some mistakes get made

“how long ago did you take the aspirin? because it takes time to kick in, you know that right? it doesn’t just work automatically.” he laughed softly, very soft actually because if he did too much then it would hurt his head. “i think you’re supposed to take it before you go to bed so it works overnight, but i didn’t do that either so i guess i can’t be preaching it to you.” he mentioned as he shook his head. after she had finished ordering her coffee, he handed his card over to the barista and he slid a couple dollars into the tip jar. “listen, i need bread. it helps with the hangover, i promise.” he mentioned to her as he walked over to where they had to wait for their stuff to be done. “i guess it’s pretty easy since i didn’t really eat much last night before going out with you and you see how that turned out?” he teased her as he conitnued to wait for their coffees. “i heard pedialyte words for this type of thing, but i don’t know if i can get myself to go that low in life. maybe i need to just not drink as much as i did last night.” 

“i don’t know, man. the minutes have begun to mush together into an intangible block of time,” she explained in the most dramatic way she could when in truth, she just hadn’t looked at the clock when she’d taken it nor was she exactly clear on what time it was now. even when she was sober amara always seemed to forget to charge her phone and it was no different when she was plastered, so she found herself out and about untethered to it. “i’ll keep that advice in mind for next time,” she nodded slowly to keep her brain from shaking inside her skull too much. amara just hoped it was a tip she’d actually be able to remember next time.

the blonde laughed lightly, thinking back to a time where she had in fact gone that low in life. though she found it even more amusing how she hadn’t been drunk at all, merely in intensive training and pedialyte was much more effective than gatorade could ever have been. “hey now, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.” she replied with another laugh. “and where’s the fun in that? i can’t drink this heavily by myself, because then it just becomes sad.” 

          will actually hadn’t spent much time at the rink in the community center — a surprising fact, maybe, but not when you took into consideration he had full access to NHL level ice just twenty minutes away and had spent his off-seasons back home on harborcenter ice. but will did what his organization told him to do, and in this case it was helping out at a local learn to skate to show goodwill and community support — or something. it’s not like he minded ; learn-to-skates had long been sprinkled into his life since high school, though they were typically in his hometown, or devils run, and he secretly hoped he didn’t come across anyone he knew. his identity in this town was near unassuming, and he wanted to keep it that way. he wishes, briefly, that he’d been able to drag nic here –and had been planning on it until their springfest fight threw a wrench in everything– before going through the motions of being friendly and helping to tie countless numbers of skates.

          his ‘unassuming’ approach doesn’t last long when a young girl, probably six or seven, in a miniature 21 saintsbury devils jersey comes up to him and shyly asks him to sign it. he does so, which turns into signing several other things for several other attendees. though this signing things and taking pictures part had always been the least favorite thing about going pro, will finds himself relaxing a bit. it’s hard to not to be affected the enthusiasm and innocent wide-eyed awe, and he feels a bit guilty for walking into this so selfishly.

           he finally does step onto the ice, carving out a small, quick circle –ice beneath his skates calming as it always has been– before he makes a quick beeline toward one of the kids that’s fallen : it happens to be the another one wearing his jersey. the sight reminds him that he’d been asked to wear his in the email, but no one has provided it for him yet. so instead he’d donned his old cornell hockey warm-up jacket ( black and unassuming save for the red logo ) and deemed it good enough. “ c'mon, up you get, kiddo — ” he says reassuringly, kneeling beside the child though he makes no move to assist — learning how to get up is just as important as learning to actually SKATE. “ we all fall a lot ; even me. all that matters is you get up. ” he then proceeds to talk the child through the steps of getting back onto his feet.

amara found herself more than just a little distracted by all the children who seemed more interested in asking for her autograph or to try on her medal and get a photo with her than actually learning how to skate. and she’d never been the type who had it in her to say no whenever she was asked. it wasn’t until after several more minutes of pleasantries and photo ops, she managed to break away from the small cluster of children to aid a young boy who’d practically glued himself to the wall. 

heart sank a little as she approached him, able to see in his eyes just how terrified he was of falling and she understood as it was a terror that plagued her still. “c’mon, sweetie, you gotta get off the wall at some time and there’s no time like now.” the blonde extended her hand toward him and he wasted no time taking hold of her. amara couldn’t help but let out a small giggle over just how much weight he put on her as she backed away from the wall just a bit. 

