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violet

“I seasoned some wings and threw them in the air fryer if you’re hungry. They should be ready soon. How was your time at Steven’s?” Kennedy asks sounding nicer than usual. She must have missed me.

“It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. In fact, if I had to describe the visit in one word, I would say it was helpful.”

“Helpful? Well, that sounds promising. How so?”

“My father had this old photo album and inside were all these pictures of my mom from the 90s. Tons of pictures that I’d never seen before. I even recognized some of the backgrounds of the photos as locations on campus like at her dorm. He said that he’d taken most of them.”

“Wow, that doesn’t sound like your mom was just some random girl he met on campus and got pregnant then.”

“I know, right? I think my father cared about her a lot more than I realized, which was nice to learn. And the pictures were just so cool. Instead of the mom I remember, it showed me that she used to be this younger version of that woman. The happiness in her eyes that I saw, I don’t know, it gave me some peace. It reminded me that she wasn’t always just a mom.”

“I love that.”

“Yeah, so I guess I’m saying the photo book was helpful because it gave me more of a connection to her and started a conversation between us about their time here at VCU, their relationship, and getting pregnant with me.”

“Did he talk about why he basically disappeared from her life?”

“He admitted he was immature and scared when she told him she was pregnant, and when she gave him an out, he took it.”

“Well, at least he was honest.”

“His truth doesn’t make me feel any better about it, but at least we’re having the conversations and not pretending that he’s super dad.”

“Would he be willing to make you copies of the pictures so you can replicate the book for yourself?”

“That’s the thing. He gave me the book. He said it was only right that I should have it, but I’ve left it at his house for safekeeping…I mean, our house.”

“Nice.”

“And how were things here?” I ask, bringing up the elephant in the room.

“Let me grab the wings and I’ll catch you up on things.”

Kennedy and I are sprawled on the couch in our apartment, with greasy chicken fingers, and the TV tuned to a local sports channel.

“There’s a news conference you need to watch,” she tells me.

“About what?”

“Neo is at the center of it.”

My heart races with a mix of excitement and anxiety. I haven’t seen Neo in weeks since I walked out on him, and I miss him so much it hurts, but do I really want to listen to him announce to the world that he’s going pro? The very thing that broke us apart.

“Here it comes,” Kennedy says, her eyes glued to the screen. “This is huge, Violet. Pay attention.”

Neo looks calm and composed as he steps up to the microphone.

“He looks good,” I whisper to myself, part of me secretly hoping that he’s lost sleep just like I have since we’ve been apart, but he looks just as perfect as always.

There’s a confident smile on his face, but I can see the nerves in his eyes. He clears his throat and begins.

“I want to thank everyone for being here today. After careful reflection and discussions with my family, I’ve made a decision about my future in the sport I love. I am pleased to announce that I’ve committed to playing professional hockey with the New Jersey Devils.”

“Yay!” Kennedy gives a quick hurray. “It isn’t the Flyers, but it’s damn close.”

My breath catches in my throat.

It’s done.

He’s going to play for the New Jersey Devils.

He’s leaving.

“But,” he continues, and I lean in closer, “I’ve decided to stay at Valencia City University for another year, to complete my degree and play another season with my team. We have a championship to win for the school, our fans, and for Coach Mike and Coach Dixon. Go Suns!”

“Woo hoo!” Kennedy cheers loudly at the screen this time. “Okay, Cap!”

I gasp, my eyes widening. I don’t understand. He’s staying another year. He’s actually staying. But how?

“How can he play for The Devils and stay in school?” I ask Kennedy. “I’m confused.”

“The Devils will hold his place on the team while he finishes college, kind of like when you commit to an early decision for a university.”

“Oh, okay.”

“It’s a really sweet deal, Violet. The Devils must really want him.”

“I wonder why he picked New Jersey? He had other offers, you know.”

“I have my theories.”

“Like what? Is Jersey a good team?”

Kennedy turns to me, her expression serious. “Violet, there’s something you should know.”

I tear my eyes away from the screen. “What?”

