Drop The Puck, It's Time To Go

The minute I heard the ringing ended, I cringed at the cry at the other end.
“ROXY!” I quickly recovered though, hearing the fear and sorrow of the voice.
“ERIKA!” I cried back in fear. “WHAT IS GOING ON!? WHAT IS HAPPENING!?”
“I DON’T KNOW!” She wailed helplessly, sobs echoing into the phone. “IT WAS SEAN! IT WASN’T ME! ITS FAKE!” I felt horrible for Erika, this was what she had been fearing; he was getting his vengeance alright.

“I know it can’t be you! You fucking love Sidney and you are not the kind of person to do that! But how!? Who is that fucking imposter!?” I cried, pacing around the hotel room, Marchand stirring awake in confusion and blinking around. I ignored him for the mean time cause he wasn’t the issue.

Sean was the issue.

“I have no idea… but a few months ago when I saw Zach Parise, when he came to visit me with the Devils, he made a comment about seeing a girl who looked like me with Sean… it didn’t sink in at the time, but she must have been the one. Who else could it be?” I growled.

“Dammit, the fucking ho. What the hell did the asshole promise her in return for this!?” I slammed a fist down on the table. “We’ve got to fucking find her and prove to everyone that this isn’t you! How are you coping with this embarrassment!?” Marchand was now fully awake and staring at me oddly as I sat in this heated conversation, white-knuckling the phone.
“I’m not!” Erika cried hopelessly. “I missed the game tonight and I’ve been shut in my house! I can’t go out there Roxy, I’m too scared of all of it! Shit, so many people are going to be against me now… and there is nothing I can do to fix it!” I stood up quickly from my chair in defiance.

This wasn’t the Erika Harper I knew.

“Don’t say that!” I cried. “Don’t fucking say that! This isn’t the Erika Harper I know. Before we became friends, before this weekend, I did the same thing with all the negativity thrown at me. And it got me nowhere. Shit, it nearly destroyed my fucking career and life. I am not going to let you do this to yourself! You worked your ass off your whole fucking life for where you are now. Half the league is on your side! You have allies even in fucking Philly! You have the Bruins! Don’t let Sean take this away from you ok!? Go out there with your head high and fight back! I did the same, you can to. If it wasn’t for you, Erika Harper, I would never be in skates on the ice for professional hockey and I will do what I can to make sure that this doesn’t ruin the hard work you have done to break that barrier and make it easier for me later! No matter what happens Erika, remember this: I am on your side. I will find that bitch and I will help you lock her, Sean, and Jake away. Cause I know Jake is a part of this too.” There was a moment of silence followed by more sobs on Erika’s end. I turned to look at Marchand who was confused beyond all belief and probably deathly afraid of what was possibly happening.

“T-Thank you. I-I’ll call Briere and Giroux, I’ll talk about it with them. I need to figure out what to do… but I will in time.” I sighed in compassion, really wishing I could actually hug her.
“I know you will know what to do Erika. You always do.”
“Thanks for the confidence boost. Really, that was the most meaningful thing I heard all day. Thank you.” I smiled into the phone “Its getting late, I should go. I need sleep… it hasn’t been coming lately.”
“Do, you need to rest up. I did the same thing through my depression and I nearly passed out at Super Skills. It does you no good and only makes things worse. And no problem, I mean every word. You helped me that night after Super Skills, only makes sense to pay you back.”
“Thanks Roxanne. I’ll talk to you later.” After ending the call, Marchand finally spoke up.

“What…the hell…is going…on…” I glared at the computer screen that was still up, showing the new headline.
Harper and Morrison leaked sex tape?
What can this mean for Harper’s career? Is it fraud or true?
“Bullshit, Marchand, that is what is happening! Bullshit and fraud!” Before Marchand could ask again what was going on, there was a loud thump on our door.
“Roxy! It’s Tyler!” I nearly stumbled over the chair to get to the door while Marchand stared oddly after me as I ripped the door opened.
“HAVE YOU SEEN THE BULLSHIT!?” I screeched at Tyler’s face. He didn’t flinch back because he was just as enraged.
“I WAS JUST ABOUT TO ASK IF YOU’VE SEEN THE BULLSHIT!” The door next to us ripped open and a half sleeping Wheeler jumped out into the hall.
“WHAT BULLSHIT IS THIS!? I’M TRYING TO SLEEP!”
“FRUAD!! THAT’S WHAT BULLLSHIT IS GOING ON!” I cried back. Savard was the next one to show his face.
“WILL YOU SHUT UP ABOUT THIS BULLSHIT!? I DON’T CARE!! I JUST WANT TO SLEEP!”
“WHAT KIND OF BULLSHIT IS GOING ON THAT IS REQUIRING THE USE OF ROARING OF VOICES!?”

