Chapter 21:
As we were walking into the grocery store I grabbed his arm, “Sid you’re going to get mobbed.” “No I’m not” he said grabbing a cart and pushing it through the large sliding doors. “You just won the cup, and now your grocery shopping. I think you’re going to get mobbed.” He shook his head and pushed me gently forward. We walked passed a few people and he pulled his hat down a little more, “What kind do you want?” he asked motioning to what seemed like an endless display of fruits and vegetables. I got the staples, including blueberries which he fake gagged at as I put them in the cart. I stuck my tongue out at him and pushed the cart forward. Of course they have pastries all over the place, and every one that we came to I almost have to pry it out of his hands. “I don’t have to eat healthy anymore!” “So what? I know you aren’t going to do shit but ride your Jet Ski and watch TV all summer. You have to keep an eye on this” I said patting his stomach and picking up 2 all natural organic whole wheat loaves of bread. He exhaled, “Your right about the not doing shit part.” I laughed and laced my arm with his as we weaved in and out of the aisles.
We approached the ice cream section and Sidney suddenly stiffened. The cart jerked and he coughed then he proceeded forward. “What?” I asked, figuring he was avoiding one of his cravings. “Nothing” he said a little too quickly. All of a sudden I heard a high pitched voice behind us. “Siddy? Is that you? Oh my gosh it is you! I had like no idea you would be up here this time of year! What are you doing back so soon? Shouldn’t you be celebrating?” He stood there with a fake smile plastered on his face. “Hayley, um, hi” he said as I turned around. I was met with the face of a tall blonde, fake tanned and boobs done, looking like an idiot wearing a shirt about 4 sizes too small and shorts the same, with Ugg boots in the 90 degree weather. She looked down at me briefly and then back to him. “So what’s up?” she asked switching her basket on her arms and flipping her hair over her orange shoulder. “Nothing just you know, shopping.” He pointed to the cart and she threw her head back laughing. “What a coincidence, me too!” she joked. “That’s usually what people do at a grocery store” I muttered. She now turned her attention to me. “So, who is this?” she said in a fake friendly tone. “This is my girlfriend Peyton Brooks. And Peyton this is my uh, ex girlfriend Hayley.” I wasn’t surprised, of course he found other girls, but ones like this I didn’t expect. “Yeah so what are you doing up here anyway? I mean New York is pretty nice right now” he said, now not being so friendly. “Well I really liked it up here so I bought an apartment for the summer and stuff…” she trailed off, suddenly the conversation grew awkward. “Oh nice” he said. Her cell phone rang. “Saved by the bell” I muttered again. Sid heard this and brushed his shoulder against me. A few seconds later she closed her phone. “Sorry I have to get going, but maybe we can get together with everyone soon? It would be so much fun! And you can come too Paxton.” My mouth hung open and she gave Sid a kiss on the cheek and scurried down the aisle and out of sight.
“Don’t even say anything… Paxton” he half joked as we proceeded through the aisle. I just shook my head. “Low point” he said. For once I trusted him fully, and there was no doubt in my mind he wouldn’t have any feelings for that… thing… again, so I laughed and kissed his cheek. “Ok… Orange juice.”
*
Two hours later we were lying in his bed, which was damn comfortable. All the windows were open and we could hear the sounds of summer on the water echoing off the walls. He had his arms around my waist and his head on my chest. “Are you relaxed yet?” his throat vibrated against my ribs making me shiver. “We’ve only been here for a few hours.” “And are you relaxed yet.” “No. Ask me after I do nothing for a whole day.” “Done. But we kind of have one thing to do tomorrow.” “And that is?” “Dinner. With uh, my parents.” Before I could respond he kissed me softly and carefully on the lips. “I’m tired, goodnight. I love you!” I decided against asking any of my questions, because I knew he would just pretend to be asleep already and not answer them. So I snuggled against his warm body and tried to relax. But really, ex girlfriend and parents in the first two days of vacation… that’s really relaxing.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
More Than A Memory-Ch20
Sorry about the lack of updates, school is over finally, but unfortunately I still have rehearsals all of the summer. I know this one is short, and doesn't contain much of an interesting story line, but I just wanted to set up the scene for what will be happening in the next 2 weeks (story time). I'm having a writing frenzy right now so look for more tomorrow! Thanks so much for the feedback and keep it coming please!
*Kat
P.S. STANLEY CUP CHAMPS, HELL YES.
Chapter 20:
He had won the Stanley Cup. And what a month it had been. From me jumping on him when he finally came home, then icing his knee and helping him, to watching him ride on the truck in that parade… it had been a whirlwind experience for us both. I had never been happier in my entire life.
Two weeks later I stood in our bedroom looking at my suitcase which was stuffed full of clothes for two weeks, well more than that. He had convinced me to take two weeks’ vacation and go up to Canada with him to relax, something he said that I wasn’t doing enough of. I heard his footsteps coming and I put my hand against my forehead, he had been rushing me through this whole packing process. “What’s wrong?” he asked from the doorway. “I know I’m forgetting something.” He bent down, zipped up the suitcase and picked it up, grunting while doing so. “Pey, seriously. It doesn’t feel like you forgot anything, besides don’t worry about it.” “What do you mean don’t worry about it?” “I’m saying if you forgot something we can just go buy it, no big deal.” He smiled and dragged the suitcase out of the room and down the stairs.
*
It was around 6 when we arrived at his house, which was bigger than the house back in Pittsburgh. Why was it so big when he only used it for a few months? “It was my first big purchase, I had to make it worthwhile” he said as he unlocked the huge mahogany door. “Wow” I said as I looked at what I saw. The foyer was large, and had a cathedral ceiling complete with chandelier. The stair case was circled along the opposite wall and led down a hallway that couldn’t be seen from the bottom. You could chose to go either to the left or right down a hallway from the foyer and I chose right. We walked along the shiny hardwoods towards the back of the house which opened up into a very large kitchen with a dining room off to the left and a very cozy looking, large, living area with a sectional couch and 2 recliners surrounding the fire place. I noticed there was no TV. “This is nice” I said running my fingers along the brown colored wall. “Want to know what’s so cool about this room?” I nodded as he picked up a remote. He smiled and pressed a button on the remote and his grin grew as we watched a flat screen TV appear out of the fireplace. “Cool eh?” I snorted at him and went to explore the rest of the house.
I went back to the foyer and took the other hallway. This hallway was smaller. I found a large office on the left complete with a very full bookshelf along the complete back wall behind the large desk. At the end of the hallway there was a large door that when I opened it there was a small landing zone with a doorway to a large bedroom off to the left and a full bathroom to the left. “Guest wing” I muttered and turned to go upstairs. The carpet of that hallway was plushy and soft, which was good to wake up to rather than the hard cold wood and tile downstairs.
