Lost & Found-3

Chapter 3:

At first I sat there staring at him while he wiped his visor and shot some Gatorade in his mouth.
Then the announcer's voice boomed over us.
"Penalty Penguins, number 87 Sidney Crosby. Two minutes for roughing."
"What did you say?" Sarah said behind me.
"That's him." I lifted my finger and pointed at him right as he turned to look at me.Those familiar eyes met mine and a smile formed on his face. I felt my face get warm and the back of my neck tingled. That was new.

We sat there and just looked at each other for a long moment before Sarah was in my ear again.
"Say something" she hissed.
"I don't know what to say."
"You!" I yelled.
His smile didn't move as he nodded.
"Yeah have fun trying to get his attention, he never talks to anyone!" Some girl behind me snapped. I rolled my eyes and threw her a glare that received silence in return.
When I brought my attention back to him, he held up his hand like a phone to his ear, telling me to call him. That I could do, I did have his number. Now I just had the name and big ego to go along with it.
The stupid man in the suit broke up yet another moment during the night and he stepped onto the ice, only to turn around and look at me again before skating away.
"Did he just wink at you?"
I nodded slowly. Apparently he had the ability to make me forget how to speak the English language.

The rest of the game my eyes followed him and only him. I even watched him sit the bench. The bar owners voice echoed through my head... "Whatever you want, on the house". I bet this hockey star thing had something to do with it.

They won the game and of course before he skated off, he stopped at center ice and looked at me with a grin.
Oh, he was so dead.

*

My heels clicked through the lobby around 12, after going to 2 different clubs scoping out guys and laughing at their failed pick up attempts. I leaned against the back of the elevator laughing quietly thinking about the night’s events. We kept making bets on which ones were going to win over different girls, which ones would ask to buy us a drink, and which ones weren't really into girls. Let's just say we owed each other a lot.

15 minutes later I was curled beneath the sheets in the complete darkness. I looked out the large window to see the arena glowing across the way. I looked at the number illuminated on my phone. I sighed, put it down, closed my eyes and quickly fell asleep.

I found myself dreaming of a pair of caramel eyes and a crooked grin.

*

After I had showered and ate breakfast I found myself pacing in front of my bed looking at my phone sitting on the beds edge. I stopped, picked it up and dialed. I walked over to the window and looked at the arena while it rang.
"Hello?"
"Hi." I said simply.
"Amanda?"
"Yup." My mouth popped on the 'p'.
Before I could respond he started talking.
"Oh good, I was hoping you would call soon. Are you busy tonight?"
"Yes, actually. I have dinner plans with another person."
There was a pause.
"Well I think you should move that to tomorrow night."
"Why?"
"I’ve already made reservations."
I rolled my eyes. Great, he was stubborn too.

After arguing with him for a few minutes because I couldn't just cancel on Braydon, I gave up.

"Fine. But if I lose a friend because of you, you are dead."
He laughed. "I'll be in the lobby at 6."
And the line went dead.

I called Braydon right away.
"I'm so sorry but I have to postpone our dinner tonight."
"Why? Is there something wrong?"
"No no. It's a long story, I can tell you tomorrow. Can we do breakfast?"
"Sure."
"What time is good for you?"
"I have an early class, but how about I pick you up after around 10:30?"
"That's perfect! I'm so sorry about tonight."
"It's fine. I'll see you tomorrow morning Mand."
"Okay. Bye Braydon."
I hung up with a smile, he was so sweet.
Sidney on the other hand... Well that was to be determined.

*

I walked pointlessly around the city for a while to kill time. I found a cute coffee shop and decided to pop in for lunch. After I had a killer salad I called Sarah and told her what had just happened. Of course the first thing she asked was what I was going to wear.

"I was thinking a short 3/4 sleeve scoop neck dress, that is black until under the bust and a taupe color the rest of the way. And probably black tights and peep toe pumps the same taupe color as the dress."
"Sounds good. Accessories?"
Damn. This girl really loved fashion.
"Black patent clutch. Some bangles. And a cropped black wool coat."
"Perfect."
I laughed and told her I'd call her with all the details after.
"I'll be waiting. Have fun! See if you can score Jordan’s autograph or number for me!"


I pulled on my dress for the 40th time and smoothed it over looking at my blurred reflection in the elevator doors. I flixed my pin straight hair a bit and smoothed my side bangs, then checked to make sure I had everything in my clutch as the doors opened. I took a deep breath and walked to the open lobby.

There was hardly anyone in there and the minute I walked in he stood up from a chair.

"Hello." I said simply.
He smiled, "Come on."
He escorted me to his silver Range Rover and opened the door for me. As he walked around the front of the car I sighed and my stomach did a back flip.
"So where are we going?"
"Surprise."
"I hate surprises.""I bet you do."
"Speaking of surprises, Mr. Hockey Phenom. That was quite a show you put on last night."
He shrugged. "It was okay."
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"My job is irrelevant."
"Yes, and I'm really a man." I said sarcastically.
He laughed. My stomach turned.
"I'm serious. How could you not tell someone that?"
"It's easier. And you said you didn't like stories."
The words I was about to say were silenced. He was right.
"But it doesn't matter. You know about me now, so I need to know about you."
"Not fair. I only know like 3 things about you."
"We will have to change that then."

He pulled into a parking space at a small restaurant, shut off the car and opened my door for me. He held out his arm for me and with a blush and those stomach acrobatics, I linked my arm with his.

Funny how he could be annoy me one minute, and the next he could give me butterflies and make me giggle.

Interesting.

Lost & Found-2

Thanks so much for the feedback!
Sorry for the ending to this one ;]


Chapter 2:

“Where you headed?” A voice called out from behind me.
I turned around to see a very cute, tall boy following me.
“Oh. I’m just looking around the campus.”
“Sweet deal. Are you from around here?”
“No, actually. I’m just checking things out down here. I got into three different colleges and I decided I should look at each one in person before choosing which one I should go to.” I didn’t know why I was telling this to a total stranger.
“That’s a very smart thing to do. I’m Braydon by the way.”
“Amanda. So what year are you here?”
“A junior. I’m working for my undergrad in Emergency Medicine.”
“Impressive. So what is good about this school?”
“Well, the people are nice, professors are nice and the atmosphere is positive.”
I nodded, looking around.
“Want me to show you around? I’m done with classes for today.”
“That would be great!” I said with a big smile.
He adjusted the bag on his shoulder and we made our way into a large building.


Three hours later I learned that he was 21, from Pennsylvania, had 3 younger sisters, and had an extremely cute smile. I told him all about why I was down here and all about my family back home. I think we covered every subject and more in that short time. We walked around the whole campus, in and out of buildings and by the time we were back in the center my feet were killing me.
“What are you doing the rest of your time here besides looking at colleges?”
I sat down on a bench and he followed.
“Well Sarah and I are going to a hockey game tonight.”
“Penguins. Very cool. Good team.”
I smiled and immediately remembered the stranger from the bar. A confused look must have spread across my face as I looked around at all the faces blurring past us.
“What’s wrong?” He asked.
“I just… met someone last night.”
“Why do you think he is here?”
“He said on a napkin with his number that he would see me today.”
“Weird? What’s his name?”
“That’s the problem. He left before I could get it.”
He scanned the crowd. “Well, what did he look like?”
“Tall, muscular, dark hair.”
“Well that narrows it down to only about 5,000 people.”
I laughed, “I know right.”
I looked around for a few more moments before his cell rang.
“Sorry I have to go. My roommate got locked out.”
He pulled out a set of car keys and stood up.
“Sorry to leave you but my place is like 15 minutes from here and he has a whole load of groceries with him.”
“Wait you don’t live on campus?”
“No.”
“Oh. That’s ok then. It’s about time that I start getting back anyway. Apparently I have a long night ahead of me.”
He smiled that smile.

“Are you busy tomorrow night?”
“As far as I know, nope.”
“Want to catch dinner or something?”
“Sure.” I smiled back and we traded numbers.
After we said goodbye I looked down at my phonebook. ‘Burger and fries’ was the name I put with the strangers number.
I sighed and looked around.
“No luck here.”
I picked up my bag and made my way back to the hotel, calling Sarah on the way to tell her to call when she was near.

*

I stood in my towel looking at my suitcase. “So many options!”
I finally picked out a silver sequined tank top with a black bomber jacket over it, skinny jeans and a pair of chunky black slouched ankle boots. Just as I zipped up my jacket my phone rang.
“Are heels too much?” She asked.
“Nope. I’m wearing them too.”
“Good. I’ll be in the lobby in 5.”
“Okay. See you soon.”

We stood in line for what seemed like forever and I listened to her talk about all the players she found to be gorgeous. I kept my eye on the crowd, watching for the man who hadn't appeared to me yet during the day.
“My top favorite, Jordan Staal. He is so tall, blonde and I swear he has a jaw of the gods." I laughed and walked forward.
"Next, Sidney Crosby. He is the best player in the whole NHL. He's not as tall as Jordan, but he is still up there. He's really muscular and has dark curly hair."
I nodded half paying attention... "Wait how old is he?"
"Twenty-one."
"Oh." No, it couldn't be him.
"Then next is Malkin. I don't know what it is about him, but there is something extra sexy about his accent..."

10 minutes later we took our seats, very close to the ice next to some Plexiglas box where a man in a suit was sitting.
"What is that?" I pointed to the box.
"Penalty box."
"What is that?" I repeated with a laugh.
"It's where the players sit when they get a penalty."
"Nice."

Suddenly the whole place went dark and everyone stood up and cheered as a line of black jerseys came out and zipped around the ice. I recognized some of the people Sarah had talked about; Malkin, Staal, Fleury, Whitney, and Tablot. I looked around the ice to try and find Crosby.
"What number is Crosby again?"
She pointed to a man in front of us wearing a jersey.
"Oh yeah. Right. 87."
“If you forget it again just look at any of the thousands of people here.”

We both laughed at my brain lapse and I spotted him at center ice. Of course his back was turned to me and every time he passed by he was going too fast to get a good look at him.

"It’s him!" Sarah blabbed out as Jordan took a spot on the ice to stretch right in front of us. I was doubled over laughing watching her take out her phone and video tape the whole stretch, and then watch it over again after he skated away.
"What? I girls gotta do what a girls gotta do."