the blonde squatted down so she could be more or less eye-to-eye with him, a warm smile spread across her face as she talked to the boy named oliver and he explained to her why he wanted to skate so bad and how he couldn’t balance which made his scared to fall. amara first gave him a few important tips to help him stay upright on the ice without help from the wall but more importantly, she told him how falling was all apart of the experience and then the safer ways to fall down. he didn’t seem entirely satisfied with the advice she’d given him, now knowing it was impossible not to fall but he skated away from her all the same, a bit less wobbly than he’d originally been. 

she watched him take off with a small smile before spinning around to see if anyone else seemed to be in distress or needed help, but who she actually found was not at all who she expected. for a moment she thought it was simply her eyes playing tricks on her, but as she moved down the ice to get a better look she saw will assisting a kid who’d taken a fall and wasn’t sure how to get back up. 

“You want someone to pick your own lock?” he asked, quite confused. He had picked locks before and done several illegal stuff… but they weren’t part of his life now. He certainly wouldn’t get back to his old ways without a good reason “You are sure it’s yours? If you are, I can do you this favor..” @shstarters·

she had to admit it felt a little odd asking someone to break into her apartment, but she feared having to wake up her landlord and ask him to let her in again more than anything else. while she’d lost track of the number of times she’d locked herself out she was positive that he hadn’t and probably even kept track in a notepad or something. “I can, like, show you my id and you can see my address,” she offered as she began to rifle through her purse. 

amara leaned her lower back against the ice rink wall, the cool surface sending a shiver up her spine as thin leotard she wore offered little protection. though it was as her mother always said, the less you have to protect yourself the harder you’ll try not to fall. the blonde involuntarily shivered a little harder at the thought of hitting the ice over and over again all for the sake of trying to land a jump. all so that her mother might for once say well done instead of, go again.

her crystal gaze floated around the rink making a mental note of the different children who had signed up for the learn to skate program that were already on the ice. she’d found they were typically the more eager or confident ones of the bunch and sometimes longed for attention. she eyed the surrounding bleachers to make sure there were no children in need of help with their laces before pushing off and skating toward the other side of the rink where a small group had begun to gather.

over the years she’d been involved in numerous learn to skate programs across the tri-state area, but this has always been her favorite. it was also the first year she had students of her own volunteering and she couldn’t help feel like she ought to keep an eye on them. amara then did her best to pinpoint all the other volunteers but it was obvious many of them weren’t on the ice yet. she turned her attention back to the group of kids many of whom were keen to talk or ask her questions. she’d easily admit that it still felt bizarre to have so many recognize her and ask for photos or autographs. amara wasn’t sure it was something she’d ever truly get used to. 

out of the corner of her eye, she saw several other volunteers take the ice and it was clear by taking one look at their skates they were all hockey players. the blonde was able to vaguely remember reading some email about a local team helping out but it was obvious the information had slipped her mind. having the hockey players there wasn’t exactly something she minded either as there always seemed to be that one kid who didn’t want to learn from a figure skater. though she didn’t quite understand it as she knew she was just as capable of teaching a hockey stop as any one of them might be. 

Sofia looked over at the girl with a raised brow as she took a bite of her food. Shaking her head, she made an order of greasy food to the waitress for Amara then slid over the cup of water to her. “Drink this.” she said, before taking another bite of her own food. “You wouldn’t be the first time someone had told me something like that they did when they were drunk.” she chuckled. “Did you go to a party or something for you to be hammered?”

“That’s not what I’d call a balanced meal.” Nate laughed, shaking his head in amusement. “So how much of it have you had?” He hoped she would’ve realised pretty quick that toothpaste was in fact not food. Ingesting that much of it could not be good for her body. 

"hmm,” she nodded, “neither is six shots of tequila but it didn’t stop me from downing those before the toothpaste.” amara answered trying her best to keep a straight face. “honestly, i can’t say,” she said feeling her cheeks flush with color slightly. “but i’m almost positive it wasn’t much because i remember questioning why it was so god damn minty.”

          will downs the last bit of his coffee and rises after her, placing his mug in the used dishware container as he passes. “ i’m glad you like it. ” he briefly tugs at the sleeve of his jacket, quietly pleased with her compliment. it didn’t get an overabundance of use, considering will’s own preference for hoodies, but nic had once said he looked good in it ( and even if they were still fighting, will valued nic’s opinion ). he still feels a little under-dressed next to her, and hopes that wherever they’re going doesn’t have a dress code.

