tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707941314622102722024-02-20T11:24:31.538-05:00If Not Now...When?“Anyone can give up, it’s the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that’s true strength.”HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370794131462210272.post-66639165498590914402011-11-08T15:37:00.002-05:002011-11-08T15:37:52.357-05:00Ulterior Motives<br />
I've been thinking of making a blog for just my one-shots and short stories for a while now and today I finally got the ambition to do so! As of right now I have one story posted... I will be posting some others as the weeks go by and I get them proof-read. Obviously this is just a space for the extra things I write which might not all be on hockey players... we shall see... click on the link, check it out and follow!! :o)<br />
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<a href="http://www.needabreakdownhere.blogspot.com/">www.needabreakdownhere.blogspot.com</a>HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370794131462210272.post-59805991482763383062011-10-26T15:56:00.002-04:002011-10-26T15:56:13.709-04:00Don't Give Up On MeWell, I said I wouldn't do it. I said I wouldn't be writing full-stories, but <a href="http://alexovetjkin.blogspot.com/2011/09/ovechkin-talks-about-trade-life-and.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FDXuq+%28Alex+Ovetjkin%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher">this article</a> and a talk in Philly with K and RebelHeart made the gears begin to turn on a player that people either hate or love. I can't say he's gorgeous, but I can't say he's ugly... I guess I want to say that he is intriguing and makes for a good story character. I am not a Capitals fan, so please don't think of me as one. However, with some help from some willing people, I've had some help in making this story seem as authentic as possible.<br />
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I am sure I will have some readers that won't be willing to read this because of the character, and that is fine, but I ask you keep an open mind (like me) and remember I have yet (at least I hope) to steer you in the wrong direction with my random pick of guys... Enjoy and please let me hear your comments (whether you like it or not)!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.dontgiveuponme8.blogspot.com/">www.dontgiveuponme8.blogspot.com</a>HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370794131462210272.post-78931348909407542272011-09-28T11:29:00.000-04:002011-09-28T11:29:57.382-04:00Check it Out!Posting one of my archived stories... <a href="http://www.loveandflowers19.blogspot/">www.loveandflowers19.blogspot</a><br />
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Check it out!! I'd love to see you all over there and hear your comments!! Also keep on a look-out... I am planning on making a page that will just be my short-stories and one-shots... some will be old and some will be new as the year goes by! I'll let you know when and where! Hope you're all well and thanks again for the support!!HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370794131462210272.post-48986431695292260122011-09-19T14:23:00.001-04:002011-12-31T14:58:02.346-05:00EpilogueWell, I'm sad to say but we have come to an end. However, I think it's a pretty good ending to a pretty cool story. I've had a blast writing this and from your comments, I'm thinking you all might agree!! Really, your comments help me so much as a writer and I want to thank you all. I was going to list people individually, but I'm always afraid I will miss someone, so I won't.<br />
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It's already getting to me that I won't be writing much over the next year due to keeping myself in check for school, but I'm thinking I'll need a break here for there, so one-shots will definitely be a possibility. For those, I will probably just set-up another page that will just have short-stories and one-shots... we shall see though.<br />
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As I promised, I will be posting a few of my older stories that were originally posted on the FanFic board for those who aren't apart of that wonderful group. Once I get the page set-up I will let you all know.<br />
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As for Make Me Believe... I'm still working on that Epilogue, and I know there have been a few of you asking for an ending on that, so I promise to get one up soon.<br />
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Again, THANK YOU for reading!!<br />
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<br />
Our last soundtrack for Sam and Alex is a tune from the Black Keys<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">Oh darling, can't you see<br />I'm shining just for you<br />Loneliness is over<br />Dark days are through<br /><br />Let me be your everlasting light<br />A train going away from pain<br />Love is the coal<br />That makes this train roll<br />Let me be your everlasting light </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QzGvoUMBoA"><i>Everlasting Light - </i>The Black Keys</a></b></span><br />
<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a name='more'></a></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Epilogue</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Holy shit this really hurts!” she cried.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m sure you’ve been through worse things,” I cringed as I
attempted to get her to loosen her death grip on my hand, afraid she was going
to break it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She looked up at me with her eyes, still resting her head on
the chair while she laid there and glared.
“Wow, now that was supportive.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I smiled before leaning down and kissing her forehead. “It’s looking great so far,” I said lightly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I only have two lines drawn,” the Tattoo artist announced,
completely blowing my cover.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So the two lines look great, eh?” Alex raised an eyebrow,
obviously trying to hide a smile. <i>Or maybe it was just her gritting her teeth.</i> Either way, I was still proud of her. It was big day for the both of us. We were back in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Edmonton</st1:place></st1:city> for the start of the new season and
after just missing the playoffs last season, it was already looking like it was
going to be a promising year for the team.
As soon as I arrived, the coach talked to me about being an Alternate
Captain, stating that I had grown up and was ready for a leadership position
among the team. I had done a lot of
growing up and of course Alex had a lot to do with that. It was time I become a man, and it was easy
to be that with her around. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Despite the issues with her parents, it didn’t take much to
persuade Alex into staying with me all last season. Her relationship with her mom was pretty much
healed. Unfortunately, the relationship with
her Father seemed to be permanently broken, but Alex seemed okay with the
fact. My family instantly fell in love
with her and she and my sisters had no problem ganging up on me when they would
come to town to visit. My dad was
inspired by her and my mom loved her for the simple fact that she somehow got
me to actually clean-up after myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Unlike <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Eden</st1:place></st1:city>,
Alex didn’t feel the need to drag me along to all of the stores when she
decided to do some interior decorating in both of our homes. She also didn’t feel the need to totally
change everything either, which I was glad.
Luckily we were both all about subtle decorations, so instead of crazy
pieces of gaudy art, there were pictures of us, our friends and family, and
pictures of landscapes that we actually took when on our vacations. After a serious talk one evening, we hung the
picture of her and Danny. Instead of it
hanging in the bedroom though, it now hung in downstairs hallway, next to her
medal of honor, a folded Canadian flag and the letter of commendation she had
received from the Prime Minister.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I feel like it’s a shrine or something,” she fretted as I
hammered in the last nail to hang the picture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You should be proud of what you did over there, Alex,” I
said, repeating the words I had said the night I brought up the idea. “Besides, I have all my trophies, medals, and
special jersey’s hanging downstairs in the rec-room, so it’s only fitting the
other hero in the house gets her own area.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Still, don’t be surprised if you come home at some point
and find it taken down,” she mumbled before lazily allowing herself to lean
back against the other wall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I shrugged and hung the picture I still loved for some
reason. Some might have found my
obsession with the picture slightly disturbing considering it was a picture of
my girlfriend kissing another guy, however, I looked it at on a whole other
level. I still viewed it as something
spiritual, and I also saw it as a perfect depiction of the war we daily fought
in life. That day was the start of the
new Alexandra, the Alexandra I would later fall in love with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Despite my initial fears on how the team would react the
first time meeting her; there was never a word of uttered about her handicapped
in the beginning. Of course a few of the
guys were curious, but instead of approaching me, they just asked her
out-right. Alex had no issues
explaining. When she was officially
crutch free, a couple of the guys, including Teddy, Magnus and Jonesy who are
basically the locker room hub of pranksters, threw a big party for her. She told me more than once that the guys
reminded her so much of the guys on her platoon. Jonesy’s wife and her had also become very
close, helping to fill some of the void of being so far away from Denise and
Race during the season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Our summer back in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city>
was a lot different from the last one.
This time we were a couple for the whole time. Plus, Alex was more comfortable going out and
doing things, now that she was free of any equipment. We took a vacation with Cogs and his new girl
and Tavares and his new woman down to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Costa Rica</st1:place></st1:country-region> and baked on the beach
together. We spent a couple weeks in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:place></st1:city> visiting with
my family. There were also a couple
weekend getaways that we took together also.
The rest of the time was spent with Race, Denise and our new
God-daughter, Gracie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Watching Alex with Gracie gave me even more of an itch to
knock her up. She was so wonderful with
the bundle of joy. I couldn’t help but
picturing her pregnant with my child.
These thoughts only added to my reasons of proposing marriage. I wanted to make her mine, forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It took some time to get used to being a hockey WAG. It wasn’t all butterflies for me. Luckily, I was okay with being independent
and not feeling the need to have Sam constantly attached to my hip. Like Sam said, I found things to occupy my
time. A lot of the time was abosorbed
with volunteering at a local clinic as a nurse.
It wasn’t the battlefield, but I have to admit, I was more than okay
with that. I enjoyed the challenge, but
I especially enjoyed the fact that I had my own identity. Unlike some of the other WAG’s, I didn’t have
to give up who I was, and I reveled in that fact. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It also gave me something to do when Sam was on his
road-trips. I found it mind boggling
when I realized how many of the women spent everyday clothing shopping and
worrying about the newest fashion. I on
the other hand had no desire to even get involved with any of that. Of course I learned that I should look
presentable when at functions, but I didn’t need to go shopping everyday to do
that. Ryan Jones’ wife was also very
down to earth and became a quick friend.
Often when the boys were away we’d catch a movie together or just keep
each other company.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was especially hard knowing that I was in the same town
as my parents and not really able to spend much time with them. Of course my mom and I were content just
going out and doing things together, but it was still slightly awkward not
going over to my childhood home if my father was home. He knew we were spending time together, but I
thought it best just to stay away when he was around so that things wouldn’t be
made uncomfortable for my mom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I stopped using my crutches after Christmas. I stopped using my cane by the time we headed
back to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city>
for the summer. It took me all summer to
decide on what I wanted for a tattoo.
After some deep thought, I chose the saying, “<i>If not Now, When?</i>” and translated the saying into Korean. It was going to look beautiful. The words had basically become a motto for my
life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I knew I wanted Sam to be with me for the tattoo since I
decided to do this, but as of right now I was beginning to second guess my
decision.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“The two lines look amazing, babe,” he grinned back and
winked at me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’ll give you two lines that look amazing…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“And you are going to have something written on you that you
didn’t approve in the original drawing if you two keep bickering back and
forth, which is making you move,” the tattoo artist growled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">That was all it took for Sam and I to stop our constant
banter. He just continued to hold my
hand as I willed myself to relax and close my eyes, trying to forget about the
pain and to remember why I was enduring it in the first place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Whatever possessed you to come to the drive-in movies?!”
Alex whined, wrapping herself in her blanket that she brought along. “No one else is here because they too agree
that <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Edmonton</st1:city></st1:place>
is a frozen tundra.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“It is not a frozen tundra and it isn’t even that cold out
yet! You of all people should be used to
the cold here…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city>
has spoiled me. Besides, you are used to
this, Mr. Hockey Stud.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“That’s very true! I
am a stud!” I chirped back. “I can turn
the SUV back on and crank the heat if you like,” I said sincerely, even making
a movement to crank the engine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“No that’s fine…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Before I knew it, the movie began. Little did Alex know, I rented out the whole
place for tonight. It was after season,
but I talked the owner into doing a little favor for me in exchange for front
row seats at our home opener. He had no
qualms about opening the place for me after that offer. I felt bad using my status to get what I
wanted, but tonight was a little important.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Mulan?! Really,
Sam?! No wonder no one is here…this
movie is old school and you are definitely a dork for liking it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I thought you liked the movie!” I exclaimed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I do, but for a 20 something hockey player, it seems a
little odd for you to like the movie…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I shrugged and laughed.
“I’m secure in my manhood.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She bust up laughing at this and then reached out from
underneath her blanket and smacked my arm.
Her infectious laughter filled the SUV.
Quickly, I grabbed her hand before she could bury it back underneath the
blanket and held it, despite the fact that she kept trying to pull it back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You absolutely are a total dork,” she reiterated and shook
her head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, now that we got that established, will you marry me?”
I asked, tilting the open ring box back and forth to garner more attention to
it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Her mouth dropped and I was fairly sure she wasn’t
breathing, so I decided to talk a little more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I never thought I’d find someone who would love me for me
and not for being a hockey player. Of
course it probably helps that you are completely oblivious to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s
obsession…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m not oblivious,” she suddenly spouted. “You know that I love watching you play. That
is unfair of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She was right, I knew.
Alex might not be able to tell you every rule or understand why certain
calls are made, but I knew she truly enjoyed watching the game, especially when
I was playing. Otherwise, she couldn’t
really care less. The only other teams
she would watch without me having to beg would be the Ducks or the Islanders. “It might not have been fair to say, but at
least I got you to talk,” I smiled. “Is
this really that much of a shock?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She closed her mouth and bit her lip while shaking her head
slowly back and forth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I leaned towards the center console and tugged on her hand
so that she would meet me halfway. Soon
we were just centimeters apart from each other, the nervous tension felt like
the unstable air of a hot summer night.
“Marry me, Alexandra,” I whispered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I love you Sam,” she whispered back before pressing her
lips to mine. In my head I was shouting
out words of excitement, my lips however were two busy kissing the woman who
turned my world upside down. When we
finally broke off the kiss, we were both breathless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So, I’m guessing that’s a yes?” I panted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes,” she giggled, holding out her left hand so that I
could slide the ring on her finger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She held her breath until it was in place and immediately
she fiddled with it, checking out every detail.
I grinned; proud of me for picking something that looked so perfect on
her small hands. “Sam, it’s beautiful…”
she whispered excitedly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I grabbed her left hand and began turning it so the light of
the movie made it shimmer in the dark and then looked up at her. “It looks perfect on your hand,” I remarked,
grinned at her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She then lifted both hands and cupped my face as tears began
sliding down her face. “It doesn’t look
as good as you look on me,” she choked out before kissing me again, the salt of
her tears lightly seasoning her lips. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The taste of his kiss and the feeling of being in his arms,
only reiterated the fact that I hadn’t died that day in the streets of the
desert was because it wasn’t my time. I
had a whole other life waiting for me with this man who had proposed marriage
to me. No more sunglasses, and no more
umbrellas, because I was ready to face the bright light and enjoy this perfect
moment and chance I was given. <i> If not now, when?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370794131462210272.post-5615569123983894322011-09-12T16:52:00.000-04:002011-09-12T16:52:16.136-04:00Chapter NineteenSo it's definitely Monday... and I definitely missed my Friday deadline for posting, but I have to admit I just couldn't get where I wanted to with this chapter until today... Now it's written and now I'm happy with it and I hope you are too. I'm not making promises for the next chapter... but I am confident that it will be posted at least by the end of this week. In reality, it just might be an Epilogue... just so you aren't too shocked when it does happen!! :o) P.S. I start Medic School TONIGHT!!! YAY!!<br />
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So can I stay here with you, till the day breaks?<br />
There's something you should know<br />
I ain't got no place to go<br />
So can I stay here with you, till the day breaks<br />
How happy it would make me to see your face when I wake<br />
So lay with me in your thinnest dress<br />
Fill my heart with each caress<br />
Between your blissful kisses, whisper<br />
Darling, is this love?<br />
<strong><em>Can I Stay? -</em> Ray LaMontagne</strong><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Great, I haven’t seen my father in over a year and not only did I have a plan to avoid him while I was here in Edmonton, but I also had a nice idea of using Sam as a complete diversion so that I wouldn’t even think about the fact that I was back in my hometown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">So much for that.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Were you planning on contacting us on your arrival or were you planning on flying under the radar?” My father asked in a tone that he used on me when I was being scolded for being bad as a little girl.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I steadied myself on Sam’s shoulder as he quietly bent down and picked up my crutches, took a breath and finally looked up at my father for the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had aged, and not well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His hair was now completely grey and the lines around his eyes had become very defined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious he had lost some weight too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Obviously I didn’t need to personally contact you, because you somehow found out anyways…” I said bitterly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Race called you mother.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Figures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Damn Denise.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“From the way it looks, you seem to have something else a lot more important here in the city of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Edmonton</st1:place></st1:city>, besides your family,” he continued with a direct glare in Sam’s direction.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Before I could even begin to say my rebuttal, Sam was jabbering.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Mayor Fletcher, I’m Sam Gagner, Alex’s boyfriend…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My father left out an ironic laugh as he shook Sam’s hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, thanks for reassuring me that my daughter wasn’t here making out with just some random guy...Although I can’t say I’m too thrilled to find out she’s dating a hockey player…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Father, really?!” I hissed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You haven’t really had much contact with me and you find it okay to insult my boyfriend?!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sam squeezed my wrist in warning as my father just stared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was used to these looks; for Sam, not so much.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, I’m tired from my flight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I need to book a time to meet with you and mother by calling your secretary, or can we come up with something now?” I grumbled, not caring that I was sounding down right nasty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing him brought back all the hurt I had suppressed that last day he stepped into my hospital room.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">That was probably one of the most uncomfortable situations I had ever been involved in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing like meeting the father of your girlfriend while making out with her in an airport terminal, in the city that he was mayor of, and who obviously doesn’t approve of anything his daughter does at the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious a lot of mending needed to be done.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Alex, you really should go over to your house now…” I said quietly as she snooped around my house, checking out things.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She turned around and shook her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I am going to do lunch with them tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tonight is our time,” she spoke simply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not going to let him ruin the time I have been waiting for since the day you left.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I couldn’t help but smile at the sincerity in her voice and the look on her sweet face as she stood there from across the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a deep breath, recorded the memory of the moment in my brain and then practically ran across the room to scoop her up into my arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She left out a squeak and laughed as I carried her into the bedroom.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sam!” she squealed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What, Alex?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wasn’t this apart of your idea?” I feigned.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“This is exactly a part of my idea,” she purred, grabbing at my shirt and pulling it off me as I set her on the bed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I didn’t give her time to strip me any farther.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I jumped onto the bed, pushed her backwards and began laying kisses all over her beautiful face and neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“God, I’ve missed you, princess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The smell of your skin is making me crazy,” I growled into her neck, making her squirm under me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly she pulled me down fully against her and flipped us, so that she was now over top of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There must have been a slight look of shock on my face.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You know,” she grinned, “Now that I have the use of my legs back, you have your work cut out for you…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“No, you do, because now you are always going to be on top,” I winked before getting her out of her dress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I groaned while taking in the beauty who was now straddling me in just a pale yellow, laced bra and matching high-cut thong. Her hair was falling in her face; the lust in her eyes was undeniable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Shit,” I breathed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She leaned down slowly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knew she was turning me on with every movement; it wasn’t difficult to notice with my dick straining to be released from the confines of my jeans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t breathe when her lips touched my forehead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her lace covered breasts lightly brushed across my bare chest, making it feel like my skin was on fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I could do was breathe shallow breathes while she kissed random points on my body, moving at a painfully leisurely pace down towards the button on my jeans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She undid the button.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ever so slightly lifted my hips so that she could remove the barrier, immediately feeling some relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I jumped when I felt her tongue draw up the length of my cock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few tastes, she took me fully into her mouth and my hands immediately gathered into her hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her mouth felt amazing around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew I wasn’t going to last long when she began using her hands to assist in pleasuring me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Alex, I need to be inside of you…” I mumbled in between groans of pleasure.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Mmm,” she hummed, almost making me come anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Come here baby,” I said through clenched teeth as I concentrated on not going over the edge quite yet.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She took me fully into her mouth once more, and sucked hard as she let it slide out of her mouth one last time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The look of disappointment on her face almost made me say that she could finish, but I was ready to bury myself into her depths and not look back.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I crawled back up the length of his body and pouted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He undid my bra with a flick of two fingers, freeing my aching breasts and then hooked a finger through my thong, skillfully sliding them off as he rolled me onto my side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I could get comfortable, he flipped me back on top of him again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I braced my arms on his solid chest and slid myself down overtop his hard cock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t help but leave out a little cry of pleasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once he was bottomed out in me, I sat there for a moment and just stared down at him before beginning to move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t have all the strength in the world, but Sam helped in the movement department by placing his hands on my hips and assisting me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a team effort and we were intent on scoring as many goals as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only had I missed my best friend this past month, but I had also been missing my lover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We really had an amazing connection and I couldn’t help but not see that every minute we spent looking into each other’s eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Soon he had me pulled to his chest and he was doing most of the work, thrusting into me as he held me close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sam…” I cried when he would hit the right spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t take long until I was speaking a line of curse words and succumbed to the orgasm that had been building as soon as we had begun this venture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t long after, Sam also began panting my name and I felt his seed fill me with all his warmth and love.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Lucky for me, Sam was totally into cuddling after doing the deed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It worked to my advantage, because I couldn’t move, too entranced in the sound of his heartbeat and his breathing.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We made love a few more times that evening and ate dinner somewhere in between there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had gotten take-out from one of my favorite Thai places called The King and I.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Mmm,” I moaned, allowing the flavors to melt in my mouth. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was always something rewarding about eating food from a favorite restaurant that you haven’t eaten at in years, especially when reminded you of all the good times you spent in that city.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“If you show me yummy food places like this all week, I’m gonna need to get to the rink an hour early and stay an hour late to work it all off…” Sam licked his fingers.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Don’t worry, I’m sure you will be able to count an hour of sex towards that work-out time,” I grinned and poked him in the side with my toes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Smart thinking!” he exclaimed, crawling over towards me and giving me a sloppy, spicy kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So how much work will I have to do to talk you into staying here with me for the season?” he whispered into my ear.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My heart stopped, despite knowing the question was coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A warm feeling flowed through my veins and I almost forgot that he was probably waiting for some sort of response.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I don’t want to rush things,” I began slowly, feeling him tense slightly before moving back to his seat on the couch so that he could look at my intently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“However, it was only a month apart from you and I already thought this week was never going to come…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I watched a small smile begin to form on his lips as he nodded in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I really mean it, Alex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it’s a little soon, but I want you to stay here with me for the season...I’m sure Dean could hook you up with someone to keep working with for your therapy,” he said thoughtfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not saying that there won’t be times that you will be lonely; being a hockey WAG is not always easy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I obviously found things to occupy my time this last year and a half…” I giggled, but looked at him straight in the eyes to let him know I was touched by his worries and for the fact that he was being honest with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">His face lit up, obviously noting that I was leaning towards his side on things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, actually, if you want, the WAG’s here always need help with all their charities and I know they would probably be very happy to have you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I laughed at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I haven’t even met anyone yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So you don’t know for sure if they’ll want me around.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Why wouldn’t they?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re perfect,” he grinned, crawling back over to me and taking my plate from my hands, placing it on the coffee table.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m fairly sure you’re biased, Gagner.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“No, I’m just realistic,” he nuzzled me neck, knowing it always got me amped up.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I playfully pushed him away, trying to get some air between us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He compromised by flipping onto his back and laying his head in my lap, looking up at me with his hypnotic eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know, you are a man that goes from one spectrum to the other,” I teased.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“How so?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, at first you didn’t want anything to do with me and now here you are asking me to move in with you and making it sound as if it would be a sin for someone not to like me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“It would be a sin!” he exclaimed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Which is exactly why I’m all about you now; it’s all about getting God to forgive my sin so that I can get to Heaven.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So you’re using me?” I scoffed, trying so hard not to laugh at his absurdity.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Just think it as a partnership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get to go to Heaven and you get to praise Him every time I make love to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I just rolled my eyes and shook my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If only life could always be this innocent.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Alexandra!” My mother cried, running into the foyer while still wiping her hands dry on a dish towel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The house smelled glorious from her home cooking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was evident she was going to pull out all the stops for our lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I swear it is a miracle!” she pulled me close and kissed my hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew she was talking about the fact of me walking again, but she never could actually bring herself to say the words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You look so beautiful, my daughter.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You look good too, Mom,” I choked, cursing myself as the tears came all too easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was quickly realizing how much I had suppressed all the disappointment and how much I really did miss being in her arms.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Thank you so much for coming home, even if we weren’t the main reason,” she whispered.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I nodded and took a step back from her.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I hope you’re hungry!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made your favorite,” she began clucking like normal, scurrying back to the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I followed her and took a seat at the breakfast table, watching her move around the room that she and I had spent so much time together on weekends and after school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would sit here to do my homework as she made dinner and on the weekends, she would teach me something new to cook or bake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I often thought of those times when I was in Afghanistan.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Creamy Chicken Casserole?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She spun around and smiled broadly while she nodded her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was then I noticed how much she had aged since the last time I saw her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wrinkles on her face were becoming more prominent and her hair was almost silver and not the light brown I remembered it to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Seems like we all aged a lot over this time apart.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So tell me about this boy you are here to visit?” she suddenly began.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Ah, so Father told you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“He just told me you were here visiting a boy…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was obvious he told her more, but she wanted to hear it from me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In all honesty, I didn’t have any problem talking about Sam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, we met back in London. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He trains at the same facility I am doing my therapy at and is actually Denise’s cousin.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The surprised look on my mom’s face told me in fact that I was right; my father had told her more than she was letting on, but obviously she didn’t know that fact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could only assume that he made a stink about Sam being a hockey player, making him sound like a total stranger that picked me up at the bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Well, instead of picking me up, I caught him…but that is totally unrelated now.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, yeah, he’s obviously up here to start the season with the Oilers…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What’s his name?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sam Gagner.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s the boy with the bigger ears,” she said in a tone that was not meant to make fun of him, but I laughed any way.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, that would be him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“He does a lot in the community,” she spoke thoughtfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But, then again, the whole team is very involved here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“That is what he told me…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So you must be pretty serious, because I can’t see you coming up here for someone you don’t care much about,” she smiled sadly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m in love with him,” I said plainly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to say that it was so serious that I was actually contemplating on moving in with him here in Edmonton, but I didn’t think now was the proper time for that bomb.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She looked at me for a moment and then nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So you have moved with your life.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, he has helped me a lot with that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m glad.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Before I could say anything more, my father stepped into the kitchen and nodded to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I guess he hasn’t moved forward with his life.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“How did you get here?” he asked not sounding very polite in the process.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sam dropped me off.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“He’s not coming for lunch?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“He figured that it should just be the 3 of us this time,” I said quietly, starting to seethe slightly at his condescending tone.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He just nodded and grabbed the plates my mother had set aside before walking out to the dining room to set the table.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Dinner was very awkward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother was non-stop talk and my father was silent as a mute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the end of it, I was praying that my stomach wouldn’t make me empty all of its contents, at least not here in this house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made me mad that he was still doting on the past and with each silent moment, the angrier I became.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So what is it that you want to say to me Father?” I suddenly spouted, actually cutting my mom off as she talked about one of her projects at the library.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He raised his eyebrows and looked up from his half-eaten dinner plate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t have anything to say,” he said simply, pissing me off even more.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m walking again…and you have nothing to say?!” I raised my voice ever so slightly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do I need to do to prove to you that the decision I made was one that I will never regret?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You went to war and what do you have now?! Nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have no job and you have nothing to show for your time except for scars and crutches!” he shouted.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I have my life,” I hissed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have a man that loves me for who I am and doesn’t expect me to be anyone but myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just because I didn’t do what you wanted me to do, doesn’t mean my life is a waste.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“But you could have been so much more.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“And you could just accept me for who I am and be proud of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You pin medals of honor on the men who return from the war, but you can’t even look at your daughter, a war hero, and say that maybe she was right in the decisions she has made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t you hate waking up and looking in the mirror, knowing you are a hypocrite?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Please, stop arguing,” my mother sobbed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He misses you Alexandra, he is just a proud man who can’t admit when he’s wrong…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“And I’m a woman who will not step back and accept that as an apology,” I spoke, staring straight into his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am who I am because of you, Father,” I continued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you can’t accept that, then it is what it is.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laid my napkin down on the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grabbed my crutches, stood up and kissed my mom on the cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I will see you later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for the delicious lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sorry,” I whispered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I didn’t turn back as I walked through the front door of the building that was once my home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hobbled slowly a couple blocks down and plopped myself on the park bench and waited for the man I knew I could still count on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Life wasn’t meant to be perfect and I was starting to realize that I was okay with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What would it be without the adventures?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it meant I wasn’t going to have everything I wanted, then I could deal with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe things didn’t work out with my father the way I would have hoped, but at least I couldn’t say I didn’t try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked down at my legs and the crutches that were sitting by my side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had come a long way in just a few months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between the walking and my outlook on life, it was obvious that maybe the Man upstairs really did keep me on this earth for something more.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was still thinking about this thought when Sam pulled up alongside the curb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he put down the window, I instantly saw his smile and sent up a silent thank you, because I was fairly sure it was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that</i> smile I was kept on this earth for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370794131462210272.post-87449361483042217862011-09-06T11:51:00.000-04:002011-09-06T11:51:33.438-04:00Chapter Eighteen<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Well... I'd like to say I'm back to posting every other day, but unless a miracle happens, the next Chapter will be posted on Friday... until then, I will most likely leave you hanging... I apologize now!! </span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The stars are dancin' on the water here tonight<br />
It's gonna fall a soul when there's not a soul in sight<br />
This boat has caught its wind and brought me back to life now I'm alive and well</span><br />
