Ice in My Veins (4 page)

“Oh hey, I can give you a ride, how far are you?” He offered.

That was unexpected. I wasn’t about to turn down a ride. I was aching all over my body. At this moment it didn’t matter to me that I wanted to hate Alex. The ride sounded wonderful. My father better have that ice ready that he promised me. Every part of my body was hurting.

“Umm, about five minutes, I would love a ride.” I answered him.

We walked out to his car. It wasn’t a car though, it was a GMC pick up truck. A Midnight blue 4x4; it looked and smelt new. I noticed it was fully loaded. It was a sweet ride.

He threw his bag into the back, then took mine off my shoulder and threw it in beside his. Then he unlocked the passenger door for me, and held the door open while I climbed in. He scurried around to the driver’s side and hopped in.

I didn’t understand why he was being so nice to me. Did he not think I was certifiably crazy with how I reacted yesterday? And if he did why was he so happy to give a crazy person a ride?

“So, what hotel?” He asked.

“Travel Lodge, about six blocks up.” I muttered.

It was only six blocks, but I was beat up pretty bad. I really didn’t want to walk. He smiled that crooked smile I liked, and started to drive. We drove in silence most of the way to the hotel, which made the drive a little awkward. I usually had too much to say, today I was almost speechless with him. He was so close to me, that I could feel that electricity between us again. It wasn’t a bad feeling. It was just a completely new and exciting feeling.

I wasn’t sure what to make of it. This was all new to me. It scared me to not be in control of my emotions around him. Made me nervous. I wondered if he could feel the electric current as well. We reached the hotel quickly.

I turned to him and said, “I really appreciate the lift Alex. Thanks, I guess I will see you tomorrow at the rink for testing.”

“No problem, I don’t mind dropping you off the rest of the week if you want. I know I wouldn’t want to walk after camp daily,” he stated.

I was wondering if he meant it. He seemed to be full of energy, he didn’t look close to the kind of pain I was in. I grabbed my bag and stick out of the back, and waved him off and walked into the hotel. At least if I made the team I wouldn’t have to cart my hockey equipment around. I would just be able to leave it at the rink once the season started.

The bath tub was full of bags of ice like dad had promised. He was laying on the bed watching television. He looked at me with a huge smirk on his face. I knew he was laughing inside at my pain. Men!

I threw my bag and stick down. “I’ll talk after my bath; would you mind getting me something to eat Dad? Please, I am starving.”

I didn’t wait for his response and walked swiftly into the bathroom and shut the door. I did hear him chuckle as he was leaving to get the food. I took my clothes off and slid into the ice cold bath. It was freezing, but it felt so good. I couldn’t stay in there for long. I showered off and put on my pajamas that were sitting on the counter top.

I think it’s the Sweds or maybe the Fins that believe in ice cold baths, then immediately taking a hot shower. It’s suppose to loosen up all the tight muscles and allow for better circulation. All I know is that my father swears by them and it felt great!

I plopped myself on the bed with a big flop. I demolished the cheeseburger and fries, which dad had picked up for me and brought back to the room. I chugged a litre of water and stretched out on my bed. I vaguely remember my father promising to set my alarm for 7:00 a.m. I must have fallen straight to sleep.

The Right Stuff

I woke up feeling refreshed mentally, but I was a little stiff. I stretched myself right away to loosen up my muscles. I wasn’t sure what to wear for today. We were having that grueling medical which took coach forever to explain. I decided on my black sports bra, tight fitting boy cut black underwear, sweat pants and a black t-shirt. I picked that, because I was pretty sure there would come a time throughout the day, that I would have to be half dressed around the guys. I didn’t want to wear anything too revealing.

I brought an extra change of clothes and all my toiletries. I walked out of the hotel and saw Alex waiting in the parking lot. I was startled and kind of creeped out. Why was he there standing outside of his truck at my hotel? I walked towards to him. Did I forget something in his truck? Why didn’t he just wait and give it to me at the rink?

“Umm, hi!” I greeted him suspiciously.

“Hey, I was on my way to the rink and thought you might like a ride. I wasn’t sure what time you would be leaving, but I guess I timed it well. I just got here,” he claimed. It was suspicious to me. I questioned his motives briefly with one eye cocked.

I could see my father looking out the hotel room window at us. “Sure, thanks.” I walked towards the passenger side of his truck and he followed to hold the door open for me.

I waved at my dad, so he would know that I knew the guy I was getting into the truck with and he nodded back.

“So, are you ready for today?” He inquired, his smile wide; almost taunting like. “I hate testing day. It’s long and boring. I can’t wait to get it over and done with,” he groaned.

“Yeah, from the sounds of it, I won’t like it much either.” We both laughed.

Inside the cab of the truck was spotless. This truck was either brand spanking new, or he really took care of it. His aftershave or maybe cologne lingered through the cab. He smelt so good. What am I thinking? This guy is my competition. I can’t be thinking he looks or smells good. I had to keep my eyes on the prize. Getting myself a spot on the roster.

