Chapter 19
I looked through my huge suitcase once again just to make sure I had everything. I went through the mental check list in my head: ten shirts, ten shorts, sports bras, tampons, normal clothes, one nice dress, make-up, straightner, and pajamas. I moved onto my hockey bag though. I could live forgetting a clothing item, but one missing hockey equipment and it would throw my whole game off. I was being a bit of a freak and brought eight sticks with me. That means I could at least break a stick a day and still be fine. I wonder how I even got to compile eight sticks, one of them was probably Sid’s or something. For the first time in years, it was 8:00 in the morning and I’m wide awake. I quickly changed into a pair of sweatpants a t-shirt from my old Cole Harbour hockey team. Since I was going to be sleeping on the flight, I actually put my glasses on. I did it just in time, the taxi that I called honked it’s horn outside. I grabbed the handle of the suitcase and wheeled it down the stairs. I swung my hockey bag over my shoulder and shoved both of them in the backseat before jumping into the front seat. I got into the passengers seat and strapped in.
“To the airport, right?” The cab driver asked.
“Yup.” I reiterated. I settled in for the half hour ride and crossed my legs.
“My name is Bill, yours?” Bill asked trying to be friendly and starting conversation.
“Kylie, nice to meet you.”
“Do you mind if I ask where you are going?” Bill asked.
I shook my head. “Nope, I’m going to Calgary.”
Bill shook his head. “Still bitter with Canada about the 2002 Olympics, but it is beautiful. Have you ever been there before?”
I laughed. “Actually, I live there. Well, technically I live here now, but just for this year. I’m living with my brother.”
“Going home to visit the folks?” Bill said.
“No, I live in Nova Scotia.” Bill put two and two together.
“Wait, are you Sidney Crosby’s little sister?” He asked in awe.
I shrugged, “Yeah.”
“What are you going in Calgary then?” Bill asked, quickly trying to change the subject.
“I’m being evaluated for a hockey team.” I answered.
“Big team?”
I shook my head. “I guess you can say it’s a big deal for me.” Bill pulled up in front of the parking lot. “I’m sure I’m going to be here hearing your name on SportsCenter in a few years.” He encouraged. I grinned and pulled my bags out of the back and put them on the curb. “Thanks.” I rooted through my bag and found the stick that I suspected was one of Sidney’s old practice ones. I threw it into the back seat of the car. “Here you go, one of my brother’s sticks.” I said. Bill’s jaw dropped.
“Thank you..I’m speechless.
I laughed. “See you later Bill.” I went through the tedious process of going through security and turning my bags in. Finally, after buying a bag of candy and a magazine, I settled into one of the hard plastic chairs. I texted Sid, who was in Atlanta. “Hey, I’m in the airport. Good luck tonight.” My phone buzzed a few minutes later. “That’s great. You’re going to do great. Don’t even worry.” I smiled, sure, Sid was a pain sometimes, but he really did care. I sat and read for about a hour reading before my flight got called. I sucked in a breath, grabbed my carry on, and boarded. I made sure I got a window seat and put in my headphones, preparing myself for the ten-hour flight ride.
---
I walked out of the airport with my bags in my hand feeling oddly refreshed even though I was just on a ten hour flight. I cranked up the volume on my iPod and walked down the street. There was nothing more that I loved than the view of Calgary; the river on one side, mountains on another.I hailed a taxi to the hotel the participants were staying at, the Fairmont Palliser. We were assigned a roommate, I really hope I wasn’t stuck with a bitch. My dad wasn’t coming until tomorrow afternoon and the camp started bright and early Monday morning. I checked in and got my key before heading up the elevator. To my surprise, the door was already cracked open a bit. I knocked on the door anyway before opening it the rest of the way. A girl with blonde hair was standing in front of the large window showing the view of the city. She turned around quickly and put her hand on her heart. “Oh, bonjour! I mean, hello!” She said. “You gave me a fright.” I smiled and put my bags in the middle of the room next to hers.
“My name is Marie, yours?” Marie asked in a thick French-Canadian accent. My eyes widened when I realized who exactly my roommate was. She was as good as my brother in women’s hockey. One of the best in the world. “You’re Marie-philip Poulin.” I said.
“Yes, yes I am. Your name?” Marie said laughing.
“Oh, I’m Kylie.” I responded.
She nodded, “Nice to meet you. You can choose which bed you want.”
I smiled. “Well, you seem to love the view, so you can get the
window bed.” Her smile broadened even more. “I was hoping you would say that!” She moved her bag onto the bed next to the window. “I figured we could put our hockey stuff in the closet for tonight and air it out on the porch afterwards.”
I laughed, “The people below us aren’t going to love that.”
She shrugged, “They should understand, it’s for the sacrifice of hockey.” I’m not going to lie, I love Marie’s French-Canadian accent. It was something I couldn’t get no matter how much I perfected my French. I kicked my suitcase under my bed, I could unpack later. It was a Saturday night, no parents, and in Calgary. There was only one thing I had in mind, something I have been craving to have for a while now.
