yes - six

I wasn't working today, but Taylor invited me to practice. He knew I was upset, I told him what happened. I wasn't in the mood to be at practice, especially with him being around, I couldn't face him, I was already humiliated enough by him. But Taylor insisted I needed to do something.

As practice finished, I waited outside the dressing room, watching each player leave in pairs, or even groups. I saw Taylor and Jordan come out and I sighed with relief, "Hey Tay"

"Hey Mal, this is Jordan, don't think you guys have met"

"No, but I've watched you play, especially with Team Canada, you're amazing"

He just smirked, "Thanks, Taylor's told me alot about you"

"Really?" I just looked over at Taylor and he had a mischievous grin on his face.

"Yah, he--"

"Taylor, can I talk to you for a second? Be right back Jordan" he just nodded and I grabbed Taylor by the arm and dragged him around the corner.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"I saw that look on your face, and I've seen it before, you only use it when you're planning something, or scheming"

"I'm not though" he looked down at the ground and I knew he was lying.

"You're lying" I replied, "I know you better than anyone Taylor, you're lying"

"Come on, he's really great Mal, and maybe it'll get your mind off of Matt...and Magnus"

I just sighed, "I don't know him, he doesn't know me..."

"I think you'd like him...and he's shown interest"

"Taylor, you're both about to play for the Edmonton Oilers, he doesn't need me in the way"

"One date...that's it...he wants to"

I just sighed, "If he wants to ask, fine, but I'm not making a move"

"Fine"

We walked back around the corner and Jordan was scrolling through his phone as his eyes averted up to me, "Everything okay?"

"Everything's fine" Taylor replied, "You want to come with us?"

He just shrugged, "Sure?"

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"Well uh...our apartment is set and we were going to go take a look at it"

"Sweet, sounds like a time and a half"

--

We stepped into the apartment and it was huge, well it was huge to me. There wasn't alot in the apartment to begin with, and I was also standing next to two guys who easily have a good four or five inches on me.

"Hey guys" Taylor said taking his phone from his pocket, "I need to take this, be right back"

He left apartment and left Jordan and I standing there, alone. Awkward? I'd say so.

"So..."

"Yah..."

"You guys fight over rooms yet?"

He just smirked at me, "Well, I called the bigger room, I am the oldest"

"Do you even know how much of a child you sounded like just there?"

His expression fell and I just laughed.

"It was a joke Jordan"

"I knew that"

I just smirked and he turned away from me quickly ducking into what looked like the laundry room, "So, you've known Taylor for a while?" I asked from the living room. He popped out and looked at me strangely.

"Uh...we played on Team Canada together, for a couple years, and we always stayed in touch, and the fact we're both playing for Edmonton...hopefully, is really cool"

"You'll make the team, don't be stupid"

He just chuckled, "I guess when we get an apartment, we kind of know eh?"

"Ha, yah I suppose you're right"

"Mallory?"

I just turned to face him, "Yah?"

"Do you want to...grab a coffee sometime?"

I cocked my head to the side slightly, and scanned his face. He was avoiding eye contact, hands were in his pockets, fiddling with whatever change he had in there and he kept biting his lip, he was obviously nervous.

"Did Taylor tell you to ask me?"

"Wait, what?"

"Did he?"

"No, he just told me you could use...oh hell I'm bad at this"

"I'll go with you Jordan, but please tell me this isn't a favor you're doing for him"

He shook his head, "It's not...I promise. I think you're cool"

I just narrowed my eyes and smirked a bit, "If you say so"

"So that's a yes?"

"Yes...it is"

--

"You're going out with him?"

I turned around to see Magnus in front of me.

"I'm trying to work"

"Jordan, really?"

"It's coffee, and why the fuck do you care?"

He took a step back and I stopped in my tracks, "Magnus, you humiliated me, and Jordan's a sweet guy, and he's the one who made the move...not me"

"I swear Mallory, I'm--"

"No more apologizing please, it's final, I'm going out with him. It will probably only be one date anyways"

He stared at me for a second, and I felt like he was looking right through me. I've never felt so vulnerable in my life.

"Stop that"

"What?"

