My secret hockey player

Elizabeth

This morning, the sun floods my room through the shutters, gently awakening me. I stretch languidly, like a cat basking in the sun. My sleep was restless, filled with dreams of a romantic teenager. I even had to caress myself to fall asleep. A curvy redhead, I am more of an intellectual type. I am passionate about books, medicine, and... hockey! Yes, you read that right. My uncle is a hockey legend, and my whole family is crazy about the sport.

I finished high school two years early and applied to several American and European universities for medicine, including the University of Pittsburgh where my uncle lives. He owns the local team and is even playing again this year. So, I am lucky enough to attend the games for free.

My uncle lives there with my aunt and their three children. He retired but became the local team owner two years ago. However, he decided to return to playing this year.

These trips also let me spend holidays with my cousins, as my uncle often uses his jet to come and pick us up. Family moments like these are pure happiness.

My thoughts are interrupted by a knock at my door.

"Are you awake, sweetheart?" Mom asks.

"Yes, just now," I reply.

"Breakfast will be ready in five minutes, and you've received an envelope," she says.

I leap out of bed, thrilled by the news, hoping it's what I've been waiting for all this time: my acceptance to the University of Pittsburgh.

I quickly throw on a pair of shorts and a hoodie, rush to the door, and bound into the kitchen, glowing with excitement.

"Where's the envelope?" I exclaim.

"Whoa, slow down, young lady. No good morning first?" Dad teases.

"Good morning, dear and lovely parents," I say with a mischievous grin.

"Much better," Dad chuckles. "Good morning to you too, sweetheart. You seem in an awfully good mood this morning."

"You must know why," I reply.

"I have a little idea," he says with a tight smile.

Of course, Dad isn't thrilled about me leaving the nest for another city, especially another country. I'm his only child and have always been doted on by my parents, uncles, and cousins. Being the only girl among my cousins nearby means I'm ultra-protected by those big, burly uncles and cousins. My only female cousins live in Pittsburgh.

Even though they're younger than me, I adore them and always enjoy helping them with their studies. They were born in Pittsburgh, so they've been bilingual since birth-the lucky ones. I was born in Quebec, so I'm a francophone. Spending vacations in Pittsburgh and having bilingual cousins helped me learn a second language. What helped the most is being a nerd-though I despise that term and prefer "superior intelligence." It sounds much classier.

I kiss Dad on the cheek and extend my hand for the envelope, saying,

"Dear Daddy, you'll see me on webcam so often you'll want to turn it off after five minutes of my endless chatter."

"You know that will never happen," Mom interjects from behind me, placing a plate of delicious pancakes on the table.

Ah, these pancakes will be missed. My sweet tooth doesn't help with my frustratingly round behind. I sit down and take the big envelope from Dad. I take a deep breath, close my eyes, and count to three. Nervously, I open the envelope containing all my dreams for the future.

My heart skips a beat.

"Oh my God!" I shout.

I leap from my chair, bouncing with joy. "I got it! I got it!"

I throw my arms around Mom, hugging her with pure delight. My dream has finally come true-I've been accepted to the University of Pittsburgh, and I'm on a scholarship. Hooray!

Dad sighs and hugs me.

"I'm so proud of you, sweetheart. But you'll always be welcome here if you don't like it there. Make the most of this experience," he says.

"I know, Dad."

"I need to call the whole family!" I exclaim.

Mom wags her spatula at me.

"No, no, no. First, you eat while it's hot, and then you can make your calls."

I sigh and sit back down, pouting but obedient. I dive into the pancakes, drenching them in maple syrup, devouring them quickly. I gulp down my juice in nearly one go, prompting a stern look from Mom. I slow down, giving her an apologetic smile with cheeks puffed out like a squirrel.

Good manners prevail, and I wait respectfully for my parents to finish their meal before grabbing the phone. My first call is to my uncle in Pittsburgh.

"Hello," a small voice answers.

"Hi, cousin! Can you pass the phone to your dad?"

"Hi, Lizzie! I'm glad you called," says my cousin Cora.

"I absolutely need to talk to your dad-I have fantastic news!"

"Oh yeah? What is it?"

I hear my uncle's voice in the background:

"Put it on speaker so we can all hear."

"Good idea!" I say.

After a few moments, everyone is ready.

"So," my uncle begins, "what's happening that you're calling so early?"

"Guess!" I say, brimming with excitement.

"Can we have a hint?" asks my aunt Anna.

"I got an envelope this morning," I tease.

"That sounds like good news from your tone," says my uncle Mathieu.

"Mega-excellent news!"

"I think it's your university acceptance letter," Aunt Anna guesses.

"Yessssss!"

"Guess where?"