Love Game

Chapter Two - Denver

2:30 in the morning, my alarm jerks me from my drowsy sleep. Not that I had much sleep to begin with. This morning I was hopping on an airplane to Denver, Colorado and I couldn't be more excited.

I turn off my alarm and I drag my body out of bed. I look at the clock and I see I have to be at the airport at 4:15, at the latest. Luckily I took a shower before I went to bed last night, so I didn't have to do that.

I walk to my bathroom and I look at my reflection in the mirror. I undo my French braid and my auburn waves around me. I pin my bangs back with a bobby pin, then I run my fingers through my waves, hoping to look somewhat alive. I apply a thin layer of black eyeliner and some mascara, then I quickly brush my teeth.

As I change into a pair of black jeans and a blue and white stripped sweater, I look at my phone and I see a text from Patrick Roy.

"Get some sleep on the plane, kiddo. You have a lot to do today. We'll see you when you land in Denver. -Coach," the text says.

I am still in absolute awe that Patrick Roy, the Patrick Roy, wants me to try out for the Colorado Avalanche. I'm nervous and excited at the same time. But then I think about the Avalanche players. Will they except me? Maybe, maybe not. I'm sure that they will think that a girl in the NHL is unorthodox; that it can't be done. They may be right, but I want to prove them wrong.

A knock on my bedroom door shakes me from my daze. I shove my phone into my jean pocket and I shuffle to the door, slipping on my black converse while I pull my suitcase and hockey bag behind me. I open my door and I see my entire family; my mother, father, Freddie and Dougie all look at me in concern.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Freddie asks barely above a whisper.

I nod to confirm. "I'm positive."

"I guess we better get to the airport, eh?" Dougie forces a smile, taking my hockey bag from me as we all walk down the stairs.

After we arrange our bags into the back of the car, we all slide in; me taking my usual place in between Dougie and Freddie in the backseat.

"All my babies are leaving me," my mom whimpers from the passengers seat, choking back her tears.

Today was also the day that Dougie was flying back to Boston, and Freddie back to San Jose. We all decided to arrive at the airport at the same time, just to get it all over with. My mom had been an emotional wreck since I broke the news to my family. I know I have to be extremely careful on the ice. If I were to get injured, I would hate to see the look on my mothers face as she sees me in pain. She's like that with each of us, though. She shows no favoritism when it comes to us, even though sometimes us kids beg to differ.

"Oh, mama. Don't cry." Dougie whispers as he places his strong hand on her shoulder. "We'll be fine. I promise."

"All of you, stay safe," she whispers as my father pulls up to the airport. A trip across the border never went so fast in my entire life.

We pile out of the car and we grab our suitcases, our parents asking if we have everything we need. Our parents pull us into a group hug, only to hear muffled sobs escape my mothers lips.

"Mama, please don't cry." I whisper as I hug her tightly.

"Be careful, Mallory. They're bigger and stronger than you," she whispers.

"But I'm fast." I state, slowly pulling away from her and I wipe away the tears from her eyes.

She nods slowly and kisses my forehead. My father hugs me tightly and kisses me on my forehead just like my mother had done before him. Dougie, Freddie and I say our final goodbyes to our parents, then we all walk into the airport to check in our bags and to go through security.