Moving Day

I enjoyed my work, really. I worked at a sports magazine where I was the layout editor and did a few pieces here and there. Usually, I would get other writer’s articles to edit, or put my two cents in but that was about it. I liked my job. It kept me entertained. Except for today.

I finished coming up with this month’s magazine’s layout and saved and closed my work. It was quiet today. Keyboards were heard outside my desk as I looked at everyone else chatting and laughing. “Hey Brooke, do you think I could get the final copy of the article about baseball? I need it to make a few adjustments,” my co-worker Carl asked me. I looked up at him blankly, before nodding and pulling up the file on my computer. I printed it out and handed it to him.

“Here you go,” I said handing him the paper.

He took it from my hands and smiled. “Thanks. Where’s Peyton?”

I shrugged. “Probably off somewhere trying to get a story finished.”

He nodded. “Well, see you later.”

I waved to him as I pushed myself back in my chair and decided to go wander off to find Peyton. I passed by the lounge and editing room until I found her in the copy room. I poked my head in and knocked on the wall. “Hey.”

“Hey,” she greeted looking over her shoulder. “What’s up?”

“Oh not much. Bored out of my mind is all,” I told her hopping on to the table.

“Yeah, it’s pretty quiet today. I was actually going to look for you but this guy asked me to make copies for him because apparently he had no idea how to work it, which is such a lame ass excuse,” she muttered. “But I was going to see if maybe you wanted to go out for lunch or something.”

“I guess we can go when you’re done with this,” I pointed out.

She grabbed the last paper coming out of the machine and added it to her pile. “Which is now. I’m done. Let’s go I am getting kind of hungry.”

I followed her out the room and back to where everyone was as she dropped the papers off on someone’s desk. I went back to mine and grabbed the jacket off my desk. As I buttoned it up, I saw Carl come back. Just as he came, I heard a gasp come from Peyton as I gave her a look and she just smiled.

“What?”

She grinned. “Oh nothing.”

I stared at her before turning back to Carl. “What’s up Carl?”

He sat down in my chair staring at me blankly, rubbing his temples. “I can’t do it,” he muttered.

I tilted my head. “Can’t do what?”

“The opinion piece on the latest news in hockey,” he told me.

“Just write your opinion,” I replied curious hearing footsteps and mumbling voices from behind me.

He threw his hands in the air. “I have a very strong opinion that I have no opinion on the opinion piece.”

I sighed, thinking. “Alright, make this month’s piece more upbeat. Just write about the latest teams success instead of hardships. Write about the Canucks, oh yes,” my voice became slightly high pitched, as I got excited talking about it more. “Yes! Write about how the have the most wins in the league right now and are the first to have 100 points. Say that it’s great to see them being recognized after being paid little attention for a while. Say that Lou and Schnieder have been impressive in net. You can also say that some may be realizing what a beast Ryan Kesler is,” I explained. “If you still need more, talk about the Flyers, they never seem to be hitting a stride.”

A smirk grew on his face. “What about the Penguins? We do live in Pittsburgh,” he pointed out.

I shrugged. “You can talk about how much more better their defense is getting. I mean they already have that whole offense thing going with Sidney, Jordan, Chris, and Pascal, and even Max. But Kris has been improving greatly and has been a great pair up with Brooks Orpik. I mean I think fans here already know they’re good, but include a little something on them.”

He bounced up seeming satisfied with my advice. “Thanks Brooke! I owe you big time! I am bringing you coffee and a Danish everyday!”

“Carl, I’m loving you like a two dollar whore,” I called to him.

“Great I’ll tell the girlfriend,” he called back running back to his desk.

I laughed to myself turning back to Peyton letting out a small squeal. “Eek. Wha- what?” I grew confused and then embarrassed as I saw Sidney, Marc, Max, Jordan, and Kris standing with smirking faces. I winced. “How much did you guys hear?”

“Oh everything,” Jordan informed me. “Thank you for the compliments by the way. I think I can speak for all of us when I say we are deeply flattered,” he said placing a hand on his heart.

I shook my head. “What are you guys doing here?”

“We thought we’d come take you girls out for lunch and then we’d head over to help Peyton move.”

I frowned. “Oh right, I forgot it was today.”

Marc cleared his throat. “Shall we go?”

I nodded. “Yeah, sure.” I grabbed my purse off of my desk and followed the guys.

“Uhm hey girls,” Marc said. “Why is everyone staring at us?”

I looked around at the numerous people staring and whispering around the office, in awe at the guys. “Oh I don’t know,” Peyton said. “Maybe because you’re famous hockey players and everyone around here basically worships you. All the girls want to date you and all the guys want to be you,” she told them.

I laughed agreeing with her. “Yeah, plus we don’t really get famous athletes in here too often and this office is more hockey crazed than anything else,” I admitted.

Kris took a few steps back and gave me a slight nudge. “Hey.”

“Hey,” I greeted.

“Thank for saying that about me. It made me feel good. I didn’t think anyone was noticing me,” he mumbled.

“Please, everyone has. And I wasn’t lying, you have been getting really good. Don’t let anyone tell you other wise, alright Kris?”

He smiled. “Alright.” He looked between Sidney and I. “So, have you made any progress?”

I let out a small laugh. “Uh, some. Not a lot though. I don’t want to feel that anything I tell him is like a burden on top of what he has to deal with,” I said.

“Please, after what he heard you say all he wants to do is help,” he said holding the door of the building open for me and stepping out into the parking lot.

I turned to look at him. “What did he hear me say?”

“That day, when you were talking to Peyton and were packing,” he finished saying, wincing afterwards and looking away from me.

