That Summer
I Don't Know Bro
*Brendan’s POV*
The playoffs- the time when every player in the league goes balls to the walls and you give it everything you’ve got. It’s the time when every play, every shot, every block, every save, and every goal counts. It’s the time when winning or losing a game can either mean you’re season continues or you go home defeated. We were playing against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round and we were all a little bit nervous. Pittsburgh had done really well this year and we knew that they wouldn’t be an easy team to beat but Annabella made sure I stayed calm and relaxed and I appreciated it immensely. Tonight was our third game against them and surprisingly, we were ahead in the series 2-0, but it was by a few good bounces and a lot of power plays. We knew that having a 3-0 lead would be amazing, but we also knew Pittsburgh had no plans to let that happen and wanted to make the series 2-1. Tonight was going to be a battle.
*Annabella’s POV*
Normally I would sit in the box suite with Angie, but tonight we decided to sit in the front row by the ice so we could see the boys even better. We were both nervous as were the rest of the wives and girlfriends and you could tell it was a bit tense as the third period started with a tied score of 1-1. The prior two periods had been pretty physical and every time one of the guys was hit against the boards our hearts stopped beating until they got back up. There was a point when everyone thought Max wasn’t going to be getting up, but eventually he did and he seemed fine now as he went out for his shift. The clock started to tick down and you could tell the two teams, especially the Penguins, were getting anxious and frustrated.
There was 3:14 left in the game and no one wanted to go into overtime. Brendan was out for the puck drop and as Prust won and shot it back to Brendan I suddenly got really scared as I saw Evgeni Malkin flying towards him. Next thing I heard was a sickening crack as the glass shattered and I saw Brendan fall to the ice. My heart stopped but was beating a million miles an hour at the same time as I watched him lay on the ice not moving. Angie was looking at me petrified as Max and PK started to go after Malkin while the trainer rushed over to Brendan. Soon after a stretcher came out and that was when I lost it. The next thing I remember was waking up in the locker room on a table with a doctor looking at me and the whole team standing around me. “What happened?” I asked as I put my hand to my throbbing head. “You blacked out.” Peter said as he leaned against the door. “Well I figured that much… any idea why?” I asked sitting up as the room began to stop spinning. “When you saw Brendan being put on the stretcher you just conked out.” Angie said as she leaned into Carey’s side. “Wait…what?” And that was when I remembered the hit and Brendan not moving. “Where are Max and PK?” I asked starting to panic. “They’re at the hospital with Brendan.” Josh said really quietly.
Immediately I jumped off the table and ran towards the car and started off to the hospital. I got there about 10 minutes later and ran over to the reception desk of the emergency wing. “Excuse me, I’m looking for Brendan Gallagher’s room.” I said as I felt my anxiety getting worse. “I’m sorry miss but visiting hours are over.” The lady responded as she went back to looking at some discharge papers. “No, you don’t understand, he’s my boyfriend and I have to see him.” I pleaded as I began to get angry. “Ma’am, no visitors.” She said sternly and I felt myself getting more and more mad. “Listen lady, he’s my boyfriend who just got knocked out at a hockey game and I’d like to make sure he’s okay so you either give me permission or I’m just going to go in, take your fucking pick.” I said slamming my hands on the counter before I felt a hand on my shoulder. “Annabella, calm down.” I turned to see Max standing behind me. He led me over to the door where the entrance to the wing Brendan was in and I made sure to give the nurse the death glare before heading in. As we got to Brendan’s room I felt all the sadness hit me at once and I was in Max’s arms bawling. “Sh. Annabella its okay… He’s gonna be okay.” He said as he smoothed down my hair. “I know but he just looks so hurt and I can’t do anything about it… I can’t fix it Max. I can’t lose him… I can’t lose him.” I continued crying as PK came over and gave me a hug from behind. “It’ll be okay Bella. He’s gonna be fine, but he hates it when you cry so you can’t be crying when he wakes up.” He added from behind me as Max pulled me onto his lap in the chair next to Brendan’s bed. I grabbed his hand and said a silent prayer and felt myself falling asleep half an hour later. I looked around the room to see PK snoring and Max drooling. I laughed a little to myself before falling asleep.