With that, they started.
During the first part, nothing interesting happened. Only one guy on the Penguins was called to the box. But it wasn't one of our people of interest. The second part was a little more interesting.
I listened and watched as Sarah shrieked out as Jordan was called to the box for 4 minutes for hitting a guy with a stick.

“He. Is. Right. There.”
“I know” was all I could manage to get out before she held her hand up to silence me.
“Let me enjoy this.”
I laughed hard as he turned to look at her and she threw on a Colgate smile. She waved her fingers at him and he smiled back. She sat there glowing while they were staring at each other. Soon the man in the suit ruined her moment and he sprinted back out onto the ice.
“Did you see that?”
“See what?”
“He totally just eye-fucked me.”

That sent me over the edge and I was doubled over laughing once again.
It was a while before I caught my breath and another player was sent to the box. I turned to see who it was. I froze.

“Burger. And. Fries.”

Lost & Found-1

PLEASE let me know what you think!

Chapter 1:

I sat on the small jet enjoying the silence of the business people around me. It was a lot better than listening to babies crying or loud groups of people yelling from aisle to aisle. Their sideways disapproving glances at me made me smirk. They reminded me of the adults back home, and once again I was reminded that I was legal, and I could finally travel to Pittsburgh without any attachments.

I guess I should probably tell you why I was traveling alone to a city where everyone was a stranger to me. First off, I was accepted into 3 different colleges in the area and I was on a mission to see the campuses in person. Second, I needed any reason to get out of the house. My father was hardly ever home, he was always away on business. In China one week, then Miami the next, all without a phone call. My grandmother was diagnosed with cancer a year ago, and it went downhill ever since. She was now depressed, causing problems with my mother and all her sisters; they were always fighting. My brother died 3 years back in a car accident and his room door was still closed, his belongings untouched. My mother didn’t know how to cope with things, so she pretended like they didn’t happen. Her outlook on unfortunate events led me to believe that there is indeed a reason for everything. These things also forced me to learn to take care of myself, and I realized to take good care of myself I would have to get away.

So I left my small town in Massachusetts hoping that I could impress someone, somewhere in the city to promise me a better life after graduation.

*

I pulled my jacket tighter after I fished around in my pocket and handed the cabbie two 20's. I dragged my suitcase behind me as the too-nice bellhop opened the doors and greeted me. It took a good 10 minutes to get all checked in and I made my way up to the 12th floor. I opened the door to find a fluffy king sized bed, half covered in pillows. I scanned the information cards before flopping down on the bed. I watched TV for a good hour before dozing off.

An hour and a half later, I was in the lobby along with a mass of people headed for the doors. I read the back and front of most of the shirts the mob seemed to all be wearing. 'Crosby-87', 'Malkin-71', 'Fleury-29', 'Staal-11'. All of them were Penguins, I assumed from seeing the logo on the front. I shrugged and made my way outside only to see a hundred cars and swarms of people headed for an arena right across the street. I shrugged, "Must have missed it" I said softly under my breath as I walked in the opposite direction over a bridge, a map of the city close in my purse, looking for a good meal and a good friend.

I walked around for a long time, gazing up at the buildings and trying to figure out where exactly I was. I was deeply distracted though, by beautiful clothes in a brightly lighted store. The door beeped as I walked in.
"Hey. I'm Sarah, if you need help with sizes or anything I'll be over there" a young girl, probably around my age said.
"Thanks."
I rifled through about 50 shirts on a rack against a side wall when I found a gorgeous vintage looking black 3/4 sleeve length shirt. It was all cotton and it looked like the whole collar plus 2 inches had been cut off so it would hang around your shoulders and there was metallic and rhinestone writing on the back. I had to have it. I looked at the size, it was an extra large.
"Excuse me do you have this shirt in any smaller sizes?"
"Oh, I'm not sure. Let me go look in the back... Small would do?"
"You got it." I watched as Sarah bounded down towards the back and looked through the pants while waiting.
"It must be your lucky day. Last small we had in stock. You know what would go great with that? These new destroyed grey jeans."
She held them up and a smile grew on my face.
"I can't resist a good fade" I laughed taking the pants from her hands.
"Here take this room and try them on."I put the whole outfit on and opened the curtain.
"Too bad you aren't taller, no offense, but you would make a killer model."
I laughed. "Everyone back home thinks different."
"Back home? Yeah. It doesn't look like you are from around here."
I spent a while telling her my story and listening to hers as she fit me with some bangles, new earrings and a killer belt. I learned she was 18, turning 19 in a month and was going to graduate high school. She also had moved out from living with her family, and lived in an apartment building a few blocks away. Apparently we had a lot in common, except she luckily had the freedom I desperately wanted to gain.
I looked in the large mirrors, pulled my hair out of its pony tail and shook it out. Soon enough I was checked out, with a whole new outfit on, and a new number in my phone.
"I have an extra ticket to a hockey game tomorrow night. Want to come with? I could show you around some of the top places after."
"That sounds great. I'll call you?"
"Sure thing. My shift ends at 6. The game starts at 7:30."
I nodded and we said our goodbyes.

I ended up finding a bar and luckily getting in. It was around 10:30 when I finally sat down and got a meal. I turned to glance at the person who sat down next to me a little while later. He was tall, looked muscular and had dark hair, from what I could tell. He was busy talking to who I assumed to be the owner. The owner was smiling really big and I heard him say "Whatever you want. On the house."
I looked away and rolled my eyes. "Great. One of those."
"Excuse me?"
My attention was brought back to the figure next to me.
"Nothing."
"Oh sorry, I thought you said something."
He was clearly older than me. By how much, I wasn't sure. I couldn't help but notice his eyes; they were like liquid gold standing out in the dark lit room. I shook my head and turned away from him.

My burger and fries came at the same time his did. I laughed in my head. Funny how I had been there 10 minutes longer.
"Nice choice."It was him again.
"What?"
"Burger and fries. Nice choice."
"You know it is the most popular thing ordered at most restaurants... Well bars in this case."
He smiled, eyes lighting up. "That it is. So what brings you to ordering the most popular meal tonight?" He was being coy now.
"A meal." I said it flatly, not expecting a response.
"Well that isn't much of a story."
"I don't like stories that much."
"Why not."
"Too much conflict."
"Ah, I see." He said slowly, trying to figure out something else to say. I figured I should fill the silence.
"But in this case, the tale is bearable. Quite simple really."
His eyebrow raised and he turned towards me. "Care to pass it on?"
I narrowed my gaze and took a sip of coke before answering."I was out in search of a friend. Then I ended up here."
"Well did you find a new friend?"
"Yes. And a new outfit."
"Well sometimes a new outfit is a new friend to someone else."
I smiled into my soda as I looked at him over my glass. He sure knew how to talk.
"Why were you in search of a friend?"
"I'm not from around here. But I hope to be soon. I figure I should get to know some of the inhabitants of this fine city before parking it here for a while."
He nodded. "Good plan."
"Well stranger. What brings you to order the boring entree?"
"A place to relax. A place to meet a friend."
"So I see we both have accomplished developing a new friendship this evening."
"It does appear. What are your plans for the rest of your evaluations here?"
"Well, I'm going to walk around Pitt's campus tomorrow, maybe do a little research. And I'm attending a hockey game tomorrow night."
"Is that so?" He asked, eyebrows raising and a smile appearing on his face.
"Yes, Penguins or something."
He chuckled. Why? I didn't know. "Well, that sounds like it could be a whole other story itself."
"Possibly."
"Oh no, I bet it will be."
There was a minute of silence between us.

I gave him a questioning look as he stood up and threw a 50 on the bar."Consider your tab, taken care of."
"You don't have to do that."
"A kind gesture for a friend. Oh yeah, welcome to the city."
"Thank you."
"I never caught your name?" He asked.
"Amanda Vitale."

He turned on his heel and walked away before I could ask for his name in return. I looked at the folded bill on the table and opened it. There was a drink napkin in the middle.
See you tomorrow and a phone number were scrawled in the middle.

"See you tomorrow?"
What the hell.

New Story?

Hey guys. I know you are all going to think I'm insane when I say this...
But I have started a new story.
Yeah I know, "Why on earth do that when you already have two!?"
I don't know the answer to that either.

Look for updates on EVERY story soon. [Yup. Another LLI]

*Kat

More Than A Memory-Ch15

I'm deeply sorry, but this chapter had a tendency to skip alot of the deatails of Christmas. I skipped over it to make room for some things that are going to be happening in Sid and Peyton's near future. Hope you like it though!

Happy Holidays to everyone!


Chapter 15:

We spent the next 3 days cleaning and cooking. Well, I did most of the cooking, he watched. We had small arguments throughout those days…

"I don't understand why you have to go all out on this" he said leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed. My back was to him and I rolled my eyes. He was mad, or as he put it, "concerned" about me setting both tables lavishly with gold charger plates, a beige table cloth, gold bead garland and candles, when they were going to be messed up anyway."I mean really it doesn't have to be fancy." I dropped a folded napkin and turned around. "Because it looks nice, and we look like we know what we're doing. And it is my first time giving Christmas dinner, it has to be perfect." He shrugged, still not understanding, but clearly giving up his argument. "Do you need help with anything?" He asked carefully, knowing that I had a precise way of doing everything. I smiled, "You can go put all those boxes back in the basement and then vacuum the living room rugs. His goofy grin appeared as he nodded and walked out to the kitchen.

*

We sat in the airport at the baggage claim. He had his hat pulled down as far as it would go and his jacket pulled up to his chin. I was gnawing on a bagel tediously and watching the large monitors. We had arrived to pick up his parents, who conveniently forgot to tell us their flight had been delayed by an hour and a half. There was no use in us leaving just to have to turn around by the time we got back home. I was tapping my feet on the shiny stone floor when he smacked my knees. I looked over at him, he was scowling.

"Cheer up princess" I joked. I received a death glare in return. "Look, we only have to wait a half hour more!" I said cheerfully pointing to the screen. "Yay! Only an hour and a half more than we should be waiting!" He said sarcastically. I rolled my eyes and he saw it. "Seriously Pey, its Christmas eve. Your family is already at the house, doing god knows what. They didn't call telling us the flight was delayed either. Don't you think my folks are cutting it a little close?" He asked, actually he stated. I huffed again. "Sidney it is Christmas. You should be happy your family is coming here. Some people don't have anyone. Stop being so mopey, you have no reason to be" I said like a mother scolding their child. I scared myself a little as I turned away from him. A minute passed and I felt his hand curl around mine. His voice came from right on my neck. "Sorry baby. I'm just very... Temperamental." I smiled a little and felt him drop a kiss on my cheek.