“I’m going to go hit up a Tim Horton’s somewhere. I’m going to hunt one down. Want to come with me?” I asked her. I probably sounded a bit crazy, but ever since I moved to Pittsburgh, I’ve been in Tim Horton’s withdrawal. And that was pretty drastic for me because I swear my junior year I went there at least once a day.
“Yeah, I’m always up for some Timmy’s.” Marie said. I could tell Marie and I were going to be great friends. We went down to the lobby and walked out of our hotel, right into the hustling streets. The night life at Calgary was great. We just compared our childhoods and how we got to the point we are in our hockey careers.
“There’s one!” Marie shouted and pointed across the street. We both quickly ran across the street and ran into the warm shop. I blew onto my fingers, cursing myself for not bringing some gloves. Marie ordered first and then it was my turn. “Can I have one small hot chocolate, a small coffee, and a Snack Pack of Timbits, chocolate glazed please.” I said smiling. The worker stared at me before slowly saying, “All for one person..?”
“Yup.” I said brightly. He went to work with getting everything and the cashier rang up my order. I dug through my pocket and pulled out the amount of coins I needed. My mood sky-rocketed even more with something just that simple. I always felt like a fraud in America, Canada was my home. I never knew I would miss something as simple as paying in loonies. They were right, you never know how much you missed something until it was gone. I scooped everything up in my arms and carried it back to the table Marie had gotten. She saw the amount of food in my arms and her eyes widened.
“Merde! That’s a lot of food!” I laughed and sat down and opened the top of the coffee so it could cool down.
“I’ve been having dreams about the first time I could have a reunion with these.” I stated, dead serious. I bit into the first Timbit and closed my eyes, savoring the taste. It had the perfect balance of chewiness but crunchiness. Something that DunkinDonuts could never master. And Timmy’s doesn’t need a stupid slogan either. I would most definitely be leaving Calgary fatter. I ate and drank everything. Before we left, I even bought another box, but this time of twenty and a mixed box. Marie and I headed back to the hotel, where we would without a doubt be watching Hockey Night in Canada. I had to call Sid and tell him to be traded to a team in Canada. ASAP.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Chapter 18
So, I really hate this chapter, it's more of a necessary filler that had to happen. I'm sorry that it's not good, and things will pick up next chapter.
Chapter 18
Sidney went home and immediately went to bed for his pre-game nap. I took the opportunity to do some of my homework to get rid of it for the weekend. I was taking all the easy classes, I took advanced courses in Cole Harbour, so I was basically graduated in America. I was just doing some classes to keep myself busy and to get some more credits. My schedule was filled more with study halls, ceramics, and photo shops. I even scheduled it so on Monday’s I don’t have to go in until ten o’clock. At three, I went down and heated up Sidney’s chicken. Nathalie knew neither of us could cook for our lives, so she sent over already cooked chicken that I just had to heat up for him. One thing I could actually do though, was make pasta. I only burn it three out of ten times. Sidney came down when I just had to take the pasta out of the kettle and into a bowel. I grabbed the hot mitt and picked it up, but I didn’t get a good grip and it started slipping out of my hand. Without thinking about it, I put my right hand under the kettle. The searing heat caused me to drop the kettle and it shattered onto the floor along with the pasta. Sidney stood up quickly.
“Damn it, Kylie. Are you okay?” He asked. I balled my hand up and scrunched my face, trying to wish the pain away.
“Yeah..” I said slowly. I went to put my hand under some running cold water, but Sid grabbed my arm. “No, you’re not supposed to do that.”
“Well, what are you supposed to do then?” I snapped. I got cranky when I was in pain.
“Hold on, I’ll look it up.” Sid replied heading into his office.
“No, you have to stay on schedule.” I protested. I knew that if they lost the game he would sooner or later blame it on this.
“I have a few minutes.” He called out. He stayed in there for a few minutes before rummaging around the bathroom. He came out with some Aloe Vera and some medical wrapping.
“You need to put some of this on it and then the bandage over it to prevent infection.” He said. “Put your hand out.” I did as he instructed and he started to put the cream on. I winced and drew my hand back. “Don’t be such a baby!” He instructed.
“I’m not a baby! It just hurts.”
“Well, you should take it like a man. No pain no gain.” Sid insisted.
I rolled my eyes at him. “I’m not a guy.”
‘You’re right, just a weak ass girl.” Sidney shot back. I opened my mouth to say something, but he dropped my arm. I looked down to see my hand already bandaged. “Woah, I didn’t even feel the rest.”
Sidney smirked, “You don’t think about anything else when you’re pissed.”
“My hand better be healed by camp.” I fretted. The last thing I needed was a burn on my hand. I picked up the pasta off the floor and put it on Sidney’s plate. After the pot mishap, he took the chicken out of the oven. He quickly ate his dinner and went upstairs. He came back just wearing a Penguins shirt, Under Armor leggings, and his Pens cap. “I’m going to the arena. I’ll leave your ticket at the box office.”
“Hey Sid, could you leave four? I want to bring three friends.”
“Sure, that shouldn’t be a problem. I was worried about you being lonely anyway. Who you going with?” He replied.
“Lana, Connor, and Rich. We’re meeting up with the rest of my friends to go to the movies after.”
