Evermore || Connor Bedard

Chapter Nine: Tolerate It

Sage wanted to believe him, to believe that he was genuinely remorseful for what he had done, but she couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal that lingered in the air between them. She knew that it would take more than a simple apology to make things right.

"Apologizing to Connor is the least you can do," Sage said, her voice cold and distant. "But don't expect me to forgive you so easily."

With that, she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Ryder standing alone in the tunnel, his head bowed in shame. She didn't know what the future held for their relationship, but one thing was certain: things would never be the same between them again.

As Sage made her way to Chicagos Locker room, her mind was consumed with thoughts of Connor. She knew that he would be okay physically, thanks to the team's trainers, but she couldn't shake the feeling of dread that gnawed at her insides.

She couldn't bear the thought of Connor being hurt, not just physically, but emotionally as well. She knew that he would be devastated by what had happened on the ice, and she vowed to do everything in her power to support him through the ordeal.

When she finally reached the Locker Room, she was relieved to see Connor standing outside them, surrounded by concerned teammates and friends. She made her way over to him, ignoring the curious glances from those around her, and took his hand in hers.

"Are you okay?" she asked softly, her heart aching at the sight of him bruised and battered.

Connor looked up at her, his eyes filled with pain and exhaustion, but there was a flicker of something else there as well. Gratitude, perhaps, or maybe something more.

"I'll be okay," he grunted out before Maelyn was beside him shushing him. "The doctor said he shouldn't talk until fully healed. He has an appointment tomorrow morning. He has broken his jaw."

Sage squeezed his hand gently, her eyes brimming with tears. She felt horrible for Connor. He brought her into a hug showing he's fine with touch rather than words.

In the aftermath of the brutal hit delivered by Sage's own brother, Ryder, Connor's jaw was left shattered, leaving him unable to speak. Sage's heart ached as she saw her best friend in pain, his usual vibrant energy dampened by the injury. Determined to support him through his recovery, Sage insisted on taking care of him herself.

As Connor lay on the couch, his jaw wired shut and his face swollen from the impact, Sage hovered nearby, fussing over him like a mother hen. She made sure he had everything he needed, from pain medication to soft foods that he could easily consume. Despite his protests, Connor couldn't help but feel grateful for her unwavering support.

As the days passed, Connor's frustration grew as he struggled to communicate with those around him. Simple tasks like ordering food or asking for help became a source of immense frustration, leaving him feeling isolated and alone. It was then that Sage had an idea.

"Why don't I teach you sign language?" she suggested, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "That way, you'll be able to communicate with me and everyone else without having to speak."

Connor's eyes widened in surprise at the suggestion. He had never considered learning sign language before, but the prospect of being able to communicate more effectively was too tempting to pass up. With Sage by his side, he began his journey into the world of sign language, starting with the basics and slowly working his way up to more complex phrases and sentences.

At first, it was a struggle. Connor's fingers felt clumsy and awkward as he tried to mimic the movements that Sage showed him, and he often found himself frustrated by his slow progress. But Sage was patient and encouraging, guiding him through each step with unwavering support.

As the days turned into weeks, Connor's confidence grew as he mastered more and more signs. He found himself becoming more fluent in the language of gestures, his hands moving with a grace and precision that surprised even him. And with each new sign he learned, he felt a sense of empowerment wash over him, as if he were breaking free from the constraints of his injury and reclaiming control over his own voice.

But it wasn't just the practical aspect of sign language that drew Connor in. As he and Sage spent hour after hour practicing together, he found himself growing closer to her in ways he had never imagined. Their bond deepened with each shared moment, and Connor couldn't help but feel a flutter of something more than friendship whenever their hands touched.

Sage, too, found herself drawn to Connor in ways she couldn't fully explain. As they communicated through sign language, she felt a connection with him that transcended words, a silent understanding that spoke volumes. She found herself falling for him more and more with each passing day, her heart swelling with a love she had never known before.

But as Connor's jaw began to heal and his ability to speak returned, both he and Sage found themselves facing a new challenge. With their newfound ability to communicate through sign language, they had forged a bond that was deeper and more meaningful than either of them had ever imagined. And as they navigated the uncertain waters of their evolving relationship, they knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, hand in hand.

Authors note

Connor knowing sign language will be in later chapters!

Thank you for reading!!

Love you guys!!