Everyone jumped a mile and quieted down instantly at the roar of Coach Julien at the end of the hall. Wheels and Savvy pointed at me and Tyler.
“Ask them Coach, they started it.” I pointed at them.
“You guys continued it.”
“Will you stop acting like high schoolers!?” Julien asked exasperatedly. “McGregor, start explaining.” I took a deep breath and let it out.
“That’s the issue Coach, I don’t know how to start explaining it!” Before Coach could respond, Tim Thomas came out from his room with his phone in hand.
“Erika Harper sex tape!? What the fuck is this BULLSHIT!?” Me and Tyler forsake Coach and our teammates and instantly began ranting with Timmy.
“I DON’T KNOW!” Tyler cried first. I followed after.
“I called her not long ago. She’s in hysterics, freaking out, and crying IT’S NOT ME, IT’S NOT ME over and over again! I know it’s not her! It’s fake, a fraud! Totally Morrison’s doing and I know my fucking ex is behind it too!” Timmy sighed in aggravation.
“What the fuck…”

Coach, Wheels, and Savvy all blinked then simultaneous yelled.
“WHAT!?”
“It’s exactly as it sounds!” I said. “Now can you see why we’re freaking out? Our friend’s reputation and career is at stake thanks a psycho, spiteful, vengeance-filled ex-boyfriend!”
“What is going on out here?” That was my half-asleep boyfriend wandering out into the hallway from him and Timmy’s room. I waved my hands around.
“BULLSHIT IS WHAT IS HAPPENING!” I cried again.
“ENOUGH-WITH-THE-BULLSHIT!” Bergeron had ripped open his door and looked extremely exhausted.
“God dammit, Harper isn’t even on our team and she’s fucking with our sleep schedule…” Savvy muttered, turning and returning to his room to probably crash again, Wheels following suit and closing the door.

“Don’t tell me Roxy and Harper are having a bitch fight…” Tuukka asked, running a hand through his messy curls.
“No, far from it, she’s actually extremely concern for her.” Timmy responded.
“Look, whatever is happening, it’s happening and it doesn’t effect this team. You know what does? Lack of sleep. We have to get back to Boston tomorrow and play Dallas on home turf so all of you get back to bed and we can ignore this whole ‘sex tape bullshit’.” Coach commanded, waving his hands at us like we were a bunch of high schoolers on an overnight field trip. Everyone wandered back to their rooms but Tuukka came over to me.
“What is going on Roxy?” He asked. I took a deep breath and told him everything that I knew.
“Tuukka…it isn’t her, I know. It’s fraud. Sean is trying to take her down and I know Jake is in the background pulling the ropes to.” I leaned into him. “I feel so selfish saying this, but…I’m scared for my career now too. If Sean did that to Erika…what will Jake do to me?”

Tuuk put his arms around me and pulled me closer to him and kissed the top of my head.
“You don’t need to worry. The Bruins have their eyes on Jake for you, you know that…but with Erika and Sean? I don’t think there is anything you can do…you’re going to have to let her figure it out herself.” I sighed in aggravation and pushed away, ready to go back to my room.
“I can’t sit back Tuukka, you know I can’t. I’m going to help her.” I place a hand on the door to my room. “She can’t handle this on her own, she’s going to need every ally and friend on her side supporting her the whole way. Especially if she goes to court with this. She was there for me even though she hated me…and now that we’re friends, I need to be there for her.” I grabbed my doorknob and tried to turn it but it wouldn’t budge. “Shit…” I muttered.

I was locked out without my key.

