PLAYING FOR KEEPS

by MacLeod, J. E.

  She nodded, blushed more. “You know her, too?”

  I smiled to indicate I did. I didn’t want to say that my mom listened to her. This girl embarrassed pretty easily; she might not think it was cool that she listened to the same music as my parental unit.

  “Yeah?” She tilted her head. “Anyhow. You’re one to talk. About talent. The way I hear it, every university in the country has an eye on you. Must be nice. Having your life mapped out already.”

  I grinned. “You know what? It’s really not. I don’t know what I want to do with my life. I’m sixteen. Hockey is not the only thing I like to do.”

  She stared at me, understanding in her eyes, but she didn’t comment.

  “You going to be in the school play?” I asked her as we started walking down the hall. She kept glancing around, as if she shouldn’t be seen walking with me.

  She shrugged. “In some capacity.” She glanced sideways. “Jane, too.”

  I’d guessed as much. And I was going to be there, too, in some capacity. Because I’d just confirmed that Jane was trying out.

  “Me, too. Did I mention that I play the guitar?” I joked.

  She smiled quickly and then her face drooped, more serious. “Are you having sex with Mona?” she demanded.

  I think I blushed; my face warmed up, anyhow. “No. Uh, I made a stupid mistake at a party. She was drunk, and I was an asshole.”

  “Hockey player,” she pointed out.

  I shrugged.

  “So you’re not?”

  I shook my head. “Not.”

  She shook her head back.

  “You’re weird, Zack. Just like Jane said.”

  My eyebrows shot up. “Jane said I was weird?”

  “Um. Not so much weird. Different. But I didn’t believe her. Maybe now I do. You’re not as bad as I thought.”

  I held back a smile. Mission accomplished! Seemed like I had her on my side. It wasn’t so hard, and she wasn’t so bad either.

  “Good. Well, okay. I have to get to class,” I said. I flashed my teeth in a grin and tilted my head in the other direction. My free period was in the library, at the opposite end of the school.

  She clutched her books to her chest. “You like her, don’t you?”

  I raised an eyebrow.

  She examined me. “You do. Take my advice. Don’t push her. I think she maybe likes you, but she doesn’t trust you yet. Don’t you dare tell her I said that, either. She won’t even admit it to me. She hates hockey players, you know. And she’s very reserved around guys--all guys.” She looked conspiringly around the hallway at the kids whizzing past, none of them giving us the time of day. Leaning closer to me, she said: “She has her reasons.” I could smell Bubble Yum on her breath.

  “What reasons?”

  She straightened, looking around again. “I gotta get to class. See ya!” She started hurrying off, then glanced back over her shoulder.

  “Hurt her, and I’ll chop off your jock strap,...” she grinned, ”while it’s still on.” She giggled then and took off.

  I watched her go. It seemed like she was on my side, but she hadn’t given me the secret handshake. It didn’t necessarily make things any easier with Jane.

  “Whazzup, Chase? Goin’ after the fat chicks now?” I recognized Mac’s voice behind me. Male laughter accompanied his comment.

  I turned. As usual, Eddie and Cole were standing there with Mac. They all watched, amused by their ringleader. Mac’s eyes brimmed with hostility. I checked to see if Cassandra heard his insult, but she luckily she’d disappeared into the crowded hallway. I hoped like hell she hadn’t picked up on his ignorant comment. She didn’t deserve Mac’s wrath just because of me.

  I didn’t bother answering Mac. Defending Cassandra to him was useless, and it would only call more attention to her--attention I knew she wouldn’t want.

  I nodded to the guys and started walking away from them towards my class.

  “You poking that meaty thing with your sausage? I’d think even you could do better than Cassandra, dude. And Mona’s got the hots for you. She’s already done most of the hockey team, but at least you could get some from a girl who’s got nice tits and a firm ass. Not a giant pork rind like that one.” Mac’s loud voice drew attention in the still congested hallway.

  The other guys laughed. I stopped walking and turned around, lifting my middle finger and giving Mac the well-known salute.

  “Ouch,” Mac grabbed at his heart, following behind me. “The pretty boy likes fat girls and dykes. You gonna defend her honor, too, or do you only do that when your mommy is around to protect you?”

