The Cabin by the Lake

It was a boxing gym. It was small, and smelt of old body odor. But I trust Zac with this. A tall, very muscular woman came over to me with a big smile, “Emily, right?” I nodded, not sure what to say to this woman who could crush me with her pinky. “I’m Andrea, Zac told me why you’re here. I’m going to help you crush this asshole.” I nodded again, “Zac told you?” She nodded, “I’ve been in a similar situation.” We stayed silent for a few minutes, but then she clapped her hands together, “lets’ get started, shall we?” I followed her to a small corner, “First thing’s first. This is an all woman’s gym. No men allowed. Well allowed to exercise. Sometimes boyfriends will come pick up their girls or good friends come seeking help for their other friends.” She winked at me as I took my jacket off. “Let’s stretch first.” I followed her lead. She went slow and helped me with the right way to do things. “You’re already in good shape which will make things easier.” I listened to every word she said, every move she made. I was her mirror. “You have to be quick on your feet, you have to expect what is coming.” I took a sip from my water bottle, “I do expect it…I just can’t stop it…I’m weak that way.” She slapped the bottle out of my hands, “Let me guess. He says that? You’re weak? Fuck him. You don’t ever say those words here. You are strong, you are confident. Guys like that don’t deserve to win in any aspect.” I just stood there. Watching her get mad. “If you want this guy to leave you alone, you can’t give into his words.” I nodded, “20 pushups, then you’re done for the day.” She was tough, but I liked that. It motivated me to move and retain her information.

I went to the gym every day in the morning before work, using Ryan’s car helped a lot. Those 5 days went by quick, I was beyond sore and ready to show Zac when I could accomplish. I wasn’t holding onto the pocket knife anymore, although it was still with me, and I was starting to feel strong again. I was at the garden when word spread that the boys were back. I finished uploading some pictures I took of the few players left behind due to injury (mostly Marshy who wouldn’t let me photograph anyone else). I texted Zac, we still on for a session? He responded quick Sorry, something came up. I’ll let you know. I couldn’t help but feel let down, again. But the soft knock on my door cheered me up, “aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?” I got up, despite my legs feeling like Jell-O, and hugged Ryan tightly. “Your car is safe and sound.” He kissed my cheek, “Movie night?” I went back to my lap top, ‘I can’t tonight…I’m getting up early to go to this new gym.” He sat across from me, “New gym?” I nodded, “Yeah it’s a girl’s only gym, I’m taking some boxing lessons.” He laughed, “I’m gone less than a week and you’ve changed so much.” I shrugged, “just keeping you on your toes!” He stood up and rubbed his hands together, “But we are still on for tomorrow night?” I nodded, “I can’t wait.” He came over to me and kissed me one more last time before leaving. I checked my e-mails before leaving and I saw one from the ice girls, “Halloween Party!” was in the subject. Hello All! The ice girls are hosting a Halloween party for everyone in the Bruins organization! It will be held before the string of away games on October 28, bring family, friends, and kids if you’d like! Costumes are required! See you there! I closed my computer and sat in my office, listening to the sounds of other people getting ready to leave.

Today was a big day. October 21. Zac’s first game against his old team. I honestly didn’t see the hype around it, but it was big. How would he play? Is he okay? I was in the office early this Wednesday, working on some outside pieces for some of the guys. The buzz around the building was Bergy and his wife; they are expecting their first child today. I heard a familiar voice, Stephanie, walking down the hall. She turned into my office and closed the door. “Ems…I need your help.” She sighed and sat in the seat in front of my desk that Ryan usually sits in. “What’s up?” She twirled a small part of her hair, “I hate to ask this of you…but can you…like talk to Zac? He’s super testy today and I just can’t deal with it.” I leaned back in my chair, “but you’re his girlfriend…shouldn’t you deal with it?” She sighed again, “Probably, but I just can’t get around to him. He won’t listen.” I nodded, “What’s the issue?” She shrugged, “something about the game today.” What a good girlfriend, really knowing her boyfriend’s issues. But I nodded towards her, “Sure, I’ll see what I can do.” She stood up and smiled, “Thanks girl! Let me know when he’s less grumpy.” She waved, opened the door and left.