"Staring at me"

His face turned red and he looked down at the floor, "Sorry, I just--"

"I gave you a chance..." I said quietly, "And you chose hockey, and it's fine, I'm over it"

"Fine"

"Fine"

"I'll talk to you later"

"Bye"

you turned me out, and now i can't turn back - five

He stared at me and my heart was beating ten times faster then it should be. My breath got caught in my throat and he leaned in a bit closer.

"Which is it?" he whispered.

"Uh..." was all that managed to come out. The closer he got the harder it was to breathe, "What are you doing?"

"What do you want me to do?"

He got alot closer when I heard the door open behind me. I sat back and took a sharp breath in, "What's up Tay?"

"Uh...your mom is on the phone"

"Oh...okay, thanks" I stood up quickly and walked into the house. I overheard Taylor say something to Magnus, but I didn't bother catching it, "Mom, hey" I answered.

"How's Edmonton honey?"

"It's great, except he showed up"

"Matt?"

I just sighed, "yah"

"Honey, don't let him get to you, there's better guys out there"

"I know mom, I've met some nice people here"

"A boy?" Her voice suddenly changed tones and I just rolled my eyes.

"Just a friend mom"

She just laughed, "If you say so"

I saw Magnus come in the room and I felt my face get hot, "Mom, I'll call you later, did you want to talk to Marie?"

"No, I had a chat with her and Taylor already, I'll talk to you soon"

"Bye" I hung up quickly and stared at Magnus for a minute. I was suddenly getting really hot, I didn't like it.

"You okay?" Taylor asked.

"Fine" I simply said.

"Julie, can I--" I cut Magnus off and grabbed his hand, "Outside. Now"

I dragged him outside onto the porch and shut the door.

"You okay?"

"I'm fine" I replied, "But I think I should finish what I started"

Before he could object, my lips met his and I couldn't stop. He was addicting, just his taste. He didn't object at first, but eventually he pushed me off gently and just smirked, "So you do like me?"

"I guess a little" I chuckled.

"Well...I really like you too, right now though, I have alot on my plate...and I can't"

I stood there, stunned, hurt and embarassed. I just put myself out there, and he rejected me. Awesome.

"Okay, well I just made a huge mistake" I said beginning to walk into the house.

He grabbed my arm to stop me, "Julie, don't--"

"No, it's fine" I pulled my arm from his grasp and walked into the house. Taylor immediately knew something was wrong, but I didn't say anything as I slumped down on the couch.

"I think I should should go" Magnus said coming into the room.

"Good idea" I snapped.

Taylor just looked back at me and then at Magnus, "I'll give you a ride"

"Thanks" he simply said.

I watched them walk out and Taylor's aunt looked at me with a concerned look on her face, "You were fine a minute ago"

"It's complicated" I sighed.

"What did he say?"

"No, it was all me"

"You like him?" she smirked.

"Yah...I don't know why though"

"We fall in love with people we don't expect"

"Whoa...no love here..."

"Not yet"

"I doubt that will happen..."

"Your face is red...something else happened out there" Damn it, she caught me.

"I kissed him..."

"You really like him"

"He doesn't like me" I snapped, "It's fine"

"I'm sorry hon..."

"It's fine" I replied standing up, "I'll be in my room"

"Okay.."

I fell down on my bed and sighed. It's as if he flaunted himself in front of me, and then pulled the rug out from under me. Rude. I adore the guy, I do, I can't help it. Maybe...maybe I should forget it. Maybe it wasn't meant to be, maybe...I should talk to Matt. I mean, maybe we could talk things out.

Alot of maybes.

he is everything inside of you that you wish you could be - four

I got the job. I loved it here, everything about it. The boys were always back and forth to visit, and they were almost like my second family. Magnus and I were getting closer every day, I loved that kid. When I’m with him and Taylor, I feel like the safest and luckiest girl in the world. Who wouldn’t want to be me?

“Like my new shirt?” I asked Magnus turning around so he could see the 91.

He just smirked, “It’s perfect”

I continued folding the Penner t-shirts when my heart stopped. I looked over and swore I saw Matt. I looked over again and sure enough…it was him.