There were 2 bedrooms off to the right side of the hallway, each with a window seat and a view of the water and woods. There was a shared bathroom between them, with double sinks and separate storage for each person. For a second I could picture two little girls laughing and splashing with each other as their dad gave them a bath. I caught myself by surprise and shook the images out of my head. On the other side of the hallway was another smaller bedroom with its own smaller bathroom. “How many bathrooms are there in this place?” I said aloud as I walked to the other side of the room. I smiled and nodded as I opened the double doors to a nice size closet that could easily be fitted with shelving by California. I then ventured to the end of the upstairs and walked into a room that looked like a sanctuary straight out of a magazine.
The room was huge and one wall was completely glass, with double doors leading to a balcony that overlooked a beautiful view of the water and the dock. Opposite of the glass windows was a king sized bed that was a few feet higher than normal and had four posts and a wooden canopy frame. The bedding was white and crème and fluffy. I laughed picturing Sid sleeping in the fluffy bedding by himself… and then I thought of him sharing it with someone else. For the second time in 5 minutes I shook pictures out of my head and continued on.
I met him downstairs in the kitchen; he was flipping through what seemed like a hundred pieces of mail. I sat down on a barstool, “I’m hungry.” He laughed, “Well I hope you aren’t dying of starvation.” “What?” “Go look in the fridge.” I got up and opened the door. The only things in it were a package of baking soda and the waters he brought in his suitcase. “Pantry?” I asked. He pointed towards a door and I opened it. There was some charcoal for the grill, lighter and 2 boxes of white rice. “You have got to be kidding me” I said. He smiled and grabbed his keys off the table. “Come on, let’s go to the store.”
*Kat
P.S. STANLEY CUP CHAMPS, HELL YES.
Chapter 20:
He had won the Stanley Cup. And what a month it had been. From me jumping on him when he finally came home, then icing his knee and helping him, to watching him ride on the truck in that parade… it had been a whirlwind experience for us both. I had never been happier in my entire life.
Two weeks later I stood in our bedroom looking at my suitcase which was stuffed full of clothes for two weeks, well more than that. He had convinced me to take two weeks’ vacation and go up to Canada with him to relax, something he said that I wasn’t doing enough of. I heard his footsteps coming and I put my hand against my forehead, he had been rushing me through this whole packing process. “What’s wrong?” he asked from the doorway. “I know I’m forgetting something.” He bent down, zipped up the suitcase and picked it up, grunting while doing so. “Pey, seriously. It doesn’t feel like you forgot anything, besides don’t worry about it.” “What do you mean don’t worry about it?” “I’m saying if you forgot something we can just go buy it, no big deal.” He smiled and dragged the suitcase out of the room and down the stairs.
*
It was around 6 when we arrived at his house, which was bigger than the house back in Pittsburgh. Why was it so big when he only used it for a few months? “It was my first big purchase, I had to make it worthwhile” he said as he unlocked the huge mahogany door. “Wow” I said as I looked at what I saw. The foyer was large, and had a cathedral ceiling complete with chandelier. The stair case was circled along the opposite wall and led down a hallway that couldn’t be seen from the bottom. You could chose to go either to the left or right down a hallway from the foyer and I chose right. We walked along the shiny hardwoods towards the back of the house which opened up into a very large kitchen with a dining room off to the left and a very cozy looking, large, living area with a sectional couch and 2 recliners surrounding the fire place. I noticed there was no TV. “This is nice” I said running my fingers along the brown colored wall. “Want to know what’s so cool about this room?” I nodded as he picked up a remote. He smiled and pressed a button on the remote and his grin grew as we watched a flat screen TV appear out of the fireplace. “Cool eh?” I snorted at him and went to explore the rest of the house.
I went back to the foyer and took the other hallway. This hallway was smaller. I found a large office on the left complete with a very full bookshelf along the complete back wall behind the large desk. At the end of the hallway there was a large door that when I opened it there was a small landing zone with a doorway to a large bedroom off to the left and a full bathroom to the left. “Guest wing” I muttered and turned to go upstairs. The carpet of that hallway was plushy and soft, which was good to wake up to rather than the hard cold wood and tile downstairs.
There were 2 bedrooms off to the right side of the hallway, each with a window seat and a view of the water and woods. There was a shared bathroom between them, with double sinks and separate storage for each person. For a second I could picture two little girls laughing and splashing with each other as their dad gave them a bath. I caught myself by surprise and shook the images out of my head. On the other side of the hallway was another smaller bedroom with its own smaller bathroom. “How many bathrooms are there in this place?” I said aloud as I walked to the other side of the room. I smiled and nodded as I opened the double doors to a nice size closet that could easily be fitted with shelving by California. I then ventured to the end of the upstairs and walked into a room that looked like a sanctuary straight out of a magazine.
The room was huge and one wall was completely glass, with double doors leading to a balcony that overlooked a beautiful view of the water and the dock. Opposite of the glass windows was a king sized bed that was a few feet higher than normal and had four posts and a wooden canopy frame. The bedding was white and crème and fluffy. I laughed picturing Sid sleeping in the fluffy bedding by himself… and then I thought of him sharing it with someone else. For the second time in 5 minutes I shook pictures out of my head and continued on.
I met him downstairs in the kitchen; he was flipping through what seemed like a hundred pieces of mail. I sat down on a barstool, “I’m hungry.” He laughed, “Well I hope you aren’t dying of starvation.” “What?” “Go look in the fridge.” I got up and opened the door. The only things in it were a package of baking soda and the waters he brought in his suitcase. “Pantry?” I asked. He pointed towards a door and I opened it. There was some charcoal for the grill, lighter and 2 boxes of white rice. “You have got to be kidding me” I said. He smiled and grabbed his keys off the table. “Come on, let’s go to the store.”
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
More Than A Memory-Ch19
Chapter 19:
It was unusually warm for the beginning of May. As soon as I woke up I could feel that humid summer stickiness glazing my skin. I rolled over to see Sidney's face covered with the bright sunlight that was filling the room. I found it hard to wake him up from his content slumber, but I softly poked him in the shoulder. He stirred and I poked him again. "Sid, wake up." He groaned as he stretched out a bit, his arms curling around my waist pulling me closer to him. "5 more minutes" he said into my hair. I accepted his offer and laid there listening to his slow breathing. I looked over his shoulder at the clock and realized I had actually given him 10 minutes. I started to untwist myself from him, but he pulled against me.
"Come on, can't we just sleep for a few more hours" he whined like a child. "No." "Why not?" "Because it is 75 degrees and I don't have to work, so I have a place to be." "And where is that?" He asked, looking defeated. "Outside."