Banging on the door, I cried out.
“MARCHAND, THIS IS FUCKING BULLSHIT, LET ME IN!” I got no answer except for an arm snaking around my waist.
“Babe, sleep with me tonight, I think your going to need it and you are not sleeping in the hallway.” I allowed him to drag me back to his room where I curled up in his bed with him, pretending to sleep but instead lying awake with my head on his chest. Where do I even start with helping Erika…?

*****

“BOSTON! I HAVE MISSED YOU!” I cried, getting off the plane at Logan and spreading my arms out wide like I could embrace the entire city.
“Let’s go Roxy, home awaits.” Rask said, placing a hand on my back to get me to move forward. “Let’s not attract atten-”
“Is that Micky!?”
“TUUUUK!”
“Too late!” I said surprisingly cheerful at a couple of local Bruins fans stumbling over with their suitcases in complete awe. As we began to take pictures I suddenly got attacked from behind by a certain short agitator.
“LET ME JOIN THE LOVE FEST!” Marchand cried in happiness, photo bombing the picture with two kids, causing them to screech in shock, the parents to laugh…
And create a loud pop.
I turn quickly to see my suitcase had exploded around Marchand’s feet.
“NOT AGAIN!” I cried. “Marchand, your dead!” The kids stared wide-eyed near Tuukka as I started to chase after the fleeing Marchy through the airport in rage.

*****

“Stupid Canadian, stupid Canadian, stupid Canadian!” I gripped as I entered the apartment. “He would sent my shit all over the terminal!”
“Home sweet home…” Was all Tuukka said to my rambling as he closed the door behind me, grabbing one of the bras that had fallen out of my destroyed suitcase. “Why have I never seen you in this?” I snatched it out of his hands and proceeded to the bedroom where I threw it promptly in.
“You saw nothing.” I said before turning to the kitchen to grab myself a Coke. I wanted something sugary and delicious and soda sounded like the best solution.
“Saw nothing? I certainly saw a sexy red lace br-”
“Since when did we have a goldfish!?” I cut off Tuukka and his hormones. I approached the kitchen counter to the see a small fish bowl with blue rocks, a little plant, a fat, orange, bubble-blowing goldfish.
“Don’t look at me, I didn’t get that.” Tuuk said when I looked over at him. I then noticed a little piece of paper below the below. Curious, I picked it up and read it.

Congrats on Super Skills Roxy! You made me proud to call you my sister at work when watching it on TV. Now get your ass to my apartment, I miss you.
Ben

“I love my brother!” I cried. “He gave me a goldfish and misses me!”
“Your brother?” Tuukka asked, approaching me from behind, hand around my waist, reading the note too. “How did your brother get in here!?” He asked, looking around a bit freaked out.
“Who cares?” I cried, taking my shoes and jacket off as I walked to the bedroom. “Now what to name my goldfish…”
“Fish.” Tuukka said.
“A+ FOR CREATIVITY HUN! Why are you being so negative right now?” I asked, giving Tuukka a smile as I got out of my stupid formal outfit to slip into my comfortable PJs.
“I’m not, just tired and glad to be home but at the same time mystified at how your brother got in here!” Tuukka looked out the bedroom window.
“He’s Spiderman.” I stated. Tuuk looked at me. “What?”
“You’re lucky you’re cute.”
“That’s the only reason you keep me around!? You shallow bastard!” I smacked him with one of the pillows and he hit me with the other one.
“You know that isn’t the reason.” I dropped the pillow and crawled across the bed and met his lips.
“I know.” He kissed me back, deepening the kiss when I broke off and burst out on a totally random topic.
“MARCHY!” I cried.
“What?” He asked confused and looking a little upset that I just totally buzz killed him.
“I’m naming my goldfish Marchy! Cause it fits!”
“How does it fit?”
“It’s tiny and has a small brain.”
“I don’t think I can save you from Marchand’s wrath when he finds out.” I scoffed.
“Babe, he’s not going to do anything. He’ll just pout at me. Wimpy Shrimp.”

*****

“OH MICKY YOU’RE SO FINE, YOU’RE SO FINE YOU BLOW MY MIND, HEY MICKY!”
“You know, I should be getting a little ticked off at you guys singing that to her.”
“But you don’t cause you know we’re just trying to piss her off.”
“True that Bergeron.” I sat in my cubby and rolled my eyes at Team Canada’s singing and Tuukka pointing out a very good point. Coach came into the room and clapped his hands hard, alerting everyone’s attention and thankfully shutting up Marchand, Bergeron, and Boychuk.

