Orlando
New Year’s Eve and A Birthday I’ll Never Forget
Evelyna’s POV
A week later, it was New Year’s Eve and that meant one thing to me: my birthday. I was so excited, because this would be the best New Year’s to date. I hate to sound like a broken record, but I was spending it with the best baby Russian hockey player ever, Valeri Ivanovich Nichushkin! (Cue the fangirl screaming.)
The beginning part of the day was spent mostly hanging out with Kaitlyn and the boys for the most part. I got a birthday wish and gift from every single Dallas player. Roussel chirped me, but I smack talked him back, unable to keep from doing so.
Then around 5:00 pm we all headed to the American Airlines Center. Kaitlyn and I grabbed our seats early and hung out, while the boys all practiced and had fun. Tyler and Jamie picked on each other, like normal. Val kept to himself, but was eventually jumped and pulled into the fun by the two young men.
At first, I was worried they’d hurt him and I shouted out, “Hey, Tyler, Jamie, easy! Be nice to my baby Russian!”
And before long, the game started up and flew by.
The Stars finished up crushing the Arizona Coyotes with a score of 6-0 at the AAC. It was huge because Val was apart of the win. He had four points. Two goals and two assists. He was so excited and I had been at the game with Kaitlyn. We were both clapping and jumping up and down.
“SEGGY SCORED TWICE!!!!”
“I KNOW, but NICHY SCORED TWICE TOO!! AND he had two assists, so technically my man is better than yours!” I flicked my hair behind me mimicking a popular girl and then earned a slap from Kaitlyn. “Oh, c’mon Kait.”
Jamie Benn and Trevor Daley had the other two goals. And Jamie had an assist on Val’s goal. The Stars’ first line had a killer evening.
“Seggy’s a superstar and he leads the league in goals!”
“Not with Nichy against him!” I retorted.
We both turned to the ice, where the boys were excitedly raising their sticks up in victory. They all had smiles on their faces and in two hours, we’d all be hanging together to welcome the new year. And in style. Dallas Stars style.
After the excitement settled, we rushed down to the back-ice area, to where Val, Tyler and Jamie were already changed and waiting for us. Kaitlyn ran and threw her arms around Tyler, while I jumped into the open arms of Val.
“С Днем Рождения! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!” Val exclaimed, as his arms wrapped around me in a big bear hug.
“Спасибо. Thanks.”
He gave me one of the pucks he had scored a goal with. It was the sweetest and most amazing gift that I had ever received. I clutched it in my hands and put it over the center of my chest. He was grinning that grin of his and I couldn’t help but give him a big squeeze and kiss on the lips.
“You’re the best, Val!”
“I know.”
We all then hurried out of the Center and hopped into Jamie’s car. We giggled and chuckled, as we left the arena. Around Dallas, people were already starting to kick off the celebration with fireworks.
“Keep your hands to yourself Seggy!” Jamie scolded.
“I won’t bother you, Jamie!”
We all got into the vehicle and immediately left the parking lot. We watched all the fireworks going off on the way back to Tyler’s house. Val and I held hands, gazing out the window, while Tyler and Kaitlyn seemed more interested in making out.
“When that clock hits zero, I’m going to kiss you so hard,” Tyler growled.
“Ew, Seggy. That’s gross!!!!” I complained.
“Keep it in your pants, Lover Boy!” Jamie teased, wagging his eyebrows in the mirror.
“Можно я тебя поцелую?” Val asked.
“VALERI!” Jamie scolded, playfully, looking through the rearview mirror at him.
I saw the poor blond guy drop his head down. He looked so ashamed and sad. But knowing Val, he wouldn’t be this way for long. His head snapped back up and he looked at me. He repeated, this time in English, “I kiss you?”
“Awe, you wanna kiss me, sweetie?” I questioned, tightening the grip I had on his hand. “Of course. Of course. You can totally kiss me.”
He smiled innocently and I could tell he was clapping his hands in his head like a little kid. He was full of spirit and life. And he was like a little kid.
“Val, stop doing that!!” Tyler complained.
“Hate you too, Segs!” Val grumbled back, shockingly angry.
“Valeri!” I laughed. “Be nice to Seggy.”
“Thank you, Evelyna,” Tyler chuckled.
“Don’t be cocky, Segs.”