After I ate breakfast, I changed into a bright yellow shorts and a crisp white tank top. I sauntered downstairs to find Sid sitting in front of the TV, shirtless with his feet up and a glass of orange juice in his hand. "I need to borrow your car." I stated from the kitchen. He turned around and looked at me. "Where are you going?" He asked taking a sip of juice. "Home Depot." He half choked on his juice and started laughing. "What do you need to go to Home Depot for?" I frowned, "Garden supplies." His laughing stopped once he realized I didn't need any sort of tool; I didn't have a good reputation with those sorts of things.
Memory (Junior Year)-
Bang. Bang. Bang. “Ow. Shit!” Bang. Bang.
“What are you doing?” I turned around my thumb in my mouth and a hammer in my hand and saw Sidney staring at me, wide eyed, like I was a monster. “What does it look like I’m doing?” “I don’t know. That’s why I asked.” I picked up a book that was on the other side of a workstation in my dad’s garage. “How to Build a Bluebird House...” he read off the front cover a small smile creeping onto his face, “And you are doing this because?” “It’s for my ecology class. We are all taking a trip in 2 days to a nature preserve that has an over populated Bluebird population and they need more houses. So we all had to get one. I figured I would be original and organic, in a way, and make my own.” I wiped at my forehead and glanced outside at the in ground pool that was calling my name. “Oh, well that is very nice of you” he said, running his fingers across some wood.
“Ow! Pey, did you sand this?” “Why would I put sand on it, Sid?” He rolled his eyes and pulled a small piece of wood out of his finger. “You don’t put sand on it genius. You rub the wood with sandpaper to make it smooth so you don’t get splinters, like I just did.” I felt my cheeks flush and I turned away, looking at the few pieces of wood I had been putting together in no certain order with a hammer and about 50 nails. It looked nothing like the picture on the front of the book, or any other birdhouse I had ever seen for that matter.
“Do you want some help?” I turned around and nodded at him sheepishly. He smiled and came towards me, pulling on the apron I was wearing. “What is this? Iron Chef?” “I didn’t want to get my clothes dirty!” He laughed and pulled it off, “Those clothes already look dirty enough.” I looked down at my ripped jeans with fake paint splatters on them and my white t-shirt with the collar cut out. “You’re right” I said. He picked up a hair elastic off of the bench and gave it to me. I put my hair up in a sloppy ponytail as he picked up the birdhouse book and threw it in the garbage.
That day we spent 3 hours making a bluebird house, painted a crisp white with a blue roof, a heart shaped entrance/exit hole, and a golden rod to stand on in the front.
"Oh, well sure the keys are in the middle consol." "Okay." I slipped on my flip flops, grabbed my sunglasses and purse and kissed Sid on the cheek. "I'll be back, um, I don't know when. But I'll be back." I said. He smiled, “Okay, I'll be here."
*
"Your total comes to 758 dollars and 34 cents." I watched the older man swipe the gold card through the machine and I could hear Sidney's voice in my head. "What kind of plants did you buy that cost 700 dollars?" He would only be a little upset because he wasn't really the big yard decorator and thought the simple shrub would do. My attention snapped back to the register as he slapped the receipt that seemed to be two feet long down on the counter asking me to sign it. I signed it and thanked him, pushing the very full and heavy two carts to the car.
*
Two hours after I had left I backed up the driveway and shut the car off. He met me in the driveway. "So, what did you get?" He asked. "Oh, not much" I replied. He opened the back hatch and started laughing. "Not much, only a few hundred flowers." I laughed and started to take everything out and laid it out on the edge of the driveway and the grass. He followed me and asked if there was anything he could do to help this surge of exterior decorating. "Well I don’t really see you as the whole ‘gardener’ type, so…” I looked around the yard, which seemed so much larger, “Maybe cut the grass?”
“Anything for you Martha.”
It was unusually warm for the beginning of May. As soon as I woke up I could feel that humid summer stickiness glazing my skin. I rolled over to see Sidney's face covered with the bright sunlight that was filling the room. I found it hard to wake him up from his content slumber, but I softly poked him in the shoulder. He stirred and I poked him again. "Sid, wake up." He groaned as he stretched out a bit, his arms curling around my waist pulling me closer to him. "5 more minutes" he said into my hair. I accepted his offer and laid there listening to his slow breathing. I looked over his shoulder at the clock and realized I had actually given him 10 minutes. I started to untwist myself from him, but he pulled against me.
"Come on, can't we just sleep for a few more hours" he whined like a child. "No." "Why not?" "Because it is 75 degrees and I don't have to work, so I have a place to be." "And where is that?" He asked, looking defeated. "Outside."
After I ate breakfast, I changed into a bright yellow shorts and a crisp white tank top. I sauntered downstairs to find Sid sitting in front of the TV, shirtless with his feet up and a glass of orange juice in his hand. "I need to borrow your car." I stated from the kitchen. He turned around and looked at me. "Where are you going?" He asked taking a sip of juice. "Home Depot." He half choked on his juice and started laughing. "What do you need to go to Home Depot for?" I frowned, "Garden supplies." His laughing stopped once he realized I didn't need any sort of tool; I didn't have a good reputation with those sorts of things.
Memory (Junior Year)-
Bang. Bang. Bang. “Ow. Shit!” Bang. Bang.
“What are you doing?” I turned around my thumb in my mouth and a hammer in my hand and saw Sidney staring at me, wide eyed, like I was a monster. “What does it look like I’m doing?” “I don’t know. That’s why I asked.” I picked up a book that was on the other side of a workstation in my dad’s garage. “How to Build a Bluebird House...” he read off the front cover a small smile creeping onto his face, “And you are doing this because?” “It’s for my ecology class. We are all taking a trip in 2 days to a nature preserve that has an over populated Bluebird population and they need more houses. So we all had to get one. I figured I would be original and organic, in a way, and make my own.” I wiped at my forehead and glanced outside at the in ground pool that was calling my name. “Oh, well that is very nice of you” he said, running his fingers across some wood.
“Ow! Pey, did you sand this?” “Why would I put sand on it, Sid?” He rolled his eyes and pulled a small piece of wood out of his finger. “You don’t put sand on it genius. You rub the wood with sandpaper to make it smooth so you don’t get splinters, like I just did.” I felt my cheeks flush and I turned away, looking at the few pieces of wood I had been putting together in no certain order with a hammer and about 50 nails. It looked nothing like the picture on the front of the book, or any other birdhouse I had ever seen for that matter.