Magnus looked at me and then in the direction I was staring. I couldn’t even take my eyes off of him. What was he doing to me?

“Mallory?” Magnus’ voice broke me out of my trance and I turned to look at him, “You okay?”

“It’s…it’s…him”

“Who?”

“Matt…”

“Mallory…” Matt stood there looking at me then at Magnus, who towered over me, and who was a lot bigger than Matt.

“Hi…what the hell are you doing here?”

“I needed to see you”

“I don’t want to see you? Did you not get the hint? I’m sure Allison is missing you”

“Allison is just…”

“What?”

“She’s not you”

I looked over at Magnus, he had no idea what he was supposed to say.

“Matt…I--”

“Come out with me tonight…we’ll talk…”

“I have plans tonight” I replied, “with Magnus”

Matt glared at Magnus and he just stood his ground. Already he was protective of me, and I was glad for that. No one was getting to me unless they got through Magnus.

“Him?”

“Problem with me?” Magnus asked taking a step forward. I just stuck my arm out and kept him from going any further. He looked down at me and let his guard down.

“Matt, I think you need to go”

“Fine…I’m not giving up on you Mal”

“Fine”

He walked out of the store and I just sighed as I folded the last shirt in my hand. Magnus just looked down at me with concern and I just walked behind the counter. The store was dead, there wasn’t a soul. He leaned up against the counter and l just stared at him, “What?”

“He hurt you…I can see it”

“Can you?” I smirked.

“I’m serious Mallory…”

“He’s not a part of my life anymore”

“I don’t think he agrees”

“Well he’ll get over it”

“I don’t want to see you get hurt”

“I can take care of myself Mags” I replied, “I’m a big girl”

“You’ve never called me that before”

“Oh…” I felt my face get red, “Um…it just came out…”

“It’s okay” he smirked, “I like it”

I just smiled and turned around to clean up around the cash. The store was closing soon and Magnus and I were meeting Taylor for dinner and then going back to our place. Quiet night in, exactly what I needed.

I checked my phone and Taylor informed me that he wasn’t able to make it for dinner, but that he’d be home by the time we got back.

“Taylor’s not coming” I said.

“So it’s just us?” he smirked.

“Just us” I smiled.

Magnus and I went out the front door as I turned off the lights and locked it behind me. I threw my bag over my shoulder and walked with Magnus down the street. We ended up going to this small Italian place, where I just ended up getting a small plate of pasta…that I barely touched.

He just sighed, “Don’t let him get to you”

“He didn’t, when he wasn’t in the city. You know, he could just show up at any time”

“He’s not getting to you while I’m around” he smirked.

I just chuckled and took a sip of my water, “You’re awful protective of me”

“It’s an instinct” he shrugged, “You’re like a sister…”

The word sister cut through me. Just a sister? That’s all he saw? I don’t know why this was such a big deal, he’s just a friend, right? Plus, a relationship is just not in the cards for me right now.

“Yah” I tried to fake a smile.

“You ready to go?” he asked, “doesn’t look like you’ll be eating much more of that”

“Yah, let’s get out of here”

We took the long way back home, and talked. The whole sister thing stuck in the back of my mind. Why was it bothering me so much?

We got back home and sure enough Taylor was lounging on the couch watching tv. I looked at him then back at Magnus, “Can I talk to you for a second Tay?”

“Sure” he shrugged.

“I’ll be in the kitchen” Magnus said walking away.

“You were here the whole time weren’t you?”

“I was not!”

“I’m not stupid Taylor” I snapped, “I know you”

He just smirked, “I’m sorry, I just didn’t feel like going out for dinner, plus, I thought it would be better for you two to spend some time together”

“Why? Cause he likes me!? He doesn’t okay? He said I’m like a sister to him”

“Oh…sorry Mal, I thought--”

“You thought wrong Tay. I know you mean well, but Matt is still…he’s in Edmonton”

“He’s--I’ll kill him”

“You will do no such thing” Taylor’s aunt said coming out of the kitchen, “By the way, your friend Magnus here is an absolute sweetheart” Magnus came out of the kitchen and his face turned beat red.

