Chapter 1
The FireHawks bused down to Minnesota for a big tournament, filled with excitement and anticipation. The players joked and laughed, trying to pass the time during the long ride. Val sat near the front, trying to stay close to Riley but keeping an eye on the rest of the team. Riley seemed a little nervous, sitting quietly by herself, fiddling with her hockey stick. Val knew she had to be there for her, but the team was also buzzing with energy. Coach Roberts occasionally chimed in with rules for the trip, making sure they stayed on track. Val knew the tournament would be tough, but she felt more determined than ever. Riley caught her eye and gave a small, nervous smile, and Val smiled back reassuringly. The bus rumbled along the highway, and slowly the team started to settle into their own routines. Snacks were passed around, and jokes about the upcoming games filled the air. The longer they were on the road, the closer the team seemed to get. Val could tell this trip would be important, not just for their skills on the ice, but for the bonds they’d build off it. She watched Riley doze off beside her, wishing she could help her friend feel less out of place. "We’re going to crush this tournament, don’t worry," Val whispered. Riley mumbled something in her sleep, and Val chuckled softly. They had a long road ahead of them, but Val was determined to help Riley find her confidence. She'd stand by her friend no matter what. The team slowly drifted off to sleep as the bus journey continued. Val kept her eyes open, making sure Riley was comfortable. She felt the weight of leadership on her shoulders, but it felt right.
As the bus rolled into Minnesota, the team was buzzing with excitement. Coach Roberts wasted no time assigning rooms, splitting them into pairs. Val felt a little anxious when she saw Riley was placed with two older girls who she didn’t know very well. Noticing Riley’s discomfort, Val raised her hand and asked Coach Roberts if they could room together instead. After a moment of hesitation, Coach Roberts agreed with a nod. “You two better stick together, alright?” she warned. Val gave a grin, relieved to have Riley with her. They carried their bags into their room, excited to settle in. The room was small but cozy, with two beds and a shared window overlooking the campus. As they unpacked, Riley seemed quiet, clearly feeling the pressure of the competition. Val tried to make light of it, cracking jokes to ease the tension. “This place is nice,” Val said, trying to sound cheerful. Riley smiled faintly but didn’t say much. “You okay?” Val asked, watching her closely. Riley shrugged but didn’t answer, so Val decided to let her be for the moment. They decided to explore the dorms, meeting a few of the other players and getting a feel for their new surroundings. The excitement of being in a new place started to wear off, and Riley’s nerves resurfaced. Val noticed, and made a silent vow to take care of her. “We’ll figure this out together,” Val thought, determined to keep Riley by her side.
The FireHawks ventured through the halls of the dorms, checking out the other rooms and meeting some of the other girls. Val was eager to see how the other teams were preparing for the tournament. As they walked down the hall, some of the players were practicing their routines, while others chatted and laughed. Riley seemed more relaxed, walking quietly beside Val as they passed room after room. Kara and Maddie were in another dorm, sitting cross-legged on the floor, talking about their previous tournaments. “This place is pretty chill,” Kara commented, looking around the room. Riley hesitated but was soon pulled into a conversation with the others. “So, what’s your favorite moment from a game?” Kara asked. Riley paused, thinking for a moment, and then shared a story about a tough match she played in last season. Val watched with a proud smile, happy to see Riley open up a bit. They spent a few more minutes chatting with the other girls before heading back to their room. Once inside, Riley flopped down onto the bed, her nerves starting to show again. Val sat down beside her, rubbing her back gently. “It’s okay,” Val said softly, “we’re all in this together.” Riley smiled weakly, grateful for Val’s kindness. Val decided to keep the mood light and threw a pillow at her, making Riley laugh for the first time that day. The sound of laughter filled the room, breaking the tension.
That night, the team gathered for a meeting about the upcoming tournament. Coach Roberts outlined the schedule and expectations, but Val could tell that the atmosphere was already shifting. As everyone filed back to their rooms, Riley seemed a bit shaken. Val didn’t say anything at first, but she could see the anxiety in Riley’s eyes. She waited for a moment before sitting next to her on the bed. “Riley, what’s going on?” Val asked quietly. Riley shivered, her body trembling slightly as she pulled the blanket closer around her. “I don’t know,” she whispered, her voice quivering. “I just don’t feel like I belong here. I’m scared I’ll mess up.” Val could feel the weight of her friend’s fears. Without hesitation, Val wrapped her arms around Riley in a comforting hug. “Listen,” Val said gently, “you’re stronger than you think. You’ve got this.” Riley sniffled, her body relaxing in Val’s embrace. “I don’t want to let you down,” Riley admitted softly. Val smiled, brushing a strand of hair from Riley’s face. “You won’t,” Val promised. “You’re not alone in this. We’re a team.” The words seemed to calm Riley, her breathing steadying as she nestled into Val’s side. Val stayed with her until she fell asleep, feeling a deep protectiveness for her friend. It wasn’t just about winning the tournament for Val—it was about making sure Riley felt supported. As Val lay back in her bed, she thought about the journey ahead and the challenges they would face together.