NA
black Cadillac. My only luggage was a simple canvas bag with
y outside shifting from the sprawli
orthridge Academy" were spelled out in severe, blocky letters, flanked by a l
the gate displayed the academy
TREATMENT. MISSED TRA
a name that felt
JULIAN
ntrance like a piece of trash. The ca
s of skates carving ice and pucks slamming into boards echoed from the distant rinks. Every few seconds,
e, I could already feel how tig
tall, athletic boys in tracksuits, carrying massive hockey
ey, and I had certainly never imagined I'd end up at a place like this. All I could think about was how
a line! One by one for registration!" His to
make trouble. I simply had no idea what I was supposed to do, and I despe
ardhouse, clutching the
, his brow furrowed. "Hey
looking for someone. Andrew Reynolds. He's a
arity with the coach's name. He eyed me suspiciousl
rossed my arms, trying to keep my voice steady despite the knot in my
g his walkie-talkie. My heart was
ears older than me. We grew up together, and a
re in an academy-branded tracksu
stung. I almost burst in
d to my side, his eyes taking in my messy hair and wrinkl
oulders, shielding me from the prying eyes of the other recruits. It sme
d my shoulders. He led me past the long line, straight throug
line watched us curiously, but I barely noticed. My only tho
never chosen. I suddenly felt a sharp ache for my own abandoned path. I had come here because my fa
re?" Andrew asked in a low voice as
thick with frustrat
ing my hair. "Don't
of air conditioning felt like salvation. He sat me dow
he first time since arriving in this he
membered Andre
to handle the necessary arrang
atching the sweaty new recruits outside. Fo
ter with a key card and
work. Let me take you to your
id, with genuine feeli
ned. "You idiot. You don't
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