Part of the Team (ON HOLD)

“Wow, you couldn’t get anyone stronger?” I asked immediately.

Prusty put a hand over his heart with a “Ooohh, that hurts.” Josh just snickered. I waved to Peter, hopping off my trunk. He opening his arms, and I ran into them. I buried my face in his chest, trying not to cry. I was finally going home. He laughed and rested his chin on my head.

“C’mon, there’s someone you have to meet.” He said.

I saw Chelsea walk in, followed by another woman. I ran into Chelsea’s arms too, before turning to the lady. She smiled.

“Hi, I’m Maggie, Josh’s wife. Peter has told me a lot about you.” She said. I laughed. Was there anyone he didn’t tell?

“Maggie’s taking you shopping tomorrow too, be ready.” Peter said with a chuckle.

Maggie smacked him on the arm. “It will be fun! Trust me.” She said, smiling again.

Prusty and Josh moved to pick up my trunk. “Define fun.” Josh said with a grunt as he picked it up. Maggie just shook her head. Peter hugged me to his side as we walked down the hall.

In the weeks leading up to the stitches coming out of my leg, you would have thought Peter was my actual dad. We clicked almost instantly. He quickly became my best friend and dad. He treated me as if he had known me forever; told me I was beautiful, calmed my fears regarding the media, made me happy.

He loved me.

And I loved every second of it.

Chelsea walked outside with us, almost in tears the whole time. I hugged her at Peter’s car. She held me tight.

“I’m going to miss you so much girly.” She said, sobbing. I wiggled the flip phone in her face.

“I still have this remember? I’ll text you all the time, and maybe we can get lunch or something.” I replied. I hated seeing her sad, she always seemed happy. I would do anything to get her happy again. At my request, she nodded.

“Yea, do that. We can get together anytime. I gotta go, I love you hun.” She said, pulling me in for another hug before hurrying back inside. Turning back to the car, I found the trunk loaded and the passenger door open.

“Be ready around three tomorrow Lizzie, we’re going to have so much fun.” Maggie said, holding onto Josh. He just shook his head no. I laughed.

“Be ready for me at nine. Maybe once Coach meets you he’ll go easy on us.” Prusty said with a chuckle.

“Or I could tell him to give you guys hell.” I said with a smirk. Brandon looked at me with disbelief, complete with raised eyebrows.

“You wouldn’t.” I laughed. Of course I wouldn’t. Or would I? He just shook his head and got in his car, heading to Peter’s to help with the trunk. Josh and Maggie following suit. I was left with Peter. He smiled and opened the passenger door. I climbed in, and pretty soon we were on the road, heading home.

Home.

*****************************************************

I stood in the doorway, looking into the apartment. It might have been because it was home to me now, or it was actually this awesome. It had hardwood floors. To the right was a kitchen, white marble with grey veins and an island, with a dining room table. To the left was a wall of windows overlooking Montreal. The Bell Centre could be seen. There was even a little couch thing attached to the window with pillows and such. There was a flat screen against the wall to my immediate left, and a big leather couch was facing it. Past that was a big doorway leading into a sitting area with a huge flat screen. There were couches, recliners, and beanbags. A Nintendo 64 and controllers, among other games, could be seen. Straight ahead of me were a flight of stairs. That was where Buds and Prusty were headed. I followed them.

The hallway widened out to reveal three doors. Two on the right, one on the left. The one on the right was mine. I opened the door for the guys. Once they were in, I entered. The room was a soft blue color, with bright colored accents. There was a papasan chair in the corner, a white dresser on the left, and a rug in the middle of the floor. There were more windows above the chair, overlooking a different part of Montreal. A stack of books was next to the chair. There was a door to a closet in the far left corner. There were French doors to the right in the middle of wall leading to a small balcony. There were thin, white curtains tied back from the door. Some Canadiens memorabilia could be seen scattered around the room. The bed was a simple white, and the frame was beautiful.

So, in short, I loved it.

The two men put the chest at the foot of my new bed. Prusty bid us goodbye, saying he was late for a date, but not before giving me a bear hug. The room fell into a comfortable silence. I wandered around the room, opening things and touching everything. Peter lounged on my bed, watching me. He spoke up after some time.

“Maggie and some of the other ladies designed the room. The guys helped move everything in. They left little notes everywhere too, good luck finding them.” He said with a chuckle. I smiled. These guys, I swear. I found one in the chair, from Bourque.

This thing is really comfortable. Can't wait to see you again - Rene

I laughed, imagining him sitting in the chair watching everyone lift all the heavy stuff. I found a note on the books. This one from Chuckie.

Who reads? - Alex

I laughed again, searching for more. There was another note on the dresser.

Hope you like the room. Looking forward too seeing you and your humor again. Check the closet - Brian

I opened the closet at the note's request to find twenty-six jerseys. Every player on the Habs and then some. I stood still in disbelief. All were signed and had small notes on them. The only one that wasn’t signed said “Lizzie” on the back. For the second time in one day, I almost started crying. Peter appeared behind me.

“All the guys bought these for you. They’re super excited to see you again.” He said softly. I pulled him into a hug again, and he laughed. Once I got my almost crying under control, I explored the balcony. Peter followed.

The view was breathtaking. The wind wasn’t too strong, and the lights of the city twinkled. I looked up at the sky, and saw the stars peeking out. I looked back out over the buildings.

“Welcome home.” Peter whispered in my ear in that adorable Slovak accent. I turned to him. He had a small smile on his face, and his eyes shone with something I didn’t recognize. Then it hit me.

Love.

Peter Budaj loved me.

And I loved him.

I couldn’t hold my tears any longer. I had been doing so all day. I buried my face in my hands and sobbed uncontrollably. I felt him strong arms envelope me. He pulled me down into one of the chairs. I sat on his lap, crying my eyes out.

By now it had grown dark. The moon was out in its fullest, casting a gentle glow on everything in Montreal.

Once the tears dried up, I peeked a look at Peter. His eyes were turned skyward, probably watching the stars. His face was soft; he looked thoughtful. I nuzzled my face into his neck again, inhaling his scent. His arms drew tighter around me as he started rubbing my arm.

The day had wore on me, and eventually I feel asleep, safe, loved, and wrapped in his arms.

Home.

Notes

ALERT THERE IS MUCH ADORABLENESS IN THIS CHAPTER DOGE HAS WARNED YOU

btw Peter is not married or have a kid in this story #sorrynotsorry xD


sorry if the repetative "Home" thingies are annoying, forgive my insolence :B

also, i have that exact papasan chair in my room, although i shall continue to call it a bowl chair after learning the real name three days ago.

also also P&B is referring to Pinkbear and Blankie, Lizzie's trusty bear and blanket

ALSO ALSO ALSO im writing a new story with my BFF partner in crime Kaela, doing a character's POV (I'm sure you can guess which one) in the story "19 to 87" check it out, rate, subscribe, tell Kaela how awesome she is and such.

K I LOVE YOU ALL your support is amazing. keep commenting, i love it <3