Opal's Boy

Chapter 20

"Hey, is it not against the rules for you and Sidney to date? I could've sworn that was on a contract I saw."

Veda and I were enjoying our rainy day off with a movie marathon. It felt like a sleepover. We'd brought pillows and blankets from each of my four bedrooms and laid them out on the living room floor, creating somewhat of a huge bed.

"You know, I've never thought of that. I mean I could see why it would be a problem, but the coach knew about us. Well I think he did," I drifted off.

I shook my head and grabbed my phone, dialing the Penguins head coach.

"Mike Johnston."

"Hi, Mr. Johnston. Its Opal, I was the athletic trainer who came in last week and I have a question for you."

"Oh, hello Opal. What's your question?"

"Is it against the rules for a player to date an athletic trainer?"

Pause.

"Um, yes ma'am it is. Why would that be any of your concern?"

I was taken aback. He knew I came to visit Sidney. I told him on the phone I was taking care of him when he hurt his back.

"Well, Sidney Crosby and I-"

"Are cousins, I know. Family is not a problem."

Cousins? Family?

"Thank you sir."

I hung up and looked at Veda.

"He told his coach we were cousins," I said.

Her eyes grew wide and she started shaking her head. "There's no way he did that."

I dialed Sidney's number and he picked up on the second ring.

"Sidney, did you tell your coach we were cousins?"

"Hello sweetheart."

"I'm not kidding."

I was starting to cry.

"Woah, stop crying. What's going on?"

"Sidney why did you tell your boss we were cousins?"

"Opal I didn't tell my coach that! I had no idea you were coming, remember? I've never talked to my coach about any of that. Why would I tell him you were my cousin? Why does it matter?"

"We can't date if we work together!"

"Opal, I want you to hang up and talk to your boss. He had something to do with this. Calm down, you'll be fine, we'll be fine. Call me later and let me know what's going on."

"Bye."

I hung up and fell into the mountain of pillows

"Veda?"

"Right here, Ope," I felt her pat my leg.

"I can't work with the Penguins. I'm not about to hide my relationship with Sidney," I sighed, wiping away the leftover tears.

"Do what you gotta do, Opal. Just know wherever you go, you've got people who love you."