Overtime//Connor McDavid

I hated going home. I didn't mind school. I like spending time at Simon's place. But going home, I hated that more than anything. I never understood what seemed to be the problem. But I know I'm not at fault here. My parents go to work at Tim Horton's the whole day, and when they get home they smoke on their cigarettes and drink the night away. I hate the smell of alcohol. I hate the taste of it. I hate being around it. I stopped by the groceries and bought a few items to cook for the kids.
Maybe that's why problem's always seemed to arise. If they were being shitty parents to just me, I wouldn't care. I don't need anyone's help. But Hannah and Max, their just 12 and 13. I've been doing this since Hannah was 7. They need someone to cook for them and take care of them. Mom and Dad don't seem to get that. I finally get home after walking a long time. My hair is a mess, I'm panting for air. My lungs burned not from the walk but from the strong scent of tobacco. I drop the bags on the kitchen table and walked towards them. They were having a conversation about the Oilers game. I knew they would get mad at me if I interrupt their "interesting well-thought" debate on why the Oilers don't really suck. But I didn't care.
"Where are they?" I asked upset. My dad gave me a stern look. But that didn't scare me. He already drank 6 beers. He won't be able to do anything tonight.
"Somewhere in their rooms" My mother said.
I walked away from them and made my way towards my room. They always enjoyed staying in mine for obvious reason. Mom and Dad couldn't ask them to do things if they couldn't find them. And they did not dare to come inside my bedroom. I walked in and saw them sitting doing their homework as the game played on the t.v.
"Hey guys." I told them. Hannah , the youngest came up running towards me. I gave her a big hug. Even though she's 12 she still runs to me like she was 5. Her hazel green eyes lit up every time she saw me. She was beautiful. Her hair were a light brown color and straight. You could never guess that we're sisters.
"Hey." Max said to me. I went to go sit next to him on my bed. He was interested in what he was watching to even look at me. I ruffled his hair soft chocolate brown hair. He turned to look at me. He hated when I touched his hair. His grey eyes shined with happiness even though his facial expression was telling me otherwise.
" How was your day?" I asked him. He mumbled a good before turning his attention back to the t.v. The only time Max acts this way is when Montreal plays against the Bruins. He was the ultimate Habs fan the west side of Canada. Well to my knowledge. I use to be but I guess with age you stop being crazy for anything they do.
"So I'm guessing you want me to cook instead of us going out?" I asked him. He turned back around to look at me.
"Yes please" He said stretching the "e". I chuckled at him. I got up from my bed and told them I was going to start preparing super. I made my way back to the kitchen and got started. I use to hate cooking but when you're force to provide food ever night you learn to make the most of it. This is usually my thinking time. I took my phone out of my back pocket and earbuds. That's when I felt something falling out my back pocket. I picked it up and saw a sloppy handwriting. I tried my best to read it.
Dear readers, just so you know I'm an excellent reader. But I have poor eyesight. In other words, snicker all you want but don't try to compare yourself to my capabilities.
After placing the paper further from me, I was finally able to read the number written on it. I don't recall placing a paper there with someone's number. But I did have a long day, so it could be someone I met today. Or one of my old high school classmates number. Anyways, I type the number down and dialed it. After the second ring, someone picked up.
"Layla! I see you found my number." I heard a man say. He sounded awfully familiar.
"Umm, yeah. How did I get your number in my back pocket?" I asked.
"I hope you don't think I just grabbed your ass for the fun of it. Even though I did enjoy it, my intentions were to give you my number." He said. And my mind finally knew who it was.
"Connor!" I said. "Nice thinking." I told him laughing at his, as much as I hate to admit this, genius plan.
"I thinks so too." He said enthusiastically. I chuckled at this. I didn't want my parents butting in. "So why did you call?" He asked
"I just wanted to know who's number I had in possession. That's all." I told him truthfully. I made my way outside of the house. I needed more privacy.