I awoke the next morning to voices and when I opened my eyes I did a double take. At the end of Brendan’s bed stood Evgeni Malkin, James Neal, Beau, and Sidney Crosby. “Unless you want a very pissed off French Canadian to kick your asses I suggest you leave.” I spat at them as I got up form Max’s lap as he and PK started to stir. “We didn’t come here to start trouble, we came to apologize.” Sidney said as the other three nodded and Malkin looked really guilty. “I never meant to hurt him.” He said with his Russian accent. “Like hell you didn’t! I saw the way you were charging at him you asshole.” I yelled as I felt Max pulling my backward. Malkin looked genuinely scared as did Neal while Beau was looking down and Sidney was trying to stay composed. “I sorry.” He said finally looking up at me. I softened a bit as I looked him in the eyes and saw the sincerity but at the same time I was still furious. “You ever come after my boyfriend like that ever again, you’re gonna be the one in the hospital. Do you understand?” I said very calmly but with an edge to my voice. He swallowed hard before shaking his head as Beau let out a small laugh and I smiled at him. The other three looked confused as Beau came over and hugged me and PK and Max had confused expressions plastered across their faces as well. “I’m Katie’s best friend.” I said smirking at the three boys. Their eyes all got really wide and Neal’s mouth formed an O. “I’m so sorry about all of this. Katie wanted to kill Geno last night.” He said as we both sat down. “We’re gonna go get a coffee.” PK said pointing to himself and Max. I nodded as they left and looked at the other three shuffling awkwardly. “You can sit down. I don’t bite… hard.” I said smirking. They moved onto the other bed slowly as if to see if I was going to pounce on them and then relaxed a bit. “So how long have you and Brendan been dating?” Neal asked casually. “8 months.” I stated plainly as Sidney spit out his water, Geno looked terrified, and Neal sat there speechless while Beau and I just laughed. “I’m so sorry.” Malkin said once again. “Just remember what I told you… I always keep my promises.” I said with a hint of evil in my voice. He continued to look terrified and 15 minutes later they needed to go because they had to get back to Pittsburgh. “I’ll see you soon.” Beau whispered to me before leaving. “Two days.” I smiled as I remembered that the boys would be in Pittsburgh for the next game on Friday night. “You think he’ll play?” Beau asked looking over at Brendan. “Lord knows he’s gonna try like hell.” I said laughing sadly. He left after that and I got a text saying PK and Max had to go to a team meeting so I was left alone at the hospital with Brendan.
A couple of hours passed and I was texting with my brother about what had happened when I heard it, “So which one of them did you threaten to murder?” Brendan smiled as I looked up at him with big eyes. I jumped out of my chair and practically threw myself on him. “Hey. I wasn’t out that long.” He said from half underneath me. “I don’t care. You scared the crap out of me you asshole.” I teased as I gave him a kiss. “I’m sorry babe.” He said giving me a kiss on the tip of my nose before I got off of him. I went out to get the doctor and then sat back down. “Oh and to answer your question, I think I scared the Russian shitless.” I said as we both started laughing. “Mr. Gallagher.” The doctor said coming in. “Hey Doc, what’s the diagnosis?” Brendan asked as he squeezed my hand. I knew he wanted to be able to play in the next game and he was nervous as all hell. “Well there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong, you just hit your head pretty hard and were knocked out for a day, but honestly I think you’ll be fine for the next game. Just see how you feel for Friday and take it easy the next few days.” Brendan sigh in relief and I smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you.” I said smiling at him. “You always do.” He answered kissing my cheek. “You have a great girlfriend Brendan… she never left.” The doctor said as he headed out the door. “Yeah, she’s okay.” He teased and I pretended to be mad. “Where are the guys?” He asked realizing I was the only one there. “Team meeting, wanna head over?” I asked knowing what his response would be. “Let’s go babe.” He said as he got out of the hospital bed and went to change, and as he walked by me I slapped his ass. “Hey!” He said turning around as I stuck my tongue out and laughed at him. He came over and gave me a kiss before heading to the bathroom and 10 minutes later we were on our way back to the arena.
