Drop The Puck, It's Time To Go

“BEEEEEEEN!” I cried into the phone once my brother answered it.
“AHHHHH!!” He cried back in response. “WHAAAAT!?”
“I’M GOING TO ALL-STAR WEEKEEEEEND!” I cried again. So many heads were turning to me as I was screaming my goddamn lungs out. But I didn’t care, fuck, I WAS GOING TO RALEIGH!
“What!? Really!? I KNEW you would make it! Everyone here at work plus those filing in to the BBW have been voting for you! Shit, come to work right now, you should see what we did to the whiteboard wall next to the bar.”
“Oh for the love of-what did you do?” I asked.
“Just come and see! Oh, by the way, there’s a bunch of twenty-one year olds talking about you at the bar, bring the man, you might need him.” Shit…fanboys…and shit again! The mention of Tuukka! Fuck! Still had to resolve our argument…
“I can fair…” I said. “I’ll be there as fast as these black heels will take me!”
“Why are you in-”
“I’ll explain it later! See you soon!” I quickly shut the phone and made my way from the TD down the side street to the Boston Beer Works trying my best not to twist my ankle and fall on my ass from the uneven bricks. I quickly entered the building and saw Ben just finished up taking an order at one of the tables and turn to see me. He flashed me his wide smile and waved his hand.
“Roxanne!” He cried. I smiled back as I walked past the hostess. I was such a regular face that no one gave me any crap for me wandering in and distracting my brother.
“Hey Be-AHH!” I cried, falling down onto my ass after a loud crack. “Oww…” I groaned from the floor, my right ankle killing me.
“Shit! Roxy! You ok?” My brother called, coming over to investigate. I noticed that my right shoe was now in two pieces.
“DAMN HIGH HEELS! Hate these things so much!” I cried, ripping off the shoes. The whole world of BBW had their attention on me, either thinking who is this formal dressed redhead screaming? Or OH MY GOD, ROXANNE MCGREGOR IS IN BBW! or HA! ROXANNE MCGREGOR IS ON THE GROUND IN BBW…BROKE HER HEEL! The people who came to me were three very young guys who might have gone in the second category of observers, looking at their smiles.
“Damn, that looked like it hurt.” One of them said, holding out his hand to me. I took it and smiled kindly.
“Eh, had worse…shit, now my ass is going to be bruised.” I timidly put weight on my ankle and found it to hurt, but it felt like it was only a twinge that signaled it was twisted and nothing worse would come of it.
“Hope you didn’t fuck up your ankle for the Flyer’s game tomorrow!” The other said, taking a hold of my elbow like I needed help. Greaaaaat…I think I’m surrounded by fanboys.
“Damn…didn’t think I would ever witness something like this.” The last one said, tilting his head a little as if looking at something that wasn’t my face and what I just landed heavily on. Fuck off you!
“Alright, alright, alright, I think my sister is good. And you.” My brother said, approaching the group of horny guys and pointing down the one looking intently at my ass. “You can back off.” The guy put his hands up.
“Hey, no hostilities man.” Ben came over and put up his masshole attitude to try and block off the guys helping me.
“You good Roxy? And see? Told you you needed to bring Rask.” He said, subtly pointing out to the three guys who were chatting to each other and looking at me…and my ass.
“How was I suppose to do that? I was at the TD for four hours for a photo shoot and he had no reason to be with me plus we had a fight. I don’t think he’s in the mood to talk right now.” I swear I saw antennas go up on the guys behind me. Sorry fellas, you got no chance. I lightly limped over to the bar and sat on one of the stools and rubbed my ankle.
“Yeah, I know you were in a fight.” My brother said. I quickly looked up.
“What? How!?” I cried. Ben waved a hand.
“It’s nothing, but anyways, yeah, look at the whiteboard.” I stared accusingly at my brother and then looked at the whiteboard and shook my head. On the top it had said BRUINS 2010-2011 ROSTER…THOUGHTS? And everything underneath it was about how the team kicked ass, we were on fire, go Team Canada, and then it was a good 50% about me.
49>17 in more ways than just math!
VOTE MCGREGOR FOR ALL STARS!!
Washington can suck it, WE’VE got the NHL star!
Harper’s an attention whooooore
ROXANNE MCGREGOR IS HOT!
“Who wrote that last one cause I’m going to have to warn them of a certain twenty-three year old Finnish goalie…” I said to Ben.
“Don’t worry, I spit in his food.” Ben said nonchalantly. I started laughing.
“Nice joke.”
“Oh, it isn’t a joke.”
“BEN!” I cried.
“What!? I don’t like someone saying that about my sister! Do you know how many times I want to deck Rask?” Ben walked to the kitchen. “Now if you excuse me for a moment, got some deliveries to complete.” I sat there at the bar, rubbing my ankle and talking to all the people who were coming up to me. I felt the depression from earlier ebbing away as I talked with all the Bruins fans and chatting about the team, the games, statistics and giving out autographs. I really enjoyed talking to all the kids because I loved kids with a passion and I just knew how much it meant to them to get an autograph, picture, and to have their favorite athlete even acknowledge them. Ben finally showed back up, putting an arm around my shoulder.
“Rask called me earlier today, right after your fight.” I turned and looked at him, my smile I gave the little girl fading as I finished signing her hat.
“What…did he say?” I asked, ignoring the fans I still had yet to get to cause I felt something important was coming from my brother. He had that look on his face.
“Roxy…you’re collapsing back to where you were when you first arrived. He doesn’t know that but from what he described happened today I know you’re depression is back.” I felt a lump rise to my throat as I looked away from my brother and stared out the window.
“I don’t know…I just feel so…empty still. Alone…shit, I thought getting into the league would do something but it’s only worsening it.” I looked back at him. “No one wants me on the ice…they hate me. And I hate admitting it but it’s getting to me. I’m getting sick of all the shit and I just broke this morning. Shit, I’m so afraid of losing the few people I have, especially Tuuk.” Ben looked at me sympathetically then twirled the barstool around and had me face the whiteboard.
“Roxy, the reason I called you here was cause I wanted to show you this and have you interact with the fans here. Boston loves you, you have fans that adore you and you have the whole team of the Boston Bruins with you. You’re not alone in these battles. Rask is there for you, I know he is and he’s not going to leave. I can see it.” I felt myself tear up a little at my brother’s pep talk. “Tell him what he needs to know so he can help. I’m not saying about Jake…don’t know if you should bring that up yet. But tell him what is bothering you.” I looked at the floor.
“You’re right Ben…it’s just so hard….so much stress.”
“I know Roxy but please do me a favor and tell those you are the closest with so they can help. You can replace a battery when it dies but you can’t replace a person if they go…”

