'Please tell me you're coming home for Halloween?!' Katie says as we facetimed one afternoon.

'Yes! I told you I would!'

'Okay! Just making sure!' Katie says as she laughs.

'What do you have planned?! And please tell me you have an idea for costumes because I got nothing'

'I'm not really sure what's going on but I've heard of a few parties! As for costumes...I need a few more days. It's a surprise!'

'Of course it is!' I start laughing.

'Invite Lily as well! Okay?'

'Okay! I will!'

'I'm so excited to be back and see everyone. It's been too long' I say.

'Ahh! One more week! Wait someone's at the door...hold on' she says as she puts her phone down.

I heard voices.

'Guess who I'm talking too' she says as she sits back down.

'Who?' As she lifts her phone to his face.

'QUAIDER!' I shout.

'Is that who I think it is?!'

'Yep'

'No way! Where have you been you little shit?!'

'Living life, you know me!'

'I bet you are! Haha! Are you coming home soon?'

'I'll be home for Halloween!'

'Good! We miss you around here'

I smile.

'How is everything?'

'Good! The beginning of the season was a little ruff but were starting to get back into it'

'That's good.'

'Please tell me you'll come and see at least one of the games while you're here.'

I swallow hard.

'Yeah of course! What's your schedule like next weekend?'

'We have a game Saturday, the 1st'

'Perfect!'

'Okay! I have to go because I have practice but I'll see you next week bud!'

'Bye Adam' I say as I wave.

Katie says bye to Adam as the door shuts.

'You don't really have to go to the game if you don't want to.'

'No I want to. I'm not going to keep avoiding this. It'll be good for me. Besides I miss the rest of the guys so it'll be fun!'

'I'm glad! Can it be next week already?!' She says as we both laugh.
_______________________________

The following week flew by. Lily and I worked a double during the week in order to get Friday off. We decided to head to Boston around 4pm Thursday. Because of traffic, we made it to my apartment around 8pm.

'Hey hey!' I say as I open the door.

'You're home!!' Katie says as she runs over and hugs us both.

'It feels so good to be back! Lily, let's drop this off in my room. Follow me!' I change into my sweats and head towards the kitchen.

'Mmm something smells good!'

'I made dinner for us and bought dessert obviously!'

'You're becoming such an amazing cook! I'm so proud!'

'Learned from the best! Besides who else is going to cook for me when you aren't around...'

'You're too sweet! Now what's the plan for tomorrow?' I ask as we sit on the couch.

'We will pregame here and then head to Adam's place. We can either stay there all night or head into town, depending on what people decide. They have an away game tonight that's why it's not final.'

'Ah! Gotchya! And costumes?!'

'Okay I got all the materials that we need. It's going to be a superhero theme this year and us girlies are going to be....' She says as she does a drumroll on the pillow.

'The teenage mutant ninja turtles!'

'No way! I was obsessed with them when I was younger! Leonardo was my fav!' I said in excitement.

'Lily? What do you think?' Katie asks

'I love it! I'm excited!'

'Okay! Let me get the stuff' Katie says as she goes into her room and pulls out the bags.

'Okay so we will wear black leggings or black jeans with these torn up dirty green rags tied around the waste. I have these sweetheart neckline crop tops that match the rags and the masks of course! Oh! And knee high boots.'

'Yes! How do you even think about these stuff?'

'I'm creative like that' she says as she flips her hair. I missed her so much.

'You sure are!' Lily said

'You both are too sweet! Now, let's go to bed. Long day tomorrow.'

It sure will be.

Since I have a queen bed, Lily and I shared a bed. As I layed in bed, I started thinking about tomorrow. How things were going to be between me and Reilly. We hadn't seen each other since May. Has he found anybody? What if he brings her with him? He might not even show up. I'd be so much easier if he had found someone else so I can finally move on.
_______________________________

The following day, Mel came over and our TMNT crew was complete!

'So since Adam's place is bigger, we're going to head over there. He already got all of the drinks from the liqueur store.'

'Sounds good!' I say as we start getting ready.

'Are you sure it won't be cold for these crop tops?' I say. I was getting a little uncomfortable.

Katie gave me one of her looks. 'Are you freaking kidding? I know this has nothing to do with the cold. Don't make me slap you.' She continues,

'Stop covering your flat tummy and put your arms down. You're hot! We all are! It's all about confidence girls!' As everyone gathered in a circle. We had all straightened our hair. Applied a good amount of eye makeup so it was visible with the mask. We put a few belts around our waists and chest and attached the fake weapons.

'We are definitely going to have the best costumes there.' Mel said.

I noticed Lily was getting a little quiet so I pulled her aside.

