My Own Glory

Ding Dong

“Sidney can you get that? The boys are here!” Danni yelled from upstairs. Those months after the championship game flew by and Danni and Sidney were faced with hosting the meeting place for prom. How they got talked into that, they’re not sure, but they opened their doors to the small group of teenagers before the big dance.

When the Penguins team heard of the big day, they planned their own ‘prom’ in celebration of Maddi growing up. The Pens, Flyers, and Hurricanes didn’t make it to the final playoffs, starting their summer break early, allowing them to gather at the Crosby residence for a party.

Sidney opened the door to find Jeremy and three of this hockey friends dressed in their rented tuxedos, the rented limo parked on the street, and nervous looks on the boys faces, “Boys, welcome.” Sidney said inviting the guys in. He led them to the kitchen area where Tina, Mary, and Sarah’s fathers sat waiting, beers in their hands.

“Danni, the boys are here!” Sidney replied to his wife.

“Be down in a sec! Vero said everyone’s on their way!”

“Our parents weren’t far behind either.” Jeremy informed Sidney when he entered the kitchen.

“You boys want something to drink?” They shook their heads knowing one spilled beverage will earn them a good yelling from their date.

While the boys waited for their parents and the other guests to arrive, Danni and the other moms were helping their daughters get ready for the night, Danni’s three boys watching all in their tuxedo tee shirts their father bought for the occasion.

“You girls look lovely! You’re all growing up so fast.” Mary’s mother cooed, clasping her hands together as she watched her daughter put in her earrings.

“You’re dresses are gorgeous.” Sarah’s mother complimented.

“I’m still trying to wrap my head around your story, Maddi.” Tina’s mom said, everyone laughing about the interesting shopping trip Maddi took with her uncle.

Maddi had shopped with her girlfriends numerous times for the perfect prom dress. Nothing looked good and the ones she liked weren’t red, the color she was required to wear for the evening. She had complained about it to the family over dinner after another round of searching, “Aunt Danni, what am I going to do? It’s too late to order a dress online.”

“You’ll have to go by yourself tomorrow. I have to run Aiden to baseball practice.”

“I’ll take you.” Sidney said before his brain could comprehend what was about to come out.

The entire table turned and looked at him in disbelief. “You want to take me dress shopping?”

He shrugged, “Why not? We can spend some bonding time together.”

“Um…okay then. We’ll go in the afternoon.”

Maddi wasn't sure how the trip would go seeing as she's checked every shop in the city of Pittsburgh, "We'll find you a dress. No worries."

"I need shoes too. And I want a clutch for my phone and stuff."

Sidney nodded as he drove down the streets of Pittsburgh. Maddi was confused when Sidney left the city and headed for the outer banks, "Where are we going?"

"You checked every store in the city, so let's check outside."

It was twenty minutes later when they parked along a small street lined with different shops, "I remember this place. This is where we got Danni's ring." Maddi said meeting Sidney in front of the SUV. It felt like such a long time ago when Sidney brought her here to pick out an engagement ring for her aunt.

"They had a ring then, maybe they'll have a prom dress now."

Sidney and Maddi strolled the streets, checking each clothing shop for some kind of prom dress. With the search narrowed to red and not having enough time to have alterations to the dress, Maddi needed to find the perfect dress.

It was the last shop on the block and Maddi was able to find a few red dresses that could, hopefully, work. She had gone into the dressing room while Sidney wandered the racks of clothes, "Is there something I can help you find, sir?" Another small clerk asked him. That was the third since entering the store.

"No, I'm just looking. Thanks."

"Well if there's anything I can help you with, my name's Gina." Sidney smiled his thanks and turned his attention the to dresses. He couldn't help but smirk more as he couldn't wait to tell Danni that he still had it, even after all these years.

As he flipped through the dresses, he came across a red dress hidden between the rest of them. It was Maddi's size and it was very pretty...well as fair as Sidney thought. He took it and brought it to Maddi's door, "Hey Mads?"

"Uncle Sid, all of these dresses don't look good!" She stressed.

"I found one out here. Try it on."

She hesitated for a second then peaked through the door looking at the dress Sidney had in his hands, "Okay." She took it and closed the door. Sidney took a seat nearby and waited for Maddi to emerge.

"Holy shit." He heard his niece say on the other side of the door.

"What's wrong? Does it fit?" He asked standing up.

Maddi opened the door and walked out in front of the three-way mirror. Both were silent as they looked over the dress. Maddi could see Sidney behind her starring.

"Oh my goodness, you look gorgeous!" One of the three clerks that approached them earlier said.

"That dress was meant for you, dear." An older clerk told her.

"You know what you need?" Another started before walking off, returning with a pair of heels and a clutch, "These will go perfect." Maddi slipped on the heels and held the clutch in front of her.