“Do you want some help?” I turned around and nodded at him sheepishly. He smiled and came towards me, pulling on the apron I was wearing. “What is this? Iron Chef?” “I didn’t want to get my clothes dirty!” He laughed and pulled it off, “Those clothes already look dirty enough.” I looked down at my ripped jeans with fake paint splatters on them and my white t-shirt with the collar cut out. “You’re right” I said. He picked up a hair elastic off of the bench and gave it to me. I put my hair up in a sloppy ponytail as he picked up the birdhouse book and threw it in the garbage.
That day we spent 3 hours making a bluebird house, painted a crisp white with a blue roof, a heart shaped entrance/exit hole, and a golden rod to stand on in the front.
"Oh, well sure the keys are in the middle consol." "Okay." I slipped on my flip flops, grabbed my sunglasses and purse and kissed Sid on the cheek. "I'll be back, um, I don't know when. But I'll be back." I said. He smiled, “Okay, I'll be here."
*
"Your total comes to 758 dollars and 34 cents." I watched the older man swipe the gold card through the machine and I could hear Sidney's voice in my head. "What kind of plants did you buy that cost 700 dollars?" He would only be a little upset because he wasn't really the big yard decorator and thought the simple shrub would do. My attention snapped back to the register as he slapped the receipt that seemed to be two feet long down on the counter asking me to sign it. I signed it and thanked him, pushing the very full and heavy two carts to the car.
*
Two hours after I had left I backed up the driveway and shut the car off. He met me in the driveway. "So, what did you get?" He asked. "Oh, not much" I replied. He opened the back hatch and started laughing. "Not much, only a few hundred flowers." I laughed and started to take everything out and laid it out on the edge of the driveway and the grass. He followed me and asked if there was anything he could do to help this surge of exterior decorating. "Well I don’t really see you as the whole ‘gardener’ type, so…” I looked around the yard, which seemed so much larger, “Maybe cut the grass?”
“Anything for you Martha.”
Saturday, May 16, 2009
More Than A Memory-Ch18
Short again, sorry. More to come soon! I promise!
Chapter 18:
The last 4 months had been a whirlwind.
After Christmas we went to a New Year’s party at the Lemieux’s where Nathalie had a little too much wine and Sidney convinced me that we leave at 11:45 because he was “tired” when he really had a blanket and such set up outside next to the fireplace. He dragged me out into the cold and wrapped me in his arms, kissing me softly as we heard the mumbled countdown in the background, and then fireworks shooting off a few houses down.
Then there was Valentine’s Day where he felt bad because he had a game, but he treated me to a full day at the spa and dinner at my favorite Italian restaurant and ended having dessert at home…
My birthday was in March on a Sunday, he made me breakfast in bed and said he would give me whatever I wanted, which I told him was not a fair trade because he gave me what I wanted all the time anyway, he argued with me saying that today was different and when I tried to argue he kissed away my worries. That same day I went to go see my mother who was visiting, but I couldn’t find my keys and I opened the garage door to a black BMW coupe. At first I swore at him for being so bold with his purchases, but then he said he felt guilty because when he borrowed my car that he accidentally hit a fire hydrant and “scratched” the bumper. I rolled my eyes at him and he pushed me towards the car saying it as a gift and I shouldn’t complain. He still doesn’t know that I took the bill and paid half.
But in between those good times were the losing streak, and the coaching change, and the trade. During that time and on game nights I would wake up at 2 in the morning to cool sheets next to me, and I would see the light on downstairs and hear the faint sound of Steigy’s voice. I would then trek down the stairs, pry the remote out of his hands and listen to him say, “I’m not being paid to lose.” To which I would reply, “You can’t win them all.” Then he would half growl at me because he knew I was right and was too stubborn to admit it. He would lie down in bed, stiff and aggravated, until he slowly relaxed under the touch of my hands, and then would roll over and apologize by kissing me on the forehead and pulling me close.
The next morning I would wake up to go to work and he would be up already, sitting by himself at the dining room table reading the newspaper with the news on and the NHL website brought up on the laptop next to him. I would silently sigh at him while I had something quick to eat before work. He would get up to get another cup of coffee as I was leaving, and after he kissed me goodbye I would walk by the laptop and close it, shutting it off. I could feel him roll his eyes behind me, but I ignored him and walked out of the house like there wasn’t any other care in the world, than being with him.
He did eventually snap out of his “sad” period, and during those times I had never been more in love with him.
Chapter 18:
The last 4 months had been a whirlwind.
After Christmas we went to a New Year’s party at the Lemieux’s where Nathalie had a little too much wine and Sidney convinced me that we leave at 11:45 because he was “tired” when he really had a blanket and such set up outside next to the fireplace. He dragged me out into the cold and wrapped me in his arms, kissing me softly as we heard the mumbled countdown in the background, and then fireworks shooting off a few houses down.
Then there was Valentine’s Day where he felt bad because he had a game, but he treated me to a full day at the spa and dinner at my favorite Italian restaurant and ended having dessert at home…
My birthday was in March on a Sunday, he made me breakfast in bed and said he would give me whatever I wanted, which I told him was not a fair trade because he gave me what I wanted all the time anyway, he argued with me saying that today was different and when I tried to argue he kissed away my worries. That same day I went to go see my mother who was visiting, but I couldn’t find my keys and I opened the garage door to a black BMW coupe. At first I swore at him for being so bold with his purchases, but then he said he felt guilty because when he borrowed my car that he accidentally hit a fire hydrant and “scratched” the bumper. I rolled my eyes at him and he pushed me towards the car saying it as a gift and I shouldn’t complain. He still doesn’t know that I took the bill and paid half.
But in between those good times were the losing streak, and the coaching change, and the trade. During that time and on game nights I would wake up at 2 in the morning to cool sheets next to me, and I would see the light on downstairs and hear the faint sound of Steigy’s voice. I would then trek down the stairs, pry the remote out of his hands and listen to him say, “I’m not being paid to lose.” To which I would reply, “You can’t win them all.” Then he would half growl at me because he knew I was right and was too stubborn to admit it. He would lie down in bed, stiff and aggravated, until he slowly relaxed under the touch of my hands, and then would roll over and apologize by kissing me on the forehead and pulling me close.
The next morning I would wake up to go to work and he would be up already, sitting by himself at the dining room table reading the newspaper with the news on and the NHL website brought up on the laptop next to him. I would silently sigh at him while I had something quick to eat before work. He would get up to get another cup of coffee as I was leaving, and after he kissed me goodbye I would walk by the laptop and close it, shutting it off. I could feel him roll his eyes behind me, but I ignored him and walked out of the house like there wasn’t any other care in the world, than being with him.
