Keeping Corey

By Roger Hyttinen

After being outed at his last high school, Devin O'Hanlon's parents enrolled Devin at the Grovesburg Hockey Academy, his father's alma mater.  Never mind that Devin doesn't have an athletic bone in his body, nor has any interest in sports.  The academy was supposed to be a fresh start for Devin — a clean slate where nobody knows him as the gay kid.  Unfortunately, being a red-headed non-athlete singled him out with the bullies, and he found himself in the same predicament as his last school.  Things only get worse when he learns that his new roommate, a transfer from another school, is a star hockey player—an incredibly hot star hockey player.

 

Corey Harper has been expelled from two schools.  Grovesburg Academy is his last chance; if this doesn't work out, his father has threatened to send him to military school.  But Corey has no intentions of getting expelled again.  This school is a new start for him — a place where nobody knows him or about his past.  Despite a rough start, Corey and his new roommate Devin find they have a lot in common and soon become inseparable.  But Corey doesn't allow himself to get too close to Devin because he has a secret that nobody here must uncover—and Corey has mastered hiding his feelings. His plan is to keep his head down, do what's required of him, and bring his academy to the championship. Can Corey juggle his junior year, hockey, a hostile coach, and his friendship with Devin, all the while keeping his secret hidden from everyone?  

 

But when Corey's secret is threatened to be exposed, he is forced to make a difficult choice—a choice that goes against his heart and his soul.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rambling Wordsmith Press
• Release date: Feb 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9781943005291

Roger Hyttinen

Roger Hyttinen a fiction author of titles including A Clash of Fangs and A Touch of Cedar. His latest projects include a YA series featuring a high school medium who read Tarot cards and a Werewolf novel featuring a handsome prince, all of which should be released later this year. He has a Master's degree in Foreign Language & Literature and has worked as a French teacher, an English teacher, a technical writer, and a computer programmer. He currently lives in the chilly midwest with hopes of eventually moving about 1200 miles south.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Devin pushed open the freshly painted white door to room number 205, his new dorm room for the year. It was empty except for two wooden desks on each side of the room, two stripped-down beds, and two short identical dressers next to each bed. Like the door, the walls were painted in a basic institutional white, which Devin immediately planned on filling with his movie posters.

Are you rooming with anyone this year? his mother asked from behind him. He stepped out of the way to let her and his father into the room.

I’m not sure. Probably? I doubt I’ll be as lucky as I was last semester.

His father stood in the center of the room, hands on his hips as he surveyed the room. I don’t think you ever said what happened with your roommate. He just up and left in the middle of the semester?

I heard he had some sort of psychotic break or something, Devin said. He was certainly a weird kid. He rarely ever spoke to me, though I suppose that’s not unusual, considering I’m neither a hockey fan nor a hockey player and am invisible here, for the most part. Scott was his name. Rumor is that the stress of school and hockey was too much for him, and he snapped. Whether it’s true, I have no idea. But he wouldn’t be the first student hockey player to hightail it back home in the middle of the semester.

In any case, let’s hope your new roommate will be more personable than the last one, said his father. He cleared his throat. If you have any problems with your roommate, let me know. I mean, if they give you any crap for… um..

For being gay? asked Devin. Though his ultra-liberal parents claimed to accept Devin and stand by him—and Devin had no doubt that they did—his father always seemed to have a tough time saying the words. However, they at least were trying, so he had to give them credit. He realized he was lucky to have parents who were so accepting, meaning his big coming-out event was mostly a non-event. Unfortunately, many kids were not so fortunate, though he wished they hadn’t made him attend this hockey academy. Well, it wasn’t officially a hockey academy, but it may as well be. The school’s primary focus was hockey, and it had groomed and trained several professional hockey players over the years. Several currently well-known NHL players were graduates of Grovesburg Academy, home of the Grovesburg Gremlins.

Or for any other reason, said his father. We want your school years to be happy, Devin. If there’s ever any bullying, you promise you’ll let us know?"