*
After waiting and picking up his parents, which was very uneventful, we drove back to the house and all of us began cooking. Well, us girls anyway. The fathers sat around the television watching some football game. Sidney was playing with all the little rug rats, just like he was their age. I was busy over making homemade scalloped potatoes when I felt a hand on my waist. I turned to meet a caramel gaze that still made me a little weak in the knees.

"What's cookin' good lookin'?" He joked. "Nothing that I could get you to eat. It isn't organic, well the potatoes are, but the cream sauce is definitely not low cal" I joked back. He rolled his eyes, "I can splurge once in a while." I laughed back and kissed him on the cheek only to be interrupted by my little niece, Brenna. "Um, excuse me auntie but do you think Sid can come play with me?" My heart melted as he bent down to her level. "Of course I can play! What game would you like to play?" She thought for a moment. "Hide and seek!" "OK ready you go hide I'll count to 20. Ready... Go! 1...2..." He covered his eyes and started counting as she sprang off looking like the happiest girl in the world. I leaned up and kissed his lips while he was pausing in between numbers.

**

We ate dinner, which turned out to be absolutely delicious, and the kids ran into the living room and begged us to let them open one present each. I sat next to Sidney and watched as the kids ripped open the paper in pure joy. Soon after they were all settled it was bed time. Sid's cousins left and all the relatives were assigned to their rooms. We then cleaned up all the dirty dishes and wrapped all the left over’s. We turned off the lights and made our way upstairs.

When he closed the door behind him he wrapped his hands around my waist and pulled me into him. I enjoyed the warmth his body brought and the way we fit perfectly. After a few moments of standing in silence, he bent his head to me and pressed his lips to mine. After a few sweet kisses he pulled me to him on the bed. "Do you want one present tonight too?" He asked softly. I shook my head and he kissed my cheek before disappearing into the closet. He reappeared moments later with a small box and an envelope.

"This first" he whispered handing me the envelope. We sat in the middle of the large bed, both sitting cross-legged facing each other in the barley lighted room. He sat in silence as I eyed him slipping my fingers through the flap of the envelope pulling out a fancy piece of paper with his familiar scrawl.

When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case
I could offer you a warm embrace

To make you feel my love
When the evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no one there to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love

I know you haven't made your mind up yet
But I would never do you wrong
I've known it from the moment that we met
No doubt in my mind where you belong

I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue
I'd go crawling down the avenue
No, there's nothing that I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love

The storms are raging on the rolling sea,
and on the highway of regret
Though winds of change are throwing wild and free
You ain't seen nothing like me yet

I could make you happy, make your dreams come true
Nothing that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends of the Earth for you
To make you feel my love

I love you.
Sidney

Towards the end of the letter I felt tears rolling down my face. He silently wiped them away as I finished reading. When I was done I placed the letter on the bed and threw my arms around his neck. I held him for a minute and then pulled away only to press my lips to his. He pulled away, "This goes along with it." I wiped my face, speechless, and opened the small box.

My breath caught in my throat as I looked at it. It was only small, but so beautiful. It was a small white gold ring, with small diamonds all around it. I looked at the engraving on the inside of the band. 'To make you feel my love' was etched in. He took it out of my shaking hands and placed it on my right ring finger. "It was calling your name. I couldn't resist" he said with a chuckle. The tears began to flow and a concerned look grew on his face. "What's wrong? You don't like it?" I began laughing and crying at the same time. "I love it! I'm just so happy! And overwhelmed. You really are perfect you know that?" He smiled and our lips met, fueled by passion. He pulled away and looked me deep in the eyes. "I love you." "I love you too." And with that we crawled under the covers.

He fell asleep before me, and I stayed up gazing at my ring and twirling it around. It was funny how every time I looked at the ring I could picture him leaving me. I shook those thoughts out of my head as I looked over at his sleeping figure lying next to me.

More Than A Memory-Ch14

Hey all. Sorry it took so long to update. I was on vacation in sunny Florida enjoying the nice 82 degree weather. Too bad I came home to 14 inches of snow and 10 degree air! I just wanted to let you all know that I plan to update frequently over the holiday break coming up. I have a whole brain full of ideas that I can't wait to write down.

Also if you have comments on the stories, please post them! I love receiving positive feedback, and when I only have 2 comments on the pieces it worries me that I don't have many readers.

Happy holidays in advance to you all!

*Kat


Chapter 14:

"All I want for Christmas is youuuu" I yelled dancing around the living room to blaring Christmas music. I almost didn't hear the phone ring it was so loud. I picked up the receiver right before I paused my iPod. "Not that stupid music again."

Memory-

“Seriously can you turn that down? I can’t even hear myself think!” he yelled from a kitchen chair as I carefully placed glass ornaments on the tree. “No. Stop being a Scrooge” I yelled back. As soon as my back was towards him a stocking was flung at my back and the music was shut off. I turned around and slapped him on the shoulder. He returned my kind gesture with a kiss. While our lips were still touching I snaked my hand around to the stereo and turned the music back up. He pulled away quickly and rolled his eyes. “You have to love the Christmas season!” I said cheerfully. He laughed and spun me around the room, in a cute attempt to dance.

End

"Sid! Hey hold on" I yelled. I ran across the room to shut off the music. "How are you?" I asked. "Tired. But, alright. Except that I am missing you terribly and you are always on my mind." I smiled and looked at the picture of us on the mantel. It was a picture I took when I was playing with the self timer on my new camera. He was sitting on the couch and I was kneeling behind him, it looked like he was giving me a piggy back ride. We were both laughing and had huge smiles on our face. It was perfect. "Well your coming home tomorrow right?" I asked, hoping plans didn't fall through. "Yes. What are you doing?" He asked. "Decorating. And singing. And making cookies" I answered. He laughed. "How does the house look?" He asked. "Beautiful. Except I can't reach the top of the tree to put the star on" I said defeated. "Don't worry. I know someone who can fix that." He laughed again. "Do you want dinner when you get home tomorrow?" I asked. "Home made cooking? Yes!" "What do you want?" "Hmm. Your pizza" he answered. I smiled, I had learned to make pizza from my mom, and I made it for him one day and he had loved it ever since. "The cheese will be sizzling by the time you walk in the door." I could almost hear him smile. "I'll be looking forward to it. But babe I have to go. Therrien is calling a meeting before the game." My smile faded. "Alright. I'll be watching. Score some big ones for me." "I always do. I'll call you when I land" he said. "I love you." "I love you too" he said, and hung up.

I sighed and turned back to my iPod. Mariah Carey started blaring, I reached for another stocking and hung it on the mantel and started singing again.*The next day I went to work and tried extremely hard not to think about Sid, but around 2:00 the thought of him coming home was too much. His plane was leaving in an hour and he would be home around 6. I quickly finished files and did my afternoon rounds. I left the office around 3:30 and sped home. I took a quick walk around the house to look at everything.

The tree was decorated in almost all gold and white ornaments, the mantel had green garlands on top with candles at each end and two stockings hanging down over the fireplace. There were small decorations scattered here and there on end tables, garland and gold ribbon were twisted along the railing to the upstairs. All the candles were replaced with holiday scents, and I had switched out all the boring soap he had for Bath and Body Works holiday flavors. There were wreaths on the two front doors and garland and ribbon twisted around the lamp post at the end of the drive. Each window facing the front of the house had a small light. It was classic, not too much, but just enough. I turned on the TV and rolled up my sleeves to start making the dough for the pizza.*I had finished the dough, put it in the pan with the sauce and preheated the oven when the phone rang. "Hey. I'll be home in 25" he said quickly. "I'll be here." I put the pizza in the oven and ran upstairs to wash up. I took my hair out of the messy bun and shook it over my shoulders then applied some chapstick and went back downstairs to add the toppings onto the pizza. I set the table quickly and minutes after the garage door opened. I smiled as I heard his door shut and his footsteps coming up the stairs to the entryway. I turned around as soon as the door to the kitchen opened and ran across the room and jumped in his arms. He caught me with one hand, holding his bag in the other. He dropped it as I kissed him hard.


“I missed you” he mumbled onto my lips. “Me too” I said quickly and untangled myself from him. He walked around the house looking at all the decorations. “Looks nice. I’m surprised you could actually reach some of those things!” he joked pointing to small wreaths hung over the fireplace. I hit him playfully and he kissed my forehead. For a while after that we just sat in the living room eating and talking about his trip. Then he brought up Christmas.


“I talked to my folks. They are planning on coming on the day before Christmas Eve. It will be Mom, Dad, Taylor, Grandma, my cousins and their spouses and their kids. So altogether for my side there will be about 13 people.” “How the hell are we going to fit 13 people plus my 11?” I screeched. His lips were immediately on mine. “Sh. Listen to me. I have it all planned. We have like 14 rooms in this house. We can fit everyone. Either your parents or mine will take the guest bedroom, then whoever is left can take a bed up in the spare upstairs. In the living room over there that we never use, we can easily fit 3 air mattresses plus the couch. So that takes care of your sisters and everyone. Then you know my cousins never stay anywhere that isn't their home because they don't like to "impose" so they shouldn’t be a problem. And my grandma, well she just sleeps wherever she wants.” I took in all this information. I nodded slowly. “And if they change their mind they can just rearrange themselves to where they want to go. The most important thing is, we have our room to ourselves” he said with a sly grin. I gasped, “Sidney you don’t plan on doing anything while our whole extended family is here do you?!” He laughed quietly before pressing his lips to mine. “You never know… but I’m sure I know I want to do something right now!” he said picking me up and traveling his way up to the room.

More Than A Memory-Ch13

Two weeks later I watched the game from the comfort of our bed wrapped up in the blankets that had his scent on them. They were losing by 3 in the last period and you could tell something wasn't clicking within the team. In the final five minutes of the game Sid got a high stick under his visor on his right temple. It looked like a nasty cut and he left the game before it was finished. I knew he would be mad when he got home. First of all they lost, second he got cut and the dumb referees didn't call it. I kept the TV on to watch the post game, but he wasn't on at all. I sighed and shut the TV off around 11:30 and tried to fall asleep.

