Making The Team

Making The Team

Which team will Elle get a chance to play for?

~~

A/N - This story was written for the yay-team-sex-and-sports-story-challenge-2025-coming-soon. This story features Elle, who wants to rule the ice in the women's hockey league.

This is being posted to the Lesbian Sex category. If this type of story isn't your preference, I completely understand and appreciate you stopping by.

All characters and names are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to real-life events or individuals is purely coincidental and unintentional.

Special thanks to Nicole and Georgie for their invaluable editing and suggestions. Any errors are mine; these eyes aren't as sharp as they used to be!

~~

Elle

I sat on the edge of my dorm room bed wearing what I'm comfortable in, last year's old practice jersey. It was my good luck jersey. The once-bright colors faded from twelve months of i e, sweat, washings, and hope.

A rejection letter still crumpled, but I read it again. The words burned like a hot poker searing my mind no matter how tightly I squeezed the paper, as if I could crush the disappointment right out of it.

'Dear Elle,

We, the selection committee, on behalf of the Professional Women's Hockey League, regret to inform you that we will not be inviting you to the Professional Women's Hockey League draft for this year. We feel you are a skilled player but you have the opportunity to grow as well.

We hope to see you at next year's draft.

Assistant Commissioner

Professional Women's Hockey League

~~

Damn rejection! I read it for the twentieth time in the last two days. Yeah! As if they really knew what rejection felt like. How many of them had ever truly experienced rejection?

Someone made a decision and left the torturous task of typing, printing and mailing the letter to someone else. As if they had ever felt anything close to the twisting ache in my stomach. As if they had ever felt their chest hollow out, scraped clean of everything they had spent years building.

At twenty years old my dream, the dream, had slipped through my fingers like a puck on fresh ice. I had spent endless hours in rinks, skating through pain, through exhaustion, through every voice that told me women's hockey would never take me anywhere.

And now? Now, it felt like they were right. But that was last year, a new season was upon us and I was ready.

At least I was invited back next year. I fully hoped the scouts would see me and believe in me.

When the letter first came, my parents reminded me that they supported me from home in Milford, CT. They asked if I wanted them to come up this weekend and see me after I told them what the letter was.

Mom was cool, "To cheer me up and do something fun." I thanked her and passed telling her I would buckle down and study, plus I had practice. We were a few games into the schedule and had a game against the University of Maine coming up.

What one of my best friends had texted in all caps, urging me not to give up. 'ONE MORE SHOT' Then she sent "One more shot at showing them".

But what if I wasn't good enough now, would I ever be good enough?

I knew the stats, the brutal truth behind them, how many girls wanted this, how few spots there were. And yet, beneath the exhaustion, beneath the crushing weight of failure, something remained.

A spark. A dull glowing ember, a whisper of defiance, "It might happen this year."

If I really wanted it, really wanted it, I had twelve months to become undeniable. Twelve months to take every weakness, every missed shot, every second of doubt, and carve myself into the kind of player they couldn't turn away.

It wasn't over. Not yet.

~~

A knock rattled my dorm room door. My stomach clenched, my pulse quickened. I already knew who it was. That distinctive knock solidified who it was. I took a deep breath, forcing my limbs to move, to answer. The door creaked open, and there he stood Kelvin or Kel, my on-and-off-again boyfriend, his usual confident stance filling the doorway. His presence should've been comforting, but tonight, it wasn't.

Actually as of late I had been avoiding him. I just wasn't into him but I didn't have the nerve to break up with him... yet.

I turned on my heel without a word, retreating to my small couch, exhaustion pressing down on me like a lead weight. He followed, standing too close, his voice too firm.

"Come on, no moping today, Elle. We agreed you wouldn't do this."

"Pffft we agreed?" I thought to myself, I never agreed to that.

I clenched my jaw, my fingers curling into the fabric of my sweatpants. A part of me was furious, yes furious that he couldn't just be there for me, furious that he expected me to snap out of it like flipping a switch. But another part of me, the rational one, knew he was trying in his own 'Kel way'.

And yet, there was a third part of me, the most exhausted part, which just wanted to sink into the floor and disappear. But disappearing wasn't an option, not if I was going to turn it around.

I forced a faint smile. "I have practice in the morning. We can go out, but not late." I let him pull me into a hug, my body stiff against his. Even at five-eight, I felt so small wrapped in his towering frame.

"Good. Put on some jeans and a nice shirt. It's cooling off, and we're meeting the crew at Bobby's."

I swallowed the sigh threatening to escape. Another night of fake laughter and half-hearted trivia, of listening to the guys pat themselves on the back while the rest of us smiled and nodded.

I mustered another smile. "Okay, let me find something decent. Now go, I want to shower. I'll text you when I'm heading to your dorm."

He smirked, pressing a quick kiss to my lips. "Plan to stay over. Mike's crashing at Abigail's."

I nodded. "Sure, I'll bring something nice to sleep in." That wouldn't happen. I am damn near positive.

His grin widened. "No need, babe. I got you all nice and warm after... you know."

I bit my tongue so hard I almost tasted blood, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. He swatted my ass playfully before finally leaving.

As soon as the door shut, I exhaled sharply, pressing the heels of my hands against my eyes. God, I was so tired. I wasn't in this mood tonight but I wasn't in the mood to argue with Kel either.

~~

I showered and then threw on a Bobcats sweatshirt, my old jeans, and my favorite necklace and matching earrings, the ones Eddie had given me at Christmas my sophomore year of high school. That was the last Christmas I spent with him before he left for Afghanistan.

Thirteen days later, he was gone.

The news had called it "the surge." For us, it was a chasm in our lives that nothing would ever fill. My big brother, my protector, my biggest fan, and god he supported me constantly while I was playing hockey, was gone.

And now, my parents, my little sister, and I had been left to figure out how to breathe without him. How was I to survive the enormity of his death, I didn't know.

I wore his sweater number, 16, I made mine. It was my way of keeping him with me forever.