I promise, Devin lied. No tolerance for bullying, I know. Devin was bullied plenty the previous year, his first year at the academy. He attended the local high school for his freshman year until a spot opened up at Grovesburg. Even though he had no interest in playing hockey—or any sport for that matter—his father convinced him to attend. His father attended and graduated from the academy, though he wasn’t much of a hockey player himself. Because the academy strived so hard to recruit potential professional players, they were well known for their high-caliber teaching staff. His parents had told him they wanted to provide him with the best chances for success in life, including attending a highly regarded school with only the best teachers. Too bad they hadn’t considered his being a red-headed gay kid at a hockey school would be more than challenging. It was a downright nightmare. Only two more years to go.

Did you ever show us your class schedule? his mother asked.

Nothing too exciting to show. I have English Language and Composition, French II honors, Algebra 2/Trigonometry, US History, and Physics.

His father creased his brow. No Physical Ed?

"Oh yeah, and that, said Devin. It’s a given here, required for everyone."

You might try to sound a little more excited about it, said his father. Phys Ed was one of my favorite subjects.

Devin chuckled. That’s because you’re a jock.

I’m not a jock, his father retorted.

"Okay, you used to be a jock."

His father ran his fingers through his hair. I suppose I was. It’s true that I played hockey all four years while I attended this academy. Though I wasn’t the best player on the team, everyone was good to me, and I made some fantastic friends here. He narrowed his eyes. I hope you’ll try to make some friends this year. It makes attending school a lot more fun.

I made friends last year.

His father raised his eyebrows. Who?

Hans.

Only one?

There was also Ethan. He was Han’s roommate.

Is Hans a German kid? his father asked.

No, but his parents are from Germany.

His father laughed. So Hans is a German kid, then.

No. Technically, he’s an American kid, said Devin. He was born here.

His father threw his arms in the air. Oh, for the love of Mike, there’s just no having a conversation with him.

Now, Sean, don’t be that way, said Devin’s mom. We’re not going to see him for a while.

What? said his father. I was being nice. He pointed at Devin. He’s the one who was smarting off.

I wasn’t smarting off, said Devin. I was just stating a fact.

His mother rolled her eyes and sighed. You two are being ridiculous, as usual. She pointed at her husband. I should enroll you here, too, since you’re acting like a high school kid.

He laughed. I wonder if the old team would take me back?

Didn’t you say you were a shitty hockey player? asked Devin.

I never said I was shitty! I said perhaps I wasn’t the best player, definitely not NHL material. But I was still pretty darn good. I held my own on the ice.

So you say, said Devin.

So I say, responded his father. His father looked at his phone and then glanced at Devin. It’s getting close to dinnertime. Do you want to come to dinner with your mother and me before we head back?

Yeah, honey, said his mother. Why don’t you come out with us for a bite?

I’m still pretty full from lunch. And I think I want to get settled in before the new roommate arrives. Since I’m here first, I get to stake out my territory. He crossed his arms over his chest and studied the room. I’ll take the left side of the room, next to the window.

Are you sure you don’t want to join us? his mother asked him. It’ll be our last time together for quite some time.

Devin looked at her and noticed that her eyes were glistening with tears.

Mom, I’ll be okay.

She retrieved a tissue from her purse. I know. After having you home all summer, I hate the thought of you being away again. I thought it’d be easier after last year, but apparently, it’s not. She wiped her eyes. I didn’t expect to go through empty nest syndrome quite yet. I thought you’d be home for a couple more years.

His father turned and stared at her. Now, Mary, we discussed this, and we all agreed it would be the best thing. It was Devin’s decision, after all. And it’s not like it’s the first year he’s been away.

I understand that, she said and sniffled. It doesn’t mean I can’t feel sad.

Ah, Mom, said Devin. She opened her arms, and he stepped in for a hug, fighting back his own tears. After a moment, he pulled away. I’ll be okay. And I’ll be coming home for all the breaks, just like last year.

