I knew they'd win the trophy, it's just a thing you know? When your team goes up against Team Canada in hockey—you better say your prayers. I was sitting on our couch when they won, wearing the jersey Sid sent me. I don't really remember my response to their win, I wasn't surprised but I did cheer a good bit as well as swoon every time they showed my Squid.

" I'm proud of you," I tell Sidney on the phone after the game. I can hear the boys cheering and playing hip-hop in the background. I cringe at the thought of any of them dancing or trying to rap along.

"I figured you would be," Sidney chuckles. "I miss you." The background noise gets quieter, leading me to think that he has moved away from his rowdy teammates.

"Don't get too smug. When are you coming home to me? I miss you," I whine as I flop back onto our couch. I look at my left hand, the carat stares back at me. Even though I signed up for this— the long days apart, constantly traveling, taking care of him physically and emotionally— I still hate that we're apart so often. I do my best not to complain because the only other option is for me to leave and I definitely don't want to do that.

"About that," Sidney starts. His voice is in that tone, the tone meaning that he's going to be away longer.

"Sidney, no you promised you'd be back right away!" My voice starts to get high when I whine. I hate it when he does this; springing up plans on me without any consideration for me or my plans or my feelings. Life revolves around him sometimes and never us.

"I know sweetheart, I know. The guys want to celebrate and taking a small trip through Europe. It'll only be another week or so." I practice my yoga breathing in order not to cry or blow up. I fidget with the ring again.

"Baby I promise I'll make it up to. Ok?"

"Ok... you better," I demand.

---

~Two Weeks Later~

Ever since Sidney came back from Europe he's been acting fucking weird. Avoiding me, cutting conversations short. I didn't do anything! I decided to just leave him be and he'll talk about whatever is bothering him when he's ready.

"Hey baby," I say when I walk into the kitchen where I find Sid making a sandwich. I kiss him on the cheek.

"Hey Monkey," Sidney replies without looking up from his work. I brush it off and grab some Oreos from the pantry.

"Not to be annoying or anything but are you ok? You've been a little off since you got back. "Sidney cleans up and places everything in their rightful place before answering.

"Yes, I'm fine. Just tired that's all," Sidney cups my face and puts a gentle kiss on my lips before taking his food to the "man cave". Standing in the kitchen slightly perplexed and pissed, I find my handbag and keys to go on a drive. I text Sid what I plan on doing and he sends me a thumbs up.

---

I drive to the elementary school and park near the playground. I always wish I was a kid again—free from stress and responsibility of adulthood. I always found comfort in the swings. Reaching for my phone, I flip through my contacts in hopes of finding someone who could give me info as to why my future husband is acting weird.

“Hello?” Shea answers. I’m friends with his wife and he and Sid get along pretty well. He’s an honest guy and easy to talk to, maybe he can give me some answers.

“Hey Shea,” I start. My hands tremble for some odd reason so I grip onto the steering wheel. “How are you?”

“I’m good, how are you?”

“I, uh,” I start but can’t get the words out. Taking a deep breath I begin to talk again. “Did anything weird happen over there in Europe? Anything I should know about?” The line is silent for a bit—I hold my breath in anticipation.

“What do you mean?”

“Like with the guys? Did Sid do anything I should be worried about?”

“Did you ask him?” Of course I asked him. He acted like I said the sky was blue.

“I did and he’s been pushing me away or avoiding me or just not talking to me. I haven’t done anything!” My voice shakes as the tears start to well up in my eyes. I want Sidney to talk to me but if he won’t, I’ll get someone to.

“Mya,” Shea starts. His voice is concerned. I don’t want concern, I want the damn truth. “Just… Don’t freak out.”

Notes

Thank you, Penguins7158 for pointing out such an embarrassing editing error! This is what I get for not writing for so long and being sleep deprived -___-