~~

When I knocked on Kel's door, he opened it and pulled me into a bear hug so tight I almost couldn't breathe.

"Babe!" His voice was too loud, too happy. And then I smelled it. Bourbon.

Shit! This was going to be one of those nights.

Mike was there, he was already drunk, his arm slung around Abigail, all of them holding cups. The moment Mike offered me a drink; Abigail met my eyes and smoothly stepped in.

"I got her," she said, filling my cup with mostly soda. I could've hugged her.

We tapped cups and toasted. "Bobcats."

As we stood by the sink, she leaned in. "I'm really sorry, Cap. I should have played better. I will the next game. I let in two weak ass goals."

'Cap' was her nickname for me; I was the women's team captain. I was the first ever Junior to have that honor. It wasn't just given, it was earned and last year the upper class women respected the coach's decision.

Her quiet words sliced through me, but I refused to let the emotion win.

I swallowed hard, nodding. "Thanks, Abs, I appreciate you more than you know."

She smiled and winked. "I love that you stayed this year Cap, I want that trip to the Four this year."

We touched cups again and smiled. "To the Frozen Four"

~~

We made our way to the bar, the night blurred from there, the boys drank too much, there was too much noise and there was too much pretending.

I looked at my phone and saw the time. "Guys I need to call it an early night; we have practice in the morning. Abs and I need to be at the rink on campus at five-thirty.

And then Mike's voice rang out, sharp and cutting. "Why? You didn't make the fucking cut. Stay and drink. You aren't that good; you didn't make the fuckin' tryouts." He laughed, loud and careless. "Fuck let alone get invited to the draft!"

"Who the fuck even watches girls' hockey anyway?" He was really loud that time and laughed even louder.

Everything inside me went cold; dead cold. There was a sudden and somewhat palpable hush in the tables surrounding us.

Abigail exploded beside me. "What the fuck did you just say, Michael Davis?"

I turned, searching for Kel, and there he was. Laughing.

"Yeah fuck them, stay and party." He looked right at me, his smirk lazy, his words slurred. "Yeah, why do you even wanna play girls hockey? It's not a real sport." He laughed again. "Not like football or lacrosse."

A fissure cracked open inside me, rage and humiliation flooding through it like wildfire.

Before I knew what I was doing, my drink was flying through the air, splashing onto Kel's face.

Another drink followed, that one straight into Mike's stunned expression.

"Fuck you! Fuck you both!" My voice broke, hot tears streaking down my face.

I heard Abigail shouting at them as I grabbed my coat and bolted. The bar turned silent as I shoved open the door, cold night air slapping me in the face.

Tears blurred my vision, my chest tightening with every shaky breath. My sneakers hit the pavement hard, my ears ringing with their cruel laughter.

Then I just ran as fast as I could, leaving it behind, leaving those asses behind.

A few minutes into my semi-run, I heard a car horn.

"Elle!" Abigail's voice. "Elle, stop!"

I kept going. I didn't want to be seen like this. Didn't want to feel this exposed.

The horn blared again, an engine revving.

"Elle, please." There was going to be no escape. I stopped.

The world spun lazily around me as I panted. Just standing there, sobbing, shaking, feeling like my entire world had just shattered all over again.

Then Abigail was there, arms wrapping around me, grounding me.

"Fuck them," she whispered. "Come on, Cap. I got you."

I let her guide me into her car, my body numb, my heart shattered.

And for the first time in a long time, I let myself cry.

~~

I was up early the next morning and at the rink with Abigail, but neither of us mentioned the events of the previous evening. I have received a ton of text messages, Jenna, my right winger, was the first I received. She told me it was all over social media. Someone captured the argument, post drinks thrown in the face.

We warmed up and skated through practice in silence. After practice, I showered, got dressed, and headed to campus with Abs. I had an hour before my first class, Econ II. Ugh. It wasn't that I struggled academically; in fact, I was an excellent student. I just never talked about my grades.

Coach had to monitor them for my scholarship, but that was the only reason they mattered to anyone else.

The car ride was eerily quiet until she finally cleared her throat as we pulled into the dorm parking lot.

"Cap, listen. I'm sorry. I really am. And... I just wanted you to know I broke up with Mike last night after I dropped you off. Took the coward's way out and sent a text, but I can't see him again. I won't. Not after that" She hesitated before adding, "I just wanted you to know."

I glanced at her. "Thanks, Abs, but you don't have to do that for me. I know, or at least I think I know that you really like him." My voice was soft, cautious. I valued our friendship, and I didn't want it to become strained, even if she decided to keep seeing Mike.

She laughed. "Nah, I've got something else in the works. But after last night, there's no going back."

I smiled. "See you in the weight room later?"

She nodded, and I made my way to Econ II.

By lunchtime, I was back at the dorms, sticking to my strict diet plan for the season. Nutrition was non-negotiable. I couldn't afford to mess up with the wrong food. But as soon as I walked into the building, I saw him.

I froze. My pulse pounded, but I refused to acknowledge him. He stood, opened his mouth to speak.

I turned sharply. "I told you last night to fuck off. I never want to see you again. Ever!" My voice rang through the hall.

Dorm room doors opened and girls peeked out of their rooms, watching the scene unfold.

He took a step forward towards me and started to speak. I pointed my finger at him. I took a deep breath, my tone now cutting and precise.

"Kelin David Johansson, if you care about your scholarship or your academic career, you'll leave this building and never speak to me again."

Without waiting for a response, I walked to my room and shut the door behind me.

I skipped my afternoon classes; I was feeling sick to my stomach. Around three, someone knocked on my door. I ignored it. I skipped the weight room.

Screw it all. I grabbed my headphones, cranked up some Led Zeppelin, and let the music drown everything out. Eddie, my brother, had always loved Led Zeppelin.

The pounding in my door wasn't normal, it wasn't rhythmic and it was constant. I pulled my head phone off and started screaming at the door, well I was screaming at whoever was behind the closed door.

"What do you want?" I yelled once more, grabbing the knob, turning it, and yanking the door open.