I know. She made a dismissive gesture in the air. It’s all good.

We should get going, said Sean. Though I hate to hit rush hour traffic.

I thought you wanted to go to dinner? she asked. Why don’t we eat first and head home after that? The traffic should be better by then.

Oh, right. We’ll do that, then. He glanced at Devin over his glasses. Last chance for chow, kiddo. Are you coming or not?

Devin smiled at his parents and shook his head. Nah, I’m good. I have a lot to do yet tonight.

We’ll FaceTime tomorrow, okay? said his mother. And send us a text if you end up with a roommate.

I will.

With that, his parents left, and Devin closed the door behind them. He turned and sucked in a deep breath. Here’s to another year at Grovesburg Academy. Go Gremlins.

Using the hammer his father bought for him, he pounded a nail into the wall above his bed and hung up his Lady Gaga poster. He also had a movie poster of Tobey Maguire in his Spiderman costume, minus the mask, which he placed on the wall above his desk. Next, he unpacked his clothes and hung the shirts on the small aluminum rod in the corner of the room. The rest of the clothes he shoved into the drawers of the tan dresser. He pulled out a set of dark peach-colored sheets along with a matching blanket and made his bed. When he was finished, he dragged the bookshelf next to his desk. Though he loved the shiny, black bookshelf, it clashed horribly with the rest of the items in the room. Lastly, he leaned the yellow room divider that he’d purchased a couple of weeks ago against the back wall because, well, you just never know.

Just as he shoved his suitcases under his bed, there was a knock at the door. Was that this new roommate? Devin pulled out the shirt that was tucked into his pants so he wouldn’t look like such a dweeb and opened the door. A familiar-looking boy with sandy blond hair stood in the hallway. He wore a light gray t-shirt, jeans, and light tan sandals.

I’m not sure if you know me, but I’m Cam Keffner. I’m the RA for this floor.

Devin remembered seeing him occasionally last semester in the hallway though he’d had no direct contact with the boy. Sure, Devin said.

I wanted to see how you were settling in. He glanced around the room. It looks like you’ve already unpacked. Good.

Devin nodded. I just finished. I was about to head down to the cafeteria.

Devin glanced at his phone. You do realize that dinner is over with, right? It goes from five to six.

Oh, I wasn’t going down for dinner. I was gonna hit up the vending machines for a snack.

Ah, right. Cam glanced at the empty bed on the opposite side of the room. I see Corey isn’t here yet.

Corey?

Corey Harper. He’s your new roommate. Didn’t anyone tell you?

Devin shook his head. Nobody told me anything about a roommate.

Cam rubbed his neck. Not surprising, I guess. It was kind of a last-minute decision, him coming here and all. But we’re damned lucky to have him.

Lucky? asked Devin. How’s that?

"He was a star hockey player at his last school. I heard he took his team to two championships in a row. I talked to the headmaster earlier this week, and he’s thrilled that Corey will be joining us.’

Great. My roommate’s a damned star jock. That’s fantastic, Devin said, trying hard to keep the sarcasm out of his voice.

I know, right? He glanced again around the room. Well, I’ll let you get to it. I’ll stop by later on this evening and try to catch Corey. I want to be the first to welcome him to the Grovesburg Academy.

Funny, Devin thought. Nobody came to personally welcome him last year when he’d first arrived. With the exception of his teachers and his roommate—who’d only grunted at Devin—it was several days before Devin had spoken to anyone. He guessed that the only reason Cam showed up at his door at all was because of the new hockey kid.

Catch you later, Dillon, Cam said and turned down the hall. Devin rolled his eyes, closed the door, and took a sweeping glance around his room. He’d only been here an hour, and already he needed to get out of the room, no doubt because of the anxiety he was experiencing at the thought of his jock roommate. It may turn out to be one hell of a long year.