My face froze as I remembered the talk Peyton and me had that day in her room while packing. About trust, about Sidney, about myself and my issues and hearing her judge me. About being afraid. How could Kris possibly know any of this?

I cleared my throat and forced myself to look at him. “How do you know about the talk I had with Peyton?” he didn’t answer. “Kris?” he remained silent. I raised my voice. “Kris, tell me now.”

He sighed. “I’m sorry Brooke. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

I gave him a stern look. “Kris, tell me what you know.”

“Hey guys, let’s go,” Max called.

“We’ll be right there,” I answered. I crossed my arms waiting for a response.

He looked in front to make sure everyone else was still talking in front of the car. “I know about the talk because I heard it,” he began.

“Wha- how did you-”

“I heard it,” he said cutting me off. “I heard it along with everyone else. Peyton texted Max that she was speaking to you and that he had to hear it. And so did Sidney. We were all hanging out in his room so he put it on speaker. We all heard what you said,” he informed me. “We heard everything you said, everything Peyton said, and everything that you feel.” He took a breath before talking again. “Now I know that you’re afraid of telling anyone anything. We all know that now. That you’re afraid we might stop being friends with you or something.”

I shook my head trying to digest what he had just told me. They all knew. They all knew I was afraid of telling anyone anything. They all knew that Peyton was somehow right that I put everyone’s needs above my own. They all knew that I never really opened up to anyone. Sidney knew.

It all became clear now. Why the guys first saw me and were unsure of how to react after hearing all the things I said. Why Sidney was uncomfortable around me and awkward like before.

By this point I was taking in deeper breaths of how everyone could know all this about me. My stomach was growing in knots and I felt as if I was having a panic attack. I was feeling faint and was losing my balance when Kris grabbed my arm but failed at putting it around his shoulder and instead held me, ready to pick me up. I shut my eyes holding in my breath. I slowly felt my head droop down into Kris’ chest as his arms wrapped around me.

“Brooke, are you ok?” I heard Max call. As soon as the words left his mouth, I heard everyone come rushing over. Their footsteps echoed in the empty parking lot.

“What’s wrong?” Peyton said, worry ringing through her voice.

“Does she need to lay down?” Marc asked.

I buried my head in his chest more. “No, she’s fine. Go ahead to the car guys, we’ll be right there,” Kris urged them. It took a while before I heard them walk towards the car. He rubbed my back slowly and hugged me tighter. “Brooke? Brooke are you ok?”

I took in a deep breath and removed myself from his arms and looked up at him. “Yeah,” I nodded. “I’m fine. I just needed to digest all of that.”

He nodded. “I understand. Brooke, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to-”

I shook my head. “No, it’s fine. You didn’t. I’m glad you told me the truth. Look, we can just pretend that I don’t know anything. We wont tell anyone, promise.”

He gave a small smile. “Alright then, let’s go to the car.”

I nodded and gave him a smile. “Alright, let’s go.”
----------------------------------

“Max, be careful with that box! It has-” Max ran and fell two seconds later before she could finish her sentence. The box fell with a loud smash as glass moved around in the box. “My glasses,” she finished shaking her head.

He looked up at her with a sorry smile. “Ha, guess they weren’t as strong as I thought they were.”

Peyton only stared at him as she went back to her room. I looked between her and the guys and saw they were each busy with a box or trying to avoid having to carry a box. I decided to follow Peyton to her room.

“Hey,” I greeted.

“Hey.” She was standing by her closet holding a picture in her hand. I walked over to see what it was and recognized that it was the two of us at a hockey game with giant popcorn and ice cream in our hands. We each had a Penguins cap and jersey on. We were smiling so cheekily but the happiness was shown in both our faces. “Remember this,” she told me.

I nodded laughing. “Yeah, we had just moved here and even though we were totally broke and stupidly decided to waste the only money we had on game tickets.”

She laughed. “Yeah, but admit it, we had fun that day. I think it’s the most fun we’ve ever had. And after we went totally crazy and bought almost everything in the store.”

“Yeah, but it wasn’t so fun the week after. We had no money to buy anything. I starved,” I reminded her.

“Yea, that did suck,” she agreed. “But still it was worth it. It was a great day.”

“It was,” I said before she put the picture away. She stared around at her almost empty room. I sighed. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

She looked confused. “Tell you what?”

“That Max and almost every other guy on the team was listening on the conversation we were having that day when I was helping you pack,” I told her.

She froze. She’d been caught and she had no idea what to say. “Brooke,” she began.

“I’m not mad,” I said.

She frowned. “Wait you’re not mad?”

I shook my head. “Well a little. I mean it was a private conversation but I’m just disappointed that you didn’t tell me. I had a right to know.”

She sighed. “I know Brooke and I’m so sorry. It’s just I needed Max to hear us because he wanted to know more about you and I couldn’t tell him. He had to hear it because he wanted to know why you’re so guarded and wanted to explain to Sidney that it wasn’t because you didn’t like him,” she explained.

I nodded. “Oh. Well, fine.”

She took a few steps forward and grabbed me by the shoulders. “I’m sorry. Can you please forgive me even though I don’t deserve it?”

I shrugged. “Yeah. It’s not your fault. I know in your own way you were trying to help and I appreciate it.”

“I was and I think it might’ve helped

She gave me a soft smile. “Good.” She hugged me for a moment before she bent down and grabbed one of the last boxes in her now almost empty room. “Let’s go.”

We walked out as she put her arm around me while holding the box in the other. “Is that it?” asked Max.

“There’s only a couple boxes left, but that’s about it,” she told him. Max and Jordan walked into the room to take them out.

