Falling Fast and Breathing Hard
Summary
Athena Halloway is only twenty years old but she has gone through so much in her life already. She moves to Pittsburgh only a couple months after her best friend passes away from leukemia for a new start and hopes that things will get better for once. She ends up finding more than she asked for.
Author's Note: Chapter 10's title is courtesy of I Wanna by The All American Rejects.
I first wrote this back in 2010/2011 and finished it in 2016. Since I'm writing a sequel that's set several years in the future, I thought it'd be great to finally post it. Can't believe I haven't posted this already. Anyway, enjoy!
Sequel: http://www.hockeyfanfiction.com/Story/92051/One-Breath-at-a-Time/
Characters
Athena Halloway
(30 in sequel) Sensitive, shy and introverted. She doesn't open up much because of the tragedies in her life but ends up meeting many people in her new life.
Marianne Allender
(54 in sequel)Mother to Athena, Marianne married Ronnie only two years after her husband passed away from cancer. She's a caring and loving person, who doesn't understand exactly why her daughter detests her step-father.
Mary Horner
(30 in sequel)New to Pittsburgh, she becomes Athena's co-worker and new friend. She reminds Athena a lot of herself, having moved away for a new start from a small town in North Carolina.
Ronnie Allender
Athena's stepfather who treats her like a piece of garbage and is very hateful. He appears to be nice around everyone around him, besides his stepdaughter of course, and is fake as can be. Marianne tries to ignore his bad side and simply love him for who he is.
Chapters
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I Wanna Live A Life From A New Perspective
Introduction.
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Have You Ever Needed Help When You've Been All By Yourself?
Shopping, hanging out and a long conversation.
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The Dreams Could Come True If Believed
Athena adjusts to life in Pittsburgh.
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I Swear That I Can Go On Forever Again
The aftermath of the unexpected kiss.
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Leave Me With Some Kind Of Proof It's Not A Dream
After the celebration.
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I Said, Maybe You're Gonna Be The One Who Saves Me
Many problems rise to the surface.
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You Learned The Hard Way To Shut Your Mouth And Smile
One awful visit.
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Taken Back By You
WARNING: Sexual content.
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Clouds Are Shrouding Us In Moments Unforgettable
Early morning memories.
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Our Love's The Perfect Crime
Visiting Kris' family. Part 1 of 2.
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Can't Keep My Hands Off You
Day 2. An exciting tour of Montreal.
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Fearless
The first day in Baltimore.
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God Gave Me You
A visit to a beloved friend.
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You've Got Me Feeling Hella Good
The first day in Ocean City.
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All My Loving
Day 2 and two weeks from then. WARNING: SEXUAL CONTENT.
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With Arms Wide Open
Making friends, new developments and shocking news.
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My Life Would Suck Without You
Kris coming back and having an interesting day.
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Here In Your Arms
Meeting Mary and the beginning of hockey season.
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I'll Be
Three weeks in and the first unpredictable road trip.
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Part of Me
The Olan situation. What's gonna happen?
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I Never Thought You'd Be The One To Hold My Heart
Is it gonna be a girl or is it gonna be a boy?
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All I Need Is You Smiling
Christmastime, hockey and family.
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Underneath It All
Christmas Eve.
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It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Christmas.
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Auld Lang Syne
New Year's Eve.
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What A Wonderful World
Baby shower time. Surprise visitor, perhaps?
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It's A Beautiful Day
The next day and Kris meeting Susan.
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Isn't She Lovely?
Is it time for Kalea to arrive?
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You Are The Wind Beneath My Wings
An emotional week later.
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Memories And Battle Scars
Family, friends and love.
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The Love I’ve Found Ever Since You’ve Been Around
The end of the trip.
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I’m On Top Of The World
Last game of the season and the next morning.
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Sigh No More
Game 1 vs. Tampa and some major drama.
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Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?
Game 5 and the rest of the day.
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You’re Better Than The Best
Game 7 and the following morning.
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Breathe
The night has finally arrived.
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Thank You For Being A Friend
Much-needed girl talk.
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Perfect Day
Time to start planning the wedding.
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Standing Ovation
A lazy day in September.
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So Good
Venues, Vancouver and love.
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Take Me Down Like A Domino
An amazing homecoming.
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Blessed
A very up and down day.
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You Raise Me Up
A very interesting Thanksgiving.
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Happy
Meeting Keith's daughter on Christmas Eve and the fun that ensues.
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Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Christmas is finally here.
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It's A Crazy Life
An eventful day in January without Kris.
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Best Day of My Life
Celebrating Kalea's first birthday.
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Love Me Like You Do
Late season game against the Flyers and the rest of the emotional day.
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Titanium
The entire first round series against the Flyers.
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It's Your Love
The beautiful wedding and final chapter of the story.