CHAPTER TWO

You better not fuck this up, said Jon. Dad told me that your next stop is military school if you get kicked out of here.

I’m not gonna get kicked out, said Corey, not meeting his brother’s eyes. And he’s been threatening me with military school since I was five.

And he’s an asshole enough to do it, Jon retorted. But this place is supposed to be a pretty decent school, from what I understand. They’re also obsessed with hockey, so you should feel right at home here.

So was my last school.

Let’s not talk about that, shall we? said Jon, gripping the steering wheel. This is a new start for you. Nobody knows you here, so you have an entirely clean slate. What you do with that slate is up to you.

Thanks for bringing me here, especially since you had to take off of work. It sucks that Mom and Dad wouldn’t do it. You know Dad never even said goodbye to me?

Yeah, well, you know how they are. I’m sure they’ll come around.

Mom might, but not Dad.

Come on, Corey. They both love you. Hell, Dad’s always been hella proud of you, especially when it comes to hockey. They’re only disappointed about what when down at school last term. After all, this is the second time you’ve had to find a new school.

It’s not like it was my fault.

It doesn’t matter whose fault it is. The fact remains that you got expelled. Again.

You know as well as I do that the reason they won’t talk to me is not that I got expelled.

His brother said nothing and kept staring at the road ahead.

I think this is our turn here, Corey said, pointing at the orange sign with black lettering that read Grovesburg Academy.

Nervous? asked Jon.

Corey nodded. A little. I hate starting a new school where I’m the fumbling new kid.

Come on, Mr. Hockey Star, I’m sure you’ll fit in here just fine. He turned to glance briefly at Corey. Are you taking any interesting classes?

"Nah, just the usual stuff. Though there is a class called The Science Fiction Novel that I’m looking forward to."

His brother chucked. Always a nerd.

What?

Nothing. I’m sure your nerdy side will love it. Are you going to be continuing with the piano?

I’m taking a music theory and composition class for the piano, said Corey. Their music program isn’t as good as the last school, but it’s still fairly decent. They also have a music room with a grand piano that piano students can use to practice.

That’s good. I’d hate for you to stop playing. Speaking of that, when are you going to start creating YouTube videos of you playing?

Um…never?

Oh, come on. You could make some serious cash on the side doing it. My fiancee’s older brother posts videos of his violin covers, and she said he’s making a shit ton of money doing it. So I bet you could too. I’ve heard your covers, and they’re amazing.

Corey rubbed the back of his neck. Thanks, but the last thing I want to do is bring attention to myself. You know?

Sure, kiddo. I get it. I’m just saying that it’s something to consider. Musical talent like yours shouldn’t go to waste. I wish I had it.

I’m just going to focus on hockey for the time being. That’s the reason I’m here, isn’t it?

I suppose so, though it’s been Dad who’s always pushed you toward that. Once he figured out that I would never be the golden boy hockey star he’d hoped I’d be, he turned his sights on you. Lucky for me, perhaps not so lucky for you.

It’s okay. I like playing hockey, and it’s something I’m good at.

Before I drop you off, there’s something I want to ask you. Jon turned and flashed his million-dollar smile, the one that usually gets him anything he wants. You remember Krista and I are getting married next May, right?

Of course I do. What about it? I’m not uninvited, am I?

Of course not! Jon took a deep breath. We want you to play piano at our wedding.

Me? You’re kidding, right?

I’m serious. Krista and I talked about it, and both agreed we wanted you to be our musician. It’s only for the ceremony—during the processional and recessional, and there may be one more song during the Unity Candle ceremony. We booked a DJ for the reception, so you won’t have to play for that—you’ll just attend as a guest and enjoy yourself. It would mean a lot to us if you’d do this. There’s nothing I’d love more than having my baby brother be a part of our ceremony.

What about Mom and Dad? What will they say?

"The hell with Mom and Dad. It’s my wedding, not theirs. If they don’t like it, they don’t have to come.