“I uh--I…umm, nahh…”

“Don’t be so modest” she said.

He just half smiled and sat down on the couch. I sat next to him and smirked, “Don’t let her get to you, she’s like that with everyone”

He smirked and I just leaned back on the couch, “So Magnus, you and Julie are…?”

“Friends” I said quickly, “…just friends”

The entire room went silent and I felt my face get hot. I silently sat back as everyone started to talk again, “Are you okay?” Magnus asked, “Something seems to be bothering you”

“How do you know?”

He just shrugged, “I can just tell”

“Can we talk…outside?”

“Sure”

“We’ll be outside” I said to everyone as Magnus and I left the room. We sat on the front porch of the house, and he spoke first.

“Is this about--”

I cut him off before he could say anymore, “Here’s the thing. I find you incredibly attractive, and I think you’re the sweetest guy I know, and the fact that you feel like I’m only a sister to you…really hurts”

“Whoa…you like me?”

“I uh--I didn’t say that”

“So you don’t?”

“I didn’t say that either”

“Well which is it Mallory”

At this point, I don’t even know. What have I gotten myself into?

i dare you to move - three

September 23rd, 2010

It’s been a couple weeks, and the city was finally growing on me. Taylor and I were constantly growing closer, and the more Magnus was around, the more he was growing on me. We still aren’t best friends, but he is a nice guy, and I think a good friendship is in definitely in the future.

The boys had won their first preseason game, except neither Taylor or Magnus had played. Jordan Eberle was the biggest of the young prospects that played. Taylor and Magnus were getting their chance tonight, and I would be there to watch.

I was sitting across the living room, in the La-Z-Boy, while Taylor was asleep on the couch. Pre-game naps, I’m going to have to get used to them. I was scrolling through my Facebook, when my heart dropped. Matt…he was in a relationship, with my cousin!

“What the FUCK!?”

Taylor jumped up and looked around in a daze, “What happened?”

I couldn’t even get the words out, I just turned the laptop screen towards him and he squinted to adjust his eyes to the light and then they suddenly widened, “That son of a -- That’s your cousin!”

“I know!” I exclaimed, “The nerve of him. Why must he constantly try to make my life miserable?”

“He’s not even worth the breath” Taylor stated, “He’s trying to make you jealous so you might consider going back to him. He’s going at it the wrong way if you ask me”

“Taylor!”

“Sorry, I just would have done it differently” he shrugged.

I just sighed, “You know what? I think it’s time I cut him out of my life completely”

I moved the mouse down to “remove friend” and clicked. There, he was gone. I grabbed my phone and removed him from my contacts, “I’m done with him Taylor, I will have nothing to do with him anymore”

“Good girl” he smirked. He looked down at the time and stood up, “I should probably be getting over to the arena, did you want to come now or later?”

“I’ll just come around game time” I replied, “I could use a nap myself”

“Okay” he replied.

I shut my laptop and collapsed down on the couch. I stared at the ceiling until I couldn’t keep my eyes open anymore.

“Mallory?” I heard a muffled voice and I opened my eyes to see Taylor’s aunt standing over me, “Honey, we’re heading out to the game in about half an hour, I thought I would wake you”

“Thanks” I replied sitting up.

“You okay?” her dark eyes were filled with concern, “Taylor told me what happened”

I just sighed, “I’ll be fine, I think the game will get my mind off of it for sure”

She just smiled, “Okay, well how about you go get cleaned up and we’ll head out”

“Okay” I nodded standing up, “I won’t be long”

I shut the door to the bedroom I was staying in then pulled my shirt over my head. I grabbed the Oilers t-shirt Taylor had gotten for me, and I slipped into a pair of dark ripped jeans. I put on some light makeup and left my hair in a low ponytail. I slipped a twenty dollar bill into my pocket along with my ticket and my phone.

“Ready to go?” I heard Taylor’s aunt from the kitchen.

“Yah, I’m coming” I replied.