He did eventually snap out of his “sad” period, and during those times I had never been more in love with him.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
More Than A Memory-Ch17
So so so sorry for the long wait. Here's a small update.
School ends soon, so I will hopefully be writing A LOT more !
After arguing with him that his goal was indeed illegal, we started over. Of course he got the puck passed me quickly, but I skated after him and did some fancy stick work, which was really just me moving it around quickly, and poked it away from him. I shot it down the few feet past the center line and stuck my tongue out at him as I skated after it. The strides weren't really even though, mine equaling a half of each of his, so he approached it first. I tried blocking him by standing in front of him and reaching around his sides.
"Babe, this isn't basketball" he said laughing and flipping the puck around me, sailing it right into the net. I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, but I don't know how to play defense!" I fake whined, then burst out laughing. He skated and brought the puck back on his stick, placing it between us. "Okay, then I'll teach you." He said getting closer to me. I smiled up at him as he spoke. "You have to get close to the guy, and then make it so they can't move away," he slipped one of his legs around mine and locked it tight, "then you have to block them from seeing anyone to pass to and get a good angle," he bent his head towards me and I felt his hand curl around my waist. "Then you go after your target" he said quietly, then kissing me slowly.
While he kissed me I moved my stick and inch and got the puck on the end. I caught him off guard and brushed my tongue over his bottom lip, I felt his grip loosen and right as he was about to deepen the kiss I skated away with the puck and shot it into the net. "Is that how?" I asked innocently. He shook his head, "That should be a penalty." I laughed and skated back with the puck, meeting him at center ice. We bent over to take another "face off" and he was smiling down at me. "What?" I asked. He didn't say anything but kissed the tip of my nose. "Your a very good defenseman." I laughed and he won the draw. I skated after him and threw a hip check into him to make him lose control. "Ughhh!" He pretend groaned, then hit me causing me to lose my balance and slip. His hands caught me before my feet came out from underneath me. My mouth hung open and he looked down at me, "Sorry. I didn't mean..."
I stood up and regained my balance before pushing him backwards and dropping my stick. He grinned like a cheshire cat and pushed my shoulder back after dropping his stick. I threw my gloves off and went to play hit him again, but he grabbed my fists and held them at my sides. "You really want to go?" He asked in a husky voice. "Mhm" I said getting close to his lips, "Bring it." That grin appeared again and he spun me around and we landed gently on the ice. I was laying on top of him and started hitting his chest as he laughed at me. Soon I gave up and engulfed myself in his lips.
"I think we should go inside" he mumbled onto my lips. "Why?" "I don't want to be arrested for public indecency." We both laughed and got up. I climbed on his back and he carried me back into the house. We took off the skates and he turned me around pressing me into him.
"I love you." "I love you too."
School ends soon, so I will hopefully be writing A LOT more !
After arguing with him that his goal was indeed illegal, we started over. Of course he got the puck passed me quickly, but I skated after him and did some fancy stick work, which was really just me moving it around quickly, and poked it away from him. I shot it down the few feet past the center line and stuck my tongue out at him as I skated after it. The strides weren't really even though, mine equaling a half of each of his, so he approached it first. I tried blocking him by standing in front of him and reaching around his sides.
"Babe, this isn't basketball" he said laughing and flipping the puck around me, sailing it right into the net. I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, but I don't know how to play defense!" I fake whined, then burst out laughing. He skated and brought the puck back on his stick, placing it between us. "Okay, then I'll teach you." He said getting closer to me. I smiled up at him as he spoke. "You have to get close to the guy, and then make it so they can't move away," he slipped one of his legs around mine and locked it tight, "then you have to block them from seeing anyone to pass to and get a good angle," he bent his head towards me and I felt his hand curl around my waist. "Then you go after your target" he said quietly, then kissing me slowly.
While he kissed me I moved my stick and inch and got the puck on the end. I caught him off guard and brushed my tongue over his bottom lip, I felt his grip loosen and right as he was about to deepen the kiss I skated away with the puck and shot it into the net. "Is that how?" I asked innocently. He shook his head, "That should be a penalty." I laughed and skated back with the puck, meeting him at center ice. We bent over to take another "face off" and he was smiling down at me. "What?" I asked. He didn't say anything but kissed the tip of my nose. "Your a very good defenseman." I laughed and he won the draw. I skated after him and threw a hip check into him to make him lose control. "Ughhh!" He pretend groaned, then hit me causing me to lose my balance and slip. His hands caught me before my feet came out from underneath me. My mouth hung open and he looked down at me, "Sorry. I didn't mean..."
I stood up and regained my balance before pushing him backwards and dropping my stick. He grinned like a cheshire cat and pushed my shoulder back after dropping his stick. I threw my gloves off and went to play hit him again, but he grabbed my fists and held them at my sides. "You really want to go?" He asked in a husky voice. "Mhm" I said getting close to his lips, "Bring it." That grin appeared again and he spun me around and we landed gently on the ice. I was laying on top of him and started hitting his chest as he laughed at me. Soon I gave up and engulfed myself in his lips.
"I think we should go inside" he mumbled onto my lips. "Why?" "I don't want to be arrested for public indecency." We both laughed and got up. I climbed on his back and he carried me back into the house. We took off the skates and he turned me around pressing me into him.
"I love you." "I love you too."
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Deeply Sorry
I am so sorry for the lack of updates on all the stories. School, dance and working have really been piling up lately. I have some more chapters already written and I will try to post them as soon as possible. I hope I haven't lost any of my dedicated readers!
Kat
Kat
Sunday, January 4, 2009
More Than A Memory-Ch16
Chapter 16:
I woke up to a mass of kisses on my cheeks, forehead, temples and lips. I kissed him back for a minute and then pulled away. “Merry Christmas!” we both said at the same time. “Come on! You never let me say it first!” I cried rolling over on top of him. “Sorry! Okay here, let’s redo. Ready go” he said, then shutting his mouth quickly. “Merry Christmas” I said, satisfied at my chance to say it. No matter what, every year he would always say it first, and we would argue over it all the time. “I love you” he said before kissing me. A minute later the door opened and I quickly rolled off Sid.
“Mom said it’s almost time to open presents!” it was Brenna, screaming. “Okay Brenna. Can you give us a few minutes to clean up and we will be down?” A frown appeared on her face for a millisecond and then her adorable smile returned. “Sure! I can pour you guys some juice!” she said, shutting the door with a little too much strength and yelling to her mother all the way down the stairs. We both laughed for a moment before I sat up and pulled him off the bed.
“Where are we going?” he asked. I turned around and smiled, slipped his shirt over his head and pushed him into the bathroom, shutting the door behind us.
No, we didn’t do what you think we did.
