Kehlani

I was taking multiple shots of the lake till my lens captured Elliot's face. I lowered the camera instantly, attempting to walk away.

“You were always good at this.”

I turned around. No sight of Maddie…..or even Trevor.

“Oh. I didn't realize we were doing compliments now.” I looked away.

“Compliments aren't bad.”

“What do you want from me? Why do you keep trying to talk to me?”

“You seem different these days. Is he really your boyfriend?”

“Obviously.”

“Like he changed you or something.”

“Yes. That's nothing for you to worry about.”

“You're still beautiful.”

“What do you want from me?” I started fuming. For once, Elliot didn't look like the evil human that embarrassed me. He looked humble.

“I didn't mean to hurt you that day at the rink. I was ….”

I laughed. “But you did. Publicly. I was the trend for two weeks. Everyone mocked me.”

“It wasn't supposed to be that way.”

“Don't be stupid Elliot. Because I shouldn't be talking to you. What you did was on purpose. I have nothing to do with you and don't you ever try to speak with me.” I warned.

“I do miss you.” He confessed.

“Excuse me? And Maddie?” I laughed. “Dearest bloody ex. Please continue dating my beloved ex friend. The both of you are very good together. Birds of the same feather.”

“So, Trevor is teaching you to be rude and have the guts to talk? What happened to the quiet nerdy girl? I see you even started dressing differently….. which is impressive though.”

“The quiet girl who gets bullied is no more. Yes. My boyfriend increased my self confidence and worth. I love the new version of me and I won't let you or Maddie or anyone talk to me disrespectfully.”

I turned to walk away but stopped. “ Oh and thanks for your compliment about my outfit.”

“I miss you kel.”

I stopped. “I don't. Don't you ever call me Kel. It's meant for my boyfriend.”

With that, I left, looking for Trevor.

“There you are.” I smiled, when I finally saw him at the edge of the lake.

“Thought you ran off.”

“Actually, I…. ran into Elliot.”

“Tell me about it.”

“Nothing much. I just made sure he doesn't try to get into my head like nothing happened.”

“He misses you. Told ya it'll work.” He nudged me gently.

“Gosh, I wanted to punch him so bad.”

“He's immature for wanting to talk to you especially when he humiliated you and dated your own friend.”

“Exactly. You know what, let's just do this thing and leave. I don't like this place.”

“Me too.”

The sun dipped low and after spending an hour, we were done taking pictures while Trevor was working on the story telling write-up for the visuals.

“Okay. We are done.” Trover says and everyone sighed in satisfaction.

“Thank God. I've had it with strangers already.” Maddie says to no one in particular. Although it's obvious she was referring to Trevor and I.

“Let's go babe.” Trevor held my hand.

“About time.” I got up to my feet and we left. That pity look on Elliot's face pissed me off.

******NEXT DAY AT SCHOOL*************

The posters in school screamed today's game. Red Ravens vs Black Wolves. ( Trevor's team)

This wasn't just a scrimmage but the final game to determine what team would play against another high school game.

“I hope black wolves win.” Olive kept on singing as we walked from the hallway to our club class.

“Me too. I really pray so.”

“Anyways. How was the meeting on your project with Maddie and Elliot and Trevor.”

“Almost like hell. But I didn't allow that.”

“Oooh. I love my girl.”

“Elliot told me he missed me yesterday.”

Olive stopped on her tracks. “What?”

I nod. “Uh-huh.”

We continued walking. “Tell me all about it.”

I did and she laughed. “What the hell is wrong with him? He got the nerves and guts to say that to you. Oh boy. I love how you handle him so well.”

“Me too.” I smiled and we opened the door. There, Zara, Sophia, Alexis, Fred and the other members were all seated.

“Welcome. We've been waiting. Today's meeting will be short and brief before we go watch the match.” Zara, our club president announced.

“Okay. I think we need this week's issue on paper.” Olive raised her voice.

“Good suggestion. It's on sport.” Zara confirmed.

“About Trevor Jackson.” Alexis squealed.

“You mean the criminal goalie.” Jamal added. “Damm he's good.”

“Exactly.” Zara adjusted her glasses. “He transferred out of nowhere, had a whole record and suddenly, he's carrying the ice hockey team.”

“They're talking about your boyfriend.” Olive smiled, low enough for only me to hear.

“Fake boyfriend.” I corrected her, blushing.

“And he's a star now. Redemption arc much?” Jamal said.

“Kehlani, you're his girl right?”

“Huh?”

Everyone started with their oooohs and I smiled, wanting them to stop already.

“Actually, I took a lot of great shots which is suitable for the Athlete of the term if we wanna use that in the school's yearbook.”

“Great idea.” Fred clapped.

