My Number Twenty

Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven
My eyes slowly closed and I drifted off. When I woke up, the cushions laid beneath me. I groggily got up, looking around to see where Brandon went. I pushed my legs off the sofa and too the ground. My eye sight went fuzzy and my head a little dizzy, but it wore off. I heard the click of a door latch opening to see a fancied up ManChild.
"Hello there, fancyboy." I greeted him.
"Thank you." He gave his stunning smile, "Wanna clean up?" I looked into the nearby mirror to see my hair all messed up and my clothing wrinkly.
"Yeah, I guess."
"We leave in ten minutes, sorry for the late notice."
"What time is it?"
"3:10, I'm surprised you're this tired after a short nap."
"Eh." I gently pushed him in the chest and made my way over to the restroom. The counters were a black, glistening color of stone; the toilet laying right at the end. The shower/tub combo was located on the opposite wall. The area was quite large. Then a closet just to the right.
I looked into the mirror and used my fingers as a comb to clean up my hair. Once it was decent, I straightened out my clothes.
Shoot.
My sweater. I need my sweater.
I texted Chaunette quickly. She had a spare key to my apartment. But she already left. Damn it.
I rushed out and Brandon saw my disappointed face.
"What's wrong?"
"I don't have my sweater." He laughed then smiled.
"No problem. I'll let borrow my old sweater. But let's be quick." Brandon and I rushed to his room where he opened his organized closet. He easily selected last season's sweater. I gently threw it on and we were on our way.

* * *

Soldier Field was just a view to take in. No fans, just friends and family were in the stadium. The ice was empty. The snow fall from earlier stopped but the snow cover every exposed spot.
"I gotta go change into my warm up gear. Have fun and stay warm." He smiled and kissed me goodbye, but I saw a slight glimpse of disappointment.
I pulled him back before he left.
"Go kick some Penguin ass." I grinned and gave him one last kiss.
After Brandon walked away, my phone buzzed. It was Chaunette. She wanted to meet up.
For the game, Chaunette and I were sitting next to each other, facing the player's bench. We sat near the front, maybe 10 rows from it. We almost center ice. We met up near the closest entrance to our seats.
Chaunette greeted me with open arms. "How are you?" She asked after her hug.
"Good!" She noticed the sweater I was wearing.
"Is this Brandon's?"
"Yeah! He's lending it to me for tonight." I smiled saying it, I couldn't stop thinking about my guy.
"Oh! He's so sweet! It's like how guys give their sweatshirts to their gf's but this situation is better."
"Oh yes it is."
"So...how did it go today?" I explained the whole date to most every detail.
"Wow. I can see guys being together, I know this is cliché, forever." I blushed at the thought. Being married to Saader, living with him while we grow old. "I can see it in your face, too. I know it's early, but do you love him?"
My mind was running, thinking of Brandon. Did I love him? Why? Would he or myself ever leave this relationship?
"Yes. I've been tempted to tell him but it's too early. Like you said."
"Do you think he feels the same?"
"I hope."
"What would you do if he said, 'I love you'?"
"Say it back. It's true."
"Well, I hope everything works out."
"So do I." It was silent for a little bit, but we went on to talk about this, that, and the other thing.
As time went on, several people arrived. More friends and family of the players, one in which was George, Brandon's older brother. As soon as he recognized me, he rushed over.
"Hey there! Sarah, correct?"
"That is correct!"
"So, how are you today?"
"Good, good! How about yourself?"
"Good. thank you for asking."
"Were you the man that taught Brandon how to be so polite?"
"Why yes! Brandon told me about your get-together today." I knew my cheeks grew pink and Chaunette nudged me.
"Uh, yeah. I met your parents, the people who first taught you manners. George and I laughed while Chaunette silently stood near by.
"You guys are cute together. Just saying." He and Chaunette exchanged a look of , "do you agree?"
"Thank you." I smiled at the fact that he said that. "Do you think I'm Brandon's type of girl?"
"Yeah. You're funny, polite, cute, smart, and athletic. The last two things Brandon told me;you being smart and athletic. Is Brandon you're type of guy?"
"Most definitely! He's athletic, funny, extremely polite, and seems pretty smart, and pretty mature for his age."
"Hm. It seems like you two are a perfect match."
"I hope." George gave a smile like his brother.
We then included Chaunette into our conversation and talked for awhile. We then all grabbed a bite to eat. By that time, fans were everywhere, and both teams started their warmups.
When we went our separate ways, we ended up going the same direction. It turned out George was sitting next to me; Chaunette, me, then George. The game had fifteen minutes till puck drop.
It was freezing out and the snow fall wasn't helping. Now it was more like heavy, wet snow. Luckily, some fans were giving out extra fleece blankets for others, so we got ourselves two.
Finally, the puck dropped and the game got a move on.
First, there were two penalties against the Penguins and we had the first goal from Sharpie! It's amazing how loud the United Center can get, but when you're at Soldier Field with several more thousands of people, it's pretty damn loud. Soon the crowd quieted down.
Second period brought several penalties against both teams but two goals for the good guys. One scored but Captain Serious and the other scored by Versteeg.
Third period had three goals; two for us, one for them. Though, their goal was an own goal and I didn't see who it was from our team. But Toews and Bickell scored.
In the end, the Blackhawks won!
George was a little bit disappointed, him being a Penguins fan and all. He was happy to see Brandon play, though. We let a majority of the crowd leave before we made our way to the locker room. George had to go, so we said our goodbyes. I was slightly disappointed that I didn't see Mr. or Mrs. Saad there, but I was happy that I got to meet them earlier.
Chaunette and I soon arrived to the locker room and she knocked first. I was a little nervous because I'd wanted to meet some more Blackhawk players and I didn't want to make a fool of myself.
I saw the knob turn and the captain answered.
"Hey there, Jonny!" Chaunette greeted.
"Hey Chaunette! Who is your friend here?" He then looked me straight in the eyes.
"Hi, I'm Sarah." I offered a handshake and Jonathan gladly took it. He then turned back to Chaunette.
"You here to see Shawzy?" She nodded her head up and down. He then turned to me. "How about you?"
"I'm here to see Saader."
"So you ARE the Sarah I heard about. Saader mentioned you once or twice, or at least of what I heard. Come on in, we're all dressed." I looked in to see the team mingling or talking to the press. "Brandon is right over there, to the left." Jonathan pointed him out to me.
"Thank you, Captain." He smiled and walked off.
"I'll talk to you later, Sarah."
Now Chaunette and I parted ways and I rushed over to Brandon.
He saw me and grinned. I ran to him and he hugged me.
"Well done, ManChild!"
"Thank you. Did you enjoy the game?"
"Very much! I sat next to George actually."
"Wow! So did you get to know him?"
"Yeah. He's very sweet...like you." He blushed and I chuckled.
"Do you want to meet some of the boys?"
"I'd love to." I grabbed his hand and he lead the way.