"Oh fuck! Sorry Coach." I lowered my head.

"Yeah? You're sorry? You want your ass benched? My Team Captain isn't supposed to miss or skip scheduled practices or the weight room on non-game days."

I lowered my head even more. "Five-thirty at the rink tomorrow morning or turn in that C and lose your scholarship!"

She turned and stormed away. I saw Abs standing there. "I am so sorry Abigail." I murmured.

"Geez Elle, I sent like ten texts and called three times." Abigail threw her hands up in the air.

"Can I come in and talk?"

I nodded. Abigail walked in as I closed the door. She sat on my couch; I sat down next to her.

"I am sorry Abs, I let the whole team down but worse than that, I let you down as a friend." I looked at her and tried to smile. "I swear I won't do it again."

She smiled and reached over to hug me. "Okay Cap. Get your head out of your ass. I don't wanna have to be the savior for the team all the time."

I pulled back and we both laughed. "Okay cool?" I asked, she nodded.

~~

Three days later, we crushed U Maine, four to zero. It was the kind of game that made your heart race, the kind that reminded you why you bled for this sport. On the bus ride home, Coach called me up front for a private chat. It wasn't bad, but it was the kind of talk meant to light a fire under me, to make sure I wasn't just coasting on a big win.

"We've got a home game next week, and in three weeks, Colgate and Cornell back-to-back, on the road. Those games are going to test us, Elle," Coach said, her voice steady but firm. "This is your junior year, scouts will be watching. I need you dialed in now, and so do your teammates."

"I got it, Coach." And I meant it.

I made my way back to my seat, still buzzing from the talk. An hour left on the ride, but my mind was already racing ahead. Abs glanced at me, a silent question in her eyes. I just shot her a thumbs-up. She smiled, satisfied, and closed her eyes.

A few days later, we made quick work of Rochester; it was a shutout for Abs, two goals for me. The kind of night that made everything feel right. Coach kept us grounded afterward, reminding us we had two days off from practice, but the weight room was still waiting for us.

Later, as we were getting ready to hit the showers, I could feel everyone's eyes on me. I smirked and stood up.

"Y'all, get off my ass. I'm locked in." A pause, then, grinning, "Maybe I'll start dating after the Frozen Four. Maybe staying single is good luck. You know how superstitious hockey players are."

That got some cheers and laughter before we broke for the showers.

Afterward, Abs and I rode back to the dorms, still high off our performance. Music blasted through the car, the kind of soundtrack that made everything feel big and possible. Then, out of nowhere, she reached over and turned down the volume.

"How about a cheat night? Maybe burgers... maybe a drink or two?" She was smiling, I could hear it in her voice; see it in the way she glanced at me.

I snorted. "Abigail Frances, you damn tease. You know I will never say no to you." I shot her a wink.

Wait. Wait. Why the hell did I just wink at Abs?

Her grin widened. "Careful, Cap, careful. I might ask for something more one day." A little laugh, light, teasing, but something about it stuck with me.

I smiled back, but a shiver ran through me. Suddenly, I felt a little too warm. A little too aware. Of what, exactly? I wasn't sure.

We slipped into her dorm room, unnoticed and untouched by the chaos of the women's basketball team's celebration on the first floor. Not that the room mattered, she lived in the same quad I did. Once inside, we exhaled, letting the door click shut behind us. It was just us now.

Time to unwind, to eat, to drink.

This wasn't the first time I had relaxed in Abs' room, but tonight felt different. There was a quiet thrill in being here with her, an undercurrent I couldn't quite name. We each settled onto the smaller sofa, indulging in our cheat meal. When my water ran dry, I stood and grabbed another from her fridge. Turning back, I held one out to her.

She smiled, but there was mischief in her eyes. "Nope. Cheat meal means cheat drink. Pour us a bourbon on the rocks, Cap."

I scoffed, shaking my head. "Abs, I'm not getting drunk with you. I don't need my ass kicked again."

She arched a brow, a smirk playing on her lips. "What happened to 'you'll never say no to me?"

She winked then laughed, but I knew she was serious. She had me wrapped around her finger, and we both knew that too. With a sigh, I poured two blue solo cups of bourbon, dropped in some ice, and walked them over.

Standing near her, I met her gaze, unwilling to look away. The air between us thickened as I bent forward, tapping my cup lightly to hers. "Bobcats, Abs. Bobcats."

My eyes never left hers or hers mine. We were frozen in time and space. After what seemed forever, a pleasant forever, she took a sip, and then suddenly choked out a curse.

"Fuck, Elle!" Abigail fell to the couch.

My stomach tightened. "Abs? What? What's wrong?" I sank down beside her, my pulse quickening.

She didn't answer right away. Her eyes locked on mine, something unreadable swirling in their depths. I barely noticed when her hand brushed against mine. A shiver ran through me.

I swallowed hard. "Sorry, Abs, I... I just got lost for a second." My voice had softened, almost uncertain.

She smiled, lifting her cup to her lips as if to shield herself. "Don't apologize... I go dreamy around you too."

For reasons I couldn't explain, I felt mesmerized. My body was moving before my mind could catch up. Slowly, I reached forward, my fingers brushing against her cup, gently lowering it away from her lips. Her breath paused, her eyes widened.

"Don't hide your face. Don't hide your eyes. Please." My voice was barely a whisper, a confession. "You're too beautiful to hide."

A flush crept up my neck as the words left me, but I meant them. I meant every single one.

Abs turned away. "I could, I should say the same about you."

Something shifted. "Should?" I thought to myself. What did that mean? The warmth between us flickered, uncertainty creeping in. When I reached for her chin, she pulled away, turning further from me.

The rejection sliced through me like a blade. Panic surged. My heart pounded. "I... I'm sorry. I should go. I've made a fool of myself. I read this wrong Abs."

I barely heard myself as I shot to my feet, setting my cup down with shaking hands. I grabbed my coat; my only thought was to escape before I embarrassed myself further. Before she saw the tears burning behind my eyes.

