You Again.

Chapter 1

        Today I get to sing the national anthem at this years opening seasons hockey game in front of thousands.  I have no idea who the new players on the Blackhawks are and have a slight case of stage fright, but I have always loved singing.  The game starts at 7:00 and it is currently 4:07 so I have plenty of time to prepare physically and mentally.  Again singing in front of people is a definite no for me; so obviously this night is going to run by smoothly, please note my use of slight sarcasm.  My dad used to take me to all of the Blackhawks’s games.  He was a huge fan of hockey being from Canada, and living in Chicago made that the family’s favorite team.  It became our father-daughter thing.  My dad passes away less than two years ago.  It was incredibly hard for me because he was my best friend.  He would have been proud today, and I know he will be with me all the way.

         After showering for 45 minutes I dried and styled my hair, grabbed my jersey and my black skinny jeans along with my red converse.   It's a hockey game, so nothing too fancy.  By that time it was 6:30 and I headed out the door.  One reason I love living in the city is that everything is so close.  Want a sandwich, no problem; there are about four delis across the street from me.  That is a perfect example of why I moved down here once I finished college. 

        Once I reached the arena I showed my ticket to the woman and she gave me a lanyard with a special ticket to allow me access to the rank.  My palms were clammy and I started shaking.  At 7:05 I saw all the players lining up and facing my way.   The announcer said, ”Ladies and gentlemen if you may please remove your hats as Isabel Walters sings the National Anthem" I stepped out hesitantly with two troops behind me holding the American flag and heard a single stick drop onto the ice.  I looked at the player as he just stood there for a second and bent down to retrieve it.  Number 23?  Should have looked at the roster before I came.  As everyone rose and that was the signal to start. 

        On the last note everyone applauded and cheered.  I actually did it!  I took bow and went back into the section along with the two men.  They pat me on my back and said a few ‘Good Jobs’.  The lady congratulated me and gave me my new ticket next to the bench! On top of that I could meet all the players afterwards.  As I made my way to my seat they started announcing the new team when I heard "Number 23!" the stick guy.  "Nathan Reynolds!" I stopped completely and my stomach dropped.  Nathan Reynolds as in the guy who I dated for 3 years in High School? The guy who stole my heart, and crushed it brutally?  "Sit down!" a viciously plump guy shouted as I ran to my seat.  I had a massive headache.  I needed a beer.  Make it 3.  Now why don’t I explain why I wanted to throw-up when I heard that repulsive name.

"Mom?" I yelled from my room "Yes dear!”

"Where did you put my dress?"

"In your closet sweetheart, get ready soon Nathan will be here in an hour!"

I open my closet door and start checking the different sections until I found it.  This dress I fell in complete love with.  The design, the fabric, you name it, I loved it and I hope Nathan would too. As I took a shower and did my hair and makeup, my heart was pounding.  I got to go to senior prom with someone who I loved, and loved me back.  Slipping on my dress and doing final touch ups I heard his voice. 

"Hello their Mrs. Walters"

"Oh sweetie, I’ve told you before, calls me Sarah!  Izzy will be down in a minute!”

         I was finally satisfied with how and I walked down the stairs.  My parents took multiple photos of us, which I may or may not have cropped him out from my rage later on.  He gave me a beautiful necklace with a heart pendant.  It had our names engraved onto it delicately.  I was in complete awe and I kissed him there on the spot.  He whispered, “I love you Isabel, never forget that”.  Bullshit.  We got to prom and walked in hand-in-hand.  He was nominated for prom king because he was the captain of the hockey team, and of course I wasn't for queen because I was too ‘intellectually advance’ in nicer terms.  Everyone questioned his choice but for some reason he chose me.  He won in a landslide, and of course Carissa won queen, she was the schools Barbie.  This girl practically bled bubble gum pink and was your typical school slut.  When they were crowned they went to the floor and were supposed to dance but he took the microphone and said, "Thank you for nominating me as king but I would like to share this dance with my queen, Isabel may I have this dance?"  I can still remember how is blue eyes searched for mine, and how his lips spoke those faux words.  Of course I accepted.

        Now you may think he is a dream and I'm just bitter.  I am sorry. but lets continue.  Prom was hosted at a hotel with a beautiful hall.  Nathan booked a room and told me to meet him in room 213.  I go up in the elevator fixing my hair and applied a quick layer of lip-gloss. 210, 211, 212, and finally room 213.  The door was slightly cracked and I peaked in to see it he was there.  Oh let me tell you he was, and so was Carissa. They were locked at the lips as she unbuttoned his shirt, took off his belt, and fumbled with is zipper.  Don’t worry she wasn't doing all the work.  He peeled off her dress and sucked the top of her breast, while shimmying her undies off.  I was frozen in place; a tear ran down my face.  She lowered herself down from his lips and got on her knees.  He then said, "We can't tell Isabel" and I decide that is my cue.  I walked in and all he said was “Oh hey, want to join?”  I slapped that asshole across the face and said, "I hate you”. Let me tell you my mascara was not waterproof.  I never spoke to him again after that.  He tried calling for about a week then stopped.  I cried for days but I finally got over him, graduated, went to MIT and moved back to Illinois. 

So you get the point right?  I guess he was just as surprised due to the dropping of his hockey stick. 

         Just my luck, I get to sit near the bench that contains Nathan Reynolds, and I get to meet the team that also contains Nathan fucking Reynolds.  I am pulled away from thoughts when I hear a tap next to me.  I look over and its number 23 tapping the plastic shield between us trying to get my attention. I attempt to ignore him.  Tap. Tap. Tap. I turn towards him and narrowed my eyes.  I see him look down and I turn back to the game.  Tap. Tap. Tap.  I face the plastic again and see a paper held against it.  Where the flipping hell did he get paper? "Can we talk"?  I laughed and gave him a look that said, “Yeah right” and ignored him for the rest of the game.