On thin ice

I DIDN'T EXPECT THE WHOLE TEAM TO LOOK LIKE A TEENAGE GIRL'S SEXUAL FANTASY.

Granted I was aware of the notoriety the college proudly carried when it came to the success of their D1 sporting devidions. BUSF, holds pride in their ability to nurture athletes and I was more than aware if it before I moved here but on top of the fact that they're all in a contact sport that requires more physical strength due to their limited equilibrium thanks to their skates, I don't expect them to be—frankly—ripped.

'You get used to it.' Christina whispers as she catches me gawking at the group of very tall shirtless men unloading cooler boxes from the trunks of the cars, with towels tossed over their shoulder. 'I'm hopping in the water before they can think to bother me. You wanna come?'

Assuming her question is rhetorical, I turn slide my foot across the sand before turning her down. 'I don't think I can swim in this.' I refer to my non-practical clothing that she chose.

'You definitely can.' She pulls off her sunglasses. 'If you don't trust me, ask Elijah how easily they come off. It takes quite a lot of time an patience, he'd know.'

Narrowing my eyes at the hyper specific phrasing of her comment, she notices and gives me nothing but an innocent grin. 'I'm leaving my stuff here. If you wanna sit on my towel I'm okay with it, stay comfy.'

'Wait. Christin—' I'm cut off when she rushes away to avoid my inevitable questions.

Sighing, I allow the realization of how awkward I look standing on my own to sink in so I instinctively search for Jaiden who I spot at Leo's car with a few other guys. Not wanting to talk to the rest of them I unwillingly search for Elijah, who's conveniently missing.

Great.

'Athena!' I hear my voice on my left.

Flinching, I glance over in relief before feeling that emotion disappear just as fast as it came. In its place, discomfort has decided to snuggle deep in my gut.

Staring at a waving Carter and Martin, I didn't know they were on the team. Honestly I'd just assumed Elijah only spoke to them because he wanted someone to talk to during his lectures. If I'd known the team roster or even had a look at the members on a pamphlet or something, I wouldn't be stood here. I'd have stayed home and turned Jaidens offer to come here so goddamn fast.

Cursing myself for not paying extra attention to their team posters and their blatantly hung up awards that I'm visually assaulted by their framed achievements in the hallways, I contemplate jumping into the water and drowning myself.

'Athena I have a question to ask you!' Martin plays coo as he's nudged by Carter who can't seem to keep a straight face. They're making fun of me.

Watching as Carter lifts his arm to raise a beer bottle, he reaches for another as if to use to to explain that its supposed to be for me. 'Come 'ere we'll even give you one. They're fruity options too.'

Scrunching my eyebrows, I've experienced too many types of people to struggle to identify that, that is not friendliness. I'm not sure what exactly they want from me but I suddenly wish I hadn't shown up in the first place. Well, I'm wishing it more than I already was at least.

'Athena.' On the contrary, I hear my name called out to me on my right. Turning to see Leo sitting on a dark-blue oversized beach towel, he calls for my attention but his eyes remain fixed on Carter and Martin. 'Sit here with me.'