Counting Stars

“Sidney, do you have something to tell us?” My mother is looking at me expectantly.

I take a deep breath, “It’s something that I’ve been thinking about for a little while. Brooklyn and I need to talk about some more things so I haven’t done anything official yet. I just…I can’t explain it right now. It feels like the right thing.”

No one responds to my words and then surprisingly my father coughs, “I think I can speak for everyone when I say this, we would love to have Brooklyn as part of our family.”

I can’t believe that he said that and I don’t think my mom and sister can either. Finally my mother breaks out into a smile and hugs me, “Oh sweetie I’m so happy for you. Can we see what rings you were considering?”

Suddenly I’m nervous because I have no idea what I’m doing. I scratch the back of my neck, “Um I mean I really don’t know if I’m picking good things. Honestly I’m kind of lost.”

Taylor shows my mom the iPad, “Really bro you’re not screwing this up too bad. These rings look pretty amazing.”

My mother coos, “Wow Sidney, these do look good. You’re going to design it yourself?”

“She deserves a unique ring. I want it to be special to Brooklyn. Luckily I’m in the position where I can spoil her and I want to.”

“How big is it going to be?” My sister, always asking the important questions.

I can’t help but smile, “Really big, don’t worry Taylor.”

“Have you decided what cut? I always preferred cushion.”

Taylor coos with my mom, “Those always look the best.”

My father interrupts, “Can I make a suggestion, Sid? From someone who had to do this myself.”

“Please.”

“Don’t choose the ring with your family,” Taylor and my mom immediately protest. “No, no hear me out. Go with a friend, maybe Marc, who did this recently and knows your relationship with Brooklyn better. Trust me there will be a lot less pressure.”

I nod and then close my iPad, “That’s probably a good idea. And this way you guys can be surprised.”

“You’re no fun.” My sister pouts and heads back inside.

My mother also stands, “I’m going to spend time with your sister because she actually includes me in her life.”

My dad and I contain our laughter until she leaves the deck and then we both lose it. “Thanks dad, really for the advice.”

“I figured this would happen eventually, I’m glad I could help.”

“And, um I’m glad you’re happy about it being Brooklyn.”

He sighs and shifts in the chair, “I know that I’ve been kind of difficult with her, but I have to trust your judgment. We’ve all seen a change in you Sidney and if it’s even partly because of Brooklyn then I couldn’t be happier.”

“That means a lot to me and I know Brooklyn, thanks.”

I’m back in Pittsburgh and hanging out with some of the guys. Most of us are still left before we split for the summer. The five of us went to a Pirates game earlier today and now we are grilling at my place. All of us are relaxing and discussing our summer plans. “How was France Sid?”

I shrug, “It was a lot of fun, and I mean Brooklyn just looked gorgeous all week.”

“Oh, come on, tell us about the fight.” James, the usual trouble maker is smiling.

“Really not much to say. That prick was touching her and I just snapped.” I pause and then decide to share the whole story. “He uh offered her drugs again.”

“Are you kidding me?” Pascal sounds pissed.

“Nope. She said no of course, but um she was really shaken up about the whole thing.”

“I would have punched the asshole too,” Geno mumbles. “Brooklyn is too sweet. Why she date him in the first place?”

“Beats me.”

Kris Letang finally speaks, “Flower mentioned that you two are going ring shopping.”

Now my peaceful deck has exploded into noise. I look at Flower, “Thanks man.”

He shrugs, “Sorry, I honestly couldn’t believe it.”

“When are you asking her?” Pascal was obviously intrigued.

“I’m not sure yet, I just want to have the ring you know. These last few months have been amazing. We’ve been through a lot and I can’t imagine not having her in my life.” All the guys oh and ah sarcastically. “Fuck off.”

They all laugh and Geno speaks up, “I want to help pick out the ring too.”

“If you want to come Geno you can,” One more person isn’t going to make the process any more difficult.

“Wait,” Pascal interjects. “As your roommate I think I definitely need to be there too.”

“And I should be there just to make sure you don’t fuck up too royally,’’ James adds.

I do a quick count in my head. Five guys to pick out one ring seems a little bit too much, but I can’t seem to say no to my teammates. “Fine. We are going tomorrow to the Cartier place.”

Pascal whistles, “Cartier? You aren’t messing around my friend.”

“I’m in the position where I can actually get her the best and I fully intend to; she deserves it.” Once again the guys oh and ah. I laugh, “Fucking assholes.”