“You know, I don’t know why Max and I are the only ones helping out,” Jordan pointed out. “Marc, Sidney and Kris are all sitting on the couch watching themselves on tv.”

“They’re allowed. I’m sure the two of you already watch yourselves enough on tv everyday,” Peyton smirked.

“No I don’t! I only watch myself on the weekends,” grinned Jordan.

“Right, because that makes it better,” she mumbled placing the box she was holding on top of the one Max was holding.

“You think that’s bad, when we’re on the road he brings his laptop and goes on all the blogs and writes stuff about himself.

“Like what?” I asked.

Jordan shrugged. “I just want people who at least talk about to have something true.”

“True isn’t writing that your biceps are huge and that you’re face and hair is the best thing about you. Even though it actually might be,” he added.

Peyton and I both laughed as they headed to Max’s car with the last of the boxes. “So,” I said. “That’s the last of it.” She nodded as I walked to lean against her doorway and crossed my arms. She placed her hands on my shoulders easily seeing as I was shorter than her and put her head on top of mine. We stood there for a moment staring at her empty room. Closets empty, no furniture, walls pale with no picture frames on them anymore.

“I guess this is it,” she said, her voice low.

I nodded turning to see that the guys were staring at us. They immediately made themselves occupied with either the tv or their phone. I let out a small laugh and turned back to the room. “Yeah, I guess this is it.”

She turned me around and leaned slightly down to squeeze me as I did the same to her. We wrapped our arms around each other as I tip toed and tried to hold back my tears.

“Brooke, I’m-”

“I know. I’m going to miss you too.” I felt a lump forming in my throat. I tried to swallow it and not cry, especially in front of the guys. I had never let anyone see my cry. I wasn’t about to now.

We pulled apart just as a tear rolled down Peyton’s face. She wiped it away, along with the others coming down. At this point, I felt a tear come down my cheek. I quickly wiped it away and cleared my throat. “Ok,” I said patting her on the shoulders, trying to sound calm.

“Alright Max we can go,” she said putting on her jacket. He walked over to open the door for her as she turned back to me to hug me again. “Bye Brooke.”

“Bye Peyton,” I mumbled into her shoulder. The rest of the guys filed out and waved slowly to me, smiling slightly. I managed to wave back before rubbing my hands on my jeans and watching Peyton walk slowly down the hall. I watched them disappear out of the hallway and slowly closed the door. I stared at the door, not wanting to look back at the apartment. My apartment. A minute passed before there were hurried knocks on the door. I whipped the door open.

“Do you want to go grab some coffee?” Peyton asked rubbing her hands together.

“Let’s go,” I replied swiftly grabbing my jacket and pulling the door shut. She smiled hugely linking her arm with mine. “Don’t you have to move in and unpack?”

She shrugged. “I’ll just go drop my stuff off and unpack over the next few days. I’m in no hurry.”

I grinned as we walked to the parking lot. The boys were all in the car waiting for us.

“Max drive us to the nearest coffee place,” she told him getting into the passenger seat.

He sighed. “What if I don’t want coffee?” he mumbled so Peyton couldn’t hear.

I climbed in to the car sitting in the seat by the window. “Hello again,” Marc greeted.

I smiled at him as Sidney leaned in to smile at me. “Hey.”

“Hey,” I said back before looking out the window. “Are you sure this isn’t a problem Peyton?”

“Brooke,” she said. “You’re getting to spend more time with me rather than losing me, of course it isn’t a problem, it’s a blessing,” she grinned punching Max who scoffed. “And even if it was who cares? Stop thinking about everyone else, think about how you want to talk to me, because I know you do.”

“Brooke you’re going to be all lonely now, what will you do with yourself?” Max asked looking at the through the mirror.

“Get a bunch of cats and learn to knit I guess,” I told him seriously.

“Don’t worry, I can replace Peyton. I can come over and we can eat junk food and give each other make over’s!” he cheered.

The rest of the guys laughed. “Oh man, I don’t know if I’d trust Max with a brush near me,” Jordan said form the back as Kris laughed.

Max pouted. “You guys are just jealous of my amazing hair.”

Marc laughed. “Brooke if I were you, I’d be prepared to walk around with a hat for a very long time.”

Up front, Peyton couldn’t help but laugh as Max snickered to himself. “I hope you know Brooke that I could get you a boyfriend.”

I made a face. “What makes you think I want a boyfriend?”

He stared at me. “Why wouldn’t you?”

I shook my head. “Thanks Max but I think I’ll be fine on my own.”

“It’s not your fault. Max just thinks he knows what’s best for everyone,” Sidney said leaning to so he could look at me. “You don’t look desperate or anything, it’s just Max.”

“Well I’m glad I don’t look desperate. I’m not so glad I’m Max’s current choice whom he wants to help,” I said.

He let out a small laugh. “I wish I could help you there but I cant,” he smiled.

I grinned shaking my head and turning my attention back to the window.

Women of Questionable Morals

“Brooke time to get up!” I heard Peyton knock on the door. I groaned as she burst through the door and bent down to eye level. “Come on. Time to get up. The guys are coming over soon,” she greeted using her sweet voice.

I groaned shoving my head in my pillow.

“I have coffee,” she said.

I shot my head up and stared at the mug in her hand. I could smell it from here. A smile came across my face as I stuck my hand out for it to be handed to me.

“Which I will put on your dresser a perfect amount of distance so you have to get up and get it yourself,” she finished. “Now come on. Get dressed. You don’t have much time.”

“I hate you,” I muttered. I sighed and sat up and stretched. I got up and went to the bathroom to do my usual routine. I showered quickly and changed into dark jeans, a black sweater and a deep red scarf around my neck. I grabbed my coffee and sipped on it as I walked out to the living room. “Hey.”