We pulled up to Tyler’s house, officially driving Jamie, the driver, bat crazy. He rolled his eyes and heaved heavy sighs. Between Val and I being all cutesy and cuddly with one another and Kaitlyn and Tyler kissing and making out, the Captain of the Dallas Stars wasn’t amused or having fun. But he wasn’t a complainer and he put up with it.
We all walked into the house and prepared for the evening, quickly eating some Chinese Takeout that we had ordered and picked up. It had been Val’s idea. We quickly devoured our food, not eating for a while, since before the exciting game.
After that, we cleaned up and settled down on the couch. Jamie and Tyler went into the kitchen and poured some glasses of wine. Kaitlyn was almost old enough to legally drink on her own, but she wasn’t there yet. Neither was Val, but they could partake in the ceremony. Tyler had made sure to get some sparkling wine. He didn’t mind it and in fact, everyone was fine with it.
He brought the glasses over. By now it was 11:30pm at night. Tyler sat down next to Kaitlyn and wrapped his arms around her side. Jamie sat in the middle, his arms folded over his chest, between his two teammates. (Aw, poor Jamie...he’s the awkward third wheel...) I leaned over Val and poked him.
“Loving New Year’s, eh?”
He rolled his eyes. “Yeah, right. I really need a girlfriend...”
Tyler had one arm draped around Kaitlyn’s shoulders and was rubbing her shoulder blade like he was delicately stroking a cat. The other arm shot out and punched his friend in the shoulder, playfully. “You’ll find someone soon, Benny. Stop whining. Enjoy the bachelor life. And don’t worry, Kait’s not gonna replace you. I promise.”
“Eve neither.” Val shook his head.
“Well...I might,” I teased, nuzzling against Val’s chest.
Jamie sank back into the couch. “When’s the bloody ball drop?”
“It already has over here,” Tyler laughed.
“Real mature, Segs,” Jamie scolded.
I leaned over and decided to have some fun with the Dallas Star forward. “Wait, you only have one?? Wow, that explains a lot!”
“No--I--”
“Yeah, you’re special Seggy.”
“What? No--”
“Don’t deny the truth. You only have one and that’s why you’re such a little girl on the ice!”
“Oh, ah ha-ha, you’re so funny, Eve.”
“Fuck you, Segs!”
“Whoa! Alright, no cussing please. Let’s keep things clean here,” Jamie stated. “It’s almost time, no bickering or fighting...I’m looking at you Mr. One-Ball.”
Tyler frowned. He leaned over Jamie though and hissed, “Tomorrow, me and you are gonna settle this with your hockey stick.”
“You gonna be easy on me?”
“Hell no. It won’t be your birthday anymore.”
“Shut up, Tyler. Shootout or slap shot contest.”
“Slap shot.”
“Deal. You’re going down Pretty Boy!”
“You wish!”
“No break Klyushka!” Val remarked. “Klyushka cool.”
“I won’t...ONE MINUTE LEFT!!” I screamed.
In unison, we all lunged forward and snatched our glasses up. The countdown began rather rapidly.
10...9...8…
“Well, here’s to the Cup coming to Dallas!” Jamie proclaimed, cheerily.
“Amen!” we all chimed in.
...7...6...5…4…
“And to the start of new things!” I cried out.
“Amen!” everyone exclaimed.
...3...2...1…
“HAPPY NEW YEAR!!” we all cried, jumping to our feet. I wrapped my arms around Val and gave him a big kiss. Tyler and Kaitlyn also kissed and Jamie just pumped his fist into the air. Poor guy.
Then we all drank the wine, chugging it in one gulp, which really gave each of us a slight buzz feeling, but vanished instantly. And then we high-fived each other. Time continued ticking by, until finally we all sat back down and the excitement vanished.
We hung out for a little long, before we headed toward our beds at Tyler’s place. Kaitlyn chatted with me, talking about how much she loved Tyler and was happy that she met him and could be with him. (And also that I was such a huge hockey fan and loved the Stars and had met Val, so she could meet Tyler.)
I was thrilled for her. Sure we all missed Orlando and Caitlyn and college life, but this was a pretty good substitute. But I really did want to do something with film or writing. I had been looking forward to it a lot and I didn’t want to waste it.
But what could I do?
A week later, it was New Year’s Eve and that meant one thing to me: my birthday. I was so excited, because this would be the best New Year’s to date. I hate to sound like a broken record, but I was spending it with the best baby Russian hockey player ever, Valeri Ivanovich Nichushkin! (Cue the fangirl screaming.)
