Fake Skating

Alec can’t hide his scratched face from his parents and is forced to tell them what happened. They aren’t angry, but his father is upset that Alec didn’t learn his lesson the last time and reminds him that he can’t hit people. Alec is ashamed of disappointing his parents and fearful that this mistake could ruin his chances of impressing the NHL scouts. His dad assures him that their family will be fine no matter what happens and that he should play for the love of the game. Alec feels unworthy of his parents’ unwavering support and worries about what will come of his mistake.

Dani goes next door and talks with Benji, whose face looks awful. Dani pleads with him not to report Alec to the police, but Benji insists on doing so, as he will then “get everything he’s ever wanted” (374). However, he relents and offers Dani a deal, saying that if she breaks up with Alec and denies the hockey champion “the one thing he’s always wanted” (376), Benji will agree not to go to the police. Dani feels that her only choice is to end her relationship to save Alec’s reputation.