Forever and Ever;;54

I sat across from Ozzie on the plane, the table in between us covered with playing cards. Pavel sat to my right. Somehow they had gotten me to join in on a game of Go Fish. "You have five?" Pav asked Ozzie in his strong Russian accent. "Nope." Ozzie replied.

He threw down his cards and yelled at Ozzie, "You cheat!" Then stomped of to the back of the plane. We looked at each other for a second, then burst out laughing. Anyone who knows the game, knows you really can't 'cheat'.



By the time we were done laughing, I had tears in my eyes. I walked back to where I was sitting with Jimmy. And he looked concerned. "Why are you crying?"

"It's a good cry. Promise." He nodded and looked out with window once again.

I felt around for my phone in my pocket, which had been vibrating for about five minutes. The only person I knew of who would be calling or texting was Sidney, and I was right.

"Hey"

"Hello Sidney"

"When are you landing?"

"About 5, I think. Why?"

"I was wondering if we could meet up, get dinner or something.

"Sidney, if people on this plane knew that I was talking to you right now, they would kill me."

"Was that a yes?"

"You have a game tonight, there's no time."

"Are you forgetting I eat before game."

I sighed. "I'll call you when we get to the hotel."

"Ok."

***

When we landed in Pittsburgh it was 4:45. And when we got to the Marriot it was just past five. I called Sidney outside, not really wanted anyone to know I was talking to him before such a big game. Most of the guys were going someplace else to eat, but I "didn't feel good" and decided I would stay behind. Once I knew everyone was gone, I took out my phone and dialed Sidney's number.
"Where are you?" Was the first think he asked.
"Marriot."
"Ok, I'll be there in a few."
That was probably the shortest conversation I had ever had with him. Something was up, because he always loved to talk to me.

I walked out front, to see Sidney' Range Rover to my left. I checked to make sure that none of the guys were around, and the walked over to his car.

He gave me a one handed hug when I slid into the black leather seat.
"I missed you." He said with a smile.
"I missed you too?" I replied, awkwardly.
"I have the perfect place to eat, you'll love it."
I smiled slightly, "That's good."

On the radio I could hear people talking about tonight's game.
Sidney switched it off quickly, "Sorry."
I didn't say anything. I just looked out the window and stared at all the Pens fans walking the streets. This town loved their team. I figured that maybe today was not a good day to wear my Wings shirt.


We pulled up to some restaurant I had never heard of before.Sidney searched around in the backseat. I pulled out a sweatshirt with a Pens logo on it, and threw it in my lap. I looked at him, not sure what he was doing.
"Trust me, you don't want to go in there wearing that." He said, referring to my shirt.
I laughed, "Thanks."

We sat neer the back, trying not to draw alot of attention, but it didn't really work. Not even five minutes into the meal, a swam of girls spotted him. They got there autographs, pictures, hugs, whatever floated their boat. I sat there, kind of awkwardly, uncomfortable in this sweatshirt, as stupid as it may sound.
I played with the cuffs of the sweatshirt, trying to act like I didn't care, even if I did.
"I'm sorry about that." Sidney said, bringing me out of my thoughts.
"It's fine.."
I noticed his hands were shaking somewhat, he must have been nervous.
"Wow Sidney.."
He looked down at his hands, then placed him in his lap, not saying anything.
"I wouldn't know what you go through everyday Sid, It doesn't make me mad. I'm around it all the time."
"People expect so much out of me... they're expecting me to lead this team to the cup tonight. The pressure is crazy."
"Look around Sidney! People love you. I love you. In a friend way of course. If people love you as much as they say, they will understand Your young, and your amazing athlete. Your gunna get there. If it's tonight or not, I'm not sure."
I could tell he was listening to me. He took me seriously.
"Hey, you've made me a Pens fan... sort of?"
He laughed, "Awesome"

I looked down at my phone. It it was getting closer to game time. Sidney paid for the meal, the the gentlemen I knew he was, and we went back to the hotel.

