Question?

Hey guys! So, I have a question for you. After reading over this story, I've been seriously considering starting over with a completely new and different story. But, I don't want to do if you like this one and want to see where it goes. I have ideas for it, but I just feel like I'm in a rut with it. So, if you could let me know what you think I'd really appreciate it. Thank you. :)

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

Hey guys! I know that I haven't been posting all that much and I'm sorry for that. I'd love to be able to more often, but I with school and this being my junior year, I just don't have the time to. And I really want to make sure that when I write I'm happy with it so I know there's a chance that you might be too. Because to tell you the truth, I've read through the first few chapters and I'm not exactly fond of them. So if it takes me some time, I'm only doing it for that reason. Anyhoo, I'd really like to hear what you think about the story. If you have any ideas for future chapters let me know. And I'm completely open to constructive criticism. Also, I might be posting on Friday too. Without further adue, part seven. Enjoy!

part seven::


"Ugh, go away," I whined groggily, tugging at the covers until they were resting perfectly over top of my head. "No. Get up lazy ass," Jodi laughed. God, how is it possible for anyone to have this much energy in the morning? She continued bouncing up and down on the bed, completely ignoring my protests. If I didn't know any better I would have thought it was Christmas. She reminded me for all the world of a little kid pouncing on the bed at six in the morning, begging you to wake up, thoughts revolving on nothing but all of the presents under the Christmas tree. Now I understand the agony I put my parents through. I made a mental note to apologize for that the next time I called them.

I reached over to my nightstand and felt around, "Here. Go entertain yourself," I said flicking my iPod at her. "Now now, someone's not being a very good hostess." Even if I couldn't see her, I knew she had to be waving her finger at me. "At this early in the morning, I don't have to be." "It's 8:00." "Exactly." And with that I readjusted the sheets and burrowed myself even further underneath them. Clearly, I had no intentions of giving in anytime soon. "Okay, well I'll just take this and keep myself busy while your sleeping." Ahhh, finally. "Hmm.. who should I text? I know.. Sid!" I layed there for a few more seconds, nothing sinking in. And then it finally hit me. My eyes shot open and I practically flew out of bed. "Hand it over!" I yelled, chasing her around the living room. "You didn't seem too interested a little bit ago, what makes you so intrigued now? What should I say?" She started typing, announcing everything aloud in an over dramatic voice. "Dear Sidney, I know we've only just met, but I must tell you this. I'm in love with you. Ever since our eyes met I haven't been able to stop thinking about you. I want you, all of you, forever. Let's book a room for tonight, just you and I. We can start the family we've both always dreamed of.." "Haa!!! Gotchya'!" I tackled her to the couch and ripped the phone out of her hands. "Oh, so you are awake?" she grinned. "Funny. Just wait. I will get you back for that." "Hey, it's not like I actually sent it." "And if you would've, you can be sure that I would have disowned you."

I wandered into the kitchen and delved into cupboards. "What's for breakfast?" "I'm not sure yet. Would you mind if I went for my run first and then we ate? Sorry, it's sort of my routine." "Nahh, go ahead." "Alright, just don't terrorize the place while I'm gone. Ohh, and I'll be taking this with me," I laughed, picking up my phone. I changed into track pants and a hoodie; slipped on my gloves and hat, Penguins gloves and hat that is; put on my shoes and was out the door.

I took a deep breath of the cold winter air as I ran down the side of the road. As weird as it sounds, I love running in the winter. There's just something about the snow that I love, even if it is a complete pain sometimes. I looked around at all of the it perched atop the trees and the flakes falling gently to the ground. It was just so beautiful. As I watched it, I couldn't help but become a bit homesick. Back home our house was tucked back into the woods, trees surrounding the whole place and in the winter it was gorgeous. My parents used to always take me out in the backyard and play in the snow with our dog, make snowmen, the whole deal. Then we'd come back in, make hot chocolate, and warm up. It was perfect. Even though I love Pittsburgh, nothing can compare to home.

I was dragged from my thoughts by a car honking at me. I turned back to see a silver Range Rover swerving my way. I couldn't help but smile when it pulled up beside me and the window rolled down. "Ya know for a hitchhiker, you're not bad. I'd pick you up," he winked. Then again, maybe I'm not so homesick. I laughed, "Thanks." "What are you up to?" "Out for my morning run, how about you?" "On my way to practice." "Have fun with that." "Oh I will. Hey, you and Jodi should come to lunch with me and the guys today. Want to?" "Yeah, that'd be good. What time?" "I'm not sure when we'll get done, so I'll just call you when we're ready. Sound good?" "Mhmm. Sounds great." "Awesome. Well, as much as I'd love to stay here and talk I have to get going or I'll be late. See ya later." "Bye!"

I waited until the car was out of sight then proceeded to squeal and jump around in circles. Sure, the people in the houses around me probably thought that I was some sort of psycho, but at that moment I truly could have cared less. That was the affect Sidney had on me and I was beginning to like it.. alot.