I woke up to the sound of the garage door opening and closing. I listened to him come in the first door, shut it. Come in the second door, shut it. Go to the alarm, set the code, and turn it on. Grab a water out of the fridge and walk up the stairs. He walked into the room and shut the door; I wasn't facing him so I couldn't see his face. His actions seemed calm, but yet again say one wrong thing on a bad game day and you'll wish you didn't say anything at all. He turned on the dim side table light and I listened to him go in and out of the closet changing into a T-shirt and shorts. Soon enough he climbed into bed. "I know you're awake" he said quietly, annoyed. I swore under my breath and rolled over towards him. "Go ahead do your injury evaluation" he said after I winced looking at the cut on his temple, stitched together. "Does it hurt" I asked. "Not anymore" he said. I reached out to him and brushed his other cheek with my hand, feeling his jaw muscles tense beneath my fingertips. I sank back down into the sheets and rolled over. He shut the light off a minute later and lay down next to me.

*

The next morning I woke up before Sid’s alarm, which was to ring in 10 minutes. I was careful not to move the bed too much as I got up. I threw on a sweat shirt and made my way down to the kitchen. I decided to make us egg white omelets with low fat cheese and tomatoes. A few minutes later I heard him come downstairs. I slipped the perfect steaming omelets onto plates with two pieces of wheat toast and two glasses of orange juice. I put the meals onto the table and sat down at the seat across from him. He sat down and I folded my legs up onto the chair.

I began eating quickly, not saying a word to him. He ate slower and in complete silence. The eggs were scalding my throat on the way down, but I figured it was better than saying something wrong and having to take his wrath. I finished my eggs and looked up to see him staring at me. "Hungry much?" He asked. I watched his goofy grin appear and I smiled too. "Don't worry I'm in a better mood today. And its Saturday, I think we have somewhere to be" he said. He stood up and took my hand, leading me to the couch for our every-possible-weekend-morning-TV-time.

He grabbed a thick blanket off the back of the couch and laid down first. I laid on top of him, snuggling into his chest and threw the blanket over us. This was our favorite way to spend Saturdays when we could. "Sorry that I was pissed last night" he said after a few minutes. I turned to look at him. "You know you don't have to be superman all the time" I said. He looked away from me briefly and looked back. He sighed, he knew I was right. "You're right" he said. I smiled a little and traced patterns on his chest with my fingers. "Does your head hurt?" I asked. "A little." I looked around the cut. It was a little bruised and swollen. I put my head back on his chest and he rubbed my back.After a good 3 shows I looked back up at him. He looked down and me and smiled. I admired his more prominent cheek bones and jaw line before taking my gaze up to his. "What do you want to do today?" He asked. I thought for a moment then smiled. "I want to get our tree!" I almost squealed. He laughed. "I guess we could do that." I kissed him quickly and sprung up off the couch. "Come on let's go shower, then we can go" I said pulling his arm. He laughed as we ran up the stairs. "You're such a little kid" he said. I laughed and pushed him into the bathroom.

*

"How the hell are you going to decorate that?" He asked in pure annoyance. I'm not sure if he was annoyed because we had been walking around in the cold for the past 20 minutes, or because he knew he was going to have to carry the tree and put it up. "It's like 3 times as big as you are!" I stood next to the tree with my arms crossed like a small child. Sure it was around 7 feet tall and 3 feet wide, but it was perfect. Gorgeous even. "Well I assume we have a ladder in the house" I said. He rolled his eyes and sighed. After a few moments of gazing at the tree he gave up. "Is this the one you really want?" He asked. I smiled, "Yes." He cracked a smile and I leaned up to kiss his cheek. "Well go get the guy" he said. I sat in the car and watched as the tree man strapped it to the roof. Sidney paid the man, but got a discount because the man was his "biggest fan". I think I had him beat. Sid got back into the car and buckled his seat belt. "I cannot believe you talked me into buying a tree that is 7 feet tall" he said pulling out of the driveway. I smiled a huge smile. Maybe he was right; I am a little kid at heart. "Well I'll just need your help putting it up. I can decorate it when you’re on the road. It will give me something to do." "Don't remind me" he said. We had a discussion about how only 3 of his 11 games coming up were home. He ended up feeling bad because Christmas was coming and I had to do most of everything by myself. Of course I would want him home, but he would be useless around the house except for lifting, reaching high places, and going to get things. He didn't know a garland from a wreath. I laughed aloud at my own joke and he looked at me. "What's funny?" He asked. "Nothing" I replied. He laced his hand in mine and I watched the other cars drive by around us.

*

"A little to the left, little more. Back a bit, no the other way, a little more. Perfect!" I yelled. Sidney and Jordan were putting up the enormous tree after practice the next day. I was sitting on the couch with a cup of tea admiring the view I was getting of them both bent over swearing underneath the mass of branches. "So glad you can help babe" Sid called. I rolled my eyes at him, and I heard Jordan laugh. They were done a few minutes later, and Jordan had to go meet someone before the plane took off, so it was just me and Sid. I stood up and handed him one side of the string of plain white lights. I smiled at him as he rolled his eyes and walked around to the back of the tree. I sat on the floor and held the bottom in one place as he walked around in circles stringing the lights on the branches. He tucked the end close to the top and I turned them on. He took a step back and admired my choice. "Alright. It does look pretty awesome" he said. I stood up and went to his open arms. I kissed him sweetly for a minute before I pulled away and looked at the clock.

"You have to leave in a few minutes" I said slowly. He looked away and back to me quickly, and then kissed me again, harder this time. He pulled away and kissed down my neck and across my collar bone. "You’re only going to be gone for five days" I said into his hair. "I still don't want to leave" he mumbled bringing his lips back to mine. We stood there in an embrace for a few minutes before he pulled away. "I'll miss you" he said quietly. "I'll miss you too." I followed him to the door and watched as he pulled out his bag. I was frowning when he turned away from me, but I quickly smiled reassuringly as he turned to face me. He had concern in his eyes. "Don't worry I'll be fine" I said. He leaned forward and reached for me. I kissed him again and knew I was going to be totally lost without him. After a few moments I pulled away and pushed him backwards. "Go. You will be late." He ducked in to kiss me one more time and rushed out the door. I raced to the windows in the guestroom to watch him leave, like a small child watching their parent leave for work.

Letting Love In-Ch24

Finally! Sorry for the wait. Busy week.
Enjoy!



Chapter 42:
We drove around in silence and I eventually ended up on the road to the gazebo. I got out and looked back at him. I started walking up the path and he soon caught up to me. “What are you doing?” he asked. “Walking” I said. We arrived at the gazebo and sat down. After a while my legs grew restless and I walked to the railing and leaned against the post. I closed my eyes and let the sun shine on my face. A few minutes passed. “Are you still angry with me” he asked in a small voice. I shook my head. I still felt hurt, but it was time to do the grownup thing; forgive and forget. He stood behind me and put his arms softly around my waist. I stiffened at his touch still and he realized that. He lightened his grip and I eventually became relaxed.”Let’s go home” I said and he nodded. Before I stepped out onto the grass he grabbed my hand. “Do you know you aren’t wearing any socks?” he asked. I looked down and realized I had never put shoes on before I left. I cracked a smile. “Get on” he said pointing to his back. I jumped onto him and he carried me back to the car.
When we got back to the house I turned on the laptop and sat on the couch while he flipped channels at light speed. I looked at him over the top of the screen. 'Just pick one!" I half yelled. He smiled that toothy grin of his and I rolled my eyes. I typed in directions from Nova Scotia to Pittsburgh. It would literally take more than a day. "Sid?" I asked. He looked over at me. "What?" "You know I love you and everything but um... I don't really think I can sit in a car with you for 12 continuous hours." He laughed. "Oh it won't be that bad." I flipped around the screen so he could see it. I really can't see that" he said. I rolled my eyes and brought the computer to him. "Here you go your majesty" I joked. He looked at the map for a minute before pointing out some place in upstate New York, right on the border. "There. We can stop there overnight. Stretch and such. Then the next day you and your led foot can get us back." I stuck my tongue out at him. "Fine." He laughed at my pout until he kissed it away. I shut the computer down and snuggled down into him. "Nap time."

*****

"No it definitely says take a LEFT at the light" he half yelled. We were sitting in traffic in way upstate New York, in the evening traffic, and he was getting fed up with all the different signs. "Ok. I'm taking a left" I said speeding around the corner. The automated voice on the GPS warned the hotel was coming up on the right. He sighed when I pulled into the parking lot. "Finally!" I said. He started laughing. "What's funny?" I asked un-buckling. "You drive like an idiot." My mouth hung open as I walked around the back of the car to get my bag. He had a smug grin on his face as he joined me. We walked in silence up to the desk and I stayed silent as he checked us in. When we were in the elevator he wrapped his arm around my waist. "You know I was kidding right?" He asked with a big grin on his face. I hit him in the shoulder and laughed as he bent to kiss my neck.
**
After we got into the room and settled I decided that I wanted to go look around. I went downstairs and accidentally walked into a man in front of me. "I'm so sorry!" I said picking up my purse and its contents. "It’s ok. I wasn't paying attention either" a familiar voice said. We looked up at each other at the same time. "Kay?" "Tom?" "How the hell are you?! Look at you all grown up" he said. Tom and I went to high school together. He was a junior when I was a freshman, and we were really good friends for a while. We also dated for a few months before he went off to college. "I'm doing very well. How are you? I haven't seen you in forever." We conversed for a few minutes in the lobby and then he asked if I wanted to have dinner to catch up. I agreed to his request and we walked into the restaurant.
**
We talked about everything from old memories to the present and the future. We went through 3 courses and before I knew it, it was after one in the morning. Just as we started to talk about the time we went to the movies and out to dinner, a person approached the table. I looked up to meet a very angry chocolate gaze. "Hello" I said putting on a smile and moving slowly away from Tom. He smiled a devil smile. "Who's this?" Tom asked. "I'm her boyfriend" he said. "And you are?" He asked, clearly angry. "I'm Tom, her old boyfriend" he said, aggravated with Sidney’s harsh tone. I slipped Toms arm off of my shoulder. "Well I'm sure she had a fantastic time" Sidney spat grabbing my arm, and gently but forcefully pulling me off the booth seat. "You can't just take her away. We were having an educated conversation, something you probably can't provide" Tom said standing up. Sidney turned around quickly and Tom stopped in his tracks. I took this time to notice how much taller and stronger Sidney was. Sidney looked down at him, anger clear on his face. "You better watch yourself" he spat. "Why what are you going to do?" "Do you know who I am?" Sidney started yelling. I had enough, "Sid quit it. Tom enough." “Let’s go. Say goodbye" Sidney said. He gave me a millisecond to respond before he pushed me in front of him and out the door. He held my wrist firmly in his hand as we walked through the lobby into the elevator.

