TO CAMERON BECKETT
OF THE SOUND OF ICE BY MAndALaptop
FROM stellsola

Dear Cameron Beckett,

It has been like 2 weeks since I met you and watched you overcome what you never thought of overcoming. Since the beginning, especially when your coach yelled at you for failing in Pre Calculus, believe me, you had my heart. I could really feel the hatred in your heart; The way you wanted to get rid of that scene immediately without facing this things was so real! The moment your coach asked to get yourself a tutor and Veronica, your twin sister proposes you ask Sam to tutor you, I could strongly feel the conspiracy of the whole universe to bring you and Sam together. As if every dust particles were pushing you forward in the future of unknown. 

When the first time you played hockey, I was that awestruck girl who sat in the thin air watching you through the pages. I was enthralled to find the way you loved the sound of the ice cutting under your blade and the sound of the puck going right into the net. I was someone who neither knew how to play ice hockey nor what does it feels like to play something like that yet, I was enthralled— as if could feel the happiness in my mind when the puck went in the net. Not to mention the way you didn't remember all of your schoolmates, was very relatable to me.

Every visit of Sam at your house were memorable ones. You went from not liking old movies to being 'okay' with them and from noticing Sam's Harvard T-shirt to noticing his three little freckles on his nose.  Both of your love for comic books, made me ship you two too hard. If the opposites attract, I think it's true, because you two did. While you loved ice hockey, dreamed of playing for the Maple Leaves, Sam loved science and dreamed of working in NASA. When you faced problems, Sam rescued you from those awkward moment. In all the way you two were perfect for each other.

I could never to forget how awesome a brother you were! You took Veronica, your twin sister with Hailey, your younger sister to AJ's and treated them french fries even if you knew it was late and your mum would scold you. When weather was forcasted to be rainy on your younger sister, Hailey's birthday, you didn't pray for your injured leg, but for the day to be sunny— that touched me.  You have a strong brother–sister bonding which many people lacks. 

You went through a lot, especially when Sam kissed you, you fell for him and when you were about to go for NHL drafts. I felt you. Our society, especially your town, St. Anne (being a religious one) could never accept you with your sexual orientation. You had problem accepting it too. You ran towards the shelter away from the people's approaching gaze, afraid about your ruining future career and your image in the hockey world. You were afraid if people around you would hate you. I felt so sorry for you but being gay isn't a crime, is it? It wasn't your fault! Love is love.

When the person you least expected to hear you out, did, I was shocked and you too. Mathew who fought with you since the beginning of the story, understood you! Not only him, but when George, the ice rink owner, accepted your orientation and asked you to confess your family, I could feel the pain, the confusion, the way your heart was beating against your chest — everything about you. Your mother not only did accept you, but also asked you to find your own happiness. The snow was finally melting in the atmosphere and spring was about to come. I could see the ray of change about to come to you too. 

You finally accepted your sexual orientation in front of  the media as you won the World Juniors. Not to forget how you said that you had a boyfriend, was hella cute. You got several fan letters, few were from different sexual orientated people, thanking for the encouragement to take up hockey proudly and few were full of hatred. Not only letters but also the whispers around your school disheartened you, especially when you sat with Sam during lunch. You didn't stop your dreams for that because, Matthew's words that you're gonna be the first gay player in NHL was rooted in your heart. You did choose your happiness — Sam was your happiness. You knew your happiness after all and I was very proud of you.

You were not only the epitome of a proud gay NHL player who inspired many but also taught me to embrace our differences and live proudly. You also taught me that we have to leave our comfort zones to achieve our dreams. Our inabilities and our uniqueness is what makes us who we are. Thank you so much. 

With love,
A great fangirl.