*******


Brianna and I are sitting in our private cabana by the pool soaking up some sun. The rest of the single girls are frolicking in the water. Suddenly Brianna’s phone rings and cuts our peaceful silence. “That better not be Claude we said no talking to the boys.”

“Dana told me you called Sidney last night, sis.” She points out and then answers the call anyway. I don’t listen to the conversation and instead focus on my drink and the pop music around me. Something tells me that this will be the last peaceful moments for me in a while. With everything happening with Sidney and the movie; it just feels like the next few months are going to be…big. I sigh and then my sister hangs up the phone with a sigh.

“Everything alright?”

“No. That was the old Chair of the WAG association; she wants my input on all of these fundraisers for next year, not to mention we are having issues with our non-profit filing. God, I just have a lot to do. Philly loves their hockey team and even the WAGs, we are trying really hard to make the organization amazing.”

I nod, but realize that something else might be bothering her, “Brianna?”

“I’m going to quit my job.”

“What?” There’s no way I heard her correctly. Brianna lives to teach. “I’m confused here sis, fill me in.”

“Well, with all of these responsibilities, I just can’t do it anymore. I can’t be the wife Claude needs and I want to be and teach. Trust me I’ve crunched the numbers and ran every scenario. This is the only one that will work.”

“You love teaching.”

She shrugs, “But I love Claude more.” Brianna takes her sunglasses off and looks at me dead in the eye. “Sometimes you have to make sacrifices for the one you love.” I’m silent as she mentions this as I can eerily feel the resemblance between this conversation and the one I had with Sidney just days before. “I’m sure you and Sidney have had this conversation. You two are pretty serious. Honestly, I’m surprised that you are going to take that new role; Dana told me that you brought up marriage.”

“Sidney and I are going to compromise.”

“Look, I don’t know your relationship, but think about it. Since you two started dating you’ve filmed one movie and that was hard enough seeing him and making this work. Remember you two even broke up for a little.”

“Extenuating circumstances Brianna.”

She waves her hand, “Just consider the fact that a marriage is more work than dating and kids are even more than that. Sidney is going to want to have a stable home life for his kids and so will you. The logical conclusion is for you stop acting.” Her words sink in. “The question is do you love Sidney enough to give that up?”

“What are you saying?”

“Sidney is a great guy, I’ve come to realize that, but he is going to hold you back; he’s selfish. I mean has he reached out to really get to know any of us? Think about how much time you spend with his family. And I’m afraid that you might end up resenting him.”

“You want me to break it off.” She nods. “But I love him.” My voice is weak and unsure.

“In the long run, this is will be better. I promise.”

I stand disgusted with every aspect of the conversation and my reaction to it. “I love him Brianna, that’s that.” I storm out of the cabana and back to our suite, ignoring the catcalls and requests for autographs.

In our suite I debate calling Sidney, just needing to hear his voice. And decide to call my mom instead. “Hey sweetie, how is Vegas?”

“Uh good mom. I just had a question real quick. What do you think about Sidney?”

There is silence, “I want to know him better, he’s obviously important to you. But other than that he seems like a nice young man.”

“Do you think that the two of us could be like you and dad?”

“Well, again I haven’t really been around him much.” Shit, Brianna is on to something apparently.

“He’s been busy mom.”

“So have you, hun.” She sighs and continues. “What brought this up?”

“I don’t know. Maybe it’s all this wedding stuff with Brianna. And the similarities between her and Claude and Sidney and I.”

My mother interrupts, “Brooklyn Rae Donahue, don’t you dare compare your relationship to Brianna’s. I’m sick and tired of the competition between you two.”

“Just, answer one last thing for me. If Sidney asked you for your blessing tomorrow would you give it?”

My question is only met with silence and then my mother finally answers, “That is a question for your father.”

I scoff and my heart breaks a little, “It’s obvious what your answer is mom. I need to go…”

“No, no. Let me impart one last bit of wisdom. You’ve made it to this point in your life working for what makes you happy. Figure out what makes you happy and chase it, if that means marrying Sidney great, if it’s something else your father and I will always support you. You’re my baby Brooklyn and I just want to see you happy.”

“Alright, thanks mom. I love you.”

“I love you and I always will. Be safe.”

The bachelorette week has finally come to a close. Our group is in the airport waiting for our perspective flights. Most of us are all going different directions. And my flight to L.A. is about ready to go I stand and say my goodbyes. “Brooklyn can I have a word real quick?”