“Hey. Are you ready?” She flipped the channels on the television making faces at the commercials.

I nodded. “Yea I am.” I took a seat next to her and put on my shoes. “When are the guys supposed to be here?”

Just as the sentence left my mouth, the door knocked. “Right now,” she turned off the television and got up to open the door.

I stood up and went to the bathroom to make last minute adjustments. My hair was straight and loose. I had slight eyeliner on and chapstick. I sighed before hearing voice come through the living room. I proceeded to the kitchen to finish my coffee.

I rubbed my hands on my jeans and saw Jordan, Max, Kris, Marc, and Sidney standing chatting. Max, Marc and Peyton were whispering to each other secretively. I went over to my mug and took a gulp of coffee. Jordan’s eyes fell on me soon followed by everyone else’s. They stayed staring at me not knowing what to do as if I had done something. I swallowed my coffee and waved awkwardly at them.

Jordan soon bolted and came running to me. “Brooke!” he swooped me up and spun my around.

A small squeal escaped my mouth. I wrapped my arms around him trying not to fall as my legs swung in the air. “Hey Jordan.”

“I missed you. I haven’t seen a girl in almost three days,” he said putting me down.

I scratched the back of my head. “I missed you too Jordan.” I looked back at everyone else who seemed confused on what to do. I smiled slightly. “Did I do something wrong? Why is everyone so quiet?”

Marc cleared his throat. “It’s just we haven’t seen you in so long. We feel like strangers to you now.”

Max nodded. “Yeah but we’re glad to see you again,” he assured walking over to me and hugging me. “We all missed you and Peyton.”

Marc came and hugged me as well leading me into the living room. “We have Brooke. That’s why we wanted to have breakfast. We have a late practice today and we wanted to spend time with you girls.”

He stopped and left to the couch leaving me in front of Kris. I looked up at him unsure of what to do. After a while he smiled at me and wrapped his arms around me. I hugged him back and looked up. “Hey,” I greeted.

“Hey. How are you?” he asked staring down at me.

I nodded. “Good. I saw your game. You played great,” I smiled.

“Thanks.” He let me go as we turned to face the rest of the group.

“Alright we should get going,” Peyton decided. “Brooke you want a jacket?”

“I’ll come get it with you,” I replied following her into my room. She pulled out a jacket form my closet and put it on handing me my black one.

She looked at herself in the mirror and turned to leave before turning back at me. “Remember,” she spoke lowly. “Say something, do something.”

I walked out behind her as the guys all left. Sidney was holding the door and waited for everyone to leave. Peyton looked over her shoulder and smirked at me. I smiled leaving the apartment and locking the door.

I turned around and saw Sidney was the only one there. I put my keys in my pocket and stood awkwardly. I gave a tiny smile. “Hey.”

“Hey. How have you been?” he asked, his hands in his pockets.

I smiled. “Good. You?”

He nodded. “Good.” He looked down. “You look great today,” he mumbled.

My eyes widened slightly in surprise. Did he just tell me I looked great? I had been quiet for sometime and noticed his face start to look worried as if he’d said something wrong. “Thank you,” I blurted. Say something. Do something. Anything.

Without thinking, I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around his middle. He stiffened up before relaxing and returning the hug. “I missed you,” I tried to say casually.

“I missed you too,” he told me. We let go and smiled at each other. “Shall we?” he asked pointing to where everyone else was.

I smiled. “Yes, let’s.”
----------------------------

“So what did you girls do while we were gone?” Marc asked as he forked down his eggs.
Peyton and I shrugged. “Nothing really. We mostly like to stay inside. We’ve never been the go out type of girls,” she replied.

“You don’t go out to clubs or anything like that? I mean you’re young,” he reasoned.

I giggled at his comment. “Never. We hate clubs. I mean we like dancing, but it’s way too loud and way too many people. I feel claustrophobic. I mean I personally think it’s just an excuse for people to get wasted and throw away their morals. Even though we are young we act like old spinsters and stay in, watch tv and eat take out. It’s been working out well for us for the past couple of years,” I explained.

They stayed staring at me as if something amazing had just happened. Peyton started laughing as I gave her a confused look. “What?” I asked.

Max shook his head. “Wow. I think that’s the most I’ve heard you talk since we’ve met you.” the rest of the guys nodded, still shocked. I smiled sheepishly and took a bite out of my French toast.

“I didn’t know you didn’t like clubs,” Sidney said next to me.

“That’s one of the many things I don’t like. I’m very picky. One of my best qualities,” I joked smirking at him.

Again, the table went silent. “Ok new Brooke what happened to old Brooke? Did you kidnap her? Give her back!” Jordan cried slamming his hands on the table.

I laughed. “What is wrong with you guys?”

“We’ve never seen you talk this much,” Marc said. “Or make jokes.”

“I didn’t even know you knew what a joke was,” Kris added as Peyton laughed.

They had a point. I had no idea where all of this was coming from. I myself had questioned if I knew what a joke was. I was considerably chatty today. It was in large part due to the talk Peyton and I had the other day. “Funny,” I told him with a smirk.

“So,” Peyton said changing the subject. “When do you guys have an off day?”

“Tomorrow, actually,” Max responded.

“Great, that means you can help me move,” she took a drink from her coffee.

He forced out a laugh. “Heh, yeah. Marc and Sidney aren’t doing anything either. They can help too. Right guys?” he gave them a pleading look.

Marc laughed. “Sure no problem.” Sidney smiled and nodded as well.

