Begin Again.
Chapter 11
I was having one of those nightmares about Jon again when I heard someone, or something, rambling through the kitchen. It woke me up and I looked at my clock, it was 1:30 in the morning. I shook off the dream about Jon, it wasn't even to bad this time, and was instantly awake, and filled with fear of who was in my kitchen. Erika had stayed with her Aunt I was pretty sure, she had never came home after the flipped out on Tuukka and I.
Suddenly I heard glass smashing and I shrill scream coming from the kitchen. I nearly jumped out of my skin and grabbed a can of hairspray, not really think, just in case I needed to spray someone in the eye. I headed for the kitchen slowly, the screaming and things being thrown continued. I kept my hand on the spraying nozzle and jumped into the kitchen and yelled, trying to startle whoever this was. When I realized who it was I almost screamed.
"Erika...?"
There she stood, breathing heavily in the darkness, only some moonlight pouring in on her figure from the window. Her hands were in her hair, pulling it out of her face and her eyes watered and her lip trembled. She was looked at me, and I stood there frozen, not knowing what to do. I looked around the floor and saw broken plates and glass, a jar of pickles thrown against the wall and she had broken a chair. What the hell...
"What...what did you do?" I asked her speechlessly, not remembering that she was on the verge of loosing her mind. Erika's legs gave out and she fell onto the cold kitchen floor, sobbing into her hands. Her whole body shook and she hyperventilated, trying to catch her breath.
I sat down next to her and wrapped my arm around her, pulling her into me. She sobbed and sobbed for what felt like hours into my chest. I've only seen Erika break like this a couple of times, when her sister died and when her leg had snapped nearly in half during a hockey game when we were 16. I hated seeing her like this and I pulled away from her and cupped her face.
"Why are you crying." I said sternly as I stared at her. It wasn't really a question. She whimpered and sniffed and tears continued to flow from her eyes like a faucet.
"Because," Was all she could manage. I felt so bad for her but I needed her to tell me.
"Because why, Erika." I kept my face blank. "Tell me right now." She threw back her head and sobbed.
"Because I'm so alone!" She screamed into my face and took my hands off her, crawling into a fetal position on the floor. "I always see you and Tuukka," She sniffed. "And how lovey dovey you are and it makes me fucking SICK because I know I'll never get to have that!"
It all started making sense now, why she didn't like when I mentioned Tuukka or when I hung out with him.
"I've been single," She cried out. "For almost a year now! Not even the fucking INTERN guy liked me. Or found me beautiful. Or cared about me." She screamed and sobbed into her hands.
"Erika," I started crawling torwards her, "There is someone out there for you okay? Just because you've been single doesn't mean you should lower your standards, that's the wrong thing to do. Don't settle. You. Are. Amazing. You're fucking stunning, beyond beautiful. I've been so jealous of how you always seem to look nice, even at times like this. You always have my back and find a way to put up with my bullshit, and that's not an easy task. Your smart and funny and talented. Don't let any guy make you feel like you're anything less than that, do you understand me?"
She looked up at me and sniffed, wiping her eyes and holding out her arms, wanting a hug. I gave her what she wanted and she mumbled into my shoulder.
"I love you Steph."
"I love you too."
"I just get lonely sometimes," She hiccuped. "I'm sorry I tookit out on you and Tuukka, you guys are great together and you deserve each other."
"it's okay," I said to her. "But I have an idea that might help cheer you up."
"What is it?"
"Bruins game tonight, glass seats behind the crease. You and me and we get to meet the team afterwards."
The old, happy Erika was instantly back, jumping around and hugging me and smiling.
"Oh my god, I can't wait!" She exclaimed happily, kissing my cheek.
"Same here, lets just clean this up and go to bed, we have class in a few hours then we have to go to the game."
We cleaned up the things Erika had broken and fell back asleep. We woke up a few hours later and went off to class, grabbing some coffee. I could barely focus because I wanted to see Tuukka so bad,I already missed him. Erika was equally excited to go to the game, she wanted to apologize to Tuukka for being rude to him the other day.
After class we drove back to our apartment and got ready. I put on Tuukka's jersey and some ripped skinny jeans and Erika threw on her Marchand shirt and black leggings with gold studs down the side, I curled her hair and she straightened mine; doing the opposite of what our hair did naturally. Within in hour we were off to the game. Tuukka called me and told me to meet him in the VIP lounge so he could see me before hand.
