Love Game

Chapter Twenty-Six - Western Conference Final

After beating Minnesota and Chicago in the first two rounds of the playoffs, we were now in game seven of the Western Conference final against Los Angeles. My knees were shaking with worry. Not only because it was my first career game seven, but because Karson was returning to the lineup tonight. I was scared him and Gabe would drop the gloves and go at it, or if Karson would hurt Gabe intentionally after what Gabe did to him. I was freaking out. That was the only way to describe what I was truly feeling.

I sat in my locker with everything but my jersey on. I stared down at my skates and I had my head phones shoved into my ears. I was listening to my pump up song on repeat, "Tomorrow Never Dies" by 5 Seconds of Summer. My breathing started to hitch every time I thought about this game. I even ran into a bathroom stall earlier and threw up my pre game meal. I was throwing up constantly for at least twenty-five minutes, until Nathan came and found me.

Nathan was in his second year, and he played a game seven his rookie season against Minnesota. He told me not to worry about it. He ended up worrying about it last season, and they lost. He told me to just go out there and act like it's just another game. He knew exactly what I was going through as a rookie, and I loved how I could relate with him on that level.

"You'll be alright," Nathan's voice rings through my head. "Play the best to your ability. At the end of the night, you'll be a winner regardless of what the outcome is."

I pulled my head phones out of my ears and shoved my iPod into my bag. I pulled the burgundy and blue sweater over my head, feeling the nerves start to control my body. I took a deep breath as I strapped my helmet on. I looked across the room and saw how calm the guys seemed to be. Or they were just really nervous.

My eyes searched the room for Gabe and I saw him hunched over in his locker. I made my way to him, making sure I didn't step on the Avalanche logo in the middle of the locker room. I rested my hands on his shoulders and he looked up at me. He looked like he was going to throw up.

"Hey, how are you feeling?" I whisper as I look into his blue eyes.

"I want to throw up," he mumbles, sweat dripping off his forehead.

"Gabe, listen to me. Whatever happens tonight, you're a winner. You have had a terrific season. You're a great captain. You have made all of us believe in ourselves when we thought it wasn't possible." I rub his shoulders. "Now, Captain. Your team needs to hear from you."

Gabe stood up from his locker and embraced me in his arms. We held each other there for a moment, not saying a word. I slowly pulled away from him and patted his chest, soon making my way back to my locker.

I made my way passed some of the guys, the guys who have supported me through thick and thin. I ruffle their hair and pat them on the back. When I got to Varly's locker, I stopped right in front of him with my hands on my hips. He looks up at me as paleness took over his body. His legs were shaking and his forehead was soaked with sweat.

"Hey," I whisper as I lean down to hug him. "You'll be fine. I believe in you."

"At least someone does," he wraps his arms around me. "I'm not very good in game sevens."

"Tonight is your turn around point. You will dominate. Push those thoughts of doubt out of your mind right now. You will come out on top tonight, Semyon. I know it." I tell him, giving him a soft squeeze.

"Thank you, Mallory," he whispers as I slowly pull away from him.

I make my way back to my locker, putting on my gloves and grabbing my stick. I looked around the locker room and saw that no one was wanting to give a pep talk. I looked over at Gabe and I saw him slowly putting his gear on, not saying a word to anybody. It looks like I'll have to talk.