the surface. “Yeah, we wanted to

show our support.”

Timothy's eyes met mine, a warmth in his gaze that sent a jolt through me. “I’m really glad you're here, Evie.”

The sincerity in his words made my heart flutter, and | felt a rush of emotions that | struggled to contain. “Of course, Timothy. You're doing amazing out there.”

As he chatted with Aria and Lucas, my mind raced. The support, the encouragement-it was all so genuine. And as | watched Timothy interact with my friends, it suddenly occurred tohow much he’d becintegrated into my life.

The second period began, and | watched Timothy with renewed appreciation. Every move, every play, was a testament to his dedication and passion.

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Chapter 71

Beside me, Aria and Lucas cheered and waved colorful banners in support of Timothy and his team. Their enthusiasm was. infectious, and | couldn’t help but join in the chorus of voices that filled the arena. As the gunfolded before us. found myself mesmerized by the fast-paced action, the sound of skates slicing through the ice, and the fierce determination etched on each player's face.

“Go, Timothy!” Aria jammed her foam finger in the air, disregarding the box of popcorn that fell from her lap.

Lucas was stretching his neck, trying to get a good view of the action despite the people standing in front of us. “I still have no idea what's going on,” he admitted aloud, looking towith concern.

| laughed. “Just pay attention to Aria. If she cheers, you cheer too.”

“Got it,” he said, turning his attention to Aria as she screamed at the Lop of her lungs. He followed suit, clapping and cheering, albeit with a lost expression on his face.

In a thrilling crescendo of movement, Timothy broke free from the tangle of players, the puck gliding beneath his control. Time seemed to slow as he advanced, his focus unwavering, his determination shining like a beacon. And then, in a breathtaking display of skill, he made a swift, powerful shot

The puck sailed through the air, a perfect arc that seemed to hold its breath before finding its mark. The stadium erupted into a deafening roar, a chorus of cheers that enveloped us like a tidal wave. Aria and Lucas jumped to their feet, their voices joining the cacophony of victory. But my eyes remained fixed on the ice, where Timothy stood with a triumphant grin, his teammates surrounding him in jubilation. My heart swelled with an indescribable mix of emotions, a fusion of pride, joy, and awe. In that moment, it felt as though thad paused, allowingto bask in the sheer exhilaration of his success.

My heart raced as the clock ticked down, the seconds feeling both agonizingly slow and impossibly fast. | held my breath with each play, my gaze fixed on the players who moved like chess pieces on the ice, strategizing and reacting in perfect harmony. The intensity was almost overwhelming, a rollercoaster of emotions that mirrored the ebb and flow of the game.

And then, as the final minutes played out, a sense of anticipation settled over the arena like a heavy blanket. The crowd’s cheers. grew louder, an unspoken collective hope that hung in the air like a prayer.

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As the final whistle blew, signaling the end of the game, | found myself on my feet, clapping and cheering along with the crowd. The players celebrated their hard- fought victory,

their camaraderie and clation a testament to the bonds forged through teamwork and determination. The atmosphere was electric, a whirlwind of emotions that lingered in the air like a sweet melody.

Amid the jubilation, | felt an odd tension in the atmosphere, a subtle shift that sent shivers down my spine. | glanced around, taking in the sea of faces illuminated by the stadium lights. The moment was charged with a different kind of energy, an undercurrent of emotions that | couldn’t quite decipher.

And then, as if guided by an invisible force, Timothy’s gaze found mine.

In that instant, the world seemed to shrink, the noise of the crowd fading into the background. His eyes locked onto mine, a connection that transcended the chaos and excitement around us. The corner of his lips curled into a warm smile, and my heart skipped a beat.

With a playful twinkle in his eyes, Timothy lifted his stick and gestured toward the crowd, a gesture of gratitude that encompassed all of us who had cto show our support.

And then, in a gesture that felt intimate yet amplified by the stadium's energy, he blew a kiss into the air, his gaze never leaving mine.

Aria and Lucas chattered excitedly about the game, reliving each thrilling moment. | couldn’t help but smile at their enthusiasm, their joy infectious and uplifting. | shared in their excitement, the memory of Timothy’s goal etched into. my mind like a cherished snapshot.

| chuckled, a warm feeling settling in my chest. I’m glad | could be here.”

Suddenly, there he was, emerging from the stadium with a triumphant grin on his face. His eyes met mine, and my heart fluttered as his smile widened. |

approached him, my steps quickening with excitement. “Timothy!” | called out, unable to suppress my enthusiasm.

AIS