We piled into the car and made our drive to Rexall Place. This is the first time I’ve been to an NHL game in a while. Taylor’s family brought me to a Leafs game when I was younger, but that’s as much as I’ve seen. I know tonight is only pre-season, but you still feel that atmosphere of an NHL game. I mean, Taylor Hall was the number one draft pick in 2010, I guess he’s a big deal. Tonight was a big night for him and fans, especially after the Oilers’ last couple seasons.

We took our seats and waited patiently for the game to start. I have to say I was excited. Just to be able to see my best friend in an NHL uniform was huge. He’s been dreaming about this his whole life, and the day is finally here.

The Lightning were in town. I don’t really think it mattered who they were playing against though. The scoring started early, Tampa scored first about 4 minutes in. The period started to get a bit boring after that, it was a lot of back and forth until there was about five minutes left and the most unexpected thing happened. Magnus had the puck, made a sick move to split the defence, tripped and somehow got lucky and poked the puck in the net. I got way too excited, especially since it was Magnus who scored. Then to end the period, Cogliano scored for Edmonton, and Magnus ended up assisting on the play.

In period two there was only one goal. It was a power play goal, for Edmonton, scored by none other than Magnus Paajarvi. He was having an amazing night, I couldn’t even believe how amazing he was playing.

The third period was the most entertaining of them all. Fairly early in, Taylor got a semi-breakaway, the defenceman was right on him, he got way too close to the goalie, tried to put it in, tripped and fell right on his ass. I have to admit, I’ve never laughed so hard in my life.

Taylor finally did get his chance when the goalie tried to play the puck, but he got a hold of it, the goalie couldn’t get back and he put it into the net. I didn’t care if it was an empty net goal, and I didn’t care that it was pre-season, my best friend just scored his first NHL goal, technically. I was beyond proud of him.

Magnus actually ended up with a hat trick, a four point night. When all eyes were supposed to be on Taylor Hall, they ended being on Magnus. I was surprised myself, I think everyone was. But he really did play a great game.

We waited in the lobby as the building cleared out. We started to see players file out bit by bit in their fancy suits. I watched for Taylor and the moment I saw him, I jumped him, before he could even say a word.

“I’m so proud of you” I mumbled into his shoulder.

He just pulled back and smiled, “I’m really glad you were here to see it”

I just watched as his family gave him hugs and congratulated him. I looked around, hoping to see Magnus soon, I really wanted to talk to him.

“Is Magnus around?”

“Yah, he was finishing up some media stuff, he should be out in a few minutes” Taylor replied.

“You mind if we wait?” I asked, “I wanted to congratulate him”

“Yah” he nodded, “Sure thing”

“We’ll head out then” Taylor’s uncle said, “Again congratulations, we’re all so proud of you”

“Thanks” he replied, “We shouldn’t be too late, I’m beat”

As soon as those words came out of his mouth I saw Magnus coming around the corner. He was scrolling through his phone and he ran his hand through his hair. I found myself staring for a minute until he looked up.

“Hey!” I smiled.

“Mallory, hey” he replied, “I didn’t even know you were coming”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world” I replied, “You were amazing tonight”

I saw his face flush a little red and I just smirked, “Thanks” he said.

“Not a problem”

There was silence for a minute and I looked back at Taylor. He just slightly nodded at me and I looked back at Magnus, “you need a ride back?”

“Yah, I do actually”

“Okay…cool”

We walked back to the car and I let him have shotgun. I don’t know why, but all of a sudden I was really attracted to Magnus. He was just, I don’t even know how to explain it.

“Bye” I said as he stepped out of the car. Taylor sat there for a minute and looked at me. I looked back over at Magnus as he was walking inside. I sighed and opened the door.

“Magnus!”

He turned around and walked back towards me, “Yah?”

“Um…” my heart was beating rapidly, “Do you…want to…”

“You okay?” he asked with a smirk.

I just nodded and tried to finish my sentence, “My number…”

“Really?”

“Yah, maybe we can do something on your next day off” I can’t believe I was asking him out.

“Yah…okay”

I just smiled, “Okay…I’ll uh…see you later then”. I quickly turned on my heel and went back to the car. Taylor was grinning like an idiot as I opened the door.

“What?”

“I don’t think we’d click” he said mocking me.

