I Wouldn't Mind

Have you ever fallen so in love with something that you can’t think of anything else? That you could never imagine having it leave your life, I personally feel that way every day. Every time I see it I fall more in love with it than I was before. It has become my whole life and I wouldn’t change it for a single second.

Most people would be talking about their significant other when explaining something like this, but for me it was Hockey. I had never been more in love with something than I was with Hockey. I grew up in a small town in the northern part of Michigan. Hockey was bred into you; it was always about the Red Wings. I grew up hearing about Yzerman and Chelios. They were Gods to me.

This sport had been my outlet since I was old enough to play. My first team was all boys, I fit right in. When my parents announced that we were moving to Florida that I knew I would have to work to watch, let alone play the game that I loved. I played on my first all-girls team when I turned 10 and they wouldn’t allow me to play with the boys anymore. I loved it, but it just wasn’t the same as playing with the boys. All throughout high school and college I played as well.

During one of my final games of my senior year in college I ended up busting my knee up pretty bad. I tore through my ACL and fractured my tibia. It ruined any chance I had at trying out for a national team. Knowing that I Spiraled for a little bit I stopped going to class and secluded myself from my friends and the team. During that time, I had applied for a job with an AHL team, not that it helped me any I knew getting the job was a long shot. My physical therapist knew were looking. He knew that I was graduating soon and didn’t want to see someone with so much love for the game give up on it completely.

It took me three months to snap out of my funk, and it wasn’t until I received my offer with the Norfolk Admirals that I came around. It has been an amazing three years since I got that call. I had met so many great people and I couldn’t believe that I was making a life for myself around a game that I loved so much. After training one day the head coach called me into his office. He sat me down, I was sure that I was getting the boot.

“Listen Rylee you know that you are like a daughter to me and that you are one of the best assets to this team. But you are just too good to have your talent wasted here. I got a call earlier asking if I knew any physical therapists that were looking for a job. I knew I didn’t have any that needed a job, but I knew that I had one that need to move up in the world. So, I gave him your resume and they want to meet with you on Friday.” Jon said.

I was confused to say the least. I thought I was being called in here to get fired, not to be offered an interview for a different one. Leaving a team that I had work so hard with would be sad but having the opportunity to work somewhere else would be a nice change of scenery. I nodded my head before finally speaking.

“Where is the interview?” I questioned hoping that it was a team that I liked. I had made many friends in the AHL league that there were many places that I wouldn’t have minded going to.

“The job is for the Tampa Bay Lightning.” He stated.

My jaw about hit the floor in shock I couldn’t believe that those words had come out of his mouth. An NHL team was actually considering having me work for them? My parents would be pleased that I would be close to home again even if they weren’t please with the career I had chosen for myself.

“Are you serious Jon? An NHL team?” I exclaimed happiness lacing my words.

“Yes, your plane leaves tomorrow at 10 A.M.” He said handing me a ticket and giving me a hug. “Even if it doesn’t work out you know that you will always have a place on our team. It’s just an interview I played my part now it’s time for you to go there an wow them. I know you have it in you.”

“Thank you so much. I will not let you down. I will let you know how things go as soon as I am out of my interview.” I stated hugging him again.

“Go pack a bag. I will be dammed if you miss that plane on a count of cleaning up here. I’ve got this covered.” He said as we walked out of his office and in went opposite directions.

I got back to my apartment, turned on some music and started to pack my bag. I was dancing around like an idiot and just about finished when music was suddenly shut off. I stopped dancing and turned around to find the cause of the music shutting off. I spotted the Goalie of the Admirals with a smirk on his face.

“Tokarski you better not touch my radio again or you won’t be playing in this upcoming season.” I threatened.

“Oh, like I am scared of you Jones.” He countered and ran at me. Picking me up and throwing me over his shoulder before throwing me down on my bed. He tickled me until I couldn’t breathe, and I surrendered.

“So, what are you packing for?” Dustin asked.

“I have a job interview.” I said tentatively. I wasn’t sure how Dustin would take it, he was the person I was closest with on the team.

“And it requires you to pack a bag? Please tell me it’s not out west? I would never see you anymore.” He questions sadly.

“Yes, it does require a bag I have to get on a plane tomorrow morning for it. No, its not out west but I still won’t get to see you much sadly since it’s with the Tampa Bay Lightning.” I stated.

His jaw mimicked mine when I had heard the news, but the shock was laced with newfound sadness.

“What?” I asked him.

“You are going to leave me. You are too good not to get offered the position and you would have to be stupid not to take the job.” He pouted.

“I don’t have the job yet. I could fall flat on my face I’m not good with interviews. I get all sweaty and nervous. Since you are here though you can help me finish packing for my trip.” I laughed at his outraged expression.

Notes

This is on Mibba, but figured it would be a better fit on here!

This is not a new story for me. I am however going through it and editing it. I started this story like 8 years ago and was in major need of some love.

Josephine