There's No Teaching The Hockey Star

I felt my phone buzzing from my pocket, disturbing my moment of solace as I closed my classroom door, and I slipped it out, glancing down, instantly tensing at the sight of the number. This was the third number change, but it did not change the fact that I did not need to be speaking to him. Just like every other time, I declined the call, and began to step away from my classroom. Walking swiftly down the hallway to the staff room to gather my things. Moments of peace were few and far between working in Darkmoor Academy, but I would have it no other way. I stepped inside the cozy staff room, but froze in my steps as the sound of the TV captured my attention. The sound of the dulcet tones of the sports presenter brought my eyes to the screen. “After a couple of difficult years, an amazing comeback, and an outstanding season, Aaron Daniels has now been announced as Team Captain.” There he was. All over the screen. In all his footballing glory. Smiling for the cameras. Relishing in his success. Like nothing had ever happened. A cold chill washed over me, while a heaviness twisted in my gut. “Aww, good for him.” Kiera’s voice disturbed my already wandering, irritated thoughts. I swallowed the disgust swelling within me. “Oh yeah, good for him.” I said, not realizing just how bitter I sounded. Was I expected to be happy? Kiera looked at me with a raised brow. “Jeez, what did he do to you? You know the guy?” She asked with a grin. This girl was our class counselor, and one of my closest friends since I had arrived in this town just over a year ago. But, friend or not, there were certain things she did not need to know. "Of course not." I all but mumbled, turning away from the screen, unable to look at his overconfident face any longer. "He's just another dumb jock. Full of himself. Just look at him, all smug." I added in almost a whisper, my hands shaking as I moved to my locker, the room already feeling much smaller than it usually did. I heard a little chuckle from my friend. “Difficult day?” She asked gently, perhaps sensing something wasn’t quite right. Kiera was one of the most outgoing and friendly people there was. She quickly became a friend to everyone the moment they stepped through our school doorway. The sound of her footsteps sounded beside me, as she came to join me, her arm slung casually over my shoulder in an attempt at a half-hug. She raised her brow as if urging me to provide an answer to her question. I offered her a smile. I loved this girl. Her hair changed color almost as much as the weather changed, but she suited it. And, the kids adored her. I did not want her to worry. “Just a normal day, Kiki.” I gave her a knowing look. Only for me, it was far from a normal day. Today was five years since my sister, India had passed away. The whole reason I was here. I was sure, as a counselor, and a friend, even more, Kiera would understand, but I did not feel like talking about it. How do you talk about something that still felt so raw? So, I did what I so often did, and put on my mask of calm and looked towards her, knowing that the moment I returned home I would find a reason to cry. Even more so now. The last thing I needed was to see him being celebrated today. “Well, tomorrow may be a little more fun for you...” She gave her brows a suggestive wiggle, making me look at her with confusion. Sometimes talking to her was like talking in riddles. I had no clue what she was talking about. “Because?” I questioned, urging her to continue her explanation, because I was still none the wiser. My friend gave me a grin. "This is classified information, Miss Thing!" She gave me a little wink. "No sharing it with the world just yet." She gave me a knowing look. I looked back with a look of despair. I had a handful of friends, and did not speak to my family, so who she believed I would be sharing anything with, I did not know. Besides, I had yet to learn what she was speaking about. It may be something completely uninteresting, like new paints for the classroom, hardly world-breaking news... "Well come on then, don't keep me in suspense." I stuck my tongue out at her playfully, only for my friend to grin, knowing she had done exactly as she had wanted. She had got me intrigued. "Everyone is going to be so jealous, I am telling you! I just got off the phone from the coach of the Phantoms!” She told me with excitement. I looked at her blankly. Kiera rolled her eyes with disgust as she playfully slapped my arm. “Are you kidding me, Octavia?! The Darkmoor Phantoms, the town's ice hockey team. How can you not know who they are when everyone idolizes them?” It was my turn to roll my eyes this time. “Because I hate sport. And the idiots who play it. Did you not just get that from what I said?” I said with a smirk, as my telephone buzzed once more in my hand, signaling I had just received a message. My insides churned with unease, I could only hope that it was an advert and not him deciding that if he could not get me to answer his calls he would message instead... “Oh, please, handsome hockey players roaming the hallways of school will make a welcome change, don't you think? Oh, it doesn't matter, you best find your friendly face for tomorrow, Miss Oakes, because their coach has just confirmed they have selected the school as their outreach program. They will work with us on charity and fundraising projects for the school, and they will spend time with the children — this is massive!” I could hear the exhilaration in my friend’s voice, as if she considered this a massive achievement, yet I failed to see the excitement. What use were some arrogant sports stars going to be in school? And I really did not need their attitude adding to my day just because they were being forced to be there... “Great.” I said with a mocking tone, as we stepped out into the sunshine, already imagining the hassle they could be. “You never know, you might like it.” Kiera said, giving me a grin, wriggling her eyebrows suggestively once more. "I know I will." She added with a giggle, as we moved out of the staff room and toward the main door. I strongly doubted it. But, what choice did I have? These were not my decisions to make. And additional funds for school were always a good thing. I was sure Kiera knew what she was doing, and hopefully I would be able to avoid the players once they descended upon the school. I glanced down at my phone in my hand, opening the message as I did. Any hope of it being an advert evaporating rapidly... Via, Please don’t ignore my calls. Not when I need you. Or are you still in school? I suppose that would be a stupid question. Where else would you be? Please call me back. I need you. I need your help. Clay Irritation rippled through my body. So I was good enough when he needed something? No communication in months, and there was a reason for that. But I was still good enough when he needed something? I shoved the phone back into my pocket. He could go to hell, and so could the hockey players. I simply did not need this right now.