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<strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B56UjiLuWkk"><em>I'm Alive -</em> Kenny Chesney/Dave Matthews</a></strong></span></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Fletch!! You are almost there!” Dean yelled as he jumped up and down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had walked half the length of the parallel bars and I was taking the last few steps to the end where he was waiting to catch me so that we could celebrate together.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It felt like I had practically sold my soul to the devil to get to this point, but finally all the hard work was paying off.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I can’t believe this!” I whispered loudly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Look over here and smile!” Terry called out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I looked over I found him using his flip camera to film me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He must have seen the confused look in my eyes because he immediately piped up, “I promised Sam I’d record you…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m going to kill him,” I grumbled through my teeth, unable to stop smiling because I was too happy at what I was doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t mean I wasn’t going to argue with Terry before he sent it to Sam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course I wasn’t walking like a normal human being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I was fairly sure I looked like a fawn that was just born and trying to figure out how their legs worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was most likely a very awkward looking sight.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“If you are worrying about what you look like right now, then you definitely are a princess!” Dean chirped, just a foot away from me now as I neared the end.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I left go of the one bar and reached out to smack him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My effort was taken as he scooped me up and swung me around the gym, hooting and hollering out congratulations.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It seemed like I wasn’t going to need to worry about getting my wheelchair to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Edmonton</st1:place></st1:city> after all.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So when are we going to meet this woman of yours, Gags?” Gilbert asked as we sat with several other guys from the team at dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Teddy had already announced to Gilby about my new status as soon as I stepped into the locker room on the first day of training camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Teddy was known for not keeping his mouth shut and Tom was considered the most sappy love-struck guy on the team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was more than amused to hear that I was involved with someone that had more than a nice set of tits and a hole to stick it in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not surprisingly, he had never been a huge fan of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Eden</st1:place></st1:city>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“The day after the Canucks game…on Sunday her plane is arriving,” I said quietly, mainly because I refused to be all giddy about my girlfriend like Tom could be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was nothing wrong about being happy and in love with your girlfriend, but there was definitely something annoying when you constantly talked about her and all the sappy romantic stuff you do for her when you’re with the guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always found it irritating when Tom did it, and I know I wasn’t the only one.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You have to bring her to the party Hallsy and me are throwing,” Eberle piped up from across the table.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Are you two old enough to throw a party?” someone chirped, causing the whole table to bust up in laughter as Taylor and Jordan glared.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Once I stopped laughing with the rest of the gang, I asked, “When is it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Monday night, after the baseball game the team is attending,” <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Taylor</st1:place></st1:city> spoke a little quieter than normal, still seeming annoyed at the joke on his and Ebs, expense.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“For sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wouldn’t see that being a problem…” I said, not sounding as sure as I wanted to. Suddenly I found myself wondering what the guys’ reaction was going to be when they found out that Alex was handicapped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After getting the video that Terry sent me the other day, I was sure she’d be walking, but it wouldn’t be without some sort of help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t care what they thought, but I was more concerned for Alex’s sake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew she was probably going to be more than a little self conscious, especially around all new people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wasn’t going to know anyone but me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess my slight hesitation was noted and by none other than Gilbert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew me all too well after rooming with him and Cogs for two years.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So I’m thinking there is something you haven’t told the group about Alex…” Tom half inquired while we walked back to the arena where our cars were parked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were spaced far enough apart from the other guys, making it private enough to talk.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I sighed and shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s not a huge deal…” I said slowly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“If it wasn’t a huge deal, then you wouldn’t be so cautious about telling me,” Tom chuckled.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I was right too; it wasn’t a big deal, at least not to me anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alex was in the Army and was shot in the back, causing enough damage to keep her from walking.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So she’s paralyzed?” Tom asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, not really,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“See, we met while at the gym.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s been doing rehab there and actually, she’s now beginning to walk again,” I spoke, unable to hide a smile because I was still so proud of her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled out my phone and pulled up the video.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry sent this to me last week, she’s making huge progress.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Tom laughed when he hear Alex make the comment about killing me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I like her already,” he winked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After I put my phone back into my pocket, I looked over at him and watched him shrug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So what’s your worry?” he asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I just don’t want the guys acting all weird around her…you know how they can get.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hell, I know how I was the first time I met her.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I don’t think you give them enough credit.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He paused and then asked, “So what how were you the first time you met her?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I groaned and shook my head. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A real ass.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I don’t know Denise…” I whined as I stood in the department store, staring at the dress she insisted I put on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were out shopping for my trip to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Edmonton</st1:place></st1:city>, which was a big deal for someone who was not the real big shopping type.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“The dress looks beautiful on you, Alex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sam is going to love it!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I frowned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a golden yellow, paisley patterned, cotton dress that could be dressed up or dressed down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Denise thought it would be perfect for me to wear as I walked off the plane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The color really did compliment my skin color, making me look even more sun-kissed than I already was, but I had never been the type to wear dresses for everyday attire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m fairly sure Sam would appreciate it if I would just show up naked…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah, but that would be illegal and you have to look good for not only him, but all the new friends you are going to meet!” Denise squeaked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You promised to be open about this, Alex.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I sighed and nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just wish I didn’t have these stupid crutch things…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Denise got in front of me and cupped my face with her hands, making sure I paid attention to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh ye of low self esteem!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First all you did was complain about your wheelchair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now you are complaining about having to use the crutches to walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you hear the last two words of that sentence?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>TO WALK!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are now walking, Alex!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Find some happiness in that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You of all people should know these things take time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Tears sprung into my eyes as I really thought about her words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess I do sound selfish and ungrateful, eh?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yup.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“But I’m so afraid of what these guys are going to think of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m afraid they are going to pick on Sam about me not being beautiful like all the other WAG’s and he’ll dump me,” I blubbered in the middle of the dressing room.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Honey, you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">are</i> beautiful and you are more naïve than I thought because I know for a fact that Sam is in love with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the guys have an issue with a woman who served her country to her fullest, then they are lower than dirt and no attention should be paid to them anyway.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I sucked in a breath and left out a manic laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I sound like a pathetic child, don’t I?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah, you do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I shook my head and looked back up at the mirror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I really need to see Sam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This whole being far away from him is messing with my head.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“That is obvious,” Denise, giggled and pulled me into a hug.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Later on the ride home, the trunk stuffed with practically a whole new wardrobe, Denise asked the next question that had been looming ever since the day Sam gave me the tickets to go back to my hometown.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Have you talked to your mom and dad yet?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I bit my lip and just shook my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I think you should.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bet they would like to see you…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“If they wanted to see me, then I’m sure they would have come to visit me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My mom was the only one who would actually call me on a regular basis, which was only once a month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we did talk, the conversations were short and to the point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How are you doing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How is therapy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When do you think you’ll be home?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>She never seemed to get the fact that I didn’t want to come home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t want to face my father because I already knew how he felt about my injuries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt like I deserved this because it was my own choice to put myself in danger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Funny how one decision can change a whole relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew my mom cared, but I was fairly sure my father had filled her head with all kind of nonsense because she never really sounded like the same person I remembered from growing up. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I think you should at least make an effort, Alex,” Denise said in a motherly tone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You still have your parents; you are lucky,” she grimaced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Denise had lost both of her parents early in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her father died when she was 18, from a heart attack, and her mother died from cancer a few years later.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I nodded and kept my mouth shut because I knew whatever I said was going to sound even more selfish than I sounded earlier in the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was pacing back and forth nervously in the terminal, waiting for Alex’s plane to disembark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite only getting to bed at 3am, I was wide awake at 7am, already wanting to leave for the airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, her flight wasn’t getting in until 1pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a long, cold shower to calm my hormones, watched some Sports Centre and finally it was close enough to the time of her flight arrival that I wouldn’t be overly early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Better watch it, you keep walking back and forth like that, they are going to make you replace their carpet in the terminal,” Alex chirped from behind me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I spun around and found her <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">standing</i> with the help of forearm crutches, smiling at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her hair was down, and her chocolate eyes were sparkling as she smiled at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was strange to see her actually standing, but it was even stranger seeing her in a dress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked like a country chick in brown cowboy boots and a paisley dress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My brain turned to mush and immediately I felt the warm familiar churning in my stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dreams had not been doing me justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t say anything and at first I was afraid I wasn’t going to be able to move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She began taking a few steps towards me and finally my body moved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within a few steps I had her scooped up into my arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alex,” I breathed into her hair before kissing it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You’re squishing me,” she whined as her crutches fell to the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I swung her around and only loosened my hold on her by a little.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You look beautiful,” I whispered before capturing her lips and kissing her hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled when I felt her finally melt into me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her hands removed my backwards baseball hat and soon they were threading through my hair that was already growing longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her mouth tasted like peppermint and our kiss deepened with every passing moment. We must have been kissing for a little longer than we realized because we soon heard someone clear their throat aside of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Excuse me,” an older male voice spoke up.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I felt Alex’s body freeze and not move as I pulled back enough to turn my head and look over at the man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A stern expression covered his face and for some reason he looked really familiar.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Still looking straight at me, Alex said, tight lipped, “Hello, father.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Oh shit.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370794131462210272.post-64646116251249612472011-09-03T08:05:00.002-04:002011-09-03T08:05:56.699-04:00Chapter Seventeen<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">FINALLY!! I am back and with a chapter!! Sorry for the long wait, everyone!! </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Soundtrack: Some DMB <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxQFYeS5DoI&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxQFYeS5DoI&feature=related</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b> </div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Really, Sam?!” she whined when I threw a first class plane ticket onto her lap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was leaving in a few hours for <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Edmonton</st1:city></st1:place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ever since we had our talk the other night, we were completely inseparable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, Alex had only been home to her apartment to get changes of clothing and take in the mail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We fell into an easy routine and she helped me get my place cleaned up for the season and then get packed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a little challenging with her wheelchair at times, but I found her a walker that had wheels and a seat on it so that I could just push her around upstairs on that instead of carrying the wheelchair up and down all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wasn’t overly thrilled about it, but I just ignored her and didn’t give her much of a choice when I refused to bring her chair upstairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She started going back to her training sessions with Dean and we all immediately began seeing positive results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t consistent, but Alex was beginning to pick-up her feet and “walk” instead of dragging her feet while on the parallel bars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like I said, it wasn’t consistent, but it was a huge start.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, really, Alexandra!” I mocked back as I straddled her, pinning her to the couch with my body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want you there for opening night.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“But I don’t even like hockey…and besides, home opener isn’t until the 9<sup>th</sup> and this ticket is for the 2<sup>nd</sup>!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“For not liking hockey, you sure seem to know my schedule pretty well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m fairly sure you don’t like hockey because you don’t know much about it, so why not learn to love the game by seeing it live and in person?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She bit her lip and breathed out some air, looking very frustrated and very cute at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Edmonton</st1:city></st1:place>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yup, I play for the Edmonton Oilers,” I played along, knowing it would annoy her even more if I played stupid.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sam!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know that my dad is the mayor there and that whole family issue there…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yup.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, if I go to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Edmonton</st1:city></st1:place>, then I’m going to have to visit my family.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yup.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She made some growling noise and pushed against my shoulders with my hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There is no doubt that you and Denise are family because you both manipulate to get your own way.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I grinned and braced myself for a couple more hits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had talked in length over the last several days about the fact that she needed to get things straight with them before it was too late and she regretted it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a big family person and it really bothered me how broken her relationship was with her parents that had once been very important in her life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well it’s not all about getting you back together with your family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, it has more to do with me…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yup.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“How so?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Because besides practices and a few team events, you and I have a whole week together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By that point it will be a little over a month since we will have seen each other and I’m thinking we’ll have a lot to catch up on,” I winked, making her finally giggled and shake her head.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So basically you are making me a prisoner in my hometown?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I looked at her for a minute and then nodded my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yup, it would seem so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But don’t worry, I’ll only tie you to the bed with my silk suit-ties.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div style="border-color: currentColor currentColor windowtext; border-style: none none solid; border-width: medium medium 1pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was going to miss him more than I wanted to be missing him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This past week had been utterly ridiculous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m fairly sure a person is not supposed to laugh that much or have that many orgasms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was going to be going through some serious withdraw and I knew it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course I couldn’t let him know, but I was really excited about heading to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Edmonton</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As much as I wasn’t thrilled at the prospect of seeing my family, I did really miss the city I spent my early years in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was already thinking about some of the places I wanted to take Sam to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In more than one conversation, I realized Sam didn’t know all the cool hangout spots in the city.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Besides all the sex, Sam and I spent a lot of time just talking and getting to know even more about each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talking about the war in front of him became a lot easier for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t need Race there to feel as if it was okay to speak about certain things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly it felt like all the counseling I had been involved in over the past year and a half had clicked and I was finally beginning to deal with everything.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Does it ever hurt?” Sam asked quietly, tracing the scar on my back from the bullet, as we laid in bed together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was lying on my belly and using his chest as a pillow, it was becoming a routine position for sleeping because the sound of his heart put me to sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I turned my head so that I was looked up at him and spoke hoarsely, “I actually only feel you touching the scar when you go too far above or below it with your fingers.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You have no feeling there?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“No, it’s a lot of scar tissue because they had to open me up so many times after the infection had set in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was actually thinking of getting a tattoo over it; I mean it wouldn’t hurt as bad if I got it somewhere else.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sam started laughing quietly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You’d have a tramp stamp…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“It would not be a tramp stamp. There would be no tribal shit.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m not saying it wouldn’t look hot!” he threw up us hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What would you get?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Something in Korean I think,” I said thoughtfully.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“A saying?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Probably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However I won’t be getting it until I walk again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">His hands came back down onto my back and began tracing my scar again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was actually kind of soothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So it’s a reward to yourself, eh?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Guess you could say that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I like that idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re going to look sexy with a tattoo,” he winked before pulling me up to his lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not that you aren’t sexy enough as it is,” he added before kissing me deeply before I could smack him.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div style="border-color: currentColor currentColor windowtext; border-style: none none solid; border-width: medium medium 1pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Dropping Sam off at the airport came all too soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I teared up a little when we dropped Johnny off two days ago, but I knew I’d most likely be a snotty mess, despite not wanting to be like that.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You’re biting your lip so hard that I’m sure you taste blood right now,” Sam joked as we sat next to each other, waiting in the terminal.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I looked over at him and then looked back down at the floor.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“No sulking or tears, Princess Mulan.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I elbowed him in the ribs hard enough to make him curse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, now you’ll have a bruise to remember me by for a little.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You know, I could always get your ticket changed so that you come along with me now…” he whispered into my ear.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I looked over at him again and pleaded silently for him to stop torturing me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know I can’t right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He sighed and pulled me close to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have a goal to achieve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to be able to watch you get a tattoo in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Edmonton</st1:place></st1:city>,” he breathed into my hair.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I probably won’t be walking without some sort of crutches or something…” I grumbled.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Everything takes time, Alex,” he said sincerely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It amazed me how much he seemed to have grown-up just in this past month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, his childish ways were still there, which made me fall in love with him even more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you want some pop-rocks?” he suddenly shoved the package in front of my face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">See what I mean?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I sat laughed and nodded my head, a tear already threatening to escape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We laughed obnoxiously at each other, garnering some glares from other travelers, but we didn’t care because it kept our minds off of the upcoming emptiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Flight 671 for <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Edmonton</st1:place></st1:city>, now boarding…”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sam stood up and quickly pulled me to my own feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was actually able to put weight on my legs so that I didn’t have to rely fully onto him, but that didn’t matter because he still held me tight against him like he did that first night we danced together.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I love you Alexandra.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I smiled because I was beginning to like hearing him say my full-name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you too, Sam.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’ll call you as soon as I touch down.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Okay.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Promise me you won’t be a hermit in your apartment for the next month?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m fairly sure Denise will have me over at their place helping ready for the nursery…” I rolled my eyes and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Race and Denise announced the news yesterday at a BBQ they held for the end of Sam’s summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone was ecstatic for the news, including me and Sam who were already asked to be the God parents.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“For <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">our</i> God child,” Sam grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was very excited about it because he loved kids.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yup.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div style="border-color: currentColor currentColor windowtext; border-style: none none solid; border-width: medium medium 1pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Several hours later I was sitting alone in my apartment in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Edmonton</st1:place></st1:city>, already wishing she was here with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was just glad I had hockey to keep my mind busy, but nights were going to be tough.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Me: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What are you doing?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Alex: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Just hopping and skipping around the house, celebrating the fact you are gone…<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Me:<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> LOL You have such a wonderful sense of humor, Princess.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Alex:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Did you make your bed yet?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You’ve already been watching YouTube videos about me?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Alex:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Well, I had to hear your voice and see your face somehow, right?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I’m fairly sure that’s pathetic.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Alex:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And I’m fairly sure you’ve made me this way.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Me: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I’m totally okay with you being pathetic.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Alex: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I love you.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Me: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I love you more.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370794131462210272.post-30592729733414285892011-08-30T14:21:00.000-04:002011-08-30T14:21:42.909-04:00The World Did Not End.Hello All!!<br />
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I am soo sorry for not posting anything for the last several days!! So much as been going on, including a hurricane, an earthquake, forgetting my zip drive at work while I'm on vacation, RebelHeart was in to visit... so yeah. I'm fine, I haven't fallen off the face of the planet and I haven't forgotten about my story!!<br />
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Look for a new chapter in a day or two!!!<br />
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HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370794131462210272.post-63082164676423315422011-08-24T08:39:00.001-04:002011-08-24T08:39:41.767-04:00Chapter Sixteen<strong>Sorry for posting a day late!!! A little techinal difficulties arose when I forgot my laptop the one day and then with the earthquake drama yesterday!! So I'm back at it this morning!!</strong><br />
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<strong>Soundtrack: from a defunct emo band from Pittsburgh... awesome band with awesome lyrics</strong><br />
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Here's a thought, if you're willing to listen. I only tell the <br />
truth of the feelings I'm given. Can you hear me now? Listen. <br />
Whispers in the rain. Listen. Don't push love away, you know <br />
you do. It's all we have.<br />
<br />
<strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpQfbz9PiXI"><em>Don't Push Love Away - </em>The Juliana Theory</a></strong><br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">At first I was mad at Sam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, after he dropped me off and I cried for about two hours, I realized Sam didn’t do anything wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Seeing the picture for the first time in over a year and a half was like a slap in the face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My concern about it not being okay to move on from everything came back and reared it’s ugly head, causing me to second guess all the time I had spend in Sam’s arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Is this a sign that I’m not supposed to move on and fall in love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too late, Alex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are already in love and there is no turning back.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The picture, it was so intimate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was me and Danny sharing everything we were supposed to share over the next umpteen years in just a matter of a couple minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was me, just moments after my life was changed forever from a shower of bullets that had rained upon me and Danny.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I picked up the trash can and puked out the remnants of bile that had been churning since I saw the picture.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After dropping Alex off at her house, I drove around for awhile before stopping at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran upstairs, picked up the picture and drove straight over to Race and Denise’s house.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sam!” Denise said cheerfully, but realized instantly this wasn’t a happy visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s wrong, hun?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I walked straight into the house, carried the picture with me and sat down at the kitchen table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After setting the frame on the table, I heard Denise’s sharp intake of breath behind me, which told me she knew what I wanted to know.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“A month or two ago, Eden and I went shopping for some pictures to decorate my house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found this one in the back of a rack and I instantly caught my attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, look at the intensity between these two people, it just spoke to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, I hadn’t ever experienced anything like that, but I’d like to think there is a part in everyone that wishes to be involved in a love like that…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Denise didn’t say anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Race was standing beside her when I paused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded in agreement and she just kept staring at the picture with her hand over her mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“These last few weeks with Alex have been nothing short of incredible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought what you two have, was something completely unobtainable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never would have thought I’d find it and not especially with a girl who is, at the moment, confined to a wheelchair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alex has told me bits and pieces about her past…probably the most I’ve heard was that night we had the BBQ over here… You two talked about a guy named Danny, but I never thought he was someone that Alex shared a moment like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that</i> with,” I pointed at the picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My throat was constricted and I could barely speak at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You need to tell me about him,” I turned to Race.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I think you need to talk to Alex about it…” Race began quietly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“No, she isn’t talking to me at the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came to talk to you about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Personally, I can’t blame Alex if she can never talk to me about this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Race sighed and took a seat at the table next to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stared at the picture for a few moments and then pulled Denise onto his lap and held onto her like she was going to be the only thing to get him through the story.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“This is going to take some time,” Race said quietly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I have all the time in the world,” I answered sincerely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Immediately I felt goosebumps pop up all over my body.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m fairly sure Danny fell in love with Alex the day we all met and shipped off to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Afghanistan</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course all the guys were buzzing about the hot little Korean combat nurse, but Danny was the first to actually go over and introduce himself to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, you need to understand Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was this big dude…probably could have been an UFC fighter with the body he had, so he towered over Fletch,” Race paused and chuckled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll never forget Fletch’s face when he sauntered over to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He says to her, ‘Don’t worry little girl, if you forgot your teddy bear, I’ll be more than willing to be a stand-in.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked up at him and laughed loudly as she said, ‘Well, that’s real nice of your to offer, but with an ego like that, I’m thinking you’ll need me more than I need you.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at her with a confused look before she spoke again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She patted him on the forearm and said, ‘When someone kicks your ass, I’ll make sure I find a pooh-bear band-aid to put on it for you,’ she said simply and walked away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember Danny just standing there in awe and practically drooling.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Fletch had one of a smartass attitude and within a couple days she had everyone eating out of her hand and ready to go to war for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If anyone not in our platoon made a comment about her, the boys were ready to throw punches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny was the class clown, so he would always try and draw attention to himself. Despite their initial encounter, Danny stayed persistent with Fletch and she soon began seeing that he wasn’t joking when he would declare his love for her, even if it was in the middle of morning PT,” Race smiled again and shook his head.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“A few days before the fateful day in that picture, Danny came to me and we talked about how Denise and I made things work. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, ‘Race, I know it’s against policy, but I’m telling you now that I’m going to break the rules.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m in love with Alexandra and I’m going to make her my wife as soon as we are out of this hell-hole.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember just nodding my head and trying to hide my smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him that if I didn’t hear or see anything, there was nothing wrong going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then told him that as soon as we were back in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>, that I would help him fill out whatever paperwork they needed to fill out so that they could get married, not be in the same platoon but still be stationed together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hell, Danny was even going to take a desk job if he had to, which was a huge deal for him because he loved his job as a mechanic.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“The night before the shoot-out, I walked out of the bunkhouse and saw the two of them together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He asked her to marry him that night…” Race faded off and Denise sat there sniffling.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Did she say yes?” I asked, hoarsely.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“She did.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I nodded and didn’t know what to say or think.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“She has no clue to this day that I heard the exchange.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d like you to keep it that way,” Race said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sometimes I often wondered if she decided to just block it out completely…I know her parents, especially her dad, really gave her a hard time about this photograph.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What would they be upset about?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Her dad was dead set against her going into the military in the first place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was not thrilled to have a picture of his daughter plastered on the front page of the newspaper, making out with another soldier…especially since he was running for public office.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Public office?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Fletch’s dad is the Mayor of Edmonton.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My mouth dropped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was learning something every minute, and the worst part about it was the fact that this was stuff about my girlfriend, the girl I thought I knew enough to fall in love with. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is that why she doesn’t get along with her parents?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Some of it,” Denise finally spoke up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mr. Fletcher is very old school; probably from his time in the military as an officer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since he was so against Fletch going into the military, his tolerance, I guess you could say, ran out when she got shot and then made the paper in a photo that had essentially brought a shit-storm along with it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I don’t understand why the photo is considered controversial…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You weren’t the only one moved by the photo, Sam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This war is not a popular one and the old-timers were not particularly fond of the photograph showing the battle as some sort of romantic drama.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I nodded my head and sat in thought for a few minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at both Race and Denise whose faces were covered in worry and I nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you,” I said quietly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I picked up the photograph, stood up and walked out of the house and into my Jeep.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There was a lot I needed to digest and the only thing I knew to do, was to go for a run.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">That photo had brought back so many things I thought I had gotten over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To find that nightmare in my boyfriend’s bedroom, was like living out the most dreaded horror film one could ever imagine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How is a person supposed to handle something like that?!</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I spent the next couple days sitting, sulking on the couch in my living room, allowing memories of the past to overtake me and pull me under.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like holding that old childhood teddy bear that gave you comfort in bad times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, this teddy bear would always take me back to the depression I had tried so hard to leave behind.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A few days went by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t go to my training sessions. I called Dean and told him I needed a few days for a break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn’t overly thrilled, but stated he understood.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sam called me several times a day, but I would just hit the ignore button.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course I should have known that I could only hideout from him for so long…<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">*Knock, Knock*<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Alex?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me in!” Sam yelled on the other side of the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Go away Sam.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He began wiggling the door handle and next thing I knew, he was falling through my door.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sam, I told you to go home and now you break into my fucking house?!” I scowled, pulling my legs up against my chest and hugged them.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, desperate measures need to be taken when yoooouuu don’t answer my fucking phone calls!” Sam grumbled back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In just 3 steps he was standing in front of me with his hands on his hips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sounded angrier than he looked; worry was written all over his face and green eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I looked up at him and just shrugged my shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He suddenly kneeled down in front of me, but kept some distance between us.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Alex, I’d say sorry, but honestly, it’s not like I bought the picture to make you made or uncomfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, if I would have known, I would have taken it down and told you about it…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Again I shrugged.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He sighed and sat down on his heals, looking defeated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m fairly sure this is the part where you speak.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I opened my mouth, closed it and before I could open it again, tears began falling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He asked me to marry him the night before that photo was taken.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sam’s eyes grew a little larger, but he didn’t say or do anything.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“He was setting up to give me cover fire so that I could get more supplies…he died, saving me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The worst part is, we had our first kiss right before he proposed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pushed off for so long and when I finally admit everything to myself, he dies, underneath me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His last breath was wasted on kissing me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I jumped when Sam’s large hand came up and covered one of mine, squeezing it gently.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I tried to commit suicide several times during the last year and a half,” I continued, feeling as if it was necessary to make sure he knew I wasn’t as strong as he probably thought I was.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Why?” he asked, pained.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Because I should have died in that Afghan street; there was no reason for me to be on this earth.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“But you are sooo wrong, Alexandra,” he said, smoothly, using my full name for the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got goosebumps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are meant to do so much more on this earth…to make peoples lives better…like mine.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m still obviously a headcase…” I mumbled, attempting to break the gaze between us because it was beginning to make me slightly nervous.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I love you, Alex.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Now he had my full-attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t say things like that just to get me to forgive you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He crawled within inches of me and put his nose against mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t give a shit if you don’t forgive me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t you see, Alex?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m telling you that I love you because I want you to know now incase I don’t get to tell you that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is exactly what the picture spoke to me when I first saw it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What you and Danny shared, proves the fact that if you don’t do something now, then when is it right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll admit I’m a little bummed that you didn’t tell me everything, but I believe you it would have eventually come out along down the line.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I just didn’t think it was real romantic to tell your new boyfriend, ‘Hey! By the way, I was engaged for a day, but he was killed and I’ve basically been a wreck since it happened…’ add on the wheelchair business, well it just doesn’t make for the best of things.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sam smiled and chuckled a little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I guess you’re right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But since we are being all honest and up front right now, I’d like to file a grievance with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He now took both of my hands into his large ones and completely held my attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You need to stop hiding away from me when things don’t go the way you want them to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m here for you Alex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that is one of the reasons we found each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need me to keep from going into your hermit/depression modes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“But what do you need me for?” I asked quietly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A big smile grew on his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“To make me happy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“That doesn’t seem like a fair trade.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He shrugged his shoulders and leaned in, lightly pressing his lips to mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Having you in my arms makes it all worth while,” he mused before kissing me once again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you, Alex.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I pulled back and smiled back at him, cupping his cheeks with my hands so that I could look into his sparkling green eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you too, Sam,” I said, meaning every word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370794131462210272.post-30598408893938628832011-08-20T22:20:00.001-04:002011-08-24T08:40:36.939-04:00Chapter Fifteen<strong>Posting a little early on this one... mainly because I have to be at work again in less than 10 hours, but I wanted to make sure I got this up for you guys. I feel bad if I don't keep up with my every-other day posting since you are all soo wonderful to leave such encouraging comments!!!</strong><br />