          he follows her toward the exit, curious as to where she’s chosen to take him, but content to find out when she decides to share. exploring springhill and all it has to offer isn’t something he’s gotten much time to do : pretty much restrained to his apartment, the coffee shop directly beneath, and various sights and sounds on his runs. he near laughs at her comment, not unkindly as he shakes his head. “ my friend back in high school was shit at driving and i’m still here —- ” he reassures her with a smile, “ no way you’re worse than him —- it’ll be fine. lead the way, miss monette. ” he strolls along side her, hands in his pockets and enjoying the company. it’s still not quite warm out yet, but will can feel spring coming, the grey morning clearing out into what promises to be a beautiful day by late afternoon.

a delighted peel of laughter escaped her at his reply and it did, in fact, set her at ease just a bit. that perhaps her poor driving skills wouldn’t completely terrify him. “thanks for the vote of confidence, here’s to hoping i don’t prove you wrong,” she said holding up her crossed fingers for him to see. the blonde couldn’t help but wonder, however, if she’d learned to drive as a teenager that perhaps she’d be better at it. more sure of herself behind the wheel. but unfortunately, amara never actually got in the driver’s seat until after she’d turned twenty. there always just seemed to be far too much happening in her life to worry about it before then and someone always seemed to be there when she needed to go anywhere—which was almost always the rink. 

as they made their way down the street her mind began to buzz as she tried to think of what exactly she ought to say. when she saw him in the mornings at deja brew everything felt so effortless and comfortable, but now she couldn’t help but feel as though she was trying just a little too hard. she had to relax, but that was always easier said than done. she clicked the unlock button on her key ring and the pearl white audi at the end of the street lit up briefly. “feel like playing DJ for the ride? i have this weird thing where i can’t listen to a whole song and just constantly skip. some people hate that.” she smiled at him sweetly as they arrived at the car and she pulled her door open. 

Teagan’s week had consisted of binge drinking and using whatever drug she could get her hands on, so when Amara had texted her the night before asking to party, Teagan had been quick to accept. It was no surprise that a night out with Teagan ended in wild stories. For all of her faults, Teagan knew how to make a lasting impression on people. Only Amara’s promise of food had made Teagan stumble out of bed, not even bothering to change out of the mini-dress she had worn previously. Sunshine Diner was bound to have food greasy enough to make even Teagan feel better. She blinked slowly when Amara started speaking. “Fuck, man. Lower your voice. My head is killing me,” she winced. A laugh burst out of Teagan when Amara jogged her memory. “Holy shit. I have video of it on my phone… Here’s hoping I didn’t drunkenly post that shit anywhere. You are a true legend, Amara Monette.” Teagan playfully bowed to the blonde.

amara knew she hadn’t spoken all that loud, but nor could she blame teag for believing she had. everything seemed like it was amplified times ten when you’re as hungover as they were. however, the advil she’d taken early that morning and the blunt she’d smoked immediately after certainly helped her feel more like herself and less like a zombie. “shut the fuck up, no you don’t,” the blonde deadpanned. 

the skater could feel the knots in her stomach forming as she thought of the possibility of the video floating around the internet. she’d always liked to believe she didn’t care too much about what others thought of her, yet she did, in fact, care a great deal about public opinion. “well i’m glad you think so, at least you’ll have some way to remember me by when my mother murders me.” she laughed, but deep down amara couldn’t help but feel a little nervous. “you have to send me that video. and then deleted it from everywhere.” while she didn’t want the video floating around somewhere she couldn’t control, she also didn’t want to delete it entirely. after all, it was a memory. and a very wild memory at that. 

she glanced at the specials menu written on the board once more and the thought having to actually ingest any of them made her stomach turn. “do you think if we just order like a side of bacon grease they’d give it to us?” amara questioned almost a little too seriously.

Standing alongside Amara in line, the two had decided to meet up this morning at Deja Brew for a pick-me up. While Wells could certainly use some caffeinee, it was more obvious that Amara needed it more than he did. However, Wells was the type who enjoyed the taste of coffee in all different ways: from black to light, sugary, and flavored. He shook his head, chuckling at her comment. Astronaut food? Really? He thought to himself. Although, after her comment, he then started to wonder what astronaut food would even taste like. If it was anything like the food that people take when they go camping or on long nature adventures, he could conclude that astronaut food wouldn’t be for him. As his lips were previously pressed together in a closed smile, he turned to her and then said, “Well – That’s what you get for going out without me to keep an eye on you,” he said to her jokingly. “What even happened last night anyway? You were texting me so much nonsense that not even I could piece it together,” he commented. 

