Opal's Boy

Chapter 11

Sidney stayed incognito until we got to our seats.

"Is that Sidney Crosby?" Someone whispered behind us.

He laughed and put an arm around my shoulder.

The Hawks soon came out and the game began. They played an amazing game against the Red Wings and beat them 7-0 with three goals from Kane himself.

After the game, Sidney and I met Patrick and Veda in the locker room. Some players scoffed at Sidney, others snapped quick pictures.

"You did great, Kane," I smiled.

"Thanks Ope," he responded.

"Great job out there, man. You're top notch," Sidney told him.

"Thanks, Crosby. That means a lot coming from a guy like you," he grinned.

I smiled and tightened my grip around Sidney's waist.

"What're you doing tonight?" Patrick asked us.

"Nothing, you have something planned?" I asked.

He nodded. "Club."

We all went back home to get dressed.

Patrick had an outfit in his car so he came to my house. Veda put on a short black dress that fit her perfectly. She wore red heels that paired well. I put on a short black lace dress with one sleeve. I put on simple black heels that matched. Sidney wore a plain black t shirt and jeans, similar to what Patrick was wearing.

Veda and I put on heavy mascara and deep red lipstick. Veda straightened her curls, letting her hair flow in waves over her shoulders. I did the same.

When we walked downstairs, the boys were speechless.

"Y-you look great," Sidney stuttered.

I smiled and wrapped my arms around his waist and laid my head on his chest.

"Damn Veda," I heard Patrick whisper into her neck.

I looked away and tugged at Sidney's hand.

"C'mon guys. I do have to pack tomorrow morning."

When we got to the club, the music was pulsing. Patrick took Veda to talk to some other Hawks players, leaving Sidney and I alone.

"I'm not letting this go to waste," he said as he looked me up and down.

He pulled me out to the middle of the floor and started dancing.

After a while, I decided it was time to go home. Sidney agreed.

I found Patrick and pulled him to the bar.

"Hey, Sidney and I are gonna go home and go to sleep. You've got a key right?"

He nodded.

"Okay I'll see you tomorrow morning before I leave."

I gave him a tight hug and walked out with Sidney.

The next morning, I woke up from a light shake.

"Morning, beautiful," I heard Sidney whisper.

I smiled and sat up.

"What time is it?" I said quietly.

"Nine. I looked at your ticket and found one online right beside you. Plane leaves at noon," he told me.

I reluctantly stood up and started packing.

"I'm gonna go get us some breakfast," Sidney said as he hugged me.

I kissed his cheek and let him leave.

A few minutes later, Patrick walked in. He started grabbing hair and makeup products from my bathroom and helped me pack them.

"I'm gonna miss you," he said.

"I'll only be gone for a week," I forced a smile.

"I know, I just feel like you'll love Pittsburgh and wanna stay there."

I stopped packing and faced Patrick.

"I'm not staying in Pittsburgh. You can't get rid of me that easily," I joked.

"I just want you to know that I was here before Sidney, and if there is an after, I'm still your best friend and I'll be waiting," he told me.

I bit back tears and nodded.

"Please be careful here, Kane. Stay safe," I said.

It sounded like I was just being nice, but I was serious. I helped Patrick through everything for the past two years. I was really worried about him.

"I'll be fine, Opal. You know Toews is gonna be on high alert now that you're gone," he laughed.

"You can stay here. You know that right?" I asked.

"I know. I'd love to stay here," he smiled.

"I have a question. Have you and Veda, you know," I smirked.

"No! I told you I was gonna try and chill out," he laughed.

"That makes me feel a lot better. I love you, Kane," I smiled.

"I love you too, Ope," he said back.

I heard the front door open and close. Sidney was back.

"I'll go wake Veda up so we can go with you to the airport."

He hugged me and jogged out the door.

Sidney soon called us all downstairs to eat.

"So when is your first day, Opal?" Veda asked.

"I have to go meet my new boss at six tonight. And the new team," I grumbled.

"That's why I had to be back today," Sidney said as he nodded.

"Look, go in with an open mind. I'm sure it won't be that bad," Patrick said as he shoved an egg in his mouth.

I nodded.

After breakfast, it was 10:30. We packed all our bags in Patrick's car and headed to the airport.

When we got there, Sidney said his goodbyes and headed through security. I gave Veda a tight hug and said goodbye. I pulled Patrick to the side and tried to hold back my tears. When he had road trips, I didn't feel like this. The fact that I was potentially leaving forever made me feel empty inside.

"I'll be back. I promise I will," I said, taking deep breaths.

"I know, Opal. And let me just say, I'll be fine if you like Pittsburgh more and I won't blame you if you stay," he half smiled.

I shook my head quickly. "I'm staying in Chicago, okay? Take care of my house for me. I love you. Tell the boys I'll be back."

I leaned in and gave him the tightest hug I could manage. He kissed the spot under my ear which sent shivers down my spine.

I pulled away and waved to them one last time before I turned and followed Sidney.