“Hey boys.” Brendan yelled as we went into the locker room and everyone smiled and came over to hug him while their coach came over to me. “Diagnosis?” he asked as Brendan talked to his teammates. “Nothing’s wrong with him so as long as he feels okay on Friday, he can play.” I said smiling at Brendan. “I heard you got a visit from a few of the Penguins.” He said as I nodded my head. “I heard you scared Malkin shitless.” He said as we both laughed. “He looked like he wanted to turn into a puddle and seep through the floor.” I added as all the guys sat down. They had their meeting and when it was over Brendan and I went home.
“So you know what?” I asked as I shut the door. “I’m gorgeous. Yeah babe, I know.” He said sitting down on the couch and patting the space next to him. “No you egotistical asshole.” I said laughing as he put his hand over his heart pretending to be hurt. “I was thinking… you’re here all the time anyways so why don’t you just come live here.” I said as I looked down at my hands and twiddled my thumbs. He laughed and then lifted my chin with his finger. “I’m gonna go with yes, I’ll move in with you.” He said as he pulled me into his lap. “Good because that would have been awkward if you said no.” I added as he turned on the TV. “And how could I say no to you?” He asked as I leaned my head back and felt myself falling asleep already. “I don’t know bro.” I said as he laughed and I smiled.
God I love him…
The playoffs- the time when every player in the league goes balls to the walls and you give it everything you’ve got. It’s the time when every play, every shot, every block, every save, and every goal counts. It’s the time when winning or losing a game can either mean you’re season continues or you go home defeated. We were playing against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round and we were all a little bit nervous. Pittsburgh had done really well this year and we knew that they wouldn’t be an easy team to beat but Annabella made sure I stayed calm and relaxed and I appreciated it immensely. Tonight was our third game against them and surprisingly, we were ahead in the series 2-0, but it was by a few good bounces and a lot of power plays. We knew that having a 3-0 lead would be amazing, but we also knew Pittsburgh had no plans to let that happen and wanted to make the series 2-1. Tonight was going to be a battle.
*Annabella’s POV*
Normally I would sit in the box suite with Angie, but tonight we decided to sit in the front row by the ice so we could see the boys even better. We were both nervous as were the rest of the wives and girlfriends and you could tell it was a bit tense as the third period started with a tied score of 1-1. The prior two periods had been pretty physical and every time one of the guys was hit against the boards our hearts stopped beating until they got back up. There was a point when everyone thought Max wasn’t going to be getting up, but eventually he did and he seemed fine now as he went out for his shift. The clock started to tick down and you could tell the two teams, especially the Penguins, were getting anxious and frustrated.
There was 3:14 left in the game and no one wanted to go into overtime. Brendan was out for the puck drop and as Prust won and shot it back to Brendan I suddenly got really scared as I saw Evgeni Malkin flying towards him. Next thing I heard was a sickening crack as the glass shattered and I saw Brendan fall to the ice. My heart stopped but was beating a million miles an hour at the same time as I watched him lay on the ice not moving. Angie was looking at me petrified as Max and PK started to go after Malkin while the trainer rushed over to Brendan. Soon after a stretcher came out and that was when I lost it. The next thing I remember was waking up in the locker room on a table with a doctor looking at me and the whole team standing around me. “What happened?” I asked as I put my hand to my throbbing head. “You blacked out.” Peter said as he leaned against the door. “Well I figured that much… any idea why?” I asked sitting up as the room began to stop spinning. “When you saw Brendan being put on the stretcher you just conked out.” Angie said as she leaned into Carey’s side. “Wait…what?” And that was when I remembered the hit and Brendan not moving. “Where are Max and PK?” I asked starting to panic. “They’re at the hospital with Brendan.” Josh said really quietly.