“At 11:00?” He asked.
I shrugged, “Late movie.” He seemed to ponder for a moment before letting out a broad smile. “Make sure you come early enough to stop by the locker room.”
“Alright?” I said confused. He waved to me before heading out the door. I changed into a pair of skinny jeans and Sid’s old Rimouski jersey. I was still mad at Max, so I didn’t even wear his shirt underneath. Yes, I know it’s childish, but I don’t care. I put my hair into French-braids before I heard a honk. I looked out the window to see Rich’s beat up jeep. I grabbed my coat and ran out the door. Connor and Lana were in the back seat, so I slid into the passengers seat.
“This is my first game!” Rich said excitedly.
“How? You’re such a big fan.” I asked.
“We just never had the money to go.” Rich explained.
I smiled, “I guess you’ll be happy to know that we’re going into the locker room before the game. That’s why I asked for you to come so early.”
“We’re going into the locker room?” Connor yelled.
“Yup. It’s not really a big deal.” I said laughing. I had been in countless NHL locker rooms because of Sidney. Lana, Rich, and Connor were talking about what they were going to do the whole ride over. I picked up our tickets and showed my I.D to the security guard so we could get in earlier than the fans. There was still about two hours before the game started. I led them to the locker room, none of the guys were there. They were probably in the meeting room. Rich had his hands pressed up against Geno’s staal. “Evgeni Malkin has touched this!” I shook my head, but couldn’t help but laughing. I saw Lana poke Marc-Andre Fleury’s pants before quickly drawing her hand back, like she would get in trouble. Connor was just standing in the middle of the room, looking at everything.
Sidney’s POV
“Rich, stop raping the stall.” Kylie ordered laughing. I entered the locker room with the rest of the team. I saw one of Kylie’s friend standing by Geno’s stall looking mortified and Lana and Connor hanging out in the back.
“What happened to your hand?” Tanger asked Kylie.
Kylie laughed. “I got in a bitch fight.”
I smirked. “Yeah, with a pasta pan.” She laughed and rolled her eyes. Max breezed by every one and sat down in his stall. Kylie pursed her lips at him, before turning back to me.
“Okay Rich, this is Sid.”
I held my hand out. “Nice to meet you.” He widened his eyes and shook my hand back. I tried to stop myself from laughing, it was funny when fans got scared around you.
“Do you play any sports?” I asked.
“I play lacrosse in the spring.” He responded.
“You play lacrosse? Same! Lacrosse buddies.” Lana said.
Kylie laughed. “Woah, guys I play lacrosse too.” Kylie plays like six sports, I can’t even keep up anymore.
“You can all shove lacrosse sticks up your ass.” Max muttered. I could tell that he didn’t want any one to hear it, but almost every one heard him
“Don’t mind Maxime, he’s just a temperamental bitch that’s PMSing.” Kylie snapped.
“I am not.” Max defended.
“You’re right. Just a man-whore.” Kylie corrected herself.
“You’re the slut!” Max threw back. I opened my mouth to yell at him, but Kylie beat me to it.
“Oh, excuse me. I have friends that are boys. You’re right, actually. I am probably biggest the slut I know. Man, where has my life gone?” Kylie said sarcastically.
“Hey Ky, I really want to go get a t-shirt. Can we go now before it’s too crowded?” Lana asked.
“Yeah. Sure.” Kylie said curtly and she turned around and left, her friends following her. As soon as the door closed behind them, I glared at Max.
“You call my sister a slut one more time and you’re balls are being cut off.” I threatened.
“Of course! It’s my fault, not perfect Kylie’s fault.” Max said annoyed.
“Where’s Max? Because all I see is an ass.” I shot back. This was so unlike him, he was normally the most fun guy I know. Eats stepped in between us. “Boys, let’s just play the game. You know we can’t have drama on the ice or Coach T will kill us.” Max and I both retreated to our lockers, but the atmosphere stayed tense after our fight.
Kylie’s POV
The game was fun, I guess. Rich, Connor, and Lana all had a great time. I was more pissed off about the way that Max was treating me. I let female fans hang off of him without a word, but as soon as I have some guy friends, I’m a slut? No, that’s not how it’s going to work. We decided to skip the movies after the excitement of the game and Rich dropped me off. Since they were leaving for a road trip the next morning, Sidney was already home.
“Hey, you okay?” He asked.
I shrugged, “Why wouldn’t I be?”
“You and Max seem to be fighting pretty bad.” Sidney observed.
“No shit.” I muttered before stomping upstairs.
Chapter 18
Sidney went home and immediately went to bed for his pre-game nap. I took the opportunity to do some of my homework to get rid of it for the weekend. I was taking all the easy classes, I took advanced courses in Cole Harbour, so I was basically graduated in America. I was just doing some classes to keep myself busy and to get some more credits. My schedule was filled more with study halls, ceramics, and photo shops. I even scheduled it so on Monday’s I don’t have to go in until ten o’clock. At three, I went down and heated up Sidney’s chicken. Nathalie knew neither of us could cook for our lives, so she sent over already cooked chicken that I just had to heat up for him. One thing I could actually do though, was make pasta. I only burn it three out of ten times. Sidney came down when I just had to take the pasta out of the kettle and into a bowel. I grabbed the hot mitt and picked it up, but I didn’t get a good grip and it started slipping out of my hand. Without thinking about it, I put my right hand under the kettle. The searing heat caused me to drop the kettle and it shattered onto the floor along with the pasta. Sidney stood up quickly.