  I could feel the shift in the crowd. I heard audible intakes of breath, gasps. There was a buzzing excitement in the air. Without even thinking, I dropped my books and charged him.

  I connected with Mac’s chin as he punched me in the stomach. The air sucked right out of me, and for a moment, I stumbled. Then I righted myself and went after him with a roar.

  In the background I heard yelling and chaos, along with shouts of “Zack Attack!” But the only thing I focused on was Mac. I wanted to punch him and hurt him. Man, he was evil. Pure evil.

  Someone grabbed both my arms and held them behind me, not even struggling to do so. I growled in anger.

  “Cut it out this instant!” a voice hissed in my ear. Louder, he said, “Zachary Chase, what the hell is going on here?”

  It was my English teacher, Mr. Wright, who also happened to be the Vice Principal. Just my luck. And, even though he stood a couple inches shorter than me, he looked like he was chiseled out of pure muscle, a real wrestler. He held me with very little effort.

  Facing me, Mac wiped blood off his mouth with the back of his hand. Good. At least I’d made him bleed.

  “Get out of here, all of you! Get to class, now.” As if on cue, the bell rang to signify new classes were beginning. The kids in the hallway scrambled, hurrying to get to class; they were still buzzing with the excitement of our fight.

  Mr. Wright still held my arms behind me; I stopped struggling, but kept my focus on Mac.

  “He’s crazy,” Mac said. “He came after me for no reason. This guy’s seriously unstable.” Beside him, Cole and Eddie nodded in agreement.

  “Zip it, Trevor. God knows you’ve never provoked anyone in your life.” Mr. Wright’s voice was filled with sarcasm. Thank God.

  “You two. Beat it,” he said to Mac’s tag-a-longs. They sped down the hall without looking back.

  Mr. Wright let me go. I restrained myself from charging Mac again. I was mad, but not completely stupid. Mr. Wright jerked his head.

  “Office,” he growled.

  We had little choice but to follow.

  “Asshole,” I muttered to Mac under my breath.

  Mr. Wright whipped his head around. I smiled and said nothing more.

  When we reached the office, he held the door open and we stepped inside. The secretary sat behind her desk, tapping at computer keys. She peered up at us, over the top of her reading glasses. Then she glanced at Mr. Wright.

  “You need the principal? Mr. Kirby’s still at the school board.”

  He nodded. She took her fingers off the computer, pulled open her desk drawer, and took out a key. She picked it up, holding it with high regard, and got up from her chair. We followed behind her. I looked at the wrinkles in her dress. She was gray haired and old, and getting frail. A peach sweater was tied around her shoulders.

  She opened the principal’s office door and let us all in.

  Mr. Wright bellowed, “Get in and sit down. Both of you. You’re lucky Mr. Kirby isn’t around today.” He walked behind Mr. Kirby’s desk and glared at both of us as we sat in the seats in front of the desk. “You two are on the same hockey team, aren’t you?”

  We didn’t look at each other, but nodded.

  “So what the hell is going on?” He sat in Mr. Kirby’s chair.

  Neither of us spoke.

  “Trevor?”

  “I have no idea, M
r. Wright. I was in the hallway, minding my own business and Zack charged me for no reason.”

  “Mr. Chase?”

  “There’s a little more to it than that.” I flexed my hands into fists.

  “Well?”

  I didn’t answer. I wasn’t going to say anything about Cassandra, Jane, or my mom.

  “Did you charge him in the hallway?” Mr. Wright asked.

  I nodded. I mean, I had. Why deny the truth?

  He raised his hand as if to flick away a bug. “Mr. MacDonald. Get your ass out of here. Do not gloat. Do not think you are getting away with anything. I have noted this, and I am watching you. Another incident and your father will be called in. Understand? And I know how much you don’t want that.”

  Mac nodded and shot up out of the chair.

  Mr. Wright waved again towards the door, and Mac disappeared in record time, slamming the door behind him.

  The silence in the room was overwhelming.

  “You want to fill me in?” Mr. Wright finally asked, when I thought I would choke if he didn’t say something.