*****

I entered the apartment slowly but surely, feeling so distant since my brother’s little talk with me. It made me feel so ashamed to feel the way I did. I hated worrying people, I hated it so for I always felt to be a burden, an attention-seeker, looking for pity…ok, you get the picture. I closed the door and continued into my home, my broken heels in hand. One of my brother’s coworkers allowed me to borrow her extra pair of flats to wear on my way back. I undid my coat and place it on the armchair just as Rask came out of the bedroom. I looked at him and broke, running into his arms and crushing my face into his neck and wrapping my arms around him.
“I’m so sorry Tuuk! I didn’t mean to push you away today!” He sighed and wrapped his arm around my waist, the other stroking my hair as I cried into him.
“It’s ok kultaseni, really…I shouldn’t have flipped out. I’m sorry for that…but please, tell me what is wrong.” Calming down, I rest my head on his chest, venting out everything.
“I suffer from depression…it…it doesn’t help when your father who you loved so much is taken from you, your mother who you used to adore collapses into someone you just can’t respect anymore, your college career collapses and your ex…shit I don’t want to think about that.” Tuukka held me closer and rest his head on mine.
“What about your ex Roxy…what did he do?” I buried the rising memories hard by just holding on to Rask as hard as I could and took in his scent.
“I…I can’t think about it now. Let’s just say I have such bad self-esteem issues and being in the NHL…shit, all the crap that is thrown on my plate doesn’t help them. I’m sick of rejection.” Rask let his hands drape to my arms and pulled me away from him and had me look into his eyes. Shit, they were so beautiful.
“Roxanne, I understand you. You’ve gotten so much shit thrown on your plate that after finding out everything about you, I was so surprised at how strong you were, how well you carried on. I admired it and its one of the things that attracted me to you. You’re beautiful and talented and this league will come to realize it and accept it. I know you can do it and I’m not going anywhere.” He then kissed me deeply and then broke off. “Look, get into different clothes, we’re getting dinner at the North End.” I smiled at Tuukka with tears in my eyes. Shit, he was too god damn sweet…so sweet…
“The North End? Fuck yeah, I’m up for it.” I gave a small smile as I walked into the bedroom, dumping my broken shoes on the floor.
“I knew you would and that outfit is a bit unpractical in the city…even if it does make your ass look good.” I stopped and let my shoulders drop. Ok, I shouldn’t feel so bad cause he was my boyfriend…but still…him too!? I chucked the heel piece of my broken shoe at him.
“You would!” I cried. He just ducked from the piece of shoe and snickered.
“What? It’s not like I wasn’t going to notice! Shit, do you know how many times I use to stare at your ass before I dated you?” I rolled my eyes.
“Let’s just drop this conversation…”

