Full Strength

Scottie

I’m heading down to Chicago with Emmi today, Friday morning. The Blackhawks play the Blue Jackets, and we have to beat them. They lost to the Flyers on Wednesday, and it sucked. Dean and I have talked everyday since Monday, and the big phone debacle. I felt so bad for forgetting to call him back, and I could her it in Dean’s voice that he was still upset. He said he had forgiven me, and I believe it, but it’s still getting to him. I want to move past this because I think it’s such a small thing for him to be dwelling on.

                  “Stop staring out the window like you’re in a sad music video.” Emmi said from the behind the wheel.

                  “Sorry.” I said perking up and facing forward. We just made it into the city, and we headed right for the United Center. They would just be finishing up their morning skate by the time we get there.

                  “And stop apologizing. You’re getting real annoying.” Emmi always told me what I needed to hear. She is the only who can tell me the hard truth and I won’t get pissed. The same goes for the other way around too.

                  “I just can’t help but feel like Dean is still mad at me.” I whined.

                  “Yeah he probably is, but he’ll get over it.” Emmi patted me leg just as we pulled into the parking lot for the UC. We parked and got out of the car. Once we walked in my senses were flooded with the familiarity of this place. I haven’t been to a hockey game in three weeks, but you’d think I was an 85-year-old man, who used to go to every game as a kid and hasn’t been since he moved away to college, and his grandson is restoring his love of the game. Yeah, I’m going crazy.

                  We headed down to the locker room and waited outside for the guys to walk out. We stopped by my Dad’s office to say hello first, though. Then we stood outside the locker room doors and waited.

                  “Little sister!” Derrick exclaimed when he saw me as he walked out. He wrapped me in a hug and I hugged him back.

                  “Big brother!” I laughed.

                  “How you been? I feel like we haven’t seen each other in ages.” Derrick asked.

                  “I’ve been good. I’ll talk to you at home though, kay?” I said looking back and forth between Derrick and the door.

                  “Oh, I see how it is. Okay, I’ll see you later.” Derrick gave me a light push on the shoulders as he walked away.

                  I stood with Emmi as the doors opened and Brandon and Dean both walked out. They saw us standing there, and Brandon gave Dean a quick pat on the back before walking off with Emmi. I said goodbye to both of them, but the were long gone in their own little world.

                  “Hey,” I sighed walking towards Dean with my arms out.

                  “Hey,” Dean said back. He hugged me back, but it wasn’t nearly as strong as normal.

                  “How was practice?” I asked, as we walked to Dean’s car.

                  “Good. I get to start tonight next to Duncs.” Dean shrugged like it was no big deal, but I couldn’t mask my excitement.

                  “Dean! That’s awesome! It’s your first NHL start. I’m so,” Dean cut me off.

                  “I know it’s my first NHL start, Scot.” Dean spoke harshly.