I sat in the middle of the fluffy king sized bed and watched him pace the room. He kept throwing me sideways looks; I was waiting for the sermon. He finally stopped directly in front of me. I returned the glare he was giving me. "Why?" He asked. "Sid its nothing. It has been nothing since we met" I cried for about the 5th time. "It sure didn't look like nothing" he muttered pacing again. "If it was something more I wouldn't be up here.” "You're only up here because I had to pry that asshole off of you. It didn’t look like you were about to come back anytime soon. You are so lucky I didn't drop him." He swore under his breath and sat on the edge of the bed, back towards me. After a moment, I crawled over to him and reached for him. My hand brushed his shoulder and slowly his muscles relaxed. I climbed into his lap and he gently held me. "I'm sorry" I murmured into his neck. He didn't speak for a few moments. "You don't have to be sorry. You know how I get. I should've believed you. I'm sorry" he grumbled. I forced my head into the soft skin of his neck and shoulder. I felt him trail his fingers across the bare skin of my lower back and I shuddered. He moved his hand from my back to my face. I slowly moved my gaze to his. I stared at him for a moment and slowly brought my lips to his. “It’s just when you didn’t come back, or call I got really worried.” "You really shouldn't worry about me so much" I said. He pulled away abruptly. "I can never not worry about you. It’s like you are literally always on my mind. I don't know what I'd do with myself if something ever happened to you and I could have been there to prevent it from happening. I never want you to get into trouble or get hurt." He looked away from me and I could see the pain building on his features, just thinking about it. I put my palm on his jaw. "I'm sorry" I whispered, almost unable to hear. He looked at me quickly and then looked down. I crawled off of him and back to my spot under the covers, feeling like I just ripped his heart in half. It was a few minutes after when he finally got up, shut the lights off and laid down next to me. I rolled over into him and he put his arms around me. "Sid?" I asked after a while. "Mmm." He answered; his chest rumbling beneath my head. "Thanks for always caring about me. And loving me as much as you do. I wouldn't want it any other way" I said into his t-shirt. He shifted and held me much tighter. He kissed my forehead and my temples before responding. "I love you.”

LLI

Hey all! There have been many requests for a new chapter of Letting Love In.
Good news. It is in the works. I have about 9 different ideas, so instead of paying attention in my spanish class I'm going to be typing away on my Blackberry.
The post should be coming sometime this week. I'm going with around Wednesday.

Also, I will not be posting my link on other wensites anymore. Look for updates on here.
Thank you :)

-Kat

More Than A Memory-Ch12

Chapter 12:
I found his car quickly, unlocked it and hopped into the cushy passenger seat. It was freezing in his car, so I turned around to see another jacket lying across the back seat. I picked it up and threw it over the lower half of my body. I stuck the key in the ignition and turned on the heat and radio. I rested my head against the seat and closed my eyes. A few songs later there was a knock on the window. "Can you let me in? It's a little cold out here" he said through the glass. I quickly unlocked the doors and apologized. "Sorry. It's just dark and I get kind of nervous in large parking lots. Especially in a super stars car" I babbled. He shut his door and silenced my lips with his. "It's fine. I wouldn't want anyone to steal you" he said laughing. He kissed me again and started to back out. When we reached the highway he laced his hand in mine. He brought my hand to his lips and kissed it. I smiled. "Sorry I took so long" he said quietly. "That's ok. I don't mind. I'm with you now and that's all that matters" he smiled. "So how were Nat and Mario?" He asked carefully. "Nat was amazing. She is really one of the nicest, prettiest people I have ever met. Mario was nice too. He introduced me to a bunch of executives. As your girlfriend" I said the last part slowly. He took in a quick breath through his teeth. "Sorry about that" he said. I shrugged. "I actually saw it coming" I admitted. "Wait, you aren't mad that I didn't come to you first?" He asked. "Well I mean a little. But it doesn't really bother me. You feel the same way about me as I do about you, so I guess it’s ok." "I am sorry though" he said softer now. This time I brought his hand to my lips and kissed it. I brought our hands down to my lap and stroked the back of his hand slowly. Pretty soon we pulled into a development lined with nice houses. He turned off onto one of the more private roads and drove up the driveway to a grey house with stone in the front. He pulled into the attached garage and shut the car off. "Welcome to my humble abode" he said as we got out of the car. "Humble abode? This place is gorgeous!" I said as he opened the door leading into a breeze way with a washer and dryer. He took off his shoes and put them in a small closet as I walked into the gorgeous kitchen. It was complete with granite counters and stainless steel appliances. I turned around to see a gorgeous living room with a cathedral ceiling. There was a large plasma screen TV on the wall and beautiful suede couches. There was a fireplace on the back wall, stocked with wood. "Sid did you pick all this stuff out?" I called looking at the artwork on the caramel colored walls. "My mom helped me out a bit" he said. I laughed and admired the cherry colored hardwoods and I joined him in the kitchen. Do I get a tour?" I asked. "Sure" he said taking my hand.

Through a small doorway on the opposite side of the kitchen there was a dining room complete with a china cabinet. "China cabinet, very nice" I said. He smiled, "Mom insisted." We walked back into the kitchen and towards the front of the house. There was a guest room to the left complete with a private 1/2 bath. The front doors were dark grey, matching the stone structure built around the outside. There was a large window above the doors with a view of the woods and houses across the street. "Coming?" He asked, I realized he was half way up the carpeted staircase. To the left were 2 rooms, bedrooms I was guessing. One was fully decked out in all of his trophies, awards, pictures and jerseys. The other was almost empty. "What is this room for?" I asked. He shrugged, "I don't really have much to put in here, but I was thinking ahead for the future, or if one of my friends ever needed a place to crash. I nodded. And followed him out back down the hallway, which was completely open so you could see the main entry way below. There was a bathroom in the middle of the hall and an office next to it. At the end of the hallway there were double doors, leading to the master bedroom. It was huge. The walls were medium grey, with a corresponding carpet. There was a king sized bed in the middle of the room, with another plasma parallel. Next to the TV there was a door opening to a large walk in closet. "Organized. Very impressed" I said. He laughed and slipped his suit jack off. "Hungry?" He asked. "A little" I admitted. "Come on" he said going down to the kitchen.
*
A little while later the whole house was dark, except for the warm light of the fireplace. We were snuggled under blankets on the floor, each with a mug of hot chocolate. We were sitting in silence for a while when he shifted and looked down at me. "What do you want for Christmas?" He asked. I thought for a moment. "I don't know" I answered honestly. He rolled his eyes. "There has got to be something you want." I thought again for a moment. Well there was a gorgeous ring I saw while I walked through Tiffany's the other day... Yeah like that would go over well. "I haven't really thought of much. What do you want?" I asked. "For you to spend the holiday with me" he said. His gaze burned into mine as I made the decision. "Well I think that wish will come true" I said. He kissed my forehead and snuggled back into him. "My parents and grandparents are coming down for two days I think" he said. "Are we all going to eat here?" I asked. "Yes." "Well who is going to cook?" I asked slowly. He coughed and laughed at the same time. "Well I was hoping that you could help my mom and grand mom" he said. I thought about it for a few seconds. I did make a mean ham. "Well, if you’re really nice" I said. He laughed and shoved me a bit. "Yes, of course I'll help. I love your mom" I said. "Are your parents coming down?" He asked. "I think so. I think I'm going to buy them plane tickets." "They can come here. We can eat in the dining room I never use. And we can use that china, but I think we will have to dust it off first" he laughed. There were a few more minutes of silence before he spoke up again. "There is one other thing I want for Christmas" he said. "What?" I asked, figuring it was something stupid. "I want you to move in with me" he said matter of factually. I almost dropped my mug, but he caught it before it hit the floor. "You're... You're... You're serious?" I asked. He smiled.

"Yes. I was actually hoping we could get you in here before the holiday, so that things will go smoothly" he said. My mouth was hanging open and he took his finger to push my jaw up. I laughed in embarrassment and looked away. A million thoughts were running through my head. I tried to search for words as his fingers traced along my cheeks and jaw. "Peyton. Speak, your scaring me" he said. I looked back in his eyes. "Yes."

