Sidney's POV

I was holding Arielle's hand on the way out of my parents' house. We spent the night and I think it went really well. My parents really missed her. Something felt off though. She still felt really distant and cold. I gave her hand a light squeeze and she smiled at me. It was fake though. I could tell. I wasn't sure whether to bring it up again or just hope it was a little bump in the road. I feel like if I bring it up again it'll just push her even further away.

"Sidney," she began as we got into my car.

"What babe?" I looked over to her after starting the car. She leaned over to me and kissed me hard. More passionately than she has in a long time. For once it felt real, not forced.

"I love you" she said quietly pulling away.

Maybe there was nothing wrong. Maybe I was just imagining that things were wrong or off because I was the one afraid of fucking things up again.

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3 Months Later

Sidney's POV

I had just woken up from my pre-game nap to find Arielle at the end of the bed, sitting silently.

"Hey" I said nudging her with my foot.

"How'd you sleep?" she asked quietly.

"Good, I missed you next to me though" It was weird not having Arielle next to me when I was sleeping. For the last year of our relationship I'd make her nap with me for home games.

"Sorry, um...Sid. Can I tell you something, and you promise you won't hate me?" She asked looking away from me. I pulled down the covers and crawled next to her.

"Babe, you can tell me anything" I said wrapping an arm around her. She leaned on my shoulder and took a deep breath.

"I can't make it to the game tonight" she breathed. My heart sank a little bit, but I knew she'd have a good reason.

"Why not? What's up hun?"

"Well we just opened a new branch in Chicago and there's an emergency. I have to fly out in a couple hours" I kissed her forehead and tried to hide my disappointment.

"Aww. That sucks. I'm sorry." I pulled her into a complete hug. "When do you have to leave?" She looked at the clock on the bedroom wall before answering.

"Right about now. My flight leaves at 7. It's already 4." She looked sad. There was no use in making her feel bad for something she couldn't control.

"Aww. Well I can drop you off really quick on the way to the arena." I suggested.

"It's okay. I know you have a routine." She smiled.

"Well, when will you be back?"

"I'm not sure. Hopefully just a few days to fix this up." I looked at the bedroom door and she already had her tan Burberry suitcase packed.

"Okay, well I love you. Call me when you land. I'm sure the game will be over by then." I said standing and kissing her neck.

"I will. Good luck honey." she smiled and kissed my ear. She wore tight jeans tucked into tall, tan boots with a white blouse that hung loosely over her.

I started to pitch a tent while watching her leave. I can't belive the things she does to me.

Arielle's POV

I got into my mustang and hauled my bags in the trunk. After starting the ignition I dialed my phone.

"Hey Kaner!" I smiled.

"Hey babe. Did he buy it?" he asked. I could hear the excitement in his voice. We haven't seen each other in over a year. I couldn't help, but sigh at the thought of lying to Sidney again,

"Yeah. I'm on my way to the airport, but I'll probably sit in a little bit of traffic on my way there. There [i]is[/i] a game tonight." I said buckling my seatbelt.

"What time are you supposed to land?" He asked. It sounded like he was turning the volume on the TV down.

"Eleven" I said applying my lipgloss. The sun was still shining bright over the city and as beautiful as it looked I was excited to get out of town.

"I'll be there at 10:30" I could hear the cheesy grin on his face.

"Thanks Pat."

"Anytime Arielle. Love you."

Patrick's POV

I was pacing just talking to her. I was so excited to see her after so long, but I wasn't sure how happy she'd be to see me. I could hear her hold a breath for a moment when I told her I loved her.

"You don't have to say it back. It's okay"

"Pat, I....I care about you too" she said. I know she still loves me, she just feels guilty about doing this to Sid. I don't. The way he treated me on the ice after finding out we used to date was unnecessary. He was an OCD, neurotic freak that has no idea how to have fun. Arielle deserves more.

"I'll see you in a few hours." she said before hanging up. In a few hour's she'll be mine again.