“Damn it, Kylie. Are you okay?” He asked. I balled my hand up and scrunched my face, trying to wish the pain away.
“Yeah..” I said slowly. I went to put my hand under some running cold water, but Sid grabbed my arm. “No, you’re not supposed to do that.”
“Well, what are you supposed to do then?” I snapped. I got cranky when I was in pain.
“Hold on, I’ll look it up.” Sid replied heading into his office.
“No, you have to stay on schedule.” I protested. I knew that if they lost the game he would sooner or later blame it on this.
“I have a few minutes.” He called out. He stayed in there for a few minutes before rummaging around the bathroom. He came out with some Aloe Vera and some medical wrapping.
“You need to put some of this on it and then the bandage over it to prevent infection.” He said. “Put your hand out.” I did as he instructed and he started to put the cream on. I winced and drew my hand back. “Don’t be such a baby!” He instructed.
“I’m not a baby! It just hurts.”
“Well, you should take it like a man. No pain no gain.” Sid insisted.
I rolled my eyes at him. “I’m not a guy.”
‘You’re right, just a weak ass girl.” Sidney shot back. I opened my mouth to say something, but he dropped my arm. I looked down to see my hand already bandaged. “Woah, I didn’t even feel the rest.”
Sidney smirked, “You don’t think about anything else when you’re pissed.”
“My hand better be healed by camp.” I fretted. The last thing I needed was a burn on my hand. I picked up the pasta off the floor and put it on Sidney’s plate. After the pot mishap, he took the chicken out of the oven. He quickly ate his dinner and went upstairs. He came back just wearing a Penguins shirt, Under Armor leggings, and his Pens cap. “I’m going to the arena. I’ll leave your ticket at the box office.”
“Hey Sid, could you leave four? I want to bring three friends.”
“Sure, that shouldn’t be a problem. I was worried about you being lonely anyway. Who you going with?” He replied.
“Lana, Connor, and Rich. We’re meeting up with the rest of my friends to go to the movies after.”
“At 11:00?” He asked.
I shrugged, “Late movie.” He seemed to ponder for a moment before letting out a broad smile. “Make sure you come early enough to stop by the locker room.”
“Alright?” I said confused. He waved to me before heading out the door. I changed into a pair of skinny jeans and Sid’s old Rimouski jersey. I was still mad at Max, so I didn’t even wear his shirt underneath. Yes, I know it’s childish, but I don’t care. I put my hair into French-braids before I heard a honk. I looked out the window to see Rich’s beat up jeep. I grabbed my coat and ran out the door. Connor and Lana were in the back seat, so I slid into the passengers seat.
“This is my first game!” Rich said excitedly.
“How? You’re such a big fan.” I asked.
“We just never had the money to go.” Rich explained.
I smiled, “I guess you’ll be happy to know that we’re going into the locker room before the game. That’s why I asked for you to come so early.”
“We’re going into the locker room?” Connor yelled.
“Yup. It’s not really a big deal.” I said laughing. I had been in countless NHL locker rooms because of Sidney. Lana, Rich, and Connor were talking about what they were going to do the whole ride over. I picked up our tickets and showed my I.D to the security guard so we could get in earlier than the fans. There was still about two hours before the game started. I led them to the locker room, none of the guys were there. They were probably in the meeting room. Rich had his hands pressed up against Geno’s staal. “Evgeni Malkin has touched this!” I shook my head, but couldn’t help but laughing. I saw Lana poke Marc-Andre Fleury’s pants before quickly drawing her hand back, like she would get in trouble. Connor was just standing in the middle of the room, looking at everything.
Sidney’s POV
“Rich, stop raping the stall.” Kylie ordered laughing. I entered the locker room with the rest of the team. I saw one of Kylie’s friend standing by Geno’s stall looking mortified and Lana and Connor hanging out in the back.
“What happened to your hand?” Tanger asked Kylie.
Kylie laughed. “I got in a bitch fight.”
I smirked. “Yeah, with a pasta pan.” She laughed and rolled her eyes. Max breezed by every one and sat down in his stall. Kylie pursed her lips at him, before turning back to me.
“Okay Rich, this is Sid.”
I held my hand out. “Nice to meet you.” He widened his eyes and shook my hand back. I tried to stop myself from laughing, it was funny when fans got scared around you.
“Do you play any sports?” I asked.
“I play lacrosse in the spring.” He responded.
“You play lacrosse? Same! Lacrosse buddies.” Lana said.
Kylie laughed. “Woah, guys I play lacrosse too.” Kylie plays like six sports, I can’t even keep up anymore.