I ran. Through the quad, past the laughter and music, past the drunken shouts. By the time I reached my room, the first tear slipped free. Then another. And another, I had ruined everything.

Two plus years of friendship just destroyed in an instant. And for what? For the moment I wanted to kiss her? For a moment I couldn't take back.

I hid in my dorm room, drowning out the world in tears and music. I heard the knocking. At first, I tried to ignore it. Then came the ping of my phone, another thing I wanted to ignore. And I did.

But when my phone rang, in perfect sync with the persistent knocking, I knew whoever it was wouldn't leave me alone.

With a heavy heart and tears still wet on my cheeks, I reached for my phone and answered.

A whisper, breathless and trembling, slipped into my ear. "Please open the door? I need to... I need you, Elle."

My heart clenched.

Without another thought, I scrambled off my bed, rushing to unlock the door. My fingers fumbled with the handle, my breath unsteady. And when I finally pulled it open, the bright hallway light framed her like a halo, casting a golden glow around the only person I wanted and feared in equal measure.

Her eyes glistened, matching my own.

"I am... "

Before I could finish, her lips found mine soft, desperate, certain. A gentle but urgent plea against my mouth. My arms flailed for a moment, surprised, before instinct took over. I reached back, pushing the door closed, sealing us inside as she pressed forward.

I melted into her, pulling her against me, deepening the kiss.

"Don't ever leave me," she whispered, her forehead pressed to mine. "I was so unsure. I kept trying to figure it out." Another kiss, delicate and searching. "But then you lowered the glass and said what you said, and suddenly... I knew."

A quiet laugh, tinged with relief, bubbled from my lips. "Abs, I've been drawn to you for so long. I just... I didn't know if. "

She pressed a finger to my lips, shaking her head, a soft smile playing there. No need for explanations. She took my hand, leading me to the couch, curling up beside me like we had done a hundred times before but this time, it was different.

"I tolerated Mike because you were with Kel." Her voice was barely a whisper. Then, with a self-deprecating chuckle, she shook her head. "Yeah... I was that girl, the 'straight' one. Pretending, just to be close to you."

I exhaled, brushing my lips over hers. "Good. Then I can finally tell you I'm not straight, or bi. I'm just; well, I think I am completely in love with you."

Abs whispered, "And I you Elle." Then a silence stretched between us, not awkward, but heavy with something unspoken.

Abs lifted her head from my chest, shifting until she was sitting upright. Her hands found mine, and I felt the tremble in her fingers.

"Mike and I... we never... ummm we never were intimate." She swallowed hard, looking down.

"It was always this thing between us. I knew, even if I never said it out loud. I took care of him in other ways, but he was cheating on me."

"Abs?" I whispered.

She wouldn't look at me, so I let go of her hands, gently lifting her chin with my fingers until our eyes met.

"You're safe with me," I promised. "I meant every word I said tonight. And I swear, I will never hurt you."

She searched my face, her hesitation warring with the hope in her eyes. Then, as if surrendering to something she had been fighting for too long, she kissed me again, slow and reverent.

When she finally pulled away, she stood, tugging me with her.

"Can we just... go to bed? Just to hold each other? No expectations?"

A slow smile spread across my lips. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close, my lips brushing her temple as I whispered.

"Of course, no expectations."

It was one of the most magical night's sleep, sleeping with Abs. We woke in the morning with my alarm sounding. I kissed her lips softly.

"Good morning Abs." I whispered, she smiled.

"Cap?" I nodded looking deep into her eyes. "That was the most amazing night's sleep and an incredible night. I never want it to end."

~~

Abs and I had some time together, but between classes, keeping up with assignments, and practice, our moments alone felt stolen rather than savored. We were careful not to spend every night together. On those nights I slept alone, I ached for her. Even with our best efforts, talking on the phone, video chatting, and meeting up between commitments, there was something missing. Abigail was missing. Missing from my arms, missing from my bed, missing from the quiet moments that felt incomplete without her warmth.

I knew I was falling in love and it was more than loving a woman I played hockey with. Then exam week, which was overbearing and then, Christmas.

The three-week Christmas break was the hardest. Though the distance was less than one hundred miles, it had a way of stretching time, making days feel longer and worse, the nights colder.

Christmas Eve and Christmas day were family oriented but I missed her so much. We sent texts and pictures but I missed her. On the twenty-sixth of December, I was sitting in my childhood bedroom, lost in the pages of a book, when a soft knock on my door pulled me back to reality. It was Mom standing there.

"Hey" I said with a smile.

"Would you like to grab a coffee down the street?" she asked her voice gentle.

I stood to put on my shoes, my curiosity piqued. "Is Missy coming?"

She shook her head. That small gesture, that quiet no, sent a ripple of nervous energy through me. This was unusual, but not entirely unexpected. Something told me this was one of those conversations, the kind that marked a shift in understanding, of love, of possible acceptance, or worse, rejection.

We sat tucked in the back corner of the coffee shop, the steam from her mug curled between us, she sipped slowly, and studied me with an expression I couldn't quite read. I felt the weight of her thoughts, the careful way she carried them, and decided to go first.

"I'm dating someone new, Mom." My words hung in the air for a second, and I watched as she lowered her mug, listening.

"I broke up with Kel, but you knew that." I paused, looking for confidence. "I'm with Abigail now."

My pulse quickened. "We're figuring things out, but so far... it's amazing." A flush crept up my cheeks, the kind of blush that comes from speaking a truth that makes you feel both vulnerable and alive. Tears welled in my eyes and the fear crept through as they slowly streamed down my face.

She didn't hesitate. She didn't frown or question or hesitate. Instead, she smiled a soft, knowing smile and took another sip before setting her cup down with quiet finality.

"Your father and I suspected," She said, her voice filled with something deeper than mere acknowledgement. She set her mug down and wiped a tear from my cheek. "And that's okay. I want you to know we're okay with it. No matter what, we want you to be happy and successful."