"What do ya think?" She asked her uncle who remained silent the whole time.

"Maddi, you look..." He choked, "We'll get all this." He told the closest clerk and headed for the cash register.

"I knew it was the dress when Sidney tried to hold back his tears." Maddi concluded the story, the girls laughing and 'awwing' at the Penguins Captain.

"Danni! Everyone's here! They need to get going!" They heard Sidney call from downstairs.

"You girls ready?" They nodded, the moms heading downstairs first.

Danni greeted all the guests that arrived while she was upstairs; Marc and Vero, Max and his wife, Kris and Jenny, four Staals and their better halves, the rest of the Pens team and their WAG's, and the parents of the boys.

Jeremy and his friends stood at the foot of the stairs while everyone else surrounded them. One by one thegirls walked down, their eyes on their dates. Maddi stood out in her red dress.

Her eyes were glued to Jeremy in his sleek black tux, his red vest peaking out from underneath. Maddi couldn't help but blush as Jeremy starred, a giant smile on his face, "You look amazing." He told her once they finally came together.

"You don't look to bad yourself." She replied.

"Okay everyone! Time for pictures! Sidney will you get the flowers from the fridge?" Danni rushed everyone outside on the perfectly manicured lawn she made sure was ready for today. The four couples lined up outside as parents flashed pictures. The boys put the corsages on their dates, and the girls carefully pinned the boutonnieres on theirs.

The kids looked amazing as they stood together for the thousands of pictures that were taken. Of course Maddi had taken more then the rest seeing as the hockey players wanted a picture with their girl. Max even came in a suit, prepared to take her to prom, "Just make sure he's back by 10." His wife joked.

"Please be careful. Don't do anything I wouldn't do--" Danni cautioned

"Then she might as well stay home!" Marc-Andre cut in, earning a glare from Vero and Danni.

"Just let me know if you're going someplace. And don't hesitate to call if you need a ride. If you drink, please be careful."

"Okay Danni, let the girl go. She'll be fine." Sidney reassured his wife putting a hand on her shoulder.

The crew piled into the limo, while the parents watched and waved, "Who's ready to party?"

---

The girls marveled at their hard work once they walked into the banquet hall. Red, gold, and black decorated the tables and chairs. A DJ in the front corner near the small wood dance floor dressed for the occasion with black and gold. And in the front, dead center was the State Championship trophy along with the other awards the team had won in the past four years.

The team was given the front row of tables, separating into groups. Jeremy pulled out Maddi's chair, "You want a drink?"

"Water, please." He smiled and went off with the three other guys. Maddi sat next to Tina, Sarah and Mary across from them at the round table.

"You and Jeremy look so cute together!" Mary cooed.

"I'm glad you two are back together."

"We're not together. We're just friends." Maddi's friends eyes widened with surprise.

"You're not dating?" Maddi shook her head, "Had me fooled. I thought you two worked it all out."

"We did, we're just staying friends. Why date when we're going to two different colleges?"

"If anyone could make a long distance relationship work, it's you guys." Sarah assured her, but Maddi found that hard to believe. He was heading to Niagara University, she was going to Notre Dame to play on the men's team. She couldn't go from a men's team in high school, be so successful, then transit to women's hockey.

The guys returned with their drinks, and their fellow senior class took their seats. The principal walked up to the front with a microphone in his hands, "Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I would like to start off by thanking the prom committee for bringing all of this together," The crowd clapped, "Before we eat, I have the great honor of introducing someone who has brought a great name not only to the team but to the school. It would only fit if he introduces his team. Coach Henry James!" The class whooped as the head hockey coach took the mic and waited for them to die down.

"It's been an honor to coach such a great group of players. I've seen talented of players come in and out of this school and I'm sad to say I'm loosing the best this year. I couldn't be happier to be a part of their playing careers and make sure you remember me when you go pro. I want to bring up the seniors that I know are off to bigger and better things. They've been on the team for all four year and has brought us to great victory each time. Ladies and gentlemen, Dustin...Alex...Jamie...Eddie...and Max," The seniors walked up beside their coach, shaking his hand, "Our alternatives captains, Mark and Madison," Mark offered his arm to his co-captain and walked up to join the rest of seniors, "And the captain, Jeremy James." The entire class stood in cheers, clapping as the captain walked to the front and stood between Maddi and Mark. Mr. James passed the mic to his son.

"I just want to thank you all for your support each year. We couldn't have done it without you. We wish the best of luck to the team next season. It's been a pleasure playing with all of you and I know I'll never forget my time here. Thank you."

---

The night was cool with a light breeze. It was relaxing after being inside for several hours dancing, laughing, and having a good time. It was a nice breather for Maddi since her mind was whirling with so many thoughts.

