school. =p

To anyone that reads my story, I am so sorry for the lake of updates. I just started school on Monday and I've been a bit busy. Not only with school work, but I'm a majorette and I have practices and football games on Friday nights or Saturday afternoons. I have a long weekend, so I'm hoping to be able to post a new chapter by Wednsday. Hang in there, please. =]
Thanks!
Carrie.

til we aren't strangers anymore:: part four.

part four::

The sweet scent of the rink air surrounded us both as we began to skate around, side by side. "Mmm. There's nothing better than the smell of an ice rink." I said, taking a deep breath of the air. "That's for sure. So should I start the questioning?" "Sure." "How old are you?" "At the moment, 18. I'll be 19 in a month and seven days." He laughed, "Counting down the days, eh? So that makes your birthday.. January 20th?" "Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner. Yes." The smile I'd been wearing all night still hadn't faded, and with each passing second it had only grown bigger.

"Awesome. Where are you from?" "Johnstown, Pa. It's a little town about two hours east of here." "Ohh. Isn't there an ECHL team there, the Chiefs." "Yep," I replied, reminiscing on all of the great memories I had stored in my mind of my many Chiefs games. "Cool. Are you just in Pittsburgh for the night then?" His facial expression turned to one of disappointment. I didn't sweat it though because I knew that big goofy grin would only return to his face within a matter of seconds. "No. Actually I have an apartment here." Sure enough the beautiful smile regained it's rightful place on his lips as he stared over at me.

"Are we a college party girl then?" he teased. "Not yet. I decided to take a break from school and wait a year," I laughed. "What college are you going to once you start?" "University of Pittsburgh for Pediatrics." "Wow! You must have been a great student." "Well thank you," I replied sheepishly. By that point my face had changed to a light shade. "We go visit the Children's Hospital here once a year. It really puts you in a different state of mind and makes you realize how lucky you are. I think it's great that you want to help those kids," he said in a sincere tone. "Yeah. I love kids and it just seemed like the perfect career for me. Although when I was a senior I was torn. I wasn't sure whether I wanted to go into Pediatrics at Pitt or Veterinary Medicine at Penn State. I will admit to one thing, even though I'm going to Pitt, I'll always be a Penn State girl." He simply smiled at me, then tried to speak, but was interrupted as we neared the runway.

"Hey Carrie. Would you mind if I went out with Jordan for a while?" "Not at all, but there is one slight problem." She apparently had forgotten whose car we drove to the game. "How am I getting back to my apartment?" "That's a good question, umm.."

[Jodi's P.O.V.]
Crap! Now what? I'd really like to go out and have some fun with Jordan, but I know how much it means to Carrie to stay and spend a little more time with Sidney. I'd like to see my best friend get to know the man of her dreams a bit better.

[Carrie's P.O.V.]
A puzzled look hit her face as she desperately searched for a way to make tonight work out for the both of us. My eyes roamed over to meet Sidney's, and I could tell that he didn't want to see me go yet. And to tell you the truth, I definitely did not want to leave just yet either. A few seconds later I watched an accomplished look spread over his face. He opened his mouth and spoke up hesitantly. "Um, if you want I could give you a ride home? That way you could stay a while longer and they can still go out. I mean, only if you want to." There was a hint of hope in his voice. "Are you sure it wouldn't be a problem?" "Not at all." "Alright then. Problem solved,"I smiled, and a grin found it's way back to his lovely face. "Cool. I'll call you later, kay?" "Yep." "Have fun kiddies. Behave yourselves," Jordan smirked, winking at Sid who was now blushing like mad. "Bye Carr! Bye Sid!" Jodi waved turning back to catch up with Jordan.

I still hadn't told Sid how much I appreciated his offer to take me home, so rather than ramble on and on I figured I'd express my thanks in a more meaningful way. I inched closer to him, unexpectedly wrapping my arms around his shoulders in a tight hug. "Thank you so much Sidney." My actions must have taken him by surprise, but after a moment he slipped his arms around my waist and pulled me closer to him. "It's no problem what-so-ever," he answered softly, his strong arms still holding me tightly.