“You can all shove lacrosse sticks up your ass.” Max muttered. I could tell that he didn’t want any one to hear it, but almost every one heard him
“Don’t mind Maxime, he’s just a temperamental bitch that’s PMSing.” Kylie snapped.
“I am not.” Max defended.
“You’re right. Just a man-whore.” Kylie corrected herself.
“You’re the slut!” Max threw back. I opened my mouth to yell at him, but Kylie beat me to it.
“Oh, excuse me. I have friends that are boys. You’re right, actually. I am probably biggest the slut I know. Man, where has my life gone?” Kylie said sarcastically.
“Hey Ky, I really want to go get a t-shirt. Can we go now before it’s too crowded?” Lana asked.
“Yeah. Sure.” Kylie said curtly and she turned around and left, her friends following her. As soon as the door closed behind them, I glared at Max.
“You call my sister a slut one more time and you’re balls are being cut off.” I threatened.
“Of course! It’s my fault, not perfect Kylie’s fault.” Max said annoyed.
“Where’s Max? Because all I see is an ass.” I shot back. This was so unlike him, he was normally the most fun guy I know. Eats stepped in between us. “Boys, let’s just play the game. You know we can’t have drama on the ice or Coach T will kill us.” Max and I both retreated to our lockers, but the atmosphere stayed tense after our fight.
Kylie’s POV
The game was fun, I guess. Rich, Connor, and Lana all had a great time. I was more pissed off about the way that Max was treating me. I let female fans hang off of him without a word, but as soon as I have some guy friends, I’m a slut? No, that’s not how it’s going to work. We decided to skip the movies after the excitement of the game and Rich dropped me off. Since they were leaving for a road trip the next morning, Sidney was already home.
“Hey, you okay?” He asked.
I shrugged, “Why wouldn’t I be?”
“You and Max seem to be fighting pretty bad.” Sidney observed.
“No shit.” I muttered before stomping upstairs.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Chapter 17
Short chapter, sorry. Comment please.
Chapter 17
Sidney literally went through the rest of the dinner telling embarrassing stories about me. Some of them I didn’t know that he even knew about. Honestly, I was beginning to get pissed. It was funny at first, but he ruined it when he kept harping on it. Later rather than sooner, it was time to order desert. It was Max’s turn to order next.
“The two of us are going to share the dark chocolate cake with the nuts and peanut sauce drizzled on it.” Max said. I looked at him confused, since when are we sharing it? Never mind the fact that I hate dark chocolate and I’m allergic to nuts. I just nodded my head though and passed the menu on.
“I’ll have the sherbet with the strawberries on top.” Jordan ordered. I sighed, that was what I was planning on getting. Once the waitress left, I told Max.
“I can’t eat the cake.” I told him.
“Why? I’ve had it before, it’s absolutely delicious.” Max said.
Sidney interjected, “She could eat it, I mean if you want her to die.”
Max’s eyes widened. “What?”
“I’m allergic to nuts. But the cake does sound really good.” I lied, leaving out the part about my hatred of dark chocolate. That didn’t pass Sidney though.
“And she ha-“ He started to say, but I quickly silenced him by kicking him under the table, this time aiming right.
Max frowned, “I’m so sorry Ky, I didn’t realize.”
“It’s okay, you were just trying to be nice.” I smiled. I tried not to let the fact that Max and I have been dating for a month and he still didn’t know what I was allergic to bother me.
“Kylie?” A voice asked. I looked up to see Bryan and Rich standing hesitantly in front of the table. They were two of Lana’s best friends and I was quickly becoming good friends with me. I quickly made Sidney got up and I stood next to them. Bryan hugged me. “We thought it was you, but we figured it would be awkward if it weren’t you.”
I laughed, “That would be awkward.”
“So are you going to the movies tomorrow night with every one?” Rich asked. Max was staring at the three of us, his face was revealing that he wasn’t happy at all.
“Yeah, Lana and Connor are coming to pick me up.” I responded.
Bryan smirked, “Are you going to have to hide underneath my shoulder when you’re scared to death?”
I laughed, “Oh yeah Bry, you know it.”
Rich smiled, “Well we have to get my mom’s car back by nine, so we’ll see you tomorrow.” I waved to them and then slid back into the booth.
“Who were they?” Max asked darkly.
“Just some friends from school.” I said defending myself.
Max glared at me. “Are all of your friends that friendly with me?” I felt myself getting annoyed now.
“You wouldn’t really care if it were a girl I just hugged, so how about you drop it?” I gritted through my teeth.
“No, I don’t want to drop it.” Max shot back. The whole table went silent while they watched us bicker. It was a long week and I was using this night to relax. Max being all up on my ass like this, wasn’t relaxing. At all. I stood up. “Come on Sid, we are leaving.” Max didn’t say anything, he just crossed his arm across his chest and stared ahead.
“Uh, see you guys tomorrow.” Sidney said awkwardly.
“See you Ky, maybe we can go shopping tomorrow.” Vero suggested.
Max cut in. “No Veronique, didn’t you hear? Kylie will be too busy with her bff’s.”
