Chapter 1

Chapter 1

 

Raina linked arms with mine as we walked into Mellon Area on a hot, steamy August day.
“This is what is so great about being in college now, we can waltz over to Mellon Arena whenever we want for practice.” She sighed contetidly.

I giggled at her, “Um Rains, you know we’ve been doing this since we were seven years old? Remember how we used to put on all of that ridiculous make up so we could be “discovered” by one of the players? And, we’re not technically in college yet. We still have three more weeks until the semester starts.”

Raina gave me the look “Close enough sweetheart. And you were the one that went all eyeliner crazy, I did the blush.” I snorted, “Aw Raina, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into that first day of pre-school.”

 

Raina grinned back at me “You know you love me.”

 

We both breathed in the fresh, air-conditioned air in Mellon Arena and went down to the stands closest to the ice. Even though it was 9:00 AM, there was already a cluster of people eating nachos. “Maybe Staalzy will sign something for you,” Raina looked at me “I know you would faint.” I blushed like mad. “I’m not quite obsessed with him as I used to be …”

 

Raina laughed, “Puh-lease, I’ve seen all your binders. Mrs. Calli Staal. And JS + CS=TLA”

 

“How did you know about that?” I asked confused. “I’m you bestest friend in the whole wide world, I know everything about you. I also know that your going crazy because Max Talbot is right down there on the glass chewing bubbles.” She grabbed my hand, “Let’s go!”

 

That’s when it  happened. One of the most embarrassing moments of my life. My ankle got stuck in between the stands, and I went flying forward. My grace ends the second I get off the ice. I fell face first and hit my head on the corner, it hurt of course, but I’ve been through worse. Still, I hope no one saw me. I popped up and brushed my hair back, until I saw the disguited look on Raina’s face.

 

“Cal’s are you ok? That gash is really nasty on your head..and oh god your bleeding. We need to get you to the doctors right now.” She exclaimed worriedly.

 

My hand flew up to my forehead instantly. To my amazement, I felt a warm substance dripping down. Not here. A bad moment just got worst.

 

“Miss, I just saw what happened, and it looks like the cut on your head needs some stitches. We feel bad it happened here, so if it’s alright with you, one of the team doctors can just stitch if up for you.” Dana, the equipment manager for the Penguins said.

I just stared at him blankly, trying to figure out how I can change my identity and move to Russia. Luckily, that’s what I have Raina for. “That sounds great. Do you mind if I come with you though, she’s my best friend, so I’m responsible for her.”

Dana nodded, “Come with me.” He lead us to the Penguins locker room. Oh my effing god. The Penguins locker room. This has just made it worth it all. Plus, I’ll never see this guy again, so it’s good. All good. “Here, sit down here. The doctor will be with you shortly, I have to go, so can you stay with her.” Raina nodded and I sat down. I looked around and then it hit me, I am sitting in Sidney Crosby’s stall. Sidney Crosby, the hockey hero, has sat here hours before. I began to tap my fingers nervously.

Raina grinned mischievously at me, “Wanna go through Jordan’s stuff?”

 

“RAINA!” I sputtered, “N-no I can’t do that I mean no wa-“ Then, that’s when the sweaty hockey players began to pour in. Here I am, clutching a bloody towel in my hand, and Raina in her old shorts and her hair in a messy bun. This is not the way we were expecting to meet the guys that we’ve obsessed over since the day we popped out of our mom’s stomachs. Sidney walked over to his stall, not really noticing me, but when he looked at me, his eyes widened slightly. “What happened to you?”

 

Once again, I lost my voice. Now Connor knows how to shut me up. Thank god for my fairy godmother, Raina. “Um, she lost her balance and hit her head and now she needs stitches, so Dana told her to stay here. But we’ll be very, very happy to leave.” I nodded and jumped out of his stall “I’m so sorry. I’ll get out of your way now.”

 

“Here, you can have this band-aide until the team doc comes.” A gruff voice said. I knew that voice by heart, Jordan Staal. I whirled around and blushed “Thanks.” I got it from him and carefully put it on my head. This whole day has just been one blushing episode after another. I’m not normally like this. I’m normally hyper, funny, and slightly confident around my friends.

                  “So, do you go to college here?” Sidney randomly asked him.

“Well, Raina and I have grown up our whole life in Mt. Lebanon and now we’re going to college now in Pitt, well in three weeks.” I knew I was rambling, but who wouldn’t, it’s Sidney Crosby.

 

Raina nudged me, “Cal, you have a conditioning practice in a half hour, we have to go.”

That shot me out of my phase. I smiled at Sidney and Jordan, “Thanks for helping me, and tell Dana I’ll just go to my doctor at home. Have a great season.” I waved and raced out the door with Raina.

 

As soon as we left the arena, Raina burst out laughing. “This is unfreakingbeliavable. You cut you head open, but you still get to talk to Sidney Crosby and Jordan Staal. I can’t wait to tell Connor.”

I laughed and punched her on the shoulder, “I gotta go to practice.”