32. Xander
Xander
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead. With a hesitant knock, Coach invited me in and I pushed open the door and stepped into the office, leaving Ry waiting for me in the hall. Framed photos lined the walls, showcasing teams over the years. On his aged cedarwood desk, there were photos of Coach, who appeared a good twenty years younger, and a blonde woman with a beaming smile holding a bundled up baby.
His steady gaze met mine, and a knot formed in my stomach. He motioned for me to sit in one of the chairs facing his desk.
I sank into the chair. My palms were clammy and my nerve ends coiled like snakes in my gut. "Coach, is it true? Have I been traded up?"
He sighed heavily, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Yes. The news leaked before we could officially tell you. I wanted to be the one to inform you personally."
I felt like the ground had shifted beneath my feet. "Why didn't I hear about it sooner?"
He looked me in the eye, his expression a mix of regret and resolve. "It wasn't an easy decision. You"ve been an important part of this team, but the Eagles made an offer that the higher-ups couldn"t refuse. You"re moving up to the major league."
The major league. The words should have filled me with elation, a dream come true. But all I could think about was leaving Ry behind. "Newark," I muttered, the distance hitting me like a slap. "That"s hours away. It's not like Pasadena. How am I supposed to–"
Coach"s face softened. "I know, Xander. It"s a big change. But this is your chance to play at the highest level. I wish it could have been with Pasadena, but things don't always work out the way we hope."
I ran a hand through my hair, trying to steady my thoughts. "So, what happens now? When do I leave?"
"You"ll need to report to Newark by the end of the week," Coach said gently.
By the end of the week? That was the day after tomorrow. How were Ry and I supposed to grasp the tidal wave of change that was about to crash into our lives with my impending move to Newark? Caught up in my internal storm, I nearly missed the next words out of Coach's mouth.
"They're excited to have you, Xander. You're going to be a key player for them."
I nodded numbly, the reality of the situation starting to sink in. My life here, everything I'd built, was being uprooted in an instant. "I understand, Coach." My voice was quiet, subdued. I stood. "Thank you for everything."
The man who was about to be my former coach stood as well, extending his hand. "Thank you for being one of the best. Newark is lucky to have you on their team."
Hearing the news of my trade from sunny California to dreary New Jersey stirred up a whirlwind of thoughts within me. I had managed to sidestep the life my parents had meticulously planned for me: being confined in a starched suit behind an office desk, performing tasks that held no appeal for me. Instead, I was stepping into a life that resonated with my passion, far removed from their scrutinizing and often disapproving eyes. It was a victory, though not without its bittersweetness. I knew better than to expect their blessings or approval – those were things I"d spent my entire life chasing but never quite attaining.
As I reached for the door handle, I paused and turned to face the man who had returned to his seat. "Do I have any say in this, Coach?" I asked, knowing the answer but needing to hear it out loud.
He shook his head, sympathy in his eyes. "I"m sorry, Xander. The deal"s done. You need to report to Newark in two days."
I nodded numbly, the reality sinking in even deeper. My life was changing whether I was ready or not. The trade was non-negotiable; everything had been finalized and approved by the league. I was obligated to move to my new team. But it wasn"t just about swapping jerseys and changing locker rooms. It was more than the shift from minor league to major league, more than the daunting prospect of facing off against unfamiliar faces in a different conference. The implications were far-reaching, seeping into corners of my life I"d never thought hockey could touch.
I would have to adjust – not just to a new city, but to an entirely different rhythm of life. I"d be thrust into a whirlwind of new team dynamics, trying to find my footing among relative strangers who"d soon be teammates. Would they accept me? Would I fit in?
And most importantly, what about Ry? He'd worked just as hard as I had, and he deserved his shot in the majors too. I wanted his dreams to come true, not just for him, but for us. If he made it to the majors, maybe… just maybe, we could play for the same team again one day. The idea of being separated was almost unbearable, but the hope of a future together in the majors gave me a sliver of comfort.
But what if that didn't happen? What if Ry never got his chance, or what if we ended up on teams on opposite coasts? The uncertainty gnawed at me. I didn't want to hold him back, but I also didn't want to face this new chapter alone. I was torn between the thrill of advancing my career and the fear of losing the love we had and the closeness we'd built.
This was an incredible opportunity. I had to make the most of it, for both of us. If I played my heart out, I could get noticed by the right people, build connections, and create a buzz that might reflect back on Ry. I could vouch for him, talk him up to scouts and coaches, and maybe even get him a tryout or two.
Plus, if I became a standout player, the media would come knocking. They'd want to know my story, and I'd make sure they knew about Ry too. Our bond, our journey together – it could bring him into the spotlight.
Oh God, I was super scared. Long-distance relationships were tough; everyone knew that. But knowing it and living it were two different beasts altogether. Could we withstand the strain? Could our bond survive miles of separation and weeks at a time apart?
The uncertainties swirled around me like a tornado, obscuring any semblance of clarity or calmness I might"ve had before this news hit me. A major life change was on the horizon, its size and shape as yet unknown.
But one thing was clear amidst all these swirling thoughts: this trade wasn"t just going to change my career – it was going to change everything. And I didn't know how Ry and I were going to make this work, but I had to believe that we would.
We had to.