The beginning part of the day was spent mostly hanging out with Kaitlyn and the boys for the most part. I got a birthday wish and gift from every single Dallas player. Roussel chirped me, but I smack talked him back, unable to keep from doing so.
Then around 5:00 pm we all headed to the American Airlines Center. Kaitlyn and I grabbed our seats early and hung out, while the boys all practiced and had fun. Tyler and Jamie picked on each other, like normal. Val kept to himself, but was eventually jumped and pulled into the fun by the two young men.
At first, I was worried they’d hurt him and I shouted out, “Hey, Tyler, Jamie, easy! Be nice to my baby Russian!”
And before long, the game started up and flew by.
The Stars finished up crushing the Arizona Coyotes with a score of 6-0 at the AAC. It was huge because Val was apart of the win. He had four points. Two goals and two assists. He was so excited and I had been at the game with Kaitlyn. We were both clapping and jumping up and down.
“SEGGY SCORED TWICE!!!!”
“I KNOW, but NICHY SCORED TWICE TOO!! AND he had two assists, so technically my man is better than yours!” I flicked my hair behind me mimicking a popular girl and then earned a slap from Kaitlyn. “Oh, c’mon Kait.”
Jamie Benn and Trevor Daley had the other two goals. And Jamie had an assist on Val’s goal. The Stars’ first line had a killer evening.
“Seggy’s a superstar and he leads the league in goals!”
“Not with Nichy against him!” I retorted.
We both turned to the ice, where the boys were excitedly raising their sticks up in victory. They all had smiles on their faces and in two hours, we’d all be hanging together to welcome the new year. And in style. Dallas Stars style.
After the excitement settled, we rushed down to the back-ice area, to where Val, Tyler and Jamie were already changed and waiting for us. Kaitlyn ran and threw her arms around Tyler, while I jumped into the open arms of Val.
“С Днем Рождения! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!” Val exclaimed, as his arms wrapped around me in a big bear hug.
“Спасибо. Thanks.”
He gave me one of the pucks he had scored a goal with. It was the sweetest and most amazing gift that I had ever received. I clutched it in my hands and put it over the center of my chest. He was grinning that grin of his and I couldn’t help but give him a big squeeze and kiss on the lips.
“You’re the best, Val!”
“I know.”
We all then hurried out of the Center and hopped into Jamie’s car. We giggled and chuckled, as we left the arena. Around Dallas, people were already starting to kick off the celebration with fireworks.
“Keep your hands to yourself Seggy!” Jamie scolded.
“I won’t bother you, Jamie!”
We all got into the vehicle and immediately left the parking lot. We watched all the fireworks going off on the way back to Tyler’s house. Val and I held hands, gazing out the window, while Tyler and Kaitlyn seemed more interested in making out.
“When that clock hits zero, I’m going to kiss you so hard,” Tyler growled.
“Ew, Seggy. That’s gross!!!!” I complained.
“Keep it in your pants, Lover Boy!” Jamie teased, wagging his eyebrows in the mirror.
“Можно я тебя поцелую?” Val asked.
“VALERI!” Jamie scolded, playfully, looking through the rearview mirror at him.
I saw the poor blond guy drop his head down. He looked so ashamed and sad. But knowing Val, he wouldn’t be this way for long. His head snapped back up and he looked at me. He repeated, this time in English, “I kiss you?”
“Awe, you wanna kiss me, sweetie?” I questioned, tightening the grip I had on his hand. “Of course. Of course. You can totally kiss me.”
He smiled innocently and I could tell he was clapping his hands in his head like a little kid. He was full of spirit and life. And he was like a little kid.
“Val, stop doing that!!” Tyler complained.
“Hate you too, Segs!” Val grumbled back, shockingly angry.
“Valeri!” I laughed. “Be nice to Seggy.”
“Thank you, Evelyna,” Tyler chuckled.
“Don’t be cocky, Segs.”
We pulled up to Tyler’s house, officially driving Jamie, the driver, bat crazy. He rolled his eyes and heaved heavy sighs. Between Val and I being all cutesy and cuddly with one another and Kaitlyn and Tyler kissing and making out, the Captain of the Dallas Stars wasn’t amused or having fun. But he wasn’t a complainer and he put up with it.
We all walked into the house and prepared for the evening, quickly eating some Chinese Takeout that we had ordered and picked up. It had been Val’s idea. We quickly devoured our food, not eating for a while, since before the exciting game.