I looked around the table and saw everyone having their own conversation. I sighed and took a drink from my coffee. “Are you ok?” I heard Sidney ask next to me.

I turned to smile at him. “I’m fine thank you. And yourself?”

He nodded. “Pretty good.”

I nodded and returned back to my plate and fiddled around with the remaining toast with my fork. “That’s nice.”

“Brooke?” I raised my eyebrows and waited for him to talk until Max interrupted.

“Hey guys, time to go. Practice is going to start soon,” he told the guys.

I looked back at Sidney. “I’m sorry what were you going to say?”

He stared intensely at his plate before sighing deeply. “Never mind.” He got up from the table and went over to Marc and the rest of the guys.

I watched him leave as my eyes landed on Peyton. She looked at him and back at me with a questioning expression. I only shrugged watching him talk to Marc and Max.

The guys dropped Peyton and me off before heading to practice. The car had just come to a stop with Peyton and Max up front, Sidney and I, and Marc, Jordan, and Kris in back of us.

“I’ll walk you to the door,” Max offered getting out of the car and opening the door to Peyton.

She turned halfway around to look at me. “You coming?”

I snapped out of my train of thought and nodded slowly, showing a tiny smile. “Yeah, be right there.” She got out of the car as I turned around in my seat, surprised to find the guys sleeping.

I looked over at Sidney who half smiled. “Bye Brooke.”

I sighed heavily. “Sidney,” I began. “I hope you know that you can trust me. And I know that I don’t share much, but it’s nothing personal, really. I just, I don’t really enjoy talking about myself. Don’t be angry. Don’t stop trusting me. You need someone to talk to and I’m here to listen,” I confessed. “I’ll talk about myself in time, honest,” I tried to convince him.

He tilted his head as a tiny smile grew on his face. “Ok, Brooke. I wont.”

I nodded once and looked back to make sure the guys were still asleep. I smiled slightly at him before getting out of the car.
-------------------------

“Do you think I need new clothes?” Peyton asked emerging from her room and adjusting her shirt.

I looked up from my book before glancing back down. “I don’t know. Do you think you need new clothes or are you just looking for an excuse to go shopping?” I murmured.

“You’re right. It’s just been a while since I’ve been shopping and I know I hate it, but I feel like trying it out again,” she said taking a seat on the couch next to me.

“It’s not something you try again, it’s not like trying to be, I don’t know, a writer again, which makes no sense since you are one, but not the point. You can’t just try shopping again,” I argued.

She made a face, slightly frowning and turned on the television and flipping through the channels. She sighed. “I think I’m falling for Max,” she spoke softly.

I stopped reading and put down the book to stare blankly at her. “What did you say?”

She shrugged. “Yeah, he’s really great. I know it sounds crazy but he’s been nothing but nice to me. When I told him about the whole moving in thing, he was super supportive and cared about leaving you alone and supports whatever I want to do. I’ve never liked anyone as much as I like him,” she said throwing her head back on the couch.

I raised my eyebrows in surprise at everything she just told me. “Wow, Peyton. I’ve never seen you so serious about anyone,” I tried to explain. “You seem happy, honestly. I don’t remember ever seeing you smile as much as you have recently.”

She smiled. “Yeah, I know,” she said frowning afterwards.

“What?” I asked.

“I don’t know,” she sighed. “It’s just lately I feel as if I’ve been spending all my time with Max. I mean look at us. About a month ago I was just a reporter who only spoke to the guys when needed. And now we’re hanging out with them and I’m dating one of them. It’s crazy, right? I mean weeks ago I was nothing but focused on writing more and getting in a real piece and my career went first. Now, I care more about Max’s career and whether or not he’s doing good and am there for his every need or when he’s out on the road. His life is chaos and he’s constantly traveling and I’m more worried on whether he’s not to stressed out. This is ridiculous right Brooke? I think I’m going insane,” she told me.

I laughed. “I’ve been questioning my own sanity as well, don’t worry you’re not alone,” I assured my eyes landing on the television and a current interview with Sidney from a recent game.

“Have you told him anything?” she asked.

I chewed my lip for a moment before answering. “I hugged him and told him I missed him. In the car I told him that he needed someone to talk to, that I was there for him, and that I’d talk about myself eventually,” I explained.

“Wow, that’s big for you. Must’ve been hard,” she mumbled.

I nodded slowly. “Yeah, I think I’m delirious because I actually feel like talking to him about myself and you know how much I hate it.”

She eyed me. “Are you ever going to tell him you like him?”

I rolled my eyes at her. “How many times do we have to go over this? I’m not sure if I like him,” I lied. “And we don’t even know each other that well. We’ve only known each other for a few weeks. And he doesn’t need more things on his plate without trying to be nice to me,” I argued.

She merely shook her head. “Oh Brooke, too nice for your own good. He’s going to get to you, I can tell. Just like Max got to me. I thought I could ignore it, but I couldn’t,” she reasoned. “I think you two are perfect for each other,” she joked.

“Of course you do,” I smiled fakely at her to which she only rolled her eyes playfully.

“Are you really going to talk about yourself more?” She asked growing more serious.

I stared at my hands before looking back at her. “Yeah,” I spoke softly. “I think I am. I know it might be stupid of me, but he seems sincere in wanting to get to know something about me and I feel like I owe it to him.”

“So, can I ask you something?” I nodded. “Do you think you can grow to really trust him?”

“Maybe, why do you ask?” I tilted my head.

“Because I think it would be really great for you. You’re very closed off Brooke and you know that and I love you but you really need to be able to trust someone else. You have to tell him what went on with you. I know it seems hard, but try, please. I don’t want to see you regret not sharing part of yourself with Sidney or any of the other guys. They want to help. Max told me. They’re just afraid that you’ll get defensive or shut them out, or beat their asses,” she explained.