Immediately I jumped off the table and ran towards the car and started off to the hospital. I got there about 10 minutes later and ran over to the reception desk of the emergency wing. “Excuse me, I’m looking for Brendan Gallagher’s room.” I said as I felt my anxiety getting worse. “I’m sorry miss but visiting hours are over.” The lady responded as she went back to looking at some discharge papers. “No, you don’t understand, he’s my boyfriend and I have to see him.” I pleaded as I began to get angry. “Ma’am, no visitors.” She said sternly and I felt myself getting more and more mad. “Listen lady, he’s my boyfriend who just got knocked out at a hockey game and I’d like to make sure he’s okay so you either give me permission or I’m just going to go in, take your fucking pick.” I said slamming my hands on the counter before I felt a hand on my shoulder. “Annabella, calm down.” I turned to see Max standing behind me. He led me over to the door where the entrance to the wing Brendan was in and I made sure to give the nurse the death glare before heading in. As we got to Brendan’s room I felt all the sadness hit me at once and I was in Max’s arms bawling. “Sh. Annabella its okay… He’s gonna be okay.” He said as he smoothed down my hair. “I know but he just looks so hurt and I can’t do anything about it… I can’t fix it Max. I can’t lose him… I can’t lose him.” I continued crying as PK came over and gave me a hug from behind. “It’ll be okay Bella. He’s gonna be fine, but he hates it when you cry so you can’t be crying when he wakes up.” He added from behind me as Max pulled me onto his lap in the chair next to Brendan’s bed. I grabbed his hand and said a silent prayer and felt myself falling asleep half an hour later. I looked around the room to see PK snoring and Max drooling. I laughed a little to myself before falling asleep.
I awoke the next morning to voices and when I opened my eyes I did a double take. At the end of Brendan’s bed stood Evgeni Malkin, James Neal, Beau, and Sidney Crosby. “Unless you want a very pissed off French Canadian to kick your asses I suggest you leave.” I spat at them as I got up form Max’s lap as he and PK started to stir. “We didn’t come here to start trouble, we came to apologize.” Sidney said as the other three nodded and Malkin looked really guilty. “I never meant to hurt him.” He said with his Russian accent. “Like hell you didn’t! I saw the way you were charging at him you asshole.” I yelled as I felt Max pulling my backward. Malkin looked genuinely scared as did Neal while Beau was looking down and Sidney was trying to stay composed. “I sorry.” He said finally looking up at me. I softened a bit as I looked him in the eyes and saw the sincerity but at the same time I was still furious. “You ever come after my boyfriend like that ever again, you’re gonna be the one in the hospital. Do you understand?” I said very calmly but with an edge to my voice. He swallowed hard before shaking his head as Beau let out a small laugh and I smiled at him. The other three looked confused as Beau came over and hugged me and PK and Max had confused expressions plastered across their faces as well. “I’m Katie’s best friend.” I said smirking at the three boys. Their eyes all got really wide and Neal’s mouth formed an O. “I’m so sorry about all of this. Katie wanted to kill Geno last night.” He said as we both sat down. “We’re gonna go get a coffee.” PK said pointing to himself and Max. I nodded as they left and looked at the other three shuffling awkwardly. “You can sit down. I don’t bite… hard.” I said smirking. They moved onto the other bed slowly as if to see if I was going to pounce on them and then relaxed a bit. “So how long have you and Brendan been dating?” Neal asked casually. “8 months.” I stated plainly as Sidney spit out his water, Geno looked terrified, and Neal sat there speechless while Beau and I just laughed. “I’m so sorry.” Malkin said once again. “Just remember what I told you… I always keep my promises.” I said with a hint of evil in my voice. He continued to look terrified and 15 minutes later they needed to go because they had to get back to Pittsburgh. “I’ll see you soon.” Beau whispered to me before leaving. “Two days.” I smiled as I remembered that the boys would be in Pittsburgh for the next game on Friday night. “You think he’ll play?” Beau asked looking over at Brendan. “Lord knows he’s gonna try like hell.” I said laughing sadly. He left after that and I got a text saying PK and Max had to go to a team meeting so I was left alone at the hospital with Brendan.
