Rougher and Tougher

Being a morning person was never one of my strong suits. I'd always tried to be one of those 'go-getter' hockey players (usually forwards) that got up at six a.m to go for a skate but, I never could manage the actual getting out of bed before seven part. Unfortunately, my new roommate was the stark opposite of me. When six rolled around, Nail's alarm clock blared the loudest possible sound, and I was shook from sleep half an hour early. I couldn't get mad at him since he was just doing what he was meant to do- he was a born and bred right wing, and after knowing lots of forwards in my lifetime, they all got up at this time (by choice), trained until their limbs could fall off, and ate on a strict diet. I prayed to god Nail was only two of those things, I couldn't manage watching him count calories and eat only fruits and vegetables for one meal.

He groaned, and slapped the alarm clock so hard that I could hear it even in my half-asleep state. I heard him roll over but, then groan again and the blankets shifted. I heard him get up, and walked over to my queen. He nudged me a little, and I groaned, swatting his hand away from my side.

"I know, I rather sleep too but, ice training start at seven." His thick accent worked its way into my ear drums, and I rolled over onto my back. My eyes squinted then opened, and I was met with a very tired looking Nail. He didn't look half as attractive as he did when he wasn't sleep rid and baggy eyed. I liked him more, and more every second now that I knew he wasn't a show off forward. We'll just wait until he's on the ice, I thought, and gave him a half smile.

"I hate the NHL right now." I sighed, and threw the warm, comfortable blankets off my legs. He chuckled as he walked towards his bag in only a pair of boxer briefs and a t-shirt. He grabbed a pair of basketball shorts and a nhl draft t-shirt then, begun walking towards the bathroom on the other side of the room as my bed.

"You don't want go first, right?" He asked, pausing right in front of the door. I shook my head, and rolled off the bed, debating if I should stay in the warmth and coziness for another few minutes- but voting against it, knowing I wouldn't be able to get up again. I heard the door to the bathroom close as I ran a hand through my sleep matted hair. I wouldn't take a shower until after on-ice practice.

I picked almost the same clothes from my bag, but instead of basketball shorts, I settled for my favourite pair of black nike track shorts from my soccer years, and a sports bra. After I made absolute sure that Nail wouldn't accidently see more than he needed, I begun to strip out of my pajamas and into the chosen clothes. I brushed out my moderately long blonde hair, and tied it up into a ponytail. {Here}

Once Nail got out of the bathroom I was finished getting ready, and was only waiting for him so we could get breakfast. Just as he was about to say something there was a knock at the door. He gave me a look that asked who would be at our door at six fifteen in the morning. I shrugged, and mentioned for him to go and get his shoes.

"Coming." I sang loudly, as Nail and I parted ways. I quickly opened the door, and actually wasn't all that surprised that Alex was at the door, all dressed up in his workout clothes.

I instantly beamed, and gave him a friendly smile, which he did not return. What was his problem? I asked myself, as he pushed past me into the room. I stood, for a second, shocked that the guy I met in line, and talked to on the ice would be so cold. Not even a 'hello' or 'hows it going'? That didn't seem like the Galchenyuk I assumed he was. I didn't even know him so maybe he was a totally different person than I thought. I closed the door, and walked into the main room to be hit with a death glare from Galchenyuk.

"We are going to breakfast," Nail said with a smile, that did not dare to enter on Alexander's face. He didn't even seem to notice, he just stared at me with that same burning glare that would slice through anything.

"Okay, just let me get my-" I tried to say but, Galchenyuk nipped my sentence at the bud.

"Alone." His words seemed to shatter my world. One simple word, not even a complete sentence, made my whole day turn to shit just like that. I felt like never talking to anyone ever again, I felt so belittled and small; I felt exactly that, shitty.

"Oh," I couldn't hide my disappointment even if I tried my absolute hardest, "It's okay, I wasn't hungry anyway." I tried to smile it off but it wouldn't appear on my face.

I watched in complete shock as they passed me, and exited the room. My stomach growled as soon as the door closed, I wanted to follow them down there and actually get something to eat but, his word replaying in my head made me lose my appetite.

Alone, it echoed as loud as a freight train. Just him and Nail, talking and laughing, while I sat up here- feeling like shit because I was the one that was truly alone. I had no words for how shitty I felt, I felt like crying and punching Alexander at the same time.

A thought registered in my head as I came out of my surprised spell- I was now alone, my supposed only friends had walked right out that door and slammed it right in my face. I was a fool to even think they liked me. No one ever likes a girl player when they're the competition.

Alone, it rang a different tone this time- saying that I was better off without any friends because at the end of the day, I wanted to get drafted and they were just obstacles in my way.

So, good. I don't need them. I don't need anyone. Good. good.

Notes

Short chapter, I know, but it's late and I'm tired. I hope you liked it. Okay, see ya later.