“Shut up” I replied smacking him in the arm, “he’s nice”

“You totally want to get in his pants”

“Taylor!” I exclaimed, “That’s a little much!”

“Oh come on, I saw how you were looking at him tonight”

“Taylor, it’s plain physical attraction, that’s it”

“Which can lead to a lot more Mal” he replied.

“I know…”

“If you don’t want anything with him, don’t lead him on” he replied.

“I’m not going to…I’m going to be his friend…that’s it”

i had sworn to myself that i was content with loneliness - two

Getting to Edmonton was a little surreal. We were staying with some of Taylor’s family for now, which was good. We decided to give me some time to get used to the city before I went in for my interview.

Taylor and the other Oilers prospects were doing all the physical training and medicals today. I decided to take a walk around the city and then meet Taylor in a couple hours at Rexall Place.

The city was kind of mesmerizing, it was just so much bigger than Windsor. I was never a big city girl, so it was going to take some getting used to, but I do think I am going to like it. It’s the perfect escape.

I made it to Rexall Place and ended up waiting in the front lobby. I watched as a few players filed out bit by bit. Finally, I saw Taylor, along with another player that I can’t say I recognized.

“Hey Mal” Taylor said giving me a quick peck on the cheek, “This is Magnus, Magnus this is Mallory”

“Hey” I smiled.

“Hi” he nodded.

“He was going to come with us, if that’s okay with you”

“Yah, sure thing” I replied.

“There’s a party tonight, with a few of the guys, and he was going to tag along”

“That’s fine” I nodded.

We got to Taylor’s car and I let Magnus take shotgun. This kid was creeping me out a little bit to be honest. He was way too quiet when I tried to talk to him, but when Taylor talked to him it seemed easy. I didn’t even realize Taylor was that funny. I don’t even think he knew that.

I felt my phone vibrating in my pocket, it was Matt. The ex. I hadn’t really told him that I left. He was probably wondering where I was.

“Hello?”

“Where the hell did you end up going?”

“I went to Edmonton, and to be honest it’s not really any of your business” I snapped.

“Why did you go?”

“Why do you think Matt? I was sick of that place, I was sick of you, and I was sick of my parents, so I left”

“You’re such a drama queen”

“And you’re a jackass” I replied hanging up.

“Who was that?” asked Taylor.

“Matt…”

“He’s still calling you?”

“Yes” I huffed, “I should just learn to stop answering”

“He’s a scumbag, I’ll kill him myself”

“Don’t talk like that” I replied, “I can take care of this”

“If he tries anything--”

“I know Taylor, just…it’s fine”

He just sighed and kept driving. He never liked Matt from the beginning. It was his charm and personality that drew me in, and also his rugged good looks. Damn his good looks. Soon his temper just started to get really bad, and I got sick of being the one he took it out on.

We stopped for lunch and I was pretty quiet the entire time. I poked at my food, but barely had a bite. As the waiter came by, I told him to just box it up, maybe I’ll eat it at home.

“I’ll go pay the bill” Taylor said, “be right back”

I was sitting across from Magnus and he was playing with his cell phone. It was an awkward moment, I don’t blame him.

“So where are you from?” I asked.

He looked up at me and looked around as if he didn’t believe I was talking to him, “Oh…Sweden”

“That’s really cool, you’ve been playing hockey for a while?”

He just nodded, “Since I was little”

“That’s cool. I’ve been watching Taylor play for years”

“So you…grow up together?”

You could tell that he was still struggling with his English. It was kind of cute. Wait, what am I saying?

“Yah, our parents were best friends, so we’ve pretty much known each other from birth. He’s like my big brother” I smirked, “So protective”

“I could tell, in the car, with…Matt?”

“Yah…he’s my ex, Taylor never liked him”

“The way you talked to him, he doesn’t seem nice”

“He’s not anymore” I sighed, “He’s different, he’s changed”

“Ready to go?” Taylor asked coming up to the table.

“Yah, definitely” I replied standing up.

We got back to the car and dropped Magnus off. I climbed into the front seat and looked over at Taylor who had this shit-eating grin on his face.

