CHAPTER 28: Last Time
The week following the Olympics was actually busier than the two weeks spent at the Olympics. The busiest person on my team was probably our very own captain, not only was there a bunch of events, such as parades and sport events, but there was also a few interviews.
I had refused a lot of events, just to try and keep my mind on school for a little while. I only agreed to one sport event, and that was a sens game, where we only greeted the crowd and basically showed off our medals. I was after all Canadian, and they were the people I represented. I owed it to them for all of their support. And it was right in Ottawa.
Event though, I had refused a lot of things, I still had a lot of alone interviews during the week. I had a few of them with my teammates, but altogether, I had over 10 interviews in that week. It was almost scary but I didn’t let the thought of it bother me. The worst was already done. That was the truth.
I inhaled deeply, forcing myself to keep my eyes open as I continued forwards. Walking through the halls of all the locker rooms one last time made me realize how much I was gonna miss this place, and how close it’ll stay to my heart from now on. My first Olympic experience was a very hard and painful one, but I’ve learned great things and met great people. And I’ve got a medal to prove it.
I looked down at my phone, and I still had a half hour till I needed to head to the airport. I was going to knock on the American team’s door but they would not be happy to see me. I waited by the door and took in a deep breath, simply letting my eyes close unwillingly. I was so excited yet so exhausted.
“Rose?” Someone shook me, and my eyes opened slowly.
Sid was bent over me, and he sighed in relief. “Thank god you were just asleep.”
Just behind him, were John, Eric and even Scott. I got up quickly and gave Sid a hug, only able to put one arm around him though. I didn’t even think about what time it was, I just wanted to hug them. I was so happy for them. “Congratulations guys!”
He smiled and I pulled away, looking over at John, Eric and Scott, hugging all of them and wishing them congratulations, and finishing on Scott. He smiled down at me, “You know, you aren’t like any other female player I’d ever met before.”
I chuckled, “I hope that’s a good thing.”
“Of course.” He smiled, resting a hand on my shoulder. “You’ll go far, kid.”
I smiled, “Thank you. That means a lot coming from you.”
He smiled and walked away, leaving me with the other guys. “Oh my god! How are you guys feeling? You got gold?”
They laughed at me, while I stared at their gold medals around their necks. John smiled at me, “It feels amazing.”
“Yeah, it does!” I high-fived him and laughed, throwing myself in his arms. He was caught off guard for a second, but his arms went slowly around me, rubbing my back, feeling his laugh in my ears. I pulled away from him, looking at all of them. “Are you guys all going to the closing ceremony?”
They all nodded, and Eric saw something change in my expression. “Aren’t you going?”
I grimaced, I obviously couldn’t avoid that question. “Well… no. What time is it, anyways?”
John looked down at his phone, “Its 4:15. Why aren’t you going?”
“I’m going back home. I already have my ticket and I leave in a few hours. I was gonna tell you but not before the game.” I said.
“So, this is the last time were ever going to see you.” Brent said.
I shook my head, smiling. “No, I doubt it.”
“But we won’t see each other for a while, Rose. All of us are going back to the NHL.” John said.
“You lucky son of a bitch.” I punched his shoulder playfully. “I know! I was supposed to do the same thing, idiot.”
He grinned, “You’re crazy.”
“And you’re not.” I said, matter-of-factly. “You should really learn a few things from me, John. It’s not cool being serious all the time.”
He nodded, but I could see a smile creeping at his lip. It made me want to hit him, while the others started laughing at us. I laughed at him, “Ah, anyways… we’ll see each other in a week. Ottawa plays against Chicago Saturday night right? I’ll be there. Whenever you’re in Ottawa, you just look me up. That goes for anyone.”
I looked back at Eric, Brent, Sid and smiled at them. “Any time you’re around, just give me a call and I’m there.”
“You won’t be traveling much anymore, I’m guessing?” Brent asked me. Every Blackhawk player knew how much I traveled for tournaments and all that stuff.
I grinned, “School and rest is all I’m gonna need for a little bit, while I try and get better. I’ll try to arrange a trip to Chicago when I feel better maybe. Soon enough.”
“Well, are you going to the parade next week, a bunch of Canadian athletes are gonna be there?” Sid asked.
I shook my head, “No, sorry. This is really the last time we’ll see each other until a little while. It was really nice to meet all of you.”
“No, Rose.” Eric shook his head. “It’s the other way around. We’re the ones that were lucky to have met you.”
I smiled, I was so flattered at that. I nodded at him, unable to help myself and smiling widely at him. “Thank you. That’s very sweet of you.”
Just at that moment, a few other players were going through the hall. Canadian players that all came around me, shouting at how excited they were that they had won gold. I recall high-fiving Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, Drew Doughty, Rick Nash, Shea Weber, Jarome Iginla, Patrice Bergeron, and the man I thought I would never get along with, Ducan Keith.
He kept my hand in his grip and stared at me in the eyes, “You really are amazing, Rose. I’m sorry I ever doubted you.”
I forced a smile, “The past is the past. All is forgiven.”
He gave me a pat on the shoulder, before continuing his way towards the exit. “Good luck out there.”
He was already gone before I could thank him. Everyone else were on their way as well, wishing me good luck and thanking me for the help, but I had done merely nothing. They were the ones on the ice. A lot of them gave me hugs, when they found out I was leaving in a few minutes but there was no tears.
After a few minutes, there was only Sid, John and me. “I’m really gonna miss you guys.”
“I’m sure will see each other soon enough.” Sid said. “And if not, Taylor will keep me updated on everything, I’m sure.”
I laughed, and thought out loud. “Crazy girl. That’s gonna be something to look forward to.”
“You better look after her.” Sid said, turning into the overprotective brother. “She may act like an adult, but she’s only 16.”
“Don’t worry, Sid.” I smiled. “I’ll treat her like my own sister.”
Sidney nodded and smiled.
“Did you want someone to go to the airport with you?” John asked.
I shook my head, “No, that’s okay. I just need to say goodbye to Kaner but no member from the American team has left the room yet. And I really need to leave.”
“We’ll tell him where you’re going. I’ll make sure he comes join you, just get going so you don’t miss your flight.” John said.
I smiled at him, “Thank you guys. For everything.”
“You need us, you just give us a call.” John said.
I gave them both one last hug before I started walking down the hallway, and off towards the airport, and then it was home sweet home. I couldn’t help but feel a smile spread over my lips.
‘Don’t look at what you lost, look at what you’ve gained.’ My mother’s voice suddenly came to mind. I can’t recall how many times I’d heard her say that, especially after a game, but it can very well apply in life. Maybe I wasn’t going back to my real home, with all of my real family, but I still had so many people that loved me. This wasn’t the end.
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