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<strong>For our soundtrack on this one... well, this was a last minute song change as I did a quick proofread of this chapter. One of the comments John makes in this chapter made me immediately think of this tune. If you all didn't know by now, I'm a huge Mutemath fan and I will try and sell the group to everyone I can get to listen to them... the link is to the live version of this song, which is how I found this band when they opened for 30 Seconds To Mars in Philly last year... it's an amazing version and it just gives you a perspective of how killer their live performances are! ENJOY!!</strong><br />
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The different stars tonight will somehow fade the same<br />
And all the tears we cry tell us we're made the same<br />
And when we fall aside, let's hope we fall in place<br />
We built our different lives, but they all break the same<br />
Break the same<br />
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Different worlds and different hearts<br />
Different souls and different parts<br />
We all, we all break the same<br />
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<strong><em>Break The Same - </em>MUTEMATH</strong><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Dean!” I practically screamed as Sam jogged into the gym with me in his arms; John opened the door for us, smiling just as broadly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Dean and Terry spun around and looked at the three of us with a confused look.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Don’t tell me Sam already knocked you up, Fletch?!” Terry groaned, dramatically shaking his head.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sam and I both blushed profusely.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Um…” I began.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, we were sleeping together last night…” Sam said proudly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh Lord,” Dean drew out.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“But no, wait!” I suddenly piped up again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I kicked him in my sleep last night!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, it’s about time you get a woman to kick you into shape…” Terry began, only to be cut off from Dean who came leaping over towards us and stealing me from Sam’s arms.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Are you serious?!” he exclaimed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“YES!” Sam and I said in unison.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“This is AWESOME!” Dean bellowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laughter and cries of joy echoed throughout the empty gym as Dean swung me around in circles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I knew it, he had me poised on the parallel bars.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I took a deep breath before slowly allowing my body weight to transfer to my legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With all the weight training I had been doing, they were becoming strong enough to hold me without much assistance with my arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before even attempting to take a step, I looked over at everyone who was standing there with baited breath.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You can do this, Fletch,” Dean whispered.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I nodded and turned back to look down at my feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Okay, left foot first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to move now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to walk…</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My feet on the other hand did not seem to be listening.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Once again, tears of frustration fell hotly onto my cheeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I felt so bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In some respects, I wished I would have never told her when she awoke this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The excitement in her eyes and on her face still haunted me as I lied awake in my bed, alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reluctantly I dropped her off back at her place and hung out with John the rest of the day because she said she just wanted to be alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I respected her decision, but it didn’t make it any easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From what happened yesterday to what happened today, I felt like I was on one of those amusement rides that made you giddy as it slowly ascended above the park and then lets your drop at a crazy amount of speed to the ground only to leave you wonder, “Is that it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I don’t know what to do to cheer her up,” I sulked as John and I wasted the day away playing NHL ’11.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Just give her some space today, she’ll be back to her normal self tomorrow,” John said with a knowing smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can’t even begin to imagine what she is going through…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I have a feeling she’s gone through more than what she has told either of us,” I fretted.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Everyone deals with things differently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alex is a very strong woman, but we all have our breaking points.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I nodded in agreement.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After John left, I decided to call Alex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t stand it any longer.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Hey Sam,” she said, neutrally.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Hey babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are you up to?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Just reading,” she sighed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sam?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m sorry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“It’s okay, Alex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just worried about you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“And you don’t need to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just needed a day to wallow in myself and I promise to be back to normal tomorrow,” she laughed sadly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I chuckled a bit because I was picturing her pouty lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It really is okay, Alex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can understand that occasional self-pity thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve had days like that more than once with my hockey career.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saying that, kind of made me feel a little petty about the times I did sit and sulk after a bad game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite that fact, I heard her giggling softly on the other end of the phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What are you laughing about?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Never mind,” she giggled, now slightly louder than before.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“No, not never mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are you laughing about?” I growled.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Is it bad that I could so picture you sitting on the floor, cross legged, pouting like a baby?” she snorted.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Are you serious?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gee, thanks Alex.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, look at it this way, the mental picture has made me laugh for the first time since this morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I sighed and shook my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I’d rather be there in person so that I could see you smile…” I said, realizing I was sounding like some sort of love sick puppy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that thought went quickly away with her next words.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m actually sorry for shunning you away for the day too, because I miss you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Then can I come over?” I asked, hopefully.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She was quiet for a moment and then spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I need some sleep tonight and so do you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll see you in the morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Fine, then to make up for today, I get you all day after our work-out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Okay,” she said, sounding like she was smiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sounds like a deal.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Goodnight Alex.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Goodnight Sam.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was definitely in a better mood by morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes all you need is a day full of ice cream and chick-flicks to get over whatever funk you are in.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“When do you actually start eating healthy for the season?” I asked, watching Sam devour his 4<sup>th</sup> slice of pizza as we sat outside by his pool.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I have been eating healthy,” he defended with a mouthful of pizza crust.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“This is not healthy,” I furrowed my brow while watching the grease drip off my 2<sup>nd</sup> slice.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, actually, I eat two healthy meals a day and I splurge on my 3<sup>rd</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next week I’ll actually start my food cleanse to start the season off on a good foot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its summer and I workout hard enough at the gym, that I need to have some sort of ‘fun’ for the break.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I just shook my head at his justification and rolled my eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So I haven’t made you a believer in all my ideas, yet?” he smirked.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I don’t like to be a follower,” I smiled.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well then I guess you aren’t going to enjoy my plans for the rest of our day together…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“As long as you let me lead, we won’t have a problem,” I winked and laughed as he choked on his pizza.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Well, we started out by making love in the pool after lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She initiated this of course, and I willingly followed her lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The steps in my pool made for the perfect perch in our sexual escapade.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I can’t get over how amazing you feel,” I groaned when I first pushed into her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She left out a complimentary sigh and allowed her head to drop backwards into the water as I held her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The water made her virtually weightless and allowed me to easily hold her up, to get deep into her.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sssaaammm, you make me feel so gooood,” she drew out.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“That’s good baby, I want you to feel good,” I grunted, hitting her core before pulling out again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My vision was getting blurred and I knew I would be soon finished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow I was able to holdout until I felt her finger tips dig into my shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Fuuuuck.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled up, so that she was completely against me and held her tight as we left our bodies come down from the high we had just given them.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Are you ready to get out of the pool?” I asked after she shivered a couple times in my arms.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She nodded shyly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that, I scooped her securely into my arms and carried her into the house, we were both naked, but that was one of the perks of having a tall privacy fence.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I grabbed some towels from the laundry room and one of my big extra comforters and we set up shop on my big couch in the living room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It suddenly became a day of naked relaxing on the couch, watching movies and telling stories.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So when do you go back to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Edmonton</st1:place></st1:city>?” I asked, nuzzling against his chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He always seemed to be so warm, and I was very content with the fact that his arms had been wrapped around me since we laid down on the couch.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Next Thursday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A group of us start training together a few weeks before camp starts, plus it gives me time to get my apartment settled, especially since I’ll be by myself this season…” he said quietly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I nodded and immediately cursed myself for the tears that were threatening to brim over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never cried about silly things like that and besides, it’s not like I expected this to last forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Okay, Alex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stop lying to yourself already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know you are head over heals for this boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am such a fool.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily he couldn’t see my face because I was spooned with my back against him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see,” I choked out, hoping to God he couldn’t tell the words were filled with more emotion than I had intended.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I jumped a little when he began to run his fingers through my thick, straight, hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sam knew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sam read me like a book, but he didn’t say anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead the thoughts just passed silently between us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alex?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah?” I asked, rolling over onto my back so that I could look up in his eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">His hand came up and gently cupped my face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m fairly sure I stopped breathing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The look in his eyes told the whole story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t the only one with these strong feelings.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sam…” I whispered, hoping it might deter him from saying the words I was deafly afraid of hearing or saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was not supposed to be this easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shushed me by kissing me fully on the lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I moaned as his hand slipped from my cheek to behind my neck, pulling me farther into the kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we parted, I was breathless.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I feel like this isn’t real,” he said huskily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His green eyes were looked like fresh cut grass covered in morning dew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was totally lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He continued with a shake of his head and a smile before looking deep into my eyes again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I never would have thought my summer would be like this…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I giggled at this admission and blinked my eyes in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to leave out a sigh of relief for him not saying those three little words, but with the way he was still staring at me, I was sure they were close to being said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Silence stayed between us for the longest time, only to be interrupted as a flash of lightening lit up the room.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Shit!” I jumped, my foot actually kicking up the blanket.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Your leg just moved!” Sam exclaimed like a little excited kid.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I know,” I whispered, trying to keep my emotion in check.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sam immediately reached down and ran his hands up and down both my legs and squeezed them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked back up at me and grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know you’ll walk again, Alex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No doubt in my mind.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I nodded quietly and bit my lip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He might be right, but it was still a long battle.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was going to say “I love you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The words were right on the tip of my tongue, but I chickened out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once again I found myself lying in bed cursing quietly for not just coming out and saying it then and there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced over at the picture that was now sitting on the floor, in front of my dresser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How could I have not seen it was her this whole time?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Even in her military fatigues, I could still see the curve of her body, and her hair was unmistakable, along with her tiny hand splayed on his cheek.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I thought the picture had moved me the first time I saw it in the store?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I was now in complete awe of it and totally torn-up over it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No longer could I look at it as two people in the heat of the battle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I could see was my girlfriend having one of the most intimate moments someone could probably share with a man who was me and who would never be me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I felt slightly cheated from her not telling me, but the rational part of me kept saying that it was really none of my business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never told her about my conquests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only person she knew about was <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Eden</st1:place></st1:city>, and even then it wasn’t like she knew much more than her name and that she was screwing Patrick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So in reality, whatever happened with her and Danny, I didn’t need to know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the jealous/over-thinking part of me wanted to know every little detail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did she love him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Were they together for long?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did she still think about him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These were all questions that rolled around in my head.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The other thing that rolled around in my head was the look of horror on her face when we woke-up that morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a wonderful night making love and falling asleep together in each other’s arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was still asleep when she woke up.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sam,” she said loudly, elbowing me in the ribs.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Ouch…” I whined, attempting to pull her closer to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sam,” she said again, sounding even more annoyed and now pushing my arms off of her.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Alex, what is wrong?” I asked, still half asleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“That picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where did you get it,” she asked through clenched teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She somehow quickly moved out of my arms and was now sitting on the bed and pointing up at the picture like it was a spider or a bug that she wanted killed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Uh, I got it at that picture place, downtown in the beginning of the summer,” I said slowly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Do you have any clue what that is?” she asked, so cold that I felt my blood turn to ice.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I sat up climbed up to take the picture down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned back around and sat it on my lap and read the article outloud.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“6 Canadian soldiers were killed, 2 injured during a gun fight in small town in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Afghanistan</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AP photographer, James Nash was also injured in the battle when the Hummer he was riding in was ambushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, he managed to get this gut wrenching picture of two GI’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lieutenant Daniel Kramer and Lieutenant, Combat Nurse, Alexandra Fletcher share an intimate moment together after they were both wounded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lt. Kramer is listed as deceased and Lt. Fletcher is listed in critical condition at Ramstein Air Force Base in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Alexandra Fletcher…Alex…Fletch…Danny…” I finished slowly like it was all a bad dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh my god, Alex, I swear I didn’t know…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Is this the first fucking time you are reading the article?!” she hissed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“No…but you have to understand…I bought this a few days before I met you and I never even thought about it…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“How can you not tell that is me?!” she cried.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I…I…I just never thought…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Take me home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“But Alex, let’s try and be reasonable about this…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Take me home, Sam.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370794131462210272.post-45049210972740766082011-08-19T08:15:00.000-04:002011-08-19T08:15:46.375-04:00Chapter Fourteen<strong>First things first... ya'll are hyped up about this picture... do you like when bad things happen?!! LMAO.</strong><br />
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<strong>Second... this is loaded with ADULT CONTENT to start the weekend off right! (of course I'm working, which means I'll have lots of time to write and get to that picture drama... haha)</strong><br />
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Wouldn't miss a single day <br />
I'd probably just fade away <br />
Without you, I'd lose my mind <br />
Before you ever came along <br />
I was livin' life all wrong <br />
Smartest thing I ever did was make you all mine <br />
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Crazy girl, don't you know that I love you? <br />
And I wouldn't dream of goin' nowhere <br />
Silly woman, come here, let me hold you <br />
Have I told you lately? <br />
I love you like crazy, girl <br />
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<strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7SX0sJoKj8"><em>Crazy Girl</em> - Eli Young Band</a></strong><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">They say absence makes the heart grow fonder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me I’m fairly sure it made me more apprehensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psychotic visions would dance through my head throughout the day and night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of those little mind stories included Sam coming back to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city>, showing up at my door and laughing hysterically in my face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shouted loudly through the neighborhood that I was a cripple who had no hope of ever living a normal life again.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I woke up mortified and crying, thinking there was no doubt he was going to get back from Edmonton and tell me he didn’t want to spend anymore time with me and that he thought we shouldn’t be together again.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The mind can be a dark and scary place, especially when you have all the time in the world to think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was now sinking in how much befriending the boys had taken away from some of that time, allowing me to not spend so much time in that dark place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really did need to find something to occupy more of my times, especially since the summer was winding down and soon I’d be left with the occasional mental breaks Race and Denise would give me with visits and sporadic trips to wherever.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I decided to talk to Denise about ideas on what I could do, later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the moment I was too busy waiting for a text from Sam saying that he was back home.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m fairly sure I jumped through the roof when the doorbell rang.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A nervous smile was pasted on her face as soon as she opened the door to let me in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had told her that I’d text her when my plane touched down, but I was all for the element of surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood on her doorstep with a big grin and bag of food.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Alex,” I said slowly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sam,” she acknowledged, the nervous smile seeming to fade with every passing second, being replaced by a look of relief.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“May I come in?” I raised an eyebrow.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Depends.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Depends on what?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You going to throw away your trash when you’re done eating whatever you have in that bag?” she asked as serious as possible, but failing miserably at hiding her smile by the end of the question.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I sighed dramatically and shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I guess so.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She nodded and began backing up to allow me in the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I politely walked right by her, hoping to make her feel like I was kind of ignoring her, and dropped my food off on the dinning room table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I turned around to go back to her, she was already pouting.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In two strides I was in front of her and scooping her up out of her chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I needed empty hands so that I could hold you against me,” I breathed playfully into her ear, taking her perfect scent into my nose.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I thought maybe you might have changed your mind,” she said quietly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Silly girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t get rid of me that easy,” I chuckled, carrying her back down the hall and boldly into her bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The whole plane-ride home, all I could think about was having her in my arms and kissing her everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hoped she was with me on this plan.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What are you doing?” she asked, sounding amused.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You look tired, so I want to make sure you can rest in bed…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Something tells me rest is not a word in your equation at the moment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, if you don’t want to rest, you don’t have to…” I smiled.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Of course this earned me a playful smack across the back of my head.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Okay, so the gears in my mind made an abrupt change in direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They quickly went from worrying if Sam would still want to keep going with this relationship to thinking about how amazing his lips and breath would feel against my skin.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I thought you were hungry…” I choked out while his fingertips lightly traced the shape of my breast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had wasted no time in getting me out of my shirt and bra.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, I didn’t waste much time getting him out of his shirt and shorts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was lying on my back and he was lying on his side, devouring me with his eyes. It was already a given we were going to go to the place of no return and with the way he was making me feel at the moment, I was not going to regret it one bit.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Before answering my question with words, he leaned down and lightly sucked on my nipple, bringing it into a little hard nub so that he could bite it gently before picking up his head to say, “I’m hungry for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I laughed, which caused my breasts to move freely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sam began laughing too before he cupped both of my aching orbs and kissed me hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I moaned as he positioned the whole length of his body over top of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His arms created a cage around me and his fingers were buried in my thick hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could feel his growing erection on my stomach as it strained through the thin material of his boxers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The heat of it began warming my core.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">His kisses were languid and protruding, causing my body to completely give itself over to primal instinct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My hands ran up and down his strong muscled, back and down to the waist band of his boxers before sliding them upwards again, feeling goosebumps pop along the path I took.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled back from my lips at one point and shivered.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“If you don’t want to go all the way tonight, then we have to stop now,” he said hoarsely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not going to be able to control myself like last time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you so bad, Alex.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The needful look in his eyes was completely unnerving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They sparkled with lust and something else I hadn’t seen since that night with Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quickly shoved that last thought back into its hiding place and focused on Sam’s declaration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t want to stop, Sam,” I whispered sincerely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was being truthful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to be one with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, maybe it wasn’t the cautious approach I had originally planned on taking with him, but something about it all felt totally right.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As soon as the words were out of her mouth, my lips were there to taste the residue of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t want to make her feel like we were rushing things, but there was nothing more that I wanted than to be inside of her, binding her to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was thinking on a total caveman approach right now when it came to my feelings for her, but as soon as I saw her beautiful face this evening, I knew this was it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I pushed myself up and moved to the side of her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gently, I laid kisses down her neck to her one shoulder and then her one breast and then down to her navel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat up and greedily took in her small, beautiful frame with my eyes before sliding and arm under her knees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were smooth and soft as I lifted them and her hips off the bed to remove the short little gym shorts she was wearing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before placing them back down, I left some kisses on her knee and thigh, silently throwing up a prayer that they would work again soon for her.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I stood up at the end of the bed and stared down at her now naked flesh while slowly sliding off my boxers, finally freeing my hard length.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Curiously, I watched her eyes go down my body and look at my dick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled and unconsciously licked her lips before allowing her eyes to come up and connect with mine once more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m fairly sure the small amount of blood that had still pumping through my heart was now filtering down to my dick.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He was achingly slow with every motion, but after we were both naked, things began moving quicker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He climbed back onto my bed and laid down beside me, still staring at me like he was going to eat me alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My body tingled with anticipation.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I sucked in a breath when he traced a pattern with his finger from my navel down to my folds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before dipping it into my warmth, he paused, looked up at me and then slid it into my slick heat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He laughed an evil, quiet laugh at my expression.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“That’s right baby girl, my goal is to get you to make that face a few more times tonight,” he growled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched him roll on a condom he had pulled out from his wallet and then trembled in anticipation as he parted my legs and crawled in between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He slid an arm underneath my shoulders and brought my body up against his and my lips to his, kissing me deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt the head of his erection nudging at my entrance and without much more warning, he pushed into me, slow and almost painstakingly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point we stopped kissing because all I could do was focus on the feeling of him stretching me intimately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gripped his shoulders and held my breath.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Remember to breathe Alex,” he whispered heavily into my ear.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I don’t think you’re doing much breathing either,” I moaned.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You feel so amazing, baby,” he whimpered as he finally bottomed out inside of me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Mmmm…” was all I could say.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After staying nestled in me for a moment, he slowly pulled back out and then pushed in again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were both groaning in frustration by the third time of this charade.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sssaammm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please, fuck me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I watched a wicked gleam shoot through his eyes. He nodded, pulled me even closer against him and began setting a strong pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I so badly wished I could wrap my legs around him to pull him even deeper into me, but he did a good job of things without my help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He used all of his strong muscles to fuck me into oblivion and soon we were both crying out as our orgasms hit us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sighed as I felt his warm fluid release into my core.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I wanted the feeling of her wrapped around my dick to last for forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, she was so tight that there was no way I was going to last as long as I had hoped for our first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as she went over the edge, I too fell with her.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It took a moment to remember that I might be crushing her with my body weight, but she didn’t seem to mind as she laid a few kisses on my face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was beautiful underneath me; her liquid brown eyes looked to be overflowing with the emotion I too was feeling with her skin against mine; her thick, raven hair splayed around her like a halo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was then I realized I was falling in love with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was actually something I had thought about this past weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Was I too young to fall in love?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was it too soon to completely tie myself down to one woman?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What did it matter when everything about it felt right?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I must have dozed off aside of her for a short-time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened my eyes to find myself using her stomach as a pillow; it’s growling is what woke me up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why didn’t you wake me if you were hungry?” I exclaimed, picking up my head to see her with a silly smile on her face.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I was having a relaxing time just playing with your hair and listening to your snore.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“That is probably why I fell asleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is definitely nothing better than having a woman run her fingers repeatedly through a man’s hair,” I grinned, stretching up to kiss her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She met me halfway and when we parted I propped my chin on my hand, just looking at her.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Stop,” she playfully covered my eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Stop what?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Stop looking at me like that,” she blushed and giggled nervously.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“But I can’t stop…” I smiled.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“But it makes me all self-conscious!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“For what?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just you and me…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Naked.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Mmm, yes, we are both still naked,” I growled, pinning her body down with mine once more and making a move to kiss her again.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She attempted to dodge my lips as she squeaked, “But what if I say I’m hungry!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Then I say you’re going to be famished by the time we get done round two!” I informed her before playfully biting her neck, causing her to squeal and claw at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several minutes later she was crying out my name again.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was strange having someone sleeping in bed with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was slightly weird having him around for what might seem to be weird “rituals” that I do when getting ready for bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I definitely didn’t feel very sexy having to climb back into my chair to get myself to the bathroom or the fact that I had to sit on a chair to take a shower with him standing behind me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was all a little much for me to handle, but Sam was sweet and seemed to take it all in stride.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I can wash my own hair,” I informed him, probably not as politely as a girl should to the man who just rocked her world.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He untangled my hands from my hair and placed them gently, yet firmly onto my lap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Would you relax and let me do what I want to do?” he asked with a smirk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m assuming this is new for you too, so let’s get comfortable about this together.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I can’t say I have the best self-esteem right now,” I mumbled, yet beginning to revel from the feel of his hands massaging my soapy head.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“And why not?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re beautiful and you have a sexy, professional hockey player, naked, in your shower with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tell me, Alex, what about that doesn’t give you a self-esteem boost?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This made me bust up laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was completely right, maybe a little cocky, but completely right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious why I was feeling better than I ever have since the accident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was the ray of sunshine my counselors and Race had been saying I needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now if only I knew for certain my rehab was working.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m fairly sure I fell asleep with a smile on my face as I held her in my arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last time I remember doing that was Christmas Night when I was little and slept with my new hockey stick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was slightly afraid I wouldn’t be able to fall asleep, especially since her ass was nestled firmly in my lap, but I did.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I woke up in the middle of the night after she lightly kicked me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was startled, mainly due to the fact that when I opened my eyes, I was in a strange room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I gained my bearings, my mind began reeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Despite being dead to the world, she kicked me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her leg moved!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I waited with baited breath for a few moments, but it didn’t happen again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370794131462210272.post-17610455157236595732011-08-17T08:20:00.000-04:002011-08-17T08:20:23.072-04:00Chapter Thirteen<strong>You guys are SERIOUSLY the best!!! Your comments had me peeing my pants or going "awww." I had an awesome vacation that was probably too short, but then I wouldn't be posting today!!</strong><br />