I let out a small laugh. “I know. I have to deal with it. I guess it’s just become easier to ignore it and pretend nothing’s wrong, but it’s not healthy and I know that. I’ll try. I’ll really, really try,” I promised.

She smiled proudly. “Good. I just want to see you happy and you know that.”

I smiled back. “I know. So can I ask you something?” She nodded. “Why does Max think I’ll be alone?”

She sighed. “He told me that he sees you and Sidney are very alike. You’re both very quiet and keep to yourselves and don’t speak much about yourselves. And most importantly, care more about having everyone else happy rather than yourself. He told me that he thought if I left here, then you’d feel lonely and wouldn’t go out and become quieter and he didn’t want that. He wants the guys to be like your family. He can tell something’s up, he just doesn’t want to bring it up.”

“I always knew he knows more than people think he does,” I joked. I nudged her, hanging my head to the side. “Tell him thank you for me. For caring. It’s nice of him, even if he’s just doing it to get on your good side,” I admitted laughing.

She laughed along nodding. “Will do. Geez, we sure have some great values in life, guys. Great huh?”

“I don’t know about you but Alex Edler can definitely be added separately.” She laughed along with me.

“So,” she said. “Hockey?” I nodded. “Alright we can watch multiple games at a time, as always. Yeah?” I grinned at her. “Hockey it is then,” she declared.

“Another great value,” I decided.

Say Anything

“Morning,” I greeted as Peyton walked into the kitchen.

“Hey,” she yawned pouring some coffee in her mug. She hopped onto the counter and sipped on her coffee. “So they left.”

I stared at her, mid-gulp and sighed. “Yeah.”

“At least it’s only three days,” she shrugged.

I nodded and opened a box of cereal. “Yeah, guess so.”

“How are you holding up?”

I tilted my head at her. “With?”

“Do you miss him?”

I looked down into my mug sticking a few pieces of cereal in my mouth. “Yeah, I kind of do, lame as it sounds.”

She smiled. “You want to go out to lunch later? We can come back and watch the game, get take out.”

“Sounds good,” I told her putting away the box and putting the mug in the sink.

She hopped off the counter and was rinsing out her mug. “Oh Brooke?”

“Yeah?”

“At lunch, I want to talk to you about that thing I needed to tell you,” she explained.

I nodded slowly, unsure of how I should feel. “Sure.”

“Ok, I’m going to go change,” she told me walking away to her room.
--------------------------
“Hi, can I please have the pasta with some garlic please?” I kindly told the waiter.

He nodded and turned to Peyton. “Can I have the chicken alfredo and extra salad on the side please?” He smiled and poured our glasses with water before leaving.

“So, what did you want to talk about? You’re kind of making me nervous,” I said.

She took a drink of water before looking at me in the eye. “I have some news.”

“Please tell me your not pregnant,” I told her. She stared at me blankly, blinking and showing no emotion. “Oh God. Oh God! You are aren’t you? You did it, you finally reproduced!” I took in a few deep breaths.

“Brooke, I’m not pregnant.”

“And you’re going to have to marry Max, oh lord. You’re baby is going to be French. And, what?”

A tiny smirk grew on her face. “I’m not pregnant.”

I raised my eyebrows before lowering them. “Oh. Then what is the news?”

She fiddled around with her fork before answering “I was on the street the other day and I found this apartment for rent and I went to see it and it’s beautiful and I couldn’t resist. I’ve actually been thinking about this for a while and I got the apartment,” she explained.

I shook my head a little for the realization to sink in. “Are you telling me that you’re moving out?”

She looked down. “Uh huh,” she said before adding, “I think it’s time I moved out.”

“Is it because of me?”

She looked at me in disbelief. “No, of course it isn’t that. I love having you as a roommate. I just think it’s time I live by myself. I mean I went straight from living with my parents to living with you. I need to learn to do things for myself. You do everything and I cant keep living like that,” she told me.

I frowned staring blankly at the table. “But what will I do without you?”

“I know you’ll be fine. You can do anything. You’ve been taking care of the both of us,” she reassured.

I sighed. “But I’ll be lonely. We wont have breakfast anymore.”

“We can have breakfast whenever you want.” She placed a hand on mine. “Brooke, I have to do this, for me. I hope you understand.”

I nodded slowly. “I do understand. I just don’t like it. I love you way too much.” I reached across the table to give her an awkward hug, which she returned. We hugged over the table for a few seconds before the waitress came back with our food.

“Thank you, I’m starving!” she said picking up her fork.

“Have you told Max the news?” I asked forking down my pasta.

She nodded. “Yea I told him yesterday. He seems to be ok with it. He had the same concern as you.”

I chewed my pasta and took a drink of water. “What concern?”

“That I’d be leaving you alone,” she replied smiling.

“Ah. Wow I didn’t know he actually cared,” I mumbled.

“Yea,” she shrugged. “But he reasoned that now we could go visit you more often and he could bring the guys an Sidney,” she grinned.

“I like how you add Sidney at the end by himself, as if he were something special,” I joked.

A smirk grew on her face. “Well he is, at least to you.”

I only shook my head and returned to my pasta.
--------------------------
“So I was thinking, maybe you and your freakish organizational skills could help me move,” she smirked opening the apartment door.

I laughed. “Sure.” She walked into her room as I followed. Her room was full of clothes thrown on the floor and unassembled boxes everywhere. “Uhm, when are you moving?”

“The day after tomorrow.”