More Than A Memory-Ch11

I was walking back to my office two days later when I noticed the door was open. “Hey” he said as I walked in. “Hey yourself” I replied kissing him on the cheek, then walking to sit on top of my desk in front of him. “What are you doing tonight?” he asked. “Nothing. Why?” “Will you come to the game tonight?” he blurted out quickly. “Sure?” I said questioning him. “Well it’s a big game, and I’m going on a road trip tomorrow so I figured we could spend some time together.” “How is watching you play spending time together?” I asked. “Don’t worry about it” he said standing up. "I'll have the car pick you up around 6" he said. "Why a car? I've been to game before, I know how to get there" I said fixing a stack of papers. He chuckled and shook his head. "Well it would kind of be hard for us to get your car to my house after the game." I stopped and raised my eyes to him. He had a smug grin on his face. "Go to your place? After the game?" I repeated. He now had my full attention. "Yup. I'll leave your ticket with the driver. 6:00. Be ready" he said standing up. He bent to kiss me. He pulled away and walked to the door. Before he closed the door behind him he turned to me. "Oh yeah, you don't have to bring anything with you in case you were wondering. I've got you covered." I raised my eyebrows again. "6:00" he repeated. I nodded and watched in astonishment as he waltzed out of the office waving to the ladies, probably throwing out some charming comments to make their day a little brighter.
*
I got home around 5:00 and jumped into the shower. After blow drying my hair and running the straightener through it I picked out an outfit. I put on a pair of dark wash skinny jeans and an oversized grey cowelneck tunic with a black braided belt at the waist. I chose a pair of Stuart Weitzman high heel, black leather, knee high boots. By the time I was done with my makeup and putting on my jewelry it was almost 6. I made sure I had everything I needed in my purse, including my makeup bag with the essential toothbrush and hairbrush so I wouldn’t look like a total slob tomorrow morning. The thought of sleeping at Sidney’s gave me butterflies. I wonder what he had in mind. The sound of a car pulling into the driveway shook the thoughts out of my head. I grabbed my jacket, scarf and gloves and hurried down to the carport. The driver opened my door for me and handed me an envelope. I opened it in silence while we pulled out of the complex and made our way to the arena. There was a note in the envelope.
Pey-
Use the pass to get in the building early; you don’t have to wait in line. You don’t have to wear the pass, I know you don’t like to, but make sure you have it because you will need it unless you come down with Mario after the game. Enjoy your dinner; I picked out your menu. Can’t wait to see you.
-Sidney
I smiled and took out the ticket and pass. I put them in my purse and settled into the seat to enjoy the rest of the ride.
We arrived at the arena about 20 minutes later and I was driven to the main gate. “You know how to get in right Miss?” the driver asked. “Yes, thank you” I replied. “Would you like me to walk with you up there?” he asked. I was surprised by how polite he was. “No, that’s ok. I have a pass so I should be able to get in quickly. Thank you very much” I said as he shut the door as I got out. “You’re welcome. Have a wonderful evening.” I walked quickly up the hill and listened to the groans of the crowd of people as I walked to the front of the line. “I bet she’s one of those puck bunnies” some girl, a few years younger than me said a little too loudly. I looked over my shoulder at her and laughed. Yes, I indeed was the puck bunny, in an outfit showing barely any skin, when she and her group of friends looked their shirts had gotten into a fight with scissors. I laughed again and showed the cute old man my ticket and walked in. I went up to the Igloo Club and quickly found the box. I was greeted by a woman with the whitest teeth and best smile I have ever seen. “You must be Peyton!” she cheered. “Yes, I’m Peyton Brooks, nice to meet you” I said extending my hand. I was surprised when I was hugged. “I’m Nathalie. Sidney has told us many good things about you!” I smiled and nodded, “Has told me many good things about your family too. Thank you for allowing me to watch the game from up here, it really is beautiful.” “No problem at all! It is nice to have another female around here some times.” She smiled and grabbed my arm lightly, “Come meet Mario and the guys.” “Sure” I said hurriedly as she pulled me across the floor.
“Excuse me dear” Nathalie said, totally interrupting conversation, “This is Peyton Brooks. Sidney’s girlfriend.” My eyebrows raised and I could feel my heart stop for a millisecond when she said the word girlfriend. He told them I was his girlfriend? Well, I guess I could have seen that one coming. “Hello Peyton” Mario said standing up to shake my hand. “Pleasure to meet you” I said. “So Sidney tells us you are a doctor?” he questioned. “Yes” I answered quickly, “Well I’m the head of psychology at Children’s.” “Wow. That’s great! So you must have been there when the team came down” he said. I nodded, “Yes. It was my turn to coordinate all the events. It was a great time. Everyone loved it.” He smiled, “Good.” He then turned to a group of men talking, “Excuse me gentlemen. This is Peyton Brooks; she is the head of psychology at Children’s. She is also Sidney’s girlfriend” he said, the last part slower. I was greeted by a bunch of ‘hellos’ and ‘nice to meet yous’. “Peyton this is Ken Sawyer, David Morehouse, Ray Shero and Chuck Fletcher.” I shook their hands and mingled for a few minutes before Nathalie came over and pulled me away. “Don’t worry, they like you. They are just very powerful men in this business. You’ll come to find their intimidating attitudes quickly disappear” she said laughing. “Now go down that hallway and to the right there is a little kitchen type thing. The people there will make you whatever you want.” “Ok, I’ll be back then” I said smiling. I walked out of the box and sighed. This wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.
*
I ate my meal; steak and shrimp kabobs with roasted vegetables, while I waited for the game to start. I chose a seat that was away from the others, so I could watch the game in semi silence. When they skated out for their warm up I smiled at him, even though he couldn’t see me. I watched him skate over to one of the ushers and ask him a question. The usher nodded his head, and Sid turned around to look in the direction of the box. His face came up on the jumbotron in the middle of the ice and he had a huge smile on his face. A second later he jumped back on the ice and started skating his warm ups. Before the actual game started an usher came to me and brought me a small box. “Excuse me, are you Miss Peyton?” “Yes” I replied. He smiled, “This is from Sidney. He says enjoy the game” he said handing me the box. “Thank you.” I opened the box slowly and saw another note in his handwriting, this one was messier, he must’ve been in a hurry.
Pey-
They don’t sell these here, so I figured I should probably get you some. If Nat didn’t tell you, the kitchen has the best chocolate cake. See you soon.
-Sid
This time there was a smiley face next to his name, and I laughed. The opening faceoff began as I took out a package of Sour Patch Kids, the candy I used to eat at every one of his games. I ripped open the bag and began gnawing as I watched him skate around. He was definitely a better player now. Ten minutes in Sid scored. I clapped my hands and squealed, the result of an old habit. I heard a chuckle from beside me and I realized Nat was staring at me. She smiled, “Don’t worry. I used to do that all the time.” I felt myself blush and I brought my attention back to the ice.
*
They won the game 3-0. It was a good game, he would be happy. I watched the crowd file out for a while and said goodbye to everyone to waste some time so Sid could do his interviews. I walked slowly down the hallway looking at all the framed pictures. I finally made it to the elevator, showed my pass and stepped in. I was the only one in the elevator, and I enjoyed the privacy. I fixed my makeup and hair quickly and put on a small spritz of perfume before the door opened. When it did I could already hear the players talking. The large door was opened from me and I could see a bunch of media people lined in the locker room. I took a seat on a folding chair in the hallway and waited for a few minutes. I was lost in my email when I saw two large feet standing in front of me. I looked up, way up, to see a smiling blonde boy in front of me. I stood up quickly. “Are you waiting for someone?” Jordan Staal asked. “Um. Yes, Sidney actually” I said. “Oh yeah! You’re Peyton!” he said. I nodded, staring at him. “Do you know…um… when he is going to be done in there?” I asked. Why was I stuttering? “Well I’m pretty sure it would be 20 minutes. But I’ll do you a favor. Hold on” he said. He turned around and went over to all the reporters. He casually parted them and caught Sidney’s eye. He pointed out the door and made eye contact with me. He smiled as he was answering the question. When he was done he politely said he was done answering questions. The reporters filtered out as he quickly walked over to me. “I just have to shower. Give me 5 minutes then we’re out of here” he said quickly. I nodded. He turned around quickly and walked to the shower stalls.
A few minutes later Jordan returned. “So do you want to meet some of the guys?” he asked. “Sure” I said standing up. He slipped his arm around my shoulders and strutted to some of the stalls. “Hey ladies, this is Peyton” he said. “You’re the chick from the hospital!” Max Talbot yelled. “Max, she’s right here, turn your voice down” Jordan said. Max smiled, “So what are you doing with Staalsy? Did he pay you?” I laughed then looked up at Jordan. He was shaking his head. “Actually, I’m not here with Jordan” I said. “Oh so then your single?” he asked. “Easy Max. She’s with me” I heard Sid say from behind me. Jordan’s arm slipped off my shoulder and Sidney’s around my waist. “All the pretty ones are taken!” Max cried. “Yeah, right Max” Jordan said. “Sorry guys, but we have somewhere to be” Sidney said. We said goodbye to everyone and he grabbed his bag. We walked out through the darkened hallways and approached the doors. “I’m sorry about this. But I want you to take these, and go out that door over there” he said pointing to a different door and handing me his keys. “Go to the right when you get out the door. I’m in parking space five. If you can’t find it press the lock button, it will beep. I will be there in no longer than 10 minutes.” I nodded and he bent to kiss me. I put my hand on his cheek and kissed him a little harder. He pulled away a minute later. “What was that for?” he asked. “Winning” I said. He smiled and kissed my forehead. “10 minutes” he said, and turned around to walk out the door. I watched him put his hand on the handle and take a deep breath, when the door opened I could hear the screams and see the flashes. I laughed to myself and wondered if that girl and her friends were out there. I turned on my heel and listened to my shoes click down the hallway.

More Than A Memory-Ch10

Finally! Here you go! More to come I swear!