“Hey Jordan, try to keep Max from fucking whatever fangirl slut that throws herself at him. Kay, thanks.” Sidney grabbed my arm and pulled me away from the table, “We’re going to leave before the next WW3 breaks out.” We walked to the car quickly, hoping that no one would notice Sidney. We were lucky tonight and escaped without any one noticing.
Sid laughed. “You and Max were fighting pretty hard back there.”
“It’s not nice of you to make fun of my misery.” I grumbled playing with the radio station.
Sidney shrugged, “You know how I feel about you two going out. But if he makes shit hit the fan for you, I will kill him. I promise.”
I rolled my eyes. “Really, Sidney. Is killing really necessary?” I asked.
“Cue in the cute movie music.” Sid said before sighing, “You’re my little sister Kylie, I’ll do anything for you. Even if it means ruining my NHL career and spending the rest of my life in jail, I would do it in a heart beat.”
“Is this where I give you a hug and promise to do the same?” I asked laughing. He smacked my shoulder, “Hey, I was trying to be all sentimental!”
I winced, “Keep your eyes on the road, hotshot.” Finally, we got back to the house and I threw my coat on the floor before heading into the kitchen.
“Ky, would it kill you to put your jacket in the closet two feet away, eh? Jesus Christ..” I heard Sid mumble. The answering machine was blinking red, so I clicked on the big arrow.
“Kylie! You have to call immediately! I don’t care if it’s two a.m in the morning here. Hockey Canada cal-“ I heard my mom’s excited voice gush. “Don’t tell her anything else!” I heard my dad yell from the background. “Anyway, call us back Ky, love you!”
I was left standing there puzzled. Sidney came in and saw my blank expression. “What’s up?” He asked.
“I’m actually not quite sure..Mom was freaking out about something though.” I picked up the phone and locked at the clock. It was only 10:00 here, so it would be 7:00 at home. The phone picked up on the second ring.
“Hello?” Mom asked breathlessly. I could tell she had run to the phone.
“Mom, what’s going on?” I asked confused.
“Oh, I’ve been waiting for your call all day! Troy, it’s Ky! Hurry up!” She yelled.
“Mom, can you please just tell me what’s going on?” I asked.
“The coach of the Women’s under 18 team called. She wants you to come to the exhibition camp!” My mom blurted out.
“B-but, I wasn’t invited to the strength and conditioning camp in the summer. You had to do that to be on the team.” I said in shock. The coach must have gotten the wrong person, this couldn’t be happening.
“She said that she made a mistake not choosing you! She said she watched your tournaments this summer and decided that you must at least attend the camp. She said that after that, it all depends how you play at the camp.” Mom breathed out. I started jumping up and down, I couldn’t help it. If I got selected to play in the -18 tournament, I could actually have a slim chance at making the 2010 Olympics! Mom started crying just like she did after every big thing that happened with Sidney. Dad would always tease her for crying over hockey.
“When’s the camp?” I asked grabbing a pen.
“It’s in two weeks in Calgary!”
Holy shit, my whole future would be decided in two weeks. That was almost no time to get completely ready.
“You know..I do technically have school..” I cautioned. My parents always put grades before hockey.
“Oh you’re blowing it off, honey! I knew you could do it Ky!” Dad interrupted.
“I haven’t made it yet. Nothing big as happened.” I said trying to keep my own excitement under control as much as there’s.
“You’re making it. No doubt in my mind.” Dad said firmly. “We can fly you out two days before it starts and I can meet you there.”
“I could be part of the first women’s -18 national tournament!” I said happily.
Dad laughed. “I know you will be, Ky. Now you go to sleep, all great hockey players need sleep. I love you sweetheart.”
“I love you too, Dad. Thank you for everything.” I said before hanging up and leaning against the wall. I closed my eyes and tried to let everything sink in, I really hope this wasn’t a dream. I decided not to tell Charlotte until I found out if I made it or not, it would be embarrassing to tell every one and not make it. I walked into the family room and Sid was sitting on the coach watching a hockey game.
“What was going on?” He asked, his eyes trained on the TV though.
“I actually did get invited to the exhibition camp!” I shouted. He stood up and hugged me, “I knew you would get invited! I just knew it!” He whooped. I laughed and he hugged me tighter. “Tomorrow after my game, we’re going to go get some fattie treaties.”
“But you haven’t had fattie treaties in forever!”
Sid grinned, “For this occasion, we’ll both be eating a ton of fattie treaties.
-------
Next Morning
I went to Sid’s pre-game skate the next morning, not really having anything else to do. I was itching to get into some skates since hearing the news last night. I managed to go through a whole conversation with Vero without spilling the news. It almost slipped out so many times though.
“What’s up with you? You are all jittery.” She said placing her hand on my knee that I realized I was bouncing up and down.
I laughed, “No reason.”
She eyed me curiously. “You and Max got in a big fight last night, but you are so happy. Did I miss something?”
“Nope, it’s got nothing to do with Max. Nothing at all.”
“Then what’s it about?” She asked.
I smiled. “Oh, I don’t know. It’s just a beautiful morning. A great day to play hockey.” I said, stealing the Pens logo. Vero shook her head at me, “You are a crazy girl.” I laughed and we both headed down to the lounge when the practice ended. We waited for about another half hour before the guys filtered in. Max stayed away from me and chatted with some of the other guys for a while.
