Chapter 13 Focus Focus Focus
The air at the Vipers’ Arena was always freezing, but today it felt even colder. I sat in the stands, watching the team practice. The sound of skates cutting the ice was usually soothing, but today it sounded like a warning.
Jaxson was struggling. He missed a simple pass from Cooper, and a moment later, he fumbled the puck right in front of the net.
"Miller! Focus!" Coach Reed barked from the sidelines.
Beside me, Chloe sighed. She leaned in, her voice low so the other students wouldn't hear.
"He’s a mess, El. If he keeps playing like this, he’s going to get benched. Or worse."
"I know," I whispered, my chest tightening. "I feel like it’s my fault. If he wasn't thinking about us, he’d be playing perfectly."
Chloe looked at me with a sad smile. "It’s not just your fault. It’s both of you. But you’re playing with fire. Leo trusts you both so much. If he finds out, it won't just be a fight. It will be the end of the team."
"I don't know what to do, Chloe," I admitted. "I want to be with him, but I don't want to ruin his life."
"Maybe you need to give him some space," Chloe suggested. "Let him get through this scout visit. If he loses his chance at the NHL, he’ll never forgive himself. And you’ll never forgive yourself either."
I nodded, feeling a heavy weight in my stomach. I watched as the whistle blew, ending the practice. The players started to head toward the tunnel, but Coach Reed stepped onto the ice.
"Vance! Miller! A word," Coach said.
I moved closer to the railing, hiding behind a large pillar. I could hear them clearly as they stepped off the ice and stood near the locker room door.
"Miller, what was that?" Coach Reed asked. He didn't sound angry; he sounded worried. "The scouts are here. They see a kid who is daydreaming. You have the most talent I’ve seen in years, but talent doesn't matter if your head isn't in the game."
Jaxson looked at the floor. "I’m sorry, Coach. I’m just... I have a lot on my mind."
"Everyone has things on their mind," Coach snapped. "But the great ones leave it in the locker room. If you don't find your focus, Jaxson, you’re going to be watching the playoffs from the bleachers. I can't play a guy I can't trust."
Coach walked away, leaving Jaxson standing there with his head down.
Leo stepped forward. He didn't yell. Instead, he put a hand on Jaxson’s shoulder. It was a gesture of pure brotherly care.
"Hey," Leo said softly. "Look at me, Miller."
Jaxson looked up.
"I know the pressure is high," Leo said. "I know being a rookie is hard, especially with the stuff you’ve told me about your dad. But I’m your captain. I’m supposed to take care of you. If someone is bothering you, or if you’re in trouble, you can tell me."
My heart broke. Leo was being so kind. He was treating Jaxson like a younger brother.
"I'm fine, Leo," Jaxson said, his voice cracking. "Just stressed."
"We’re a family here," Leo said firmly. "I told the Coach I’d look out for you. I told him you’re the future of this team. Don't make me a liar, okay? Go get some rest. I’ll bring you some pasta tonight. It always helps me when I’m stressed."
"Thanks, Cap," Jaxson whispered.
Leo slapped his back and headed into the locker room. Jaxson stayed behind for a moment, staring at the empty ice. He looked like he wanted to collapse.
Later that night, the house was quiet. I was in the laundry room, folding some towels just to keep my hands busy. The smell of bleach and the hum of the machines usually helped me think.
The door creaked open. Jaxson walked in. He looked like he had aged five years since the morning.
"You heard the Coach," he said. It wasn't a question.
"I heard," I said. I stepped toward him, but the look on his face stopped me.
"Leo was so nice to me today, Elena," Jaxson said. He leaned against a dryer, his shoulders slumped. "He told me we were family. He told me he’d protect me. I felt like a snake. I’m standing there, letting him be a big brother to me, while I’m secretly in love with his sister."
"He doesn't know, Jaxson," I said softly.
"But he will know," Jaxson said. "And the Coach is right. I’m losing my focus. I missed five shots today because I was wondering if you were watching me. If I don't get this contract, my mom loses her house. I’m hurting her, I’m lying to Leo, and I’m failing the team."
"So what are we doing?" I asked. My voice was trembling.
Jaxson looked at me, his eyes full of pain. He reached out and tucked a lock of hair behind my ear. His touch was so gentle it made me want to cry.
"I think we need to be careful," he whispered. "No more meetings like this."
"I hate that," I said.
"Me too," he breathed. He leaned in, his face inches from mine. "But I can't lose you, and I can't lose my future. We just have to hold on a little longer."
He leaned down and kissed me. It wasn't a happy kiss. It was full of desperation and the fear of being caught.
Suddenly, the door to the laundry room swung open.
We jumped apart, my heart hammering against my ribs.
It was Cooper. He was holding a bag of dirty jerseys. He stopped in his tracks, his eyes moving from me to Jaxson. The silence was deafening. Cooper wasn't a gossip, but he wasn't a fool either. He had seen the way we looked at each other before, but this was different. We looked guilty.
"Coach wants the laundry done by midnight," Cooper said slowly. He didn't look angry, but his voice was very serious.
"I was just leaving," Jaxson said, his face pale.
Jaxson walked past Cooper without a word. Cooper watched him go, then he looked at me.
"Elena," Cooper said. "I like Jaxson. He’s a good kid. But Leo is my best friend. If you’re doing what I think you’re doing... you’re going to break that guy's heart. And when Leo’s heart breaks, this whole house falls apart."
"It's not what you think, Coop," I said, my voice shaking.
"I hope not," Cooper said, turning toward the washing machine. "Because the scouts aren't the only ones watching Jaxson Miller. Leo is watching too. And he’s starting to wonder why his favorite rookie and his sister are always in the same room."