Chapter 2 ~Redhills~

~ Roxanne ~

“Name please?"

“Roxanne Walker.” I responded dryly.

Georgia had successfully moved me away from my dreams to settle on some exclusive island at Redhills. 

“Spartan Island," they called it, and now she was making me attend Crescent Hills College because according to her, it's the best college in the city.

“Is that spelled with an X or a Zee?” The grumpy old man asked, his face buried in his system.

I rolled my eyes internally. I can't even count how many times I've had to register at a new school. Thanks to Georgia, I got the ‘new student syndrome'

“Alright, here is your key card. You can use that to access your dorm, locker, and your scheduled classes.” He said as he handed it to me along with a single sheet that contained all my programs. 

I was officially a sophomore of Crescent Hills College... For now.

“Wait,” I turned back to the old man, a frown on my face, “I didn't select figure skating.” I pointed out.

He adjusted his glasses as he stared at the sheet.

“I know. I did.” 

“But I don't skate. I play hockey.” I frowned.

“Same thing—”

“No, it's not!” I snapped unintentionally.

“Look, kid, hockey is exclusive to males. Females don't play hockey at Crescent Hills. It's been that way for ages.” He shrugged and returned his focus back to his computer.

His words hit me like a tornado, and I leaned on the wall for support, my heart thudding violently against my chest.

This has to be a joke. It can't be true.

I clenched my hands into fists, almost crumpling the paper.

“You can play hockey at your new school.” Georgia's words resurfaced.

She knew! 

“You have got to be kidding me!” I barged out of the office to avoid saying anything else that could get my admission revoked.

How did I go from hockey captain to novice figure skater?! 

“Hey, there. You alright? You look like you're on your way to murder someone.”

‘I'd gladly murder that old man.’ I said within, ignoring the red-haired that I had bumped into.

“I'm guessing you're new here...” She dragged, and I finally stopped in my tracks then faced her.

“You noticed. Good for you.” 

“You don't have to be a bitch, you know?” She frowned.

I took a deep breath as I shut my eyes trying to calm my nerves.

“I'm sorry. It's just this stupid city and this stupid school. I mean why won't they let girls play hockey?!”

She tilted her head a little to the side.

“Is... that a bad thing?” She asked in a perplexed manner.

“Hockey shouldn't be gender based! It should be for everyone who has the talent.” I responded.

A small smile settled on her petite face.

“And I'm guessing by everyone, you mean YOU.” She folded her arms across her chest.

“This is pointless.” I sighed and walked away.

“Hey, I could give you a tour if you want. Think of me as your personal chaperone.” She giggled as she tailed behind me.

“I would like to find my dorm first,” 

“Let me see your program sheet.” She stretched her hand out to me.

I scrutinized her appearance. Red-haired with an olive complexion, hazel eyes and striking features. She was gorgeous and gave off a friendly aura.

“I'm Ashley by the way.”

“Roxanne.” I responded as I handed her the sheet.

“Well call it fate, you're in Silver Block, Room 9!” She squeaked.

I furrowed my brows,

“Why are you so excited?” 

“Because we're roommates, silly! That explains why I felt drawn to you from the beginning!” 

“Oh,” I muttered and she dragged me without my notice until we reached the dorm.

It was a lot more spacious than I had imagined and there were two beds per room according to what Ashley told me.

“My last roommate dropped out and I was a bit anxious as to whom I would be getting next. I guess I was worried for nothing.” Ashley chirped as she let herself fall on her bed.

“Dropped out? Why?” 

“Well, long story short. She challenged Andrea and lost. The deal was that she would drop out if she lost.” 

“Why would anyone ever agree to that?” I frowned.

“Roxanne, you have a lot to learn but let me start by saying that for your own good, steer clear of Andrea Pembroke.”

Ashley took me around most of the important places of the school but I was more excited to see the rinks.

“And our final stop, the ice city.” She spread her arms dramatically as we walked in. 

“It's called the ice city because it is the biggest block on campus with three built ice sport arenas. One for Hockey, figure skating and short track skating." Ashley explained.

“Do you skate?” I asked curiously.

"Yeah, for short track races. I like the thrill and the feel of adrenaline when I'm on the tracks. It keeps me alive," She pressed her lips into a thin line, “Also, it keeps me away from Andrea.” She whispered and I frowned slightly.

Whoever this Andrea was, she better not cross paths with me. I have a low tolerance for bullies.

"Can you show me the Hockey rink?" 

"Sure." She beamed and we walked into the next door.

My face brightened as the view of the arena came into sight, the cold air hitting my lungs and the rush of adrenaline flowed through my nerves.

I felt my eyes getting teary as I remembered I would only be allowed to watch the game.

“Who is this little dude?” I swayed at the sound of a masculine voice, almost losing my balance, but then I felt the grip of a large hand on my waist, grounding me.

My gaze traveled up from his hockey jersey to his face, and I froze, caught off guard by his striking appearance. 

“Well, who do we have here?” He smirked, flashing his perfectly white teeth at me, and revealing his dimples.

“Cut it out Flynn.” Another voice cut in. 

I snapped myself back to composure, and created enough distance between us.

“Ashley, what are you doing here?” the other guy asked.

“I was just giving Roxanne a tour. She's my new roommate.” Ashley turned to me.

"This is Marcus Miller, my best friend." She pointed at the chestnut-haired guy next to her and he waved at me.

“Nice to meet you, Roxanne.” The hot devil in front of me extended his hand.

“Call me Flynn.” He smiled and my cheeks burned.

“Don't be fooled by that charming smile. Flynn would literally date anything in skirts.” Marcus snorted, and Flynn glared at him then walked away.

“A playboy. How typical."

“They are the star athletes on the team. Marcus is already being scouted by professional teams, Flynn is the enforcer type, total bad boy, and...” Ashley trailed off as someone else walked in.

Something stirred within me as I watched him move through the arena like he owned every inch of it, broad shoulders relaxed beneath his hockey jersey and dark damp hair falling carelessly over sharp eyes that never once looked my way. 

There was nothing overly flashy about him, yet everything about him demanded attention—the quiet confidence in his stride, the cold intensity in his expression, the kind of presence that made the entire atmosphere feel heavier.

He passed me by without stopping, and the faint scent of cedarwood and winter frost lingered in the air just long enough to leave me frozen in place, my gaze trailing after him before I could stop myself.

Ashley seemed to have noticed as she trailed my line of sight.

“Oh,” She chuckled, “Welcome to the fan club.”

“W-who is that?” I asked, my voice came out as a whisper.

“That, is Alan West, the golden boy of Crescent Hills. He's a living hockey prodigy. Together with Marcus and Flynn, they are like the holy trinity of the team.” Ashley gushed and I snapped myself out of whatever trance I must have been in.

“Hey, Rookie.” Flynn suddenly ran up to me.

“Hey,” I tucked my hair behind my ear.

“I'm throwing a party tomorrow night to celebrate our third win this season. You should come.” He winked at me then ran off to join the others in the rink.

“Oh my gosh! Flynn Pierce just personally invited you to his party!” 

“Should I be grateful or...” I dragged.

“Flynn never invites anyone in person except his next targets. You should be careful though.” Ashley warned but I waved her off.

“It's fine. I'm not interested.” 

“Does that mean you're taken?” Ashley smirked and I felt my cheeks flush red as Noah suddenly came into my mind.

I was about to respond when my phone suddenly buzzed.

I had received a photo text from an unknown number.

“That's weird,” I muttered as I tapped on it, and color instantly drained from my face the moment it opened.