“What!” I shrieked. “And you haven’t packed anything?”

Peyton exhaled deeply and looked at me, confusion overcoming her forehead. “Surprise?”

“What?”

“Surprise!” she said more enthusiastically. “yeah! This is my moving away gift to you. I know how much you love to do these kinds of things and I left it especially for you!”

I placed my hand on my hip and narrowed my eyes for a second, before pretending it was true and jumped up and down. “Really?” I squeaked. “I’m so sorry I didn’t get you anything!” I ran to her and hugged her.

She laughed as she hugged me. “It’s ok. We should get started, we can order in later and watch the game,” she said taking off her jacket and rolling up her sleeves.

I nodded as I took off my jacket and began planning everything out in my head. “Sounds good.” She knelt down and began forming boxes. “Has Max called you?”

“In the morning before he had practice. He said all the guys miss us, especially you. They’ve grown fond of you,” she looked at me. “Has he called you?”

I let out a small laugh as I folded her shirts. “Believe it or not he’s not obligated to call me.”

She shrugged doing something on her phone and staring at it for a second before setting it back down on the dresser. “But he wants to. I can tell.” She sighed and leaned against the dresser. “Are you even going to tell him?”

I froze. “Tell him what?”

“Anything,” she paused and let out a long breath of air. “Brooke I love you, but he may become distant if you don’t open up. You try to be this nice, kind and generous person and you are but you’re way too nice. All you do is cater to people’s needs and let them talk. It’s been great for Sidney because he needs that, but does that boy even know anything about you besides your birthday?”

I stared down at the shirt in my hand before folding it. “What are you trying to say?”

“I’m trying to say you need to open up Brooke,” she sounded more impatient. “I have trouble figuring you out sometimes, imagine how he must feel. He probably thinks you don’t like him because you never want to tell him anything!” she ran a hand through her hair and sighed. “Brooke you cant keep closing yourself off to people, especially when they’re trying their best to get to know you. I know you’ve gotten used to it, but you need to change.”

I cleared my throat placing another folded shirt to the side. “It’s not as easy as it sounds.” I sat down on the bed and placed my hands on my knees. “I don’t always want to be like this, but I can’t help it. You know me, you got used to me, and you’ve learned to be patient. I can’t just tell anyone everything that’s happened to me. Besides, Sidney’s going through a hard time. He deals with so many things and doesn’t really have anyone to talk to about it. I’m trying to be there for him.”

“Forget about that. You need to talk to. He’s a good guy and you know that. You’ve helped him just by listening to him. Are you just never going to share your emotions because youre trying to be nice to him?”

I shrugged. “It’s better than him having to listen to all of my crap. He too nice and he’ll care about having to listen even if he doesn’t want to. He doesn’t deserve to carry around someone else’s baggage when he’s going through more than enough,” I raised my head and looked at her. “It wouldn’t be fair to him.”

“So what!” Peyton yelled staring at me in disbelief. “Stop caring about everyone else for one second! Yes, Sidney does have to deal with a lot, but so do you! all these years you’ve never opened up to anyone but me. You need to learn to trust people, especially when they’re trying!” She shook her head growing angrier the longer I stayed quiet.

I fixed my gaze upon the box in front of me, trying not to wince at how angry she had just gotten. She only ever yelled at me when she was trying to make a point. “What is he doesn’t?” I asked softly.

“What if he doesn’t what?”

I sighed. “What if he doesn’t like it? What if he realizes I’m to dark and twisted and doesn’t want to deal with me anymore? I can’t risk the slight friendship we have over that.”

She stayed silent before crawling over to me and sitting on the bed. “Then he’s crazy.”

I smiled softly, moving so she could sit more comfortably. “It’s too scary.”

“I know. But you have to try Brooke. He seems to really trust you and he might not for much longer if you don’t reciprocate some sort of trust towards him,” she explained.

“I know,” I told her honestly. I knew she was right.

“I’m not saying you need to do it now, but just when you talk. Say anything. So he feels like you do trust him,” she reasoned.

I gave her a tiny smile. “I’ll try, really.”

She smiled back wrapping her arm around my shoulder. “You’ll be fine Brooke. I promise.”

I rested my head on her shoulder and let out a breath. “I hope so.”
-----------------------------

“Wow,” Peyton breathed.

“I know.”

“That was just, wow.”

“I know.”

“I mean did you see that?”

“I know.”

“I thought for sure they lost it,” she added.

“I know.”

I cleared my throat and finally managed to say something else. “So did I. I didn’t expect that.”

“I mean the Rangers had all the momentum on their side. They didn’t even allow the puck to come close to their zone,” she explained.

I stared at the television. “Yeah and then out of nowhere, with twenty seconds left, they magically move the puck and do some nice blocking and passes and it sneaks under Lundqvist and he didn’t even see it.”

She nodded. “They played great,” she said picking up the two empty glasses off the table.

I grabbed the containers of take out and followed her into the kitchen. “They did.” I opened the refrigerator and pulled out two water bottles handing on to her and hopping on the counter.

She grinned. “Did you see the amazing goal Max made?”

I laughed. “It was pretty great. He looked really focused tonight.”

She sighed. “I guess we better get back to packing.” I nodded and went back to her room as we continued talking about the game and all of Max’s funny gestures.
------------------------------

I yawned as I turned off the television and walked to my room turning on the lamp. Peyton went to sleep before I had, tired of all the packing. It was nearing midnight. I climbed into bed and under the covers staring at the ceiling. This day was too much to take in. My only best friend was moving out and had scolded me for not trusting enough.

My thoughts were interrupted by my phone ringing. I reach next to me and answered. “Hello?”

