Walking out of my exam, I feel like literal death. I stayed up way too late studying, was a disaster at practice this morning, and forgot my food at home. Plus I still have another class, office hours, and my review session before I can actually go home. I honestly don't know how I am going to make it through today. As I turned my phone back on, a number of texts pop up, all from Ryder.

Ryder: Sorry you forgot your food, I can bring you food if you want.

Ryder: Good luck, Beck.

Ryder: How was your test?

Ryder: Are you still in your test? Shit that is a long exam.

Ryder: What size are your brothers?

Ryder: Alex/Stan said hi he hopes your day gets better.

Ryder: Do you think I'm annoying? Some chick just said my sneeze is annoying. Beck, do you believe this shit? The audacity.

My mood instantly lifts at Ryder's chaotic texts flooding my phone. I answer him quickly as I run to my office hours where I am sure students are already waiting impatiently.

Me: Test was good, but long as fuck. My brothers are like a M/L, I think. Tell Alex I said hi and I hope he has an awesome pawsome day. Also you are annoying but your sneeze has nothing to do with it Ry

I can already see him pouting while reading my text calling him annoying, I am sure tomorrow at practice I will hear all about what a meanie head I am.

When I reach the math office I already have a line of students outside waiting for me. When they see me they attack like vultures, swarming me with questions before I can even reach the door. Their exam is next Monday so they're even worse than normal which sucks for me because I am even less in the mood to deal with them than I usually am.

They attack me for 2 solid hours and probably would continue if given the chance but at 2pm I kick them out so I can go hunt down lunch. Thankfully my scholarship comes with a meal plan so I head to the closest dining halls, even if their food isn't all that good. My biggest incentive to move off campus after freshman year was the food. I would rather cook my own than eat the shit they have. Not that is bad but compared to the fresh homemade pasta and food I had at home it sucked.

I eat lunch alone and use the time to do some work. I don't check my phone until I am walking to my four o'clock class. Of course the master of chaos has texted me since I hurt his feelings almost four hours ago.

Ryder: I am assuming you're lashing out because you're tired so I will ignore that. Anyways, I got my quiz back today. The one I told you about? I got an A. Also today at workouts Tobes spit in the garbage can and Coach told him spitters are quitters so now his new name is Spittsie. Oh and can you tell Luna that she hurt my feelings when she flipped me off this morning, I'm sensitive Beck.

How he has the time to write an entire book which each text is beyond me. Wednesdays are his busy days with morning workouts, 4 classes, and a scrimmage at night, yet he seems to have plenty of time to blow up my phone. I decide to keep my reply short and sweet before class starts.

Me: I said what I said, congrats on the A, Tobes new name is weird, and suck it up you cry baby.

Class begins and I put my phone away but I am sure Ryder will blow it up again while I'm in class for the next hour and a half.

I am actually disappointed when I check my phone after class to not find a single text from Ryder. I know he is busy and is likely eating before his scrimmage in an hour and a half but his stupid texts have been the highlight of my shitty day today. As I walk out of my class feeling a little bummed, I feel something hit the side of my head.

I whip my head toward the source of the attack and find Ryder along with a large chick-fil-a bag. "I accidentally ordered too much."

"Accidentally," I mock in air quotes as he rises from his seat on the bench and we roam the halls to find an open table on the first floor of the business building. "How did you know where my class was?"

"P texted Maya for me, you're a hard girl to track down Francesca Emilia Beckett."

"I knew I was gonna regret telling you my middle name," I groan as we both sit at an empty table. Ryder hands me my food and I know Maya must have also given Pman my order because this is the exact thing I get every single time. My stomach does a little flip as Ryder pauses setting up his food to give me a smile. I can't believe he brought me dinner, no one has even gone this out of their way for me.

"Anyways, I also wanted to brag in person about how I am the fucking best. I got your brother's student section tickets for night 1 and got them upgraded, with you, to box tickets for night two. Oh and I forced my roommates to throw a party this Saturday. Plus I got each of them one of my jerseys and Coach said they can come to warm ups, maybe even hit the ice with us for a little bit if they want."

