NHL Short Stories

heart to heart - brock faber

WC: 3635

Once 7:30 rolled around, I grabbed my backpack and headed out of the lecture hall where my accounting class was being held at. I absolutely despised this class, and I couldn't wait that it was going to be done in three weeks. Especially when it had nothing to do with my desired major (that being journalism), but my advisor said that I should take it because I had a lack of elective credits.

My friend Madison had texted me during the accounting lecture if I was wanting to go out to Shoddy's and drink with her and her boyfriend Matthew, who was on the Gophers' men's hockey team. Since it was a Friday night and I necessarily didn't have anything to do, I kind of said "fuck it" and give in to take a few shots of whiskey. I haven't gone out in a while, and maybe if Matthew brought the one hot guy on the team with him, I'd ask him for a ride home.

I texted Madison back saying that I was up for a few drinks, and immediately she sent me back a thumbs up.

I sighed as I tucked my phone back into my Gophers track jacket and began walking across the bridge of the Mississippi River and back to the East Bank of the University of Minnesota. It was completely pitch black outside, and it was even snowing just a bit. It was cold enough that I could see my own breath, and I had started to shiver just a bit. Maybe I should have worn my black puffer jacket had I known it was going to be this cold and snowy.

Once I got back to my dorm, I set my backpack down next to my desk and peeked out the one window my roommate and I had living with me. The snow was starting to come down a little harder now, and I couldn't wait to drive in this weather. Apparently it there was supposed to be about three to four inches of snow on the ground by five tomorrow morning.

Don't get me wrong, I love Minnesota winters. It brings that feeling of calmness and serenity, and perhaps that could be also because I am a winter baby. Born and raised in Minnesota, and best of all I was born in the winter. However, I think I can speak on behalf of everyone who not only lives in just Minnesota, but for everyone in the Midwest, that we despise driving in snow. Especially when you've got a vehicle that's only in rear-wheel drive, then you face the higher chance of getting into an accident because you have no traction. Thankfully my dad wanted his truck back before the winter season started, and now I drive a nice black Toyota around town.

I touched up a little on my makeup like highlighter and blush, then found an outfit to wear. It wasn't anything special, just a maroon University of Minnesota sweatshirt I had gotten from the bookstore a few months ago, then a pair of skinny jeans with my white, beaten high-top Converse.

Once I finished getting ready, I grabbed my fanny pack and clipped it over my shoulder and under the other one. I headed out of my dorm, then went down the elevator to head out to the parking lot.

—

I walked into the busy bar that was Shoddy's, which was a popular bar among Minnesota students, especially since it was located at the heart of Dinkytown.

Madison and Matthew were sitting at the counter on the soft, leather barstools that had a bit of wear-and-tear from college kids like us. There was a different guy, someone who I haven't seen with Matthew whenever Madison would bring him along for something. Usually it's the hot guy, I think his name was Logan, but this guy looked almost like a real-life version of Harry Potter.

Matthew and I made eye contact, then he nudged her in the arm and pointing his finger at me. She turned her head to look to see who her boyfriend was pointing at, then a smile lit up her elegant, perfect face.

She waved her hand to come over by her, so I nodded my head and walked over to the empty seat in between her and this new dude.

"Is this seat taken?" I asked the guy.