*****

I took a deep breath and let it out, taking in the unique smell of the TD Garden. Felt good to be home and back for a game. According to my Facebook, there were a shitload of people in the stands today excited to see me return to the ice after my cut at the Penguins game.
That gave me the resolve to give everyone a hell of game.
After finishing up my stretches in the long corridor, I headed back towards the locker room, ready to put on my equipment and face the Philadelphia Flyers. One of my most hated teams in the NHL. Same with my brother and my dad. I still remember placing bets with them while watching the Bruins vs Flyer’s games…bets on who was going to pick a fight first on the Philly side.
“Roxanne McGregor, finally get to meet the attractive new player.” Stopping quickly, I looked around till I finally located the source of the voice. Standing tall and lean, was an attractive man with blonde hair and sharp blue eyes. He had his arms crossed and a cocky smile on his face. Stopping, I crossed my own arms, and stared down Philly’s rookie, Sean Morrison.
“Sean Morrison is it?” I asked.
“You’ve heard of me, huh?”
“Yeah I’ve heard of you. Newest addition to the Philadelphia Flyers and got his ass kicked multiple times by Erika Harper. Yeah, it’s easy to know who you are.” Sean’s smile wavered for a bit at the sound of my mocking, but he seemed to recover.
“Snarky…like that in a girl.” Shit…not only was a he a fucking Flyer, he was fucking cocky as hell!
“Well I’m glad to know what you like in a girl, now if you excuse me, I have my team to join. I have a game to win.” With that, I turned to continue to the locker room…or so I thought. A thick arm stretched in front of my face, blocking me from my retreat.
“Hey hun, don’t leave when we just got on a first name basis!” Irritated, I grabbed his arm and ripped it from the wall.
“I suggest you leave me alone Morrison, I’m not single.” I threatened. Not only would he have a pissed off Finnish goalie after him but do I have to mention Team Canada? Oh! And the Czech-Canadian alliance of Krejci and Lucic!
“So? Let’s talk about things that matter.” I glared at him.
“You are a daring one, aren’t you?” Sean shrugged.
“It’s a selling point for me.” His arm that I had pushed away came around and grasped my wrist. “I hear Boston is filled with some pretty good bars…we’ve got a whole night ahead of us.” The nerve! The nerve of him! Does he not know I’m taken!? I went to rip my hand away, but Morrison’s grip held good.
“Like I said Morrison, I’m taken. Now take your filthy hands off of me and we can go our separate ways.” My other hand came around to peel his fingers off me but his other hand caught that one and pinned it to the wall, stepping within unacceptable boundaries! Shit! Tuuk! Where the fuck are you!?
“Sure, you might be taken-,” He began to say, leaning closer to my face, me tilting away from him, his voice dropping to a whisper. “But you’re also a cheater. I feel like I have a chance.” I felt like not only did I get checked into a board by a solid 200 lb man, I felt like a zamboni also ran me over and showered me with ice cold fucking water. Don’t ask where that analogy came from, but that’s how I feel right now!
“The fuck you talking about Morrison!” I snapped.
“I think you know, and you do know. I can see it in your eyes. Now come on sweetheart, I’m only asking for a night in the city with you. Is it too much to ask?” Before I could start swearing at his face, horrendous singing began to echo down the hallway but to me, I have never heard a sweeter sound. Shit, it was like freaking angel’s descending from heaven to me right now!
“ROOOOOXANNNE!”
“YOU DON’T HAVE TO PUT ON THE RED LIIIIIGHT!”
“ROOOOXAAAANE!”
“WHEREE ARE YOU!?” Team Canada! I want to embrace you and never let you go! Parading around the corner, Marchand, Boychuk, and Bergeron emerged singing Roxanne. I have never heard anything better…
“Roxy! There you-THE FUCK IS GOING ON!?” Boychuk roared.
“Morrison! Get away from her!” Bergeron yelled. Marchand didn’t say anything, he just grabbed Morrison and threw him on the ground.
“The fuck you think you’re doing asshole!?” Bergeron asked. I have never seen Team Canada as angry as this. I just stared at the scene, feeling numb and not really reacting to what was going on. I was just in shock about what Sean had whispered to me.