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

part six::

And so I stood, jaw to the floor, watching Sid walk down the hall towards the elevator. My eyes trailed from the cute, messy, hockey hair I loved; down his back; over his rather large butt that is so often the brunt of his teammates jokes; and oh God, those legs. I am such a sucker for his legs. Not everyone would choose to spend their time like this, but me, I couldn't think of any better way. Once the doors finally shut I managed to pull myself away from the spot I'd been glued too. The elevator wasn't quite as attractive as him.

I walked into my apartment and quietly shut the door behind me, before sliding back against it. When I closed my eyes the events of the night poured through my mind and a content sigh escaped my lips. If I was dreaming, well I'd be happy with never coming back from my Wonderland.

"So?" "Holy!" I jolted back from the door and about tripped over the table, but somehow steadied myself against it. How many times can you possibly fall in one night? "Next time, could you please give me some kind of warning before I completely space out?" "Scare ya?" "No. I only jumped out of my skin because I felt like it," I shot back sarcastically, still trying to catch my breath. "You always were a funny one."

I made my way into the kitchen and grabbed a box of my favorite, Milkduds, and two cherry cokes from the fridge, then strolled into the living room and took my usual place on the couch. I didn't say a word, it wasn't worth my breath or my time. If I knew Jodi, which I do, she'd just beat me to it anyways. "And where have you been all night? You do know it's almost 2:00 in the morning!" she joked, attempting to sound like some irritated mother. Was it really that late? I glanced over at the clock. Guess so. "Sorry mom. Won't happen again." "So, where were you?" "Wouldn't you like to know," I smirked. "Oh, but I would." "Well if you're really that interested.." I quickly came up with a crazy, sexy plot and began. " We skated around for a little while, but neither of us could keep our hands to ourselves. So we made sure the locker room was empty and took our fun there. After a while, Sid asked if I wanted to go to his place and so we did. Let me tell you, that man is pretty damn strong." I could hardly hold back a laugh. The look on her face was priceless.

"Nice try, hun. Now what's the real story?" Where do I start? It was just so amazing. I could barely keep my head straight. Instead of trying to retell the night, I decided on summing it up. I'd let her interrogate me. "It was just.. perfect." Simple, but true. "What happened?" I told her everything. About the laughs, the fall, the hugs, and of course about the most incredible guy I'd ever met in my life.

"It's no wonder why you were "Class Klutz." No one else will ever live up to your standards," she laughed. "And you mean to tell me you wouldn't have done the same thing if someone just appeared in front of you and screamed in your face?" "Okay. I'll give you that. But you're still the biggest klutz ever."

"Did you have fun with Jordan?" "Yesss." "Where did you guys go?" "We went to some nightclub with a couple of the guys. It was awesome. We danced, he took me home, and I got his number!" "Sweet! He seems like a great guy." "He is. You did get Sid's number, didn't you?" "Of course. Do think I'd honestly let him go without it?"

She sat there for a few seconds, then looked at me, a smile covering her face. "You never did answer me." "Answer you what?" What didn't I answer her? I couldn't think of anything. "Are you ready to count those chickens yet?" I blushed and stared down at the floor. I know, the floor isn't going to tell me what to say. I really didn't know how to reply though. "C'mon Carr. He's under your spell. It's pretty obvious." "But.." "No buts, he's yours."

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

I'm really sorry for such the long wait. School is killer, but I'm going to try and update more from now on. Just please stick with me, because I have some amazing ideas for this story that I'm sure you'll like.


part five::

Wait a minute.. I am standing at center ice in the Mellon Arena, and not only that but holding onto the man that saved the NHL? No, there's no way this is real. I'm probably just in my warm, cozy, bed dreaming sweet dreams of the Sidney Crosby. I pinched myself, ouch! Or maybe this is real. A smile crept onto my face, reality sinking in, and we finally let go of each other after a slightly longer than normal hug to find smiles covering both of our faces. We stood there staring at each other for a few seconds, but finally snapped out of it and started skating around the rink again.

But ohhh the dreaded awkward silence washed over us. 'Quick, Think of something to say! Nope, I got nothin'. Figures.' "How long have you and Jodi been friends?" Sidney finally asked. God the boy is a life saver. "Well, since my second grade year so.. 12 years." " Just about forever then?" he laughed. "But what do you mean by your second grade year?" he said, putting emphasise on the "your." "She's actually a year.." Nobody, not even me, would've expected what came out next. "Hiccup!" Wow, what great timing my body has. Sidney burst out laughing and really as embarrassing as the whole situation seemed, I had to admit it was pretty amusing, so I laughed along. "She's a year what?!" Sid teased between laughs. "Shut hiccup up!" I shot back playfully. "Hiccup!"

Neither of us could quit laughing, but I noticed Sid's eyes trail away from me to something behind me. I started to turn around to see what he was looking at and.. "BOO!" Colby shouted, inches away from my face. "Ahhh!" I screamed, jumping about a million feet into the air. And let's just say the landing wasn't such smooth sailing either. I came down, my feet sliding out from underneath me, and fell flat on my butt. I let myself lay back across the ice and started to laugh so hard I could barely breathe. Colby and Sid stood, their hands on each others shoulders holding them up, laughing and pointing at me.