*
We got re-dressed and made our way downstairs to meet the wide eyes of the kids and the tired eyes of the adults. “Don’t hold back! Go ahead!” Sid said as we sat down on the floor next to the fireplace. He handed out gifts to the adults and some to the kids. We watched as their faces lit up and they laughed in pure joy.
When things settled down, I handed Sid one gift. He rolled his eyes as he pulled the paper off revealing a Sidney Crosby tree ornament. “I couldn’t resist” I laughed as he threw the paper at me. Then I handed him another box. He opened up the paper to find a few new brighter colored shirts, like red and light tan. “You have way too many dark colors” I said as he shot me a half an evil glare. “This is the real one” I said as I passed him another gift. He ripped the paper off and tilted his head as he opened a scrapbook. I had been working on it for a while, he had no idea. It had pictures and memories of us from a long time ago. There were some news articles and a whole bunch of pictures in it. I left a handful of pages blank at the end. “Why are these blank?” he asked. “Well the story isn’t over yet” I said. My favorite smile appeared as he kissed my cheek. “It’s not much, but I...” he cut me off. “It doesn’t have to be much. I love it.” He said with another big smile, and I was happy, it was genuine.
We spent the last few hours playing with the kids and their new toys and relaxing with the family. Soon we had lunch, and then they all packed up and we said our goodbyes.
**
We sat in our living room, looking at the giant mess that had appeared. “Funny how there has always been nothing here. And now it looks like a tornado came through” he said picking up some scrap pieces of wrapping paper. I laughed and placed some of the gifts underneath the tree.
He disappeared into the kitchen a few minutes later while I was vacuuming the rug, which somehow got crumbs and dirt all over it. I found him with his head in the fridge, eating peanut butter balls covered in chocolate, which my mother had made. “Sid! You can’t eat all of those!” I yelled prying the box out of his hand. “Stop!” I squealed as he popped yet another one in his mouth and holding the box above my head. “You know you’re going to have to skate that off and listen to your trainers complain that you are getting a little flabby” I said hitting his stomach, which was rock hard of course. He rolled his eyes and said with a mouthful, “Come on, if I eat like 15 it won’t hurt me.” I laughed again and he wrapped one arm around me and put the box above the fridge, where I couldn’t reach it. I frowned at him and he bent to kiss me. “You taste like a jar of peanut butter” I said pulling away. He ignored me and then looked at the clock. “We have somewhere to be.” “And that is?” He laughed and walked over to the back door, pulling open the curtains and vertical blinds.
“We should call it something cool, like maybe ‘The Crosby’” he said pointing to the back yard. “What are you talking about?” I asked walking over to the door. I then stopped in my tracks, and I found myself looking at a man made rink.
“How did I not notice that?!” I said in disbelief. “Well, if you haven’t noticed, I’ve kept all the curtains to the back of the house closed for about 3 days, and the only time you really see the back is at the kitchen sink, but you are only by there when its dark. And I had them put it in when you had to work late the other day.” “And I’m supposed to skate how?” A grin appeared on his face as he walked to the closet where he kept his bag and took out a box. “With these of course” he said holding up a pair of shiny white skates. I smiled and pulled them out of his hand. “Oh, and I got you a stick too. So you can help me practice.” I laughed and brushed passed him, heading up the stairs.
“Where are you going?” he called. “To change my pants and to get a jacket” I yelled back. I could practically feel his smile and happiness radiating from the kitchen. When I got back down to the kitchen, he was standing there, already in his skates and a jacket. He pulled out a chair for me and I sat down. I put on the right one first and started to tie it, but I was stopped immediately. “That isn’t how you do it” he said. I just laughed at him and let him do it.
A few minutes later he was pulling me across the yard full of snow. He took a puck out of his pocket and put it down at ‘center ice’. “First to three wins” he said before flipping the puck passed me and skating to the goal. “Cheater!” I yelled. “You’re right, that was a cheap shot. But a goal is a goal.”
I tapped his skated with my stick, “Prepare to lose.”
I woke up to a mass of kisses on my cheeks, forehead, temples and lips. I kissed him back for a minute and then pulled away. “Merry Christmas!” we both said at the same time. “Come on! You never let me say it first!” I cried rolling over on top of him. “Sorry! Okay here, let’s redo. Ready go” he said, then shutting his mouth quickly. “Merry Christmas” I said, satisfied at my chance to say it. No matter what, every year he would always say it first, and we would argue over it all the time. “I love you” he said before kissing me. A minute later the door opened and I quickly rolled off Sid.
“Mom said it’s almost time to open presents!” it was Brenna, screaming. “Okay Brenna. Can you give us a few minutes to clean up and we will be down?” A frown appeared on her face for a millisecond and then her adorable smile returned. “Sure! I can pour you guys some juice!” she said, shutting the door with a little too much strength and yelling to her mother all the way down the stairs. We both laughed for a moment before I sat up and pulled him off the bed.
“Where are we going?” he asked. I turned around and smiled, slipped his shirt over his head and pushed him into the bathroom, shutting the door behind us.
No, we didn’t do what you think we did.
*
We got re-dressed and made our way downstairs to meet the wide eyes of the kids and the tired eyes of the adults. “Don’t hold back! Go ahead!” Sid said as we sat down on the floor next to the fireplace. He handed out gifts to the adults and some to the kids. We watched as their faces lit up and they laughed in pure joy.
When things settled down, I handed Sid one gift. He rolled his eyes as he pulled the paper off revealing a Sidney Crosby tree ornament. “I couldn’t resist” I laughed as he threw the paper at me. Then I handed him another box. He opened up the paper to find a few new brighter colored shirts, like red and light tan. “You have way too many dark colors” I said as he shot me a half an evil glare. “This is the real one” I said as I passed him another gift. He ripped the paper off and tilted his head as he opened a scrapbook. I had been working on it for a while, he had no idea. It had pictures and memories of us from a long time ago. There were some news articles and a whole bunch of pictures in it. I left a handful of pages blank at the end. “Why are these blank?” he asked. “Well the story isn’t over yet” I said. My favorite smile appeared as he kissed my cheek. “It’s not much, but I...” he cut me off. “It doesn’t have to be much. I love it.” He said with another big smile, and I was happy, it was genuine.
We spent the last few hours playing with the kids and their new toys and relaxing with the family. Soon we had lunch, and then they all packed up and we said our goodbyes.
**
We sat in our living room, looking at the giant mess that had appeared. “Funny how there has always been nothing here. And now it looks like a tornado came through” he said picking up some scrap pieces of wrapping paper. I laughed and placed some of the gifts underneath the tree.
