Free Ice in My Veins by Kelli Sullivan

college and university programs.
    When I got to the school, I noticed that most of the girls looked very trendy. Some were wearing dresses or skirts, and high heels. I was just in my jeans and a gray t-shirt. The gray almost made my face look a little washed out.
    Hmm, I better think about adding to my wardrobe if I was going to fit in at this school. The parking lot was full of expensive looking cars. I knew that in the area I was living, the homes were extremely big. I guessed most people around here were pretty well off financially. There’s no way my parents would even be able to afford buying me a beater car. These kids were showing up in Beamers and Corvettes.
    I managed to find my homeroom class. I didn’t recognize anyone from my team. I was kind of hoping that I would know someone. Then I wondered if the guys would treat me different at school. Maybe they wouldn’t want to admit they knew me outside of the rink. I had heard a few of them bitching and complaining about me making the team. I also heard the coach giving them shit. I didn’t need friends. I had my hockey and that was enough for me.
    The morning seemed to pass very slowly. I had already read most of the books they were asking us to read for English class. In Math, I was lost. It never was my best subject. I would probably have to get a tutor to help me with Math. Finally it was lunch time.
    I decided that I would buy something in the cafeteria today, instead of walking home for lunch. I paid for my sandwich, drink and apple; then scanned the cafeteria. I noticed a few players from my team surrounded by a group of girls, but they didn’t seem to acknowledge me. I found an empty table and sat by myself.
    Five minutes had passed when this homely looking girl approached my table. She stood in front of me awkwardly swaying from side to side.
    “Hi, I am Lauren. Do you mind if I sit down?” She inquired. I nodded and motioned for her to sit. She sat down across from me.
    “I’m Chrissy.” I said smiling. “Nice to meet you.”
    “Are you new to the area?” She asked me shyly. I nodded. “I usually sit alone. I am kind of a book worm,” she added. “My mom calls me anti-social. The only reason I asked to sit here was because this is my usual table.”
    “I’m sorry,” I said sincerely. “I didn’t mean to claim it.”
    “No it’s fine. As long as you don’t mind being a social outcast,” she told me. “I don’t really have friends here. Not that I don’t want friends, I am usually just too shy. I keep to myself.”
    “Well, to be honest I don’t mind at all.” I explained. “I am kind of a nerd as well. I like school. Some of my friends back in Dryden, Michigan used to tease me about it.”
    “If you like, you can sit with me whenever you wish to,” she offered. “You seem like a pleasant girl. Are you a Junior?” She looked me over.
    “No, I am a sophomore. I am only sixteen.” I told her.
    “Me too! You look a lot older. I thought you were eighteen or something.” She confessed.
    “Thanks, I think it’s because of my height.” I admitted. “So, what do you do when you’re not studying?”
    “I bicycle, or walk. Sometimes I read, but other than that I don’t do much else.” She squeaked in her mousy voice.
    “I run every night. I don’t have a bicycle here, but if you ever want to try running you are welcome to join me. I find it helps me to keep focused at school as well. All the endorphins you know.” I smiled warmly.
    She suddenly had a shocked expression on her face and buried her nose into the book in front of her. I looked over my shoulder and noticed Alex approaching our table.
    “Hey beautiful,” he said teasingly. “How was your morning?” Then he sat down at the table with us. I was surprised to see him at the school. I knew that he had already graduated.
    “It was alright.” I answered. “Yours?” I decided to ask him about why he was there. ”What brings you here today?”
    “It wasn’t