what a horrible morning it was. ever since grayson had decided to start letting loose with what he was doing, he might have been going a little too far with the letting go and partying just a little more. it caused him to be drinking more and trying to live the life he never was able to have when he was younger because he had to work and be able to pay his bills and couldn’t afford some of the more extravagant things in life. he walked through the coffee shop with his sunglasses still on his face. it wasn’t bright in there to the normal eye, but to the hungover eye, it definitely was. he looked over at amara and he shook his head. “i don’t even want to talk about that toothpaste. i don’t want to think about anything last night and i guess it helps that i don’t completely remember everything so i don’t have to think about it all.” he laughed as he then went to look at the menu board. “i need a coffee and something with a lot of bread.” he smiled over at her and then he walked up to the counter to order what it was that he wanted. “hello,” he said to the barista “i’ll take a caramel machiatto with cream and no sugar. as well as an everything bagel, lightly toasted with garlic and herb cream cheese, plus whatever this hungover mess is getting.” he laughed as he looked back at his friend. 

amara smacked her lips together softly, unable to truly the overly minty flavor out of her palette. “lucky,” she snorted trying to hold back a laugh that only caused her head to throb even more. she winced quietly as her hand flew to her left temple to rub it gently. “i thought this aspirin was supposed to be extra strength.” the blonde complained more to herself than anything else. even though she’d only taken it ten minutes earlier. the skater stepped forward next to her friend and smiled lightly at the barista before saying, “just a large black coffee with two shots of espresso, please and thank you.” amara moved to the side to wait for their things and looked over her shoulder at gray. she had to admit, she was glad it’d been him that had gone out with her as he didn’t make her feel like she had anything to regret after everything was all said and done. except perhaps that they didn’t take anything last night to prevent their current predicament. 

“ugh, just the thought of putting food into my mouth and that it’ll go into my stomach makes me wanna hurl again,” she admitted thinking back to much earlier that morning when she’d been so rudely awakened by that very sensation. “how can you eat after all that?”

          “ nah, not at all — i live close by. ” HOW close exactly ( about twenty feet, upwards ), she doesn’t need to know ; not yet anyway. now that his company is here, he offers her his full attention — besides, they’ve shifted to sports. “ you look really nice, ” he says honestly. the blue in her dress brings out the blue in her eyes, her smile warm and welcoming ; he could really like her, maybe. he raises his cup of coffee once more and tries not to think about the fact he maybe should’ve taken a little more time to pick out his outfit : dark-washed slightly distressed skinny jeans ( though not TIGHT ), beige crewneck, a dark hoodie and dark moto jacket. at least he’d foregone the snapback — that might’ve been a bit much.

          he shakes his head at her question. “ i’m almost done —- ” enough of his free time is already spent in the coffee shop, and though it’s a place that’s come to feel like home, he’s eager to explore somewhere he hasn’t spent much time at ( perhaps surprisingly ). there’s a pause and he remembers the rest of his manners, inwardly chiding himself. “ —- can i get you anything, though ? ” it really has been a long time since he’s done this.

it eased her nerves slightly to know she hadn’t kept him waiting too long as being on time when left to her own devices had never been her strong suit. she was much too easily distracted. “thanks,” she replied, the color rushing to her cheeks as she absentmindedly looked down to see what she was wearing as if she didn’t already know. amara would be the first to admit she’d come just a little overdressed but impressions, even when they weren’t truly the first, mattered all the same in her eyes. “i must say, i really dig that jacket.” she added with a soft smile as she began to rise from the table. while she’d always admired the style, all leather jackets really, she’d never quite been able to pull them off. amara always ended up looking a bit like she was dressing up for halloween or something of the sort. 

“You know, I’m all for trying new things but — this is too much,” the brunette scrunched her nose at the hot beverage in hand. The barista got her order wrong, adding flavoring to what should have been her black coffee. “Interested? They got my order wrong and if you don’t want it, it’s going in the trash. I promise I don’t have cooties. I even replaced the lid.”

@shstarters​

amara bit down on her bottom lip slightly, watching her friend's reaction to what was obviously the wrong order and she couldn’t help but feel a little bad. getting the wrong coffee was something that had ruined her day—or seriously off-set it countless times before. “here,” she said holding out her own cup. “let’s trade.” the blonde suggested not wanting gi to be left with nothing. “eh, i’m not too worried,” she giggled, waving her free hand dismissively. “i’m sure any cooties you might have i’ve already gotten by now.”