I really don’t want to speak to her, but I let Brianna lead me over to a quiet corner, “Yes?”

“Look, I’m sorry how I talked to you yesterday, but I’m not sorry I said it. You’ve always let guys lead you. I just don’t want you to lose yourself again.”

She has a point. Historically, I’ve had a bad track record with guys. Relationships consume me, “I’m glad you told me how you felt, but maybe next time with a little less condescension?”

“You’re right. Are you going to think about what I said?”

I nod, “I am.”

Brianna pulls me into a hug, “I’m always here to talk. I love you.”

“I love you too. See you in a few weeks for the wedding!”

Once my flight lands in L.A. my chauffeur drives me to the studio. Waiting in an office is Janet and the casting directors for the new movie. I smile and we discuss some things before they officially offer me the part. “Wow, thank you so much. I’m truly honored that you guys thought of me. If possible, I was wondering if you could do me the courtesy of giving me two days to think about it.” I can feel Janet tense. “I’ll be in L.A. I just want to look over the shooting schedule.”

The director nods, “That shouldn’t be a problem. We want to work with you Ms. Donahue. Feel free to call us with any questions.”

“I will, thank you.” We shake on it and I sign a provisional contract that will hold for three days.

Back in the car Janet waits about five minutes before she starts her rant. “What the hell were you thinking? You’re not Meryl Streep for Christ’s sake. They offered you the role of a lifetime, you take it.”

“I told you a few days ago, I wanted to alter the shooting schedule.”

“Why?” I just look out the window. “It’s the guy isn’t it? This Crosby? Are you kidding me? You’ve already let one man almost destroy your career.”

“This isn’t the same.”

“Explain how it’s not the same to me. He wants you to give up acting right? So you will spend more time with him, maybe push out some little forward-defensemen.”

“It’s one or the other,” I mumble.

“What?”

“The kids would be either forwards or defensemen you can’t be both!” I scream finally letting all of the anger flow over me. It seems that everyone around me doesn’t want this relationship. They don’t think we can pull off the long haul. Essentially we were a great couple, but not soul mate material. “I’m fucking sick of this conversation.”

“You know he’s wrong for you. Think about how he handled Cannes, the scandal, he deserted you before you even spoke your piece. Sidney Crosby, no matter how nice he is or how good he is can never be your husband. His poor little world can’t handle it. You are bigger than him and more important than him. His ego will never accept it.”

“How long have you thought this?”

She shrugs, “Since you two got back together.”

“When was anyone going to tell me all of this? Our wedding day? Or would you have at least told me when he proposed?” The car is deathly silent after my outburst and I know that Janet is giving me some time to calm down. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to yell. It’s just frustrating.”

“Here is my advice.”

“As my manager?”

“I think you already know where I stand as your manager,” In a rare display of affection Janet grasps my hand. “As a friend who has seen you at your worst and at your best, knows you inside and out. Tonight you need to go out and have fun. It’s a Friday in Hollywood, and you are the hottest young star. Go out and just forget about the world. And then tomorrow, stay inside, don’t talk to anyone and explore how you feel, hell make a pro/con list. After that we will talk about everything or nothing.”

“What about my interviews?”

“I’ll cancel them. I need you rested and in a good state of mind before this next movie, that’s if you decide to do it.”

I think about Janet’s advice or more aptly schedule. Honestly, it sounds perfect. The last few days have been so Sidney-centric and I need some time to be alone with my thoughts. I take a deep breath, “Okay.”

*******


I’m waiting outside of the airport for Brooklyn. Her plane landed about ten minutes ago. We haven’t talked much since our morning phone call last week. As far as I know her time in L.A. went well. Part of me though is nervous about what conclusion she came to about the part. When I see her though nothing matters. Brooklyn is dressed casually in jean shorts and a baseball hat. God she looks gorgeous. I hop out of the car and crush her in a hug, “Welcome back babe.”

“Hey, Sid. Thanks for coming to pick me up.”

“Of course.” I throw her suitcase in the trunk and then we are on our way back to my house. “Flower is having one final cookout for all the families tonight. If you want to go?”

Brooklyn turns away from the window and smiles softly, “I would love to.”

I shift in the uncomfortable silence, “How was L.A.?”

“Enlightening. We can talk about it all later. I just want to spend some time with you.” Brooklyn’s hand finds mine across the console and I can’t help but smile.

