I Love You, Mat Barzal

Part 1

I wiped the sweat from my forehead and cracked open a window. I turned around to my brother, Noah, placing another one of my boxes on top of the others. 

"That's your last one..." Noah sighed, looking around my freshly painted bedroom. 

I started to open up and unpack my boxes, beginning to make myself at home. "Thanks Noah, I really appreciate you moving my stuff up here." 

"Not gonna lie Jules... I really didn't think you'd be as cool with moving as you are. I really appreciate you being so selfless. I think Mom would say the same thing." he said calmly, placing his hands in his pockets. 

"I know. When she told me I wasn't too happy... but I know it's better for all of us. You'll be able to play in the BCHL (British Colombia Hockey League), Mom can get back to working. To be honest, I just wanted to graduate with my friends. At the end of the day, this is what's best for our family. And that's what counts." I confessed. Noah gave me a wink as he walked out of my bedroom, closing the door behind him. 

I had some of my basic necessities for my room, but not all of my clothes and stuff had been shipped yet. But, my room was coming together. My room began filling with a beautifully bright orange-pink light. I finished up some last few things in my room and walked downstairs and out on my porch. I saw old couples enjoying their after dinner walks, children playing and riding their bicycles in the street. 

"That's not something you'd see back home, huh?" My mother walked up behind me, hugging my shoulders. 

"Mom, there are plenty of old people and children back home too..." I smiled at her.

"No, no, Juliette. I mean kids playing in the street, people walking around with no worries, and this grass! Look how vast and green this grass looks! I'm going to make a vegetable garden, I'm so excited!" My mom cheered. She began dazing into her own world of how much more property and space we had. I have to admit, it was nice to have a real porch instead of a concrete stoop. And actually having a front lawn that wasn't just sidewalk was definitely a lot prettier. 

"What is it a party out here or something?" Noah trotted onto the porch where me and my mom were standing, he was holding a plate of drinks in his hands. He handed one to me, one to my mom and took one for himself. "This is to a new opportunities and our support for one another. Cent'Ann." Noah raised his glass and we all took a sip.

-The Next Day-

After hearing that we were moving to Canada I was picturing snow and freezing temperatures...but damn. It's pretty much just as hot as New York. I rose from my bed and got started on my day. I showered, brushed my teeth, and got dressed. I slipped into a pair of American Eagle high waisted shorts, threw on a basic black cami, and grabbed my black flipflops. I headed right outside into the heat of the day. I walked out to see Noah loading up his truck with his hockey gear.

"Good morning!" I smiled at him. He gave me a nod and continued with his task. He grabbed his sticks and laid them across the back seat. 

"I have my first real practice in an hour... do you wanna come watch?" He asked with a large smile spread across his already giddy face. I could tell how excited he was. 

"Maybe I'll swing by the rink in a little while I wanted to see what I can get around here for breakfast" I replied as I unlocked my car. 

"Well, you know where to find me. I hope to see you there!" He hopped into his truck and drove away. I left the house not too long after him, I drove toward the town area. I'm not sure what they call it but its basically like a small village of little shops and restaurants. I pulled into a deli and ordered myself breakfast and ate there. 

A girl that looked about my age walked up to me with a large grin on her face. "Hi, I'm sorry... but did you just move here?" The girl asked me. I nodded my head toward her.

"Um, yes I did...How do you know that?" I questioned.

"I'm sorry. I saw you and your family moving in a couple houses down from me. You are easily recognizable and this town is so small. So, it's pretty easy to spot a new face...I'm Emma, by the way" 

I gave her a warm, welcoming smile and a slight laugh. "Hi Emma. I'm Juliette." She shook my hand as I offered her the seat sitting across from me at my table. She was so sweet, and really down to Earth. I explained to her on why my family moved here from Queens, New York; and she shared similar family stories with me. 

"Actually Emma, I was gonna head down to the rink to go pop in on my brother's practice. Would you want to come with?" I asked her. She popped right up out of her chair and nodded. I can already tell this girl is gonna be a good ass friend. 

~~~~Author's Note

So no Barzy yet. But were moving along and I definitely wanted to get you guys amped up. Please don't forget to show my story some love by voting and commenting all that you guys want!! 

P.S. I really love and crave feedback on the story! Things you like and don't like...so just let me know. xoxo