He disappeared into the kitchen a few minutes later while I was vacuuming the rug, which somehow got crumbs and dirt all over it. I found him with his head in the fridge, eating peanut butter balls covered in chocolate, which my mother had made. “Sid! You can’t eat all of those!” I yelled prying the box out of his hand. “Stop!” I squealed as he popped yet another one in his mouth and holding the box above my head. “You know you’re going to have to skate that off and listen to your trainers complain that you are getting a little flabby” I said hitting his stomach, which was rock hard of course. He rolled his eyes and said with a mouthful, “Come on, if I eat like 15 it won’t hurt me.” I laughed again and he wrapped one arm around me and put the box above the fridge, where I couldn’t reach it. I frowned at him and he bent to kiss me. “You taste like a jar of peanut butter” I said pulling away. He ignored me and then looked at the clock. “We have somewhere to be.” “And that is?” He laughed and walked over to the back door, pulling open the curtains and vertical blinds.
“We should call it something cool, like maybe ‘The Crosby’” he said pointing to the back yard. “What are you talking about?” I asked walking over to the door. I then stopped in my tracks, and I found myself looking at a man made rink.
“How did I not notice that?!” I said in disbelief. “Well, if you haven’t noticed, I’ve kept all the curtains to the back of the house closed for about 3 days, and the only time you really see the back is at the kitchen sink, but you are only by there when its dark. And I had them put it in when you had to work late the other day.” “And I’m supposed to skate how?” A grin appeared on his face as he walked to the closet where he kept his bag and took out a box. “With these of course” he said holding up a pair of shiny white skates. I smiled and pulled them out of his hand. “Oh, and I got you a stick too. So you can help me practice.” I laughed and brushed passed him, heading up the stairs.
“Where are you going?” he called. “To change my pants and to get a jacket” I yelled back. I could practically feel his smile and happiness radiating from the kitchen. When I got back down to the kitchen, he was standing there, already in his skates and a jacket. He pulled out a chair for me and I sat down. I put on the right one first and started to tie it, but I was stopped immediately. “That isn’t how you do it” he said. I just laughed at him and let him do it.
A few minutes later he was pulling me across the yard full of snow. He took a puck out of his pocket and put it down at ‘center ice’. “First to three wins” he said before flipping the puck passed me and skating to the goal. “Cheater!” I yelled. “You’re right, that was a cheap shot. But a goal is a goal.”
I tapped his skated with my stick, “Prepare to lose.”
Friday, January 2, 2009
Lost & Found-4
Chapter 4:
We were lead to a semicircle booth in the back corner, secluded from the rest of the people in the small Italian restaurant. We moved to the back of the booth and were handed two glasses of wine. I shot him a look when the waitress walked away.
"What?"
"I'm not legal."
"You aren't?"
"No I'm only 18. Well, 19 in a month."
His eyes widened briefly, like he was worried he was robbing the cradle, before a sly smile spread across his face. "When you're with me it doesn't matter. Just live a little. One glass won't kill you."
"Well, I would except there's one problem."
"And that is?"
"I'm allergic to red."
He laughed, "Well youngin' you can have water then."
I laughed and rolled my eyes, taking a sip out of the water glass after he clinked his with mine.
We ate dinner slowly, mostly because we were talking the whole entire time. We talked about everything. From what our favorite things were to what we hated. We talked about the present and the future. Then he unconventionally brought up the past.
"So what is the real reason you want to get away? There has to be more then college bringing you here."I sighed, it was time to drop the family story.
"Well, my family is very dysfunctional. It’s a long, complicated story. I don't think you really want to hear it."
His gaze narrowed softly, "I want to."
"Okay. Well my father is a businessman. He had a local job around home up until I was around 8, then he got a job sending him off all over the world and he was hardly ever home. So my mom had to basically take on the role of a single parent for me, my brother and my sister. He slowly started acting less and less like a father and now the only thing he does is buy things and give us money to make us happy. Right now, I don't even know where he is.
"Then a few years ago my brother was driving home in a snowstorm and he hit a really icy patch and collided with a tree" I paused and took a breath before continuing, "He was killed on impact. The worst part of it all was that my mother had her own way of dealing with it. She pushed it away and pretended like it never happened. She wouldn't cry or grieve and she didn't take care of my sister and I. So for a while we dealt with it on our own. There was really nothing else we could do but sit back and wait for everyone to self destruct. She finally caved in last year.
"My grandma, her mother, was diagnosed with cancer. My grandma didn't handle it well. She would lie to the doctors and tell them she was fine and couldn't admit she needed help. After her 2nd treatment she became depressed, but denied that too. After many fights with my mother and aunts, she finally agreed to take antidepressants. But now she can't take care of herself. And one of my aunt’s lives a few hours away and she can't help out. My mom and aunts are fighting all the time, along with my grandma. It’s just bad. They don't realize the effects it has on me. It’s like I had to learn to take care of myself after everything has happened."
He was silent for a moment.
"Don't you think it would be better to stay and help? Wouldn't it be easier for them?"
"For them yes, me no. The best thing for me to do is start over in a new place, with positive influences and the chance for opportunity."
He smiled a bit, "I don't know how you can be so independent."
"Sometimes, I don't either. It's hard having no one around. Being alone when you're young is very hard. "
"I know what you mean."
His smile grew, "But, you aren't alone anymore."
My stomach flipped about 8 times as he leaned over and traced his fingers along my jaw. I smiled and felt my face grow hot as his hand lingered and he leaned forward to kiss me on the cheek. He smiled warmly towards me as the waitress appeared and gave us the check. Like the gentleman he proved himself to be, he took it and slid his gold card under the flap and pushed it back to her. As his gaze never broke from mine I started to gravitate closer to him. The night was coming to an end, and needless to say I wasn't happy.
"I should probably get you back soon." He half whispered.
I nodded and gathered my things. He hooked his fingers with mine this time as we walked to the car.The ride back to the hotel was quiet for a while.
"What are your plans for tomorrow?"
"Well I have a breakfast date in the morning, then I'm going to Carnegie Mellon for a little while, then I'll probably get together with Sarah tomorrow night, she wanted to introduce me to some other people."
"Breakfast date?"
"Yes."
"With who?"
"The guy I was supposed to have dinner with tonight."
"Where did you meet him?" He asked slowly.
"What's with the 20 questions?"
"I'm just curious."
"At Pitt the other day. He showed me around the campus for like 3 hours. He is really nice."
"Interesting."
He seemed a little defeated, angry maybe. I don't understand why though, we only just met.
"When are you leaving?"
"5 more days, 4 nights. My flight leaves here around 7."
He nodded and we pulled into the hotel driveway.
"I'll call you?" I half asked.
