Contents
Seven | Anastasia
Overview
Forced into a team-building “speed dating” session, Anastasia meets several hockey players and reluctantly softens toward the team. She learns more about Russ’s temperament, enjoys unexpected rapport with teammates, and witnesses Henry’s social fatigue. Nathan directly apologizes and asks for a reset; Anastasia accepts conditionally, placing him on probation and opening a path toward detente.
Summary
Brady and Faulkner announce mandatory team-building to ease tensions after the rink conflict. Despite skepticism, Anastasia sits for speed-dating style rotations with the hockey team. She’s irritated at the disruption to her routine but participates, determined to keep Aaron away from her conversations.
Jaiden “JJ” Johal breaks the ice with humor and odd questions, relaxing Anastasia. Subsequent rotations vary: freshmen ask for her number; “Bobby” fixates on another girl; “Mattie” quizzes her about a business assignment. Robbie uses his slot to ask about Sabrina, which Anastasia happily supplies.
Unexpectedly, Joe and Kris make her laugh, softening her stance. Russ arrives timid and kind, drawing Anastasia into talking about herself while revealing little about him, which disarms her anger given what Henry previously shared about Russ’s situation.
Henry then arrives visibly drained by forced socializing and requests quiet. Anastasia grants him a brief silence while noting his striking presence; he departs as the whistle blows.
Last, Nathan sits and proposes a fresh start. Anastasia explains she felt dismissed when she shared her feelings about the lie and fallout. Nathan apologizes, acknowledging her perspective and asking to begin again. As the session ends, Anastasia agrees to a cautious reset, telling Nathan he’s “on probation,” which he accepts enthusiastically.
Who Appears
- Anastasia AllenPairs skater forced into team-building; warms to some players; hears Nathan’s apology and grants him probation.
- Nathan (Nate) HawkinsHockey captain; seeks a fresh start, apologizes for dismissing her feelings; accepts being on probation.
- Henry TurnerSophomore who previously built goodwill; arrives drained by the activity and takes a brief silent break with Anastasia.
- Jaiden “JJ” JohalDefenseman; charms Anastasia with humor and odd questions, easing initial tension.
- RussQuiet, nervous teammate; asks Anastasia about herself, reinforcing his shy, gentle nature.
- RobbieUses his slot to ask about Sabrina, confirming mutual interest for Anastasia to relay.
- AaronAnastasia’s skating partner; behaves well lately; remains separate during the activity.
- Coach BradyOrganizes speed-dating team-building despite reluctance.
- Coach FaulknerEnforces respectful conduct and clarifies expectations during the session.
- David SkinnerAdministrator who mandates team-building after witnessing a skater-hockey confrontation.
- JoeHockey player who makes Anastasia laugh, softening her resistance.
- KrisHockey player; part of the lighthearted exchange that amuses Anastasia.
- RuhiYounger solo skater whose earlier spat with a hockey player helped trigger team-building.