I walked down to the training room where most of the guys were at. Ryan spotted me and walked over to me, “Hey!” He smiled and went to hug me, “You’re all sweaty and gross…hug me later.” He laughed, “What are you doing down here?” My eyes shifted to Zac, “Steph came to me…asking to talk to Zac…” He gave a confused face, I don’t blame him. “I’ll explain everything later…” He nodded, “I’ll get him for you.” He walked towards Zac, and they both looked over at me. Zac’s eyes met mine and my heart did one big thump. He walked over, not looking very pleased. “Hey, can we just talk outside for a second?” He nodded and I followed him out. “What’s up?” He leaned against the wall, the wind blew and I shivered. “Steph asked me to talk to you…” He rolled his eyes, “I told her to leave it alone.” I fidgeted with my hands, not sure what to say or do. “She didn’t tell me what it was about…” He looked over at me, “So why are you trying to help?” I shrugged, “Because you’re my friend…You can talk to me Zac…just like the summer…” His eyes went soft as I mentioned the summer. “It’s different now.” He said in a low tone. I walked over by him and laid on my stomach on the ground, having my elbows prop me up. “Lay with me.” He did so, laying the same way I was in front of me. “Just pretend the grass is below us, the water is behind me, and Diesel is lying next to us.” He smiled at me and sighed, “It’s the first game against my old team.” I nodded, “I heard.” He rolled onto his back, and put his hands on his chest. “I’m just stressed…I want to help my team now win…but I don’t want to hurt anyone on the Flyers…they became a family to me…they’re my friends.” I nodded, “Just play clean hockey.” He nodded, “I try, but I can’t always control it. On ice Zac is different than off ice Zac.” I nodded, and he sighed, “Emily…what if I hurt someone?” I shrugged, “Aren’t they called the broad street bullies? They can take care of themselves.” He laughed and looked at me, “You’ve been doing your research?” I shrugged, “here and there.” He stood up and helped me up, “Steph doesn’t get it…its win or lose. There shouldn’t be anything complicated, you know? I tried to talk to her…but she doesn’t get it…” I rubbed his arm, “I get it.” He smiled at me, and our eyes met. I thought I was over him, I thought I couldn’t handle this. I thought Ryan was all my mind thought about…

“How are you?” He asked me, and I shrugged, “I’m good.” He rolled his eyes, “how’s the gym?” I smiled, “I could take on anyone.” He put his hands up, “oh really? Try me.” I laughed and put my hands up. “I can’t beat you up in heels Zac, this is unfair!” He laughed at me, “In a real situation, you might be in heels.” I rolled my eye, and he came at me and wrapped me in a bear hug. “Not fair! No one fights with hugs!” He laughed as he kept holding onto me. I looked up at him, our lips just inches from each other. He put me down and took a few steps back. “You’ll do fine tonight, I know it.” He gave a smile, “I’m gunna head back in.” I nodded and watched him go in. I stood there, my arms wrapped around myself as a cool autumn wind blew. I needed to sort out my feelings.

I snapped pictures of the first puck being dropped by the most adorable 5 year old. I watched as the teams got ready to play, and the fans in the Garden going crazy. They wanted a win at home. The flyers scored, bruins scored, flyers, then bruins again. It was tied 2-2. I could see the boys getting hyped up and mad. The first period is almost over. The crowed is hyped, both teams are getting angry. Jim was yelling for me in the back, before I turned to see what he wanted, my eyes caught sight of Zac. He made a big hit on Couturier and he was down. I saw Zac’s face, he was disappointed in himself. I watched him leave the ice and without thinking I ran after him, right passed Jim. “Just a second!” I yelled passed him and I went right into the players locker room. It was just Zac in the room, and he turned to me when I entered. He was ripped. He was mad. “They’re not going to go light on me. Fuck! They aren’t gunna let it go. It was clean, right? Is he hurt?” I shrugged, “I don’t know.” He paced back and forth, swearing mostly at himself. “Zac, calm down…I’m sure he’s fine.” He walked up to me, “I can’t Emily. I hurt a friend. I didn’t want to but the opportunity was there. Sean’s my friend and I made a big hit on him.” I put my camera on the bench, “Zac, you need to just relax.” “Relax? You want me to relax? What if you hurt Casey or Sarah? Would you relax? No seriously, would you? Fuck Emily, this isn’t a team I don’t like. That wasn’t a player who deserved it. He’s my friend!” He kept rambling. “Fuck, this is exactly why the Flyers traded me, I can’t control anything. I thought it was clean. They’re gunna rip me apart.”I walked up to him and grabbed his face in my hands. I went up on my toes and kiss him. I didn’t think, I just acted.

I pulled away and he just looked at me. “I just wanted you to shut up.” He put his arm around my waist and went to kiss me again. But then the door started to open and we parted from each other. I grabbed my camera and left as the other players started to file in. I said congratulations to Bergy and his new baby boy, and I tried to avoid seeing Ryan. The boys lost in overtime, 5-4. Everyone was down and disappointed with the game.

Notes

Thank you all for reading <3
I'm currently working on another story that I'll be posting along with this one <3