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<strong>You know it's funny how freedom can make us feel contained<br sb_id="ms__id2743" />Yeah When the muscles in our legs aren't used to all the walking<br sb_id="ms__id2744" />I know if you could snap both your fingers that you'd escape with me<br sb_id="ms__id2745" />But in the meantime, I'll just wait here and listen to you when you speak... or scream<br sb_id="ms__id2746" /><br sb_id="ms__id2747" />And every day that you want to waste, that you want to waste, you can<br sb_id="ms__id2748" />And every day that you want to wake up, that you want to wake, you can<br sb_id="ms__id2749" />And every day that you want to change, that you want to change, yeah<br sb_id="ms__id2750" />I'll help you see it through 'cause I just really want to be with you<br sb_id="ms__id2751" /><br sb_id="ms__id2752" />The truth cuts us and pulls us back up<br sb_id="ms__id2753" />And separates the things that look the same<br sb_id="ms__id2754" />Then you can fight it off, you can fight it off, you can<br sb_id="ms__id2755" /></strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbEVzpdOlVg"><strong><em>Waste - </em>Foster The People</strong></a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When my alarm went off early Friday morning I groaned loudly and slapped it, almost knocking it off my night-stand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Of course it wouldn’t be the first time the thing was thrown to the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, a piece of duct tape was holding it together in a few places.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I didn’t get back from dropping Alex off at her house until after midnight and it was still dark out when I stepped outside to go for a run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one thing to miss a full-fledged work-out so that I could travel back to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Edmonton</st1:place></st1:city> for a few days, but it was a big mistake to skip even just one 5-mile run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have always prided myself in my determination to constantly keep with my fitness routines and it was especially important when there were only a few more weeks before training camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I missed a day, I’d feel like I’d be back at square one the next day.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As my feet began hitting the pavement and the music began blaring into my ears, a small smile formed while my thoughts easily fell back to my afternoon/evening spent with Alex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try as I might, I couldn’t talk her into staying the night with me, but it was probably for the best; especially since neither of us wanted to rush into things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Funny how things can go from overly awkward between two people to “I want to jump you” in the matter of a few weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess what made things change was the simple fact that I finally looked past her handicap and saw her for who she really was; a woman who intrigued and inspired.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Alex, you know, I can turn the Jeep around and head back to my house very easily…” I commented after I looked over and found her staring longingly over at me while resting her head on the head-rest of her seat.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sam, I’m fairly sure you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to know that I would be all about that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, then?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“This night wouldn’t be ending with just a kiss goodnight…” she giggled as she nodded her head towards the radio, which was playing the song by Lady Antebellum while we talked.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I chuckled at this and nodded in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course this fact did not make me steal a smaller amount of kisses in the moonlight at her front door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled her up, so that she was standing on my toes like she did the night we danced at Sarah’s wedding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wrapped her arms around me and smiled up at me, her eyes sparkling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Something inside me wished I could have taken a picture of this moment, despite the fact it was still perfectly ingrained in my head while I ran in the cool, damp morning.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Can I talk you into coming with me to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Edmonton</st1:place></st1:city> tomorrow?” I asked between some small kisses.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A sad look clouded her eyes and she slowly shook her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No…no, I won’t be accompanying you to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Edmonton</st1:city></st1:place>…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I lifted her chin so that she’d look at me again and so that I could lay a chaste kiss on her now pouty lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Next time then.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She gave one nod and kissed me back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she pulled back the sad look was gone and the sparkle in her eyes was back as she whispered, “Go home and go to bed, Sam Gagner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have an early flight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I do…which is exactly why I should just stay here and sleep with you…” I began, but she cut me off with a kiss before letting go of me and plopping back down onto her chair.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Good night Sam.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll call you this weekend?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh, I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John and I might have a couple hot dates lined up…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Whoa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Totally not even funny that you joke about cheating on me with one of my best friends…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I threw up my hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She looked up at me with a face of twisted confusion.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I was actually dating someone the night you and I met…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh, I think I remember John mentioning something about you not being single, but you seemed to be fairly cozy out on the dance floor with that red-head,” Alex called me out with a smirk.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I instantly blushed and pulled my baseball hat down over my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, um, yea…you seem to have a really good memory…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I was in the Army.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They teach you to have a good memory,” she smiled broadly now.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, yes, ugh, look, you don’t have to worry about that with me,” I said quickly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sam, finish your story.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh, well, Eden and I were dating for about a year…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Alex’s eyebrows shot up, looking slightly shocked.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“And well to make things short and sweet, she was completely crazy and ended up cheating on me with one of my best bud, Patrick Kane.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“He was the blonde with the gerry curl at the bar that night?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I laughed a little too loudly at this remark and nodded my head.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah, he seems a little off, but then again, I’m not one who can judge that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry that happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I cheat on you, it will definitely be with someone who isn’t your friend…” she giggled, completely making the whole situation a joke which made me laugh again.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You are totally definitely not right,” I shook my head.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I have never claimed to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry, I’m just so used to joking about things like that because when I was in the sandbox, I knew more than a few guys whose girlfriends/wives who cheated on them while we were serving our country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually took care of a guy who tried to kill himself after he found out about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, with things like that, you had to make people smile.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Those words were echoing through my head as I turned the corner for the last stretch of my run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reminded me how much life Alex had seen and how much life I hadn’t even begun to experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And with my profession, I might never experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a sobering fact that made me want to keep Alex close by me as a reminder of how I should live my life, thankful for every moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m afraid,” I said quietly to Race while we headed to my doctor’s appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was my first check-up since I had started working with Dean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been apprehensive about the appointment for the last week and a half.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, today, that wasn’t the case.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You know you’re making progress, so what does it matter what the doctor has to say?” Race spoke sincerely.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“No, Race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not talking about this appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, sure, I had myself all psyched out about it, but that is not what I’m scared about right now,” I practically yelled, causing him to look over at me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, what makes you so emotional then?” he asked the way he would have asked me when we were over in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Afghanistan</st1:place></st1:country-region> to get me to talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Race was not only in charge of my platoon, but he was also the resident counselor.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sam.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He paused for a moment and then drew out an, “Oohh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are you scared about.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m scared about him finding out about the real me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“The real you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think I’ve ever known you not to be yourself.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I just mean about Danny and my depression after the accident and the person that failed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You didn’t fail at anything, Fletch.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I didn’t save Danny or the rest of my platoon,” I said quietly, knowing he had heard my argument on this before.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well then if that’s how you still look at it, I guess we are both failures, but I figured you were moved on about this,” Race said evenly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I am…I ain’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ugh.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I have a feeling this has more to do about having feelings for someone for the first time since Danny…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“He doesn’t know about Danny,” I whispered.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, when it’s time, I’m sure you will tell him and he will listen and take it for what it is.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I don’t want him to think he’s 2<sup>nd</sup> best.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Is he?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, it’s not as if I have that figured out yet, but I don’t think so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, Danny and Sam are two different people, which makes me wonder if there really is much hope for Sam and me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I think you are looking way too much into this all.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I always do,” I fretted.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Fletch, just take your time and soak it up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You deserved to be loved again, Alex.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I sighed and put my head in my hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I just wish I didn’t feel like I’m not supposed to be living a happy life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so sure up until a few months ago that my happiness was left back at the barracks in the desert.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You’re finally seeing everything I’ve been telling you for so long and what the counselors have been telling you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I have a thick skull.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I might have to send a warning to Sam about that…” Race laughed and I punched him as hard as I could in the bicep.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So Cogs warned me that you have a new lady friend that you’ve been entertaining,” Teddy (Theo Peckham), my teammate, ribbed me as we stood out on the golf course. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Jason Strudwick was having his annual golf charity here in Edmonton, despite not being resigned by the team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was going to miss the old man and I know the community was going to miss him just as much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His sense of humor was off the charts and he really took us young guys under his wing the last couple seasons.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“A new lady friend?!” Struds immediately piped up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What happened to Eve?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Her name was <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Eden</i></st1:place></st1:city> and she was fucking Kaner in my bathroom the one day…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh, ouch!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you threaten to shave off the pubes on his head?” Teddy asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I laughed a little harder than normal for the simple fact that I was instantly reminded of Alex’s comment on the gerry curl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s all worked out for the best so far I guess.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So who’s the poor girl?” Struds inquired.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Her name’s Alex!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s probably in all reality too good for our Sammy here…” Cogs suddenly announced, walking up to our crew after teeing off.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh come on Cogs…just because you won’t be living with Sammy next year, does not mean you can be brutal with the kid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all know that our Sammy deserves someone very special,” Struds said proudly, wrapping a fatherly arm around my shoulders and pulling me in to rub his fist across the top of my hat, effectively causing me to cringe in pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He soon dropped his arm and began asking for the details.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cringed again, kind of dreading the reaction I was going to get when he informed them that she was in a wheelchair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t embarrassed about it, but I was more afraid of them not being as open minded about it as I had finally become.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">To be fair, I’m probably not giving them much credit, but I also know what gets said around the locker room even by stand-up guys.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“She’s Korean, petite little thing that could probably break Sammy in half.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She works out with us at the gym, which is basically how we all got to know her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She can almost bench press Sam’s weight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You make her sound like the female version of Schwarzenegger!” I complained.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I said she is petite!” Cogs defended.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So okay…besides her being able to kick Sam’s ass; what is so good about her?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Teddy pushed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“She’s beautiful, she’s funny, and she’s got a genuine personality,” Andrew said sincerely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He described her perfectly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“She’s sounds too perfect!” Teddy exclaimed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With this comment, I looked over at Cogs who silently nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t have to say what I was thinking and he too realized it, keeping from saying much more on the matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They didn’t need to know every detail right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the time was right, they would find out.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“She sounds the exact opposite from Eve,” Struds commented.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Her name was <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Eden</st1:place></st1:city>,” I groaned, shaking my head.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Eden or Eve…sounds like Alex is already batting 1.00!” Struds smiled.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So what did the doctor say?” Sam asked excitedly the other side of the continent when he called me Saturday evening.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I sighed and shrugged, despite the fact that he couldn’t see me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He didn’t really say much except say that he noticed I was building up muscle in my legs.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You didn’t need a doctor to tell you that…” he said, sounding as disappointed about it as I felt.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“No, I didn’t, but the good news is that he didn’t have any bad news,” I tried to smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“When I get back I will help you work even harder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My goal is to have you walking before I get back here for the season,” Sam announced.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I couldn’t help but giggle and smile at the sound of determination in his voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was beginning to look forward to seeing him play in a hockey game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a feeling that determination spilled over onto the ice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’d just be happy to have you get back here soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t think I’d say this before last week, but I actually miss your mess making ways around my apartment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Just admit it, you miss my kisses,” he said in a now cocky tone.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I closed my eyes and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, you got me there.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370794131462210272.post-86449916892236868692011-08-16T08:00:00.001-04:002011-08-16T08:00:08.453-04:00Sam Spam!!<strong>Alright... It's Tuesday, which means I'm home, but at work (BOO). However the good news is, I'm hopefully busy writing a new chapter to be posted tomorrow!! So I figured I'd post some videos of Sam to keep you entertained for a couple minutes... :o) Enjoy!!</strong><br />
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<strong>An old video of a young Sammy.</strong><br />
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<strong>This next one is about Sam, Cogs, and Tom Gilbert. I love the arguments between the guys. They are like a married couple, disfunctional married couple of course.</strong><br />
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<strong>Next one...this is a long video but it's worth it to get to Tom and Gag's argument at the end. Also, Cogs talks about Sam in the beginning. You also find that this team is filled with characters and I have to say they've totally grown on me.</strong><br />
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<strong>Hope You Enjoyed!! See you tomorrow!!</strong>HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370794131462210272.post-58034322141764480002011-08-14T08:00:00.001-04:002011-08-14T08:00:02.541-04:00Chapter Twelve <strong>Two Soundtracks today... both fit perfectly... yes, I'm still on my romantic country kick. Both fit perfectly to the chapter and had a hand in writing it... :o)</strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWMTeP1aS-c"><strong>Thompson Square - <em>Are You Going to Kiss Me or Not?</em></strong></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs9X8NhQJF4"><strong>Lady Antebellum - <em>Just A Kiss</em></strong></a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was kind of shocked by the kiss on the cheek, but I just chalked it up to her being excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course it didn’t stop my mind from racing as I ran back into the house.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I walked into the house, threw the keys on the messy kitchen counter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there was one thing <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Eden</st1:city></st1:place> was good for, it was keeping this place clean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three weeks without her here and it was already showing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The house was trashed compared to Alex’s clean place.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was a slob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never cleaned up after myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a little better in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Edmonton</st1:city></st1:place> when Cogs and I lived together, just because he’d have a shit-fit if I didn’t keep somewhat tidy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tom Gilbert was the worst complainer about my uncleanliness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It quickly became a joke around the locker room my rookie year about how messy I was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was terrible at conquering any domestic chores, especially dishes and laundry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one time I actually put liquid dish soap instead of dishwashing detergent into the dishwasher while I was living with Cogs and Gilbert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was bad and I ended up cleaning up a huge mess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never lived that one down and probably never will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was hoping to at least have a maid hired before bringing Alex over here, but I knew the only thing that was going to help her pain was spending some time in the hot-tub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I might have only known her for a few weeks, but I already knew she wasn’t one to complain easily about pain, so it was obvious she was really suffering at the moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yah, ready?!” I asked cheerfully as I stepped out onto the patio, barefooted and in my swimming trunks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t say any more because I lost whatever words had been on my tongue when I got the full view of her in her bikini with her thick, black hair lying on her shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not like I didn’t know she was going to look sexy in the thing, but the little gym shorts and tight tanks still didn’t hold a candle to this.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yup!” she smiled broadly, not seeming to realize I was speechless.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I purposefully didn’t look at her as I scooped her up in my arms, suddenly only being able to concentrate on how smooth and warm her skin was at this moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I easily stepped into the tub and set her down on one of the seats, before taking a spot directly across from her to create as much space as possible between us.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As she groaned and allowed her head to fall back against the rim of the hot-tub, I too groaned from the sudden onslaught of dirty thoughts I was having about her.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I had to smile and act like I was totally focused on the hot tub because as soon as he stepped out onto the patio in the late afternoon sun, I could only think about was how fucking hot he was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always thought of him as being kind of scrawny, but without a shirt on, my thoughts were quickly reversed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, he wasn’t Danny ripped, but he was well defined and definitely had my attention even more than before.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Once I was in the warm water, my thoughts were quickly turned to jello as the warm water instantly began soothing the pain.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“This is amazing,” I sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard Sam laugh over the noise of the water jets, but I just kept my eyes closed, allowing my body to relax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several minutes passed when I felt Sam pick up my one leg and place it across his legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left out an uninhibited moan when he began massaging my leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t have to do that,” I mumbled incoherently.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Does it make it feel better?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Mmmhmm.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He didn’t say anything else, he just kept moving up my leg with his large hands, kneading and rubbing them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The farther up he moved, the more I felt my nipples getting harder and the larger the warmth in my stomach grew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was thankful he had the water jets on so he wouldn’t see what he was doing to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time he started on my other leg, I was practically unconscious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which was why I almost jumped out of my skin when he tugged on my legs and began pulling me over to his side of the tub.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Shit!” I gasped, throwing my hands down to the bottom of the tub to steady myself, but Sam gave one hard pull and next thing I knew I was straddling him, sitting on his legs and suddenly in a very intimate position with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at him with questioning eyes and before I knew it, his hands were in splayed on my back, pulling me against him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were both breathing hard as our noses were touching and we stared into each others eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you going to kiss me, or not, Sam?” I suddenly whispered, surprising even myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">His eyes grew large, but I soon felt his wet hands thread into my hair before pressing his lips against mine.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Are you going to kiss me or not, Sam?” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I had wanted to kiss her for the last couple days, but of course she needed to be the one to tell me it was okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t waste another second, pulling her completely against me and stealing a taste from her lips for the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a couple quick pecks we were soon kissing harder, drinking from each other as our tongues intertwined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt like an electric current was running through the water, jolting me to life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her hands were firmly gripping my shoulders as my hands ran up and down her back, eventually cupping her ass, garnering a moan from her mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When we finally came up for air, she just stared into my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alex…” I whispered before kissing her button nose and laying some kisses on her face.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She kissed me on the cheek and then wrapped her arms around my neck, hugging me tightly for a moment before she just rested her head on my shoulder and began running her hands through my hair.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was tingling all over and I just needed a few moments to regroup myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My body was so worked up that I could have sworn my stomach was doing somersaults.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last time I kissed anyone, he died in my arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Granted, this was a completely different situation, but it brought back a flood of memories that I wasn’t very fond to think of.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Are you okay?” Sam asked quietly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just thinking…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Mmm,” he acknowledged before kissing my temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I lifted my head and lazily kissed him a couple times before running my tongue across his lips, begging for entrance once more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt him smile before he obliged me, in turn sending shivers throughout my body.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It easily turned into a hot and heavy make-out session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between not being involved in any sexual intimacy for a couple years and the water swirling around us, everything touch or kiss on my skin seem to feel 100 times better than ever before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Sam’s lips began moving down my jaw line, I felt inclined to speak.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sam?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Hmm?” he hummed, still kissing and licking the water off my skin.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I haven’t done anything remotely close to this for a little over a year…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“No pressure, Alex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whenever you want to stop, you just say the word.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“That’s the problem, I don’t want you to stop kissing me…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Then we have no problem,” he bit playfully at my neck.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“But we do…” I whined with the words coming out as a moan at the end when I felt his large hand cup my breast.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“We can make out without having to go all the way, Alex,” he breathed heavily into my ear while rubbing a thumb over one of my hardened nipples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No worries, I can behave myself and if you want me to make sure you behave yourself, I will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I respect you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I respect you.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The words echoed in my brain and allowed me to relax and allowed myself to enjoy everything he was doing to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I respect you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The words came out before I could even think about them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Exactly!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is exactly what made everything different about me and Alex compared to me and Eden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t respect <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Eden</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I respected Alex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was getting harder with every passing moment to remind myself that I wasn’t going to be inside of her tonight, but I didn’t care because she tasted so good and felt so right in my arms.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I pulled at her bikini top strings and flipped her top up onto the cement behind us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She laughed at first but started moaning again when my tongue began tracing lines around her hard nipples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After sampling both breasts, I turned her so that her back was against my chest and coaxed her to relax her head back on my shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She left out a cry when as my hand slid down beneath her bikini bottom and began tracing her folds that were obviously not just moist from the water.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I guess you can feel that?” I whispered.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Fuck yeah,” she breathed out.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Good,” I smirked before flicking her clit, making her let out a whine.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She craned her neck so that we could kiss while I made some magic under the water with my fingers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pushing two fingers into her, I found that she was so tight and warm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly I wished I hadn’t been feeling so chivalrous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so hard and wanted to bury myself deep into her, but that would have to wait for another time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For now I ground my length against her ass that was nestled against my crotch, enjoying her cries of pleasure between kisses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was glad that I had turned on my outdoor sound system; otherwise I’m sure my neighbors probably wouldn’t have had to use much imagination about what was going on within my privacy fence.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Ssssaaaammmm,” she sighed as an orgasm ripped through her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was so hot watching her cum, that I almost blew my own load.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point my mind was so focused on also finishing that I was not shy about asking her to help in that matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Put your hands on me and help make me cry out your name…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She smiled and with my help she was facing me once again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My eyes rolled into the back of my head when I felt her small hand wrap around my length.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shivered when she began whispering heavily into my ear, not holding back in the dirty department.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Mmm, you are so big, Sam,” she began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can’t wait to feel you inside of me someday soon,” she cooed, giving an extra little tug that almost had me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few more strokes and she whispered, “I want you to fuck the shit out of me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">That was all it took.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon I was groaning her name and pulling her close to me so that I could kiss her deeply.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You are definitely no Martha Stewart,” I called out as I wheeled myself around the downstairs of Sam’s house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to move a few things to get around, the toughest spot being around the laundry room which was upchucking clothing out the doorway.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah…I’m definitely no Suzie-homemaker,” he laughed from the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had ordered some pizza was trying to find plates to put it on.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You need a maid, Sam,” I said sincerely.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve known this for a couple weeks now, but I haven’t gotten around to calling anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t had time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I laughed loudly at this remark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you mean you haven’t had time?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You seem to have all the time in the world to constantly spend with me…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Are you complaining?!” he chirped, coming up behind me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I dropped my head back and looked up at him, unable to hide my smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess not.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He leaned down and kissed me, upside down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was fairly certain I could get used to his kisses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And his touches.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was glad to be out of the hot tub for the simple reason of being clothed again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt too vulnerable being all but naked with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so close to throwing caution to the wind and going all the way with him, but I did not want to start things out that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a whole new escapade for me and I was going to need some time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hell, this was the first time I was even over at his place and hadn’t even seen the whole house yet.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Dinner is served?” he motioned to the two plates of pizza.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Prefecto,” I grinned back at him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370794131462210272.post-52100140607584198672011-08-12T08:00:00.002-04:002011-08-12T08:00:11.108-04:00Chapter Eleven<strong>I have a feeling already that I'm going to get complaints on this one... especially since you have to wait until Sunday morning for the next chapter. I promise, I'm not really this evil in everyday life...</strong><br />
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<strong>Soundtrack for this chapter? Have I ever mentioned how much I think country music is sexy??</strong><br />
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<strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLHwqv0zANc&feature=related"><em> Let me Down Easy - </em>Billy Currington</a> -- </strong>hint, you might want to watch the video, this man is beautiful.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“When does John get back from <st1:place w:st="on">Long Island</st1:place>?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m getting tired of you randomly showing up at my place and insisting I get out and do things,” I playfully whined as Sam waltzed into my apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Besides, isn’t Cogs still in town?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“John gets home Saturday and Cogs left for LA to find a place to stay for the upcoming season.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Don’t you have team things to do or don’t they want to see your mug until training camp?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I actually have something going on in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Edmonton</st1:place></st1:city> on Saturday, so I’m flying up there on Friday after our work-out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh…” I said, trying not to sound disappointed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Don’t your parents live up there?” he asked, flopping down on my couch, next to me after he grabbed a bottle of water from my fridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He acted like he lived here and it was as if he <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">did</i> live here because I was constantly cleaning up after him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was as if he didn’t understand the concept of putting his trash in the waste-can or putting his dishes in the sink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was getting old.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“They do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“When was the last time you saw them?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This was a topic I was less than thrilled to talk about because ever since I was given my death sentence in the hospital and my dad made it known that this was all my own doing, I didn’t exactly want to see or talk to them much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dad had been one of my biggest supporters growing up and now, well, not so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sighed and looked over at him, kind of dreading his reaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s been over a year.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What?!” he exclaimed and I cringed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t imagine not seeing my family for that long!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Race and Denise are my family,” I said quietly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You didn’t even see them at Christmas?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t you fly or something?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I shook my head and relaxed back into my couch, willing it to suck me in or something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I fly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They fly, however we don’t really see eye to eye anymore.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Why?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You are nosey.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You’ve said that before and you should have accepted this fact by now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A small smile crept across my lips from this comment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a breath and began telling him the story of how everything went down when I told my parents I was going into the military and the aftermath that ensued after I had been injured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time I was done, tears were streaming down my face and he was pulling me into him, trying to console me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like a drama queen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ugh,” I complained in between blowing my nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is exactly why I didn’t want to go into this…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m sorry,” he said quietly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you want to come to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Edmonton</st1:place></st1:city> with me this weekend?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s obvious you miss them, it would give you a few days to spend with them…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I blew out some air and began pulling myself upright again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being close to him messed with my head and heart way too much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, but no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think that’s an overly awesome idea right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d rather see them when I can walk again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He nodded and seemed reluctant to let go of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was actually a good thing he was going to be gone for a few days because it was getting harder and harder to just be “the friend to hangout with when the rest of the friends were out of town.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was constantly dreaming of things that should not be dreamt about a guy that was clearly becoming you best guy friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But really, he wasn’t helping things at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many times I thought he was going to kiss me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Constantly, he was touching me when he probably didn’t have to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His scent seemed to be engrained into my clothing and my nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was forever trying not to look into his eyes because I’d only end up staring into them for too long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had it bad and life was only going to become miserable when he left for <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Edmonton</st1:place></st1:city> in the fall and I was left behind because the girl in the wheelchair was never going to be girlfriend material.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not that I felt as if Sam was still treating me different because of my handicapped, in fact, he had clearly moved on from that, but besides the occasional date joke, he made no other verbal or physical motions to say he was interested in anything more than being friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div style="border-color: currentColor currentColor windowtext; border-style: none none solid; border-width: medium medium 1pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Even though I found Danny’s forwardness to be unnerving at times, I at least knew how he was feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Sam, I just found that the word frustration easily came to my mind more often than not.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So you seem to be spending an awful lot of time with Alex…” Denise smiled proudly when I stopped by to drop something off that Alex had for her.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah, I’ve been kind of bored since everyone is out of town this week,” I said in a nonchalant way, having already prepped myself for Denise’s onslaught of questioning.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So???”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So, what?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Do you like her?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“She’s fun to hang out with...” I began, but was quickly cut off by Denise pushing a palm against my shoulder.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh come on Sam!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have a thing for her and you know it!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I looked at my cousin and rolled my eyes, but I was unable to hide the smile I was afraid to show because I knew I’d give myself away.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Have you kissed her yet?!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“No.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, have you at least told her?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“No.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Then what the hell are you waiting for?!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I scratched my head and groaned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m still not sure if I want to get involved…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Is it because she’s paralyzed?! I thought you’d be over that by now!” Denise automatically assumed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“No!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not that at all actually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just keep thinking about how things were with <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Eden</st1:place></st1:city> and how much I didn’t like the person I became when I was with her.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, Alex is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">definitely</i> not <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Eden</st1:place></st1:city> and I don’t think she’d allow you to become a different person because I’m fairly sure Alex likes you for who you are and not the rich, hockey player Eden liked you for.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I believe that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially since she told me the other night that she isn’t even a big hockey fan,” I chuckled at the memory.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So then really?! What’s the issue?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m not 100% sold on if Alex likes me that way…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Seriously?!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Has she told you anything?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Alex is very tight lipped on anything to do with relationships, so no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, she smiles when she talks about you, so I’m assuming that’s a good thing…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I laughed and shook my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“See!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you can’t tell then how am I supposed to tell?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You’re the guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Ugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks for the help, cuz.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yup,” she smiled broadly and hugged me tight.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Fletch, I really see some positive things going on here,” Dean said as we sat down going over my next goals for my exercise plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met my first set of goals and now it was time to do more work on leg strengthening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How are you feeling?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I sat back in my chair and looked down at my useless legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m ready for the next step.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ve been aching a lot, which I’m assuming is from trying the parallel bars a couple more times this week, but at least I know they are there.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“The more we begin on working on the muscle strengthening, the more pain you are going to feel with them…” Dean said straight up.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I nodded, finally looking back up at him and giving a close lipped smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well let’s get started!” Dean said in his contagious excited tone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have faith in your Fletch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are doing everything right so far and I’m so proud of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Thanks Dean,” I smiled before he leaned in and gave me a hug.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was cursing him by late-afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My legs were killing me, the aching was unbearable and no matter what I tried, I couldn’t get comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in a foul mood when Sam called.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really wasn’t in the mood for company tonight, especially since I was becoming overly frustrated with everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you want this time, Sam?” I said through my teeth as I rubbed my legs, trying to get out a cramp.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You sound like you’re in a foul mood…” he chuckled.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, you would be too if you were in the pain I am in right now,” I growled.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What’s wrong?” he asked, his tone completely changing from joking to worry.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“It’s from my work-out today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dean said I would be in pain, but this is crazy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Get on your swimsuit and I’ll be over to pick-you up,” he said suddenly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sam…I am definitely not in the mood to go swimming!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Just get in your swimsuit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have an idea that will most likely help you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Ugh.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“See you in about 15 minutes,” he said, completely ignoring my complaints and hung up.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">15 minutes later he was scooping me up and placing me in the passenger seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With as much time as I had spent in the seat, I half expected my butt to be imprinted into the seat by now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cringed when his arms went under my legs and he instantly noticed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Did you take anything?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yessss…” I hissed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I might have some stronger stuff around the house if you’re interested,” he said, trying to be helpful.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“First, you shouldn’t be offering to hand out pain meds because you can get in trouble for that shit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second, I’m sure I have stronger stuff left over, I just hate taking them because they make me so sleepy and it’s too early to go to bed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Fair enough.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">25 minutes later we were pulling up in front of a nice, single home in a newer development right outside of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is this your place?” I asked curiously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite all our galavanting around and how many times he had been at my place, this would be the first time he had taken me to his.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“It is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bought it last summer,” he as he backed into the driveway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am warning you now, however, that I am terrible at keeping a house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plain and simple I need a maid,” he grimaced.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I would have never guessed,” I said sarcastically.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What is that supposed to mean?!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You can’t even clean up your dishes at my place!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m actually a little worried about going inside.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I picked up around the place, so it’s not terrible,” he rolled his eyes before picking me up again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wrapped his arms around me; it was as if this was becoming second nature for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before lifting me up, he whispered into my ear, “I’m sorry if I hurt you again, you can punch me later for it, but I’m hoping this helps.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was still giggling when he scooped me up and carried me into the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The place was a not a huge wreck, but it wasn’t tidy either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious he needed an interior decorator because there was barely anything hanging on the walls except for a few hockey pictures and a couple framed jerseys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed to myself when I saw the huge 52 inch flat screen hanging on the wall and the discarded game controllers laying on the floor in-front of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Typical boy</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought he was going to set me down in the living room, but soon we were stepping back outside onto his patio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was then when I saw what his idea entailed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“A hot tub,” I practically sighed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yup,” he smiled at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll set you here on the chair so you can get undressed and I’ll quick go throw on my swimming trunks.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Without thinking I leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you!” I cried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have been so uncomfortable all day,” I admitted.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">His green eyes sparkled and he just nodded before setting me down and running into the house to get changed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div style="border-color: currentColor currentColor windowtext; border-style: none none solid; border-width: medium medium 1pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Catch your breath, Alex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he comes walking out of the house in just his swimming trunks you are probably going to need all the air in the world to keep from passing out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things just suddenly got hotter.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div></div>HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370794131462210272.post-46794357032684116622011-08-10T12:34:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:34:07.974-04:00Chapter Ten <strong>Alrighty Peeps!! For the next several days at least I will only be posting every other day since I'm heading north to the land of no internet and limited cell reception!! I have a few chapters written, so I figured I'd just schedule them to post everyother day to keep some sort of continuity for ya'll. Please comment, because I will still be able to read them when I get out of the gap for whatever various reasons.</strong><br />