“Alright guys, time to get focused. McGregor and Seguin, don’t want to hear you guys ranting about the Harper situation, you three-” Coach pointed at the instigators, aka, the three conniving Canadians. “Won’t continue to sing and actually be serious for one. We’re hosting the Dallas Stars who haven’t been here in nearly sixteen months so expect the unexpected. We don’t really remember how these guys play, last time being October of 2009.”

“And they were nothing but a bunch of assholes if I can remember.” Thorton piped up, getting collective responses from the guys who had been there for that game.
“I’m going to take your word on it!” I said, laughing. Coach cut a hand, ending the chatter.

“Doesn’t matter now, that game is done and over with. And if I’m correct, we won that game. So how about we get up and get out there shuffle in another fucking win!” We all cheered and grabbed our sticks, pumped to get out on the ice for our fans. It was my first home game in a week and I was excited to feel the familiar feel of home ice, the cheers from thousands of fans. Sitting on the bench in between Lucic and Seguin, I threw out cheers to my teammates. I could feel the tension in the air as we got in position with the Stars. Campbells was glaring up a storm with Steve Ott of the Stars, both of them muttering what had to have been insults at each other.
“I see a fight…” Lucic muttered, nodding to the two. I shook my head.
“Ahh, c’mon Lucic, that would be bullshit to have a fight righ-” Of course, the minute the ref dropped the puck, I saw a tossing of gloves, the clattering of sticks, and Campbells and Ott in a epic manly hug. “OH THIS IS BULLSHIT! Really guys, first second in!?”

The TD started to rumble with the roars of the fans, excited at this fight that just broke out and how effortlessly Campbells was destroying Ott’s ass. The minute Ott was on his back on the ice, the refs ripped the guys apart and sent the bleeding, cursing men to their respected penalty boxes, all of us slamming our sticks on the edge of the bench in recognition. With everyone finally calming down, the aggressive men in their boxes, and the refs restoring order, everyone lined back up again and we all watched anxiously as the puck dropped again and before the thing could go anywhere, Mr. Enforcer had to thrown down the gloves and tackle Barch.
“THORTON, REALLY!?” I yelled.
“Oh c’mon Roxy, let the guy have his fun.” Lucic said, cheering on his teammate despite him losing. I sighed.
“Fine, I just want to play hockey! It’s been forever since I’ve played a game on home turf!” Thorton was sent off to the box with and Coach called for a line change, sending me, Lucic, and Seguin out. I took up position with winger Adam Burish, Seguin preparing for the face off.
“I hope you don’t want to pick a fight me.” Burish stated and I looked over to see him grinning jokingly. I gave a smile back.
“Don’t worry about it, I want to play hockey not kick your ass.” Burish laughed.
“Confideeeence.” The puck dropped before us and we cut the chatter but our epic start had yet another delay from a blowing whistle.

“What now!?” I cried in annoyance and turned to see McQuiad and Sutherby going at it. “ARE YOU KIDDING ME!” I cried, slapping my stick on the ice. “I just want to play hockey…”
“Stop your fucking whining.” Brenden Morrow snidely commented and I sent a glare in the Dallas’ Captain’s direction.
“No one fucking asked you.” Morrow started to skate quickly over to me.
“What did you say bitch?” He hissed, nearing on my face and I didn’t budge, glaring back at him.
“Well aren’t you easy to anger.” I stated.
“Look who’s talking whore.” I saw Burish back up slowly at that, probably not wanting to get in the middle of this shit. I started to breathe heavily in anger.
“Excuse me asshole!? What did you call me!?” I yelled, getting into his face and dropping my stick.
Here I go being a hypocrite, complaining about too many fights and I was about to get into one.

Fuck it, the asshole was asking for an ass kicking!