He smiled, "Okay. If you want, I can get you and Sarah tickets for the game the day after tomorrow."
"That would be really great. Oh and that reminds me..."
He looked at me with a puzzled look as I pulled out my phone.
"Is there any way you could score Sarah Jordan’s autograph? Or um... Number?"
He laughed.
"She asked me, I thought I should try. You don't have to." I started to get embarrassed and looked away from him.
"Actually, he was hoping I could get her number from you."
We both chuckled and traded their numbers.
"Goodnight Sidney."
He traced along my jaw again, this time goose bumps spread down my back as he kissed my cheek again.
"Goodnight."
I bounded into the hotel room, probably as happy as I'd been in a while, and texted Sarah Jordan’s number.
'He has yours too. There are reasons why you love me. Too many details to tell now, call you tomorrow. Don't make any plans for the day after tomorrow. Superstar is scoring us tickets.'
She texted back immediately.
"YES. Thank you so much! I owe you! Can't believe it! I’ll be waiting for the call. Have fun with Braydon tomorrow. I already have my outfit planned." I laughed out loud, and then remembered Braydon.
Oh yes. Braydon.
We were lead to a semicircle booth in the back corner, secluded from the rest of the people in the small Italian restaurant. We moved to the back of the booth and were handed two glasses of wine. I shot him a look when the waitress walked away.
"What?"
"I'm not legal."
"You aren't?"
"No I'm only 18. Well, 19 in a month."
His eyes widened briefly, like he was worried he was robbing the cradle, before a sly smile spread across his face. "When you're with me it doesn't matter. Just live a little. One glass won't kill you."
"Well, I would except there's one problem."
"And that is?"
"I'm allergic to red."
He laughed, "Well youngin' you can have water then."
I laughed and rolled my eyes, taking a sip out of the water glass after he clinked his with mine.
We ate dinner slowly, mostly because we were talking the whole entire time. We talked about everything. From what our favorite things were to what we hated. We talked about the present and the future. Then he unconventionally brought up the past.
"So what is the real reason you want to get away? There has to be more then college bringing you here."I sighed, it was time to drop the family story.
"Well, my family is very dysfunctional. It’s a long, complicated story. I don't think you really want to hear it."
His gaze narrowed softly, "I want to."
"Okay. Well my father is a businessman. He had a local job around home up until I was around 8, then he got a job sending him off all over the world and he was hardly ever home. So my mom had to basically take on the role of a single parent for me, my brother and my sister. He slowly started acting less and less like a father and now the only thing he does is buy things and give us money to make us happy. Right now, I don't even know where he is.
"Then a few years ago my brother was driving home in a snowstorm and he hit a really icy patch and collided with a tree" I paused and took a breath before continuing, "He was killed on impact. The worst part of it all was that my mother had her own way of dealing with it. She pushed it away and pretended like it never happened. She wouldn't cry or grieve and she didn't take care of my sister and I. So for a while we dealt with it on our own. There was really nothing else we could do but sit back and wait for everyone to self destruct. She finally caved in last year.
"My grandma, her mother, was diagnosed with cancer. My grandma didn't handle it well. She would lie to the doctors and tell them she was fine and couldn't admit she needed help. After her 2nd treatment she became depressed, but denied that too. After many fights with my mother and aunts, she finally agreed to take antidepressants. But now she can't take care of herself. And one of my aunt’s lives a few hours away and she can't help out. My mom and aunts are fighting all the time, along with my grandma. It’s just bad. They don't realize the effects it has on me. It’s like I had to learn to take care of myself after everything has happened."
He was silent for a moment.
"Don't you think it would be better to stay and help? Wouldn't it be easier for them?"
"For them yes, me no. The best thing for me to do is start over in a new place, with positive influences and the chance for opportunity."
He smiled a bit, "I don't know how you can be so independent."
"Sometimes, I don't either. It's hard having no one around. Being alone when you're young is very hard. "
"I know what you mean."
His smile grew, "But, you aren't alone anymore."
My stomach flipped about 8 times as he leaned over and traced his fingers along my jaw. I smiled and felt my face grow hot as his hand lingered and he leaned forward to kiss me on the cheek. He smiled warmly towards me as the waitress appeared and gave us the check. Like the gentleman he proved himself to be, he took it and slid his gold card under the flap and pushed it back to her. As his gaze never broke from mine I started to gravitate closer to him. The night was coming to an end, and needless to say I wasn't happy.
"I should probably get you back soon." He half whispered.
I nodded and gathered my things. He hooked his fingers with mine this time as we walked to the car.The ride back to the hotel was quiet for a while.
"What are your plans for tomorrow?"
"Well I have a breakfast date in the morning, then I'm going to Carnegie Mellon for a little while, then I'll probably get together with Sarah tomorrow night, she wanted to introduce me to some other people."
"Breakfast date?"
"Yes."
"With who?"
"The guy I was supposed to have dinner with tonight."
"Where did you meet him?" He asked slowly.
"What's with the 20 questions?"
"I'm just curious."
"At Pitt the other day. He showed me around the campus for like 3 hours. He is really nice."
"Interesting."
He seemed a little defeated, angry maybe. I don't understand why though, we only just met.
"When are you leaving?"
"5 more days, 4 nights. My flight leaves here around 7."
He nodded and we pulled into the hotel driveway.
"I'll call you?" I half asked.
He smiled, "Okay. If you want, I can get you and Sarah tickets for the game the day after tomorrow."
"That would be really great. Oh and that reminds me..."
He looked at me with a puzzled look as I pulled out my phone.
"Is there any way you could score Sarah Jordan’s autograph? Or um... Number?"
He laughed.
"She asked me, I thought I should try. You don't have to." I started to get embarrassed and looked away from him.
"Actually, he was hoping I could get her number from you."
We both chuckled and traded their numbers.
"Goodnight Sidney."
He traced along my jaw again, this time goose bumps spread down my back as he kissed my cheek again.
"Goodnight."
I bounded into the hotel room, probably as happy as I'd been in a while, and texted Sarah Jordan’s number.
'He has yours too. There are reasons why you love me. Too many details to tell now, call you tomorrow. Don't make any plans for the day after tomorrow. Superstar is scoring us tickets.'
She texted back immediately.
"YES. Thank you so much! I owe you! Can't believe it! I’ll be waiting for the call. Have fun with Braydon tomorrow. I already have my outfit planned." I laughed out loud, and then remembered Braydon.
Oh yes. Braydon.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
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.”
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.”
Monday, December 29, 2008
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.
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
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
Saturday, December 27, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
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.”
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.”
Sunday, December 7, 2008
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
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
Saturday, December 6, 2008
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."
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."
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
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.
*
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.
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