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Chapter 3: Running

The first week of practice went pretty well. My dad was working them hard both physically and mentally. The new style of hockey he was teaching them had many of the players doing things on the ice they had never done before. Sure, the first time my dad would tell them about some new play they would be confused, but they would eventually get the concept.

I spent half of the week keeping track of the individual player stats, getting jersey sizes, and making room assignments. The other half I used to avoid OC. I don't know what it was about him but he made me so....ugh....I can't even find a word to describe how crazy he makes me. I find myself looking at him when he is on the ice; of course I am only making sure he doesn't start anything with Mac. I have to admit he is a good player. Unfortunately, I don't think he is going to get cut any time soon.

Some times I still think about that girl in the bar and then I get mad at myself. When that happens I find myself out at the track. Running has always been my way of clearing my head. So that's where I am tonight, in fact it is where I have been for the last three nights. It's so peaceful here at night. It's just me and the night air and other than the occasional nature sound it is totally silent. Well it usually is....

"You know a girl shouldn't be out at night alone."

I turn towards the voice and see OC standing at the gate.

"I don't see any girls here."

He is walking towards me now.

"You are a feisty one; aren't ya? You must get that from your dad."

"Some people say my temper is worse than his."

"That is a scary thought."

We both start to laugh. I never noticed how nice a smile he has. It softens his whole face.

"What, is something on my face?"

"No?"

"Then why are you staring at me."

Shit, I was staring at him. How am I going to explain that? His head is big enough; he does not need to know that I think he has a beautiful smile. Think fast.

"I was just trying to figure out why you are out here. You can't possibly want to run. My dad made you guys do Herbies for almost a half an hour. Unless you are slacking off in practice?"

"Yeah right. Your dad would cut me faster than I could say Herbies if I was slacking. I just like to come out here to clear my head. I should be asking you why you are out here?"

"I like the exercise."

"Would you mind some company?"

"That's fine....but no talking."

"Why?"

"For one I like to do this in silence and two I don't like you."

"You don't know me."

"I know all I need to know."

"What the hell does that mean?"

"Angry hockey player from Boston, who holds a grudge for 3 years and then pummels my best friend on the first day of Olympic practice. That is all I need to know."

"Just shut up and run."

We ran around the track, in silence, for about twenty minutes. I went to leave, but OC stopped me.

"No goodbye?"

"There was no hello, why should there be a goodbye?"

OC starts laughing.

"I really don't get you."

"What is there to get? I came here to run alone, you just happened to be here, and now I am leaving."

"Would it kill you to say goodbye?"

"Fine. Goodbye."

"See that wasn't so hard. We should do this again sometime."

I shake my head and begin to walk away.

"Do you want me to walk you to your car? It's late and there could be some weirdoes walking around."

"Jack O'Callahan, if I didn't know any better I would say you actually cared about the well being of a person from Minnesota."

"Your dad would kill me if anything happened to you."

For some reason that answer made me a little sad.

"I'll be fine, but thanks for the offer."

I start to walk away and then I turn around.

"I will be out here tomorrow night."

I don't wait to see or hear his response.