“I just love your shirt, Kylie!” Sidney exclaimed before hugging me again. I had put on my Team Canada Women’s hockey shirt on this morning.
“Is this a confession about your interest in men? Hinting subtly with shirt comments?” Gogo asked.
“Nope.” Sidney flicked my head. “You are in the presence of a future women’s under 18 2009 team member!”
Vero gasped. “And you didn’t tell me!”
I blushed and looked at my shoes. “It’s not for certain or anything. I need to make the team.” Next thing I knew, I was wrapped in the arms of Jordan. He was so much taller then me that he almost had to bend over. “That’s great!” He exclaimed. Several other team members congratulated me and insured me that I would indeed make it. It was at home later that afternoon when I realized that Max didn’t congratulate me, but I didn’t really care because Jordan did. Something was definitely screwed up there.
Chapter 17
Sidney literally went through the rest of the dinner telling embarrassing stories about me. Some of them I didn’t know that he even knew about. Honestly, I was beginning to get pissed. It was funny at first, but he ruined it when he kept harping on it. Later rather than sooner, it was time to order desert. It was Max’s turn to order next.
“The two of us are going to share the dark chocolate cake with the nuts and peanut sauce drizzled on it.” Max said. I looked at him confused, since when are we sharing it? Never mind the fact that I hate dark chocolate and I’m allergic to nuts. I just nodded my head though and passed the menu on.
“I’ll have the sherbet with the strawberries on top.” Jordan ordered. I sighed, that was what I was planning on getting. Once the waitress left, I told Max.
“I can’t eat the cake.” I told him.
“Why? I’ve had it before, it’s absolutely delicious.” Max said.
Sidney interjected, “She could eat it, I mean if you want her to die.”
Max’s eyes widened. “What?”
“I’m allergic to nuts. But the cake does sound really good.” I lied, leaving out the part about my hatred of dark chocolate. That didn’t pass Sidney though.
“And she ha-“ He started to say, but I quickly silenced him by kicking him under the table, this time aiming right.
Max frowned, “I’m so sorry Ky, I didn’t realize.”
“It’s okay, you were just trying to be nice.” I smiled. I tried not to let the fact that Max and I have been dating for a month and he still didn’t know what I was allergic to bother me.
“Kylie?” A voice asked. I looked up to see Bryan and Rich standing hesitantly in front of the table. They were two of Lana’s best friends and I was quickly becoming good friends with me. I quickly made Sidney got up and I stood next to them. Bryan hugged me. “We thought it was you, but we figured it would be awkward if it weren’t you.”
I laughed, “That would be awkward.”
“So are you going to the movies tomorrow night with every one?” Rich asked. Max was staring at the three of us, his face was revealing that he wasn’t happy at all.
“Yeah, Lana and Connor are coming to pick me up.” I responded.
Bryan smirked, “Are you going to have to hide underneath my shoulder when you’re scared to death?”
I laughed, “Oh yeah Bry, you know it.”
Rich smiled, “Well we have to get my mom’s car back by nine, so we’ll see you tomorrow.” I waved to them and then slid back into the booth.
“Who were they?” Max asked darkly.
“Just some friends from school.” I said defending myself.
Max glared at me. “Are all of your friends that friendly with me?” I felt myself getting annoyed now.
“You wouldn’t really care if it were a girl I just hugged, so how about you drop it?” I gritted through my teeth.
“No, I don’t want to drop it.” Max shot back. The whole table went silent while they watched us bicker. It was a long week and I was using this night to relax. Max being all up on my ass like this, wasn’t relaxing. At all. I stood up. “Come on Sid, we are leaving.” Max didn’t say anything, he just crossed his arm across his chest and stared ahead.
“Uh, see you guys tomorrow.” Sidney said awkwardly.
“See you Ky, maybe we can go shopping tomorrow.” Vero suggested.
Max cut in. “No Veronique, didn’t you hear? Kylie will be too busy with her bff’s.”
“Hey Jordan, try to keep Max from fucking whatever fangirl slut that throws herself at him. Kay, thanks.” Sidney grabbed my arm and pulled me away from the table, “We’re going to leave before the next WW3 breaks out.” We walked to the car quickly, hoping that no one would notice Sidney. We were lucky tonight and escaped without any one noticing.
Sid laughed. “You and Max were fighting pretty hard back there.”
“It’s not nice of you to make fun of my misery.” I grumbled playing with the radio station.
Sidney shrugged, “You know how I feel about you two going out. But if he makes shit hit the fan for you, I will kill him. I promise.”
I rolled my eyes. “Really, Sidney. Is killing really necessary?” I asked.
“Cue in the cute movie music.” Sid said before sighing, “You’re my little sister Kylie, I’ll do anything for you. Even if it means ruining my NHL career and spending the rest of my life in jail, I would do it in a heart beat.”
“Is this where I give you a hug and promise to do the same?” I asked laughing. He smacked my shoulder, “Hey, I was trying to be all sentimental!”
