~Stressed Out~

I heard a knock from my front door, it was most likely Luis since he is a morning person. I put Nick's bowl down near the window as he begins to eat.

"See you buddy" I smiled as I pet him.

I grabbed my skates along with my stick and opened the door, and I was right, it was Luis.

"Seems like your ready" Luis chuckles

"Yep! Let's get going"

We first made some pitstops to Charlie, Adam, Dean and Goldberg's place before we went to the park, where the rest of the team would meet us at.

"I wanna be in Nai's team!" Ken shouted as he walked up to me.

"Not today shrimp!" Goldberg says as he puts on his helmet "You we're in her team yesterday"

"Guys, each game I will play with different people" I explained "That way we can play against and with each other"

I wanted to go against Luis, I didn't see him near me so I skimmed around the park. I started to feel my heart break a little as he and Connie share a kiss. Connie made her decision already? Am I okay with this?

"Nai look out!"

"Huh-"

I felt my body crash down the black cement as Cooper gets up and dusts himself off. I would say one thing about him, he is one heavy boy.

"Guess you never heard of paying attention huh?" He chuckles "Rings a bell doesn't it?"

"Oh great, now my day is a complete disaster" I grumbled as I stood up

"We just wanted to check on you guys. After all, you guys are gonna go against a pretty good team, considering we play against teams that are three years older than us "

"Oh really? Wow I didn't know that" I say in a sarcastic tone "It's like- I didn't ask!"

"Smart ass" he mumbles "We'll leave you ducks alone, don't break a nail missy"

I felt my cheeks burn from both embarrassment and anger. He gets under my skin and I despise it! I'll show that crooked nose asshole who's he messing with.

Luis quickly comes over to me, checking to see if I'm alright "You didn't break anything right?"

"Nope! I'm completely fine!" I said in a cold tone as I turned around.

"You don't seem fine" Connie added

"I said I'm-" I pause, taking a deep breath "I want to forget what just happened. You two lovebirds can go back to- whatever you guys are doing"

What do they want from me? They are all up in my ass and I hate it. I began to realize that I'm becoming an asshole. Is it because of jealously I have towards Connie? Or the fact that Luis is head over heels for her?

I took a seat at the bench as everyone started to play some street hockey. The sound of them cheering and laughing and- whatever Russ was doing- made it impossible for me to think. I was just irritated- at myself.

"Enough of the anger Nai! You need to get your mind out of the gutter and focus on hockey! " I thought as I got up and went over to the team.

Lester gives me a concerned look "You ok there Nai?"

"Fine! Yep! I'm perfectly fine!" I responded, annoyed about how many people told me if I'm fine

"Well we were just about to head to the stadium. Coach Bombay doesn't like us late"

"Yeah! Let's go!"

On the way there I didn't look at Luis nor Connie. Dean and Julie would ask if I'm alright and I would always reply with the same answer, 'I'm fine'. Coach Bombay was there a bit earlier than usual so we went in and got ready. I didn't wanna stand in the same room as Connie so I had to change quickly.

"You're so right Nai! Luis was the one for me!" She beams as she puts on her pads "It's all thanks to you!"

"Hear you loud and clear"

I felt her touch my shoulder "Nai, are you ok? You're starting to worry all of us"

"I've been saying this for the tenth time, I'm fine!" I responded, my tone sounding annoyed "I'll see you guys at the rink"

I quickly walked out the locker room before Connie or Julie could ask about anything else. If I hear one more person- God I'll explode! I was too distracted as someone grabbed my arm, pulling me aside.

"You're acting fucking weird Nai, and I'm starting to get worried" Luis said, sounding really concerned

"I told you I'm fine! Why is everyone asking me the same stupid question!" I snapped "How's about you go with your girlfriend, and I'll do my own thing, alright?"

I regretted saying that to Luis. He knows how upset I am, but has no clue why. Am I the problem? All I've been doing is pushing people away and not telling them anything about what I'm thinking. But I want them to stay, I don't want to lose anyone... especially Luis.

"All right everybody! Today will be simple, I don't want any of you guys to be sore for the big game on Wednesday. Each of you guys are gonna practice on shooting in specific angles..."

I felt my mind drift off as Coach Bombay started blabbering about our agenda for today. Why can't I focus?! Why can't I just be okay with everything?!

"Nai! You're up first to shoot!" He called out "Goldberg, go play goalie"

Goldberg passes me a puck as I stopped it with my stick. This will be easy, a simple play, with a simple shot.

"Start by dribbling the puck and then shoot!" Coach Bombay added

I started to skate slowly, having my puck between my stick as I moved it back and forth. I went from one way to another and quickly shot it.

"W-What?!"

The sound of everyone's gasps echoed through my mind as I saw Goldberg toss the puck back to me. He blocked it...

"That's alright Nai, try again the next time you're up! Luis you're next!"

*****

The anger filled me up each minute and I felt like I was gonna blow. It's like I have never played hockey before, or better yet, held a hockey stick.