'Lily, what's wrong? Is it the costume?'

'No! Not at all. It's just that it hit me that I'm going to be in a room of hockey players and it's a little overwhelming to say the least.'

'Aw.' I say as I hug her. 'They are just like us and so nice, you'll see. It's going to seem like you've known them for years. Trust me if I can be comfortable with them, so can you.'

'Okay. I trust you.' She says as she exhales.

'Ready girls?!'

'Ready!' As we put our fists in the middle and lifted them up.
______________________________

*Knock* *Knock*

'Whose there?' Adam says before he opens the door.

'Why don't you open up and see for yourself.' Katie says.

We all line up and strike a pose.

He opens the door and starts laughing. Adam was dressed as Captain America. It was hilarious.

'You're kidding! You girls look amazing!'

'Thanks Captain!' Katie says as she kisses him and heads in. Mel follows Katie.

'Look who finally decided to come home!' He says as he gives me a big hug.

'Oh hush! I've been home many times. Not my fault you're away most of the time.'

'Next time check my schedule before you come home.'

'Right, I'll keep that in mind.' I say said as I laugh.

'Come here' he says as he gives me another hug.

'Oh Adam. This is my friend Lily. Lily, Adam.'

'Nice to meet you Lily. '

'You too! Thanks for having us.'

'No problem at all! Come on in.'

We head in and we were the first ones there.

'This year is superhero theme so you guys have barely made it...'

'Um I don't know what you're talking about but TMNT are heros.' Katie says.

'I guess I'll accept that. Since you look so hot.' He whispers to Katie.

*Ring* *Ring*

'Brad! Dougie!' I quickly get off the couch and give them a big hug. Brad was dressed as Batman and Dougie was Robin. It was hilarious because of their size difference, that's exactly why it worked so well.

'I don't believe my eyes. Am I dreaming? Quick Dougie pinch me.' Brad says as Dougie pinches him.

I start laughing.

'Ha ha ha. It's really me, I promise.'

'Way to forget about us' Dougie said.

'I didn't forget about you guys! I've just been a little busy, I'm sorry.'

'We're just messing with you Emma. It's so nice to see you in flesh!' I smile.

'Brad, Dougie, this is my friend Lily' as I wink at Dougie. He turns beet red.

'She's my roomie in New York. She's originally from Georgia.'

'Are you now?! That's pretty cool' Dougie says.

'Yeah, but I love it here more though.'

'Yeah me too' Dougie says.

'Brad you want a drink? You two carry on, we'll be right back' I pull him aside and head towards the table with all of the drinks.

'So you're playing matchmaker I see?' He says as he smirks.

'Whaaat. No. I told her I'd introduce them so that is what I did...' As I smile.

'They do make a cute couple. Want to go in the balcony so we can catch up?' He says.

'Good idea' as we head towards the balcony. The cool October air felt so refreshing.

'How have you been Emma? Really?'

'I've definitely been better but now I'm in a good place. I'm trying not to think much about it too much.'

'I was surprised when Adam told me you were coming tonight since you know...'

'He's going to be here? Yeah. I know. I figured better face him now then avoid him forever you know.'

'Yeah I agree. Honestly...he's been all over the place. He just hasn't been the same. Coach is thinking about switching him on the 4th line. I don't know-'

'Yeah I don't even know what to say. It sucks. I want nothing but the best for him.'

'Yeah' he says

'Thor and Superman are here!' I hear them scream from inside.

'That's them...' He says as my heart started racing.

'Tonight is going to be interesting.' I say as he starts nodding. We stayed there for a few more minutes.

'Do you want to head in, it's getting chilly.' He says.

'Yes let's go. And thank you for asking how I was doing, It means a lot.'

'Of course! I'm glad you're doing better. You know I love you like my own sister so if he does anything stupid tonight, let me know and I'll punch him. I don't care if he's my liney.' He says as he laughs.

'Ahaha! Oh I will.'

He opens the door as I go in first.

'Love your costume by the way! Whose idea was it to go as Batman and Robin?

'Obviously mine. I picked Batman and made Dougie my sidekick because you know, he's younger.'

'Great choice!' I head towards the girls and tell them I'm heading towards the restroom.

'He's here' Lily says

'I know. Whatever. I'll be right back.' I had an idea of where he was sitting so I just looked straight and headed towards the bathroom that was on the right at the end of the hall. I could feel his eyes pierced on me from behind as I walked by.

I lock the door and just look in the mirror. This makeup was on point. I was surprised how good it looked. I began taking deep breathes.

Just pretend he isn't here. Don't let him ruin your night.

