Chapter 2
Coincidently, I got a call last night saying that they wanted me to fill in for one of the hockey players that had to drop out for the boys and girls practice. Before you get confused, I might as well explain. I’ve been skating since I was two, and playing since I was four. I’ve started as goalie every year I can imagine, and I supposedly led my high school time to the state champions. But I also love playing center, I can’t decide which to play. But, I’m on a full scholarship to Pitt for goalie, so I guess that decision has been made for me.
I grabbed my bag, stick, and a bagel and took the T over to a local ice rink. They had a pretty good turn up, a lot of local high school stars and some of the men on the teams around here. And then, there was Sidney Crosby, I shouldn’t have really been surprised. He’s always the hockey player showing up for different events. Thanks to the stitches on my head, he must have recognized me and came right over.
That was the first time I’ve ever really noticed the intensity of his eyes. They’re a honey brown..and when he turns their full power on you..it’s like your drowning. I felt my self grin stupidly. “So do you have a little brother or sister that plays?” He asked.
I laughed, “Believe it or not, I actually play. Goalie for the Pittsburgh Panthers.” I said proudly.
He smirked, “Not to be a jerk or anything, but after what I saw yesterday. How do you manage to skate?”
“Aww, I didn’t know golden boy Sid could be anything less than perfect. Making fun of a lady, to much of a gentleman know is that?” I teased him.
He blushed and gave me one of his signature toothy grins. “Your right, that wasn’t very nice. I guess we’ll see out on the ice.”
“By the way, my name is Calli.”
“I’ve always thought Calli was a pretty name.”
I went to the locker room and put on all my bulky goalie pads, feeling like I was in an air bubble the whole time. I came out humming. Sidney had already came with his stuff on, so he raised his eyebrows at me, “Well, you sure look impressive.
I blushed, “You don’t look too bad yourself.”
Helping the kids was great. It’s all I can do, for all the support this community has given me over the past couple years. I know how much I would have loved it if I could have this when I was a kid. After all the kids left, surprisingly Sidney stayed and shot at me. More surprisingly, I actually stopped a few. But he got most in, after all he is the best player in the world. I can’t feel too bad.
After, getting changed back into a pair of jean shorts and a t-shirt, he was waiting for me in the lobby,
He smiled warmly at me, “You did great with the kids, I could tell they loved you. And much to my previous assumptions, you’re an amazing goalie.”
Did I seriously just get complimented by the best hockey player in the world? I must be dreaming, this is to good to be true. And I can’t let myself look in his eyes, I get lost way too easily.
Sidney shoved his hands in his pockets and looked down, “I was wondering if you uh. Well a bunch of guys and I are going to Burghs tonight, and I was wondering if you wanted to come with me. You can bring your friend you were with and we could meet there..very casual.”
I decided to spaz out later, so I smiled warmly. “Of course, that sounds great. They have the best wings there.”
He grinned obviously relieved, “They do, and Nathalie brings the best blue cheese dip.”
“Wait, Mario Lemeuix is going to be there? He’s been my idol since I was growing up..the saying around my house was “What would Mario do?”
He laughed, “I’m sure you’ll get an autograph. So see you around seven.”
I love it! :)
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