And just like that, the dam broke. Not the single tear she wiped away, tons of tears now streaking my face as they spilled over. Worse yet, before I could stop them, my breath caught in the space between relief and overwhelming love. I had never felt so seen, so safe, so deeply accepted.

"Thanks, Mom," I whispered, swiping at my cheeks. "It's strange being this happy."

For the next thirty minutes, we sat together; just mother and daughter. Sipping coffee, sharing stories, and weaving memories into the quiet warmth of that afternoon. It wasn't just a conversation; it was a moment, and a promise.

Then came the words which rang so loud I cried even harder. "Elle, love in any form is still love. You father and I are thrilled you are in love and happy."

As we drove home, she glanced at me and smiled. "You should invite Abigail and her parents over for New Year's. We'll find a way to make it work if they want to stay over."

And just like that, a simple holiday became something so much more. "Your baby sister will be here, so no... um... well you know Elle."

I giggled at her comment. "Of course."

With Missy home, Abs and I knew we had to be mindful, to tread the line between what we felt and what we could show. But that night, as the clock struck twelve and laughter filled the air, her hand found mine in the dark, and our lips met in a kiss that curled my toes and set my heart racing.

It was the best New Year's Eve and New Year's Day ever, to date. And somehow, I knew deep down... it was only the beginning.

~~

The third week of January had us traveling back to back days on the bus traveling to Colgate and then Cornell. Both top ranked programs. If we made it into the Frozen Four it was for certain one of them, if not both would be there.

It was late when we arrived at the first hotel. We were unpacking gear; the team manager went inside and did their thing for reservations. As we funneled in we were given room keys and assignments. Jenna, my right winger walked over to me and asked if she did something to upset me.

"Jenna, I don't know what you are talking about." Totally unsure what was happening.

"There is a mix up, we aren't rooming together. I am with Martha."

"Damn that's bad juju, bad mojo! Jenna." I replied quietly. "Let's see if I can get it fixed for tomorrow." That appeased her.

It was then I looked at the roster, I turned my head side to side looking through the hotel lobby. I saw Abs in conversation with Katie, the backup goalie. It seemed they were having a similar conversation as mine and Jenna's. When our eyes met, we both just winked.

We got up to our room and settled in. I was honest with Abs, we could snuggle or cuddle all night long but we needed to be in top shape for tomorrow. She agreed almost reluctantly, volunteering to shower first.

"I am so tempted to shower with you." I said as she blushed and nodded.

"I've never done that." She whispered.

"Never done what Abs?"

"Showered with a girl, my girlfriend and one day lover." She blushed a deep crimson red. I winked.

"To correct you my dearest you have showered with a girl, with several girls. In the locker room but this time you are showering with your girlfriend, not your teammate."

I smiled and moved closer to her, I kissed her lips gently. "We go slow and loving but we both need strong legs tomorrow night against Colgate."

I was amazed at the beauty not only in Abs' body, but in her eyes and her expressions as I slowly lifted her top. When I kissed her gently as I eased her sports bra from her body.

We had remained celibate; we needed to for the game which we understood. Putting hockey practice and the team first over our sexual desires was the correct thing to do. I had never had this close intimacy with her. I shivered when her hands slid under my top and her fingers slid up my sides then wrapped around me.

Our kiss deepened only to be paused when she lifted my shirt over my head. I am not a large chested woman and there are many days I don't wear a bra, which amazes Abs. She leaned forward kissing my chest but I restrained her.

"Hey you and I promised." I told her.

"The other night, in my dorm when you gave me the bourbon, when you leaned forward and your top opened briefly allowing me to see you naked breasts that is when I knew Elle."

She kissed the valley between my B cups. "That's when I felt it and I was certain I needed to kiss you and wanted to love you Elle."

She kissed my skin again, trailing her lips around the curve of my breast.

My fingers circled her head, grasping at her hair and directing her lips to my under breast. There wasn't much but it was the most sensitive.

"God yes Abs!" I squealed.

Her nose brushed against my nipple. She stepped closed and I felt her nakedness against me.

"Oh God Abs Oh God ABS!" I squealed as a tremor rained through my body

I pulled her head closer to my body as she drew my nipple into her mouth, sucking it firmly. Her hands drew up the center of my back caressing my skin. I trembled and shook as my first orgasm with Abigail took control of my body.

I pulled her head away and lifted her head up kissing her. I was unsteady on my legs, and trembled. Our kisses were erratic and sloppy; I walked her back and fell to the bed with the two of us in a heap of twisted limbs and giggles.

After a while the kisses slowed and became more sensual. I held her tight. "Abs I am thrilled my first time is with you. I wanted this so much!" I kissed her and released her from my hug.

I trained my kisses down her throat and down through the valley and swell of her breasts. I tried kissing her as I would want kissed, loved as I would want to be loved.

I do not know why but my hands worked their way down and the next thing I realized as I nipped at her nipple I was unbuttoning her jeans. One button, then two, then three. I pulled them open as my kisses trailed down her taunt and flat torso. I kissed her navel but then kissed lower. I was pulling her jeans lower with her panties.

As I exposed her neatly trimmed mound, I inhaled breathing in her sweetness. My desire flew even higher off the charts. I was enchanted by her aroma; I wanted nothing more... ever!

I lifted up on my knees towering above her. I then stood and peeled her jeans and panties from her. My eyes never left hers. Her hands reached out to me, wordlessly asking for a hug. I shook my head and smiled as I tugged her jeans and panties off of her beautiful and very strong legs.

I knelt on the carpeted floor and ran my hands up her outer thighs. I slowly kissed from her knees tracing up her inner thighs until I heard her squeal.

"Elle! Please hurry, I am so close I am on edge and want to feel you!" Abs moaned heavily. I felt her hands reaching for my head and face.

I felt her spread her legs wide, opening up for me even more. I was hesitant but I knew I wanted to love her. I allowed my fingers to move ahead of my kisses. I opened her petals and ran my nose from the bottom of her entrance to the top.

I heard her breathing and felt her movements. As I flattened my tongue I licked upwards taking time to savor her essence.

