When Worlds Collide

chapter thirteen.

chapter thirteen. Team Bonding.

third person POV

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Luke MacBentley was throwing a little barbecue before the next upcoming game- aka Mac threw it but knew no one would come if he made the invite so he used his father's pull. Henrik and Astrid arrived at their house and followed the noise towards their backyard. Upon entering, Astrid took off towards Kayla- tackling her into a hug which brightened Kayla's mood. "Sven!"

"I'm so glad you're here," Astrid sighed as she released her best friend form the hug. "I would not survive if I was stuck with all these boys."

"I technically have to be here since it is my house," Kayla reminded the girl with a chuckle, "and besides, clearly, you would be okay because of a certain someone."

"Pshh, nah," Astrid shook her head, "I only came because my dad said it was at your house. I didn't come for Mac."

"Ouch," Mac muttered from directly behind the girl, hearing her comment. Turning around to face him, the blonde gave him a bright smile, "I meant that in the nicest way possible."

"Mhm," Mac hummed before gesturing to his outfit, "does this scream "I'm sorry for the whole notebook fiasco?""

"Not this again," Kayla groaned, rubbing her hand across her face. Astrid tilted her head in confusion based on Kayla's response of "again."

"Umm..."

"Great, it sucks," Mac sighed, shaking his head lowly. "I should have picked the other option."

"Mac, stop," Astrid chuckled as she rubbed his upper bicep in hopes to comfort and calm him down. "I don't think your outfit would have changed how they viewed you."

"I know," Mac breathed out in frustration. "I see you two are friendly again..."

"It's it the best," Astrid cheered in glee as she smiled back at Kayla, who shook her head at the way the pair interacted. Deep down, Kayla was okay with the whole thing and knew the pair balanced each other out perfectly- their personalities suited one another's. "Now, if you excuse us, Mac-gician, we are going to grab some drinks," Astrid teased the boy as she smiled warmly at him before pulling Kayla away from the hockey player.

"Ha, stop," Kayla chuckled, "you told her your nickname."

"Shut up!" Mac groaned, knowing it was a big mistake to inform the Svensson's kid about his self proclaimed nickname. Sky joined the two girls at the drink station, letting them know that she had arrived. After sharing a brief hug, Astrid glanced back over and noticed Mac following his father around and kept to himself- instead of attempting to mingle with his teammates who were scattered around the backyard. Astrid frowned slowly as she watched Mac stare at his teammates with a longing face- wanting to join them but knew he couldn't.

"Oh no," Astrid sighed as she watched Mac accept the goalie stick and head towards the goal. "I can't watch this," Astrid muttered to Sky and Kayla who looked at her with confusion before realizing what was happening. Kayla and Sky placed a soft hand on their best friend as everyone watched Mac get pelted by the yellow balls.

"Dad," Astrid breathed out as she turned around to him her father standing next to Anton and Bear's father.

"This isn't right," Anton hummed in agreement before handing his plate to Bear and Sam's father. Making his way over to the group, Henrik followed closely behind to back up the head coach in whatever he was about to say.

Before Anton and Henrik could approach the teens, Ava stepped in front of Mac- ceasing the fire. "Guys, stop. I gave the notebook to Carson." Astrid's mouth dropped open in shock upon the shocking revelation by Ava. The short ice skater turned to face Mac with a sadden expression, "I am so sorry. I was jealous and it was stupid. I'm so so sorry, Mac." Bear glanced over at the three girls, noticing Sky gesturing her head towards the injured boy.