The next night around 5, I was leaving my office and my phone started to ring. I was busy getting into my car, so I picked up without looking at the caller I'd. "Dr. Brooks" I said. "Are you busy tonight?" He asked, breathless. I realized who it was. "Well hello stranger." "Seriously Pey are you busy tonight around 630?" I looked at the clock, and then checked my mental schedule. Turns out I was free. "No, why?" I said turning the key to start my car. "Good. I made reservations at Bella Luna. It’s a new bistro on the other side of the city. I'll pick you up a little after 6:30" he said. "Alright" I said. "Great. 6:30" he said and I hung up the phone. Shit. I would only have less than an hour to get ready. This better be worth it, I thought to myself as I sped up the on ramp to the highway.I got home and went right up to the shower. I was in and out in 10 minutes flat. While my hair was drying in a towel I went to my closet and rifled through about 20 different dresses. I chose a long sleeved black v-neck dress. It had an a-line cut and hit just above the knees. I laid the dress on my bed and pulled on a pair of black tights. I picked out a simple pair of patent leather Marc Jacobs ankle boots. I went back into the bathroom to dry my hair and pull it in to a teased ponytail. I did my makeup and slipped the dress on. I looked at the clock, 6:31. Shit. As if on cue the door bell rang. I ran down the 2 flights of stairs and opened the door. He looked gorgeous. It looked like he got a fresh haircut. He was wearing dark grey dress pants and a black shirt with a matching black jacket. He stepped in and leaned to kiss my cheek. I smiled and took in his scent. "Ready?" He asked. I smiled again; I knew this would bother him. "Nope" I said and turned to walk up the stairs. "Well hurry up. If we aren't there within ten minutes of the reservation we don't get the table" he said following me up the stairs. He sat on the couch while I went upstairs. I chose a simple diamond pendant necklace and matching stud earrings. I grabbed a heather grey pea coat out of my closet and went back downstairs. "Ready" I said. He looked over at me and his eyes grew soft. I could feel him staring at me as I slipped a cashmere scarf around my neck and picked up my purse. He started for the stairs and I followed after him. "You look beautiful by the way" he said turning to me before he opened the door. "Thank you" I said softly. I slid into the car and smoothed my dress. As I watched him walk around the front of the car I felt butterflies in my stomach. He climbed in and started the engine. He backed out of the driveway and started towards the main road. We drove in silence for a while until he spoke up. "So how was work today?" He asked slowly. "It was busy but good. Today was a good day for many of the kids." He nodded. "How was practice?" I asked. "Good" he answered. I rested my head against the cool window and closed my eyes. After a few moments I felt his hand on my thigh, prickles of electricity tickled up my leg, but my eyes remained closed. "Something wrong?" He asked. I shook my head slowly. "Nothing" I said now smiling. "Just making sure" he said. I put my hand on his and he curled his fingers around mine. I stared out the window until we got to the restaurant. He parked the car on a small side street and opened my door for me like the perfect gentlemen. He slipped his hand around my waist as we entered the restaurant. I was not surprised at all of how fast we were seated and served our drinks. "So, is there any specific reason why you brought me to this fancy restaurant in the middle of the week?" I asked slowly sipping my wine and glaring at him over the rim of the glass. He cheeks grew red as he shook his head slowly. "An apology I guess" he half stammered. I raised my eyebrows and titled my head, “Elaborate." He rolled his eyes at me. "You understand I have commitments, and sometimes those commitments get in the way of my social life. You know I didn't mean to leave you like I did, it was stupid and selfish and just... Well not good at all" he said. "You only left to go to practice the other day, it’s not that big of a deal” I said seeing hurt in his eyes. He shook his head and slipped his hand into mine. "I'm not talking about me leaving to go to practice. I'm talking about when I left you for to come here." He whispered the last words so slowly that I strained myself to hear. My breath caught in my throat, a flashback of the yelling, the tears, the begging, and of his figure walking out of my life rocked through my head. I closed my eyes and shuddered. He shook my hand and I snapped back into reality. He reached up to me and took my chin in his hand. "Pey I never forgave myself. And every time I see you it kills me to know that I hurt you that bad. I want to promise you that I will never leave you again, but I can't because it’s like I'm gone every other week. And it isn't fair to you that I'm gone all the time" he sighed. I put my fingers over his lips. "I understand you have to go away, it’s your job. You are obligated. But if you want to promise me anything, promise me that you will never leave me like you did" I shivered again, "promise me you won't break my heart again." My voice broke at the last words and I felt my heart strings being pulled at. "I promise" he whispered. His gaze narrowed and he leaned in towards me. His lips pressed to mine carefully, like he was afraid that I would break. I kissed him back a little harder and I could feel him smiling. He pulled away slowly and leaned his forehead on mine. "I love you Pey" he whispered. I didn't know what else to say, so I mumbled that I loved him too into his lips and kissed him again.*He brought me home and pulled into the driveway. He turned towards me and pulled my face into his hands. He kissed me softly and pulled away. "I had a great time tonight" he half whispered. I nodded slowly, "me too." He kissed me again and pulled away. "You aren't staying?" I asked. He looked down quickly and back into my eyes. Then his crooked smile grew on his face. "If I stay, I'm never going to leave." I laughed and he smiled a devilish grin. I leaned in to kiss him again and reached for the handle. He pulled my hand away quickly and I laughed, breaking the kiss. "Goodnight" I said. He was still smiling, "goodnight." I hopped out of the car and gave him one last look. "I'll call you sooner than later" he said. I nodded and walked a little quicker to the door then I would normally. I stepped into the house and closed the door behind me. I leaned back against the door and sighed. I pressed my fingers to my lips. I could still feel the heat where his lips had been.

GOOD NEWS FOR READERS

Hello all!

I know it has been an extremely long time since I've updated. But good news, I have been typing away for the past few days and have come up with some of the best ideas for BOTH of my stories. Yup, a new chapter of Letting Love In.

Stay tuned this weekend for updates.
And more will be added during thanksgiving break.

:)

*Kat

Back to the swing of things

As most of you know, everyone is getting back to school soon. I actually start in 2 weeks, but I am starting dance classes again. I have classes 4 days a week, right after school until late at night. I am also taking up a babysitting job to get some money in the bank.

I am deeply sorry to all of my readers, but I don't think that I will have a lot of time to update. If I do update, it will probably be either late at night or on the weekends.

I will continue more stories though.

Love you all : )

*Kat

More Than A Memory-Ch9

Chapter 9:
It had been three days since I had talked to him. I had a number of texts and voice mails all of him asking me to call, or just reply so that he knew I was ok. I answered one text. I said yes to his question of 'are you still alive'. It was a game night and I had enough of running away from my feelings. I called him during the first period and left him a voice mail. "It’s me. I'll stay up tonight. If you don't show up by 11 I'm not letting you in" I said. I hung up the phone and sighed.The game was over a little after 9:30. He sure had enough time to get here, but with the stupid reporters that never leave him alone, I knew he would cut it close. I stayed on my couch enjoying re-runs of my favorite soap opera, General Hospital, on Soap Net. I heard the doorbell ring. I looked at the clock on the far wall. It was 11:06. I walked down the stairs to the door. I pulled open the blinds and stood there looking at him. "It’s passed 11" I said loudly through the large glass window. He rolled his eyes at me. "I'm sorry" he said, half mocking me. "You heard what I said in the message" I said flatly. "I'm not even 10 minutes over" he said looking at his cell phone. I looked at him. Standing there in the dark. His face was illuminated by the light from my entry way, he looked tired, and annoyed. "Peyton please let me in" he cried, "its freezing out here!" I hesitated and then pulled the blinds shut. I heard an angry sigh, and then I unlocked the door and opened it. He stepped in and followed me up the stairs. I grabbed a blanket off of the back of the couch, wrapped it tightly around myself and sat down on the couch. He sat down across from me on a reclined chair. He was silent for a minute and then he sighed and looked up at me."I'm sorry" he said quietly. I just stared at him. I shook my head, "you shouldn't apologize, I was being weird." We were silent for another few minutes. I watched him sink into the chair. He looked at me with tired eyes, and I knew what I had to say.I pulled the blanket around me, like to build up a safety wall around myself. I took a breath and closed my eyes. "I still love you" I whispered. I had spoken so softly that I didn't think he heard me. After a few seconds he stood up and walked over to me. He sat down next to me and pulled my face into his hands. "I've been waiting to hear you say those words again" he whispered. His caramel gaze searched mine. I felt like this was home. He leaned forward to kiss my forehead. I relaxed into him as he pulled me close to him. I stretched the blanket out over his legs and put my head on his chest. I felt his steady breathing and his index finger making slow circles on my hip. I felt his muscles relax one by one until I looked up at him and his eyes were closed. I shook his arms gently and he opened his eyes to look down at me. "Sid you fell asleep" I said quietly. "You should go home and get some sleep." He shook his head as I stood up. "Can I stay here?" He asked warily, "I'm too tired to drive home." "Sure" I said, my heart beat racing as he stretched, showing his perfectly chiseled abs. He grabbed another blanket and started to stretch out on the couch. He stopped when he saw me staring at him. "Come on" I said. He followed me upstairs to my room and climbed under the sheets. My body found his and he wrapped his arms around my waist. He kissed me on the temple and I put my hand on his heart.He smiled and nuzzled his head into my neck. Within seconds, he was asleep again.

More Than A Memory-Ch8

Chapter 8:
I was busy at work, and I was glad. It kept my mind off things. My lunch break was the first time I got to look at my cell phone all morning. I had one new voice mail. I looked at my missed call list and saw that Sidney had put his number in. I ignored it. I couldn't deal with him now. I ate quickly and continued working until about 6:30. I got to my car and picked up my phone to order myself a pizza. I had 6 missed calls. Can you guess who they were from? I ignored them again. I hurried to get home and put on my sweats. I turned on the TV and flipped channels. I found the game and decided to watch it. I sighed and shoved a piece of pizza in my mouth while I watched him being interviewed. He was so focused. It pissed me off. How could he be this calm and dandy when things apparently weren't right with him? Whatever. I was grownup now; I could handle this like an adult. Too bad my teenage feelings were creeping up on me.*It was the second intermission and I was in the kitchen washing dishes when my phone rang. I looked at the caller ID. It was him. He never made calls during games. I gave in and picked up the phone. "Hello" I said softly. "Why haven't you been picking up? Are you alright? You aren't hurt are you? Are you sick?" his voice was bellowing through the speaker, he sounded out of breath. "No" I said flatly, "I was uh... Busy" I lied. "Pey listen I don't have much time but I wanted to tell you that I didn't leave because of you this morning I just had early practice and I didn't want to be all weird and walk into the bathroom while you were showering and stuff and" I stopped him. "Whatever" I said into the phone. "Don't be like this" he pleaded, "Please. I told you I want to fix this. I hurt you once and I never want to do it again. I swear I'll make it up to you." I sighed. "Sidney you need to focus on your game" I said, it was forced. "The game doesn't matter to me now. You're what matters. I need to know that you understand. I need to know that you feel the same way I do about you" his voice was frantic and I could barely understand him, he was speaking so fast. "Sidney I understand that you have obligations. But I have obligations too. I just don't think that right now is the time to be dealing with this" I said. I didn't know why I was pushing him away. I loved him. He apparently had similar feelings. I knew I had hit a bad spot when he started talking again. "You can't just tell me to sleep over your house, then get all close to me, then kiss me last night, and kiss me this morning and tell me you don't feel the same way" he cried. I swallowed hard. He was right. I shut my eyes tight as I spoke. "Now is not the time" I said quietly. I heard him suck in a breath with frustration. "When is the time?" He asked slowly. "I don't know" I said. Then I hit the red phone and hung up. What the hell was wrong with me?I left the dishes in the sink and went to sit down on the couch. The FSN guy called on Sidney for the interview. He appeared red faced and breathing heavily. He was asked a question and answered sharply, his eyes piercing the screen. It’s like he knew I was watching. He lifted his hand to rub his chin, his knuckles were white. I imagine they were in fists. He stormed off after the last question and slammed the locker room door. He was angry. I was upset. This reunion was going great.