'Wait I can't hear you, let me go somewhere quiet.' I heard as I open the bathroom door quietly.

I couldn't find the light in the hall and when I finally did open it, I bummed into somebody and my head bounces off the wall.

'Jeez! Watch it-' I shout as I look up and see who I bummed into, rubbing my head. He had me pinned against the wall with his hands around my bare waist for support. Reilly.

'Shit. I'm so sorry-' he said with an shocked expression on his face as he took a few steps back, his hands slowly sliding against my waist, giving me goosebumps. He had dropped his phone and slowly bends down and gets it. Okay time to go.

'Its fine, don't worry about it.' I say as I walk past him.

'Emma wait-' He says as he gently grabs my arm.

I stop and slowly turn around, looking down at his hand, he removes it. My heart began racing.

'Hey' he says as he smiles. That smile made my heart melt. He looked so adorable in that Superman costume. He had definitely gotten bigger around the chest, shoulders and arms. His hair was shorter than I remember.

'Hi' I reply coldly.

'I didn't know you were coming tonight, when did you get back?'

'Last night. Katie invited me since she organized the party...it had been a while since I saw my friends so...'

'How long are you staying?'

'Don't worry I won't be staying long. I'm gone Sunday.'

'That's...that's not what I meant' He says quietly as he exhales. He nods and puts down his head.

Don't be a bitch, just leave. As I'm about to turn,

'How have you been?' He says trying to keep the conversation going.

'Great, you?' I quickly answer.

'Good' I was not convinced.

'I'm glad. I heard you got resigned. Congrats.' All this small talk made everything more awkward.

'Thanks Emms...Emma. I meant Emma. Sorry.' He quickly corrects himself and after that he doesn't say anything. I just stare at him.

'It's okay'

'Since you're going to be here tomorrow, are you coming to the game?'

Of course I was. I promised Adam.

'Not sure yet'

His phone rings shortly after. Talk about being saved by the bell or ring in this case.

'Guess we're done here. You should probably get that' I said impatiently.

'Right. Well it was nice seeing you. Sorry about your head'

I nod, turn away and head towards the couch.

After that I was in a worst mood, but I was glad that was over.

'Oh god. What did he say?' And I told them about our short conversation.

'Emma. Come on, don't be a bitch.'

'A bitch? Ha. Okay.'

'You know what I mean.' Katie says

'I know. I'm just so angry. But I'm glad that I got that over with.'

'Did you tell him you're going at the game tomorrow?!' Lily asked

'No, he asked and I said I wasn't sure...'

They both gave me the same look.

'What!' They shake their heads.

'Whatever'
________________________________

'Whose up for beer pong?!' Brad shouts.

My hand shoots up. He signals me to come over.

'Yay!' I say as I clap my hands.

'We got this' as we create our own handshake.

'Hells yeah!'

'Lily! Douglas! Come here' Brad calls them up.

'Thank you' I say to Brad.

They had been inseparable all night.

After we set everything up: lined the cups and filled them with beer, it was game time.

'Woah! You've got quite the arm there' Dougie said as I made two in a row.

'Its all of those years of basketball. They're finally coming to good use!' Katie shouts from the other table.

'She's right. Ballah!' I say. Clearly those drinks were catching up to me.

We were down the whole time but made a comeback and ended up winning.

'Still got it baby!' I said as me and Brad wipe the 'dirt' of our shoulders.

'Whose next?' Brad shouts.

'Come forth if you dare' I say in an English accent. Okay you need to calm it down a notch.

'Babe! Let's play!' I hear this girl say as she walked to the other side of the table, waiting for her partner. I'd never seen her before. I took a sip from my beer as we waited.

'Reilly! Didn't you hear me?!'

Reilly? My beer does down the wrong way and I choke. Brad taps my back, mouths if I'm okay, I nod.

'What?' He says in a annoyed tone.

'Let's play against them.' She says as he gets up. He looks at both of us and freezes.

'No I'm good. Find another partner, we're in the middle of something.' He says as he sits back down and continues his conversation.

'He's acting so strange tonight' she sighs and crosses her arms.

'Wonder why' Brad looks at me and I bump my shoulder into his.

'Come on Smitty! Get your ass up. We don't have all night.' Brad says.

He slowly gets up from the couch and walks over.

'We all know the rules correct?' We all nod our heads.

'What's your name sweetheart since someone isn't doing a good job introducing people?' Brad asks as he looks at Reilly. I tried avoiding eye contact.

'I'm Ashley! But you can call me Ash!'

'Why hello there Ash! I'm Brad and this is Emma'

'Hi there!' I say as she gives me a look as if she smelled something bad. I put my head down and try to hold in my laugh.

