I follow the dog through the woods, tripping every few steps. My breath hitches when I see a small creek in front of us, trees forming a canopy over top. Spooky sits down by an oak tree. I walk over to him, observing it. The tree is big and clearly old. It's extremely dark outside but I can make out marks along the tree. There's numbers etched in the bark; #3 #27 #14 #50. I soon realize they're Corey's numbers he's had for hockey, 50 being at the top. I look at the other side of the tree and see a heart with initials inside of it. "CC+HP." Then I notice there's a huge X across it. At the bottom of the tree are various slashes and dents of all sizes. I squint and see there's a worn down hockey stick at my feet. I pick it up and examine it. The wood is chipped with numerous blemishes on the blade that would drive any hockey player insane. Without thinking, I draw my arms back and smash the stick against the base of the oak tree. It feels so good and I continue to whack away at the wood. My elbows burn and I feel blisters on my hands. Eventually I get tired, my breath heavy as I drop the stick back into the leaves. The tree is mangled, sure to be dead soon from all the damage. I feel a jolt in my stomach and realize the twins are kicking. I put my hand on top of my belly button and whisper apologies.
"Daddy's an idiot." I say, "He doesn't know how great mommy is. He decided to be with someone other than mommy. He doesn't want to play house with us."
I sniffle and sit down next to the dog, looking at the creek. A branch snaps and whip my head in the direction of the noise. I relax when I see a deer staring at me. Spooky barks and the deer disappears instantly. The wind picks up and I shiver, the air going right through the blanket. I stand up and start heading back towards the house. As I get close, snow begins to fall. I realize that I'm probably going to get sick and it's definitely not good for the babies. I walk a little faster and finally get back inside, the dog right behind me. I don't know what to do because I don't want to sleep with Corey but I don't want to sleep down here. I remember Corey has a couch in his room so I take my blanket and go upstairs. I've probably been gone for around an hour so hopefully Corey has tired himself out and fallen asleep. I quietly open the door and curse when it squeaks. I freeze and listen for any movement and there's nothing. I close the door behind me and quietly make my way to the couch. I prop my head against one of the pillows and a single tear rolls down my face as I close my eyes.
I awake to a terrible stirring in my stomach. I look around and see Corey asleep on the bed. As I sit up, I feel a burning in my throat and realize I'm going to be sick. I dart for the bathroom, making plenty of noise along the way. When I get to the bathroom I shut the door as quick as I can and drop to my knees in front of the toilet. Instantly, I puke, emptying everything from my stomach. It wasn't too horrible but I know there will be more, so I sit back and wait a few moments. Eventually I'm just dry heaving, my stomach muscles aching. I hear the door open and a hand grabs my hair as I sit and choke. Once I catch my breath, I look beside me and recognize Corey's stupid pajama bottoms.
"Are you okay?" He asks and I clear my throat, grabbing a tissue.
"Yeah I'm fine. The morning sickness is starting I guess." I chuckle
"No I mean-" I cut him off by coughing a few more times. I try to stand up and lose my balance a little bit. He stands up also and takes my hand, helping me to the sink. I wash my face and pull my hair into a bun.
"Can we talk?" Corey asks and I shrug
"No I'm fine. Go back to bed." I answer casually. He watches me as I begin brushing my teeth.
"Evelyn." He warns and I roll my eyes
"What Corey? There's nothing to talk about." I spit into the sink and set my toothbrush aside, wiping my mouth. "You have until tonight to decide who you're in love with. I've got two kids to look out for."
"I love you." He sighs, grabbing my hand.
"Well I'm not too happy with you right now. Go spend Christmas with that girl." I answer and he laughs
"Her name is Holly. And I don't want to spend Christmas with her, babe." He says
"Okay Corey. I expect you to tell your family what happened if they ask why I'm upset." I glare at him in the mirror and he nods. He takes a deep breath and wraps his arms around my shoulders. I relax and hug him back but realize he can't get out of this this easily.
"What did you do with her?" I whisper, my voice raspy from being sick.
"I didn't do anything. I was a little drunk and she was really drunk and she was grinding on me. It didn't click right away because being here had me reminiscing. I was in the past." He explains
"So you forgot about me." I say, pulling away from him.
"In the moment." He whispers, looking at his feet.
"Be with Holly." I say, opening the bathroom door and leaving. I hear him cursing as I start down the stairs. Sylvia and Corey's dad, whom I haven't met yet, are sitting at the kitchen table. Sylvia smiles when she sees me and stands up.
"Merry Christmas Eve!" She calls and I laugh.
"I'm Trevor." Corey's dad chimes, "I'm sorry I had to work late last night, we missed each other."
"It's nice to meet you. I'm Evelyn." I smile and Sylvia puts her hand on my shoulder.
"I talked to Corey this morning. He said you were sick? Are you alright?" She questions and I chuckle
"No I'm fine. It's morning sickness." I assure and she nods
"Oh good. I thought it was something else, like what we talked about last night." She answers and motions to my head.
"No, no I'm fine." I say and she smiles.
"Alright anyways, would you like to help me with breakfast? Or you can sit and have some coffee. Relax a little?" Sylvia suggests
"I actually can't drink coffee, but I would love to help." I say and she cheers.
"Why can't you drink coffee?" Trevor chimes
"Oh I can't have caffeine. It's a trigger for my seizures." I explain and he nods. I follow Sylvia into the kitchen and look around at all the ingredients she has out.
"I don't know how you celebrate Christmas, but I like to make a big brunch on Christmas Eve since we go to church at night. And then tomorrow we can have a big dinner." She explains
"That sounds awesome." I smile, washing my hands in preparation.
Here's to the first Christmas without my family.
YOU ARE READING
Butterflies {Corey Crawford}
Fanfiction"Seguin is up for Dallas. He quickly approaches the net. He fakes left... and shoots! Corey Crawford dives in the puck's direction and deflects it! It's a no goal!" "Hang on, Stan, the puck has been deflected up into the crowd... A young lady has ju...