"Hey love," He smiled and kissed my lips gently.
"Hi." I smiled. He looked over awkwardly at Erika, giving me a look that said, what's she doing here?
"Tuukka can I talk to you for a second?" Erika asked him, pointing around the corner so she could talk to him there.
"Um, sure..." Tuukka looked uncomfortable but followed her anyway. I knew she was apologizing to him so he'd have to deal.
I looked around the VIP lounge, it was really nice and you got a really good view of the game. The game didn't start for a few more hours or so but I didn't want to spend to much time with Tuukka because he had to get his head in the game. A few minutes later Erika and Tuukka reappeared from the corner, both smiling and laughing.
"You have yourself a quality best friend here," he smiled and slung her arm around me shoulder. Erika laughed, and I was happy that these two could work out there issues.
"I know, I got lucky." I said to Tuukka but smiled at Erika.
"I love your jersey, where'd you get it from?" He winked at me.
I was going to answer with something plain and simple like 'oh, my amazing boyfriend got it for me,' biut then I realized Tuukka wasn't my boyfriend. Which felt weird, considering we acted like it and we both really liked each other and I felt like I was falling in love all over again, and that hadn't happened in almost 10 years.
"Some dude was selling them at the common half off," I joked and looked up at him. "I got it real cheap."
He rolled his eyes at me. "Very funny. But I have to go because I have to get ready, take these." He handed me two passes, one for me and one for Erika. "Show them to security and they'll let you in. The guys are excited to meet you..." He turned to Erika. "And your single friend. They're a bunch if dogs though so be careful."
Erika giggled. "Don't worry," she said. "I'm not a puck slut." He nodded at her then turned back to me.
"I gotta go, babe. See you after." He kissed me and I kissed him back a little passionately, feeling that feeling in my stomach again. I pulled away and mumbled against his lips, "Good luck."
There was only 3 minutes left in the period, and Marchand and Eberle had found themselves in a scramble. The best part of it was that it was happening right in front of Erika and I. The crowd screamed and we pounded against the glass excitedly.
Marchand was kicking Eberle's ass; punching him square in the jaw,
"Marchand you got this baby!" Erika screamed into the glass, right next to him. She smiled at him and started screaming excitedly, he punched Ebs square in the face, sending him flailing to the ground.
After seeing that he was okay, I started screaming excitedly.
"He won!" Erika screamed and jumped around with me as the refs took Marshy to his bench. "And it looks like we're going to!" We were up by 3 points and sure enough, we won.
Shutout by Tuukka Rask. He was getting laid tonight, I thought to myself. Then I realized I couldn't, he still wasn't my boyfriend. Fuck.
"You did so good!" I squealed, jumping into Tuukka's arms and wrapping my legs around his waist. He had just showered so his hair was all wet and curly and he smelled amazing. He hugged me and spun me around kissing me as he wrapped his legs around my waist. When I pulled away I realized that we were right near the entrance of the bruins locker room., and the whole team had just seen our embrace. Shit, that was a way to make a first impression.
They all stood there with their towels around their waists and mouthed deigned dangling open or smiles creeping up in them. "Get it, Tuukk!" A voice shouted.
"Who's this?" Bergeron asked as he walked over, smiling and pointing to me. Oh my god Patrice Bergeron was looking at me. And so was half the bruins team. Oh my god. The whole locker room looked at Tuukka and I waiting for an answer.
"This," he said as he wrapped his arm around my waist. "Is my girlfriend, Stephanie."
His WHAT. IM HIS WHAT. My mind raced, I felt like I was gonna explode.
Bergeron smiled. "Oh hi!" He hugged me. "It's so nice to meet you, Tuukka wouldn't shut up about you."
I giggled. "It's nice to meet you too."
"Guys!" Bergeron turned around to face the locker room. "Meet Tuukka's girlfriend!"
They all smiled and walked over to me and yelled oooooohhhhhh at Tuukka, teasing him about me.
"So this is the girl, huh?" Seguin asked, analyzing me from head to toe.
"Watch it." Tuukka warned.
"Aww, you jealous?" I teased him. He rolled his eyes at me as I met the rest of the team. I liked Lucic and Bergeron the most. They were mature enough to realize that Tuukka and I did like each other and I wasn't just some puck slut he met at the club.