“McGregor’s posse huh?” Sean said, trying to act like he just got thrown to the ground by a glaring Marchand. “I wonder which one it is Roxy…” I just glared at him.
“Get away Morrison…I don’t know what you’re insinuating.” Such a weak growl from me, I know! But I didn’t know what else to do.
“Get back to the freaking Cryer’s bench, you cock sucker! You’re getting double checked for this!” Marchand finally spat out, emphasizing with his finger at Morrison. Sean smirked and walked away, leaving me in the hands of Team Canada. Instantly, all three whirled on me.
“What was he trying to do?”
“You’re wrists are red as shit!”
“You’re pale as a fucking ghost, can I go kick his ass!?” I smiled lightly at my friends’ concern and loyalty.
“He was trying to get in my pants, that’s all.” I said, finally moving from my pinned location and rubbing my aching wrists and heading towards the locker room. The boys followed me closely.
“He what!?” Boychuk yelled. “I’m going to deck him, I want to freaking deck him.”
“Did he attempt anything? Roxy, that looked like a whole fucking attempted rape scene back there.” Bergeron said, seriousness lacing his words.
“I…am…so…pissed…” Marchand added.
“What would I do without you guys…” I said wistfully, entering the noisy locker room, bracing the noise and knowing how worse it was going to get because, let’s face it. Team Canada was not going to let this whole issue blow over without alerting Tuuk AND the rest of the team.
“There you are Roxy! I’ve been wonder-oh shit, Marchand, can you please lose the scowl? It’s giving me nightmares.” Lucic commented, taking a step back from Brad. Brad began to point at me and the hall, but unable to form a coherent sentence at all. Wow, this was a sight to behold. “Dude…what is going on….” Lucic asked. I let out a deep breath and held up my wrists.
“Run in with Flyer’s rookie Morrison. He thinks he’s such hot stuff that I would fall head over heels for him. Apparently he didn’t like me saying no and thought my MassHole attitude was irresistible to let go.”
“It looked like he was trying to rape her!” Bergeron spat out. At that statement, bulky goalie gear was not an issue for Tuuk, it didn’t slow him down a bit. I swear to god, the guy teleported from his cubby! He gently took one of my hands and I could see fucking fire in his eyes at the sight of the red marks on my wrist.
“I…am…so…pissed…” Marchand finally stated again.
“Marchand, we know that. You’ve already said it.” I said, patting his shoulder with my free hand as the locker room became an awkward, silent hole. “Wow guys, let’s not be all awkward right now.” I said, trying to brush all the uneasy feelings I had. Sure, you might be taken…but I also know you’re a cheater…the terrible black hole was threatening to open up again. Timmy and Tyler looked at each other as if they knew something and I jumped on it. “What are you guys looking at each other for…” Timmy spoke up first.
“Erika had spoken to us awhile ago about watching out about Morrison…guy’s fucked up.”
“Said she was afraid he was up to shit…but I didn’t really think about him approaching you.” Tyler said.
“Well, I say we use this as a reason to kick the shit out of him.” Marchand stated.
“Damn Brad, I have never seen you so angry.” I said.
“Roxy, you’re acting way to fucking calm about this…” Bergeron stated. I just shrugged and waved my hands as if brushing the issue into a trashcan.
“He’s just an arrogant asshole, it’s over, I can kick his ass later, no big deal…” The look Tuukka was giving me though told me he felt there was something more to all of this, probably due to the fact that he now knew about my depression issues. Shit, he’s going to be over worried about me…just like I didn’t want to happen.
I also know you’re a cheater…
Shaking, I quickly went to my cubby and ignored everyone around me as I got my stuff on, trying to ignore all that just happened but I couldn’t. Sean Morrison…the name…the eyes…all felt familiar like I saw them in passing once. I looked down at my wrists, thinking once again about Jake and felt the fear swelling in me again. I got hands one my shoulders and I looked over to see Tuukka looking at me with extreme concern.
“Roxy…are you seriously ok? You look flustered…” I gave him a smile.
“I’m fine hun, really.” I gave him a kiss. “Really, don’t worry.” He just nodded his head but I knew he wasn’t buying it, he knew something was up and knew I was hiding something.