We do a quick turn around and are at the Fleury household within the hour. Everyone who is still in town is already there. In the backyard kids run around with the adults and I hold Brooklyn’s hand before we join the party, “Are you sure you’re okay?”

She laughs and drags me into the backyard, “Never better.”

Vero is the first to greet us, “Oh! Brooklyn, welcome back to Pittsburgh!! We’ve missed you.” The two women instantly fall into a hug. “And welcome to you as well Sid.”

I smile and nod my head. Brooklyn focuses on Vero’s stomach, “You look great girl.”

“Thanks, this is still the easy part.” The petite Frenchwoman shrugs. “I’m sure you’ll know all about it soon enough, Brooklyn.”

My girlfriend laughs again and I notice it’s a little too shrill, “Of course, but I’ll leave the mothering to you for now.”

The two of us walk further into the cookout and Geno quickly commandeers Brooklyn. “You are back! It wasn’t the same without you.”

“The feeling is mutual my dear Russian.”

Finally, I end up with my teammates while Brooklyn intermingles with some of the women. By the time dinner is served all of us are mixed in together. Ann Adams attracts Brooklyn’s attention, “While we have you here, I wanted to give you the WAG association schedule for next season.” She hands over a folder across the table. “This has all of the important dates, flyers, generic information, contacts for all of us and the guy’s tentative travel schedule of course. We are really excited for this season and we can’t wait for you to be officially part of us.”

Everyone around us has stopped their conversations. I notice and I know Brooklyn does as well. She looks over the schedule quickly and I see a frown slowly cross her face, “Um, I’m sorry Ann. I uh signed on for a movie and with all the press and stuff I don’t think I can commit to this.”

Ann, usually upbeat and positive looks disappointed. “Oh, that’s fine. I’m sure we will still see you at games and such. Maybe next year.”

James pulls the conversation away from us and I focus on Brooklyn who is now gently pushing food around her plate. The folder is placed gently between us. I lean over and whisper, “You took the part?”

“I did.”

There’s nothing else to say and I notice that Vero is looking at us with confusion. Instead I just kiss her on the forehead, “Congratulations.”

I know I don’t mean it fully and it’s clear that Brooklyn knows as well. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“Nothing to talk about, I’m happy for you.”

After dinner Brooklyn helps clear the tables and clean the plates. Meanwhile I sit by the pool with Flower and Pascal who are discussing their wives. “Has Carol already recruited you for events?”

Pascal nods, “Yep. She complains about the girls so much, but I know she secretly loves it.”

“Vero is the same way.”

“Do you think it’s weird?” I speak up. “That Brooklyn has no desire to join the WAGs?”

Flower looks at me, “I think ‘no desire’ might be a little harsh. She’s just busy.”

“But so were your wives before, but they joined. And when she first met everyone she hated the idea.”

“Not every girl is in the group; it’s not mandatory or anything.”

“And if I wanted her to be part of it?”

Pascal sighs, “It’s up to her mon ami not you.”

Maybe he’s right. All I know is that something feels off about her and about us. I figured she would tell me immediately when she took the part. I bet she was just busy with her sister and everything. “The ring should be done soon.”

“Really?”

I sip my beer, “Money talks, I guess. Now I just have to figure out how I want to ask.”

“That’s almost as important as the ring.”

My friends go back to discussing the summer and their kids while I locate Brooklyn. She is across the large yard playing with the Dupuis kids. I can’t help but smile. She’s gorgeous of course and looks so at home around these people, around my teammates and friends. Everything reinforces my desire to ask her to marry me. This future for us is perfect.

Back at home we lie in bed. “I really am happy for you Brooklyn.”

“Really?”

I nod. “If it makes you happy.”

“What about the WAGs? Is it okay that I’m not going to join?”

Sighing I pretend that I don’t care, “I know you’re busy. Besides next year when things quiet down or maybe after we get married. We could have a cookout like that for everybody in the backyard. Sounds nice right?”

I feel Brooklyn’s hand softly trace my chest and then I feel her lips on mine. It’s soft and sweet. My eyes meet hers and I can see something lurking behind her deep blue eyes, “Babe?”

She smiles softly and slides her lips across my chin and my neck. “Make love to me Sidney.”

Her voice cracks and I pause gently brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, “Brooklyn, what’s wrong?”

“Please, Sidney.” She whispers.