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<strong>So as a writer who likes to focus on the building of relationships... these next few chapters are exactly that. Hopefully you get some good laughs and smiles learning a few more things about our characters!!!</strong><br />
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<strong>Soundtrack for today:</strong><br />
<br />
Sometimes, the last thing you want comes in first,<br />
Sometimes, the first thing you want never comes,<br />
And I know, the waiting is all you can do,<br />
Sometimes...<br />
<br />
I'll put a spell on you,<br />
You'll fall asleep,<br />
I'll put a spell on you,<br />
And when I wake you,<br />
I'll be the first thing you see,<br />
And you'll realise that you love me.<br />
<strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYgBoJRi9uk"><em>Strange and Beautiful (Put a Spell on You) -</em> Aqualung</a></strong><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You are an evil woman!” I hissed into the phone, late Sunday morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I slept like a baby after spending the night drinking and dancing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dancing!</i> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really had been a fairytale and I couldn’t get the pictures out of my dreams all night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The picture I constantly saw?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sam’s face, close to mine before Sarah called me over to do shots; I thought for sure he was going to kiss me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to brush it off so that I wouldn’t be disappointed, but the more I thought about it, the more disappointed I became.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well then I guess I better get to church…” Denise giggled on the other end of the phone.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“No, you are going to stay on the phone with me so that I can tell you how bad of a person you are.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Did you have fun?” she asked, obviously not taking offense to my sand-paper attitude.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I had a very nice time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Just a nice time?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I sighed and smiled broadly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I had an awesome night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sam was actually a lot of fun to be with…we even danced!” I divulged happily.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I told you!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah, yeah, yeah.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Hey, while I have you on the phone…come over for lunch today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Race is already preparing some chickens to cook on the grill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a beautiful day, so we have to be out enjoying it!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My stomach was already growling so there wasn’t a way of getting out of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, Race made some of the best chicken BBQ I had ever tasted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alright, I’ll be over in a bit.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Great see you soon!!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Man!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It smells delicious already!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I exclaimed as soon as I stepped into the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Denise quickly came running over and pulled me into a hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was definitely my favorite cousin and I always enjoyed hanging out with Race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was just glad they finally gave him a desk job in the military so he didn’t have to be deployed anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Aunt said he did it for Denise, they want to start a family in the worst way, but so far, no news on that front.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Hope you brought an appetite because I have an extra chicken on the grill and I think Denise was planning on inviting the block with the amount veggies she’s cutting up for the salad!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Race called from the kitchen before walking out back to the grill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I could take a couple more steps away from the front door, it opened up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spun around and not to my complete surprise, found Alex looking back at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned back around and yelled out to Race, “I think Denise <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">did</i> invite the whole block!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When I turned back around Alex was looking slightly confused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What was that all about?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Race and me were not aware that you’ve been invited for lunch, it seems,” I smiled.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“And I didn’t know you were invited,” she said shyly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Would you have not come if you had known?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She bit her lip and smile softly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just be prepared to fight me for the chicken.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh, it’s on.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Admittedly, it was slightly strange seeing her the day after spending a memorable evening together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was if we both didn’t know where to go with this next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Am I supposed to give her a hug and a kiss on the cheek like I did last night or do I just act like none of it happened?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I tell her that I’m really happy to see her or will that sound corny?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Um, Sam?” Alex piped up.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You’re in my way and I don’t know about you, but I kind of want a beer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I looked at her for a moment and then left out a laugh, thankful that Alex obviously had things under control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded my head and walked out to the kitchen with her following me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I could tell he was mulling over things, but there wasn’t anything to say, was there?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, we had a wonderful time, as friends, and that was that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Never mind the fact that you dreamed about him all last night and could still feel his arms wrapped around you if you thought about it for too long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never mind the fact that you became all giddy when you saw his Jeep parked out front of the Race’s house. And never mind the fact that he looked adorable in his, flip-flops, cargo shorts and fitted brown t-shirt with his backwards Texas Rangers baseball hat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ugh.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Like last night, I learned even more about Alex, or Fletch, which is what Race always called her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They told stories about their time over in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Afghanistan</st1:country-region></st1:place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alex talked affectionately about the many children they came in contact during their patrol.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“There was this one little girl who always only wanted bubble gum!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alex exclaimed, her face lighting up at the memory as she spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She was the beautiful thing ever, do you remember, Race?!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Race smiled and nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, the one day I stopped to give her some of the Double-Bubble that Kramer had gotten in a care package and I handed it over to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She instantly ripped the wrapper off, chewed it a couple times and swallowed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, ‘Aya!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What did you do?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are supposed to chew it until the flavor is gone and blow bubbles in the meantime.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked at me confused, put her hands on her little hips and said, ‘Miss Fletch, why would I want to do something like that?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why would I want the taste to go away when it can stay forever in my belly?’”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all laughed at the innocent story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alex cut in between giggles and said, “Thank God the old wives tales are true, otherwise that kid’s stomach would have blew up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll never forget Kramer’s face when I told him the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He insisted that he wouldn’t be giving me anymore of his gum to me to give to the kids because it was a waste.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Of course he gave them to you anyway…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Race said with a sad laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He never could say no to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I looked over at Alex whose smile also changed to a sad one before it faded away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious Kramer was someone special.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Does Kramer still serve?” I asked curiously.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Alex looked up at me and slowly swiveled her head back and forth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He was killed the day I was shot.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">All of a sudden I felt very small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, I’m sooo sorry,” I quickly said, leaning towards her and taking her hand to squeeze it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She squeezed it back and her sad smile came back.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“No, worries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life moves on and I choose to remember him than forget him," she said quietly, not sounding 100% sure in her words.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“That’s right,” Race said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It has taken some time to be able to tell our stories, but we never want to forget them because then we’d forget who we were and who we are.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Alex nodded and looked up into my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite learning more things about her, it was obvious I didn’t know even the half of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I live two blocks down the street,” I informed him for the 20<sup>th</sup> time since he insisted on giving me a ride back to my apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was only 7pm, but Denise wasn’t feeling very well, so it was time for us both go.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I know where you live, Fletch.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, then why do you insist on taking me home?” I asked as he scooped me up and placed me in the passenger seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is more work than anything.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Who says I’m taking you home?” he asked, a smirk coming over his face.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I need to get home,” I protested.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“To do what?!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“It’s none of your business.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“If it’s actually something important, I will take you home, but if it’s something like washing your hair or something then you’re coming out with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s 7pm on a Sunday night in the middle of the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, it’s not like I’m going to take you some place and sell you to a band of gypsies.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I looked at him, crossed my arms and faced forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He just laughed, ran around to his side of the Jeep and crawled inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon we were off with the warm evening air whipping my hair around.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Do you have an extra hat in this thing?!” I yelled over the loud wind and Theory of a Deadman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I usually had my hair pulled back or at least a hair tie around my wrist, but not today and now I was tired of my hair flying into my eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I think the windblown look suits you,” Sam laughed before reaching into the backseat and pulling out a hat and a sweatshirt from underneath the seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grabbed the sweatshirt from his hand before he could put it back under the seat and pulled it over me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite the fact that I was swimming in it, I didn’t care because I was already a little chilly since I was only wearing a tank-top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then took the old, sweat-stained Nike hat, and threw it on, pulling my hair halfway through the back of it to keep it in place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hat wasn’t the cleanest, but it didn’t bother me, especially since it wasn’t the first time I had put on something not overly clean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, I was just thrilled with anything that didn’t involve sand after spending all that time in the sand-box of Hell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once my hair was under control I left out a little sigh of content and flopped my arms back down onto my lap.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Thank you!” I exclaimed happily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That was totally necessary.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Sam didn’t say anything, I turned to find him looking at me with a mesmerized stare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He just smiled, shook his head and turned his eyes back to the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nothing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What?!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cried.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Seriously, nothing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">How is it that a girl can look completely sexy all dressed up like a princess, like she was last night but can look even more desirable wearing an old, disgusting baseball hat and an oversized sweatshirt?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course she caught me staring and I probably could have come out and said what I was thinking, but I still wasn’t 100% sure I wanted to fully open that can of worms yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was okay with taking this slow, especially since Alex seemed to have enough on her plate right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Staying easy going, with no expectations appeared to be the best choice at the moment, despite the fact that I was very attracted to the girl sitting in the passenger seat of my Jeep.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So I’m a little disappointed that you’re not blaring Taylor Swift right now…” she chirped.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Would you like to listen to that instead?” I threw back.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Only if you sing along,” she giggled.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I reached over to the dash, hit the change CD button and before I knew it we were pulling into the drive-in, singing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Our Song</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We laughed hysterically at the kid at the ticket-window when he looked at us like we were drunk and continued laughing until they started the previews of the movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alex finally made a comment about where I brought her when the starting credits began.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’ve never been to a drive-in movie,” she whispered excitedly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I laughed and leaned across the console towards her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The best part about the drive-in is the simple fact of not having to whisper,” I whispered into her ear.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She laughed at loud and swatted at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a moment she asked, “So how many dates have you brought here?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I sat back, reclined my seat a little and propped my hands behind my head to get comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“One actually.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Just one?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yup.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“How old were you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“17. Her name was <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Tracy</st1:place></st1:city>, and I had the biggest crush on her since elementary school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came back here for the summer after being chosen to play for the U-18 Canada team and thought I was the biggest shit on the planet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so nervous that I ended scraping the side of my dad’s Benz on the pole at our parking spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was humiliated because all she did was laugh at me and make a comment about my ears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t even make it through the first 5 minutes of the movie before I took her home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“She made fun of your ears?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah,” I frowned.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What movie did you come and see?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“The Lord of The Rings.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Did she call you a hobbit?” Alex asked, stifling her own laugh.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I do not look like a hobbit!” I growled.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“No, you’re too tall, but you could pass as Elijah Wood’s distant cousin or something…that’s if he was a hobbit in real life.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She busted up at the end of her comment, unable to hold it in anymore.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I looked over at her and scowled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whatever Mulan,” I grumbled.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’d rather be Mulan than a hobbit,” she snorted.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Ah, Mulan might be beautiful, but don’t forget, she was a princess.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Alex instantly stopped laughing and gasped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She wasn’t a princess!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Uh, yeah she was.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“No, she wasn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was just a warrior who fought in the war because her father was too old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, she wasn’t Korean!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is just being stereotypical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So get your movies and facts straight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“In all fairness, you calling me a hobbit because of my ears is stereotypical,” I informed her.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She opened her mouth and then thought against whatever she was thinking, crossed her arms and sat back into her seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched her sit in silence for a moment and then she quickly turned towards me, stuck out her tongue and turned back to the movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t help but leave out a loud laugh.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You are definitely a spoiled princess.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She rolled her eyes and shook her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whatever, I’m still trying to figure out how someone who people claim is a big stud hockey player knows about one of the lesser popular Disney characters.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I have two sisters you know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what do you mean people claim I’m a stud hockey player…you don’t know this for yourself?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m not a big hockey fan,” she settled back into her seat.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“And you call yourself Canadian?” I chuckled, lightly pushing her shoulder.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Your hot-shot mouth is definitely getting on my nerves now,” she grumbled.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I leaned over the console towards her once more and whispered, “So I guess this doesn’t count as date #2?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She slowly turned her head so that she was only inches from my face and whispered, “You wish…hobbit.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370794131462210272.post-66583221363899447052011-08-08T08:00:00.000-04:002011-08-08T08:00:21.073-04:00Chapter Nine<strong>This chapter is brought to you by this song: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4KWmSNRnmQ"><em>Today was a Fairytale -</em> Taylor Swift</a></strong><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Hey Alex,” I choked out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her jaw dropped and with the poor lighting in the hallway, I was unable to make out her full facial expression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After what seemed to be an eternity, she spoke.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Where is Race?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Probably at home with Denise,” I said evenly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Wh-what are you doing here?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, I heard you needed a date to the wedding this evening.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She slowly moved towards me and scoffed, “Heh, is that so?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yup.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Are you saying you are my date?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Do I look good enough to be?” I asked, unable not to keep myself from smiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked me up and down and twirled her finger in the air to motion for me to spin around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I obliged her and spun around on the heels of my dress shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well?” I asked, lifting my hands for an answer.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I guess you’ll do,” she answered, obviously hiding a smile of her own.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I left out a laugh, breaking the tension heavy hallway.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sam?” she asked after we both stopped laughing.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You will stay away from the alcohol tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m at your service tonight, my lady,” I bowed to her.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She rolled her eyes and giggled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so good to hear her laugh in my presence; especially since it been a week since she had even said more than two words to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So are you ready Miss Alex?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked, picking up her small hand in mine and kissing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had all the plans in the world to lay it on thick tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was also going to ignore the fact that she was in a wheelchair and just look at her for the beautiful girl I had originally noticed at the club.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a feeling that today was going to make or break anything that could possibly be between us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I’m not even sure what I do want to have between us right now.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“It’s now or never, I guess,” she shook her head as if she was still trying to grasp what was going on.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was speechless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m never speechless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not expect this at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tomorrow morning Denise will be getting a visit from me and I will be kicking some ass, even if it was just with my loud mouth and fists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to tell him to leave, but then I would end up with no ride to the wedding and there was no way I would be missing this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sarah was my best friend since we were in elementary school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only reason I wasn’t in the wedding was for the simple fact that I had told her I wasn’t comfortable.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Plus, there was no way in hell I could turn him away, not looking the way he did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He cleaned up well, looking quite like the endearing prince charming I had pictured him to be when I first met him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course that was before I found him to be all awkward and not so much of the person I had hoped for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It’s his green eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t turn away from those green eyes.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Holy shit, you washed your Jeep?!” I exclaimed kind of abruptly as I wheeled myself out towards the passenger side.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He laughed and shrugged while he opened the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Since Denise said you were wearing light blue, I didn’t want to take the chance of you getting dirty because of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m high enough on your shit-list.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I couldn’t help but laugh at this last comment and smiled at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, you just went down the list a few notches if it makes you feel better.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He smiled back at me and scooped me up into his arm, holding me for a minute longer than usual as his green eyes sparkled while looking into mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m just glad to hear you speak to me again,” he said sincerely before setting me in the seat and closing the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The butterflies instantly flew into my stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This could be a long night.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The wedding was beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a big outdoor, extravagant ordeal, something I personally would never choose to have, but I could still appreciate it because it was Sarah all the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat at the end of an aisle, so that way I could watch Sarah as she walked into the down to her future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having Sam sitting next to me kept me on edge throughout the whole ceremony, especially when the pastor asked everyone in the congregation to join hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My hands dwarfed in size compared to his and I was slightly surprised when he laced his fingers through mine and kept them laced together even after the prayer was done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked over at him, but he just glanced over and looked forward again, I rolled my eyes when I saw him attempting to hide his smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sitting there, holding hands, put me back in Jr. High when holding hands at the movies was the craziest thing you did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My finger tips were tingling and my mind was reeling a mile a minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What does he think he is doing?!</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When the prayer was done, she tried to release her grip, but I just acted like I didn’t know the prayer was done and kept holding her hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I liked how it felt in mine, it felt natural.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sitting next to a beautiful girl at a wedding and it was hard not to kind of get caught up in all the romance.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have to admit, I felt a little uncomfortable being at a wedding where the only two people I knew was Alex and the bride, who I met at her Bachelorette Party none the less.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Awkward!</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we made a big joke of everything when Alex and I met with Sarah and her groom in the receiving line.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You are supposed to leave all evidence of the Bachelorette party behind, not bring him to the wedding!” Sarah squeaked before leaning down and giving her best friend a hug and then kissing me on the cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was quickly introduced to the groom who asked if I would be kind enough to give him my autograph later on in the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course I agreed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Soon it was just Alex and I left on our own during that awkward time called the Cocktail Hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was fun watching people trying to be polite when the waitresses would come around with the food trays, but they were so hungry at this point that they would sneak as many bacon wrapped scallops off the tray without looking greedy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alex was quick to point this out.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Look at that lady over there!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think she paid the waitress to just stand there so she can eat the whole tray!” she laughed, pointing over at a plump lady in a gaudy bright red dress that was probably a few sizes too small.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We were sitting off to the side from where everyone was congregating, enjoying a cocktail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat on the rock ledge wall, where a small waterfall that had served as a backdrop for the ceremony, emptied into a reflecting pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alex was right beside me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“That was the same lady who pinched my ass,” I exclaimed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Now that’s funny!” Alex snorted.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You just snorted.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“That’s not very lady like,” I picked.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Just because I’m dressed like one, does not make me one, I’m afraid,” she smiled broadly at me, reaching across the space between us and plucking at the collar on my jacket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And besides, don’t even think you have me fooled wearing this fancy suit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you’d be jumping in this little pool thing with by the end of the night if you got all liquored up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You’d do that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You don’t know the first thing about me…” she smiled shyly before taking a sip of her drink.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“But I’m learning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This statement made her stop, take a breath and then look up at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You seem totally different tonight,” she said simply.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m trying to start over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like I’m missing out on something with you and I want to find out what it is.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Did Denise feed you lines?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I laughed at this and shook my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, but Cogs did.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Figures,” she rolled her eyes before going back to her drink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, the one thing that isn’t changing from before, I’m still stuck in this wheelchair.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“We’ll see about that,” I winked back before taking her glass and getting her a refill.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Dinner was a blast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sam and I were the highlight of the table it seemed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone was asking us all kinds of questions about our professions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple times I felt some tears start to well-up in my eyes, but Sam leaned over at one point and whispered, “If you cry, you’re going to ruin your face paint.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This of course made me laugh and he would purposefully change the subject back to him and his crazy hockey stories.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After dinner, the dreaded dancing began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was okay watching all the specialty dances, but soon it was at the free-for-all dance point and we were left sitting at the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The familiar awkward feeling began settling in once more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sighed, took a sip of my water and sat back in my chair.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Soooo, do you want to dance?” Sam drew out, surprising me as I felt his warm breath in my ear.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Now come on Sam, you’ve known me long enough to realize I can’t dance.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Says who?!” he scoffed, sitting back in his chair, beginning to loosen his tie and undo the top button of his shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had already shucked off his coat before dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just narrowed my eyes at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t glare at me Fletch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trust me, I have an idea.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I don’t think I’ve trusted you yet,” I frowned.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, it’s a new start, so you can try this trust thing out,” he announced before standing up and scooping me up into his arms before I could even protest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next thing I knew, I was out on the dance floor with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wrap your arms around my neck, I won’t let you fall,” he whispered into my ear, causing goosebumps to cover my uncovered skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I refuse to let my beautiful date not be seen on the dance floor.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">People were looking, some were trying not to be obvious about it, but I could feel their eyes burning holes all over us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, Sam seemed oblivious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reluctantly wrapped my arms tightly around his neck sucked in a breath as he left my feet drop towards the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least I thought they were going to hit the floor, I realized he put his feet underneath mine and soon we were moving around the dance floor with his arms locked around my waist to hold me safely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You comfortable?” he asked, smiling down at me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I nodded and smiled nervously back.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Good,” he grinned and before I knew it, we were twirling around the dance floor to some ballad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was all surreal.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">At first she held on for dear life, but as night wore on her grip lessened and it was obvious she was becoming more comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I too relaxed and allowed myself to enjoy this intriguing girl I was holding close to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite being at a wedding where I basically only knew one person, I was actually having a lot of fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alex kept me laughing with her one liners and her smiles kept me wanting to say and do more things to warrant more smiles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was nothing about this that reminded me of the year long relationship I had just been in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This reminded me more of how things were supposed to be when getting to know someone you liked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With each passing moment, a new thing was learned.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We were dancing to Taylor Swift’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Today was a Fairytale</i> and soon my obsession was revealed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Are you singing to this song?” she asked, quite amused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her head had been resting on my chest, but now she was looking up at me with a curious smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Maybe…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Are you a big Taylor Swift fan?” she asked in a mocking tone.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So what if I am?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She seemed to find this very funny because soon she was turning red from attempting to keep in the majority of her laughter.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“How is this funny?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She took a breath for a moment to calm herself before she started in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, you act all tough by having Theory of Deadman constantly blaring out of your speakers in the Jeep, but here you are being all soft with Taylor Swift.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“She’s hot, okay?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Alex rolled her eyes and mumbled, “Typical guy answers…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You shush, little girl,” I teased, quickly twirling her around when she didn’t expect it, causing her to squeak like a mouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Besides, you have no right to be jealous.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Jealous?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jealous of what?!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“That’s exactly my point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have nothing to be jealous of because you’re with me and not her…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just make yourself sound like you’re the Prince of England or something.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, you’re the one who said I make you nervous!” I reminded, obviously treading on flirting territory.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She bit her lip and rolled her eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not falling for that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Whatever, I’ll just have to read your eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t hide secrets that well in those liquid ambers.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She blushed at this and looked away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the song was done she asked to go back to our table for a break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I scooped her back up into my arms and walked her back over to the empty table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I paused before setting her down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both were looking at each other, like we were waiting for something to be said or done but Sarah yelled out from across the room that Alex needed to come over to the bar and do a shot with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before she could look back at me, I set her back down in her chair and watched her go over to the bar with her friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just sat at the table trying to figure out what kind of craziness was going on between us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Soooo…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes?” she turned to me on the ride home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave her my coat for the ride home since the Jeep was completely open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked like she was going to drown in it as she snuggled down into it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Was I an okay date?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She laughed brightly at this and shook her head back and forth.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“No?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You mean I put this monkey suit on for nothing?!” I scoffed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“No!! I didn’t mean that!” she squeaked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You were an awesome date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A surprise, but definitely awesome.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So am I more fun to hang out with than John?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Now you are just asking me questions that could get me in trouble…and I ain’t getting in the middle of whatever you two have going on.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I couldn’t help but just laugh at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So can I have a second date?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I don’t think you should push your luck, Gagner,” she looked over at me with a playful smile that said I was officially off her shit list.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">However, even though I could have, I didn’t push it any farther.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mission was accomplished tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She opened up to me and I was finally learning more about “Fletch.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What caught my attention the most?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had to be the way she handled herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious that when she was comfortable with her surroundings, her strong personality showed through and her smile could light up a room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was nothing fake about Alex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What you saw was what you got and after tonight, I was enjoying everything I got.<o:p></o:p></span></div>HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370794131462210272.post-76936826111143317302011-08-07T05:43:00.000-04:002011-08-07T05:43:24.068-04:00Chapter Eight<strong>So I was planning on posting this tomorrow... however after all your enthusiasm and the fact that I got a few more chapters written yesterday, I couldn't NOT post. Plus, you can thank Miss RebelHeart for her dramatic persuasion in trying to get as many chapters of this posted as soon as possible... LOL </strong><br />