"Oh thank god! I thought you called to tell me that you had a built bad ass of a boyfriend. And that we couldn't do lunch tomorrow." He said. This had made me really laugh. You know the ugly laugh you do when something is just that funny. Yeah, well that was the laugh. Embarrassed, I tried stop myself from laughing.
"Yeah, no Connor." I said. "Didn't have one since junior year." I told him.
"Oh really?" He asked. "It's probably because you stare blankly to all of the hot ones. And they get scared because..."
"Okay Connor, it could also be that I don't find anyone right for me. After all, I need someone that has some intellect capabilities." I said.
"Ah, okay." He said.
"Honestly, it's either he's smart but hates sports because he finds them prehistoric or he's dumb but loves nothing but sports." I told him.
"Isn't it always like thought?" He asked.
"I guess but if I'm not strictly academic or sports, the man I'm with should be somewhat the same." I told him.
"Maybe you're just part of that weird one percent." He told me.
"Maybe you're incapable to be open minded to the idea that someone like me exist." I told him. He stayed silent for a moment before laughing.
"Are we having our first fight?" He said cooing.
"No. A fight would require some type of physical exchange or one of us to be bleeding." I told him. "We're debating."
"We've already debated before going on our first date. Layla, I think this is some record!" He says.
"I think that record has been set by someone before us." I tell him.
"Stop being a buzz kill would you?" He told me. But laughed so I knew he was joking.
"Sorry, it's kind off in my nature." I told him.
"University student?" He asked me changing the subject completely.
"Yes and you?" I asked.
" No. I'm a hockey player." He tell me.
"How is that even a smart and safe career? How old are you anyways?" I asked.
"Layla, I don't know you for a long time but I know that you over think things."
"Am not!" I say.
"You so are. And I'm 18 turning 19 soon. And you?" he asked me. I sighed letting go of the previous topic.
"18. It's my first year in Uni." I said. I removed the phone from my ear. It's been 20 minutes and I need to feed the kids. I let out a sigh.
"What's wrong? Is my story boring you?" He told me with a chuckle. I laughed a bit.
"No its just I have to go make super for the kids." I tell him.
"Kids?"
"Yeah, my siblings. I practically take care of them." I told him.
"Ah, okay! I was going to say that your body did not look like someone who's had kids." I let out another one of my God forbidden laughs.
"Thanks Connor. Anyways, I'll see you tomorrow at lunch I guess."
"You can count on me to be there on our date!" He said.
"Date?" I asked confused. "I never agreed on a date."
"Yes you did missy. A date is not only a romantic appointment but it could also be a social engagement. And before you argue with me, I googled it." He said. I let out a chuckle.
"Smart and athletic, I like what I'm hearing." I tell him.
"Great! Because I loved what I was getting today." He tells me. "I'll see you on our date tomorrow Layla." He says emphasizing the word date. I shook my head in disbelief.
"Okay. Night." I say and hug up. I walk back inside the house and start to prepare a quick diner for the kids. 20 minutes later I give them the food. Max tells me all about the game. Hannah is too preoccupied by the Oilers game to pay attention to us. By the 3rd period, Max says his goodnights and goes to his room. I sit next to Hannah and try to learn the new players on the roster. But she already knows them all. So every time someone did something spectacular she would tell their name. It's easier to remember players that way.
One minute was left to the play. The score was 2-2. The Oilers needed one more goal to win this. I was feeling anxious, I could only imagine how my sister felt.And that's when I saw him. He played so elegantly. He undressed the defenceman and toe dragged then back handed the shot. It had went in. This was one of the best plays I've witnessed in my life. My sister and I jumped up and down. We celebrated as if they had won the cup. Once everything calmed down I asked who was that player.
"That's McDavid." She told me. The screen went closer to McDavid's face and I instantly recognized him.
"Connor you mean!" I tell her surprised.
"Yeah, Connor McDavid... Why are you so surprised?" She asked me. I brushed the question off and told her it was getting late. She gave me a hug and went to her room to go to bed. I closed the t.v and sat on my bed.
Connor McDavid.
Twice he had left me speechless that day.

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