I didn't move from bed the next day. Since I had the day off, I opted to do nothing but stay in the warm abyss that was my bed. I couldn't even bring myself to watch the game last night; tears stung my eyes as the puck dropped at the opening face off; I had to turn it off. I was right in my prediction; the avalanche had won. The Stars would head to Colorado tomorrow to start game one of the conference finals.

I stared at my phone, which sat on the conversation between Jamie and I. I couldn't think of what I wanted to say, though I knew in my heart what it had to be. I couldn't come up with another lie to cover up my actions; of I did, I'd never be able to tell him how I truly felt. I had to do it for me, for him, and even for Tyler; who unfortunately because of me, was in the middle of this.

I wasn't sure what he would say if Jamie questioned him about it; and honestly I didn't want to know what he said either. I knew in my heart it wasn't fair for him to be in the middle of this; especially with the playoffs getting to some of the most important moments.

So I forced myself out of bed. I headed to the shower, my heart racing as I washed my hair. Jamie was the only thing on my mind; I couldn't get the look of anger, hurt, and disappointment from my mind. I hurt him. And I even had the chance to make it better; confessing why I wanted to keep the secret from him; but I lied; and made it worse.

Would he forgive me for keeping this from him? Or would he be even more angry I couldn't find the balls to tell him? I felt my eyes well up with tears once more; I sobbed as I washed myself in the shower. To me, I had fucked up; fucked up badly, and I wasn't sure if I could ever get back on Jamie's good side.

We really hadn't had a big fight in our friendship. Sure, we had a few disagreements, but nothing like this. He'd never looked at me with such anger and disappointment in his eyes. Ever.

Stepping out of the shower, I concentrated my efforts on trying to make it seem like I had actually gotten a decent nights sleep last night. Despite being in bed all day and all evening, I would be lying if I said I had actually slept a wink last night.

It was just after two pm; but I wasn't hungry. I hadn't eaten since Jamie and I had some pizza whilst watching gossip girl; I felt my eyes water at the thought. I shook my head composing myself; I had to hold it together long enough to apologize to Jamie and explain to him what was going on.

I pulled on a pair of black leggings, and one of my favourite Dallas Stars sweaters with Jamie's number on it, of course.

Taking in my appearance once more, I sighed heavily; it was time. I had to do this. It wasn't fair to Jamie to let him think I was hiding something from him. Well, I mean I guess I technically was hiding something; but it was for the sake of our friendship! Tyler was right; I never should have waited. I dug a bigger hold from myself; and I wasn't so sure how easy it would be to climb out of.

With a gentle knock on the door I waited patiently; my heart felt like it was going to climb out of my chest;

I felt like I was getting anxiety. I couldn't lose him. I needed him.

"Haley, hey" Tyler opened the door, a look of surprise but relief present on his face.

"First I need to apologize to you" I blurted out honestly. I owed an apology to Tyler for getting him involved with my lack of confidence. "I should never have lied to Jamie, and I'm so sorry I got you in the middle of this"

"It's okay" he shrugged it off like it was nothing.

"No, it's not okay. You guys have playoffs coming up and- I should have just grew a goddam pair and told him the truth" I sighed heavily, feeling the urge to cry once more; but I held in my tears. I needed to stop being so emotional.

"I understand why you didn't tell him, in a way" he informed me, allowing me entrance to his and Jamie's apartment. We resumed the same position we had yesterday before it had blown up in my face. "But-"
"But I should tell him, I know. But I'm afraid I've fucked this up" I mumbled miserably.

"I highly doubt it" Tyler assured me with a soft smile. "He's crazy about you; all that isn't going to change because of this. You just hid it from him out of fear; if anyone can understand that it's him. He's been in love with you forever and hasn't told you"

I guess he was right in a way. It would take a little bit of apologizing, but it hoped he would see it the same way Tyler was seeing it.

"So where is he? I've got something important to tell him" I spoke with confidence, wondering where the captain had disappeared to.

"I'm not sure actually" Tyler frowned, appearing deep in thought. "I-"

"Do you want something to eat?" We heard Jamie's voice ring out. Tyler and I looked at each other with confusion.

"That'd be great babe" a female voice giggled, causing my heart to practically stop beating.

"I'll make some-" he stopped dead in his tracks, noticing Tyler and I standing there. "I didn't realize you were here" he added in a near whisper, his eyes burning with hatred towards me. His eyes flickered from Tyler to me; probably assuming we were dating like he did yesterday.

"Jamie, baby who- oh hi Tyler" she giggled, completely ignoring my presence. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and throw up; Jamie must have found her in the gutter or something stupid.

"Uh- hi?" Tyler worded it more like a question than a statement. "And you are...?"

"This is Francine" Jamie introduced her, putting his arm around her shoulder.

"I've got to use the bathroom- I'll be back in a second" she kissed him on the lips gently before waltzing back to Jamie's bedroom. She was only wearing one of his shirts; it was obvious what the pair of them did last night.

"Who the hell is she?" Tyler asked, a little uneasily.

"Whys it matter?" Jamie snapped back harshly. "You've got Haley, I've got Francine"

"Holy fuck- Jamie were not dating!" I near shouted. "I came here because I need to tell you something"

"Oh, so now you want to tell me? What about after the playoffs?" He asked with an eye roll.

"It was stupid of me to keep this from you, Jame. I'm so sorry... The truth is I-"

"You're sorry?" He rolled his eyes.

"Jamie please" I begged him, my eyes beginning to water. This was unlike him. What had I done? "Will you please just let me finish?"

"I would but I need to make Francine breakfast" he spat back, as she skipped back into the kitchen. She looked between the pair of us, before snuggling up beside him, sending me a hateful look.
Tyler grabbed me by the arm and tugged me out of the room, and out of site of the 'happy couple'

"I fucked up Ty" I whispered miserably, a tear falling down my cheek. "I lost him" he pulled me into big hug, a look of shock of his face as well as my own.

"You haven't lost him" Tyler tried to assure me, but he couldn't be more wrong.

"Did you hear him in there? Not only has he already fucked some skank from a bar but he doesn't even want to hear me out" I whispered, pulling away from the hug. The pair of us escaped from the awkwardness that was their apartment.

"I don't know what's got into him" Tyler admitted, shaking his head. "He didn't say anything to me last night- I didn't even hear him go out to be honest"

"I need to apologize to you again for this" I muttered. "I'm so sorry I got you in the middle of this"
"Don't apologize" he sighed heavily, running his hand through his hair.

"If I would have just manned up, none of this would have happened, and maybe that girl would be-" I cut myself off before I went down a road I wasn't prepared to go down.

"I wish I could help" he admitted honestly. "I guess the only thing to do is give him some time?" He suggested. I nodded, agreeing.

"I guess I'll try and give him some space; maybe try and talk to him when you guys get back from your road trip?" It came out as more of a question than a statement. "I'll see you when you get back from Colorado?" He nodded, pulling me in for a hug.

"Yeah, you will" he got up from the couch, and made his way for the door. "Take care of yourself, okay?" I nodded this time, watching Tyler until he shut the door. My last connection to Jamie was gone; and I wasn't going to see either of them for a few days.

Notes