Choices (Book Four)

Chapter 8

Shawn

It's been three weeks since I told Lyla I missed her. Three weeks since my email has gone unanswered. I don't regret telling her, I actually felt relieved after I sent it, feeling like I was finally being open and honest with her for the first time since last spring. It was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders finally being able to let a bit of my guard down and just say what I wanted to say. I would like to know how she feels about it. I would like to hear back form her, but that's not my decision to make. As painful as it is to wait day after day without a response, I will continue to because I'm not going anywhere.

I'm currently sitting in my hotel room, the team had an away game this afternoon and we are staying overnight to play a second game tomorrow before we head back to Grand Rapids. Snow has started to fall outside, no surprise since it's already mid November. The snow reminds me that Christmas is around the corner and I smile knowing I will be able to get home for a visit with my dad and Bailey over the holidays. I only have three days to spend with them before I have to be back for practice but I'll take what I can get. I miss them both so much. Speaking of Bailey, I haven't talked to her in awhile. I sit back on the hotel bed as I dial her number.

"So you don't call me all week then decide that at eleven o'clock on a Saturday night is a great time to call your college living sister," she says answering the phone and I roll my eyes.

"Sorry to interrupt your oh so important social life but I thought you'd make time for your favourite brother," I tease her.

"Only brother," she challenges and I laugh.

"Are you actually busy? I can call back," I offer suddenly feeling a bit lame for calling this late on a Saturday night.

"No I was just messing with you, I actually have a flu bug so I've been stuck in my dorm all weekend so far," she groans in annoyance.

"That sucks," I comment.

"Yup," she agrees. "But Milo has been amazing bringing me soup and toast with meds. He just left half an hour ago because he was falling asleep and you know the dumb dorm rules of having boyfriends or girlfriends stay over," she says with annoyance in her voice.

Oh boy do I remember that annoying rule.

"Sounds like he is taking his new role of boyfriend very seriously," I reply and feel satisfied to hear that this new guy is treating her right.

"He's doing a damn fine job so far," she agrees.

Bailey had called me last week and broke the news that they were officially boyfriend and girlfriend. I had seen it coming a mile away and was happy she found someone that makes her feel like she is the truly amazing person that she is.

"Glad to hear it."

"How was you game tonight? You guys are on the road right?" She asks.

"Yeah, we are in Milwaukee playing the Admirals. Had a game this afternoon that we won then we play them tomorrow again before we leave," I explain.

"Any points?"

"Two assists," I lightly brag.

"Real players score goals," she taunts me playfully and I laugh.

"I'll try to get one for you tomorrow," I offer.

"You better or I'll disown you as my brother," she threatens.

"Maybe I won't score then, that sounds kinda nice actually," I tease lightly.

"Watch it there bud," she warns.