That was when I heard her squeal and felt the release of her moisture flooding my face for the first time.

Instinctively I lowered my head and drank from her, lapping at her nectar and her love. Her legs closed overtop on my shoulders and seemed to pull me deeper which I accepted.

I knew at this point I was absolutely in tune with her and with our love. I wanted Abigail forever and I would do whatever I needed to do, if I could to have her.

I felt her hands gripping my head as if she was cupping it but she carefully unwrapped her legs and pulled my head upwards.

"I need to kiss you." She murmured.

I slowly made my way from the kneeling position to lying with my lover on the bed next to her. We kissed and wrapped our arms around each other in a manner of signifying I would never let her go.

I pulled back from the kiss and whispered. "Abs, I will never tell you no. Please know how I have fallen for you and you alone."

Sleep overtook us but we woke up hearing the reminder and alarm on my phone for the team dinner and film session.

~~

We both had a good game against Colgate. The next night at the other hotel the room list seemed to be a problem again as Abs and I were mysteriously rooming together again. We didn't mind and Jenna did understand. When I spoke to her a second time I swear she winked at me.

No, she didn't mind at all. I set her up for two goals and another assist when I scored. It was a three-point night for each of us.

After the Cornell game Coach came up to me and told me a man wanted to speak to me in the media room. I followed Coach into the room. I nearly collapsed when I saw who was in the room.

It was Pascal, the General Manager of the New York Sirens and his Head Coach Greg. I knew who they were; every woman in women's hockey knew who they were.

We sat and chatted about the game. I deflected as much as I could but then Pascal asked. "What are your plans after this year?"

I panicked and somehow answered. "Maybe another year here but I was hoping to be invited to the draft. I will tell you both; I am focused here with the Coach and the team on championship. I want that for the team."

I paused. "After that I am open to what the hockey Gods have for me." I smiled and so did they.

We chatted a few more moments longer. I touted the team and my teammates. They focused on me but I tried to stay humble. That was difficult with all of their praise. When we finished, they both stood and thanked me. I was blown away and floated back to the locker room in the clouds.

Back in the room I found Abs crawling into her bed and me into mine, we were beat from the game. I closed my eyes, letting the exhaustion of the day melt away. Just as sleep began to claim me, the memory of Abs lips brushing my cheek surfaced, sending a shiver through me.

I pushed the sheet and blanket aside and sat up, my heart pounding.

I rose from my bed and crossed the space between us, sinking to my knees beside her bed. My voice was barely above a whisper. "Abs?"

"Yeah, Cap?" Her voice heavy and drowsy but warm, pulling me in like gravity.

I swallowed hard, searching for her hand in the darkness, needing to ground myself to be sure. My fingers found hers, hesitant, lingering.

"Abs..." I leaned in slowly, my breath hitching as I hesitated, the air between us electric. My nose brushed against hers, and I felt her exhale, warm and inviting.

"Elle, please." Her voice was a plea, a whisper that sent a tremor down my spine.

I kissed her.

The moment our lips met, a surge of heat flooded through me, awakening something deep and undeniable. It was soft, intoxicating, the kind of kiss that rewrote every other kiss before it.

I pulled back, my lips tingling, my chest tight with something unspoken. "Good night, Abigail," I whispered, my voice unsteady. "Sweet dreams."

I started to stand, but her grip tightened, keeping me close. Before I could protest, she pulled me back to her lips, this time with more certainty, more fire.

Abigail kissed me again, her fingers trailing up to cradle my face, her thumb brushing my cheek in a slow, aching caress.

When she finally let go, my breath was ragged, my heart a frantic rhythm.

"Good night, Elle," she murmured, stealing one last lingering kiss before releasing me.

I considered stumbling back to my bed but my body was still humming from her touch. I pulled back the covers of her bed as a smile spread across her face. I slipped into bed next to the woman I was now deeply in love with.

As I was letting the much needed sleep overtake me I realized at that moment, we're a couple that night is when we truly became one.

~~ Chapter Two~~

We finished the ECAC Women's Hockey season on a high; we were seated number two behind Ohio State for the Frozen Four which was nine weeks away.

We just finished a team practice but before I could make my way into the locker room, Coach called out, "Elle, Abigail, Jenna, my office after you stow your gear."

We all nodded but looked at each other. The three of us stowed our sticks, helmets and skates.

With slippers on we then walked into the Coaches office.

I was floored, instantly nervous when I saw the Athletic Director standing there.

Coach sat in her chair behind her desk as the AD sat as well. One of the assistant coaches closed the door. It was then the AD spoke.

"Ladies, I received a call this morning from the Commissioner of the Professional Women's Hockey League." The AD turned to our coach and nodded.

"It seems we have been asked for you to be excused from classes and campus for four days in April, the week before the championship to attend the PWHL Draft." She smiled wide and stood.

"Your invitation letters will be delivered to your home addresses today. Congratulations ladies!"

~~

Abs and I sat in the arena, my heart hammering so hard I was sure everyone around me could hear it. My Mom and Dad sat to my right, Abs' parents to her left. Between us, our fingers were tightly intertwined, slightly clammy from nerves. The Commissioner stepped up to the podium and began her welcome speech, but her words blurred into a distant hum.

Abs squeezed my hand, her grip firm but comforting. Then she turned her breath warm against my ear as she whispered, "No matter what, Elle."

I swallowed hard, nodding. We had talked about how we weren't ready to come out publicly yet, even though our families knew. Their support was what mattered most, but that didn't stop my stomach from twisting into knots.

I turned to Abs and leaned in, my voice barely audible. "What worries me is how I'll finish my degree if I'm drafted."

Abs gave me a look, one of steady confidence but wide-eyed urgency. "If?" she scoffed. "Elle, if your name isn't called first, I'm going to have a fit."

The Commissioner paused, and my breath caught. "I'd like to introduce the General Manager for the New York Sirens, Pascal..."