He pulled up close to the doors, "You better hurry up, I don't want to start any problems." He laughed.

"There won't be any, they know I'm friends with you, sort of."

I began to take of his sweatshirt, until he stopped me.

"Keep it.. for now. Your coming to a Pens game soon, right?"

"Sometime next season. Sure"

"Promise?"

"I promise."

This time he gave me a full hug and kissed my cheek.

"Good luck tonight Sid. Do your best."

"I will."

I closed the car door and watched his drive away.

I looked around, making sure the coast was clear, and pulled the sweatshirt off. I would wear it sooner or later, but definitely not now.

*Ok, just an FYI, if your not understanding the story.

SHE'S NOT CHEATING ON JIMMY IN ANYWAY. Noooo. Don't feel bad for him, she'll be telling him soon. You'll have to see how he takes it. I love my Jimmy wayy to much to do that to him in the story.

She's not falling for Sidney. Nor is she blowing her own team off.

She's trying to become better friends with Sid and work things out.

She's going around secretly because some of the guys might be mad if they knew, seeing that they are facing them in the final game.

She's not becoming a major Pen's fan or any of that jazz.

She's not sneaking around really, just not sure how the team would take it.

Shes not breaking things off with Jimmy in anyway. The story is about the two of them, I'm just trying to make it interesting. No feeling bad for Jimmy, he'll understand about them being friends ;)

Questions? Just let meh know, Thankss*

Forever and Ever;;53

I sat down at the table, flipping through my menu. I didn't really have an appetite, but thought I should order anyway. Jimmy flipped through his menu, I could tell he was annoyed. Finally he looked up, but I looked away.


"What's going on?" He asked.


I shrugged my shoulders, "I don't know, I don't usually feel this way."


I played with my fingers, "Tell me."


He would get it out of me like he usually did, "You're going to think it's stupid."


"No I won't."


"Well...it's just that hockey season is going to be over and I just get so weird about it. It's childish, so just forget we even talked about it."


"That's not stupid at all. But were going to have all summer with the cup, so it will


go by super fast. Promise."


I laughed, "Yeah hopefully."


"Oh and were going to New York to see my parents, at least once."


"As long as you promise we can go to Cambridge and visit my family."

"Of coarse."





Jimmy looked at his watch, we needed to be at the Detroit Metro at 2:30. It was getting close to one. Jimmy threw down thirty dollars on the table and we went back out to the car.


"We better not miss this flight Jimmy, or I'm going to kill you."


"It's not my fault if we miss it, your the one PSMing."


"Am not!"


"Are too!" He mimicked my voice.


I shook my head, "Drive faster!"


***


I sat down by Morgan on Red Bird II, thankfully Jimmy and I made it to the airport on time. Not thanks to me. It took me forever to limp around with my cast. I had practically given up on my crutches, they slowed me down.



I looked around the plane, searching for my dad. He was sitting up front, ne'er Cleary. Pav tripped me as I walked down the isle. I laughed and punched him in the shoulder.

"Pops!" I yelled, trying to get his attention. He turned around, "Yeah?'

"When are mom and El coming?"

"Later tonight, might want to check with her though."

I shook my head, and made my way back to my seat, making sure not to trip over Pavel's foot this time.

***

The plane ride went faster than usual, thanks to Morgan being there with me. We were back in Pittsburgh in no time. Thoughts of the game that brought us back here made my stomach flip. So close yet so far. I was actually pissed at Ozzie about it. He could have had that goal. But me being pissed at Ozzie wasn't going to make me any better at it. So I needed to get over it and move on. I tried to put happy thoughts in my head, like drinking out of the cup for the 3rd time. (:

Forever and Ever;;52

I heard the front door open as I stepped out of the shower. I quickly put on a pair of jean shorts and a tank top, knowing he would most likely walk in. And I wasn't in the mood for him to be all sweet, or romantic, or even funny.





