Chapter 6
975 Words
Noah:
I watched her dorm slowly materialize into view as I parked my car, watching her gather her bag as she stared at me.
" Congratulations on your game again." She said curtly, earning a little nod from me.
If things were awkward between us before, they just got weirder.
I should not have kissed her, not only did I kiss her once, but I did it twice. And even though I had not planned to, Mr Humphrey has sworn that it was the best idea and I could not say no to the prospect of seeing Ryan's face grow red with anger so I did.
But now, staring at her perplexed expression, I could not tell if that was a good decision.
" Make sure to be ready tomorrow evening because there is a party we have to attend together" I said simply.
She turned to look at me, her lips parted in protest.
" Well, I can't. I have to study for a test and..."
" Did you even read the contract you signed? If you did then you would know that you really don't have a say in this. So don't be late and don't keep me waiting. Good night." I said curtly, cutting her short.
Fury bloomed in her eyes as she scoffed.
" f*****g douche bag" she muttered as she got out of the car, slamming the car door so hard it shook the entire car.
I watched her angrily stomp up the stairs and I had to admit, she did look adorable when she was this angry.
A stray scoff made its way out of my mouth as I started the engine, deciding to floor it back to my apartment.
~~
Unlike the other boys, I did not live in a frat house that hosted parties and begged girls to sleep over.
My father would have a stroke twice in a day if he heard I even spent that time with them.
Instead, I lived in a secluded apartment off campus, away from the hustle and bustle, the coziness and lighting all set to my preference as I sighed, dropping my hockey bag into the chair and slinking back down.
I reminisced on today.
We had won. We had victory but somehow, even that was still not enough. It was not enough to show my father.
I ran my hand through my hair in frustration, thoughts rambling in my mind before my ringing phone cut into my thoughts.
I stared at the name displayed on the screen.
It was my father. Of course.
I thought for a minute on whether I really wanted to pick up the call, contemplating and finally, choosing to take the risk.
" Hey, Dad.". I said, trying to sound chirpy even though the last thing I wanted right now was to hear him speak to me.
" Two scandals in one day, you are really becoming the next sports star. You know every sports star always has a tirade of scandals. Look at you finally filling into that"
I ran my hand through my hair in frustration once again.
Of course, that was why he was calling.
" Dad. We won the game. I saved the game today. Did you not see that?"
He scoffed.
“It is nothing to be proud of. Is this the kind of star you want to be? Everything in your path is telling you that you are better off than anything else but a hockey star but you just don't listen do you?"
I stifled my guts, the irritation spreading across my being.
" I played in front of numerous eyes, Dad. A few noticeable names in the sports industry were present. This is the breakthrough I have been looking for Dad. I can assure you, that this is going to work out very soon"
I could almost hear the anger in his voice when he spoke again, frustration and disgust wrapped in his tone.
"Two goals are not enough to build a career Noah. Why don't you listen to me? Don't you think it's better to quit now than waste your time trying to build this senseless hobby of yours?"
When people talked about unsupportive parents, I knew I would always have something to say.
I felt the sting in my chest at his words.
Senseless. My career, my dream.
I swallowed hard.
" Dad I won't be putting an end to my dream just because it does not sit right with you"
For a minute, there was silence at the other end of the phone like he had ended the call but he hadn't.
I waited for him to say something, to at least congratulate me on my win but of course, it was my father.
The only win he knew was the type that had to do with winning contracts for the company. Nothing like the "childish sport" I liked to play.
" Well, I hope you remember our deal?" He finally asked.
Whatever strength that was left in my veins was depleted almost instantly.
Our deal.
He had made me sign a contract that after six months, if I was not signed under an international hockey team, I would give this up and go back to Washington to head the Russo Empire after graduation. Graduation was in six months.
My father had always been brutal, I knew it from the minute I started picking a fancy in sports instead of the family's empire.
But this was too much.
I steeled the nagging pain in my heart reclining into the chair and hoping it could let me lie in it forever.
" Yes. I remember " I said simply.
He hummed.
" Good"
That was it. The call ended, leaving me filled with the silence of the living room, my heart pounding in my chest.
- Writer
