The Hockey Player’s Secret Tutor

What the hell is wrong with him?

Lyra's POV

The following few days are quiet between Seb and me. I tutor him, and he trains me. However, since that first night, it feels like we are not friends anymore, and this is only an agreement between two strangers who have nothing in common. It upsets me a little. I still do not understand why he got so angry. I was only joking by calling myself Miss Piggy, but I guess it did sound as if I was feeling sorry for myself. I can feel the difference in my body already. Seb brings me the secret soup every night, and I drink it. I do not get hungry or have any cravings, not even for chocolate cake. However, tonight I am going to talk to Seb. He has been looking off lately, and it is almost the weekend. I know he has a game, and I need to get him ready. I need his mind to be on the game and next week on our first tests.

He is on time as per usual. Seb is never late, and I can see he is enjoying the math problems I give him. I have made them harder every day, and Seb surprised me. I have explained the work to him and given him problems to solve. He geet is right every time. We still have far to go, but he will be ready for our first tests as I have mostly concentrated on those lessons. I cannot wait for him to beat Nate! I have not heard from Nate in the last few days, and I am so glad about it.

"Seb, I am sorry. My choice of a joke was really bad the other night. I do not feel sorry for myself, and I am ready to be the strong woman you want me to be. I promise no more bad jokes," I say.

"No, I am sorry I overreacted. It was my mother's birthday. Do you know how she died? Everyone thinks it was a car accident, but it was not. She drove into a truck when she found out my father had an affair. I hate her for feeling sorry for herself, because committing suicide is the most cowardly thing she could have done. It was selfish! She did not think of me, who had to stay behind and live without her every day for the rest of my life. I hate my father, Nate, and his mother for driving my mother to do that," Seb says.

His voice sounds cold, full of hate, but I can hear the hurt deep down. I know he is hurting, and he is not arrogant or aloof. He is hurt and broken because of what happened to him. I walk over to him and hug him. I know no words can take away his pain, but sometimes a hug can do more than words can. He hugs me and holds me, and I feel his body shaking. I do not let go, and the two of us stand like that for a while. I know he does not want me to see him cry.

"I did everything for her. Hockey, my studies, everything was to keep my mother happy and proud of me, but in the end, she chose to leave me. To be a coward and run away from her problems instead of facing them head-on. You cannot do that to me! You are the first person I have trusted in a long time. I need you to be strong," Seb says.

"I am stronger than you think, Seb. I will not let you down. Now, I need you to be strong for me. I need you to get your head in the game and in your studies. Together, we can do this," I whisper.

"Well, it felt good to let out all this anger. I feel lighter and calmer. I was afraid you would not help me anymore. I was afraid to talk to you," Seb says.

"Never be afraid to talk to me. I may be fat, but I promise you I will not eat you," I joke.

There is no self-pity in my voice, and I am relieved to hear Seb laugh again. I also feel lighter as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I do not want Seb to be angry at me. I know this must have been a difficult few days for him. He has to remember his mother, and I know he still loves her, but he needs to forgive her. I do not know how his relationship with his father is, but I guess it is not as important. It seems like Seb was much closer to his mother than his father. I will figure it out as we get to know each other better, and I will help him to forgive his mother.

"Okay, now that everything is out of your head and heart, let's start today's lesson," I say cheerfully.

"Only if you promise to be next to the ice rink this weekend," Seb says.

"I don't watch hockey. I do not even understand it. I never go to any sports games. What will everyone think if I show up now?" I ask.

"Nothing, they will think you are there to support your father. It is the most important game of the year. We are playing our biggest rivals. I need you there, Lyra. Please, will you be there? Do you know how much it will mean to have my best friend sitting there when I score the winning goal?" Seb asks.

"I am glad you see me as your best friend, and I will be there for you. You are my only friend. I am not feeling sorry for myself, but I am only stating a fact," I laugh. We continue with our work for the night, and I am happy. My heat is lighter. I did not like Seb and me being like strangers. I understand him better now, and I can understand why he hates it when people feel sorry for themselves.