It's Never too Late to Try ~ Sidney Crosby

Chapter 11- The Aftermath

Scarlet

Over the next couple of days, I sat in bed wondering about what would happen if I said yes to Sid like he wanted me to. Would I end up a housewife? Have a new job? Make new friends? Potentially reunite with Becca? I was so puzzled on what my next move should be...

I could tell that Eli knew that something was wrong. Sidney usually came over to just hang out or to help him, so he asked me every day, "Mommy, where is Sidney?" And I would have to put on a brave face and tell him that he had things to do. I didn't feel like ruining the only male figure that Eli has had in his entire life. That would devastate him.

I wanted to call him so bad, I needed to talk to him. He probably hates me though...

Work has been the only time that I wasn't thinking about Sidney. Darcy had no idea that we had broken up until yesterday, so she came over for support.

"So, you mean to tell me that he wanted you to go with him to Pittsburgh and you said no?" Darcy asked me, sitting on the recliner in the living room. I nodded my head and looked down at the gray carpet beneath my feet.

"I love living here but I've never met anyone like him before. I didn't want to lose my friends and have Eli change schools." I bit the skin on my cheek and looked back up at Darcy. "I'm so conflicted."

"I get it. I would be too. He's a professional athlete though, you wouldn't see him that often anyway though. You saved yourself from more hurt in the future."

She was right.

~~~

It was finally September and It also was Eli's first day of first grade. I couldn't believe how fast the summer went and left Nova Scotia so fast. I woke up on a rainy Tuesday morning, to the sound of thunder. I glanced over at the clock and noticed that It was only 5:00 AM. I curled back in bed and grabbed my phone off of my nightstand.

I looked through my texts and found one from Becca.

To Scarlet: Hey, I was wondering if you would want to be a bridesmaid?

From Scarlet: OF COURSE! I would love to

To Scarlet: Okay, awesome. Would you and Eli want to come visit next month, so we can go bridesmaid's dress shopping? Don't worry, Mom won't be there.

From Scarlet: That sounds like a plan. We can stay as long as you want

To Scarlet: Okay! Come on down on October 10th and you can stay the week.

From Scarlet: Sounds good (:

I immediately perked up, knowing that I would see my sister for the first time in years. I was going to be my older sister's bridesmaid, and it's honestly something I've been thinking about since she had her first boyfriend. I was hoping for no conflict whatsoever, because whenever my mom is involved... things get complicated.

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Sidney

As I was packing for my flight tonight to Pittsburgh, my Spotify playlist was playing in the background. I needed some music to stop me from thinking. I kept checking my phone expecting Scarlet to call me but I knew it was hopeless.

The night of the party was rough because I had family and friends over. They all had to see me while I was being broken up with for being a selfish asshole. I can't believe I did that to Scarlet. Geno keeps telling me not to worry but it's impossible. She wasn't like any girl I've ever met.

I was excited for the season to finally begin, so I can focus on my game. I needed an escape from how I was feeling. Our season opener was October 12th and we were playing the New York Rangers. I was focused on seeing our Stanley Cup banner being hoisted up and getting our first win of the season.

After I was all packed, I put all of my bags in the back of my truck and locked up my house; I won't be in this house in a while. Leaving Nova Scotia is always difficult but I'm hoping when I come back, I have another Stanley Cup with me.

After 4 hours of going through security and waiting for my flight, I finally sat down at my gate. My flight to Pittsburgh was arriving soon, so I only had a little bit of time to get a cup of coffee. I got up from the uncomfortable metal chair and wandered around to find some coffee.

My phone started to buzz and as I looked at my screen, I saw that it was my mom.

"Hey, mom. I'm at the airport."

"Hello, how are doing?"

"I'm fine, why do you ask?"

I heard my mom's familiar sigh and I rolled my eyes.

"Have you talked to her?"

"No, I haven't. I don't think she wanted to talk to me right now."

"I'm sorry, I just don't want you to be upset. You should say sorry to her at least. If you get an opportunity."

"I know but I'm scared to call her."

"Well, maybe if you call her -- maybe you can work it out somehow."

"I guess so, but I have to catch my flight right now. I'll talk to you when I get home."

"Okay, I love you."

"Love you, mom."

I hung up and quickly got a coffee before heading back to my gate. I sat down with my bags and looked at my phone, pulling up my contact list looking at Scarlet's number.