I walked right past him in the hallway, on my way into the bedroom. I didn't want to be rude. But I just wasn't happy at all about the season almost being over. It made me upset and sad at the same time. I stood in front of the full length mirror in our bedroom, and played with my stomach. I wasn't skinny, I was built. I had large broad shoulders and a curvy stomach. Nothing about my body was special and I never really cared for it. I was built like an athlete. Like my dad.


"What are you doing?" Jimmy asked.


"I'm so fat!" I was taking all of my frustrations out on myself and the people around me.


"Whoa, you are so not fat. You actually have a really nice body."


I continued to play with it anyway. Jimmy came over and stood behind me. He placed my hands back on my said and kissed me neck, "Stop."


I stared back at my reflection in the mirror, and didn't like what I saw. I had large bags under my eyes and my skin was extremely pale.


"This isn't like you." He told me.


And I knew it wasn't. I turned around to face him, and looked straight up at him. He frowned, as did I.





I placed my hand on my forehead, "I'm sorry." Was the only thing I managed to say. He pulled me closer, placing his arms on the small of my back. I looked down at me and kissed my forehead, then my lips.



"I'm hungry" I told Jimmy, in an effort to change the subject. "Let's go get something then." I put on my sweatshirt and followed him out the door.



I sighed and rested my head against the car window, knowing he would get me to talk about what was going on. We pulled up to Chelis-our usual spot we went to eat.

Forever and Ever;;51

After a while I didn't feel like crying in front of everyone anymore. I used to be pretty good at holding everything in, but not lately. I walked a little faster than I usually did, past tons of fans and photographers, out the side door. Once I heard the door close behind me, I took a deep breath and wiped away my remaining tears, "Pull it together," I kept telling myself. I was debating on weather to go back in, or just go home. Once I thought about it I figured that I needed some time by myself.






I got back to the apartment and flipped on the TV. Only to see highlights of the game. I flipped it back of and just sat there. Thoughts were running through my head a mile a minute. Jimmy walked in that exact moment. I ran to the door and wrapped my arms around him. He dropped his bag and rubbed my back. "It's alright.." He kept telling me over and over again. A tear feel down my cheek, but I brushed it away.



"I might smell." He told me. "I didn't shower." "I don't care," I told him, my face still burred in his neck. After a while, he kissed my cheek and went in to shower.


I didn't dare turn the TV back on. So I went into the bedroom, changed into a pair of shorts and a tank top. I was exhausted. All of this crying and worrying was draining me. I expected that once my head hit the pillow- I would be out. But all I did was toss and turn for about ten minutes. Jimmy came in and layed down next to me. He placed his hand on the small of my back, trying to make me feel better. "Were going to win the next one. Promise." How did he always know the right things to say to me? I turned over and smiled, that was all I needed to hear. I pressed my lips against his, knowing things would soon get better.


***


Jimmy got up early for practice the next morning, and I started to get ready since we were leaving that night. I took a suitcase out of our walk in closet, knowing it would be the last time I would be packing to go to Pittsburgh for a while. I laughed when I came across Sidney's jersey in the suitcase. I held it up against my torso, it was the perfect size. I folded it up and threw it in the back of my closet. Putting it out of my mind for now. I continued packing for what was ahead, which was going to be a long hard game.

Forever and Ever;;49

Game day came, this was it. We win or we go back to Pittsburgh.



I slipped the jersey over my head and took a deep breath, the boys had worked so hard this year and it all came down to this. "Good Luck" I told Jimmy right before the game. I stood on my toes and kissed him one last time. "Love you babe" He told me, "I love you too." And then I let them head out to the ice. I headed up the steps, to my seat and glanced up at the press box. I'm pretty sure everyone around me was wondering why I was smiling so big.