“I may have misjudged our hockey captain a little.”

“What makes you say that?”

“His best friend basically ripped me a new asshole, and I had to accept that perhaps I’ve made some incorrect assumptions.”

Shane.

“So, what did you learn?”

“His brother’s death was a tragic accident that Neo’s parents made him lie about. The shit is pretty twisted.”

“I already know about that, Kennedy,” I say, not wanting to discuss the sensitive details about Jake’s death.

“Right, but did you know that his father has been pressuring him to take a pro deal and using the details around Jake’s death to justify it?”

“I don’t follow.”

“Neo’s jerk of a dad blames him for the accident, even though I read the police report and know the truth. It’s right there in black and white. The cops tested the blood of both brothers. Jake was legally impaired, and Neo’s blood alcohol was well below the legal limit. He wasn’t drunk. It was bad weather, and the car hydroplaned on a dark highway. He didn’t have to lie. He could have just told the truth and then his father wouldn’t have this toxic hold on him.”

“Holy crap, I didn’t know any of this.”

“Can you imagine the pressure he was under, having a parent blame him for the death of his brother and using it to basically run his life?”

God, no, I can’t.

“And there’s more.” She hesitates, then says, “Just when Neo was ready to take a deal to protect the big lie the university called. President Harmon threatened to revoke your scholarship if he didn’t stay and play for another year.”

“Wait, what did you say?” I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut. “Are you saying that he just made that announcement because President Harmon blackmailed him?”

Kennedy reaches out, squeezing my hand. “What I think is that Neo found a way to protect everyone he loves, including you.”

Anger and admiration war within me. I had no idea how much pressure Neo’s been under this entire time. I’ve always assumed he walked this easy path and all he had to worry about was goals and assists, but I was wrong. And now I find out that my father’s so-called friend is using me as leverage for some damn championship?

I turn back to the TV, where Neo is answering questions with his usual charm and grace. “I can’t believe him.”

Kennedy nods, her voice firm. “He’s a hockey god with a heart and he loves you, Violet. More than anything. He’d do anything for you. I see that now and I hope you do, too.”

Tears sting my eyes as I watch him, my heart swelling with love and adoration. Neo, my grumpy, fiercely protective hockey star, putting everyone he loves (including me) first.

“He’s amazing,” I whisper, more to myself than to Kennedy.

She wraps an arm around my shoulders. “He really is. And he’s all yours if you still want him.”

As the news conference ends and the screen fades to black, I’m left with a whirlwind of emotions. Pride, love, anger, gratitude. Neo has made his choice, a choice that speaks volumes about who he is and what he values.

I stand up, determined. “I need to see him. I need to tell him... that I was wrong.”

“I’ll call the Uber, girl.” Kennedy nods. “The press conference was in the athletic building, so he’s either on his way to the rink or the house.”

I grab my tote bag and head for the door, my steps quick and purposeful. Neo has shown me, in the most profound way, how deep his love runs for everyone he cares about.

And now, it’s my turn.

* * *

As I rush to the ice house, my heart is pounding, every beat a mix of love, gratitude, and determination. There are a few players inside, but I don’t really know any of these guys by name. A tall guy with brown skin and jet black hair I’ve definitely seen before approaches me once he notices me looking around the main room like a lost puppy.

“Violet?”

“Yes, hi.”

“What’s up, I’m Deuce.”

“Nice to meet you. I was wondering if Neo was back yet?”

“You saw him on television?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Then he’s probably at the rink.”

“Is the team practicing today?” I ask him.

“Not today,” he tells me. “Everyone’s too excited about our boy going pro, but I guarantee you that he’ll be there.”

“Okay, thanks.” I study him a little closer. “Have we met before?”

“Probably here at the house,” he answers sheepishly. “ I don’t live here, but I’m always dropping by to hang out with the guys.”

“Oh, okay.”

“Um, do you need a ride to the rink or anything?”

“No, I could use the walk. Thanks though.”

It’s still bright out and the rink is close enough for me to walk from the house, so I head on foot in that direction.