  I shook my head, but looked him in the eye.

  “You don’t tell me what’s going on, I have no choice but to call your mother.” He leaned back in the chair, watching me.

  I nodded. He didn’t say anything for a few seconds, then he leaned forward.

  “Kids giving you a rough time? Being the new guy?” His voice softened. He was talking to me now as a person.

  “I’ve been at this school for a few months already. I’m not the new guy anymore.” I didn’t want his pity.

  He continued to stare at me.

  “You’re not going to tell me what happened?”

  I didn’t answer.

  “Mac’s got a lot of pressure on him. His dad is a hockey fanatic. Mac’s been the king for a long time,” he said.

  I blinked, surprised.

  “Don’t look so shocked. I hear kids talking.” He stood up and moved to the front of the desk, sitting on the edge of it. “I hear you’re an awesome hockey player.”

  I shrugged again.

  “Heard you’re going all the way. Your natural talent might threaten some guys, eh? Parents too?”

  I wondered what he’d heard. Obviously quite a lot. I shrugged again. He watched me without comment for a while. I kept my face neutral. He leaned back.

  “Tell you what, Zachary. I was going to call your mom, but I’m going to give you a break. For being the new guy. Takes a lot longer than a few months not to be the new guy in a town this size.” He paused, and then flicked his hand towards the door. “Okay, Mr. Chase, get the hell out of this office.”

  I looked at him, dumbstruck.

  “Get out, Zachary. Now. Before I change my mind. And keep your nose out of trouble from now on. Try to get along with Mac. He’s been the leader of the hockey world his whole life. You’re really freaking him out.”

  I stood.

  He winked. “I was a fan...of your dad. It was terrible, what happened to him.”

  I nodded, looked away. “Uh. Thanks, Mr. Wright.”

  “Things aren’t always what they appear to be you know.”

  I shrugged.

  “All right. See you in English.”

  I turned to go, my hand on the doorknob when he spoke again.

  “You enjoying it?” he called.

  I looked back at him. Puzzled. I just wanted to get out.

  “English.”

  “Um. Yeah. It’s my favorite subject actually.”

  He nodded. “You’ve got an aptitude for it, you know. You’re a really good writer.”

  “My mom’s good at it too.”

  He nodded again. God, did everyone in this town know everything about each other?

  Apparently. I twisted the knob. “It’s a good skill to have. Keep your options open. You know, in case hockey doesn’t work out.”

  I nodded, thinking of something else. “You run the school musical, right?” I asked.

  He nodded, a small smile on his face. “Every year. Why? You trying out?”

  I shrugged. “I play guitar.”

  He laughed out loud. “Sorry, Zack. No offense. It’s just that I don’t think I’ve ever seen a hockey player in this town try out. You’re not like most of the kids in Haletown.” He leaned back on the desk, a smile on his face. It made him look younger. Like someone I might want to hang with.

  “So I keep hearing.”

  His smile widened. “It’s not an insult, you know. Be who you are. Don’t let other people dictate your choices for you.”

  I nodded as he stood, pondering his words. Who did I listen to? What did I want? Did I even know?

  “You need a note to get into class?” he asked.

  “I have a study period.” I hesitated. “Um. Thanks.”

  “Get out of here.”

  He didn’t have to tell me a third time. I hurried out of the office, taking a deep breath in the hallway. That was a near miss.

  “What the hell are you up to?” hissed someone behind me.

  I recognized Jane’s voice and spun on my heels. She stood in the hallway, her arms crossed, watching me. In camouflage pants and black t-shirt, she looked like a small rebel. She clutched a handful of books to her chest, her backpack straps visible on her shoulders.

  I looked around. The hallway was otherwise empty.

  “Um, what do you mean?”

  “I heard you were asking Cassandra questions about me.”

  “Shouldn’t you be in class?” I asked.

  She didn’t answer. “I also heard you and Mac were going at it in the hallway. That have anything to do with me?” She didn’t wait for an answer. “Stay out of it, okay? You don’t have to keep rescuing me. I’ve been living in this place a long time.”

  I nodded. “I know. Anyhow, my fight with Mac wasn’t about you.”