When we got to the rink some of the other players were also just arriving and looked at us funny. A few smirked and laughed. I didn’t see what the big deal was. Alex was just giving me a ride, being friendly. The looks he was getting from the other guys seemed to insinuate that maybe he had something else in mind, other than just being friendly.

I grabbed my bag and stick out of the box of the truck. I thanked him for the ride and hurried off ahead of him into the arena. I threw my bag into the visitors dressing room, which was now mine for the week. I went to stand with the other players. Coach put us into groups and pointed us into different directions. I was grateful Alex wasn’t in my group.

My group went for the medicals first. The doctor was there, with two nurses and one of the team trainers. Mr. Richmond was lingering in the background. I knew he was watching how I handled myself around the guys. Also, I suppose how they were handling themselves around me. Spying on me!

The trainer spoke. “Alright, down to your boxers everyone.”

Then he noticed me standing there. The guys all snickered.

He walked over to me. “I’m sorry Christine, if this is uncomfortable for you, we can do your weigh in and stuff in private.”

Way to make me stand out as the center of attention Gerry, I thought to myself. “No, I’m fine. I better get use to it now.” I mumbled. “Besides, it’s not like my weight’s not going to get posted all over the internet under my bio right?”

I laughed, he shook his head yes and smiled. I stripped down to my sports bra and boy cut underwear. I heard a few whistles and whispered comments about my body being hot. I ignored it. I didn’t even glance up at Mr. Richmond, afraid he might use it against me somehow.

We stood one by one on the scale. The player that went up before me only weighed in at 143 lbs and 5’10. The guys were probably going to think I was a cow once I stepped up onto that scale. Although I looked good, was fit with a great body; I was much heavier than their 115lb cheerleader girlfriends. I chuckled to myself at the thought. Most of the guys, so far, were weighing in between 150 to 180 lbs.

The guy to my right spoke to me and introduced himself. “Hey, I’m Myles, they call me Coop. My last name is Cooper.”

I shook his hand. He was bigger than all the guys who had just weighed in. Not as appealing looking as Moose; and far from close to Alex, but cute enough. He seemed like a free spirited guy. A big teddy bear type of guy.

“I’m Chrissy.” I said, then it was my turn to stand on the scale.

I excused myself and stepped onto the scale like it was no big deal. The guys - I knew, were waiting to see my weight. Not to often girls told their weight to anyone. Here I was getting weighed in front of a group of them.

The trainer looked at me with surprise, then he glanced over at Mr. Richmond. He announced out loud as he had for the previous players, my weight and height - “173 lbs and 5’9.” He motioned for me to step down and scribbled onto his clipboard.

I heard a lot of muttering from the players. I guess they were shocked at my weight as well. However, muscle does weigh more than fat and I was solid. I had less than two percent body fat. Then Coop went up. “192 lbs and 6’1,” the trainer announced. Coop stepped down and walked over to stand beside me.

“I can’t believe that you weighed in at 173 lbs. That just blows my mind.” He continued ”I would never have guessed. I mean you’re smoking hot, you have a wicked body, I can’t believe you weigh that much. That just floors me.”

I shrugged, that was my genius response. I was usually witty with my comments or comebacks. I was fully aware of Mr. Richmond’s presence everywhere I was. I didn’t need to test the waters with my degree in smartassology!

The rest of the day was like Alex had said. Boring, long and I couldn’t wait for it to be over with. The rest of the week at camp was brutal. It consisted of drills, practice and scrimmages. Every day I came back to the hotel sore and in pain. I had taken Alex up on his offer for drives. He was actually a sweet guy. Charming, but somewhat cocky. It was endearing.

The guys didn’t go easy on me during camp, nor did Alex. They slammed me pretty hard into the boards. I seemed to impress them with my speed and puck handling skills. I think for the most part, they were all very impressed with the daily beatings I took. They seemed astounded that I never complained about it. A few of the guys were whiners and complained daily. Not me!

A few of them felt my wrath when I took it upon myself to slam them hard into the boards. I rammed Alex with a clean open ice hit. Boy, did it feel good. The team winced as he thudded to the ice. I said sorry and offered my hand to help him up. He just stared at me for a few seconds, before he took my hand. I knew that hit had to hurt. I think I winded him. I also managed to score a few goals and get several assists in the some of the scrimmage games.

After my first goal Moose skated over to praise me. “You know, only God saves more than Plouffe does, that was a sweet goal.” He chuckled, tapped me on my leg with his stick and skated away.

It was Monday. Time to find out if I made the team or not. I was a nervous wreck. Almost to the point of becoming neurotic my father told me. I didn’t sleep the night before.