After that, we cleaned up and settled down on the couch. Jamie and Tyler went into the kitchen and poured some glasses of wine. Kaitlyn was almost old enough to legally drink on her own, but she wasn’t there yet. Neither was Val, but they could partake in the ceremony. Tyler had made sure to get some sparkling wine. He didn’t mind it and in fact, everyone was fine with it.
He brought the glasses over. By now it was 11:30pm at night. Tyler sat down next to Kaitlyn and wrapped his arms around her side. Jamie sat in the middle, his arms folded over his chest, between his two teammates. (Aw, poor Jamie...he’s the awkward third wheel...) I leaned over Val and poked him.
“Loving New Year’s, eh?”
He rolled his eyes. “Yeah, right. I really need a girlfriend...”
Tyler had one arm draped around Kaitlyn’s shoulders and was rubbing her shoulder blade like he was delicately stroking a cat. The other arm shot out and punched his friend in the shoulder, playfully. “You’ll find someone soon, Benny. Stop whining. Enjoy the bachelor life. And don’t worry, Kait’s not gonna replace you. I promise.”
“Eve neither.” Val shook his head.
“Well...I might,” I teased, nuzzling against Val’s chest.
Jamie sank back into the couch. “When’s the bloody ball drop?”
“It already has over here,” Tyler laughed.
“Real mature, Segs,” Jamie scolded.
I leaned over and decided to have some fun with the Dallas Star forward. “Wait, you only have one?? Wow, that explains a lot!”
“No--I--”
“Yeah, you’re special Seggy.”
“What? No--”
“Don’t deny the truth. You only have one and that’s why you’re such a little girl on the ice!”
“Oh, ah ha-ha, you’re so funny, Eve.”
“Fuck you, Segs!”
“Whoa! Alright, no cussing please. Let’s keep things clean here,” Jamie stated. “It’s almost time, no bickering or fighting...I’m looking at you Mr. One-Ball.”
Tyler frowned. He leaned over Jamie though and hissed, “Tomorrow, me and you are gonna settle this with your hockey stick.”
“You gonna be easy on me?”
“Hell no. It won’t be your birthday anymore.”
“Shut up, Tyler. Shootout or slap shot contest.”
“Slap shot.”
“Deal. You’re going down Pretty Boy!”
“You wish!”
“No break Klyushka!” Val remarked. “Klyushka cool.”
“I won’t...ONE MINUTE LEFT!!” I screamed.
In unison, we all lunged forward and snatched our glasses up. The countdown began rather rapidly.
10...9...8…
“Well, here’s to the Cup coming to Dallas!” Jamie proclaimed, cheerily.
“Amen!” we all chimed in.
...7...6...5…4…
“And to the start of new things!” I cried out.
“Amen!” everyone exclaimed.
...3...2...1…
“HAPPY NEW YEAR!!” we all cried, jumping to our feet. I wrapped my arms around Val and gave him a big kiss. Tyler and Kaitlyn also kissed and Jamie just pumped his fist into the air. Poor guy.
Then we all drank the wine, chugging it in one gulp, which really gave each of us a slight buzz feeling, but vanished instantly. And then we high-fived each other. Time continued ticking by, until finally we all sat back down and the excitement vanished.
We hung out for a little long, before we headed toward our beds at Tyler’s place. Kaitlyn chatted with me, talking about how much she loved Tyler and was happy that she met him and could be with him. (And also that I was such a huge hockey fan and loved the Stars and had met Val, so she could meet Tyler.)
I was thrilled for her. Sure we all missed Orlando and Caitlyn and college life, but this was a pretty good substitute. But I really did want to do something with film or writing. I had been looking forward to it a lot and I didn’t want to waste it.
But what could I do?
Notes
So, as I typed this up - the start of it anyway - I was wearing my Nichy jersey, so it was like he was kinda there...this is how I imagine it would go, if I were with him in Dallas though and he hadn’t gotten injured...
Also, some facts. One, my real birthday is New Years Eve (31st!!). And also, a bunch of what happened event wise happened in real life (I had Chinese for dinner and we drank and...). You get the point. A lot of this is reality mixed with fantasy. :)
Yes, I am one month older than Tyler Seguin. :P (I have bragging rights and can technically order him around.)
Next up: New Year, New Job!!
Here's another version of the edit I made for the Valentine's Day chapter:
2/14/15