Breakaway (Penalty Kill 1)

“Did I say anything about skating?” We walk inside, and he turns on a few lights. The ice rink lights up and the beautiful white ice gleams. I take a deep breath to inhale the greatest scent ever. I always thought that ice rinks smell so clean with a hint of sweat.

“So, I guess you’re planning on having sex with me on the ice,” I joke back at him.

Levi smiles as I follow him to the players’ bench.

“I think that would be uncomfortable.” He sits down, and I join him on the bench.

“Ok, I give up. What are we doing here?”

“Nothing. I come here to think and relax. I figure we could talk here, have no distractions, and no worries about yourtwin finding you.”

“Oh.” I’m in complete shock because I didn’t expect to see this side of Levi.

“I take it you’re surprised. Would you prefer a fancy dinner or to attend a party?”

“No, this is much better,” I say softly. Neither of us says anything for a moment, as we both look out on the ice.

“I didn’t sleep with her.”

“What?” Levi’s comment brought me out of my trance.

“Sunny, the girl I was with, I didn’t sleep with her tonight.”

I want to tell him that I’m relieved, but I keep that comment to myself. “You don’t have to tell me that, Levi. That’s your business.”

“I figured you would want to know.” I nod at his response because I’m not sure what to say. “So, why did you really stay with your mom after your parents’ divorce?” I stare at him. That’s a personal and direct question.

“I figured it was best for me to stay with my mom.” I didn’t want to tell him anymore than that.

“It must have been hard.”

I look back out at the ice because I can still remember Trevor leaving that day. I held onto him so tight with tears streaming down my face. My twin brother and I were never apart for more than a day up until that point, but I couldn’t let my mom be alone. I was better off with her. Our father cared more about Trevor anyway. He wasn’t the type of man to ever come to my dance recitals or events. However, he never missed a game of Trevor’s. He is always praising him and telling him how much he loves him. I don’t remember him saying that to me. All I know is that my tuition is paid every year, and my credit cards are paid too. That is how he shows his love to me.

“I guess so. It was a long time ago. What about you? Any brothers or sisters?” I want to change the topic from that hard memory.

“No, just me. All alone.”

“So, I guess your parents aren’t divorced.”

“Um, my mother is dead and my dad hasn’t remarried.” It’s his turn to look out on the ice and away from me. Now, I know why he always has the sad look when someone says ‘mom’.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” I reach over and squeeze his hand.

“That’s a story for another time. So, why no boyfriend?” He looks back to me.

“Well, you like to get to the point. The truth is, I’m too busy. I have goals in school that I want to complete, and I’m just...too busy for a social life.” I figure since we’re being so honest that I will go ahead and tell him the truth about why I don’t have anyone in my life right now.

“I can understand that.”

“You can?” I’m in awe that he un

derstood my statement. Most college students care more about their social ladder than the professional one.

“Sure. I have goals that I want to complete in my hockey career and in real life. That is why I just have fuck buddies and no real girlfriend.” I guess he is being as honest with me as I am with him. I’m seeing a whole different side of Levi.

“What are some of your goals?” I’m trying not to pry into his whole life, but I am interested to see what he is planning.

“Well, I want to play in the NHL and after my career is over, I want to be a chemist.”