I don’t answer promising myself that I will get to the bottom of whatever is bothering her. Instead my hands slowly push up her shirt, enjoying the feel of her smooth, hot skin under my hand. I flip us so she’s underneath me. And take in the beautiful expanse of her body. I kiss her exposed skin every inch I can find, “You are beautiful, absolutely beautiful.”

Her hands find my shoulders and arms lightly running up and down them. Eventually they join mine and push down her tiny shorts. I can’t help but groan at the sight of my girlfriend naked beneath me. She smiles and pulls me down to kiss her again. Her hands feel like fire along my back, my ribs and finally on my cock. She knows exactly what I need and I have to push her hands away to maintain my pride, “Not so fast, babe.”

I focus on her delicate collarbone kissing each ridge before circling beautiful breasts. Down near her bellybutton and am rewarded with a delicate giggle. I smile and let my hands find the smooth expanse of her most private area. I hear a sharp intake of breath as I slide one finger slowly and deliberately into her tight channel. Male pride rushes into me knowing that I make her feel this way. My head dips lower until I slowly run my tongue along her smooth lips. This time I feel more than hear Brooklyn’s moan. Fuck, she tastes amazing. I continue to lick and lap until I start to feel her tremble. Her hands run through and tangle in my hair. I pull away to curl my fingers and am rewarded with her climax. I sit up admiring her deep breaths. She looks at me with hooded eyes, “Thank you.”

I flash a crooked smile, “We aren’t even close to being done.” I lower myself so I can look in her eyes. As I push into her I see her eyes widen and then her head tips back in ecstasy. Her body feels perfect wrapped around me. With a deep breath I start to move not once looking away from her gorgeous face.

*******


Sidney inside of me feels like heaven. Every part of my body is focused on him. I’m not sure where I end and he begins. In this moment we feel like one. I sigh as Sidney thrusts harder. Looking into his determined eyes my heart breaks. He is open and trusting and I will never see him like this again. My hands wrap around his neck needing to have him closer to me this one last time. Selfishly I want this moment I want to feel his love one last time. I feel myself tightening around him and I kiss Sidney full on the mouth.

He groans and slows down slowly grinding on me before pulling out excruciatingly slow. My eyes find his and I can feel the love in there. I pull away and release with Sidney’s name on my lips. His head finds the crook of my neck and places a quick kiss. “You are amazing.”

I smile sadly and feel a few tears drop out of my eyes. There isn’t enough time for me to wipe them off and Sidney notices them. “Brooklyn, seriously what’s wrong?”

I shake my head unable to form the words. How do I explain that I’ve never been happier or more distraught in my life? Sidney gently wipes my tears, “I love you Brooklyn Rae Donahue.”

His words threaten more tears, but I bite them back. “And I love you.”

Sidney seems satisfied for now and pulls me on top of him. Our breathing matches soon and I fall into a fitful sleep.

In the morning I slowly get out of bed. Last night was amazing, wonderful and if I’m being honest unfair. Yesterday cemented what I already knew; Sidney and I will never work. It kills me, but I can’t give him what he needs right now, maybe not ever. I glance at Sidney, who is sleeping like the dead and crack a small smile before running my hand gently through his hair. Slowly and carefully I grab my unpacked suitcase and walk downstairs. Perhaps I knew something when I packed for this trip. Almost everything of mine is in this suitcase. There won’t be a reason to go back, I don’t know if I can. I get dressed in the kitchen looking around the house. Memories come flooding to me. The first time I was here watching the football game, fooling around after the game, meeting his parents, comforting him after losses and celebrating after wins. They were all amazing things, but I can’t imagine a future in this house with us both happy. Our lives simply don’t complement. We can barely keep it together when it’s just the two of us. When we have kids? I shake my head to dispel the tantalizing images of little Sidneys. Damn it, Brooklyn stop. You can’t give him what he wants, no matter how much you love him.

I take a deep breath and with shaking hands I pull out the letter that I wrote to Sidney on the plane. Writing it I wasn’t sure if I was going to use it, but now I know I need to. It’s on a simple piece of stationary and looks innocuous enough. The few tear stains are the only signs of the emotion in the short epistle. My phone beeps and I know that the car is waiting for me outside. I place the letter on the counter as the car quickly honks. I can’t even bring myself to look around one last time. Practically in tears I rush out of the house. The driver takes my bag and helps me into the car. “Where to Miss?”

“Um, the airport please.” I don’t start to cry until we are on the highway.

