Forever and Always

~17~

Guess who finished their placement today! So to celebrate please enjoy!

Elliot felt like she was going to be sick

Her hands felt hot and sweaty even enough she continuously tried to discreetly wipe them on her tracksuit pants. She tried to focus on her breathing as the last thing she needed today was another panic attack.

"Mama?" Jules asks as she tugs on her pants causing her to look down at her. "Are you okay?"

Elliot ducked down and scooped the girl up and peppered kisses all over the child's face causing the girl to squeal with giggles. "I'm okay Penguin" Elliot says smiling at the grin on the girl's face at the nickname. She flopped down on the bed cuddling the girl to her chest, "Just worried about today".

Jules just hummed as her finger traced the US badge on the chest of Elliot's uniform. "Who do you want to win today?"

Well that was the question wasn't it...

Today was the day. The US was facing off against Canada to see who would continue on in their Olympic campaign. And due to Elliot's unique position on the matter the media had been trying to bombard her for interviews.

And Elliot was sick with nerves...and maybe a little guilt....

"Can you keep a secret?" Elliot whispers playfully looking around the room to see if anyone was listening in.

Jules nodded frantically leaning in on Elliot's lap to make sure no one overhear the secret. "Yes! Yeah yeah! Tell me!" Jules whisper yells.

Elliot bopped her finger against Jules' nose making the child scrunch her face adorably. "I think Mommy's going to win" Elliot admits slightly guiltily.

Jules flays her arms around in celebration, "I knew it!"

Elliot giggles as Jules squirmed from her lap to start jumping on the bed doing her happy dance. Elliot let out a small "oof" when Jules hopped onto her back which grinned when the child squealed as Elliot spun around holding onto her to make sure she wouldn't go flying.

"And here I thought that penguins couldn't fly" Dylan teases as she comes out of the bathroom ready to head to the match.

Jules slide down Elliot's back and scrambled over to her sister who scooped her up just like Elliot. But she pouted when she saw what jersey she was wearing. "Why aren't you supporting Mommy?" Jules asks with an obvious frown as she crosses her arms.

Jules had been proudly wearing the Canadian red jersey. With the number 17 splayed across the back with pride.

However Dylan was wearing an US jersey...

"Jules. . . we're American" Dylan chuckled but that didn't satisfy her little sister at all.

"But Mommy!" Jules exclaimed back as if it was obvious.

Elliot decided she should step in before a full on argument ensued, "How about this?" Elliot tightened both of Jules pigtail. "You can support Mommy and her team" Elliot says with a smile, "And Dylan can help support Christen, Tobin and the other girls. So it's all fair".

"Who are you cheering for. . .Ellie?" Dylan asks stumbling at the last second. She winced at her obvious mistake and was grateful for the understanding look from Elliot.

She was even more grateful when Elliot continued on as if it didn't bother her...even if it did

"The US obviously" Elliot said sending a wink in Jules' direction when she heard the younger sibling gasp at her answer. Elliot shook her head and patted her pockets making sure she had everything. "Okay is everyone good to go?"