She was having an amazing time with her friends, her team, her classmates, but especially with Jeremy. Once they finished eating and the music began to play, he pulled her hand to the dance floor and they remained there all night. Not being a great dancer from the get-go, Maddi wasn't prepared to dance how society expected her to dance with a guy. She'd seen her classmates dance, grinding their bodies to each other like they wanted to start a fire, and that's not how she wanted to do things.

No worries, Jeremy had it covered. When he pulled her to the middle of the dance floor, no one else around them, he spun her, bringing her back to him, a hand on her waist and the other in her hand. Everyone watching clapped; it was very classy. And as the night went on, Maddi learned Jeremy had a few moves he must have learned from his grandmother. It was as if he was pulled from the 40's.

A few minutes earlier, she and Jeremy were separated, allowing her feet to rest. She headed for the outdoor patio the lavish venue had over looking the greens and off into the city. A few couples dotted the patio but they were all too concentrated on their conversations to bother her.

Madison had been deep in thought about her date when who shall appear then he himself. Jeremy draped his jacket over her shoulders. She pulled it close, taking in the warmth and smell that is Jeremy James. "You alright?" He asked.

Maddi nodded, "Just getting some air."

"Are you having fun?"

"Of course. The most fun I've had in a while." He smiled then looked out at the view. Maddi continued to gaze at him. The dark circles that were once under his eyes were gone, the gleam in his bright blue eyes shown. He just looked amazing.

When he turned back to look at her, she didn't turn away or hide the fact that she had been watching him. Instead, they looked into each other's eyes like they had before everything went downhill. Maddi could see that he still really cared about her, that he never lost feelings for her.

Her feelings never changed. She might of been hurt, yes, but they never changed. So when she saw Jeremy leaning in the slightest, she pressed her lips to his, savoring it. She could never forget this feeling.

From behind them there was a small gasp, but they paid no mind to it. Jeremy wrapped his arm around Maddi, bringing her closer. Neither knew how long they had been out there, but things were cut short when Mary came out, "Guys come on, they're going to announce King and Queen." Mary smiled at her friend, pleased that it was true happiness on the hockey player's faces.

Inside, the students stood and waited as the names of the royal court were listed off, "And now for our Queen. Congratulations....Maddi Johnson!" Maddi looked at her friends in disbelief at how she could have won this title, until they pushed her towards the principal who gave her crown. "And our King is...Jeremy James!" The guys whooped as Jeremy walked up, waving, and received his crown. Pictures were taken when Jeremy and Maddi stood together all regal-like, "And now a dance for the Court." A song began to play. Jeremy led Maddi to the middle of the dance floor, taking her in his arms, and kissing her like he wanted to do in front of the world. As he pulled away, he whispered something in her ear.

---

The party had filed out a couple hours after midnight. Sidney had just finished putting the boys down as Danni tied the garbage bags together, "Here, I got 'em." Sidney pecked her cheek, and took the bags to the garage. Luckily the house wasn't too disastrous, leaving them with only a few chores.

Danni was wiping down the counters when soft music began to play. She smiled. She knew this song better than any other. From behind her, she heard Sidney clear his throat. He offered his hand and twirled her into his chest. She came up to him just right, her head on his shoulder. She felt him lay his head on top of hers, humming to the familiar tone.

The couple swayed, enjoying the warmth and silence around them. The flash of car headlights brought them out of their fantasy. Maddi was home, "I'm gonna head up." Danni said with a yawn. Sidney kissed his wife and watched as she slowly made it up the stairs, one hand on her back, the other on her growing stomach.

Sidney turned the music off and all the lights except the hallway. Maddi was surprised to see her uncle still up this late. She figured the old people would be asleep by now.

"How was it?" He asked.

Maddi grinned, Amazing, fantastic, spectacular... "It was fun. How was your party?"

"It was good. Jeremy's folks are very nice, along with the others. It felt nice having non-hockey players in our house for once."

Maddi walked up to her uncle by the stairs giving him a hug. He kissed the top of her head, "I'm glad you had a good time."

"Thanks Sid. Oh, I was also voted Prom Queen." She told him, showing off the plastic crown she won.

"Probably 'cause of that dress I found. So maybe I should get the crown." He teased.

"Only if you where it in public."

Sidney thought about it, "On second thought, you'll look better in it then me."

Both laughed and headed up the stairs. Maddi kissed her uncle good night and shut her door. She dropped everything on the floor and fell onto the bed. The buzzing sound coming from her shorts she changed into for the after party caused her to roll over and pull her phone from her pocket.

I love you. Was all it read. And it brought the biggest smile to her face.

I love you too Jeremy.