Hustle and Heart

Ch.19

*skip to game 6 against Chicago*
*Bree's POV*
Today is game 6 against Chicago and right now they are leading. If they win tonight, they win the Stanley Cup for the first time in many years at home. The nerves were really kicking in now... Also, Carey and I haven't talked since that one night between us. I've gone on more dates with Tyler and I still don't feels anything magical between us.. Our 'relationship' is nothing like Carey and i's. I miss him so much but, I can't be distracted right now... I need to bring this Cup home to Tampa. The game was tonight at 8pm and we did not have practice today. It was about 9 am right now so, I figured that I would go to my hotel gym for a morning workout.
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After my workout, It was around 11 and I hadn't eaten breakfast yet. I decided on inviting Steven for breakfast cause he also, hasn't eaten anything all day. We decided on treating ourself's to IHOP. Once we were seated, I ordered a water and a Belgian Waffle with a side of fruit. Steven went for a stack of chocolate chip pancakes and a glass of orange juice. Throughout breakfast we made small talk about tonight and how nervous both of us were. Chicago is such a good team and they have really put up a fight for this cup. This being my first time playing for Tampa in the playoffs makes me very nervous. I so badly want to bring this cup home to Tampa but we need some serious man power and someone whose willing to lead the team other then Steven. After we were all done with breakfast, we made our way back to the hotel to relax for the game tonight. I walked into my shared hotel room with Ben to be greeted by my parents, Ben, and Andrea.
"Oh my gosh! I didn't think you guys could make it!!!" I yelled while running over to my parents.
"Well we wanted to surprise you!" My mom said, with a smile on her face.
"We even plan on going to game 7." My dad said, full of confidence. I smiled at what he said because I loved their support.
"Well we have time to kill so, why don't we walk around Chicago until we have to get ready." I said.
"Actually Ben and I have a lunch date planned." Andrea said. I looked over to my parents to see if they wanted to.
"Yea that sounds great hun." My dad said with a smile.
"Okay well it's 1 now and I have to be back by at least 5:30 so let's head out now!" I said extremely excited. I couldn't believe that my parents were here for Game 6 and honestly that is just going to push me harder. I so badly need to win this cup... I need to be the first women to win a Stanley Cup. That is my only goal in life is to win the Stanley Cup.
"Well what do you guys wanna see?" I asked my parents.
"Well why don't we go to the bean?" My mom asked.
"Yea sure! This way!" I said pointing towards the direction of the bean.
"So honey, is there any special man in your life at the moment?" My mom asked and my cheeks instantly grew a dark shade of pink, thinking of Carey.
"No mom, single as ever." I said, trying to change the subject.
"Come on Bree! You're 25 and you can't stay single forever. Baby you gotta start putting hockey second and your love life first.." My mom said.
"Mom. No. Hockey is number one. My love life can wait..." I said getting kinda sad because honestly it sucks. All of my friends are either engaged or married with kids but when your career is so important to you, you have to learn to push things back to second instead of first.
"Well I'm sorry honey... I just really want to see you happy and in love. That's all I want for you and Ben..." My mom said.
"I know Mom but I'm happy just playing hockey right now... I don't need a man, I'm happy just being single." I told her. "And plus Ben is happy! Him and Andrea live together and I'm pretty sure he might be popping the question soon..."
"Do you really think so?" My dad asked.
"Oh yea! He really loves her." I told them. By the time we were done with our conversation, we had reached the bean and took very many silly photos.
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After touring the city of Chicago for many hours, it finally reached the time for me to start getting ready for the game tonight. All of my nerves were racing through me... If we win tonight, we take game 7 to Tampa but, if we loose the Hawks take the Cup. Having my family here put so much pressure on me. Once we finally got to the hotel, I went straight to my suitcase to pick out the perfect outfit. I ended up going with a pencil dress with a deep V and some blue heels. For makeup, I did a very nice but not to crazy smokey eye with a neutral colour lip and for hair, I loosely curled my long brown hair. (Outfit above). Once I was all done getting ready, I made my way over to the front door of the hotel room to grab my hockey bag.
"Well you ready B?" Ben asked me with a nervous look.
"Ready as I'll ever be!" I said. Our parents were meeting us at the arena later on because the game doesn't start till 8. Going down the elevator was so nerve racking as well as the car ride to the arena. Walking into the arena was even worse because all I saw were the fans and some of there hopeful faces and some nervous looks. Throughout groups of many people, I could spot some Tampa jerseys which defiantly made me smile. Walking into the dressing room, it was quieter then usual... All the guys had determined looks with hungry eyes that spoke for themselves. We all wanted the cup...
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We were nearing the final minutes of Game 6 and the Blackhawks were up 1-0. We were so desperate for a goal that whenever we had the puck close to the net, we would take the shot. I was on the ice for the remaining few minutes with Tyler, Nik, Hedman, and Stralman. Kane had the puck and was skating down the ice, passing it to Toews, and then back to Kane. He lined up the perfect shot on Ben and right when I was about to block the shot, he shot the puck with so much force right past Ben. The red light went off signaling a goal, making the score 2-0. With 1 minute left, Coach pulled Ben. He looked over to me with a saddened look, tears brimming his eyes. The horn went off signaling the end of the 3rd period and the winners of the Stanley Cup...
"Your 2015 Stanley Cup champions are the Chicago Blackhawks!!" The announcer screamed through the speakers. We all looked at ourselves, clearly disappointed in our playing. I couldn't even contain the tears of disappointment. We were so close and we could've won...
"Hey it's okay little B.." Steven said, coming over and hugging me.
"It just really sucks.." I said picking up my gloves and stick, walking away.
"Babe it's okay. You played great!" Tyler said walking over and trying to give me a hug.
"Thanks Ty but no I really didn't play all that great.." I said with tears threatening to spill. I went straight into the locker room and got ready to make my way back to the hotel room. I didn't wait for my brother or anyone because all I wanted was to go back to the hotel room and sleep. I was so disappointed in myself... Once I walked into the hotel room I straight away took my clothes off and brushed my hair and also, taking of all my leftover makeup. I couldn't believe we lost... I jumped into bed waiting for my brother to come home. Right as I was about to fall asleep, my phone went off.

"Bree you played amazing tonight... There is no doubt in my mind that you will win the cup more then once. I miss your beautiful face... Please get back to me.. I love you so much."-Carey.