As Ken passes the puck to me, it was a one on one game with no other but Connie. I started playing with the puck, feeling that this time I might make it. I cut her on one side and went to the other, but she shoves me, making me fall on the ice.

"It's o-"

I couldn't take it anymore. I couldn't take anymore of "It's okay Nai" "Are you alright Nai?" when clearly, I'm not fucking okay! I threw my stick across the rink as I cussed under my breath, luckily no one was hurt as Coach Bombay grabbed it. Everyone stared at me with worried faces. They were probably asking themselves "What the fuck is wrong with Nairobi?"

"Nai! Penalty box! Now!" shouts Coach Bombay

I continue to cuss angrily as I went over and took a seat at the penalty box. I threw my helmet aside as hung my head low. Coach Bombay tells everyone to go back to practicing as he comes over to me, taking a seat beside me.

I didn't say a word to him. I mean, what can I say? I literally just threw my stick across the whole rink in anger and now I might not play on Wednesday because of my actions.

He doesn't say a word, it's like he knows he shouldnt say anything, otherwise, I will blow up once more. He looked around and clears his throat.

"You dropped this" He said as he hands me my stick.

I examine my stick, luckily I didn't damage it "Thanks..."

"What's got into you Nai?" He began "I noticed you weren't yourself before you got here and now you're acting way even worse in the rink"

"I'm just irritated Coach..." I replied "That's all..."

"I'm not only just a Coach, I'm also a person who cares about my team, so what's really going on in that mind of yours"

I let out a sigh "Don't say anything to the team but, I'm starting to like Luis- and not just as a friend. It happened a day after I moved here, it's like- he understands me and is always there for me. Now he's dating Connie, which I don't mind! But... I'm just sad... and angry... and-"

"Confused?"

"Yeah... When I found out about them I felt envy, because he chose Connie, a sweetheart who is probably loved by nature itself. He wasn't talking to me as usual, he would just bring up Connie this or Connie that or what she would like, pretty much that type of talk"

He hummed "I know what you're going through Nai"

"You do? I mean, no offense! But you seem like a type of person to already have- I don't know, kids?"

He chuckles "I do wish for that, but I just never found the right person. I used to have a special someone as well, only that it didn't work out as I thought it will"

"So you guys broke up?"

"Yep, after about five months after our breakup she found a new person. I didn't know what to feel, I still had some love for her in me, but had anger that she moved on"

"So you understand what's it like to be in the sidelines right?"

"Yep, but after a while of self thinking, I realized that maybe I need to be happy for her. She moved on, and is happy, and I needed to do that as well"

"So what you're saying is that I should be happy for Luis?"

"I'll admit, it'll be awkward, but you want to see him happy right? All you can do now is support him"

"But... what if- I don't know- I kinda wanna be happy as well?"

"Patience. That's mostly the answer to everything"

"I'm sorry I threw my stick across the whole rink like a manic" I nervously chuckle "If you wanna bench me from the game that's completely understandable"

He raises an eyebrow "And why would I bench you?"

"Uh- well- I just thought that-"

He couldn't help but laugh "You're not getting benched Nai. You're not the first person to do that. Someone in the team has done worse"

"Really?" I surprisingly say "I don't want to be a gossip girl, but who was it?"

"Portman" he replied "No one was hurt... luckily"

"I figured, he seems like a type of person to rage" I commented "So I'll play?"

"You bet"

"Thanks Coach!" I smiled "I should probably say sorry to Luis and Connie huh?"

"I think that can be a good start"

As I got out of the penalty box, I felt relieved that I ranted about my problems to Coach Bombay. He sounded more like a therapist than a coach. I nervously went over to Luis and Connie, if they were mad at me, I wouldn't blame them, but I hoped they weren't.

"Uh- hey guys" I nervously began "I'm sorry for acting rude toward you two, especially you Luis. I just needed someone to talk to. Which I'm glad that it was Coach Bombay. You guys are really cute together"

"It's okay Nai. We all have tough days. We're just glad you've calmed down" Connie smiles "Well I better go help Julie with some shooting drills, I'll be right back"

"So" Luis began, clearing his throat "What did you and Bombay really talk about?"

"You wanna know the gossip or what?"

Luis places his hand on his chest, pretending to be offended "Can't a guy have a least some interest in gossip"

I chuckle "That is some privacy information Mendoza, but since it's you who I'm talking to, I'll just say that it's all figured out now"

"I'm glad for that Nai" he smiles "Wanna have a race to see who gets Guy's puck?"

"You're on!"

*****

Practice was back to the way it was. I didn't care about Luis and Connie's relationship. They were both happy, especially Luis, so the best I can do is cheer them on.

Dean and I seemed to have gotten closer during this practice, and I'm starting to have an interest towards him. I mean, it does sound a bit weird, me having a crush on two guys. Can I even do that? But the point is, I want to move on from Luis, not sulk about him.

"You seem too close to him to not be friends Nai" Julie comments as she took off her blades

"Alright alright! You got me! I suppose I have a slight interest on Dean" I admitted

Julie smiles, happy that I finally admitted it "Oooh! Someone has a crushhhh!"