There he was, the guy who taught me so much. Stevie Y. I ran down the steps as fast as I could and got up there. He was all dressed up in his suit and tie and his face lit up when he saw me, "Stevie!"He gave me a hug and continued to ask me how I had been. We talked for a while and before I knew it the third period was about to start. I had felt bad that I didn't go and see Jimmy or the guys during the intermissions, but I'm sure they would understand. I was more excited about how the game was going. We were up 3-2 and everything seems to be going our way.

Time seemed to tick way. That was until the very end of the 3rd. The Joe was going crazy and my heart kept beating faster and faster. Not one person was sitting. They had the cup ready to go, and champagne ready to be popped opened. And then it happened. They scored. With only 34.3 seconds left, they tied it up 3-3 and everything got quiet except the few Pens fans who were there.

Everything went downhill from then on. We went into overtime and then another, and then one more. I remember almost falling asleep it was getting so late. I kept my eyes gluded for to the ice, and Ozzie stopped shot after shot. I hoped for the best, but got the worst. I closed my eyes and sighed louadly. Trying so hard to hold in all my emotion. The Pens scored again in the 3rd OT and we were going back to Pittsburgh. Peter Sykora even told Micky that he was going to be the one to get the goal, and he did. It made me sick them celebrate out on our home ice. And even if we did win it in Pittsburgh, it wouldn't be the same as winning it at home.

I hesitated before pushing open the locker room door. There would be so much mixed emotion that it would be crazy in there. Everyone's parents and family had come to the game that night, so it would also be packed.

It was all such a blur. It was so hot and way to many people crowded in this one room. Tons of conversations were going on so it was terribly loud. It had obviously been a hard game and a terrible night. I have never seen Aaron look like that before. I wanted to go over and hug him. But it seemed like now was not the right time. I was trying so hard to keep my composure, but then it just all feel apart. I made my way over to Jimmy as fast as I could, and ran through crowds of people and into his arms. I sobbed in his shoulder. And his arms were tight around me. I don't know how long we stood like that but it had to have been a while. Jimmy never complained once. He was just there for me and that's all I needed.


[Better?]

Forever and Ever;;48

I woke up the next morning, rubbed my eyes, and yawned Jimmy's hand was on top of mine. I just smiled. I ran my finger up and down his bare chest, and he didn't even move. I sighed and sat up, my eyes glanced at the clock- 10:30. I never seemed to get enough sleep. With all the traveling and time changes, alot of the time I seemed exhausted.





There was no game today, but I knew Jimmy wouldn't be home for very long today. Bab's would have them practicing like crazy seeing we were one win away from the cup. Just the thought of it brought a huge smile to my face. I opened up the fridge, and took out a gallon of milk. I smelled the rim of it and my nose cringed, we had no food in the fridge. Then again we hadn't been home much lately. We had been eating out alot, which might have explained why I gained five pounds in the past month.



I slammed the door shut and sighed. I didn't feel like going out to go grocery shopping, we would be busy the next few days anyway. I put on my filp flops and headed across the lawn. I didn't bother to knock on there door, I just barged in. I found Aaron on the couch, and Derek trying to figure out the blender. "Hey, look who didn't trip on the hose today!" He spoke up. "Screw you Derek, look who can't figure out a blender!" He looked down at it and frowned, "Will you help me?" I made my way into the kitchen, and plugged in the electrical cord. "I love you Der, but you are a dumbass." He gave me this confused look and I shook my head, "Wow...." I opened up there fridge door, only to see it looked exactly like ours- no food.
"Arron... go get me some Micky De's" I whined.
"No, get it yourself."
I groaned, then continued bugging him. "What, are you doing anyways old man?"
his eyes got big, he hated when I called him that. "Alright, I'll go!"
***
"So boys, we winning the cup tomorrow?" I asked as I shoved more hot cakes into my mouth. Neither of them said anything, "Well don't all speak at once!"
"You already know the answer to that."

New Story!

Hey Everyone, My new story is up. Tell me how it is okay? It's called 'Ever After' and feedback would be GREAT! I will be updating this story very soon, so just bare with me. Check up on updates on both, I will keep them up as well as I can. :]