I also met Brittnay, Lucic's wife,a sped she pulled me into a giant hug. "Are you Tuukka's girlfriend?" She asked me, very excitedly. I nodded and giggled a little, the thought of being his girlfriend gave me butterflies.
"Yup, in the flesh." I smiled.
Brittnay squealed at hugged me again. "I'm Looch's wife, I'm so excited I get to have a new hockey WAG friend!"
It didn't really occur to me that I would be part of the Boston Bruins WAGS but I really liked the idea of it. I smiled at her, not knowing what to say. She was gorgeous, and funny and charismatic. I loved her already.
She scanned the locker room quickly. "No, it looks like the rest of us left." She pouted. "You can meet them next time though, and Milan and I are having a Super Bowl party next Saturday and you are definitely invited." This woman was so sweet.
"Oh, thank you!" I gave her a hug and she left with Lucic. They were in love, that's for sure. Brad Marchand suddenly walked out, towel loosely hung around his waist.
"Who's this?" He asked Ference, pointing to me.
"That's Tuukka's new girl." Ference replied.
"oh!" Marchand said, walking over to hug me. "Nice to meet you. I'm brad Marchand."
"I know who you are," I giggled. God I was so giggly. "I saw your fight."
Erika appeared behind me and asked me if I had seen her phone, she looked down, checking her pockets and stuff. "Nice shirt," Brad said to her. Erika looked up, and saw one of her favorite Bruins players staring at her sweetly.
"Thanks," She smiled at him. Suddenly they locked eyes and continued to stare, and I felt really uncomfortable watching this. Both of them were at loss for words. Oh my god Erika, no. Not Marchand.
"Wanna....wanna hang out sometime?" Marchand stuttered. Erika nodded slowly.
"Yeah," she smiled "I'd love to." They both chuckled a little and Marchand slowly grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it.
"Oh my God," I said, backing away slowly. "Not to cock block or anything, but Erika and I need to go." I said to them, starting to grab Erika's arm.
"Erika?" Brad said, even though it wasn't nearly a question. "That's a beautiful name." Erika giggled and batted her eyelashes at him.
"Why thank you." She winked. Jesus Christ.
"We need to go!" I tugged on her. She gave him her number and kissed his check and he wrapped his arms around her as she did so. She skipped away happily, almost humming to herself.
"I'll meet you in the car, Steph." She sang as she disappeared around the corner. I rolled my eyes at them. Erika and Marchand, oh god. They were both stubborn and loud and annoying at times, this should be interesting.
Suddenly I heard glass smashing and I shrill scream coming from the kitchen. I nearly jumped out of my skin and grabbed a can of hairspray, not really think, just in case I needed to spray someone in the eye. I headed for the kitchen slowly, the screaming and things being thrown continued. I kept my hand on the spraying nozzle and jumped into the kitchen and yelled, trying to startle whoever this was. When I realized who it was I almost screamed.
"Erika...?"
There she stood, breathing heavily in the darkness, only some moonlight pouring in on her figure from the window. Her hands were in her hair, pulling it out of her face and her eyes watered and her lip trembled. She was looked at me, and I stood there frozen, not knowing what to do. I looked around the floor and saw broken plates and glass, a jar of pickles thrown against the wall and she had broken a chair. What the hell...
"What...what did you do?" I asked her speechlessly, not remembering that she was on the verge of loosing her mind. Erika's legs gave out and she fell onto the cold kitchen floor, sobbing into her hands. Her whole body shook and she hyperventilated, trying to catch her breath.
I sat down next to her and wrapped my arm around her, pulling her into me. She sobbed and sobbed for what felt like hours into my chest. I've only seen Erika break like this a couple of times, when her sister died and when her leg had snapped nearly in half during a hockey game when we were 16. I hated seeing her like this and I pulled away from her and cupped her face.
"Why are you crying." I said sternly as I stared at her. It wasn't really a question. She whimpered and sniffed and tears continued to flow from her eyes like a faucet.
"Because," Was all she could manage. I felt so bad for her but I needed her to tell me.
"Because why, Erika." I kept my face blank. "Tell me right now." She threw back her head and sobbed.
"Because I'm so alone!" She screamed into my face and took my hands off her, crawling into a fetal position on the floor. "I always see you and Tuukka," She sniffed. "And how lovey dovey you are and it makes me fucking SICK because I know I'll never get to have that!"
It all started making sense now, why she didn't like when I mentioned Tuukka or when I hung out with him.
