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“That may be too revealing,” I say, but Willa chimes in.
“We grew up together, back in Cali. I’ve known this guy a long time.”
“Oh, ok. I figured you were from California. Either from the west coast or somewhere on the east coast,” Mystery Girl says to me.
“What clued you in? Was it surfing?” I’m sure it was. As soon as I say I surf, everyone guesses where I’m from.
“Yup. That, plus the accent. I would’ve guessed California.”
“Where are you from?” It’s a fair question since she knows where I’m from.
“I’m also from California.”
I only know a handful of girls here from the west coast that go to this school. My mind instantly runs through them, but I don’t think any of them could be her. There’s one I know in particular, but there’s no way it’s her, and I stop myself from even considering that thought. Willa said freshmen could not participate, so I have to know her.
I am fully acquainted with the female student body. Fully.
But I don’t even want to think about it. I’m having a great time not knowing who she is.
“Don’t get too revealing,” Willa warns us. “I have to go check on the rest of the room.”
I guess I can’t find out where exactly in California she’s from.
“Do you have any siblings?” I ask, thinking of ways I can get to know her without actually figuring out who she is yet.
“Too revealing,” she refuses to answer, but I don’t see how it would be.
Even though I’ve hooked up with a good chunk of the female population in this school, I don’t know anything about their families.
“What is the biggest regret in your life?” She asks.
“Now, that’s deep.” It’s a good question, but hard to answer. Not that I can’t think of an answer, but it’s hard to actually say it out loud. “Earlier today, I would’ve said agreeing to this, but then I got to be paired with you.”
“Real smooth,” she teases me. “I think your talents are being wasted by playing hockey.”
“You should always have a backup plan,” I joke back.
We hear another couple being directed to the kitchen.
“Think we can make it back by the stairs?” I ask, hoping to get more privacy.
“We can try, but watch the wall this time.”
We laugh as I almost smack into the wall again, but make it to the banister and plop down on the steps.
“Ok, real answer. I’m about to get real, real with you,” I say, getting back to her question.
She laughs, but squeezes my hand. Our fingers have remained laced together since we walked to the kitchen. I’m not usually one for holding hands, but holding my mystery girl’s small, soft hand felt great. It’s like they were made only to fit in mine.
“No one knows this, not even my teammates.” I don’t know why I’m telling her this. Maybe because she’s so easy to talk to or it’s the fact I don’t know who she is and I can’t see her face. Or maybe it’s her. “Last year, my brother was really sick. He passed away while I was still playing our horrible attempt at the championship. Cancer.” Fighting my tears back, I hear a small gasp come from my mystery girl. “He told me to stay and play. He knew how important hockey is, but being home over the summer, I regret not being there for my family. I should’ve been there for them and his last days.” I swallow down the same lump in my throat I get every time I think of him. “It was hard for them, you know? My parents and my sisters. I should’ve been there. At least for my nieces, the oldest one is nine.” I hear a sharp intake of breath as I continue. “Going back for the funeral was heartbreaking, and I couldn’t even stay as long as I wanted to. They lost their father. I can’t imagine losing a parent that young. I’ll get another shot at a championship, but my brother…” I can’t even say it.
“I’m sorry,” she says, clearing her throat. “I didn’t know…”
“How could you?” I interrupt her. “We don’t even know each other’s names.” I poke her knee and she laughs, but her voice cracks.
“I need to lift my hand to my face.” She shakes her hand that I didn’t realize I was clutching tight for dear life. “Don’t worry, I’m not moving my blindfold or try to see you, but I need to wipe something. You know.”
She doesn’t have to say it.