I drop the fry and stare at Ryder. "What?"

"The devil works hard Beck but I am his son." I don't even care he has that stupid smug smirk oh his face I jump out of my chair, sending it clattering to the floor behind me and wrap my arms around Ryder. He seems shocked about the hug at first but quickly returns it.

"Thank you Ryder, like seriously thank you so much."

"It's nothing Beck, seriously I hope the three of you have a great weekend."

"Will you hang out with us," I ask the words just tumbling from my mouth. "Maybe Sunday before they leave we can all go to breakfast? As a thank you?"

"I don't want to intrude on sibling bonding time."

"Please, they're more here to see you than they are to see me." Ryder laughs because it is true. Seeing me is just a means to a hockey filled end.

"I mean, can you blame them Beck? I am fucking incredible."

"Does your ego have its own zip code," I ask as I pick up my chair and return to eating.

We tease each other back and forth for a little bit while we eat until Ryder has to go to practice and I have to head to review. I thank him another 100 times as we walk out of the building; for dinner and for help with my brothers but he just brushes it off as nothing.

Review is chaotic but thankfully goes fast. On my walk home I try to call my brothers but neither of them answer so I decide I will just tell them about Ryder's surprises in the morning. I am almost grateful they don't pick up because as soon as I get home I collapse into bed and fall asleep almost instantly.

When I wake up the next morning I feel 100 times better than I did yesterday. Tuesdays and Thursdays are my days to sleep in and I take full advantage. I use my two hours before class to finish up some last minute work, pack my bags, and call my brothers, who thankfully pick up this time.

"Morning little," Anthony greets on Sals phone.

"Morning Francesca," I hear Sal scream in the distance.

"Morning, you guys packed and ready for tomorrow?"

The silence on the other end answers that question for me loud and clear. Chances are they won't start packing until tomorrow morning and likely forget important things like deodorant, socks, underwear, jackets, all things they've forgotten in the past.

"Shocking, anyways I have big news."

"How big?"

"Like cousin Sarah announcing she's pregnant at her wedding, big?" Anthony asks. I hear Sal snickering next to him remembering the shit show that was. Our very traditional Italian American Nonna did not like that announcement at all. Me, my brother Joe, and the twins were sitting with Nonna when it was announced and all she kept whispering was 'that fucking whore'.

"Um more like getting to watch warm ups and maybe skate with the team big."

The instant commotion on the other end of the line makes my heart so happy, I just want to hug Ryder again for doing this. My brothers are screaming in excitement and I can't stop smiling as they freak out.

"How," they both yell at me.

"I asked Ryder for some help because you guys were coming and he's on the team."

"Ryder," Sal asks in confusion.

"Like Carson Ryder," Anthony asks a moment later.

"Yeah, I figured you guys knew who he was, he's pretty good and the captain."

"Pretty good," Anthony mumbles.

"Sis, he was drafted by the Isles two years ago. He's more than pretty good." The phone slips from my hand at Sals remark. Drafted? By the Islanders? Like the NHL Team?

"What," I croak in confusion.

"He was drafted by the Islanders as the 14th overall pick in the draft two years ago. Us, Joe, and dad have been following him closely ever since. He is basically the future of the team."

"Excuse me," I say, still stunned. Ryder knows my entire family is huge Islanders fans and yet he never mentioned this?

"I can't believe you're friends with Carson Ryder! This is fucking epic little." Anthony and Sal continue to babble but I can't hear a word they're saying. I am still trying to process. Why didn't Ryder mention this earlier?

Monday starts finals for me and I don't finish till the 20th. I have enough chapters pre written to not have to stop posting during finals but my posting times may be a little off. Two days I have 1pm to 5pm finals and usually I post at 3pm so which would you guys prefer posting around noon before my final or posting after my final?