“Hey Brooke.” Sidney’s voice came through.

I sat up straighter and raised my eyebrows in surprise before smiling. “Hey Sidney.”

He spoke softly. “I’m sorry to be calling so late.”

“No it’s fine,” I told him. “You played a great game, you know.”

“Thank you,” he answered quietly.

I hesitated for a moment before asking. “Is everything ok?”

He was quiet before sighing for a long time. “Yeah, I’m just a bit frustrated I guess.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know. I guess,” he paused to sigh again, “I guess I’m just worried about the season is all.”

I pressed my lips together. “What’s wrong? Are you scared the team isn’t doing well?”

“No it’s not that. I actually think they’re doing great. They’re playing their best every night. It’s everything else. The media. I just feel like they keep putting pressure on the team and myself with everything. First it was with the Winter Classic and this apparent rivalry I have with Ovechkin. Some people make me out to be so much better than him while others can’t even stand me. And they keep putting pressure for us to play better as if we have to win the cup this year. I think it’s getting to me more than the team. I feel like I have to lead them and be strong and not back down.”

“Sidney,” I began. “You know that no one expects you to be strong all the time right? Especially your team. I know it seems hard now, but it’s not. They don’t need you to be their captain, their leader. They just need you to be part of the team. They need you to be in the game with them every night. They don’t expect you to be fearless all the time. That’s impossible,” I explained.

He sighed. “I guess.”

“And as for the media. Excuse me but screw them.”

He let out a small laugh. I could picture him shaking his head.

“I’m serious,” I said laughing a bit. “Forget them. Forget anything they say. So what if you didn’t win the cup last year. It doesn’t mean you have to win it this year. They just focus on your team because you guys are one of the best. They assume you must have it all. Don’t listen to them. You just go out there and play the game. Forget about all these pretend feuds with teams and players and just play with your team. Don’t listen to what anyone else has to say. All that matters is what you want and what you believe in.”

He was silent for a while as I began to think if I had to repeat myself again. Just as I was about to speak, he did. “Thank you Brooke. For talking me down. I needed that. Thank you for always letting me complain to you,” he said jokingly.

I smiled. “No problem. You can tell me anything. Really. If you ever need to call me in the middle of the night because you need something, don’t hesitate.”

“Thank you,” he paused before asking. “So how are things over there?”

“Good. Quiet actually. Besides speaking to you guys Peyton and I never really do much,” I replied.

“How are things between you and Peyton?” he asked casually.

I furrowed my eyebrows for a moment before nodding my head back. “So you heard.”

He let out an awkward laugh. “Yea, Max let it slip earlier today. He didn’t mean to.”

“Yeah, she’s moving out,” I said still trying to digest it.

“How are you?”

I thought for a moment before answering. “I’m fine.”

I heard him scoff slightly. “Really?” his tone grew more serious. “There’s nothing you want say about it? Are you sure you’re fine?”

Say anything. Anything. “No,” I blurted out. I can try and elaborate. “I’m not really fine.”

“You can tell me,” he assured.

I took in a deep breath before talking. “I’m not fine. I mean I have to pretend to be because if
I show sadness I know she’ll feel bad and think twice about moving. And I cant let her do that. She wants to move. I’m not going to be the reason she isn’t happy. I’m just really going to miss her. She’s….she’s my best friend. She’s my person. I tell her everything. I don’t want her to leave. But I guess I always knew one day she would. But I’ll be fine.”

“I’m sorry Brooke. I think you will be fine. You’re strong. You’ll be fine. And thank you.”

“For what?”

“For trusting me with that. This whole time I’ve felt like it’s just me talking and every time I try to talk about you, you change the subject. I want you to feel free to talk to me,” he spoke softly.

A tiny smile grew on my face. “Thank you. I might take you up on that sometime soon.”

“I hope so,” he yawned. “Well I’m going to go sleep. Goodnight Brooke.”

“Goodnight. And Sidney?”

“Yes?”

“Try not to think about the media or anyone else before you go to a game. Try and relax. Chances are you’ll play better and be relieved.”

“Thanks Brooke.”

I smiled. “Goodnight Sidney.” I hung up the phone and placed it under my pillow. I let out a long sigh from how I’d just spoken to Sidney. I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. I turned off my lamp and settled into bed letting the somewhat intimate conversation sink in along with everything else that happened that day.
--------------------------------

I opened my eyes and yawned as I stretched my arms above my head. I walked out to the living room to find Peyton watching TV. I trudged over to her and collapsed onto the couch.

She handed me some of her coffee. “Morning,” I greeted sipping the coffee.

“Morning,” she replied not taking her eyes off of the TV.

“You got up early,” I mumbled blowing at the coffee.

She shrugged. “Yea I got up earlier since you did fall asleep later than I did.”

I nodded. “Right.”

She sighed turning off the television. “The guys are coming back later tonight. They wanted to have breakfast tomorrow and Max said some of them would help me move.”

I nodded keeping my gaze on the floor. “Oh alright.”

“I’m going to miss you,” she told me. “I cant believe I’m moving out.”

I looked at her frowning. “I know. I’m going to miss you too.”

“I’ll come over all the time. Promise. It’ll be like I never left. Plus we work together so we’ll see each other everyday,” she jokingly said.

“Yeah.”

“I heard you talking to Sidney last night,” she admitted. “Did he call you to talk?”

“Yeah, he was just having a hard time is all. But he asked about me and I talked. More than a sentence. He said he didn’t mind listening to me,” I glanced down at the coffee in my hand.

She smiled. “That’s great. I’m just hoping you actually believe him and do something.”

I sighed. “I think I will.”