Neo is on the ice, practicing alone, the sound of his skates cutting through the silence. He hasn’t seen me yet, and for a moment, I just stand there, watching him. He’s so focused, so in his element, and so utterly beautiful to me.

“Cap!” I call out, my voice echoing in the empty arena.

He stops, turning toward me, surprise etched on his face. Slowly, he skates over to where I’m standing by the barrier.

“Violet? What are you doing here?” he asks, a hint of worry in his eyes. “It’s Wednesday.”

“What do you have against Wednesdays?” I say playfully.

“You’re supposed to be coming home tomorrow.”

“And why would you think that?” I ask, wondering if Kennedy told him the wrong day of my return to respect my wishes of my whereabouts not being shared.

“I guess I got the wrong intel,” he admits. “I’ve had eyes on you since we broke up. Just because you hate me doesn’t mean I’ve stopped loving you, Violet.”

“You know I could never hate you, Neo.” I take a deep breath, gathering my courage. “Just like I know that you’re not the self centered secret keeper that I thought you were.”

“Violet, I should of–”

“Quiet,” I shush him. “I know, Neo. I know about President Harmon’s threats to take my scholarship away. Kennedy told me everything.”

His expression changes, guilt and concern mingling together. “Violet, I... I didn’t want you to find out like this.”

I lean over the barrier, closing the distance between us. “I’m sorry you had to deal with all of this alone. Tell me what happened.”

“When Coach first told me about the NHL offers, I was pumped. It was everything I had been working towards, but then I thought about you. About us. We were just getting started, and I never felt like this before. I wasn’t ready to drop a bomb on it all. But then there’s my dad and everything that happened with Jake. I had to protect my parents because of all they did to protect me. That’s why I procrastinated telling you.” He looks down, his hands gripping the hockey stick tightly. “But when the president came for me, damn near threatening me to stay, I couldn’t let them take your scholarship away. Not because of me. All they want is another year from me and I could give them that. I could give them anything if it meant not hurting you. Luckily, the Devils were able to give me the best of both worlds.”

I reach out, touching his cheek, making him look at me. “Neo, you are the most selfless, caring, incredible person I’ve ever met, and I... I love you. I love you more than I thought possible. But guess what? I don’t even want their stinky ass scholarship anymore. I’ll figure out another way to pay for school. That’s what student loans are for.”

His eyes meet mine, raw and open. “I’ve missed you, Grinch. This was some really mean shit you did, locking me out like this.”

He pulls me into his arms, and I climb over the barrier, my feet landing on the cold ice. His embrace is warm and strong, a safe haven in the midst of chaos.

“I should have stayed and talked things through. I’m sorry. I’ll never do it again. ”

“You better not.”

I nod, resting my head against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart.

“With everyone pulling you in ten different directions, has anyone bothered to ask you what you want, Neo? Because whatever it is, I’m behind you a hundred percent.”

“That was part of my problem, I was just too worried about everyone else’s opinions. But what I know for sure is that I love hockey and I love you, so I made the decision on my own to take the deal with the Devils because they were the only ones willing to wait for me. Plus, the home stadium is close to Philly in case you want to go to law school back home.”

“You’re making plans that factor me in? We were barely speaking to each other a day ago.”

“I’ve figured out a way to get everything I ever wanted and you’re part of that, baby. Any decisions I make from this moment forward will always take your happiness into consideration. More than hockey, more than anything, you’re my heart, and I promise, Violet, from now on, we’ll face everything together. No more secrets, no more sacrifices in the dark. Just you and me, against the world. I knew you’d come back to me. I just had to wait.”

As we stand there, holding each other on the ice, I know that this is just the beginning. I raise my arms and wrap them around Neo’s neck to pull him closer. The kiss is tentative and tender, like the kind you have on a first date. He drops his hockey stick on the ice and lifts me up by my thighs, wrapping them around his waist.

“Let’s skate together,” Neo says, his voice soft.

With my body wrapped around his, we glide across the ice, the world fading away until it’s just us, our love, and the promise of a future filled with endless possibilities.

It’s magical.