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<strong>Sound-track for today... well... this would definitely be the track for Sam... was listening to it in my car the other day and thought of him right away!</strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpZU-UyjV9k"><strong><em>My Next Girlfriend - </em>The Black Keys</strong></a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The following week was brutal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alex didn’t even look at me and truthfully, I couldn’t blame her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John reminded me what I had said to her, but that didn’t come from him without some major begging and pleading.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You obviously had no problem being rude to her, so why should I tell you?” John snapped at me Tuesday afternoon as we were shopping for food at the Natural Foods place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry gave us a shopping list of items we needed to start incorporating into our everyday diet to help us optimize our training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Personally, it was the worst part of being an athlete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hated eating all the crazy healthy shit, but I figured it was a small price to pay when I my job was to play hockey everyday for a living.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I was drunk,” I hissed for the 100<sup>th</sup> time.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“That’s not my fault.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Ugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, you could be good and put in a decent word for me…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oooorrr you could go tell her yourself,” John said in a way that made it sound like he had the most novel idea in the planet.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“She won’t even look at me!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Did <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Eden</st1:city></st1:place> steal some of your brain cells or something?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I swear you were never this whiney or as much of a jerk-off like you’ve been the last week and a half,” John said in an annoyed tone that forced me to look at him to see if he was being serious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He’s definitely serious and probably right.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe my year with <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Eden</st1:place></st1:city> did more to me than I ever thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My casual attitude about the relationship with her seemed to have rubbed off on all my other relationships, whether it was family or friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was being a jerk-off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t acting like myself and I never whined this much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So are you two seeing each other or what?” I asked, kind of changing the subject.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“She’s just a good friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There isn’t anything more between us,” John said, sounding neutral about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I had a nice time on our date, but it definitely felt more like hanging out with my best friend, which is more than cool in my book.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You need to help me get on her good side…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I blurted out.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So you can just be mean to her again?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m not going to be mean to her!” I cried, a little louder than I should have in a public place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I need start over with her or something…” I whispered after garnering stares from nearby shoppers.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You are on your own with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not getting involved.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Ugh. Fine.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So do you have a date for the wedding Saturday?!” Denise asked happily on Thursday night while we sat out back on my patio drinking some wine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were a pair of cripples, me in my wheelchair and her with her cast-clad foot, elevated on a chair with her crutches on the ground beside her.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Nope.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m sure John would go with you…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“He’s headed to <st1:place w:st="on">Long Island</st1:place> tomorrow for some stuff with the team,” I said quietly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What about Sam?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What about him?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, I’m sure he’d go with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sam is always down for a good party,” she giggled to herself like she was picturing some memories.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I am not talking to Sam.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m not going to go into this with you,” I said firmly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Whatever he did, I’m sure he didn’t mean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sam is sometimes an immature, stupid, boy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I snorted sarcastically and rolled my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You obviously don’t own a pair of rose colored glasses…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You’ll see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’ll make it up to you somehow,” she grinned like she believed every word she spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I on the other hand was not so eager to believe.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It had been a rough week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew he had been drunk Friday night, but if he was anything like me, he was being as honest as anything with the alcohol on board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was hurt, despite the fact that his words confirmed my suspicions; along with mine thoughts that said I had no business crushing on any guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had one thing to worry about right now and that was me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sam attempted to talk to me a few times during our morning work-outs, but I would either act like I didn’t hear him or just glare at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t want to hear his groveling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe I was being stubborn, but I didn’t care.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You’re really doing great,” Dean complimented me on Friday morning after completing my last upper-body workout for the week.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Thanks,” I beamed up at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m really feeling the difference in strength…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He kneeled down next to me and handed me a bottle of water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So you interested in trying it out?” he asked coyly, nodding his head over at the parallel bars.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Do you think I’m ready?” I whispered excitedly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“We can at least see where we are at…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I sucked in a breath and blew it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked around the gym and then back at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No one is in here right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want anyone to see me do this, at least not the first time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He looked around and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The coast is clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guys are outside with Terry doing shuttle runs.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Before I knew it we were in front of the parallel bars and Dean was helping me out of the chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned myself on the bars, and looked down at me feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suddenly felt so tall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could feel the blood rushing down to my legs in an unobstructed fashion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That in itself made me feel normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My paralysis didn’t include full loss of feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could still feel my legs, of course it was decreased, but I could still feel someone touching them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So in clinical terms my sensory nerves were still functional but my motor nerves were not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This fact was what gave clinicians and me hope in possibly walking again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dean believed fully in the mind-over-matter theory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had seen it work and hopefully it would work for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“How does it feel?” he asked in an excited, yet quiet tone.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“It feels good to put some weight on my legs and it also reminds me how much muscle I don’t have in them,” I frowned.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“We will get there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just see if you can move them…use the force,” he joked.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I laughed but then began focusing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began using my arms to pull myself across the bars, dragging my feet along with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped halfway and looked over at Dean who was watching me curiously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This isn’t what I want to do,” I said quietly, a few tears escaping down my cheeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“We will get there, Fletch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just keep hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get yourself to the other end and we’ll keep with our plan starting again on Monday.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I nodded and continued to the end as more tears fell towards the floor.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was just about ready to go barging into the gym when I noticed Dean helping Alex stand-up by the parallel bars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped abruptly, causing John to slam into me from behind.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What’s your deal?” he grunted.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“She’s standing,” I breathed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Huh?” he asked and then looked around me and in through the glass door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh shit…she’s trying the bars…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She looked nervous, excited and scared all at once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hell, who could blame her?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was feeling all the same things while watching her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was strange seeing her stand to her full height.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think John and I were both holding our breaths when she stopped in the middle of the bars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious she wasn’t walking, but it definitely was a start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We watched her finish and when she was back in her wheelchair, we walked through the doors, but didn’t say a word about anything we saw, especially when I noticed her tearstained face.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Later on that night…</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Denise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need you to find out what time I need to be there tomorrow and where it is…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sam, why?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I need to start things over with Alex,” I said as patiently as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t really want to go into details about thing, especially after she berated me late last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She called me after spending the evening over at Alex’s apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Denise had this issue with being a hopeless romantic and insisted that everyone be happy and in love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t help that Race was just as crazy about the same ideas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They really were the sicken-ly, sweet couple that everyone swore they gave a toothache to whenever you spent more than an hour with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious they were in love and in some ways, it was something I wanted, but I was fairly sure that love like that didn’t happen everyday.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You like her.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I never denied that.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My patience is wearing thin.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So you are going to be her date tomorrow for the wedding?!” she squeaked.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Denise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You cannot tell her a thing…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, she is going to need a ride to the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Race was going to drive her, but maybe you can now?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sure.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Okay, let me find out what time he was supposed to pick her up at…” she faded off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cringed when I heard her yell out for Race but I knew Denise was right when she said last night, “What a better way to show her you care than to take her to a wedding?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s romantic, you will be dressed to kill and everyone is always happy at weddings.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What am I getting myself into?!</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I looked down at my baby blue dress and bit my lip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been a long time since I had worn something so frilly and girly, but Sarah insisted that it looked perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an empire waist dress made of a gauze material that came to just above my knees and was held up with spaghetti straps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bust had little delicate flowers embroidered into it with silver floss, giving it a subtle pattern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My tanned skin made it look like an even brighter blue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought my silver ballet slippers made the outfit complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Denise came over earlier and curled my hair, which she pinned back some pieces so that they weren’t in my face and left the rest down, resting on my shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did my own make-up, which didn’t come out too terrible considering I hadn’t messed around with much make-up since I joined the army.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Damn, I look good today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too bad I don’t have a date,” I talked to myself in the mirror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that the doorbell rang.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked over at the clock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Race was 20 minutes early, which shocked me because he was always just on time, never early or never late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed to reapply my lip gloss, so I just yelled down the hall for him to come in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard the door open and then his footsteps hit my hardwood floor, but they seemed to stop just within the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re early!” I called out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did your watch break or something?!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">No Answer.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I furrowed my brow in the mirror, smacked my lips and then shrugged at my image before moving out into the hallway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I looked down the hall, I left out a gasp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Standing by the door was not Race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead it was a man in a black, expensive looking suit with a baby-blue tie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His hair was actually combed and trimmed so that only a few curls caressed the collar of his white shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His hands were tucked in his pockets and when he looked up from the floor he was biting his lip before smiling nervously.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Hey Alex.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370794131462210272.post-11999859129283720792011-08-06T08:31:00.000-04:002011-08-06T08:31:10.059-04:00Chapter Seven<strong>Well... I have a bunch of chapters written... so look for updates every other day or something along those lines... :o)</strong> <br />
<br />
You could be my unintended<br />
Choice to live my life extended<br />
You could be the one I'll always love<br />
You could be the one who listens to my deepest inquisitions<br />
You could be the one I'll always love<br />
<br />
I'll be there as soon as I can<br />
But I'm busy mending broken pieces of the life I had before<br />
<strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gbj8-KZ69M"><em>Unintended - </em>MUSE</a></strong><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter 7<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was more than a little apprehensive about going to the movies with John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had nothing to do with being nervous around him though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was becoming a close friend, and quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was so easy to talk to and never made me feel like I was different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, hanging and talking with him brought the old me out at times, the happy girl I used to be when I was in the Army.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The thing that worried me was the simple fact that I had not been out on a “date” since a week before I shipped off to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Afghanistan</st1:place></st1:country-region> and that was with some guy Sarah insisted on hooking me up with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was some hot exchange student from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Australia</st1:place></st1:country-region> and it was a night of hot sex and toe curling orgasms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guy was a competitive swimmer and a model.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was probably an understatement that I had been spoiled for life just after one night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously this night would not be involving sex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure sex was the last thing people thought of when they saw me in a wheelchair and honestly, it was the last thing I thought of, which was sad since I was only 22 years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course it didn’t mean I didn’t want it, but I personally did not think about sex when I was around John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was simply the companion that Denise said I needed in my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I guess I was more nervous for John than me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here was this very active guy, a professional athlete for shit sakes and he was going to be out with some girl in a wheelchair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No doubt people were going to stare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, I had come very used to the stares, but new friends might not be so apt at handling it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The doorbell rang just as I finished pulling my hair back in a sleek pony-tail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a deep breath and wheeled myself out to the hallway, yelling, “It’s open! Just come in!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still needed to grab my purse from the kitchen.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Hey Alex!” John called down the hall cheerfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow, this is a really nice place!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I smiled at his enthusiasm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He really was an up-lifting soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, they were just built not that long ago and I am the first person to live in this apartment, so no one had a chance to trash it, but me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When I turned around, I found him already standing in my kitchen, a smile beaming on his boyish face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hi,” he said again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You look great.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I looked down at my short-jean shorts and light teal v-neck shirt and shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think you are just getting too used to seeing me in my crummy work-out clothing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, you look good in those too,” he remarked with a wink.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I reached out and smacked him playfully with my purse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s just nice to see you own more than gym shorts and cut-up t-shirts.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked like a laid-back preppy in a pair of dark-washed jeans, sandals, and a white polo shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His hair even had some product in it to tame thick mop on his head.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He laughed at this and quickly walked ahead of me to open the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your chariot awaits my princess,” he motioned towards his Ford Raptor, trying to hide the smile he had from knowing how much I hated the whole princess thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m going to kill Dean for telling you guys that story,” I grumbled as I wheeled my way down the sidewalk.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I can’t believe he took her on a date!” I whined as I slammed the cue stick against the cue ball to break the 4<sup>th</sup> pool game Cogs and I had played.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed a night out of the house and the Billiards Hall seemed to be like a good place to have a few drinks and forget about the thoughts that seemed to be gnawing at me ever since I talk to Johnny.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sounds to me that you either have some kind of gay lover thing for Johnny or you are feeling sorry that you didn’t man up and ask her before he did…” Cogs retorted with a raised eyebrow.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I looked up from the combo I was lining up to shoot and glared at Andrew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not gay and I am not sorry I didn’t ask her out tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Then stop talking about it!” he exclaimed before taking a sip of his beer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re being a complete baby about this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should just ask her out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I don’t want a girlfriend.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You don’t want to fall for the girl in the wheelchair,” Cogs threw back.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“It has nothing to do with her being in a wheelchair,” I growled before slamming my pool stick down on the table after missing my shot.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“The fuck it doesn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are a walking contradiction, Gagner.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I took a deep breath to calm myself, but it didn’t seem to help as I walked over to him and stood in his personal space so that he could hear everything I was about to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know what it is?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her attitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She doesn’t want people to treat her like she’s handicapped, yet when I said something to her about going back to her nursing career, she commented about how she was basically useless if she couldn’t walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So either you want to be treated like it or you don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, It pisses me off that I’ve been more than nice to this girl and for some reason she refuses to even act like I am alive sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I give her rides back and forth to the gym everyday and she still feels the need to talk to John more than she talks to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never mind the fact that I constantly catch her checking me out…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Cogs just shook his head and went to play his turn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wish you could hear yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you ever think about how hard it must be for her to go from a very active person to being stuck in that chair?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure she feels like a death sentence and is probably dealing with some crazy depression because of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And maybe she talks to John because he treats her like the normal person she is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You didn’t really do that the first night we met her and her friends at the bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John was the first one to strike up a conversation with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You just stood there like an ass, barely apologizing for tripping over her and staring at her like it was the worst thing in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even now you make comments about her being ‘the girl in the wheelchair,’ instead of just thinking of her as Alex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe once you get the whole handicapped thing out of your head you will be able to move on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for her acting different around you…did you ever think that maybe she is nervous around you because she has a thing for you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just think a little a bit dude.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I stood there with my beer in hand just staring at my friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Am I really that oblivious to things?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I think I’m going to have to go home and play every N*SNYC song I can find on You-Tube now!” I proclaimed as we left the theater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Or maybe just every JT song in hopes to find more pictures of him shirtless,” I continued.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">John laughed and shook his head like he didn’t want to hear my swooning but immediately said, “I’m sure I’ll be Googling pictures of Mila Kunis all day tomorrow and ordering a poster for my room.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I laughed out loud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact I don’t think I had laughed so much as I did just in one evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dinner was entertaining just for the simple fact that we went to a pizza joint and John ended up getting sauce down the front of his white polo shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course our waitress, who was a really pretty girl, couldn’t stop looking at it every time she came back to our table, causing John to blush everytime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was just used as ammo for the rest of the night.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So are you ready to go home or would you be interested in going to one more place with me?” John asked before opening the door to his Raptor.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“If I say no, are you going to make me find my own way home?” I asked with a raised eyebrow and a smirk.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Maybe…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Where we headed?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Cogs and Sam are at the Billiards Hall…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sam?” I asked, suddenly feeling a little nervous again.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah…I think he’s a little shit faced because he’s been sent me text messages all through the movie,” he informed me as he scooped me up to put me in the passenger seat of the truck.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sam, shit faced?” I asked, slightly amused and now definitely on board to see this because I had a sneaky suspicion this was going to be funny.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“He doesn’t do it often, but I think he’s a little pissed off at me,” John murmured right before closing the door and walking around to the other side of the truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As much as I was tempted to ask him why Sam would be pissed off at John, I didn’t ask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only knew these guys for a week and I didn’t want to be the nosey girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had enough drama in my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“JOHNNY!” I yelled loudly as he and Alex came through the door of the Billiards Hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The place wasn’t packed, so my voice echoed that much louder off the hardwood floors and walls, calling even more attention to myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was trashed for lack of better terms and I was fairly sure I was seeing not one but two of Alex looking very cute for her night out with John which just crushed the knife deeper into my gut.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Couldn’t put the leash on him tonight, Cogs?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alex immediately piped up as her and John got over to our pool table.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Nah, he was in rare form to begin with,” Andrew laughed as she giggled.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No hello for me?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pouted.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Hi, Sam,” she looked up at me with a humored smile and shook her head.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Fletch,” I nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you up for a game of pool?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She looked over at the tables and then back at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hope you’re ready to have your ass handed to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cogs, you want to be my partner?” she asked easily.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Fuck yeah,” he laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you need a drink before we start?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Just a Ginger Ale please…I gave up drinking after making too many drunken declarations on things I just couldn’t do while being drunk; like playing pool drunk and losing miserably.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">John and Cogs laughed as Alex gave me a look of challenge.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You think I’m going to lose because I’m trashed?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yup,” she said simply as John and Cogs walked over to the bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m fairly sure you can’t even see straight, seeing how dilated your pupils are right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Dilated?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that fancy medical jargon meant to throw me off?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You are already off,” she shook her head.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Did you and Johnny have a nice date?” I blurted out.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She nodded her head and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I did.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You would have had a better time with me…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Excuse me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Nothing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Huh.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Never mind.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You don’t make sense,” I grumbled.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Are you giving my date a hard time?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Johnny suddenly piped up loudly into my ear, causing me to jump about 10 feet.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Let’s just get this game started,” I exclaimed and threw an arm around his neck.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">10 minutes later, Alex and Cogs had cleared the table and I was left sulking and feeling very dizzy.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“How did you do that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’ve played a lot of pool over the years, Sam,” Alex said cheerfully as I plopped down next to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Here, have some of the water, John just brought over for you,” she said in a nursing/motherly tone while handing the big mug of ice water to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m gonna puke tonight,” I moaned.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yup.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Why are you being nice to me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I don’t think I’ve ever really been mean to you,” she said quietly, looking curiously over at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it was the over abundance of alcohol that I had on board or the fact that we were sitting in close proximity for longer than the 10 minute drive to her place, but she looked even more beautiful than ever and I felt like it was getting a lot hotter in the room.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You don’t talk to me like you talk to John.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You make me nervous.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I laughed at little at this and moved in closer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Funny, because it seems you do the same to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“It’s either that or you aren’t comfortable with me being in this wheelchair.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m not,” I said, the alcohol making me completely and brutally honest.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She bit her lip and nodded, no look of emotion showing on her face except for a possible tear that escaped before she could turn away and tell John she was ready to go now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just sat there, the room spinning out of control around me and watched them leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately I wouldn’t really remember much the next day until I got a voicemail on my phone from John saying that he would just meet me at the gym on Monday because he was going to pick-up Alex by himself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370794131462210272.post-68826131724105148312011-08-04T10:25:00.000-04:002011-08-04T10:25:07.282-04:00Chapter Six<strong>Can I say how much I'm enjoying your comments?? They make me laugh, so thank you! haha.</strong><br />
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<strong>Today's soundtrack is brought to you by Mutemath -- it's a new tune off their new album that will be dropping in October. I thought it fit perfectly, because the more I write about Alex and Sam... the more they are becoming Odd Souls...</strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvrfoU3SS4U"><strong><em>Odd Soul -</em> Mutemath</strong></a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I quick ran in and got the paperwork I had forgotten and by the time I came back out, Alex was sitting in the passenger seat of my Jeep and attempting to get her wheelchair in the back of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Alex, w-wait, how did you get up there by yourself?!” I asked incredulously, jogging over to get her wheelchair before she hurt herself or something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Jeep was lifted; it was an old beater that I ran around <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">London</st1:city></st1:place> for the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, it had a step-bar, but my mind was blown.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I am able to pull myself up…” she snapped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not completely broken.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I didn’t say you were, but this is a high pull-up for someone your size…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What are you trying to say?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“How tall are you?” I asked, unable to hide my smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, she probably seemed even shorter since in a wheel-chair, but she had a small frame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I threw her chair in the back seat without much of an effort, closed her door and then leaned on it awaiting her answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked flustered and slightly annoyed that I did the rest of the work for her.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m 5’4”, which isn’t overly short,” she commented, not even daring to look over at me, which truthfully I found spunky.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“It’s still too short for someone who can’t…” I didn’t even finish the sentence because it was totally out of line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry,” I mumbled before walking around the back of the Jeep and climbing into the driver’s seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So where do you live?” I asked, trying to sound cheerful enough to change the subject.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“A block away from Race and Denise, on Oak Street,” she answered quietly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh cool,” I smiled and shifted the Jeep in reverse, still cursing myself for saying something completely rude. No words were spoken for the first two blocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided I couldn’t stand it so I began asking questions.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So what’s with the nickname, Fletch?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“It’s my nickname from the Army.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Would you rather that I call you Fletch then?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You can call me whatever you prefer…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What did you do in the Army?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I was a combat nurse.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Do you think you’ll ever work as a nurse again?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Does it look like I will?” she turned to me, looking completely emotionless.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Um, why not?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve seen lots of stories about paralyzed people doing everyday jobs like that,” I said, trying my best to be encouraging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Having a positive outlook on life is a key to reaching your goals,” I spouted off some quote someone had once told me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Alex left out a loud sarcastic laugh and flopped her head back onto the headrest of her seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh my God, I don’t even know you and you feel the need to preach to me?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ugh…” she groaned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t believe it,” she laughed, sounding slightly like a crazy person.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What did I get myself into?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m polite and now I have a crazy chick in the passenger seat of my Jeep.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So he’s a hockey player AND a motivational speaker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just great.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was one thing to hear the speeches from my family and close friends; it was a totally different story when it came from a guy I had been kind of crushing on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Until now.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“My goal is to walk again,” I said simply after I stopped my evil laugh.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, that’s a good goal,” he answered evenly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“It’s my only goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will walk again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There was a bit of silence before he spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What if you can’t?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I looked over at him and glared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I was completely annoyed and any nerves I originally had around him were officially gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There is no choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was not made to be on this earth, crippled.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sam nodded and bit his lip, letting me know he still wasn’t 100% sold on my thoughts.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You have no clue the person I used to be…” I felt the need to add.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We stopped at a stop sign and he turned to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t have any clue who you are at this moment, so why don’t we start with that?” he said simply, putting my nerves back on alert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And now I’m back at square one. It’s got to be those eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>There was something about him that told me he was still an immature kid and another part of him that told me he could be the oldest acting 21 year old in a room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the moment, I was still lost in the middle somewhere.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I bit my lip, stared at him for a moment and then looked back out the windshield.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you want to know?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“How old are you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m 22.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Heh, you seem a lot older than me, but I turn 22 in August…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’ve been through a lot and seen a lot of things people our age shouldn’t see,” I said quietly, but loud enough for him to hear over the wind.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He nodded, “I can imagine.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“It was my choice though and I’d make the same decision again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well then, at least you can say you lived with no regrets.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I took a deep breath and let that statement sit in my head for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no regrets…Scratch that, my only regret is that I didn’t die on that street with Danny.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Soon, we were at my apartment and Sam was jumping out of the Jeep and pulling my wheelchair from the back seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened the door and before I could ask him to move my chair closer, I was already scooped up into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I told you that I can do things for myself,” I grumbled, trying to keep an attitude about me so that I wouldn’t think about how fast my heart was beating at the moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“If you are afraid of breaking my back, then you can come out and try and lift the big tires we were flipping around outside today at the gym.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just apologize that I’m not showered,” he grinned before setting me down in my chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I situated myself and then motioned for him to hand me my bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, you want me to get that for you?” he asked, obviously picking on me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, please,” I said through my teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was actually turning into quite the annoying person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it was good I wasn’t out on the dance floor with him the other night, John was looking like a lot better prospect to crush on at the moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She shook my hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her grip was firm and I could feel the calluses on her hands from having to constantly use them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the small size of them, her fingers barely able to wrap around my hand, reminded me that she was still frail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was a total mystery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just in the short ride to her apartment, I quickly learned that her moods were all over the place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious she had been through a lot and as much as I was curious to ask more, it definitely wasn’t the right time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a sneaky suspicion this wasn’t going to be the last time we would spend together and frankly, I was okay with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her beauty still caught me by surprise and I was never one to complain about eye candy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I just need to get over this awkwardness I seem to have around her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t seem to get past her being in that wheelchair.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Do you need a ride to the gym tomorrow?” I suddenly called out to her as she was heading to her apartment door.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She stopped and turned around, biting her pouty lip, looking somewhat vulnerable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Um, what time do you guys head down?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“8am sharp we need to be ready to go.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Me too…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’ll pick you up at 7:45?” I asked, not even giving her a choice this time.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Are you sure?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I don’t offer to do things I’m not okay with.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She left out a little giggle and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t help but smile back at her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something about her smile turned the world upside down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“See you at 7:45,” she nodded before unlocking her door and going inside.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So Sammy is giving you a ride tomorrow?!” Denise squeaked into the phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Race had it on speaker phone so that I could give her my well wishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was back home from the hospital, her left ankle broken and now in a cast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Race was to be the housemaid for several weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I threw my head back and laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know Denise, if I wouldn’t know better; I’d think you did this on purpose.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, I’ve said that you need some fun people, your own age, to hang out with…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You’re not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that</i> much older than me,” I pointed out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She and Race were both 28.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, but single guys are definitely people you need in your life!” she cried back and I could have sworn I heard Race snort at this remark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You have to admit, hockey players are cute!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I was never really a hockey fan…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Then you aren’t Canadian.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You’re right, I’m Korean,” I giggled.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“The most Canadian talking Korean I’ve ever heard,” Race piped up at this.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah, yeah, yeah.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, look at it this way, Fletch, you do need a date to Sarah’s wedding that is coming up in a couple weeks…maybe you can ask one of the boys…” Denise continued in on her frantic attempt to hook me up with someone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had no problem looking past the fact that no guy in their right mind was going to want to be seen with some chick in a wheelchair, especially hockey players.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were guys that made a career out of using their legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why the hell would they want to be with someone whose legs didn’t even work?!<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Seriously?!” I whined. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You really need to stop with all your crazy ideas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d say it’s the medications talking, but you were already on this kick before you started taking them…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh come on, Fletch!” Denise cried.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Race, can’t you put her on bed rest or something?!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“She’ll kick me with her cast or hit me with her crutches…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You are a pussy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I like taking orders from a woman,” he laughed, reminding me how much I envied his and Denise’s relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were not only lovers, but they were best friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was definitely the type of relationship I wanted to be in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was what Danny and I probably would have had, but that was not meant to be.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Come on Fletch!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t let these boys show you up!” Dean yelled at Alex while she, John, and I hung from the pull-up bars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was Friday, the last day of our work-out week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I was bringing Alex to her work-out’s, Terry and Dean thought it would be good if they incorporated some of our work-out’s together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a really good idea, especially since it was visibly pushing Alex to the next level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then again, it pushed John and me too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously, who wants a girl to show them up?!<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“This is bullshit!” Alex chirped back, straining to get one more pull-up in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was up to 25.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dean said she could barely do 10 on Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious she trying her hardest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact she was working so hard that she was too tired to complain when me or John would pick her up and put her in the Jeep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious she was too tired to put in the extra effort.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Are you whining princess?” Dean asked in a serious tone, raising an eyebrow.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Don’t call me princess,” she growled, pulling herself up for one more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She definitely worked better with the pressure, something she probably learned from basic training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her work ethic was top notch, and I couldn’t believe the focus she had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every now and then she would crack, but that is when John and I would step in and gently push her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She too would have to step in and coax us if we started complaining, however she wasn’t as gentle about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never met a woman like her and that is coming from a guy who grew up with two tough ass sisters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alex was a whole other level and truthfully, it was kind of a turn-on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too bad she seemed to get along a little easier with John than me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Later on that night I called John about coming over to play video games, but he informed me that he and Alex were going to the movies together.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You’re going on a date?” I asked, of course I wasn’t jealous about it because it was Alex, our friend in the wheelchair.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sure, why not?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You said yourself that she’s hot,” John happily reminded me of my words.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah, sure, but I don’t think of her as dating material…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Why not?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s a great girl.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“For sure, she’s…yeah, she’s a great girl…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Don’t fucking tell me it’s because she’s in a wheelchair?!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I paused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course it was a longer pause than it should have been because Johnny started in right off the bat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re an ass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who care’s?!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I didn’t say anything!” I tried to back pedal, but it was obvious I was failing miserably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If she wasn’t handicapped, I probably would have been all over her like a fly on sticky paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her body was smoking hot and it was hard not to look at her tits in her tight work-out outfits she wore to the gym every morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to John, she was really sweet and had an awesome personality, but she always acted funky around me, so I couldn’t really figure her out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t the type of guy who liked big mysteries, I would rather people be open and up front with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, Alex was the type to only open up when I would ask questions and even then she seemed to skirt around some of my questions.