Dad admitted to me that he had been at the rink during camp sitting quietly, observing, up in the nosebleed section. He told me that he was impressed and extremely proud of me. He also assured me that if I didn’t make the team, he would help me to work at getting onto another team. I couldn’t believe it. He finally could see that I had talent. It touched my heart more than anything else he had ever said to me.

I took my time walking to the rink today. Kicking the loose stones on the sidewalk as I walked. I told Alex the night before not to pick me up. I just wanted to mentally prepare to be cut. I knew that I had worked hard, but there was a tremendous amount of talent out there on the ice during camp.

I knew there was a strong possibility that the coach would cut me. I told myself that getting cut is a reality for anyone in any kind of competitive sport. If I was getting cut, I needed to remember to ask the coach why he was cutting me. I needed feedback so I could improve, and to thank him for giving me a shot.

I waited patiently outside the coach’s office. Out walked Josh Morgan. He was holding back tears. I guess he got cut. I thought he did really well during camp.

Seeing him like that made my stomach start to turn. I told myself that I put 100 percent into camp. If I got cut then maybe, I just wasn’t good enough. Yet! Coach saw me and motioned for me to come into his office. “Christine, take a seat.”

I sat down. “Coach.” I started before he had the chance to say anything. “Before you tell me whether I have been cut or not, I just have a few things to say to you so I don’t forget.”

At first he grimaced at me, smiled, then nodded his head for me to continue.

“I just wanted to say thank you very much for even giving me this chance to come to your camp and learn from you. The experience has taught me so much. I know it’s not common for a girl to even be invited to camp. I also realize that you have really gone out of your way for me. It means more to me than I can express. If you are going to cut me, please tell me why. I would like some feedback so I know which areas I need to improve on.” I took a deep breath so I could relax a little. I was so tense. Now that I had said my thank yous and stuff, I was ready to receive my bad news.

“Chrissy, it has been a pleasure having you here at camp,” he complimented.

Oh here it was, the sorry but better luck next time speech. I braced myself.

He continued to speak. I shifted in my chair nervously. “The camp tryout process is all just part of the process of putting a team together. It isn’t a question of whether we like you, it’s a question of whether your skills can help the team. It is also about what we, as a development league, can do to help you with your skill development. It’s supposed to be a game. Pressure is the biggest enemy that a player has to deal with in a tryout situation. I could tell you put an immense amount of pressure on yourself.”

He leaned his backside against his desk then he went on. “With that being said, we would like to have you as part of our team. I see how talented you are. I also see the drive you have. You work hard and don’t give up. I like your determination Christine. I don’t know how much ice time I will be able to give you this season, but you will be part of this team, and you will get some. Rookies have to be rotated and share ice time. The older returning players will obviously be the ones who are receiving the most ice time. If this is what you want, then we’d love to have you.” He waited for my response.

I couldn’t respond right away. I was still in shock. I stood up and instead of shaking his hand; I ran towards the desk and hugged him, then quickly let go. “Thank you so much Mr. Killerman. This means the world to me.” I fought back the tears of joy. He laughed.

“Now I would like for you and your father to come see me tomorrow morning at this address.” He handed me a piece of paper. I was still shaking from the news of making the team. “Around 10:00 a.m, so we can discuss living arrangements. You can meet the family that will be billeting you. I know you will love them. They have been family billets for our team for many years and all the players have enjoyed their stay with them.”

He seemed positive I would like my billets. That was comforting to me. Coach was a smart guy, and a great judge of character from what I could tell. I thanked him again and walked out of his office in a daze.

I don’t remember walking back to the hotel, but suddenly I was there. I must have been white as a ghost or something because my father grabbed me and sat me down on the bed.

“Christine are you alright?” He demanded. “Did they cut you? I am so sorry Christine, I know you worked hard out there.”

I shook my head from side to side. “No Dad, I … made the team,” I stammered.

Then suddenly the tears started to flow. It finally hit me. I couldn’t stop them. They flooded my eyes and face like a tidal wave. All my hard work had paid off. I was now on my way to accomplishing my dream.

“Ben wants to meet with us tomorrow and discuss my living arrangements,” I whispered, still not able to catch my breath.

“I guess I will have to get mom to send me up some of my things.” I added.

“You made the team! Congratulations honey. I am so proud of you.” He gave me a big bear hug.

“Thanks Dad,” I said.

“Now you can rub it into your brothers.” He said laughing. I laughed too.

“Christine, you know that we won’t be able to afford to come up to visit you, or to watch your games on television from Dryden. I will want you to keep me updated though. Today let’s go out and buy you one of those little lap computers,” he smiled warmly. “This way you can talk and write to us every day.”

I smiled and wiped the tears from my face. I gave my father a big hug. Finally he was proud of me, and I was getting the chance to do what I always wanted to do.

“It’s alright Dad.” I whispered, my voice still shaky. “Apparently, the rookies don’t get very much ice time during the season.” We both laughed.

“I wonder what my billet family is going to be like? I am excited to meet them.” I was curious. I hoped they would like me.