The Train Ride That Changed My Life

Part 3: Train #147 Alexis

Any anxieties or fears I had about sitting with Mats evaporated quickly as the train moved along. Even though I was a stranger, he was surprisingly talkative. I got his autograph and the rest of the teams', and we spent some time talking about hockey- my favorite sport to watch. I told him about how I went to one of his home games whenever I could, and he talked (in his Norwegian accent of course) about his career. I told him about mine and my law school in the city, and my plan to become a lawyer. Our conversations continued on for a while, and soon we pulled into Penn Station. He helped me with my suitcase (while the team snickered some more) and we all walked into the station.

Out of the blue, Mats pulled me aside and said "Here's my number. I really enjoyed the train ride with you and I really think you should come to our game next Friday", he said, as he pressed a ticket and a slip of paper with his number and address on it into my hand.

"I'd love to!", I said, ecstatically, as I exchanged my number and address. Interestingly, the teams' apartments were only a block away from mine.

"I also have a pass for you to come see me after the game, if you want", he said, as he gave me another slip of paper.

"Thank you SO much Mats! I exclaimed.

"No problem!", he said. "But I have to go, the team's waiting for me. See you Friday?"

"Yep. I'll be there. See you Friday!" I said, excitement fluttering around inside my gut like butterflies.

"Bye!" he said, an air of happiness in his voice as he rejoined the team.

And that left me with my long, wavy, blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and small waist standing dumbfounded in the middle of Penn Station, with three pieces of paper in my hands, as I realized how much I liked Mats André Zuccarello Aasen.