The crowd roared as Pascal made his way to the stage, his messy hair and sharp suit giving him an air of effortless confidence. The Sirens' head coach stood beside him, holding up a jersey with the number 1 on it.

Pascal adjusted the microphone, letting the anticipation build. "With the first pick in the Professional Women's Hockey League..." He stopped, grinning at the restless audience. "Oh, you're waiting, aren't you?" He chuckled before finally delivering the words that would change my life.

"The New York Sirens select, from Quinnipiac College... Forward Elle..."

Everything around me exploded into chaos. My body moved before my mind could catch up. I shot to my feet, turning first to hug my Dad, then my Mom, my vision blurred with tears.

Abs was next. I threw my arms around her, burying my face into her shoulder as I whispered, "I love you so much, Abs. I love you so much but we're not done, I swear Abs, we are not done."

She pulled back, eyes glistening, her smile both proud and bittersweet.

I took a deep breath, shaking her father's hand, then her mother's, before I was whisked away toward the stage. My hands trembled as I pulled on the New York Sirens jersey for the first time, the fabric heavy with the weight of my dreams coming true.

Hours later, after interviews, endless photos, and countless congratulations, Abigail and I finally collapsed onto the bed in our hotel room. The adrenaline still coursed through me, but as Abs curled against me, grounding me in this moment, I let out a breathless, disbelieving laugh.

I was a New York Siren.

Abs wrapped her arms around me. She kissed my cheek. "Are you sleeping in that damn sweater or when I make love you tonight will you at least take it off?"

We both burst into tears of laughter kissing each other. My hands roaming her sides pulling my lover closer, feeling her body pressing against mine.

Day Two, the following morning of the draft the seven of us, my family and Abs sat in the same arena. The Assistant General Manager for the Sirens walked to the stage and the podium.

"With our final pick the New York Siren select from Quinnipiac College, Goalie Abigail..." I turned immediately as did Abs and I hugged each other like we hadn't hugged before.

"I told you Abs, I told you last night, together forever!" I murmured in her ear.

We broke our hug as Abs hugged her parents and was also escorted to the stage for the photos and meetings with others behind the scenes as I did yesterday.

After dinner that night, we just collapsed in bed together, closing our eyes and babbling about life in New York City not only as lovers but as teammates.

~~

One Week Later

The early spring weather we are accustomed to in Connecticut was totally different as we stepped outside seeing the hotel bus waiting for us. I looked at the passenger's side windshield and chills ran the base of my neck, down my spine and to my toes. The printed sign wasn't all that impressive but it was what the sign said that impressed me.

"Welcome Quinnipiac Bobcats NCAA Women's Championship"

This weather didn't go well for me; it was nearly thirty degrees warmer than it was back home. I heard Coach's voice, "Hey Elle, stop daydreaming, we need to get to the hotel. We have ice time for an hour then have a film review afterwards. Let' Go Captain, get your team moving!"

I turned "You bet Coach! Let's fucking go Bobcats! This is our year!"

I screamed then heard the roar of twenty-eight ladies as we piled onto the bus after loading our equipment bags and luggage.

With the games the previous weeks, the teams for the tournament were set. We were scheduled to play Clarkson in two days, Friday afternoon. Ohio State was scheduled to play Colgate later Friday evening. If we were successful, we would then play the winner on Sunday for the Championship.

Four hours later we were meeting in the hotel conference room. Coach and the Assistant Coaches had films all set up. The food was ready for us. We all grabbed some plates of chicken, rice, anything we wanted. I sat at the front table. Coach had already asked me to speak, to pump the team up before we got into things.

I stood in front of my teammates. "I am not one for speeches but you all know why we are here and it isn't to party, it isn't to sneak out and find some guy or girl to hang out with. This is our turn; ours!"

I paused a moment pondering if I was going to say what I wanted, then I looked at Abigail, she nodded and I smiled.

"You all know what happened and some of you all saw the Tik Tok video of me throwing a drink in mine and Abs ex boyfriend's faces." There were a few giggles.

"What the video didn't show was how they asked me why I wasted my time playing girls hockey."

I paused for effect Coach knew what I was doing and she smiled at me. "Well fuck them! People are here to see us play Women's Hockey! This is it ladies. Let's do this!"

The room burst into cheers and screams of support. Coach let us go for a few minutes but then calmed us down. The lights were lowered and the video started. For the next hour she did her job. She critiqued us and got us ready.

After we were dismissed, Abs and I made our way to our room. Once the door was closed and locked, she turned to me. She wrapped me in her arms and pulled me close.

"You didn't tell them everything. Why not?" she whispered.

"These next four days are about the team. They are not about you or me; they are about this team Abs." I kissed her once more. "I promise, when the time is right I will."

~~

We made quick work of Clarkson on Friday afternoon. They scored a goal on Abs, it wasn't her fault, and it was mine. I got called for a stupid penalty which created their only power play of the game. It was my fault but it put me in the box for two minutes. It wasn't a bad call or a bad penalty. I was playing stupid and let my team down. I was upset and came back with a vengeance and scored on my next shift.

After the goal, I skated over to Abs; I slapped her pads with my stick. "Sorry Abs, I still owe you."

After the game in the locker room even though we won, I stood in front of the whole team and apologized. I turned to Abs. I told her I would make it up to her in the Finals.

Later that night Abs and I cuddled on one of the two beds in our hotel room. Like us, most of our teammates had called it an early night. Unlike us, they weren't cuddled in bed with the woman they love, or maybe they were, it didn't matter to us.

We watched a close game as Colgate beat Ohio State to advance to the finals on Sunday against us.

The team spent most of Saturday in an easy skate around and then in the hotel watching films. It was relaxing but there was a significantly different atmosphere. The aura was off but I couldn't put my finger on it. I could feel the tension at times. I decided to speak up.

As we finished the last film session before dinner, I stood in front of the team.

"As most of you know this is my last game with you all. I want to say it is an honor and my deepest appreciation to have played with you." I paused and took a deep breath.