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Why didn’t you go to college if you were accepted at these big universities?” I asked her the one day on the ride home after she said something about having the chance to go to Hopkin’s and <st1:place w:st="on">Princeton</st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She had said something else earlier about being apart of a rich family, which was what I grew up in too since my Dad played in the NHL, so I just figured anyone would take the silver spoon when it was given to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew I did to a certain extent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She just looked at me and shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious she knew the answer, but once again, when I’d ask her a personal question she would close herself off to me for some reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then in the next moment I would catch her looking almost longingly at me out of the corner of my eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt she was throwing me mixed signals and I wasn’t sure what to think.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Whatever,” John grumbled into the phone, pulling me back to the present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think she’s fun to hang out with and I plan on having a nice evening with her…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, then have fun,” I snapped into the phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll see you tomorrow or whenever.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370794131462210272.post-6722558828074684052011-08-01T10:51:00.000-04:002011-08-01T10:51:20.156-04:00Chapter Five<strong>The last chapter wasn't long enough?! Geesh! You are all tough customers!! LOL I apologize now if this proof-reading was a total fail for this chapter. I've written this while on ambulance duty and let me tell you, it's not so easy when you get multiple interruptions...especially when you're trying to make sure the story goes the way it is supposed to.</strong><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter 5</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So what do you think?” Dean, the director of Terrace Sports Training, asked me with a friendly smile.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Can you stand here and say that you can get me to walk again?” I asked him sincerely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dean was a trainer who took a keen interest in helping people like me; rehab themselves back into the best shape possible in hopes of over-coming the injuries they had sustained in various accidents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Race had actually graduated high school with him and spoke very highly of his friend, showing me the numerous success stories he had worked with over the last few years.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">At my question, Dean took a breath, but kept a reassuring smile on his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Fletch, I can’t stand here and tell you that I perform miracles; the Man upstairs in the only one who will be able to tell you if you are going to walk again or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, if you are willing to put in the hardest work you’ve ever done, then I’m here to help with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will give you the tools and your body will decide if it wants to use them or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are committed to walking, then I am 100% committed in helping you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After looking at all your records, I see no reason why we can’t rehabilitate you into walking again.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I put my hand out and shook his, sealing our new pact and new friendship. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I need this.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Then we will start on Monday morning at 8am,” Dean nodded.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The facility was top notch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Word on the street was that Dean not only did rehabilitation, but that he ran an elite training facility for numerous professional athletes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before Race wheeled me out the door, I looked longingly over at a set of parallel bars; those bars were going to make or break me over the next several months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dean informed me my ultimate goal would be to walk from one end to the other between those bars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mind was made up, I would make it across them come hell or high water.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So you were pretty talkative with the girl in the wheelchair,” I raised an eyebrow over at John the next morning as we drove to the training center to get in our morning work-out before the heat really hit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been crazy hot the last few weeks, which was definitely not the norm for here.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Girl in the wheelchair is named, Alex,” he said in a slightly annoyed tone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I instantly knew I hit a chord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John and I had known each other for years; he used to practice in my backyard when my dad built the outdoor rink each winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We grew up in <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Oakville</city></place>, together.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So you were pretty talkative with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Alex</i>, last night,” I ribbed him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“It’s not at all what you are getting at, Gags.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What am I getting at?” I played stupid.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Don’t be a dick.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So what’s her deal?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What do you mean, what is her deal?” he asked, sounding confused and frustrated.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Why is she in a wheelchair?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean she talked normal and seemed normal…”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Not everyone is mentally handicapped just because they are in a wheelchair you idiot,” he snapped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you really that naïve? Because if so, I’m fairly sure you are the handicapped one.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, you have to admit it’s not normal to see a girl that pretty in a wheelchair.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“She didn’t choose to be in it you dick.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I didn’t say she did!”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Dude, I think <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Eden</city></place> has messed with your brain and her stupidity somehow transplanted itself into you…”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“That’s not nice.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“She’s not nice.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“She’s always been nice to you…”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“She glared at me today when I stopped in to get your ass out of bed this morning…”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“She wasn’t awake yet.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Whatever.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Whatever.”</span></div><div style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“It was so embarrassing!” I whined to Race and Denise as we ate dinner out on their back patio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Events like that are exactly why I hate going out…”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“But it’s good to get out and about, Alex,” Denise frowned worriedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad Sarah got you to go out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the stories Race has told me about you, you’ve never been the type to be a wall-flower.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This comment made me smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was right; I had always been the loud-mouth of the bunch, the one to take chances, the one who was always on the borderline of being in trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What happened to the girl?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, that’s right, she’s still lying on the streets of <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Afghanistan</place></country-region>.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Now you’ve completely left out the most important part here!” Race exclaimed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Tell her who the guy was that fell on you!”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I shook my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course Race would find this to be the most important information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It was Sam Gagner?” I said slowly to Denise, highly doubting she was going to really care about who it was.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh my gosh! Seriously?!”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah…”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sammy is my little cousin!”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Cousin?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah, his dad, Dave, is my mom’s brother!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sammy is adorable…” she began gushing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s a forward for the Edmonton Oiler’s now, such a wonderful kid.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Did you know this?” I asked Race, narrowing my eyes at him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He just smiled and shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’ll have to call him to come over and visit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s your age you know…”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I threw my hands up and shook my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wait!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stop those thoughts right now!”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?!” Denise acted all innocent.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I know exactly what is going on in that head of yours and I’m telling you NO right now!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course I was not going to let on that I did find him really good looking and a little disappointed that it was his friend John and not him who I spent the evening talking to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But to be honest, I was a little more than annoyed when Sam acted as though I was mentally retarded or riddled with some sort of disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t say much to me, but when he did, he spoke slowly until John jumped in and gave Sam a chance to get away without making things even more awkward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course it didn’t stop me from constantly glancing over at him throughout the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was something about him that had me wishing I could have been the red-head out on the dance floor with him that night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, there was also something about him that sent up the red flags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John had made the comment about not liking Sam’s girlfriend and then the blonde haired guy, named Patrick, chirped something about Sam not having to worry about that for too much longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both guys glared back and forth between each other, but no more words were exchanged.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You’re no fun!” Denise, joked.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I think we all know I have other issues to worry about right now,” I raised an eyebrow, thinking about the fact that no self-respecting guy who had the world in the palm of his hands would want a damn thing to do with a cripple.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“<city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Eden</place></city>?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pat?!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called out after getting home from a morning run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was Sunday afternoon and for some reason I had felt like I needed to get out of the house and just go for a run to clear my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was never a natural at running; in fact I hated it way back when.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dad insisted that I run a couple miles a day to help with my endurance training when I was still in pee-wee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made a game out of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first few blocks of my runs, I would come up with a million different names and curse words for my dad with every hit my foot made on the pavement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d make up silly songs or poems in my head until I would just end up forgetting how much I hated actually running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon I learned to put my energy into something slightly more positive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now it became a way for me to think about goals, whether those were just goals for the day or long-term goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It’s amazing how things change the more mature you become.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The house was quiet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I left, Pat had been passed out on the couch and <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Eden</place></city> was sitting on the computer shopping for more interior décor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tried to get me to look at some shit she wanted to decorate the bathroom with, but I was not in the mood, so I told her I’d check it out when I got back from my run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course there was that small chance she would just forget about it by the time I got back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to the fridge, pulled out the milk carton and drank a few gulps before putting it back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then pulled off my t-shirt and decided I’d take a shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had just hit the top steps when I heard the water running in the bathroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shit, I guess that shower idea will be put on hold for a moment.</i> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was then when I heard the distinct sounds of people having sex in the bathroom.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What the fuck?</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After quietly sneaking down the hall, I stood by the door.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You are such a dirty slut, Eden!” Pat moaned.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">That was all I needed to hear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of walking in and seeing stuff I didn’t need to see, I politely proceeded to my bedroom and began gathering all of <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Eden</place></city>’s crap that had accumulated and began throwing it down the steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in mid-throw of one of her make-up bags when she emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a towel.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sam!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are you doing?!” she screeched.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Just helping you move out of my house!” I announced loudly, smiling to myself when I heard the make-up bag smash on the hardwood floor.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What?!”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You heard me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get out. Now,” I said firmly, turning towards her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pat peeked his head out from the bathroom door, his eyes wide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it’s time for you to head back to <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">New York</place></state>…”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sam…” Pat started.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I held up a hand and just shook my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truthfully, I hadn’t come to except much more than this from Pat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the moment, I was more annoyed with <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Eden</place></city> than I was with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Everybody out.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><city w:st="on"><place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Eden</span></place></city><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> began crying hysterically, but Patrick just stayed quiet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked out back and closed the door behind me, allowing the sun to beat down on me as I sat down on the lounge chair. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Later on that night…</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“That was real dick of Pat…” Cogs shook his head.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m actually not surprised,” John spoke up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He made a comment at the bar the other night when you were out on the dance floor with that red-head, but I was just hoping he meant something else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sorry I didn’t say anything.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“It’s fine. It’s Pat,” I shrugged before taking a long draw off my beer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After the two bathtub buddies were out of the house, I called Cogs and Tavares over to have an impromptu cook-out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I probably should have been more upset about the ordeal, but it was more of a relief than anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was getting real old having my buddies constantly complain about my girlfriend, especially when I wasn’t all that into her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friends were most important to me, so when they were unhappy about something, I was unhappy too and that was not my forte.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to consider myself a very happy-go-lucky kind of guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sense of humor is probably one of my better qualities which was hard to sometimes find when <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Eden</place></city> was around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was constantly putting me in a bad mood with her whining and constant nagging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for Pat, well, he was going to be on my shit-list for awhile.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, since crazy <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Eden</place></city> is out of the picture, we can now focus on our summer of fun,” Tavares smiled, holding up his beer in salute.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Summer of fun and hard-work?” I chuckled, thinking that tomorrow morning started the real challenging training for the up coming season.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“The harder we work, the harder we can play,” Cogs commented with a wink.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Deal,” I saluted back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Here’s to the rest of our summer.”</span></div><div style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Wow, Fletch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought you said you were fit?!” Dean joked as I let myself flop back into my wheelchair after attempting some hard-fought pull-ups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was only able to do 5, a grim reminder that I had a long summer of physical training ahead of me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Fuck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to be able to do 50…” I huffed, totally annoyed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He laid a hand on my shoulder and smiled down at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We all have to re-start somewhere.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Why are we focusing on my upper body anyway?” I shrugged him off, feeling my mood turning towards the familiar anger I easily reverted too after this nightmare began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You better not be putting me through shit for a good laugh.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was just about to wheel myself away from him when his foot stopped my effort, causing my wheelchair to jolt and almost putting me on the floor face first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, Fletch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I brought you here so that I could get a good laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get over yourself, girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use your anger in your work-out to push yourself,” he said firmly.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m sorry,” I said quietly, realizing I didn’t have any right to snap off at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was here to help me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“We need to build your upper body and core strength before we really get to work on rebuilding your lower body. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll probably hate me some days and that is fine, but know, that we are doing this all for you, princess.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Don’t call me princess,” I growled, allowing a small smile to come across my face when I looked up at him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Then get over here and try a few more pull-ups,” he laughed and smacked me on the shoulder.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">An hour later I was done my first day of rehab and wheeling my way out the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Race was supposed to be picking me up, but he was no where to be found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was digging in my bag for my cell phone when I heard footsteps shuffling on the macadam parking lot.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Can I help you?” a semi-familiar voice suddenly spoke up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned around to find Sam standing there in gym shorts, a sleeveless t-shirt and a ball cap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His hair was curling out from underneath of it, making it look like he was 12 years old, despite the well defined arm and leg muscles that seemed to be glistening in the sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A-Alex?” he suddenly stuttered.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Hey,” I said, suddenly feeling at a disadvantage.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What are you doing here?” he looked around and then back at me, seeming confused.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Um, I started my physical therapy here today…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said quietly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He made me nervous and very self-conscious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I breathed a slight sigh of relief that I had gotten a shower in the locker room after my work-out, even though I looked a mess in a pair of old cut-off sweats and one of my worn-out army t-shirts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My silent worries were stopped when Dean came jogging out the front door, yelling my name.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Fletch?!” he called out before Sam stepped aside so that Dean could see me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, hey Sam!” he said cheerfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Terry kick your ass this morning?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sam left out a half groan and laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, he kicked our asses…”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Where are your other two compadres?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“They left, I just forgot some of the nutrition paper work Terry wanted me to go over,” Sam answered.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I guess you’ve met Fletch then?” Dean asked, patting me on the shoulder, causing me to cringe as my muscles were already tightening up from the work-out.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Fletch?” Sam echoed, confused.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Fletch is my nickname,” I piped up.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh, huh, um, yeah, we met the other night…” he said, looking down at me with a humored tone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the first time I noticed the playful sparkle in his green eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The butterflies in my stomach also noted this.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then maybe you can give her a ride home?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dean suddenly asked.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Wait, what?!” I cried out a little louder than I wanted to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I mean, where is Race?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“He just called and said that he had to take Denise to the hospital because he thinks she busted her ankle at work today.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“My cousin Denise?” Sam piped up worriedly.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah,” Dean and I both answered.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You know Race and Denise?” Sam turned towards me with surprise.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Yeah, I know, small world, eh buddy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Race and I served together in <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Afghanistan</place></country-region>.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh, wow,” he said, sounding completely stunned, which didn’t shock me considering the way he spoke to me the other night, acting like I was mentally retarded.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So Sam, about that ride,” Dean cut in.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh, yeah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can take you home…”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I bit my lip and nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Something in my head told me that Denise was getting her way despite my wishes.</span></div>HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370794131462210272.post-19106883002496767512011-07-29T11:32:00.000-04:002011-07-29T11:32:42.988-04:00Chapter Four<strong>No MelTing, I am not writing about war because I'm feeling hostile about this whole pending school thing. LMAO. This story will be more about love than war... at least I hope so. :o) Miss RebelHeart... this chapter is longer, so no complaints! tehehe</strong><br />
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And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.<br />
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.<br />
Get over your hill and see what you find there,<br />
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.<br />
<br />
And now I cling to what I knew<br />
I saw exactly what was true<br />
But oh no more.<br />
That's why I hold,<br />
That's why I hold with all I have.<br />
That's why I hold.<br />
<strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3RP1VbUaaA"><em>After The Storm - </em>Mumford and Sons</a></strong><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">March 2009</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“If I can’t walk, then I don’t want to live,” I said steadily, with my eyes closed, trying to control my breath. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I would have rather died back in that street than to be here right now getting this award for living while my brothers and sisters died.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The room was silent and when I opened my eyes, I found the General standing in front of me with a grim face while my parents looked on from the corner, holding on to one another with tears streaming down their faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was back on Canadian soil, in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Toronto</st1:place></st1:city> at the military hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took me a month for them to transport me back here because I had been too unstable for the long flight home.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m sure God has a plan for you, my daughter,” the Priest said that was standing next to the General.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He calmly placed his hand on my head and uttered a whispered prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could have sworn I heard him murmur something about my sanity, but I just sat there, attempting to tone him out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was one angry woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t want anything to do with this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If God had a plan for me, there was no way in Hell he would break my body so that I was unable to use it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Of course the doctors were all optimistic with me when talking about my future.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Miss Alexandra...”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“It’s Fletch,” I bit at the Doctor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see my mother flinch when I spoke.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Fletch,” the Doctor patiently began again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You have to understand that people live a quite normal and fulfilling life even though they are paralyzed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not a death sentence by any means.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are very lucky that it is just your legs that you are unable to move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is very feasible for you to still have children…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Why would I want to have a child if I can’t run after them and play with them like a normal parent?!” I cried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Besides, do you really think someone is going to want me like this?!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He took a deep breath before speaking again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Fletch, I understand your anger right now…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You have no clue.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">At this, his patience had seemingly run out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to my mother and father and began speaking to them as if I wasn’t there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher, please beware she is going to need some psychoanalysis and is going to need counseling. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alexandra is basically going through the grieving process right now and needs all the support she can get right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry for all this news, I’m sure this is just as hard for you as it is her…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Is there any hope at all that she might walk again?” My mother asked quietly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“There is always a chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, Alexandra needs to be in the right frame of mind and a lot of physical work will be need to happen for her to even have a chance; even then, no promises can be made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the time is right, come to me and I will get you the names of some people who might be willing to take her on.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked over at me, nodded to me and then back at my parents and left the room. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After a few moments of tense silence I said, “Please go now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to be left alone.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My mother came over, leaned down over my bed and gave me a hug and kissed me on the head just as she would when I was a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My father just looked on and waited until my mother left the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You chose your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now you must live with it,” he said plainly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite my heart already being in pieces, it was now completely shattered with no hope of bringing it back to normal.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">July 2010/Present Day</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m sorry, but <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Eden</st1:place></st1:city> is really fucking annoying,” Patrick announced as soon as we got in my truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There is something about her voice that makes my hair stand-up every time she speaks…Oh! And how can I forget about that evil look she gives me every time I insist you come out to the bar with me for a guys night?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Totally creepy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I laughed at my friend as he shook himself off like there were bugs crawling around on his skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, it’s not like she isn’t aware of your partying habits, Pat.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“This is exactly why I don’t have a steady girlfriend!” he piped back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Cogs, what do you think of her?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Andrew was also here in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city> for the summer, training with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had just found out that he had been traded to <st1:city w:st="on">Anaheim</st1:city>, which was a big and bitter pill for me to swallow because he was my closest friend in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Edmonton</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had been roommates on and off ever since I joined the team and basically inseparable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took some heat for this, especially after we tried living apart at one point, only to end up with him moving into my new place with me just a few weeks after the season started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, I knew exactly what his opinion about <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Eden</st1:place></st1:city> was before he even obliged Kaner with an answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She’s a psycho,” Cogs said plainly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think I would have killed her if she had lived in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Edmonton</st1:place></st1:city> this past season…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“But you even said she was hot,” I whined, driving down the street towards a club that we had been frequenting fairly often this summer.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Just because she’s hot doesn’t mean she ain’t psycho.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Ugh.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“See Sammy, you need to drop this chick,” Patrick said matter of fact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re too young to get tied down…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I just rolled my eyes and shook my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe he was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I endured an afternoon of nagging from Eden after buying the photograph and not buying the funky abstract shit she was begging me to purchase, so it was easy to see Pat’s ideas weren’t too far off.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Why would you buy something so gruesome like this?!” <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Eden</st1:place></st1:city> cried.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I don’t think it’s gruesome at all, I mean it’s not a pleasant thought that the guy in the picture is dead, but I think it is a pretty moving picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t find it romantic at all?” I asked, totally miffed by her attitude.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“There is nothing romantic about that,” she said with disdain dripping off her tongue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You obviously are twisted, Sam Gagner.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Little did she know that the picture was going to be hanging in the bedroom.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The club wasn’t very loud and crazy tonight when we walked in, but that was to be expected since it was only a Thursday and the college crowd wasn’t around for the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cogs and Tavares went to grab a table while Pat and I went up to the bar to grab the first round of drinks.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Here’s to your last free night, Sarah!!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A group of girls suddenly squealed at a table nearby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned and watched 6 or 7 girls all decked out to the nines, some standing, some sitting, sling back a shot and make funky faces afterwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ugh!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate Tequila, you are not allowed to buy any more shots, Alexandra!” One of the girls exclaimed as she leaned down to her friend that was sitting and gave her a big hug and kiss on the cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could only assume the girl complaining about the shot was Sarah since she was donning a gaudy tiara with a pink veil and a big sash proclaiming she was the Bachelorette of the Year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girl she was hugging was a hauntingly beautiful oriental girl with long, dark tresses and a sparkling smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Ooh, a Bachelorette party,” Kaner commented.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You can always find some fun ones with that…” he smirked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wouldn’t mind having the Bachelorette, as a matter of fact.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Dude, she’s obviously getting married soon…” I shook my head.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Exactly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She ain’t married yet, so why not have a night in paradise before getting tied down, am I right?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You’re a dog.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">At this comment he howled, picked up his beer and headed over to our table, leaving me with 3 drinks to carry myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jerk,” I mumbled under my breath.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Of course real men don’t use a tray to get their drinks over to the table, so I politely declined the offer from the bartender, strategically picked up the 2 beer bottles and my mixed drink and spun around to quickly walk over to the table before dropping anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t realize until it was too late that my hauntingly beautiful oriental girl was actually right behind me, in a wheelchair.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Going out to public places wasn’t my thing since my life sentence, especially to dance clubs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A girl in a wheelchair had no place at a dance club, but Sarah insisted I be present for her “last night on the town.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Alex, you have been my best friend since we were little and even though you still don’t want to believe that God has left you on this planet for a reason, I do and I think that reason was so that we could still have fun together,” she pouted about a week ago when she stopped by to visit me at my apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Everyone thought I was going to just get over the fact that I was paralyzed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sarah knew I was too stubborn to just move on from this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been a long recovery process that in reality was just starting to begin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every time I healed enough to start the rehab, I was back in the hospital for either an infection or some other surgery the doctors decided I would need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was tired of hospital gowns and tired of being pricked like a pin cushion. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then don’t even getting me started about how much I didn’t enjoy being strapped into this chair.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">More than a few times I had the pills in hand and ready to take so that I would never wake-up again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last time was around Christmas time when my parents flew in to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Toronto</st1:place></st1:city> for the holiday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had everything all laid out, including the letter I had written when my mom walked in to say goodnight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The horror on her face when she realized what I was about to do was enough to give me the slight reality check that I didn’t want.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Alexandra,” she choked, clutching her chest as she collapsed to the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If this is about that boy in the picture; it is not worth it…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The picture.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found the picture on the internet some months after I returned to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was as if it was out of a tragic <st1:place w:st="on">Hollywood</st1:place> star-crossed romance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, unlike Juliet, I was still living, having to deal with the aftermath.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Counseling brought me a long way, but I had learned to play their games and I learned to say the right words at the right time to get out of all the bullshit they liked to put me through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing that was going to make everything go away was the chance to walk again.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sarah had moved to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">London</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">Ontario</st1:state></st1:place> permanently after she graduated college here and got engaged to Tim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just moved here last month after Race, my old platoon leader, told me about a guy who had worked with paralyzed veterans with a lot of positive results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank God for Race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He visited me everyday in the hospital those first few months and his wife, Denise was Heaven sent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of them, I was finally onto the next phase of my rehab and hopefully it would have me walking again.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So, tonight I was out with the girls, celebrating Sarah’s last night of freedom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything was going well and I didn’t feel too out of place, despite the fact that we were at a dance club and I was unable to dance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One or two of the other girls seemed to not be into the whole dance scene, so at least I had some people to talk to at the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course it didn’t take away the nerves I always got when being out in public.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I swear everyone constantly stared at me and gawked, but when I made a comment to Sarah about it, she would just laugh and say it was because I was so beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Overly optimistic friends really can be a buzz kill when all you want to be is overly pessimistic.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I finally got the courage to go over to the bar myself, despite the fact that it was probably going to be a challenge for the bartender to ever see me sitting there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It became old real quick to have everyone waiting on me, so I was attempting to be more independent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I wheeled my way over, a curly blonde guy winked at me with a cocky grin while he strutted by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was still shaking my head when the dark haired guy he had been standing next too abruptly turned around with full hands and obviously no clue I was nearby.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I could only cringe and hold my breath as he tripped into my wheelchair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drinks went flying in the air and suddenly I had a guy lying awkwardly across my lap.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">His eyes were a beautiful green, instantly making me think of another person’s green eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His hair was dark and on the longer side, tousled in a way that made me believe he didn’t even comb it this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m fairly sure he weighed more than it looked like he should, because just looking at him; it seemed he was on the scrawny side.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To be honest, I’m not sure who was the most embarrassed by the ordeal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was sputtering out what I am assuming were apologies and I just sat there, turning beet red from humiliation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow he managed to not get any alcohol on me or him which is exactly what one of his friends chirped as soon as he arrived on the scene of the accident.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Damn Gags, how the hell did you fall on this beautiful woman without getting a drop of our drinks on her?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s talent man!” he laughed, reaching out a hand to pull him up.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m so sorry Miss…?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Alex?! Are you okay?!” Sarah quickly ran over, joining the mob that had begun to surround us.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m fine,” I mumbled, not even daring to look up at anyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I felt so bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was probably the most awkward situation ever to be in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even worse for the simple fact that I was more floored by the fact that the pretty oriental girl was in a wheelchair… <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A WHEELCHAIR?!</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Totally would have never guessed that one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was slightly surprised to hear her talk like a normal person, even though I’m not quite sure what I expected her to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t look to have a mental retardation problem, but most of the people I had met in wheelchairs over the years did have that kind of problem or they were war veterans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never met a beautiful girl who was in a wheelchair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, I have, but they were usually in one because of a broken bone or something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This girl’s wheelchair was one that someone has when they are permanently confined to one.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sam?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you going to buy the pretty lady a drink or not you ass?!” John chirped, stepping over one of the broken beer bottles and outstretching his hand to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She slowly reached out and shook his, nodding politely with a nervous smile crossing her lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“John Tavares, sorry my friend Sam here is a little rude and clumsy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Before she could even say anything there was a god awful squeal from the Bachelorette standing next to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“John Tavares?! I knew it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you are Sam Gagner, Patrick Kane, and Andrew Cogliano!” she continued in a terrible squeak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is so crazy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My fiancé is never going to believe me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alex! You need to get a picture of me with them!” she exclaimed, shoving a camera into the hands of the girl in the wheelchair.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Next thing I knew I was being blinded by a flash and we were sitting at the table with the girls of the Bachelorette party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alex, the girl in the wheelchair, sat at the opposite end of the table, staying very quiet, seeming to observe everything that was going on around her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I caught her looking at me a few times, but each time I caught her, she looked away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a while she and Johnny seemed to hit it off nicely, but by this point I was too enthralled with a red head that had me pulled out on the dance floor, dancing quite close to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What happened, if you don’t mind me asking,” John asked me quietly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We somehow got into a conversation about playing lacrosse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He informed me that his uncle had been a pro-lacrosse player and that he himself had often thought of playing professional lacrosse instead of hockey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t help but laughed when concluded that thought with, “But, whoever becomes a national hero playing lacrosse?” A smile lit up his boyish yet charming face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was strange, I was only a year and a half older than him, but in some ways I felt ancient compared to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I mean, if you don’t want to talk about it, just tell me to ask another question or get away,” he quickly spoke, obviously sensing my hesitation.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I was shot in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Afghanistan</st1:place></st1:country-region> last year…” I said evenly, kind of feeling strange saying the words because I had never really talked to a stranger about it besides my psychologist and the people in my group therapy sessions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some reason I felt comfortable talking with John, but it was his friend Sam that put me on edge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m fairly sure it had something to with his green eyes; they were instantly imprinted into my brain.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So you were in the military?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What is your specialty?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I am a combat nurse.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You are a very brave woman.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Or a stupid one,” I laughed half heartily.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Thank you for your service, Alex,” he said sincerely.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As much as I still feel like I failed at my job, I nodded and said, “Thank you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</div></div>HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370794131462210272.post-78845376930031292622011-07-26T08:00:00.003-04:002011-07-26T12:41:22.294-04:00Chapter Three<strong>In all honesty, I was going to hold off and post this tomorrow, but I'm soo excited about this story, that I can't help but keep posting more and more... hope ya'll don't mind, especially since that last chapter seemed to have us all in tears. Plus, I'm kind of wondering how you will react to my muse for this story... like I told Miss RebelHeart yesterday, his dorky-ness and eye rolling have completely won me over. *sigh* Well, let me know what ya think in the comments!! </strong><br />