******


I wake up and throw my arm out to pull Brooklyn closer. Frowning, my arm hits empty bed. Where is she? I hear honking from outside and then a door close. Something in my stomach drops. I get out of bed and throw pants on. A nagging feeling accompanies me as I walk down the stairs, “Brooklyn?” No answer. I end up in the kitchen. “Babe?”

Looking around I notice a piece of paper on the otherwise immaculate countertop. I pick it up confused and start to read.

Sidney,

I didn’t know how to tell you this in person. Honestly, I’m probably too much of a coward. There’s something that I’ve realized the past few weeks. We would never work. As amazing as these past few months have been I know that it won’t last. As much as I want to I will never be what you need. You deserve a woman who can be waiting for you at home every night. And I can’t do that no matter how I hard I would try. I wish with all my heart that I could be the woman that you want, the wife and mother who will raise a family in your beautiful house and host parties in the backyard. But I can’t. I don’t fit into your future. And no one should have to give up something like that for love. I would hate myself for making you settle or hate you for making me change.

That is my worst nightmare Sidney, to wake up one day and hate you, so I have to leave with the memories of what we had. You showed me how perfect love can be and how it can make you a better version of yourself. I don’t think I’ve laughed more or enjoyed myself more than I when we were together. Thank you for that. There is an amazing girl out there for you, one with much less baggage than me. And one that will give you everything you need. I can’t wait for that day. I hope you have all the happiness in the world. I love you.

It’s not signed and it doesn’t need to be. I let the letter fall from my hand and just sit there for a moment before I know what to do. Everything feels numb. I find my phone and call Brooklyn again and again, she doesn’t pick up once. “Damnit, Brooklyn!” The words in the letter are starting to permeate by brain. She left. She left because she doesn’t think we have a future. It hurts and it burns. I can start to feel the anger I make one more phone call. “Hello?”

“Mr. Donahue, hi it’s Sidney.” I take a deep breath and trace over the words on the letter. “I just wanted to um say that we aren’t going to need to meet for that lunch after all.”

“You sure, son?”

I wince and it’s obvious that Brooklyn hasn’t told anyone. “Yeah, I’m sure. “ I hang up before I completely lose the fragile grip I have on my emotions. I stand and head back up to my bedroom. In thirty minutes I’m at CONSOL in the workout room. I start doing drills until I can’t remember her name much less my own. I’m back where I belong surrounded by the only thing I really know. This is where I belong and the only things I can really count on.

*******


Hollywood, C.A.—It seems that our favorite couple is no more. Brooklyn Donahue and Sidney Crosby have called it quits. In a surprising turn of events, statements released by both parties have confirmed the split. Sources near to Brooklyn guess that Crosby’s relaxed lifestyle didn’t coincide with her Hollywood career. Conversely those close to the Penguin’s captain have said that the romance merely fizzled out.

We can pinpoint the split to the first few days of June. Sources are mum on the exact detail of the split, but apparently both parties are distraught. Brooklyn was seen spending time with her family after the breakup in Ohio. A friend said, “[Brooklyn] is lost without Sidney right now, but feels that she made the right choice.” She was dressed casually and seemed to focus on watching her cousin play soccer. Her ex-lover also went home to Canada for a little bit of time.

Neither the actress nor the athlete has wasted anytime in returning to their normal lives. Sidney has been seen training in his hometown of Cole Harbor, in an effort to, ‘return to his normal life and stay away from any media or reporters.’ Meanwhile Brooklyn has signed on to film not one, not two but three new movies. She hasn’t been seen enjoying night life or any social life for that matter since the split. We are all awaiting anxiously to see what her newest film brings. One thing is for sure, we will miss these two together, just a few weeks ago we were planning their wedding. Our best wishes to both Brooklyn and Sidney. The two had been seeing each other since November of 2013.

Notes

I know this probably wasn't the ending you were hoping for and honestly it wasn't the ending I originally planned. As the story kind of took on a life of it's own I realized that both Brooklyn and Sidney are both too strong to settle. And the current state of their relationship felt like settling. This seemed like a natural and realistic conclusion to this stage of their relationship. That being said I'm a romantic at heart and really do want these two crazy kids to make it, so who knows what the future holds...

Thank you ALL so much for reading this and supporting this. For those of you who commented, reading your comments always put a smile on my face and inspired me to write more. As this is my first foray into this kind of thing I didn't expect any response, much less one this awesome. So thank you so much and I hope you enjoyed the story!