“And also, putting it on our social media handle would be amazing. There's going to be tension between both teams considering the fact that Elliot's competitor is now Trevor. This is tough and sweet.” Zara says.

“Let's also do a photo exhibition of hockey 2025.” Olive nods.

“Perfect guys. Kehlani, show us your shots.”

I smiled happily. I was satisfied doing this. It was all part of our deal. Him getting my scholarship and me helping him adjust. Together we were both benefiting.

The meeting was over and we all rushed out to watch the game.

“Hurry up. Your boyfriend could be searching for you.” Olive held me by my wrists as we scurried to the rink together.

“Don't worry, we're almost there.” I panted..

We made it inside, pushing past the crowd of students buzzing with energy. The rink was electric and full of life. The sound of blades scraping ice and coaches yelling from benches.

“Over there!” Olive points to a row halfway up the bleachers, right by the center.

“Yes. Perfect view.”

We climbed quickly, squeezing past a few people till we took our seats.

“I'm so excited.” I giggled.

“Me too.”

There he was. Trevor. My boyfriend…..fake boyfriend anyways. But whatever. Mine. For now. I watched him place the helmet over his head and I decided to take videos instead for our TikTok handle.

The buzzer sounded and the crowd erupted with cheers and chants. I could see Elliot hyping his team. Red Ravens.

“Ugh. Trevor's aura is something else.” Olive smiled.

“Yeah. He looks like this hot villain." I said dreamily.

Trover looked up at the stand and I knew he was looking at me. I waved at him and he caught it, placing his hands in his heart like he caught a kiss.

The puck dropped and the game began with speed. Trevor blocked the first shot and slid with precision. Elliot, as always, was aggressive but this time a bit much.

“Did you see that ?”

“Yes. That felt personal.” I narrowed my eyes. Elliot's a jerk.

The game was getting heated. Trevor made a clean save and launched the puck across the ice.

“Go FB!” I yelled and I saw me stare at me.

“What's FB?” Olive asked.

“You won't understand.” I laughed. “It's our secret code only we understand.”

“Hmm.” She shrugged.

We all watched Trevor move through two defenders and a pass from his teammate. A powerful swing–Goal!

“Yes. Go Black Wolves!” Olive and I hugged each other, screaming with everyone else. But something else was happening.

Elliot marched towards Trevor and pushed him hard on the chest.

“OMG. What's going on?” Olive panicked.

Elliot didn't stop. He repeated the same thing and Trevor didn't hold back again. He shoved Elliot back and the crowd roared. It looked like a fight.

Coaches rushed in and the referee skated over. The announcement came through.

“Number 14, Elliot Marcel, major penalty. Number 7,Trevor Jackson, warning issued.”

“That stupid Elliot. Thank God Trevor didn't get a penalty.” I held my chest.

The game continued with Trevor fast and dynamic. And then, GOAL. The buzzer blared.

Black Wolves win. 2-1.

“Yay. Black Wolves have qualified for the inter school playoffs.” I screamed, hugging olive tight.

******************************

While students were leaving school, I got Trevor's message.

Meet me at the rink, FB.

I smiled upon seeing the message and bid olive goodbye. The hallway was getting quiet with two or three or six students walking. I dropped my bag in my locker and went to the rink. Pushed the side door, spotting him already.

“You came!” He yelled. Didn't think you'd ditch your champion boyfriend huh?”

I rolled my eyes, biting my lips. “How are we here? Isn't this supposed to be locked?”

He skated towards me. “Oh please. The coach owes me. Plus, who's gonna say no to the MVP.”

“You're impossible.” I grinned.

“Skates?” He held a pair up for me.

Moments later, I was stepping into the ice with trembling feet.

“Oh my.” I began to shake and he offered his hands.

“I haven't stepped into the rink for a while now.”

“Good. Which means you'll need me.” He held my waist and my hands clutching on his arms and we laughed together while he teased me.

“So, this is your way of celebrating?”

“Maybe. Celebrating with you here makes more sense.” He whispered and I blushed.

Our rhythm on ice flowed well.

“Thanks for being here, FB.”

We stopped skating, as if instinctively. Our eyes locked. Breaths steady.

“Kel?”

I swallowed. “Y-Yeah?” I was getting nervous.

“I'm not acting anymore.” His voice was low.

“What do you mean?” I whispered and his hands cupped my cheeks, grazing it softly with his thumb.

“For this.”

And just like that, his head tilted and he kissed me. Soft and gentle. My heart raced fast but I still kissed back. His lips, warm and full and we sync perfectly.

“Trevor I ….” I whispered the moment we pulled back for air.

“Just shut up and kiss me.” He said breathlessly, smirking.

And he crashed his lips back. Passionate, Rougher and hungrier. I didn't hold back. I wanted him desperately.