*****

“LET THE TYRANTS FAAAAALLL!” Yes All That Remains, I agree. The Flyers were the tyrants at the top of the conference and tonight we had to have them fall to us. Hence why the TD Garden was playing For We Are Many.
“DEFY! WE HEED THE CALL! DEFY! STRENGTHEN US ALL! DEFY! FOR WE ARE MANY, RISING TO CRUSH YOU!” It felt good to hear the crowd in the Garden singing along and I let the words fill my head and sent me to score two goals, the only two goals in the first two periods. The Flyers were hot on our heels and the nasty hits they were throwing just aggravated us. We are your fast approaching doom! The looks I kept getting from Sean were freaking me the fuck out for sure and Boychuk could see it and was getting wicked defensive. Our final period was our moment of shining, five goals giving us a seven to five victory. Feeling accomplished, we all celebrated in the locker room and I went out to chat with some reporters who were wondering what it felt to almost get a hat trick. I answered all their questions with vigor, feeling elated that we just crushed one of my most hated teams and after I finished I was about to leave when I was confronted by one of the Flyers…Danny Briere.
“Roxanne, nice to meet you.” He said, holding out his hand. I gave him a smile and took it, surprised at this. Wow…a Flyer and Erika ally giving me courtesy?
“Danny Briere, isn’t it?” I asked. He smiled.
“Yes it is, hope you can forgive a bunch of those hits.” I gave a smirk and a small shrug.
“I don’t know since you guys are the Flyers…”
“Shit, we get that a lot…” He then laughed. “Look, the reason I’m here is to tell you to be careful concerning Morrison. The guy has said some pretty nasty shit about you in the locker room that got me a little on edge. Just thought I would warn you…I tried to earlier but had no chance.” I blinked in surprised and smiled in appreciation. Wow, this guy wasn’t that bad off the ice…
“Wow…thanks for that. I kept getting this horrible feeling about him. I’ll definitely be on the look out though. Thanks Briere, you change the Flyer’s face a little bit…” He laughed.
“No problem, thought I would do some good telling you about this.”
“No really…I appreciate this. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome McGregor, good luck against Pittsburgh Saturday.”
“Thanks…I’m probably going to need a shit load of luck after Monday…”

*****

And luck we sure needed. I’m pretty sure I could feel the heat coming out of the Penguins zone during warm-ups after our confrontation not even a week ago down in Pittsburgh. I felt my anxiety rising and with it…heartburn. Rubbing my throat, I groaned in annoyance. I hated heartburn; it was a terrible enemy of mine and always heightened during anxiety.
“Mickeeeyyy, what’s wrong?” Boychuck asked, crossing his arms and looking at me. I looked up at him and shrugged.
“Heartburn, it’s killing me right now.” I then began to toss the contents of my hockey bag all over the floor in an attempt to find my Tums, trying to ignore the terrible burn growing up my throat.
“Heartburn? That’s not good. Anxiety?” I nodded.
“Ok, well let’s not think about the game, instead think about…” Boychuck scanned the room and then landed on my boyfriend who was strapping himself into his hockey pads. “TUUKKA! THINK ABOUT TUUKKA! HE’LL HEAL YOUR BURNING HEART!” Tuuk stopped his strapping and looked up.
“Really Boychuck…” He said. I smacked Boychuck with my hockey stick.
“Boychuck, you suck majorly at everything! Now go an find me Tums as punishment for you stupid comment!”
“Ow!” Boychuck said, rubbing his thigh. “Fine! Be that way-”
“Wait! Hold on one minute!” Tuuk said, slicing the air with his hand. “You just called my love stupid? You’re sleeping on the couch tonight!” The whole locker room echoed with the guys going OOOOOOH. I sent Tuuk a glare.
“Bullshit, you’d miss me way too much! That bed would be wicked empty without me.”
“Not to be an asshole or anything, but you definitely just called yourself fat.” Marchand pointed out. The locker room got quiet with the snickers of all the men as I very, very slowly twirled my body around and faced Brad.
“What did you just say Canadian?” I hissed. Marchand quickly held up his hockey stick in defense.
“Don’t kill me! I’m just pointing something out!” He then caught on to what he was saying. “SHIT, THAT’S NOT WHAT I’M-”
“YOU JUST CALLED ME FAT!” I then grabbed my stomach. “Shit, I’m not fat am I!?”
“Babe, you’re not fat.” Tuukka stated in frustration, he then took his hockey stick and smacked Marchand hard. “Asshole.”
“Hey! I’m sorry man! Really! I was just…ok, I can’t save myself.” I ignored the ratting of the team on Marchand and looked at my reflection. Ok, I guess you can’t get a good image when you’re bunched up in hockey gear, giving you twice the bulk then you really are.
“Roxy…” I quickly turned and gave a smile to Tuukka.
“Tuuuuukk.” I responded.
“If I see you looking at your reflection again I’m going to smack you too. Stop being so god damn insecure.” He said. I sighed and moved away, finishing putting on all my gear.
“Ok, ok, ok!” My head sort of thumped a little and I rubbed it, probably figuring it was from the lack of eating over the past couple of days. My nerves were so on edge I was barely sleeping and barely eating for something in my mind was telling me something was wrong ever since seeing Sean and hearing Briere’s warning. Tuukka knew something was bothering me, I could see it but he never pressured into. I think he was afraid of another fight breaking out, just as much as I was but I just…
Whatever, time to focus on the Penguins.