More Than A Memory-Ch7

Chapter 7:
I followed him up the stairs and found myself gazing at his ass. I felt my face flush as I reached the top of the staircase and he asked if something was wrong. I stuttered, "Um, um nothing." He shrugged it off and went to sit on the couch. I asked if he wanted anything else to eat. “Do you have any cookies?” he asked in all seriousness. “I have Oreos” I said. He smiled, “My favorite.” I boiled myself more water for tea, and then joined him in the living room. I turned off the light and sank into the couch next to him. I handed him the box. He finished his dearest cookies a few minutes later. he looked over at me and I turned my head to him. “You know, you were right about staying here. I forgot you are always right” he said in a bit of a mocking tone. I shot him a look and went to hit him on the arm, but he caught my hand and pulled me to him. He poked my stomach causing me to screech, with him laughing the whole time. I settled down and we ended up looking at each other for a few moments. My hand was still in his, it was familiar, and gave me butterflies.
I slid over and leaned into him. I curled my legs to my chest and put my head on his chest. His left arm held me tightly and I put hand on his thigh. I slowly melted into him. After a few minutes I looked up at him. He looked down and smiled softly at me. Without thinking I leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. He was silent as I leaned back into him. His grip tightened around me and our breathing became in sync. The movie ended shortly and when I looked up at Sidney, he was fast asleep. I pulled a blanket off the back of the couch and covered him up. I traced his jaw line with my index finger and it found its way to his lips. I watched him sleeping and I realized I still loved him. I leaned forward and kissed his lips gently. I watched him for a moment and then went up to my room. I pulled back my covers and slipped into the warm flannel sheets. I switched my alarm on and the light off. I was laying on my back listening to the sound of Sidney moving around. I remembered the first time I ever met him.Memory--"When I call your name, come and sit at a desk. The desks will be in rows from front to back, one person behind the other" my English teacher said my first day of freshman year. I listened to her call out names, all I could hear was squawking, like the teacher in Charlie Brown. "Peyton Brooks" she said. I walked to my seat and sat down. My bag landed with a thunk on the floor. I was busy looking out the window, longing to be at home by the pool rather in this school, when the boy in front of me turned around handing me a small pile of index cards. "What are these for?" I asked. "Were you listening?" He asked back. "No" I said flatly. He told we were supposed to write what we did during the summer down and we would read them to the class. "That is so 5th grade" I mumbled.That day we became project partners for a major book report that was due in 3 weeks. We had to read the book on our own and write a compare and contrast essay on the hero and villain in the story. The project was hard, but it wouldn't take too long to write. Even though we didn't have to work on it, we did. I found that every day after his practice we would be together. Then after we were finished a few days early we would still be with each other all the time. I realized I was falling for him, fast. I knew he had fallen for me too when he kissed me on the cheek after we learned we got an ‘A’ on the paper.End--It felt like I had only been sleeping for 5 minutes when my alarm clock buzzed loudly at 7:30. I groaned, rolled over then shut it off. I grabbed my sweat shirt off the edge of my bed, threw it on and went downstairs to check on Sidney. I smiled when I saw him laying there, blanket up to his nose, tucked under his chin. He looked like a little kid. I went over and pulled the blanket that fell back on top of him. He let out a breath then snuggled deeper into the couch. I had to fight back lying down with him, but eventually I went upstairs to take my shower. I turned the water on hot, and enjoyed the feeling of it across my shoulders and down my back. I cleaned up quick, dried my hair and put on my clothes. I went downstairs and called out his name from the kitchen. "Sid are you awake?" I called after I didn't get an answer. After more silence I walked into the living room. It was empty. I ran back to the kitchen and out to the small wood balcony. His car wasn't there, and there were tracks through the slushy snow suggesting he left. I stepped back inside. Tears came to my eyes. "How could he just leave?" I thought to myself. I thought about what he said the previous night at dinner. Repeating the words "I can't picture myself with anyone but you" in my head. He had sat with me, I kissed him, I felt all the old feelings. I lost my appetite. I felt like I had been hit by a tractor trailer truck. I sighed and rubbed at my eyes. He either really had to leave, or he didn't feel what I felt.I sighed again and walked back to the living room. There was no note, and he had folded all the blankets neatly in the corner. I sat where he had been lying. I closed my eyes. I could still feel where his lips touched mine. The feeling burned onto my lips and I felt my heart sinking. After a few seconds of wallowing in myself pity, I picked up the blankets to go put back in the closet. Something fell out of the pile. His sweat shirt. I hurried to put the blankets away and then picked up the sweat shirt. I felt the soft material with my fingers; I lifted it to my face and inhaled. I folded it and put it on the island in the kitchen. I grabbed my things and headed off to work.

More Than A Memory-Ch6

Chapter 6:
I rushed out of work. I was kind of nervous, but excited at the same time. I didn't really know what I was getting myself into. When I got to the parking lot I realized that it was snowing. "Great. I bet the roads are going to suck" I said to myself getting into my SUV. "Thank god for 4 wheel drive" I said. Traffic wasn't actually that bad. I was surprised. There were a few people driving like idiots, but hey, that's America. I pulled into my garage and made sure that the snow shovel was in clear reach so I could shovel a pathway to the door. It was only a small dusting, but it was getting heavier by the minute. I turned up the heat when I got up to the kitchen and put my jacket over a chair at the island. I then went up to my room and changed into a pair of sweat pants and a sweat shirt. I pulled on a pair of thick wool socks too."Well he's seen me at my worst" I thought as I put my hair into a messy bun. I went back down to the kitchen and boiled water for a cup of tea while I set the table. He would be there in five minutes, and he was never late. He hated being late. I put on the news after lighting a few candles in the living room. I sat down and listened to the cute weather man talk about how this storm would be pretty heavy overnight, but by 4 in the morning it would come to a stop. I was nervous when I realized that he was running ten minutes late. I had to keep my mind off it, so I grabbed a basket of clean laundry from the basement and starting folding. I was in the middle of pairing socks when the doorbell rang. I took a deep breath and made my way down the stairs. I opened the door to see him standing there in sweat pants and a sweat shirt. We thought alike. He smiled when he stepped in the door."I'm so sorry I'm late" He handed me the box of food, it smelled so good."It’s no problem, I was only starving" I joked. He laughed and slipped his shoes off and followed me up the stairs. "How are the roads?" I asked taking his coat and hanging on another chair. "Not good" he replied, “but the plows are just coming out now." I nodded, "what to drink" I asked opening the fridge to show him the selection. "Um... I'll have a Coke" he said. I took one out for myself and grabbed napkins while he unpacked the box. "There was like no one getting food tonight" he said. "Yeah, that's because only crazy people go out during snowstorms" I said with a chuckle. He smiled and put my sesame chicken, sticky rice and egg roll on the plate. "Thanks for this" I said. He took a bite of his chicken and said, with his mouth full, "anytime." I see he hadn't broken that habit yet. “Nice place” he said. I thanked him. We ate in silence for a few minutes and then he spoke up. "So how was work today?" He asked. "It was good. Your visit was a hit. All the kids were so happy to see you guys" I replied. "I'm glad" he said. We started talking about common things, talking like we were old friends. Which we technically were. Pretty soon we were done with our dinners. We reached for a fortune cookie at the same time. Then like we used to, we broke the cookies and switched the fortunes with each other. I sighed and rolled my eyes when I read mine. 'Forgiveness brings happiness'. Did this fortune know my situation or what?"What's yours say?" He asked looking over his little paper at me. "Forgiveness brings happiness" I said. His eyebrows raised and a small smile crept to his face. "Yours?" I then asked. "It says that luck is in my immediate future" he said, eyebrows furrowing. "I don't really understand it though, I didn't buy a lottery ticket or anything" he said. I laughed even though his joke wasn’t funny.A few moments went by and I could feel my heartbeat in my ears as I began to speak. "So ... I liked the flowers you sent" I said, looking away from him, but then back up to meet his caramel gaze. He looked away. "I didn't think you had gotten them." I shrugged my shoulders and put on a straight face. "I've been really busy with work for the past few weeks" I lied, "that's why I couldn't get back to you." He nodded, and then let out a sigh. "Peyton, I'm sorry that I ever left you. But had to leave you, you know that" he started. But I interrupted him, "I know you had to leave, but you didn't have to leave me the way you did. You came to my house with no warning and said you were leaving. I thought you would at least be with me for three more weeks." He shot me an annoyed look. "Can you let me finish what I was saying?" He asked. I just looked at him. "I was going to say, I regret leaving you like I did. I never forgave myself and everyday for months after I came here, that picture kept rolling through my head. I felt so horrible Pey. I called your house all the time, but your parents said it wasn't a good idea to talk to you. I didn't know what else to do. Then you shut me down at the coffee house, I felt like I would never be able to fix this. To fix us" he said. I still didn't say anything. He took a deep breath. "I know it sounds so cliché, but I just can't picture myself with anyone but you. I tried to forget about you" I winced and felt a tug at my heart “but I would always push people that I met away because I thought that maybe, I hoped that someday you would give me another chance." He finally looked into my eyes. I could see he was sincere. Hearing those words out of his mouth made my mind start racing. Before I could think of what to do, I acted on instinct. I reached for his hand and held it in mine. It was bigger than I remembered. "Do you mean that?" I asked. He nodded slowly, his gaze never leaving mine. I looked away and took my hand back. He stood up and began putting dishes into the dishwasher and told me to 'go relax'. He meant it; he could probably tell that I was exhausted. I turned on the TV and the news was still on. I listened to the man and women speak."There are reports of major accidents on both highways and roads. Traffic is backed up everywhere, causing more accidents. There is ice and snow on the roads making driving conditions very dangerous. We are telling you now, seriously, do not go out anywhere if you don't have to. The roads are too dangerous right now and your safety could be at risk" the man said. I imagined Sidney driving and getting hurt. I could not bear the thought of that. He walked into the living room holding his jacket. "Its late. I should get going" he said. I shook my head, "I can't let you leave" I said softly pointing to the TV. He listened for a minute. "Come on Pey, it’s just a little snow" he said and started walking down the stairs. I got up and ran after him. "Sidney you are not leaving here tonight. You can't risk getting hurt. You can stay in the living room. I’ll give you blankets and make you breakfast tomorrow and let you use my shower" I said trying to get around him. He was like a brick wall, strong and sturdy. But I snuck in front of him and stood right in front of the door, my hands spread out over it. "Peyton, move." He said but I didn't budge. His gaze narrowed at me. "Look the only way you are leaving is if you forcefully move me" I began, wrong thing to say though, he could easily pick me up. "If you moved me forcefully I would file assault on you and then you would be in a lot of trouble." He rolled his eyes, "enough with the drama" he said. He went to reach for the door handle and I slapped his hand away. "Sidney Patrick you are not leaving here. I cannot be held responsible for you being hurt. I know you think that you are a safe driver, but seriously, you know that other people aren't as careful as you" I was rambling now. He needed to stay, he couldn't leave. He looked out the window and sighed dropping his shoes. "Fine." He said, but I could tell he didn't have a real problem with staying here. He was too stubborn to admit it. I didn't really have a problem with it either, but I didn't let him see that.