famous last words | s. crosby

10; since the last goodbye

When I eventually pulled into the nearest parking spot adjacent to the doors of the practice facility, I took a few minutes to collect myself as best I could. My hair reeked of dry shampoo and was barely collected together a top my head; I was makeup-less and decided against putting actual clothes on. The same black leggings (with, of course, the obnoxiously large knee brace hugging tightly onto my leg) and one of my dad's old, ratty New York t-shirts seemed to be my go-to outfit the past few days.

Pushing my sunglasses back onto my head, I stumbled out of my car and limped my way into the building. It was almost eleven and the morning practice was just a short few minutes until wrapping up for the day. Typically, playoff practices were closed to the general public.

But then again, given the circumstances, I wasn't the general public anymore.

The sound of blades cutting into the the ice and the pucks making contact with the sticks filled my ears before I even saw the rink. The security guard-- who's name I thought was Edward-- waved me on back.

The chill of the ice caused shivers to run down my back; I hadn't been this close to ice since the infamous fall that potentially ended my career. A sweet wave of nostalgia came over me as I felt the longing urge to strap on a pair of skates myself, though it was no use even thinking of it.

If I couldn't skate, the second best thing there was, was watching my best friend fight to hoist his dream over his head.

They all looked fantastic out there. Their scruffy faces were now even more prominent and even Sid had more of the darker scruff appearing on his face. I don't know if it qualified as a beard, but it was definitely there.

After a while of watching the repetitive drills and the 2-on-1's, the practice began to wrap up for the morning. I shuffled out of the crowd seats and placed myself outside the locker room, in my usual place.

About fifteen minutes passed before the team, one by one, began to make their way out. A few of them noticed me; Hagelin commented on my shirt, Phil waved, and Olli gave me a small smile and a quiet hello. Sid was the last one out of the room, per usual.

The funny thing was that neither of us said anything to each other. Within a second after we'd found each other's eyes, I found myself wrapping my arms as best I could around him. Tears welled in my eyes as I'd realized how selfish I'd been, but I choked them back. Somehow, in a few short weeks, it almost felt like I had found my person.

I felt Sid pull me closer, dropping his bags next to his feet.

"I've missed you, El."

I let out a few sniffles, nodding my head, "I've missed you, too."

Author's Note

So, long time no see. My bad. This chapter is really short, too (also my fault) but I need it to move the story along. I'm going through writers block and my muse has fizzled out, plus with school and band, it's really hard to keep constant updates on a schedule. 

But in happier news, I hope to start updating this (and possibly a new book.... keep your eyes out for it)!!

Also, just out of curiosity, has anyone seen or read The Martian? I'm so tempted to write fanfic for it, but I'd be too afraid no one would read it or pay a lick of attention to it.