"You better not tell him!"

"Don't worry I won't, but he will tell you himself"

We all laughed and giggled as I headed out the girls locker room. As I walked out the stadium, I noticed Dean was waiting patiently near a bench. It somewhat surprised me because he would be wanting to go out with Fulton.

"Aren't you gonna head home?" I asked him as I slowly walked up to him

"Not really" he responded

"Something I wrong, I can tell"

"Ain't nothing wrong with me Nai. Just liked looking at the sunsets is all"

"Mhmm, you know I still have time to spare before I head home. Wanna go grab some ice cream? I'm buying"

"Thanks sweetheart, but I don't wanna let you waste your money on a guy like me"

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"It's nothing. I'm gonna go hang with Fulton, don't be going to places you shouldn't go to"

"Oh, ok, bye!"

He always had an odd way of looking out for me, which I found cute. However, there was something wrong, and it somewhat got me worried.

"What's up with Portman?" Luis blurted out, making me jump

"I don't know" I answered "He probably had a tough day"

"Go figures. So your mom making anything good today?"

"Who's asking?"

He shakes his head "If- hypothetically- someone were to go over and eat at your place, you wouldn't have a dish for yourself"

I laugh "No one is gonna touch my food, I got eyes in the back of my head"

Luis bounced back to the caring kind, but became even more interested in our conversations. It was probably due to the fact that he was trying to get Connie's attention and forgot about us.

"Hey! You should tell your mom to come eat at my place on Friday! My mom is making her classic ribs and it'll be just like the good old days"

"You're fucking right!" He beams "Man how I missed them! I remembered how I had a food coma from eating way to much"

"Well get hustling! Your mom has to know the news!" I said as I ran up the steps.

I quickly opened the door and ran straight to the kitchen to see mom cooking some food. It was the classic, spicy green enchiladas with a side of rice.

"Hey mamá, can Luis and his mom come eat here this Friday?!" I asked excitedly.

"Friday? Did you tell him what I'm making?" She smirks

"Maybeeee. But it'll be just like back at Miami! We can eat and play some cards! Oh and watch movies and-"

"Ok ok! I see what you're saying. I don't see a problem"

"Thanks mamá! I better go take a shower before I make the whole kitchen smell like sweat. I'll be down to eat in a few minutes"

I quickly took a shower and before I left the room, my house phone began to ring.

"That's got to be Luis" I said to myself as I answered.

"Hello this is Nai!"

"Hey, It's Dean"

"Dean?" I repeated "How did you get my number?"

"You gave it to me remember?"

"Oh yeah! Sorry, I guess I forgot"

"I uh- didn't mean to make some small talk to you earlier. I had a lot of stuff going through this brain of mine"

"You don't have to apologize. But you did concern me, why are you REALLY calling me? It can't be just for that"

"Can't really say. I don't feel ready to tell you"

"Tell me what? Are you ok?"

"I'm fine Nai, but I just don't feel ready to tell you"

"Are you nervous for Wednesday's game too?"

"Yeah, guess you can say that"

"Don't worry, you'll be fine. I'm playing alongside you so you have nothing to worry about. I have to go, I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Yeah... see you..."

As I hung up the phone I started to think about him. Maybe he is in trouble? Or his dad came back from prison? But then again, it didn't sound that urgent. The phone began to ring again, cutting my thought.

"Dean?"

"It's Luis. Wait- were you just talking to him?"

"Uh... maybeeee?"

"Ha! I knew you had something for him"

"Shut up" I laughed as he began to sing that annoying "kissing" song that elementary kids sing "What did your mom tell you?"

"She said hell yeah. But I gotta warn you, she's just like me, so be ready"

"It's been a while since we had a friend gathering"

"You think your mom will be cool letting me sleep over?"

"Uh duhh! She adores you, but what about Connie? You guys are dating and wouldn't she think the wrong way"

"Nai, you're my best friend. She knows that so it won't be a problem"

"Oh ok. Well you better pack your sleeping bag. It's gonna be a fun night!"

"I'll see you tomorrow. Night"

I hung up and quickly went downstairs as mom poured me a plate of enchiladas, my mouth watering just by looking at it.

"So what did Luis say?"

"Oh they are definitely coming! Can Luis sleep over?"

"Duhh!" She answered as we both laughed "I still can't believe you two aren't dating"

"Mommm! We're just friends. Besides, he has a girlfriend now" I said as I took a bite off my food

"He does?"

"Mmhmm, that Connie girl. They seem cute"

"You're ok with that?"

"I mean, yeah. As long as he's happy right? Besides my eye is for a special someone"

"Spill it"

We talked about Dean as we continued our conversation with memories with Luis and his mom. I don't really remember his mom as much, but I did remember that she was drop dead gorgeous, just like my mom, and they were best friends.

I helped mom with the food and dishes as I went straight to bed, excited that in just two days, it'll be my first game in a while.

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