Hockey
Somehow, on a Friday night in the middle of the summer, Courtney ended up sitting in front of Duncan's couch, knees to her chest, while he and his dad yelled at the television screen.
She simply did not get the concept of 'Hockey.'
She sighed as she passed the snack mix from Duncan to his dad, David. They looked similar, though his dad lacked facial piercings, she noted dryly. They did have nearly the same hair, tousled and somewhat spiked, although Duncan's still had a faux-hawk and streaks of green here and there.
Duncan and Bridgette lived roughly twenty minutes away from each other, in adjacent towns near Vancouver. They had both moved there after about a year and were surprised to see each other occasionally at hockey matches.
Courtney had come down to see Bridgette. Although it was a planned trip and she would be staying two weeks over the summer, Bridgette had spaced (as usual) and agreed to go her high school's senior band banquet with her friend, Alex, who played the clarinet. Since Courtney hadn't bought a ticket, she was unable to go.
After a few phone calls, and a reluctant agreement from Courtney, Alex dropped her off here, and Bridgette said they'd be back to pick her up (like she was a six year old at a play date,) at ten.
"You know, you can sit on the furniture." David piped up at half time.
"...I'm okay." She said, pressing her knees up to her chest even more. The blue jean material rubbed against her knees-- they were new and starchy-- and she could almost feel it through the grey cotton tshirt that she donned on her torso.
The only reason she hadn't dressed up was because it was a long drive and she thought it was just going to be her and Bridgette, who, while having dressed up a little more in the few years since TDI, still only wore skirts on limited occasions, such as this band banquet she went to.
She didn't know she'd be spending the evening with her somewhat reformed ex-boyfriend. And his police father.
She heard a door click open. "Dad? Duncan?" It was a female voice, somewhat older but not by much. She heard a pair of boots hit the floor.
"In here, Anna," David said, "You missed the first half of the game. BC is in the lead by four."
"Oh, I did?" The voice sounded disappointed as she stepped into the door frame. "Who are they pla-- Oh, Hello!" She said, slipping off the hood of her coat, yellow plastic as it had started to rain. An older sister it seemed, who's face and hair were soaked-- the jacket was useless apparently.
"Hi." She said, removing one of her arms from the hold she had around her legs to wave. She hugged her knees again.
"You know, you can sit on the furniture." She said.
"I'm good." She glared from the corner of her eye at Duncan, who, along with his father, were snickering.
"Suit yourself," She said, looking from the couch to her dripping coat. She took a quick glance at the score, "I'm going to go dry off. Could you stick some popcorn in the microwave, Duncan?"
"I'll do it." Courtney said, getting up.
"Kitchen's to the left." Anna said as she disappeared down the hall way.
Crossing her arms over her chest, she walked down the hall and turned into the kitchen. Opening up a cupboard, she dug through it until she found a box of popcorn. Reading the directions, she unwrapped a bag of it and stuck it in the microwave for two minutes.
Leaning against the counter, watching the popcorn pop, she jumped when a hand touched her shoulder. The popcorn was so loud she hadn't even heard foot steps.
"Hey, Princess." Said the voice from behind her.
"Where are your bowls?" She asked, turning around. Bad choice, he was too close, nearly penning her to the counter.
"You come to my house and you won't even say 'hi'?" He asked, brow raised. "I mean, two years and you just mope in front of my couch."
"Hi, Duncan." She rolled her eyes, trying not to look up at the big, deepset blue eyes her ex-boyfriend possessed. Had he gotten even more handsome? He even smelled good.
He leaned in, closer than she would have liked. "Here, I'll trade you."
"Trade me what?" She asked, brow quirked. She knew she was going to regret it.
"A kiss for a bowl." He grinned, that same infuriating grin.
She rolled her eyes again. "I'm good."
"Sure, you are."
Pushing his arm away from the counter, she began searching the drawers and cupboards, to no avail. The popcorn had long since stopped popping and sat idly in the microwave.
"Well?" Duncan said, smiling wider.
Courtney breathed in, infuriated. It couldn't be this hard to find a bowl!
"Fine." She said, nearly stomping up to him and kissed him.
One second, two second, three second.
They parted. "Well?" She asked, arms now crossed.
Duncan stepped out of the way and opened the drawer she was standing in front of.
"Duncan, I can't stand you!" Grabbing the bowl and the popcorn, she dumped it in and took it to the living room for his sister.
--
Bridgette finally showed up-- late, predictably so-- at 10:20. She had gone home, wiped the make up off her face and changed into a pair of shorts and her favorite hoodie, a light green short sleeved jacket made of terrycloth.
Stomping out to the car, Courtney grumbled.
Bridgette couldn't help but smirk. "How was it?"
"All we did was watch hockey! Ugh, he's such a pig! Why did I ever like him?"
Bridgette took that for a good evening, got in the car, and drove home.
--
End. I hope you liked it!