Madeline Louise Duchene

1. Summer of 2000

I can still remember it all, the day I met Matt Duchene. It was the night I got in a fight with my parents and I left the house. February 12, 2000. I drove off in my dads car to the farthest bar I could find. In the middle of downtown, in the big city of Denver.

"I'll have a glass please," I said to the drunk man behind the counter. I threw my purse onto the table and sat there waiting for my order.

"Here you go ma'lady," the drunken man spoke as the door swung open and a horde of men bursted in. All chattering in excitement. As I examined each one closer, I realized it was the Colorado Avalanche roster! I was a fan, but only because their my home team. I didn't really watch hockey.

I looked back down at my drink, my fingernails tapping on the wooden table. I was too upset to finish it up so I decided to leave it there and hit the road, following it until I reach a place I want to be.

My head hung down, I shifted towards the door and exited the crowded bar. As I stepped out I felt myself crash into something big and very much alive. "Ouch."

"Oh my god I am so -- Uh... I am so sorry. My fault." I never replied to the man looking down at me. I stood there staring into his luscious brown eyes. He was... beautiful. Handsome. I've never seen anyone like him. "Are you okay?" He whispered.

I snapped out of my daze and shook my head. "Yeah. It was totally my fault. My apologies." He smiled. He just smiled. And it was an attractive smile. Something I really needed after that braul I had with my folks.

I stepped to the side and walked around him.

"Wait!" I heard a voice call back at me. I turned to see the unknown prince waving towards me. "I didn't get your name."

I turned and took a few steps towards him. "Katy. Katy Oliver. And you are?" I questioned.

"Matt duchene. Of the Colorado Avalanche. Im sure you've heard of me." I squinted my eyes trying to think. "Sorry." I replied.

"I'm guessing your not really a big hockey fan, eh?" He stretched a smirk across his face. "Do you want to have a drink with me?" He asked.

"Thanks but I was just leaving." I said in a sorry face. He leaned against the wall of the bar, staring at the cement ground.

"I kinda wish I could come with you." I felt both physically and mentally confused.

"What do you mean? Don't you have the dream life? I mean, your a professional hockey player! Your basically famous!" I spoke on and on about his out of this world life. Then, he held a finger to my lip that stopped me in my tracks. We both fell silent.

"Lets just go in there and have a proper conversation." I nodded as he stretched out his arm and pushed the glass door open.

"Nice lady you coughed up Matt. Shes a keeper." His teammates all laughed. I felt my face start to get red. He walked towards a two seated table and pulled out the chair, motioning for me to take a seat.

"What do you mean by wanting to come with me? Aren't you happy where you are?" I asked quietly.

"It's not even a tad bit easy. There is so much pressure on you when your a professional athlete. Practicing all day, playing most nights. You get really worne out after a while. Not that I don't love playing pro hockey with my buds on my team. Its just... Complicated."

"I think I know what you mean. Im only nineteen years old, but being in university and dealing with my parents who practically hate me at the moment, is not so easy." I muttered. "Look I really gotta find a place to be. It was really nice talking to someone who understands what I'm going through." I stood up and turned to walk towards the door.

There was a scraping sound and Matt called back to me, "at least let me walk you out." He said as he shuffled towards me. He grabbed my hand and smiled.

Once we stepped outside he turned to look at me. The night wind blowing his hair into his sparkling eyes. "I have some room for more contacts. Mind punching in your number?" He asked.

"Sure."

He handed me his phone and I typed in my cellphone number. "Thanks." He said. And at that very moment, he stared into my eyes then leaned in and kissed me.

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How was chapter 1?

Come up with a ship name for Matt and Katie. The ship name that we pick will be announced in the next chapter and the winner will get a shoutout!