Changes

Holding her in my arms may just be the most relaxed I have ever been. I was relieved, happy and content. I don’t know why I wanted to break things off. I guess in a way I just got scared. I’m not the type of person who was a fan of relationships. You give in to one and you end up coming out of it hurt and bitter. I was willing to give it a shot with her.

I slid out of bed quietly. She had fallen asleep quickly after we had made love. She looked exhausted. I went down into the kitchen and grabbed my cell phone and dialed Jordan’s number. He answered the phone. “What’s up bro?” he asked.

I swallowed hard. “Listen, you are like a brother to me and I would hate to see anyone come in between us. I’m in love with her Jord. I can’t see myself without her at this point. I’m sorry.”

It was silent for a minute before he responded. “Ok. I got you. I’ll leave it go Max. Be good to her though, she is a good girl. She deserves only the best.” I wanted to hug him I was so happy he was willing to give up on her. I had known Jordan for a few years and knew his word was solid, he wouldn’t go back on it.

I went back upstairs and climbed into bed again, throwing my arms around her. She stirred and kissed my hand. “Love you Maxime” she said quietly. We stayed in bed most of the day, just holding each other in the silent room.

“So in December we are going to go to my mom’s and your dad’s correct? “ I asked. She nodded.

“Sounds like a plan sweetheart.” She said softly.

“Come on let’s go have some fun. The guys are meeting up at the rink at seven o’clock. Some of the girls are going I believe. You want to go skate?. Something to blow off steam before season starts on Friday.” She agreed and we got up and got dressed. I called and Danny said Raina is going and I would assume his sister is as well. We should have fun."

We got to the rink and she sat on the bench like a little impatient kid while I rummaged around for a stick for her. “Max, I am so not wearing a helmet, I’ll look like an idiot and Wayne will tease me.” She complained to me.

“Ok, baby, but please be careful.” I plead with her. I wasn’t sure how well she could skate. The only time I had seen her do it was the first day we met.

We skated for a few minutes just to warm up. She wasn’t fantastic, but she could hold her own. Her and Raina skated holding hands for a while. Danny just shrugged. We stood in center ice and let Wayne and Brayden pick teams. Of course, they split Callee and I up, claiming unfair advantage. I ended up with Raina and Dani on my team. I just groaned. Raina may be the most god awful hockey player out there, and she just liked to cause trouble.

Danny heard me groan and laughed. “I know bro, that’s why I’m glad they always put her on the opposite team from me.” He said, shaking his head. Callee was out on the ice the same time as me. She distracted me a lot and also promised to withhold stuff from me. “I don’t score, you don’t score Maxime.”

I let one get by me and she finally scored. Her and Raina danced at center ice celebrating. We stopped the game not long after. Everyone looked tired by then. The girls sat on the bench while us guys showered, then they went in while we got dressed.

I walked over to Danny. “So how are things man? Any better?”

I asked and he smiled. “Yeah, we are pretty much back to normal I guess. Taking your advice, getting out more together without the kids, even if it is only an hour.”

Andrej skated by and laughed. “I know, all them maniac kids always want to be at my apartment now.”

“Send them across the street to me and G. He is like a little kid anyway.” I said and Danny laughed.

The girls came out and got dressed. By then it was only Danny, Andrej and I in the locker room. The girls took eight years to get ready and by the time they were done, the locker room smelled like a mixture of perfume and hairspray.

“Come on, let’s go get a few drinks.” Andrej said and Raina and Danny agreed. After a fun night with the other families, we went home and slept soundly.

Notes