A couple of hours passed and I was texting with my brother about what had happened when I heard it, “So which one of them did you threaten to murder?” Brendan smiled as I looked up at him with big eyes. I jumped out of my chair and practically threw myself on him. “Hey. I wasn’t out that long.” He said from half underneath me. “I don’t care. You scared the crap out of me you asshole.” I teased as I gave him a kiss. “I’m sorry babe.” He said giving me a kiss on the tip of my nose before I got off of him. I went out to get the doctor and then sat back down. “Oh and to answer your question, I think I scared the Russian shitless.” I said as we both started laughing. “Mr. Gallagher.” The doctor said coming in. “Hey Doc, what’s the diagnosis?” Brendan asked as he squeezed my hand. I knew he wanted to be able to play in the next game and he was nervous as all hell. “Well there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong, you just hit your head pretty hard and were knocked out for a day, but honestly I think you’ll be fine for the next game. Just see how you feel for Friday and take it easy the next few days.” Brendan sigh in relief and I smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you.” I said smiling at him. “You always do.” He answered kissing my cheek. “You have a great girlfriend Brendan… she never left.” The doctor said as he headed out the door. “Yeah, she’s okay.” He teased and I pretended to be mad. “Where are the guys?” He asked realizing I was the only one there. “Team meeting, wanna head over?” I asked knowing what his response would be. “Let’s go babe.” He said as he got out of the hospital bed and went to change, and as he walked by me I slapped his ass. “Hey!” He said turning around as I stuck my tongue out and laughed at him. He came over and gave me a kiss before heading to the bathroom and 10 minutes later we were on our way back to the arena.
“Hey boys.” Brendan yelled as we went into the locker room and everyone smiled and came over to hug him while their coach came over to me. “Diagnosis?” he asked as Brendan talked to his teammates. “Nothing’s wrong with him so as long as he feels okay on Friday, he can play.” I said smiling at Brendan. “I heard you got a visit from a few of the Penguins.” He said as I nodded my head. “I heard you scared Malkin shitless.” He said as we both laughed. “He looked like he wanted to turn into a puddle and seep through the floor.” I added as all the guys sat down. They had their meeting and when it was over Brendan and I went home.
“So you know what?” I asked as I shut the door. “I’m gorgeous. Yeah babe, I know.” He said sitting down on the couch and patting the space next to him. “No you egotistical asshole.” I said laughing as he put his hand over his heart pretending to be hurt. “I was thinking… you’re here all the time anyways so why don’t you just come live here.” I said as I looked down at my hands and twiddled my thumbs. He laughed and then lifted my chin with his finger. “I’m gonna go with yes, I’ll move in with you.” He said as he pulled me into his lap. “Good because that would have been awkward if you said no.” I added as he turned on the TV. “And how could I say no to you?” He asked as I leaned my head back and felt myself falling asleep already. “I don’t know bro.” I said as he laughed and I smiled.
God I love him…
Notes
Sorry it;s been so long guys and I know we keep saying sorry but we're super busy... we hate to say it but theres only a couple chapters left to this story BUT there will be a sequel :)Hope you like it!
Love,
Abby and Arianna
@TazerKaner ok, I kinda know the feel (exams are coming up for me too) that's awesome though, I'm excited! :D
5/13/14