"Remember this team will be forever connected. You ladies will be forever connected to me. To us, to us all. I promise you I am here for this team and this game. I am not thinking about anything else."

I wanted to say one more thing but I couldn't because it was the wrong time. I knew when that time would be.

I woke up Sunday morning filled with nervousness and strain and suddenly it hit me. I sprang from bed and ran into the bathroom. I barely made it before I vomited into the toilet.

I knelt on the floor just a scared girl, worrying about what would happen only a few hours from now. Then it hit me again, I started throwing up again, my gut wrenching. Then a sudden calmness as I felt her hand on my shoulder and heard her voice.

"I got you Elle, I got you." Abs whispered in my ear as I slouched down lower on the cold tile floor.

I heard the water and felt the warm washcloth as she covered my forehead and another that wiped down my neck. She sat on the floor with me for a few minutes hugging me. It was as if a light switch was flipped. She kissed my cheek and stood.

"Okay Cap, off your ass. Let's fucking go!" I looked up at her and smiled.

"Come on Cap; get your ass in gear." She smiled and turned leaving me on the cold hard floor.

Yep, that was it, my girlfriend loved me but then my teammate kicked me in the ass when I needed it. I jumped in the shower, washed quickly and started my game day prep.

~~

Sunday afternoon at the arena was a spectacle like I had never seen. We arrived at the rink around noon o'clock for a seven p. m. faceoff. We had a pre-skate, equipment check and then a sensible lunch.

I think I was freaked out the most when our Athletic Director and the Vice Chancellor stepped into the team lunch giving us words of support and encouragement. As NCAA rules go, we didn't have access to our cell phones or any social media accounts; that was nerve wracking.

I was interviewed three times along with other teammates. There were photoshoots and other conversations with all kinds of people. I was overwhelmed. It seemed I spoke with more folks that afternoon than I did when drafted. One of the last interviewers asked me, "Sixteen is an odd number for a Center, why the number 16?"

I swallowed hard and smiled. "It was my brother Eddie's number, when he played."

That is when Coach politely pulled me away from the interview. As I stepped away from the stage I whispered, "Thanks"

Right at six forty-five we hit the ice for the pre-game skate and National Anthem. Abs took the ice first and led us in a circle as we all slowed then dropped to the ice and stretched.

The anthem was done, the warmups behind us. I stood center ice with Mara, the Captain from Colgate for the ceremonial puck drop. Then it was game on!

We skated hard and played as hard as we could. Late in the first we went down by a goal, our defense cracked and Colgate scored. No one was to blame; it is how the game goes.

We picked up the hitting and then the skating. As we crossed three minutes into the third period, I sent a wicked snap pass to Jenna; she had planted herself right in front of the net. She deflected the puck in and we scored. Now it was a new game.

Just before my next shift, Coach leaned over and spoke firmly in my ear. "Their center is slowing, crash the net if you get a chance. You got this Elle." She slapped my back and I was over the boards.

I saw what she saw, not only one that shift but then with about seven minutes remaining. I crashed the net with a near perfect center drive, I took a slap shot, five-hole, for my first goal of the game. As the team centered around me celebrating my goal, I heard Jenna say as she looked at me. "Next shift Elle, I will get you the puck; be there."

Sure enough Jenna was right. We crossed the blue line and I took off. With a perfect pass right on my stick I flicked the puck short-side under the goalie's shoulder and scored. My second goal of the game.

That time when we circled, I made certain she knew I owed her. But with two minutes left they pulled their goalie. Jenna and I skated up fast, breaking the defense; I passed the puck to her. I will be damned if she didn't pass it back to me. I drained from the top of the circle giving me a natural hat trick.

When the horn sounded and the gloves hit the ice, we all cheered, but I had one more thing I needed to do and I knew when I would do it.

Nearly an hour later the Coach cleared the locker room of all non-team members, except for four people who hid in the background. From what most could see, it was just us, just the Bobcats.

Coach and the Assistant Coaches spoke and then they asked the seniors to speak. The three seniors finished speaking as they finished their college careers on the highest high and moving forward including some professionally.

Coach then turned to me. "Elle, any last words for your team? Like are you skipping the Sirens season next year and coming back?"

There was a hush in the room. All thirty eight folks in the room were staring intently at me. I stood and smiled wide.

"This team means so much to me but I have to say, I am sorry but this is my last game as a Bobcat."

I felt the tears building as my words took hold. A tear dripped down my cheek as my voice cracked. I went to speak but I knew this is what I wanted.

"I ask this team, my extended family, for one more favor. So just bear with me."

I bent down and reached into my equipment bag and pulled a bright red velvet box from it. I had it mostly closed in my hand but I walked to where Abigail sat. I stood in front of her and took her hand.

I looked at Coach she gave me a thumbs up. That indicated that her parents and mine were now standing in the locker room but were out of Abigail's view. I dragged her to the center of the circular locker room. And paused.

There were murmurs and gasps as most knew what was coming now. I hurried and spoke.

"This is the culmination of my academic athletic career." I paused hearing more murmurs in the background.

"Abs, my professional athletic career starts soon and as everyone is aware, you and I will be together playing with the Sirens." There were some hoots and hollers and some clapping.

I raised my hands trying to calm the room. "Okay, okay, okay. Let me finish."

I raised my voice and then turned to Abs. "You have been my rock, my friend, my teammate, now and in the future. Recently, you have become my girlfriend and the love of my life. Well, this is the best time I could think of to ask in front of your parents and mine as well as our team, our family..."

I dropped to one knee as the room exploded into cheers, aww's and applause. The tears flowed from both of us and I steadied myself.

"Abigail, my dearest, will you do me the honor of being my wife?"

Through the tears and cheers, I thought I heard her say "Yes" but her actions were definitely a yes.

I slipped the ring on her finger. She assisted me in standing as we hugged closely sharing our first public lovers kiss. We both smiled, committing to ourselves the love we had been building in the last months.

*** The End ***

I hope you enjoyed this story. If you have the time, please share your thoughts and feedback.

All my love,

Aoife