“You want a fight or something? I don’t think your boyfriend can help you from his goalie position.” I glared back.
“I think I can hold my own. It’ll probably be like fighting a prepubescent boy!” Morrow lashed out and got me square in the face and I ripped off my gloves and went at him. I could hear the refs start yelling, having to leave the splitting up of McQuaid and Sutherby to one guy while the other two ran over to deal with me and Morrow. I managed to slam Morrow down on the ice and hold him there, smirking at his bitter face; bitter because he just lost half is masculinity to this fight. “Who’s talking hot now?” It looked like he was going to spit on me but the refs pulled us apart and dragged us both to the boxes, the TD roaring their approval at what had just unfolded. I tromped into the box and Thorton, Campbell, and McQuiad made room for me on the bench and I sat down.

“Asshole punched you hard!” McQuiad snapped.
“It’s nothing that Roxy can’t handle.” Campbell said. “The pansy freaking went down easy.”
“Good fight Roxy.” Thorton stated, passing me a Gatorade bottle and I took a swig.
“Thanks man, you too. I just needed to prove who was talking more shit.” Soon enough, the puck finally dropped and I watched the action unfurl from within the box. The game was finally on roots and we all sat in the box and quickly observed the game. The puck turned over to us after Rask easily deflected a shot and Seguin started to dart up the rink with it with Lucic helping. Tyler found himself shielded and he tossed the puck up to Lucic and Lucic slapped the puck into the back of the net. All four of us jumped up at the same time in excitement.

“THAT WAS ONLY THIRTY-FIVE SECONDS IN!” I cried. The TD was going nuts just like the rest of us. Four fights and a goal in less then two minutes.
This was gearing up to be an insane game.
The line changed to Bergy, Marchy, and Recchi and I stared at the clock, seeing that five minutes was ticking down so…damn…slowly. I then jumped in shock at the blaring of the goal horn and looked at a celebrating Bergy, Marchy, and Recchi.
“This is going to be one hell of game…” I muttered.

Four fights, two goals.

And it was only 1:20 seconds in.

One by one, each of us began to exit the penalty box, hitting the ice, and wrecking havoc on the Stars. They in turn stepped up their game as well. By the time I was released from the box, my adrenaline exploded within me, snagging the puck from our end and sending it up with Seguin and darting into neutral ice with my line and I checked defensemen Grossman off his feet as he tried to cut me off from our set up. The TD erupted with cheers and I quickly ignored Goligoski’s angry shouts at me for legal check.

Suck it up, there’s a game to win.

I saw Lucic desperately throw the puck out into the center of the goal and Seguin get caught up with forward Ott. I then desperately threw myself as fast as I could towards it and I felt a stick wrap around my feet, causing me to stumble as I smacked the stick as hard as I could. I fell hard to my stomach and slid, watching as my shot went flying over Raycroft’s glove and smack the back of the net, sounding the horn.

“FUCK YEAH BABY!” I cried, arms rose in victory as I laid on my back on the ice. “Suck it Dallas! You can’t win by tripping!” I taunted at Sutherby who was arguing with the ref who was dragging him to the penalty box for his obvious tripping of me. Ott glared at me and sent me the finger and I just smirked in return and I was dragged to my feet by my teammates and I skated to the bench and fist bumped everyone, the celebrating music blasting the stadium. We were now up 3-0 and we went back out for a face off, knowing the Stars were going to get revenge on us, and I saw as Dallas switched out Raycroft for Lehtonen. Poor guy sat down on the bench looking depressed at being pulled. I then looked over at my own goalie that seemed to be getting bored in his net. I sent me a head nod in his congrats and I sent a smile back to him. The first period ended with another goal for us by Thorty himself and when we all had great moral, heading to the locker room.

Second period opened up and we were all in great spirits, our fans were too as we could tell from the roar that thundered through the TD, shaking everything. We remained scoreless but after some relentless power on the Dallas end, they snuck one past Tuukka sending us on an onslaught, set on revenge and fear of losing our lead like we were known to do.