“What’s your problem?” I asked.

“You guys seemed to hit it off” he replied.

“Who? Me and Magnus? Dude, he’s cool but--”

“But what? He was asking about you”

“Seriously?” I replied, “He’s not really my type, he’s just really quiet, and he just seems a little odd…”

“Oh come on, he’s really cool. He’s still working on his English, and he’s new to Canada in general, cut him some slack”

“I’ll be his friend Taylor, but a relationship is just not in the cards for me right now…”

He just sighed, “Fine, I guess you’re right”

“Thank you. He’s a nice kid, but I just don’t think we’d click”

He just shrugged, “If you say so”

My heart is just not in a state to be loved. One little thing could shatter it. I just don’t think love is really for me anyways. I’ve never really seen it work out with anyone, so tell me…what’s the point?

this is it - one

I needed to get out of this town. My parents were just getting too hard to handle. I didn’t live at home anymore, but it still felt like I did. The divorce was just about finalized, and they were still calling me, bitching to me about each other, trying to plot me one against the other. Maybe if I leave Windsor all together, they can learn to tolerate each other on their own.

Taylor was my best friend, and he was headed up to Edmonton for the Oilers training camp. I was so proud of him, he’s worked his entire life for this, he’s finally going to achieve his dream of being in the NHL.

Taylor knew about my issues with my family, and knew that I have been wanting to get out of Windsor since I graduated. He’s been doing all he can to help me to get out.

“Mallory!” I heard him come up behind me while I was stocking shelves at work. I had a job at Wal-Mart. Nothing special, but it got me the money I needed for now.

“Hey! Wasn’t expecting you” I smiled, “What’s up?”

“You’re getting out of here”

“What!?”

“You’re coming to Edmonton with me. You’ll stay with me, I even got you a job up there. Friend of a friend owns the Oilers merch store and is happy to give you a job”

I was a bit stunned. This was all happening a little too fast.

“Taylor…that’s…amazing!” I exclaimed wrapping my arms around him, “I can’t believe you did that!”

“Only for you” he smiled.

“When do you leave for training camp?”

“Tomorrow” he replied.

“What!?”

“I talked to your boss, you quit about five minutes ago”

“Taylor…you--this is insane!”

He just smirked, “It’s what I do. Let’s get back to your place and pack your stuff”

He grabbed my hand and practically dragged me towards my boss’ office. I took off my vest and nametag and set it in front of his door. I left the building and didn’t look back. Mallory Perkins was finished with Wal-Mart, and with Windsor.

I got home and collapsed onto my bed as Taylor rushed into my closet to grab my things.

“We’re really doing this” I said staring up at the ceiling.

“Yupp” he replied, “It’ll be fun”

“I agree. I can finally get away from my parents. And the ex”

“Don’t even mention him. His name makes me sick”

“I know, I know” I nodded, “He’s part of the reason I hate this place…no offence”

“None taken” he smirked sitting beside me, “You’re really sure this is what you want?”

“Definitely”

I just smiled as I began to pack my things into my bag. Taylor helped as I wrote up a note for my landlord, telling him that I’m leaving, and not coming back, along with my last month’s rent.

We packed the things into the back of Taylor’s car and drove to his place. I’d stay the night there, so I could get an early start with him in the morning. I’m moving to Edmonton, this is for real.

Waking up the next morning was brutal. I was dead tired, and not prepared to take a flight. I threw my hair up in a bun, put on my Spitfires hoodie, a pair of black yoga pants and my black flats and I was out the door.

As I stared out into the rearview mirror it was all starting to hit me. This was still my home, as much as I wanted to get out. I had a life here, and it was a bit harder to leave than I thought it was going to be. I felt a few tears hit my cheeks as I watched the city pass me by.

“You okay?” Taylor asked.

“Fine” I said wiping my tears away quickly, “this was a bit harder than I thought it would be”

“It’s going to be okay Mal, we’ll be back I’m sure” he smirked.

“Yah…true”

“Just think of this as a new beginning. New place, new city, new friends”

“You’re right” I smiled, “Edmonton…Edmonton…”

Edmonton. Here we come.