*****

“Ow…ow…OW!” I cried, pushing away on the bench from the medic.
“I’m sorry McGregor but we have to patch up this cut.” The guy reasoned, coming at me again with an alcohol rub and some sort of patching for my cheek.
“Meh…” Was all I said, focusing attention back on the game. I was called over to the bench after Matt Cooke, the douche in black and white, high-sticked me in the face, resulting in my cheek splitting open and having a nice trickle of blood running down my face.
Wonderful!
I think I was doomed to have blood on me whenever I see Pittsburgh.
“Beautiful.” Campbell commented about my patched up cheek. I stuck my tongue out at him.
“Shut up Campbells.” The puck had whooshed around the boards and behind the goal and Tuuk went out to get it, assessed those around him and saw Staal and Cooke coming charging up the right. He quickly slapped it to the left towards Marchand and skated back to the goal, but wasn’t quick enough. The two assholes (Staal and Cooke) were fucking speed demons and continued around the goal, Cooke not bothering to avoid Rask and knocked him in the head in such a way the damn helmet came right off and Staal blindsided him into the boards. It all happened so fast that swear, you blinked you would be totally confused.
Or fucking freaking the hell out like me because my boyfriend was NOT MOVING!
My breathing stopped and I didn’t move an inch, my hands shaking in such fucking worry. Cooke and Staal quickly stopped and looked at what they did, turned to each other with a oh shit expressions, and then were jumped by Recchi, Marchand, Bergeron, Ference and Chara. While an ENTIRE fucking shitstorm went off in the left corner of our goal as the other Pens jumped in to defend Cooke and Staal (I don’t know why but hey…), I was up and over the bench and darting to Tuuk, medical team not far behind me. I quickly dropped to my knees, gliding a bit to my unresponsive Finn, putting a hand on his cheek.
“Tuukka? You there? Tuukka!” I cried.
“McGregor…you’re going to have to move…” One of the medics said, placing a hand on my shoulder and gently pushing me off to the side. I reluctantly moved off and stood to the side, shaking and trying not to cry as my boyfriend was being checked over and ready to put on a stretcher to be taken to the locker room while everyone was insulting each other behind me and the refs doing they’re best to pull everyone apart. I barely even responded to an arm around my shoulder and Team Canada standing with me.
“Everything’s going to be ok Roxy…” Bergeron said, giving a sad smile with a huge red mark on his cheek, taking his arm and pulling me into him in a brotherly way.
“Dicks…” Marchand spat, standing next to Boychuk on my other side and looking behind him at the Penguins.
“Ahem to that bro…” Boychuk said, arms crossed. Tuukka was rushed off the ice and I continued to stand there with Team Canada, not feeling good enough to continue the game, but I had to.

