A Favor for a Friend

The night passed in silence. The loss had really killed the fun we were all having. I didn't hear a word from anyone on the team. The next day was the same. No one said much. The days were ticking down, soon I would have to leave. I wasn't looking forward to saying goodbye.

The next few says remained the same. Until it was Wednesday. Yes, the day I had to go home. Nothing had been discussed after the night that I had found the papers. I had gone out a few times with the team since then, no one was in the spirits to tease though. When I say they took the loose hard, I mean they took it HARD.

I sighed as I sat on the hotel bed. I looked at my half packet suitcase. I really didn't want to leave. I forced myself to get up and finish my packing. I only had a few more hours before I had to leave. I had to say goodbye to the guys in about an hour, they were at practice now and I was going to meet them after.

I zipped my suitcase and walked out to the hallway. I went down to the lobby and checked out. I smiled politely to the woman at the front desk as she thanked me for staying.

I called a cab and gave them the address to Consol. Olli was at practice today, a bruise wasn't stopping him. He probably would have kept playing if he was able to talk. I had a feeling that he would be back the day after, which he was. They hadn't had a game since. Tonight, about the time my plane was going to be landing, the game was starting. I wish I could be there to watch. I would probably make Olli happy too.

The more I thought about leaving Olli the more it got to me. I don't know if I could ever see us together like Sid wanted, but we could be close friends. I still don't exactly know if Olli even had feelings like that towards me. It wouldn't matter I guess..... I doubt I will be accepted to any of the colleges. He will forget even if he does have feeling for me. I doubt he does though.

I got to the arena and walked inside. By now, security knew who I was. They didn't stop me anymore. Sid always got me out of it anyway. The perks of knowing the captain of the team.....

I walked out into the seats and sat down a few rows back. I never sat by the glass when I watched practice. It was awkward when no one else was around. I could watch everyone else at the same time when I was up a bit higher too.

I got a few waves from the team, including Flower, Geno, Sid, James and last but not least Olli. I waved back and crossed my legs. I watched as they began what seemed like the beginning of a hard practice.

They were exhausted once practice was over, it didn't even look like they were skating anymore. They had to drag themselves to the locker room to change. I waited patiently for them to change and come out. It was a lot faster at a practice than a game. They seemed to take a century at a game.

I was in my own little world when someone called my name from behind me.

"Hey Olli." I said with a warm smile.

"Hey..." He said. He sounded tired, but it seemed like a bit more than that.

"How was practice?" I asked as I stood up.

"It was ok. Could have been better." He shrugged in reply.

"Aw, I'm sorry." I frowned.

"I just hope the game will be better..... Will you be here?" He asked. He had the same look in his eyes as when I met him. Like a little puppy who lost it's owner. He killed me with it.

"No... I can't. I have to leave in a few minutes if I am going to catch my plane." I said softly.

His expression of hope disappeared. "N-Now?" He said in a whisper.

I nodded hesitantly.

"If you have to go, wait for a minute. I wanted to give you something." He said digging trough his bag.

"We have all decided you're good luck, we won all the games you were there for. So I am adding to it." He said handing me a jersey.

"Same one I wore when I made my first NHL goal. If that is good luck, you with it would be twice the luck." He said.

"Olli, I couldn't." I said.

"Too bad, no give backs." He smiled and chuckled a bit.

"Call me whenever you want to talk, ok?" I said hugging him.

He was a bit startled by it, but hugged me back. "Every moment I get.... I will let you know when I get the letters back." He said.

I pulled away and nodded, "I have to go now. I hardly have time to say goodbye to Sid."

"Ok.... bye Aliyah." He said and looked down..

. "Bye Olli, I will see you soon." I said grabbing my bag and slowly walking out.

Notes

I bet you all thought she was gonna stay.... lol sorry.