'This is Reilly.' She says as she rubs his chest slowly and whispers towards me. 'Just so you know, he plays for the Bruins as well. He's kind of a big deal.'

I nod my head. 'I bet he is. What position does he play?' As I look at her.

'Uhh offense obviously.' She says as she rolls her eyes. I pick up my drink and take a big sip. I could not hold my laugh in so I tried to bite my tongue.

'Nice.' I say as I look at Brad, who just stares at her and blinks a few times.

'I watch a TON of hockey. Do you?' I could tell she was drunk. Her eyes were droopy.

'Yeah, sometimes.' I nod my head. Can we just play?!

'My friend got me into hockey. I wish Seguin never got traded and was still here though. He was my favorite.' I look at Marchy who looked hurt and upset since him and Tyler were very close and put my hand on his back.

'All of the players that came, should go back to where they came from. These new guys aren't even close-' I quickly look at Reilly whose facial expression dropped completely.

Is this girl serious?! These are the type of girls that give the rest of us a bad rep. She has no idea what she is talking about.

'Well it happened, and yeah, it was upsetting at first but in the end we did get a few great players from it.' I quickly said. I don't even look at him after I said that. I knew how much that bothered him in the past and that was not fair to him.

'Let's start, shall we' I said.

'Okay! Ash, you and me, eye to eye. Who makes it in has possession. Keep your eyes on me' Please make it in. Please someone make it in. Both balls bounce and fall down.

'Gosh! Your turn cutie! Make it in' she says through her teeth and flashed me a fake smile.

I pick up my ping pong ball and stare into Reilly's eyes. Those 5 seconds felt like minutes. 'Ready?' I was distracted and mine bounces off the rim. Reilly gets it in.

'We're starting! You would think she'd be decent since she played basketball and all' she says under her breath.

'I'm sorry, did you say something?' I was getting so annoyed.

'Nope.'

'That's what I thought.' Bitch.

She wasn't bad but everytime she threw the ball she jumped and did this dance. It was getting obnoxious.

I made eye contact with Reilly a few times. It was so hard because he was right infront of me. They ended up winning. She got so excited that she jumped on him.

'Great game Brad!' she shakes his hand. 'Emma', as she comes near me and shakes my hand. Reilly comes behind her and gives Brad a hand shake and pulls him into man hug. I elongate my hand and shake his firm but gentle hand. I quickly let go.

'Well that wasn't that bad' Brad says.

'Not at all...'

I walk back to the girls and down a few drinks throughout the night. I head towards the bathroom. When I get back mostly everyone was sitting on the couch.

'Leo! Come sit on my lap' Katie says as I approach them. I needed to sit down, all those drinks had finally caught up to me. Brad and Dougie quickly joined soon after. They sat a few seats away from me.

'Smitty!' Brad shouts signaling him to come forward.

'Dude, who is that girl? And why is she all over you?'

'Don't even get me started.' He said as he pulls up a chair.

'How long have you known her?'

I felt nauseous. I don't want to be here right now. I don't want to hear any of this. I get up and head towards the table with the drinks. I could still hear them in the background.

'Today! I fucking met her today! This morning actually. Fraser is seeing this girl, right there' as he pointed at her 'and she didn't want to come alone so she brought her best friend, Ash. He said 'I should take one for the team...' He owes me big time. She's calling me babe and stuff, total psycho. Man, I need a drink' he says.

'Yeah you do. I'll come with you' Brad says as he gets up.

'Hey you' I hear Brad say as he approaches the table with Reilly.

'Hey' I don't even turn my head.

'Stop hogging the table.' Brad says as he dumps his shoulder into me.

'Someone's inpatient. Wait your turn buddy' as I open my beer.

'Want to do a shot with us?' I turn my head around and see him and Reilly standing right behind me.

'As tempting as that sounds, I shouldn't. I'll sticking to beer for the rest of the night' I flash them a smile.

'Lame' I shake my head as I laugh and walk away.

'Excuse me' I say as I walk past Reilly.

'Emma?' He says softly as I turn towards him.

'Yeah?'

'Thanks for earlier, you didn't have to defend me. It meant a lot.'

'I was just being honest. I just wish you'd hang around people who appreciate you more.' I just left it at that and sat back down.

The rest of the night was a blur.

Notes

Hey lovelies! Okay so my computer isn't fixed yet but I did borrow my brother so I'll be using this for a few days. Stay tuned because next chapter will be a little intense!

Also over 20,000 views?! What?! I can't thank you guys enough! You are the best!

PS: I hope you guys had an amazing Christmas and a Happy New Year! <3