Third period began and right off the bat, Morrow scored sending my pride shattering. I got on the ice bent on revenge, doubling after Richards scored.
We were losing our lead.
The coaches ranted to it about us at the bench, making us feel ashamed and working double time. Ott, the asshole, sent a nasty cross check on me, stick slamming into my throat as I slammed into the glass and I fell to the ice, choking hard at the impact.
“You…asshole!” I coughed out as my teammates instantly jumped in to defend me, Boychuk getting all into Ott’s face and I could see Tuuk’s fuming face from his goalie position probably wanting nothing but to jump Ott from where he was. Everyone else was being held back by a Star or was holding a Star back.
“The fuck you trying to pull man?” Boychuk hissed.
“Just playing a game.” Ott spat back. The throbbing in my throat was beginning to fade, and I got up off the ice and began to go after Ott.
“I don’t think trying to fucking crush my windpipe is part of the fucking game!” I snapped.
“Suck it up. You’re clearly not strong enough for this league if you can’t handle a hit like that.”
“BASTARD!” Boychuk roared. “That hit could have taken out Chara!”
“Don’t bring me in!” Chara called and we all ignored him as I glared Ott down, skating closer to him.
“You think I’m not fit for this league!? Well how about you come after me and who ever gets tossed to the ice first is right. I’m warning you though, you’re going to eat your words and lose you fucking pride!” My inner Masshole was raging right now and I liked it.

I felt powerful and invincible and even the ref who was getting in between me wouldn’t be able to hold me back.

“Lots of words your streaming at me. Fine, we’ll have a go. Can’t stand having sluts like you and Harper staining the NHL’s name. Tell me, when are you releasing your sex tape?”
Yup, there was cue to jump that fucking BASTARD!
“OUT OF MY WAY BOYCHUK! HE’S MINE!” I roared and Boychuk could see the fire in my eyes and quickly jumped out of the way to let me attack Ott. Unlike the dumbass, Boychuk knew not to enrage the red-headed Masshole known as Roxanne McGregor. Ott got some good hits on my but I was small and could easily avoid the hits and just like Morrow before him, Ott’s back met the ice in front of our goal and I glared long and hard into his face.
“Eat your words jackass.” I snapped. “Assholes like are what stain the name of the NHL and I wont stand to have you call Erika a fucking slut. Mark my words, not only will you eat your words about me not being strong enough for this, you’ll eat your words about Erika.” I sent another hard punch into his face before the ref dragged me off of Ott’s defeated ass.
“What is with you and fighting!?” The ref gripped. I just gave him a monotone look.
“Because I have honor to defend ref.”
“I’m going to say it right here, right now.” I looked over to see Tuukka laughing in disbelief under his helmet.
“And what would that be?” I asked.
“That…was fucking hot.”

*****

My fight with Ott boosted team moral as it did with the fans and we dragged in a 6-3 win in the end and we celebrated in the locker room, glad we didn’t lose our lead and came out hard. I had many bruises and cuts from tonight but I wore them with pride cause not only did I defeated two hotshots tonight, I did it in defense of my honor and Erika’s. The Ott battle was for you Erika Harper, I hope you know. When we got back to the apartment, Tuukka attacked me saying he was holding it in since my fight with Ott and I had to laugh.
Hey, he deserved love to for getting another win tonight.
But I wont be able to contain my giggles the next time someone sits on our couch. Most likely it will be Marchand.

*****

The next day, I had some free time before our game day skate for our San Jose game at the Garden. Doing my best to hide my crazy red hair under my fuzzy Bruins hat, I went out to wander Boston, something I liked to do to unwind. Something about this city could do wonders to me. It was freezing but I wrapped my jacket and scarf around me tighter and it became second thought. What caught my attention though, was this woman standing in the midst of Faneuil Hall, looking around as if confused and wondering where to go next. Her hair was fading with age, but you could see that in her prime, it would have been a vibrant red. Snowflakes began to flurry past my face, snapping me out of my gaze and I looked up, noticing that a small flurry was in for Boston. Turning away, I looked back at the woman standing in the midst of falling snow, my head was swirling and my gut was twisting.
She looks like what Mom would be like at this time…
The world passed on around me as the two of us locked eyes and I felt as if winter began to inhabit my body, a sudden cold rush of disbelief running through my veins. The woman slowly began to approach me with the same look on her face, her light red hair whipping around her aged face as she approached my speechless form.
“Roxanne…Roxanne…is it really you?” She asked, approaching me, holding her arms out as if wanting to embrace me but didn’t know if she should. He voice and that movement sealed all doubt in my head.
“Mom.”