Knocked Down, Rise Above

Chapter 37

Pittsburgh’s Home

It was the weekend and the last game of the road trip Cassie was happy it was the last game and Sid would be home even though he was ok she still needed to see him to know that for sure

Being that it was a weekend she invited her parents and brother over to watch the game at Sid along with Trina and Troy

Her family has just gotten here her dad says “hope it's ok that uncle Paul tagged along”

“Yes that's fine I can't believe I haven't see you since I been home” Cassie says to him

“I know and you been here a month and you didn't tell me about a certain boy” Paul says

“Sorry but I know you approve of him” Cassie says

"True and I always thought you two belong together but still have to have the talk with that boy” Paul says

"Hey Matt come have a seat we can talk hockey” Troy says

“Hey Troy so glad we all got together” Matt says

Cassie has ordered pizza and pasta for everyone to eat when they wanted during the game

Everyone picked seats in the game room to watch The first period started and the ducks got the first goal The Penguins were getting chances they just weren't going in half way through the first period the ducks got a second goal Cassie starts to bite her nails she knew if the guys got frustrated they take penalties and they didn't need that.

With a few minutes left the play was down in the other end when the whistle blew and the tv went up the other way and Sid was on the ice he was starting to get up “God what happen” Cassie says As they replayed it you could see the high stick happen

"Damn think he cut something there definitely blood” Hunter says

"God this road trip been really brutal for him “ Cassie says shaking her head

"Stitches and sure he will be back out there for the second period” Troy says

"These refs need to make some calls it's getting old I mean there was blood and everything” Paul says

The team went into the locker room down by two after the first period Sid cut right by his lip and cause the stick and an elbow has gotten him in the head the NHL was making him go through concussion protocol again.

He was pissed and frustrated he still wasn't done with it when the team headed back out for the second.

"Where is he” Cassie says

That's when they heard the announcers saying he was going through concussion protocol

“Not again” Cassie says frustrated

“It's what the league does now it will be ok” Troy says

“I know” Cassie says

Sid finally got out there about four minutes into the second and he was fired up he wanted to win this game and go home His first shift out of the period he got the puck and went down the ice with his wingers passing it to one as he got to the net they passed it pack to him he shot it in.

Cassie jumped up she was fired up too

The guys just laughed Sid comes back to the bench and says to Geno “Ok G go out there and get the next goal”

"I score” Geno says

“Yes let's get this game done with and take a win home with us Sid says

When Geno line went out he was pumped up when he got the puck he rifles a slap shot right in the net tying the game They went went into the third tied that's when Kris decided they needed to win this game right there.

Five minutes in they get a power play and that's just what he did he score a goal with a slap shot giving the Penguins the go ahead goal and that's all they needed as they held them off the rest of the period.

Now it was time to go home to Pittsburgh. Sid was ready to get home they had two days before the next home game although he had practice he knew he have a day where he could plan something special with Cassie he just needed to make it be perfect.

He wants to give her a promise ring before the next road trip it was something he needed for him and for her. He had picked one out he just had to stop and pick it up. He was never so happy to get home didn't even mind flying through the night although sometimes after a game he hated it.

When he got home it was morning Cassie was asleep on the couch he figured she slept there all night he wanted to nap some before they did something for lunch he went to pick her up Cassie felt him and opens her eyes seeing him she relaxed “Hey baby let's get you into bed I want to sleep a while anyways” Sid says

"Ok baby” Cassie says

" Good”Sid says taking her hand to go upstairs

“Wow they got you good with that stick” Cassie says seeing the cut And stiches

"It could be worse” Sid says

“I know baby between the boarding hit and the high stick” Cassie says as they lay down

“Hey I am ok baby trust me” Sid says pulling her closer to him kissing her head

"I know I am just glad your home” Cassie says

“I am too and now I can hold you while we sleep think I missed this the most” he says as he holds her tight

. They both fell asleep and slept close to lunch til lunch time Cassie went to see what she could make for lunch “How about chicken Parm” she asks

“That works I have to run down to the arena for a little bit but will be home before it's ready” Sid says he was going to pick up the ring so he had it for later

“Ok love you” Cassie says

"I love you too” he says as he heads out the door Cassie finished the food and left it all In the oven on warm for when he got back

Sid got everything taken care of and headed back home where Cassie has lunch ready they sat down and ate after Sid said "so I plan something small for us to do today since I have the day actually off today."

“Ok what do you have in mind” Cassie says

"Oh you will see go grab a hoodie or something warm ok cause we will Be outside for some of the time" Sid says

Cassie grabs one of his hoodies and meets him downstairs he had one on too they head out and head towards the city once there he headed to station square and parks near the Duquesne incline. “This is what you wanted to do today” Cassie says laughing

“Well there been a few great moments we spend here over the years and well a few not so great ones too” Sid says

"yeah there have" Cassie says


“Yeah not so great ones after loosing in cup playoffs in 2008 yeah you made me come up here and remember the look of the city from here. This is also where you told me you were moving away at and that was one I'd have worse days” Sid says

“I know but 2009 up here that's a good memory” Cassie says smiling

“Yes it is and I want to always have this place it's kind of our place” Sid says as they get off the incline and head out to look at the city from Mount Washington.

They were looking out at the city when Sid says to her “remember the first time you brought me here”

“I told you not to screw up that the city down there and lots of fans especially young ones are counting on you” Cassie says not looking away from the city

"Yep and have I screwed up or forgotten what I needed to do and how much all this means and how much this city means” Sid asks

"Not once have you ever done any of that. You always made me proud of the man you always have been” Cassie says

"Well now I have more than just this city here to make sure I don't screw up or what everything in this city and with you means. Even through we both know we are each other future it's a little soon to ask the big question we need a little more time not much just a little but this is for both of us to remember that I promise you soon it's going to happen” Sid says holding out a that had three small diamonds in the shape of a triangle

“Wow it's beautiful” Cassie says with tears

"It's fitting” Sid says as he puts it on her ring It's a triangle cause of this city there a diamond that you one that's me and one the city they truly brought me you. I love you and I thank god every day he gave me you” he says

"I love you too and I know we are going to be together but this ring it's perfect baby I love it” Cassie says


Sid couldn't have been more happy.

Notes

Another chapter hope
you all like it and if you been reading the prequel you will understand they place

next holidays