"I've been single," She cried out. "For almost a year now! Not even the fucking INTERN guy liked me. Or found me beautiful. Or cared about me." She screamed and sobbed into her hands.
"Erika," I started crawling torwards her, "There is someone out there for you okay? Just because you've been single doesn't mean you should lower your standards, that's the wrong thing to do. Don't settle. You. Are. Amazing. You're fucking stunning, beyond beautiful. I've been so jealous of how you always seem to look nice, even at times like this. You always have my back and find a way to put up with my bullshit, and that's not an easy task. Your smart and funny and talented. Don't let any guy make you feel like you're anything less than that, do you understand me?"
She looked up at me and sniffed, wiping her eyes and holding out her arms, wanting a hug. I gave her what she wanted and she mumbled into my shoulder.
"I love you Steph."
"I love you too."
"I just get lonely sometimes," She hiccuped. "I'm sorry I tookit out on you and Tuukka, you guys are great together and you deserve each other."
"it's okay," I said to her. "But I have an idea that might help cheer you up."
"What is it?"
"Bruins game tonight, glass seats behind the crease. You and me and we get to meet the team afterwards."
The old, happy Erika was instantly back, jumping around and hugging me and smiling.
"Oh my god, I can't wait!" She exclaimed happily, kissing my cheek.
"Same here, lets just clean this up and go to bed, we have class in a few hours then we have to go to the game."
We cleaned up the things Erika had broken and fell back asleep. We woke up a few hours later and went off to class, grabbing some coffee. I could barely focus because I wanted to see Tuukka so bad,I already missed him. Erika was equally excited to go to the game, she wanted to apologize to Tuukka for being rude to him the other day.
After class we drove back to our apartment and got ready. I put on Tuukka's jersey and some ripped skinny jeans and Erika threw on her Marchand shirt and black leggings with gold studs down the side, I curled her hair and she straightened mine; doing the opposite of what our hair did naturally. Within in hour we were off to the game. Tuukka called me and told me to meet him in the VIP lounge so he could see me before hand.
"Hey love," He smiled and kissed my lips gently.
"Hi." I smiled. He looked over awkwardly at Erika, giving me a look that said, what's she doing here?
"Tuukka can I talk to you for a second?" Erika asked him, pointing around the corner so she could talk to him there.
"Um, sure..." Tuukka looked uncomfortable but followed her anyway. I knew she was apologizing to him so he'd have to deal.
I looked around the VIP lounge, it was really nice and you got a really good view of the game. The game didn't start for a few more hours or so but I didn't want to spend to much time with Tuukka because he had to get his head in the game. A few minutes later Erika and Tuukka reappeared from the corner, both smiling and laughing.
"You have yourself a quality best friend here," he smiled and slung her arm around me shoulder. Erika laughed, and I was happy that these two could work out there issues.
"I know, I got lucky." I said to Tuukka but smiled at Erika.
"I love your jersey, where'd you get it from?" He winked at me.
I was going to answer with something plain and simple like 'oh, my amazing boyfriend got it for me,' biut then I realized Tuukka wasn't my boyfriend. Which felt weird, considering we acted like it and we both really liked each other and I felt like I was falling in love all over again, and that hadn't happened in almost 10 years.
"Some dude was selling them at the common half off," I joked and looked up at him. "I got it real cheap."
He rolled his eyes at me. "Very funny. But I have to go because I have to get ready, take these." He handed me two passes, one for me and one for Erika. "Show them to security and they'll let you in. The guys are excited to meet you..." He turned to Erika. "And your single friend. They're a bunch if dogs though so be careful."
Erika giggled. "Don't worry," she said. "I'm not a puck slut." He nodded at her then turned back to me.
"I gotta go, babe. See you after." He kissed me and I kissed him back a little passionately, feeling that feeling in my stomach again. I pulled away and mumbled against his lips, "Good luck."
There was only 3 minutes left in the period, and Marchand and Eberle had found themselves in a scramble. The best part of it was that it was happening right in front of Erika and I. The crowd screamed and we pounded against the glass excitedly.
Marchand was kicking Eberle's ass; punching him square in the jaw,
"Marchand you got this baby!" Erika screamed into the glass, right next to him. She smiled at him and started screaming excitedly, he punched Ebs square in the face, sending him flailing to the ground.
After seeing that he was okay, I started screaming excitedly.