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<strong>Putting a tune with this one... it's just in my head and I think it's a beautiful piece... if you haven't heard all 3 parts, please, take the time and listen to the other 2 while you are reading because it's so beautiful.</strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZD0yp-E0rw"><strong>Muse - Exogenesis Symphony - Part 1 (Overture)</strong></a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter Three<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">July 2010</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I want to thank everyone for coming out today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the proceeds from today will be going to Shoot For The Cure, a charity that is very important to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyday someone new is diagnosed with a spinal cord injury from various trauma that occurs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please check out all the memorabilia around the room and put in your bids for the silent auction that will be held at the end of the hockey game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will also be holding an autograph session afterwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enjoy the game!” I concluded while I stood on the ice in front of about 5,000 people who had turned out the charity game I put together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had done something like this a few years ago and it yielded a good turnout then, but this year it seemed like we hit it big.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a huge turn-out from the Knights alumni, including my buddies Kaner and Tavares.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Corey Perry had even taken some time out of from his summer to join his old team and to help support my charity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that the head injuries and spinal chord injuries were really brought to the forefront in the last two seasons.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The game went well, the Knights alumni beat the alumni from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, despite Jeff Carter putting on quite the show, which might have had something to show after getting dumped by the Flyers. It was a blast to play with a bunch of the people I had idolized and even better to be playing in front of my home fans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spend a short time playing for the Knights, but my time spent here will always be remembered.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Quite the production, buddy,” Kaner came over and clapped me on the shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had just finished signing autographs and now everyone had begun just mingling before the silent auction began.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Thanks,” I grinned over at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m just glad this turned out to be a success, I should have a nice fat check to pass over to the charity.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I had a lot of fun being back on the ice with you and Jonny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like old times with you passing me the puck so I could get the goals.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I just rolled my eyes at my friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His cocky attitude was nothing I wasn’t used to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, it was probably why we were such good friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kaner showed me it was okay to have a little bit of swagger to get that edge in your game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for the ladies, well, I watched him get slapped one too many times to know that it doesn’t always give you the edge on that subject.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It seemed like yesterday that I had been drafted to the Knights, playing on this ice and being cheered by the crowd whenever Kaner and I would make a sick pass or highlight reel goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hell, it seemed like yesterday when I was drafted 6<sup>th</sup> by the Edmonton Oilers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot had changed in the last few years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was now an NHL player, like my father had been and no longer did I feel as if I was living under his shadow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was my choice to pursue hockey as a career, but it was my father that did the pushing to become an elite hockey player, something that I was still working on even after making the big show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some reason I had never been given the hands or speed that some of my friends seemed to have possessed without much practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My speed and hands were learned and practiced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily I was born with good hockey sense, making me the complete package.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As much as I wanted to make the Oilers right out of camp in my rookie year, I was still shocked when they told me that I made the team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really expected to be sent back to the Knights, which in all honesty, I would have been okay with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was very young when I moved up into the big show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily I had some great guys on my team to keep an eye on me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">People would say I still have a lot of growing up to do, but I just figure I’m still young and that is the excuse I’m sticking to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I act like an adult when it’s warranted, like tonight’s function for instance, but when I’m with my friends or at home I like to do what any other 21 year old guy likes to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So what are we doing tomorrow?” Patrick asked suddenly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Um…I put my hands in my pockets and looked down at the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Eden</st1:city></st1:place> wants to go out and do some art shopping for the new place…” I mumbled waiting for the onslaught this was going to unleash.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Seriously?! Who the fuck goes <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">art</i> shopping?! You are 21 years old, not 50!” he exclaimed, almost spitting out his beer.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I promised her the other day already,” I tried to defend.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You are whipped.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Whatever.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Whatever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know he is right.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Me and Eden had been together for about a year now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is my first real serious relationship and I’m just going with the flow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s hot and she’s good in bed, that’s all that mattered right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t say I’m overly thrilled with the fact that she feels it’s her job to decorate my new house, especially since I haven’t actually asked her to move in with me, but whatever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just going with the flow.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I met her last summer here in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">London</st1:city></st1:place> at one of the bars I frequented.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Initially Doughty had her on the dance floor, but by the end of the night she was walking out the door with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said something about him not being “fit” enough for her tastes, which I just laughed about because Drew always took some kicks about his physique when he really was a fit guy who had a stockier build.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course I didn’t say anything to defend him that night because I was too amped up on beer and hormones to really care about anything else.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Eden</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> was in college to be a school teacher, which I felt was a noble profession, but sometimes I was sure she was just going to college because her mommy and daddy were paying for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t always seem like the sharpest crayon in the box, but again, I wasn’t one to judge others.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Fine,” Pat said, seeming to realize he wasn’t going to win this battle, despite the fact that he had been one of my closest friends for a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We are having a guys night tomorrow night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You, me, Tavares and Cogs are going out…Without Eden.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Okay, sounds like a plan.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh, Sammy!” <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Eden</st1:city></st1:place> practically squealed from the other side of the art/photo-shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sammy! You have to come see this piece!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I took a deep breath and slinked my way over to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I silently cursed Patrick for not tagging along with us this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He insisted he was far too comfortable on my couch, which in all honesty, I couldn’t blame him.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I had to stifle a groan when I saw the painting she was pointing to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was some crazy 3-D abstract piece that looked like a bad Picasso knock off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was not at all what I had in mind for my house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would have been okay with just family photos in some of those funky frames you get at Bed Bath and Beyond, but I’ve been told that I’m not the best interior decorator on the block.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cogs and Gilbert still make comments about my U-20 team picture that didn’t even fit properly in my room at the house we had shared the one year.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Isn’t this AMAZING?!” she sighed dramatically.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“And where would you put that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I was thinking of the bedroom, it screams sex!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Whoa.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Um…I guess…” I said slowly, turning my head to get a different angle of the painting, hoping I was just missing something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Luckily, something else must have caught her eye because when I went to make a comment about not really liking it, she was no longer there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shrugged my shoulders and continued to browse on my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found a section of photographs, ones of different scenery and flowers, stuff that seemed a little more normal in my book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was flipping through the frames fairly quickly when I stopped and stared.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There at the back of the one shelf was a portrait that made me gawk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There in the middle of a dirt street, in what looked to be a middle-eastern town, were two soldiers, a woman and a man, kissing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her helmet was lying beside them in the dirt, his bloody hand threaded through her black, shiny hair, locking them in a passionate embrace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so well staged that it looked like they were really in the middle of a battle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a Hummer, smoking like it had been blown up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guy had some blood pooling at the side of him and the girl had some blood on the back of her coat, making it look like she too had been shot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the background someone was frantically running towards them, while another person was kneeling as if he was shooting at a target out of the picture.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Every now and then there are scenes that grab you attention; this was definitely one of those moments for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Can I help you?” a polite female voice asked, shattering the moment and causing me to jump.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Uh, yeah, who took this photo?” I asked, stuttering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They make it look so real.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like a dork saying it, because it wasn’t like I knew much about photography.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“It’s not staged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was actually a picture taken by an AP reporter last year in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Afghanistan</st1:country-region></st1:place>,” the girl said politely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s funny you found this, I didn’t think we had any more prints of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought of this photo the day the papers published that couple kissing on the street in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:city></st1:place>,” she smiled to herself.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“But it looks like they were both shot…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“They were,” she said, suddenly sounding sad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched silently as she pulled the large frame from its storage spot and flipped it around to show me the article that had accompanied it when it was published in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Toronto</st1:city></st1:place> Sun.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">6 Canadian soldiers were killed, 2 injured during a gun fight in small town in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Afghanistan</st1:country-region></st1:place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AP photographer, James Nash was also injured in the battle when the Hummer he was riding in was ambushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, he managed to get this gut wrenching picture of two GI’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lieutenant Daniel Kramer and Lieutenant, Combat Nurse, Alexandra Fletcher share an intimate moment together after they were both wounded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lt. Kramer is listed as deceased and Lt. Fletcher is listed in critical condition at Ramstein Air Force Base in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’ll take this,” I said as soon as I finished reading the article.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no clue where I was going to put it, but I knew it belonged in my house.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<strong>Don't know much about Sam?? Well... check out this video, you can at least learn 10 things about him in this one... I'll post more as we go along, just for something different.</strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/embed/REO-6X4oEEQ">http://www.youtube.com/embed/REO-6X4oEEQ</a>HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370794131462210272.post-48769838948602335692011-07-25T10:39:00.000-04:002011-07-25T10:39:14.146-04:00Chapter Two<strong>Ahhh and we're already off to a good start it seems!! Thanks for all the wonderful comments!! I have 2 peeps that have guesses on who my muse is... of course the one person I had already talked to about my guy... and the other... well I'm just thinking she's been very observant. Well, just another chapter to hold you in suspense and to learn more about our lady! Enjoy!</strong><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I knew I wanted to be in the medical field since I was young.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It all started out when my childhood best friend, Sarah, fell and scraped her knee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had watched enough ER with my mom, that when I was done bandaging Sarah up, you would have thought she had sliced her leg in half.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if it was a little over kill, I had still be proud enough of it that I insisted Sarah’s mom take a picture of me and Sarah with the bandage on.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was after I shadowed a nurse my junior year of high school that I decided I wanted to become one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before that, I had been seriously contemplating med school, especially since my parents were constantly dropping hints about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My grades showed that I could handle it, but my heart told me I was too caring to become a doctor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, it was obvious a good nurse is what made a good doctor.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I finished at the top of my class in combat nurse school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were already trying to recruit me for officer school as soon as I graduated, but I wanted to be a peon for a least a year or two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It only took a week after being over here in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Afghanistan</st1:country-region></st1:place> for me to experience my first dealings as a nurse in the war zone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately instead of caring of my own, I was caring for an innocent civilian child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An IED went off in a playground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My patient didn’t make it after taking the brunt of the blast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cried for two days straight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They didn’t teach you how to deal with things like that in school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I now understood why as I nurse I needed to be carrying a gun and learn how to shoot it accurately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was no longer in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Edmonton</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">Alberta</st1:state></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My given name is Alexandra Fletcher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My nickname is Fletch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My drill sergeant gave it to me on my first day of boot camp, saying that Alexandra was a name for a princess and there was no room for princesses in the Army.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nickname stuck and I’ll never forget the look of horror on my mother’s face at my nursing school graduation when they announced the name as they handed me my diploma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m fairly sure over half of my platoon was unaware of my real name and to be honest, I only knew a few of their first names.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I know more about these 10 people in just 8 months than I know about some of the people I’ve called best friends that I’ve known for practically a lifetime.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So what did Kramer say to you last night?” Susie asked as we jogged around the barracks at 0500hrs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sun hadn’t shown its ugly face yet, so it was still cool enough to get in some good exercise without sweating profusely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“He was just being Kramer,” I fluffed it off.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You were blushing,” she persisted, elbowing me playfully.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“And you are way too perceptive.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“He has it bad for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Every guy has it bad for every girl around here because we are all deprived from getting any ass…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You know damn well everyone could get a piece of ass around here if they wanted it bad enough,” Susie chirped, raising an eyebrow at her truthful statement.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Come on Susie, I’ve heard him make comments to you too,” I tried to remind her.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“There is a difference between the comments he makes to me and the comments he makes to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, I’ve heard him talking to Race more than once about things.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Race was the head of our platoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was also married to a woman who had served under him the last time he was over here in the sandbox.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What kind of things?” I asked innocently, knowing damn well what she was going to say.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“He wanted to know how Race and his girl made things work and how they got around the whole no relationship thing in the platoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess they had played it quiet and once they were back on Canadian soil she put in for a transfer and things were history from there.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, they weren’t over here together and they were separated for long periods of time, but it was well known that Race was head over heals for his woman and was a model husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had noted a lot of the guys going to him for advice over the last several months, whether it was about marital problems or just personal struggles, Race was there for all of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I sighed and shook my head, unable to hide a sly smile after feeling the butterflies begin to churn in my stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So he wasn’t kidding last night, he was being very serious about us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had dated my fair share of guys in high school, but nothing was ever serious because I was having too much fun being me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even now I wasn’t sure if this was something I would want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is still all absurd,” I laughed nervously.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Meh, even in this crazy land, happiness can still be found,” Susie said cheerfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her optimism was always something I clung to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were many days that happiness was tricky to find in all the chaos.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Fletch!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need some help over here!” One of the Captains yelled out of a hum-vee window as they came speeding back into the barracks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was later on in the day and I was playing volleyball in the yard with a couple people from my platoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have some shot-up guys…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I ran over and opened the rear door, finding a soldier that was probably about my age, bleeding out everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I instantly applied pressure to the soldier’s thigh; it was obvious he was quickly bleeding out from his femoral artery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What the hell happened?” I breathed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“An IED got us ‘Mam,” one of the other guys piped up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s shrapnel in his leg.” And a big piece of shrapnel it was, I actually almost cut myself on it while I was holding pressure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon we were in the barracks medical center and I was helping care for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We always seemed to be short staffed and today was no different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I knew it, I was gowned up and in the OR, assisting with the surgery. Eight hours later I came out to find my day completely gone and the moon lighting the desolated desert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My patient was still very critical and would be shipped out to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Germany</st1:country-region></st1:place> in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The doctor was unable to save his leg, but his life was saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even after seeing this result time after time, my mind was still unable to process how losing a limb to save a life was justifiable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had decided that if it happened to me, I would rather die.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life, in my book, would not be worth living if I wasn’t able to be “normal.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I leaned up against the cement block building, allowing the heat of it to sink into my skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, letting the silence overtake me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tonight I found myself very homesick.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Alex?” he spoke quietly, obviously trying not to startle me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though I wasn’t expecting anyone to be out here, his presence instantly soothed me; I’m fairly sure I’ve never met anyone who could do that.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Danny,” I whispered, not even bothering to open my eyes, I was too exhausted to.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Is he going to make it?” he asked, sounding scared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We went through basic together…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“He’ll make it, but he’s lost his leg,” I said plainly, flinching when I spoke of the amputation.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Shit…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Danny?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“If that ever happens to me, please tell them just to let me go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you understand?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Alex…that’s ridiculous,” he left out a nervous laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finally opened my eyes when I felt his hands gently clasp my wrists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was standing in front of me with a furrowed brow.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“No, it’s not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not want to live like that,” I said plainly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We all have things we want done for us if things go wrong and this is my wish, so please follow it out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Why me?” he asked, taking a step closer to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could feel his warm breath on my face and the smell of his manly shower gel filled my nose.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Unable to tare my eyes away from his I whispered, “Because I trust you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Would it have anything to do that you have feelings for me?” he asked with a cocky smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Don’t be full of yourself,” I attempted to joke, but the words came out as a plea for him to just take me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He too must have heard it because soon we were frantically kissing each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Fate seemed to have a cruel way of dealing bad hands when we least expected it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course with anything in life, it was a given that anything could happen despite believing it could never happen to you.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Fletch!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need you!” Race yelled loudly over the gunfire that suddenly rang out in the generally quiet streets of the town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a feeling something wasn’t right when none of the kids we normally stopped to give candy, were not out playing and waiting for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My stomach was unsettled the moment I awoke this morning, but I just likened it to the fact that I had been tossing and turning all night after the impromptu make-out session with Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was slightly awkward sitting next to him in the hum-vee today during our patrol and I could have sworn everyone was whispering about it, despite the fact that neither of us had told a single soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every now and then errant glances were made towards one another, but I could feel myself blushing every time, so I made it a point to not even look at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Everyone was a little on edge today and watching what was said or done because we had a report from the AP tagging along with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was never something a crew wanted to have with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were always nosey and seemed to get in the way during the most inopportune times.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We turned the corner, triggering the first IED to go off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched in horror as the Hummer in front of us blew up and people rolled out, engulfed in flames.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Susie had been the driver and her door never opened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We abruptly stopped and we all exited our Hummer, quickly taking defensive positions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was when the first of the gun shots rang out and Race began yelling for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I hopped into action, feeling as if everything was moving in slow-motion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kramer was already up with Garrett, putting out the flames on his badly burned body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Garrett was the machine gun operator for his vehicle and was one of Kramer’s best buds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had enlisted together after high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Fletch, tell me what to do,” he cried as I began assessing Garrett’s wounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What you were trained to do,” I said calmly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You need to cover me as I run and get the stretcher.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny nodded and soon I was running back to my Hummer and grabbing more supplies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was on my way back to Danny and Garrett when I saw the dirt in front of me getting shot up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember putting my head down and running just a bit faster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sliding in next to the two boys I began working, ignoring Kramer’s gun firing and focusing on my own job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Garrett was burned bad, but had a chance; the other passengers of his Hummer were not very lucky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, I couldn’t think of that right now, all I could think about was helping Garrett.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I had just gotten Garrett strapped to the litter and was about to call for assistance in getting him back to our Hummer when I heard the dull, but distinct sound of a round piercing flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny immediately grabbed for his shoulder before another bullet hit him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reacting, I threw myself at him, looking for where the bullets had made their entrance and soon I found myself in unbearable pain.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Fuck, Alex,” Danny cried, seeming to know before me that I too had been hit.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I wanted to say something, but no air would come from my lungs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if I wanted to breathe, I couldn’t because soon Danny was kissing me there in the middle of the dust-bowl street as gun fire rang out around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His last breath was wasted on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My last thought being, this was not how life was meant to be.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“She’s going to need to get back to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Toronto</st1:place></st1:city> for surgery,” a strange voice spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have removed the bullet and the bone fragments, but she’s going to need more surgery to fix that vertebra.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Do you think she’ll ever be able to walk again?” Another voice asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“If she gets the right surgeon, maybe, but it’s doubtful.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Such a shame…” the other person said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t even have the time to think about it as the darkness and silence overtook me once more.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</div></div>HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370794131462210272.post-68306956987852831832011-07-23T16:23:00.000-04:002011-10-31T15:00:29.900-04:00Introduction/Chapter 1Well, I'm sad to say that this will probably be the last story I write for roughly a year. For those who don't know me, I'm starting paramedic school in September and my friends and instructors have already warned me that I will have no life but studying, practicals and sleeping. So, I wanted to have one last hurrah before it is time to buckle down and become a full-time student for the first time since I graduated college a few years ago.<br />
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I will definitely be posting the rest of the stories I have written and posted on the Hockey Fantasy Fiction board since many have expressed interest in that...so no worries.<br />
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I only have a few chapters written of this so far and I contemplated on waiting to post it until it was finished, but like any writer, I am looking for feedback!! It will be a chapter or 2 until we learn about my new hockey muse... strangely, he has been someone that I've been attempting to write about for some time now, but nothing ever seemed to work until this time. I hope you all enjoy and will follow me along on this last adventure before my hiatus!!<br />
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Here is the song that this story is named after... Yes, I'm obsessed with Incubus, what can I say? :o)<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter One<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">January 2009<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“If it gets any hotter, I’m thinking my clothing is going to melt off,” I breathed, wiping the sweat off my forehead even though it was worthless because it just beaded up as soon as my arm was back down at my side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a dry heat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People say it was easier to get used to, but being a girl from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>, I would never be used to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is January, but you could fool me as I stand here in the desert.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You know Fletch, I’m sure I’m not the only one hoping that would happen,” Kramer immediately piped up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smacked me on the back as he walked by and winked at me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I just shook my head and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So much for the zero tolerance of sexual harassment in the military; there would be no laughter without it in this sandbox hell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You wouldn’t be able to handle what I’m packing, Kramer!” I chirped back, instantly garnering some whistles and hollers from some of the other guys in our platoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked over to the only other woman in my group who also happened to be my best friend Susie. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was laughing with the rest and giving me a thumbs up approval.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The world was a whole different place over here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought I knew what to expect when I first signed my papers, but I learned quickly that I hadn’t a clue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess you could say I grew up a happy, naïve Canadian girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thinking back, my parents are probably the ones to blame because they made sure I had everything and sheltered me from everything bad that they could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They adopted me from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Korea</st1:place></st1:country-region> when I was only a few months old after they tried several times to have a child together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were already in early 40’s, well settled in their careers and lives, so money was never an issue for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always had the best clothing, went to the best schools, and given every opportunity a girl could want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when I went to them about my plans of joining the military after I finished high school, let’s just say they were a little more than shocked and upset.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Alexandra,” my father began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still can picture him clearly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He set the newspaper down that he had been reading and adjusted his glasses as if that would change the words that had come from my mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You have been accepted to Princeton and <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hopkins</st1:place></st1:city>…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I realize this.” I said simply, realizing I was going to have to dig my foot deep into the ground to keep this strong hold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was ready for a life of adventure, but with structure, which was exactly what the recruiter promised me and exactly what I wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being very task and goal oriented, this prospect appealed to me greatly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“There is no reason to waste your talents and mind on something so…something so brainwashing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I want to be a combat nurse, Dad.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I thought you wanted to become a Doctor,” my mother said quietly, finally joining my father in the effort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, it is what <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i> wanted me to become,” I spoke slowly, not really wanting to offend my parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved them both very much for giving me everything in the world, but I was ready to make my own decisions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want to serve my country.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You can serve your country by becoming a doctor and working here,” my father said plainly, raising his voice a few decibels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m already signed up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Army has already accepted me into their nursing program.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So has Princeton and <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hopkins</st1:place></st1:city>,” he reiterated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’ve already been in touch and declined my offers with them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“This is absurd!” he exploded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You have done some mind boggling things before, Alexandra, but I’m sure this one tops the cake, young lady!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, do you even realize that you still have to go through basic training like the rest of the infantry?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not like gym class where you run a mile and you are done…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I realize this and this is why I’ve been staying after school, running and lifting with the other military prospects,” I informed him, trying my hardest to keep hold of my own temper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So you’ve been lying to us about that too?!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’ve been working out instead of getting study help, yes, I’m sorry father.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was actually ashamed of this fact because I rarely lied to my parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked over at my mom who was staying quiet again for the time being and saw the tears rolling down her eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this I almost buckled and rescinded everything, but I quickly looked away and back up at my father who was now pacing back and forth in the living room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You were in the military, why is it such a big deal that I too want to serve my country?” I threw up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">These words stopped my father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been a decorated soldier in the Vietnam War, so I knew these thoughts would affect him somehow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I didn’t have a choice,” he said surprisingly quiet, thus ending the debate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing more was said from that day forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew they didn’t approve, which in some ways made it a lot worse than if they would have argued with me day after day until I left for boot camp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There were definitely days that I found myself second guessing my choices, but here I was, 2 years later serving my country and having a good laugh with the people who trusted me with their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned quickly that life was not always about getting everything you wanted, it didn’t matter if I had the best education money could by and life was not just about me anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out here it was all about street smarts, if you could handle what was thrown at you (figuratively and literally), and what was the best for the group.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I finished drinking my 5<sup>th</sup> 32oz water before noon and got up to grab my gear to make sure all my supplies were ready for today’s convoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was our turn to take a couple runs around the city we were stationed at here in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Afghanistan</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite the locals being friendly with us, the enemy was still out there and we had to be ready for the worst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I think that was the hardest thing for me to get used to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we first arrived over here, it took a lot for me to think about the fact that the women and children who regularly greeted us in the streets could possibly be the enemy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to be constantly reminded that not everyone was as innocent as they looked; something that was a huge stumbling block for someone who always saw the good in people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Later that night after returning from patrol, I was sitting back at the barracks, writing my weekly letter home to my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was easy enough to write e-mails, but I found that it killed more time if I did the old fashioned communication.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each minute wasted was a minute closer to returning back to my homeland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved the military and I have never regretted the decision I had made in high school, but I really did not love <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Afghanistan</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I was asked about a place in the world I did not want to be, this country would be #2 with #1 being <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Iraq</st1:country-region></st1:place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Well, I guess I could just say that I wouldn’t pick anywhere that had sand without the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just seemed all wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is immoral to find yourself becoming comfortable with the fact that you were always going to have sand in your bra and underwear; it just always seemed to end up where it didn’t belong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Hey Fletch,” Kramer grinned, taking a seat next to me on the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Tell mom and pops I say “hi!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Why would I tell them that?” I asked, turning towards him with a raised eyebrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny was actually a really, really, good looking guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was built like a MMA fighter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His biceps were bigger than my neck; this was a known fact because we actually got the tape measure out one evening when we were on guard shack duty together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had the picture perfect body and I always made a joke to Susie that his government supplied t-shirts had to be specially made because they always fit him perfectly, accenting his build.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was hard not to swoon some days, especially the days you were feeling particularly horny; which was probably more often than not due to the fact that there were a ton of male hormones always pulsing through the barracks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kramer also had the most beautiful green eyes that if I didn’t watch, I could get lost in them very easily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, he knew about this and frequently used it to his advantage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add in his chiseled jaw line and buzz-cut dark hair, he was a handsome Gi-Joe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Why not?” he smiled, causing my heart to skip a half beat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They will be appreciative that their future son-in-law is making an effort in getting to know them before he just shows up at their door, married to their daughter.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I just shook my head and wished there was some way to stop from blushing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was nothing new for Danny to hit on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, it was nothing for any of the guys to hit on me, but he seemed to be a little more serious about certain things from time to time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think you’ve hit you’re head too many times on the under carriage of that Hummer, Kramer,” I joked and shook my head, turning back to my letter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was the mechanic of our group.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“As soon as we get out of this sand-box and back to the homeland, you’ll see Alex...”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I turned back to face him, finding his face only inches from mine looking as serious as ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danny, just because we won’t be here anymore, doesn’t mean we won’t be assigned somewhere else together,” I said quietly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Besides, once we get back to the mainland, you’ll realize there are a lot more women out there to catch you eye.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well let me tell you something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My eyes are only set on one woman and I could give to shits about the other women you speak about,” he said sincerely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to say something back, but I couldn’t form any words as I watched his green eyes look deep into mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He held my gaze, lifted my small hands in his and kissed my knuckles before getting up and walking away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Close your mouth Fletch unless you want me to stick something in it,” he laughed, reminding me of the fact that this was still a war zone and boys will be boys.<o:p></o:p></span></div>HockeyFireChickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091285029672917458noreply@blogger.com6