  She stared at me. “You sure?” She didn’t drop her eyes. “I heard he’s been telling everyone about Halloween.” Her eyes narrowed. “About me, not you. Except his version of what happened is a little different from the truth.”

  My hands clenched into fists. “I’ll kill him.”

  “I don’t think so. Why do you care anyway, Zachary? What’s it matter to you?” She titled her head, clearly puzzled.

  “I don’t like guys who take advantage of girls.” My voice sounded stiff, stupid.

  “Then you shouldn’t do it either.”

  I nodded. “You’re right. If you mean Mona, it was a mistake.”

  She didn’t say anything, watched me without blinking. “You should leave her alone. She’s not what you think she is.”

  “I’m not interested in Mona.” I stared back.

  Her face colored and she looked away. “Yeah, well. You should leave Mac alone, too, and for good reason.”

  “He doesn’t scare me.”

  “Apparently. Anyhow, it’s not your problem where I’m concerned. I can take care of myself, you know.”

  I grinned. “I know.”

  “Yeah? So what’s with the damsel in distress thing? I’m a big girl.” She shifted her feet and seemed to be studying mine.

  I stared at her until she looked up. Then I took a deep breath. It was now or never. The back door hadn’t worked too well. I needed to knock at the front.

  “I like you,” I said.

  Her face crumpled as if she’d swallowed a bitter drink. She lowered her glance to the floor. Quickly she looked up again, her eyes flashing. “No you don’t. You like Mona.”

  “No. You.”

  “Why?”

  “God. Why wouldn’t I?” I brushed back my hair.

  “Well, for starters, look at you, and look at me.”

  I didn’t say anything, but raised an eyebrow to signify, “So what?”

  “You don’t even know me. You’re a jock. I’m not. You play hockey. You made out with Mona. I heard you and she.. . .” She stopped.

  “Not true,” I told her.

  “What? That you do
n’t play hockey?”

  I smiled. “There’s nothing going on with me and Mona.”

  “That’s not what it looked like to me.”

  “It was nothing. I have my eye on someone else.”

  “Nice way of showing it.”

  “You’re right. I apologize. But I’m not interested in her. Just you.” I wondered if she was a little bit jealous. I hoped so.

  She shifted back and forth and looked around again. I could tell she was about to bolt.

  “Tell you what. Since you think I don’t even know you, how about giving me a chance to find out?”

  She shook her head. “No.”

  “I dare you. I think you’re afraid.”

  I saw a gleam in her eye. Good. Just as competitive as her brother.

  “One coffee. Let me show you what a great guy I am. And I’ll promise not to rescue you ever again.”

  “You don’t drink coffee. You’re a jock.”

  I grinned. “For you, I might.”

  She shook her head.

  “I dared you,” I reminded her.

  “You think that matters?”

  “I do. I’ll tell everyone you’re too chicken to take a dare from a hockey player. I’ll tell everyone you’re secretly in love with me.”

  She bit her lower lip. “I am not secretly in love with anybody.”

  “I swear I’ll do it. I’ll spread the rumor all over school,” I grinned.

  “I can’t believe I’m going to let you push me into this.”

  I smiled, happy with her response. “I won’t bite, I promise. Just coffee. No, make that hot chocolate.”

  “Just like Josh.” She shook her head. “Of course he prefers his hot chocolate with a couple ounces of Malibu Rum these days.” Her voice sounded angry. “You know what? I will have a hot chocolate with you. I accept your dare. I am not afraid of any hockey player.”

  I swallowed my happiness, coolly waiting until she began walking towards the school exit. Then I fell in step beside her. We strolled together down the hallway and headed out the front doors.

  “You worried about Josh?” I asked when we stepped outside into the unseasonably warm autumn air.

  “Perceptive jock, aren’t you?” She smiled slightly, taking the edge off her words. “Yeah. I do worry about him. His drinking, I mean. It’s gotten worse since he lost his license. He’s out of control and my parents don’t even see it. They think the best way to handle it is to make me his personal chaperone. As if I can stop him. He’s crazy, and it’s worse since he’s gotten involved with Candy. She’s no good for him.”