"He won!" Erika screamed and jumped around with me as the refs took Marshy to his bench. "And it looks like we're going to!" We were up by 3 points and sure enough, we won.
Shutout by Tuukka Rask. He was getting laid tonight, I thought to myself. Then I realized I couldn't, he still wasn't my boyfriend. Fuck.
"You did so good!" I squealed, jumping into Tuukka's arms and wrapping my legs around his waist. He had just showered so his hair was all wet and curly and he smelled amazing. He hugged me and spun me around kissing me as he wrapped his legs around my waist. When I pulled away I realized that we were right near the entrance of the bruins locker room., and the whole team had just seen our embrace. Shit, that was a way to make a first impression.
They all stood there with their towels around their waists and mouthed deigned dangling open or smiles creeping up in them. "Get it, Tuukk!" A voice shouted.
"Who's this?" Bergeron asked as he walked over, smiling and pointing to me. Oh my god Patrice Bergeron was looking at me. And so was half the bruins team. Oh my god. The whole locker room looked at Tuukka and I waiting for an answer.
"This," he said as he wrapped his arm around my waist. "Is my girlfriend, Stephanie."
His WHAT. IM HIS WHAT. My mind raced, I felt like I was gonna explode.
Bergeron smiled. "Oh hi!" He hugged me. "It's so nice to meet you, Tuukka wouldn't shut up about you."
I giggled. "It's nice to meet you too."
"Guys!" Bergeron turned around to face the locker room. "Meet Tuukka's girlfriend!"
They all smiled and walked over to me and yelled oooooohhhhhh at Tuukka, teasing him about me.
"So this is the girl, huh?" Seguin asked, analyzing me from head to toe.
"Watch it." Tuukka warned.
"Aww, you jealous?" I teased him. He rolled his eyes at me as I met the rest of the team. I liked Lucic and Bergeron the most. They were mature enough to realize that Tuukka and I did like each other and I wasn't just some puck slut he met at the club.
I also met Brittnay, Lucic's wife,a sped she pulled me into a giant hug. "Are you Tuukka's girlfriend?" She asked me, very excitedly. I nodded and giggled a little, the thought of being his girlfriend gave me butterflies.
"Yup, in the flesh." I smiled.
Brittnay squealed at hugged me again. "I'm Looch's wife, I'm so excited I get to have a new hockey WAG friend!"
It didn't really occur to me that I would be part of the Boston Bruins WAGS but I really liked the idea of it. I smiled at her, not knowing what to say. She was gorgeous, and funny and charismatic. I loved her already.
She scanned the locker room quickly. "No, it looks like the rest of us left." She pouted. "You can meet them next time though, and Milan and I are having a Super Bowl party next Saturday and you are definitely invited." This woman was so sweet.
"Oh, thank you!" I gave her a hug and she left with Lucic. They were in love, that's for sure. Brad Marchand suddenly walked out, towel loosely hung around his waist.
"Who's this?" He asked Ference, pointing to me.
"That's Tuukka's new girl." Ference replied.
"oh!" Marchand said, walking over to hug me. "Nice to meet you. I'm brad Marchand."
"I know who you are," I giggled. God I was so giggly. "I saw your fight."
Erika appeared behind me and asked me if I had seen her phone, she looked down, checking her pockets and stuff. "Nice shirt," Brad said to her. Erika looked up, and saw one of her favorite Bruins players staring at her sweetly.
"Thanks," She smiled at him. Suddenly they locked eyes and continued to stare, and I felt really uncomfortable watching this. Both of them were at loss for words. Oh my god Erika, no. Not Marchand.
"Wanna....wanna hang out sometime?" Marchand stuttered. Erika nodded slowly.
"Yeah," she smiled "I'd love to." They both chuckled a little and Marchand slowly grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it.
"Oh my God," I said, backing away slowly. "Not to cock block or anything, but Erika and I need to go." I said to them, starting to grab Erika's arm.
"Erika?" Brad said, even though it wasn't nearly a question. "That's a beautiful name." Erika giggled and batted her eyelashes at him.
"Why thank you." She winked. Jesus Christ.
"We need to go!" I tugged on her. She gave him her number and kissed his check and he wrapped his arms around her as she did so. She skipped away happily, almost humming to herself.
"I'll meet you in the car, Steph." She sang as she disappeared around the corner. I rolled my eyes at them. Erika and Marchand, oh god. They were both stubborn and loud and annoying at times, this should be interesting.
12/1/13