*****

We lost the game by one point but I really didn’t care. Undressing and showering as fast as I could, I quickly ran out of the Garden, followed by Team Canada, struggling to keep up with me.
“Bergy, open your caaaaaar!” I said, jiggling the SUV’s passenger door handle.
“Roxy, calm down, hold on one se-”
“Calm down!? The last time I saw my boyfriend he was unresponsive on the ice and rushed to Boston Medical! I’M NOT GOING TO CALM DOWN!” Bergeron, Boychuk, and Marchand all looked at each other and sighed, knowing I was going to go insane if they didn’t get me to Tuukka fast. Bergy finally opened the car and I jumped in, head in my hands after I finished buckling up and listening to the three guys chat to each other. I got a hand on my shoulder and I looked over to see Boychuk leaning in with a sincere smile.
“Everything’s going to be ok, alright? Guys have gotten worse and survived to play more games.” I smiled weakly.
“I just want to see him…” The car ride there was quiet as I stared out the window at the passing buildings of Boston, fear and sadness just filling me, especially when I walked into the hospital. Hospitals were terrible places for me, nothing good ever came from here for me. Looking around I felt my body sort of seize up…
We found him crunched up in his car…unresponsive…They rushed him in but no…he didn’t survive.
“Roxy…you ok?” I pushed the memory away and nodded at Bergeron.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m good.” After a bunch of heckling and hassling and trying to avoid Bruins fans, I managed to get to Tuukka’s room and felt more horrible the farther I went into the hospital, especially seeing Rask in the hospital bed still not awake. “Don’t worry, he’s sleeping” you better not be fucking kidding nurse…I quickly walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, taking his hand.
“Tuuk?” I said. “You there?” He stirred and opened his eyes, pushing himself up a little and looked around before settling on me and smiling.
“Hey…” He said. I quickly let go of his hand and tackled him.
“THANK GOD you’re responding now!” I cried.
“YAY! Everything’s back to normal, Roxy will not be depressed! Hungry, time to go find food.” Marchand said, about to march out of the room when Boychuk and Bergeron grabbed the collar of the shirt. “ACK!” He choked. Tuukka hugged me back, resting his head against mine.
“Yeah, I am, everything’s fine just a small concussion.”
“That is not fine then!” I said, pushing away and looking at him with widen concern.
“Well…looks like the situation has relapsed again.” Marchand stated, Boychuk smacking him.
“Dude, you probably could have waited to tell her that a little later…” Boychuk said.
“Yeah, she’s been going insane since seeing you hit the ice, it’s been scaring us.” Bergeron added. “I thought she was going to beat my ass if I didn’t drive her here fast enough.” Tuukka laughed a little and shook his head.
“Hun, you need to calm down.”
“Look who’s talking! According to those three you were having a mini panic attack the rest of the last Penguins game when I went down!” I argued.
“Well that was justified! You were hit hard and were bleeding everywhere!”
“YOU WERE UNCONCIOUS!”
“Ok you two, just kiss and make up and let’s go find some food.” Marchand said.
“What is it with you and food!” I asked, turning around to look at him.
“I just played my heart out tonight! I’m starving! I want a burger!”
“Oh quite your whining.” Bergeron said.
“Fuck you man.”
“You guys can go get food then, I’m going to stay with Tuu-”
“No you’re not, they’re going to take you back to the apartment.” Tuukka said, cutting me off.
“No! I’m staying here wi-”
“Roxy…I’m fine ok?” He gave me a big kiss before speaking again. “Now go get something to eat, I haven’t seen you eat in awhile.” FUCK, he would notice that. I blinked away my guilt and came up with an excuse.
“That’s cause you aren’t around me when I’m eating.” Tuukka raised an eyebrow. “Don’t give me that look!” He then looked at Team Canada.
“Make sure she eats, ok?”
“I’m not hungry!” I cried.
“Bullshit, you’re starving I can see it in your eyes.” Boychuk said.
“Shut up Johnny.”
“Go, you’ve seen that I’m fine, I don’t need you to linger anymore, ok?” I bit my lip.
“Ok…” I reluctantly got up and kissed Tuuk again, and followed the guys out of the room. Yeah, after being in a hospital, going through the agony of the injury, and reliving shit, I was not hungry and the power of Bergeron, Boychuk, and Marchand wasn’t going to get even French fries down my throat.