I winced, “Keep your eyes on the road, hotshot.” Finally, we got back to the house and I threw my coat on the floor before heading into the kitchen.
“Ky, would it kill you to put your jacket in the closet two feet away, eh? Jesus Christ..” I heard Sid mumble. The answering machine was blinking red, so I clicked on the big arrow.
“Kylie! You have to call immediately! I don’t care if it’s two a.m in the morning here. Hockey Canada cal-“ I heard my mom’s excited voice gush. “Don’t tell her anything else!” I heard my dad yell from the background. “Anyway, call us back Ky, love you!”
I was left standing there puzzled. Sidney came in and saw my blank expression. “What’s up?” He asked.
“I’m actually not quite sure..Mom was freaking out about something though.” I picked up the phone and locked at the clock. It was only 10:00 here, so it would be 7:00 at home. The phone picked up on the second ring.
“Hello?” Mom asked breathlessly. I could tell she had run to the phone.
“Mom, what’s going on?” I asked confused.
“Oh, I’ve been waiting for your call all day! Troy, it’s Ky! Hurry up!” She yelled.
“Mom, can you please just tell me what’s going on?” I asked.
“The coach of the Women’s under 18 team called. She wants you to come to the exhibition camp!” My mom blurted out.
“B-but, I wasn’t invited to the strength and conditioning camp in the summer. You had to do that to be on the team.” I said in shock. The coach must have gotten the wrong person, this couldn’t be happening.
“She said that she made a mistake not choosing you! She said she watched your tournaments this summer and decided that you must at least attend the camp. She said that after that, it all depends how you play at the camp.” Mom breathed out. I started jumping up and down, I couldn’t help it. If I got selected to play in the -18 tournament, I could actually have a slim chance at making the 2010 Olympics! Mom started crying just like she did after every big thing that happened with Sidney. Dad would always tease her for crying over hockey.
“When’s the camp?” I asked grabbing a pen.
“It’s in two weeks in Calgary!”
Holy shit, my whole future would be decided in two weeks. That was almost no time to get completely ready.
“You know..I do technically have school..” I cautioned. My parents always put grades before hockey.
“Oh you’re blowing it off, honey! I knew you could do it Ky!” Dad interrupted.
“I haven’t made it yet. Nothing big as happened.” I said trying to keep my own excitement under control as much as there’s.
“You’re making it. No doubt in my mind.” Dad said firmly. “We can fly you out two days before it starts and I can meet you there.”
“I could be part of the first women’s -18 national tournament!” I said happily.
Dad laughed. “I know you will be, Ky. Now you go to sleep, all great hockey players need sleep. I love you sweetheart.”
“I love you too, Dad. Thank you for everything.” I said before hanging up and leaning against the wall. I closed my eyes and tried to let everything sink in, I really hope this wasn’t a dream. I decided not to tell Charlotte until I found out if I made it or not, it would be embarrassing to tell every one and not make it. I walked into the family room and Sid was sitting on the coach watching a hockey game.
“What was going on?” He asked, his eyes trained on the TV though.
“I actually did get invited to the exhibition camp!” I shouted. He stood up and hugged me, “I knew you would get invited! I just knew it!” He whooped. I laughed and he hugged me tighter. “Tomorrow after my game, we’re going to go get some fattie treaties.”
“But you haven’t had fattie treaties in forever!”
Sid grinned, “For this occasion, we’ll both be eating a ton of fattie treaties.
-------
Next Morning
I went to Sid’s pre-game skate the next morning, not really having anything else to do. I was itching to get into some skates since hearing the news last night. I managed to go through a whole conversation with Vero without spilling the news. It almost slipped out so many times though.
“What’s up with you? You are all jittery.” She said placing her hand on my knee that I realized I was bouncing up and down.
I laughed, “No reason.”
She eyed me curiously. “You and Max got in a big fight last night, but you are so happy. Did I miss something?”
“Nope, it’s got nothing to do with Max. Nothing at all.”
“Then what’s it about?” She asked.
I smiled. “Oh, I don’t know. It’s just a beautiful morning. A great day to play hockey.” I said, stealing the Pens logo. Vero shook her head at me, “You are a crazy girl.” I laughed and we both headed down to the lounge when the practice ended. We waited for about another half hour before the guys filtered in. Max stayed away from me and chatted with some of the other guys for a while.
“I just love your shirt, Kylie!” Sidney exclaimed before hugging me again. I had put on my Team Canada Women’s hockey shirt on this morning.
“Is this a confession about your interest in men? Hinting subtly with shirt comments?” Gogo asked.
“Nope.” Sidney flicked my head. “You are in the presence of a future women’s under 18 2009 team member!”
Vero gasped. “And you didn’t tell me!”
I blushed and looked at my shoes. “It’s not for certain or anything. I need to make the team.” Next thing I knew, I was wrapped in the arms of Jordan. He was so much taller then me that he almost had to bend over. “That’s great!” He exclaimed. Several other team members congratulated me and insured me that I would indeed make it. It was at home later that afternoon when I realized that Max didn’t congratulate me, but I didn’t really care because Jordan did. Something was definitely screwed up there.
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