"She's a keeper," Colby grinned after we all settled down. Sid's cheeks flushed red as he skated over to help me up, since I was still sitting on the ice. I didn't really want another mishap. "Need some help?" he smiled, standing in front of me. "Couldn't hurt." He took my hands in his and helped pull me back up. "Thanks," I grinned. "How about we properly introduce you this time?" "Sounds like a plan." "Colby, this is Carrie Blough. Carrie, this is my best friend Colby. If you haven't noticed he likes to joke." "You make great first impressions, but it's really nice to meet you,"I joked. "You don't make too bad of one yourself. And it's nice to meet you too." He paused for a moment. "So this is her, eh? The girl that can get Sid's head out of the game, that's impressive," he directed towards Sid. His face was still red and a bashful smile played on his lips, one that told it all. "Well, I'm gonna get going. See ya tomorrow, Sid. Nice meeting you, Carrie." "Bye Army." "Nice to meet you too," I waved.

After the whole fiasco, we talked for a while longer until we were pretty much kicked out, or at least risked being hit by the Zamboni. As we walked towards Sid's car I heard an all too familiar, annoying voice. 'God, no. Why now?' "Carrie! Oh my God, I haven't seen you in forever!"

"Gee, wonder why?" I muttered under breath. However faintly I said it, Sid still caught it and sent me a very curious look. Brianna.. yep, still the slut she's always been. Her skirt was so ridiculously short it hardly covered enough skin to be worn in public, and ughh of all things she was wearing an iced pink jersey with none other than an 87 and Crosby stitched across the back. "How have you been?" "Ohh, I've been great. I haven't had to deal with this one person for a while." Yeah, right over her head just as planned. Blond as can be. "Holy.. Sidney Crosby! Carrie, why didn't you introduce me to your friend?" she said, half annoyed. Hmm.. maybe because you'll try your best to steal him away from me too. Don't think so hun. Not this time. "Umm.. could I get a picture?" She asked in a flirtatious voice, tugging her jersey down further to reveal even more cleavage. Oh Ewww! Give me a break. "Uh, sure," Sid replied hesitantly. "Could you take it please?" "Whatever," I huffed. She walked over to him, getting as close as she possibly could. Sid took a step or two to the side. Haha! "Here." I said handing her the camera. She started to say something, but Sidney interrupted. "If you don't mind it's getting late, and we have to go." "In that case, I'll catch up with you later, Carrie. Bye!" "How about not," I glared, walking away.

"Who the heck was that?" Sid asked as we drove off towards my apartment. "That was the biggest slut in the world, Brianna Dorsha." "I'm guessing she did something to be called that, because you seem like a real sweetheart," he stated matter-of-factly. My face blushed as I started to tell the story. "Okay, it's somewhat of a long story." "I've got time," he smiled sweetly. "Alright then. In my freshman year I started dating this junior, Alex. I really liked him and I thought he liked me alot too. I was even ready to tell him that I loved him. I went over to his house one day after school to visit him. He played football and he had practice that day, so we hadn't planned on spending any time together. I got to his house and went up to his room, the door was closed. So I opened it and found him sitting on his bed making out with Brianna," I sighed.

Just as I finished we pulled into the parking lot. Sid ran to the passenger's side of the car and opened the door for me. "Oh, I'm sorry," he said sincerely, pulling me into a hug. "It's okay. In a way it was actually a good thing. I mean, I found out what a jerk he was. And he wasn't right for me anyways," I said as he let go. "Yeah. He must have been an idiot to let someone like you go." "Aww, thanks," I smiled softly. "I'll walk you up to your apartment."

We were now standing outside of my door. "I had a ton of fun hanging out with you. You're hilarious," he laughed. I knew what he was referring to. "I had alot of fun too." "Um.. could I.. uhh.. get your number? I'd love to hang out again," he stammered. "On one condition." "What?" "You give me yours." "Sure." We exchanged numbers and he swooped me up into another hug. "See ya, Carrie," he waved as he walked away. "Bye Sid!"

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.

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

part three::

His entire face lit up at the sound of my words and that amazing smile that I longed to see returned to his full pink lips. Just seeing him like that made me happier than I'd ever been. "You're lucky I left my skates in Jodi's car," I laughed. "Thank god. For a minute there I thought I'd have to go through every skate in the building to find you guys a pair," he said in a relieved tone. "Yeah, that wouldn't be very much fun. Well, we're gonna go grab our skates. Meet you back here?" "Yeah, I'll be here." With our plans laid out, Jodi and I started off to her car.

We made our way through the Mellon, taking the right path this time, and walked out of the doors. I couldn't hold back any longer. I let out a girly scream and ran through the parking lot, bouncing around like a little kid in a candy shop. "I was wondering how long you could last without freaking out," Jodi chuckled. "Longer than I thought I could. I'm sorry, I just can't help it. I can't believe this is actually happening. This was only a dream before and now it's reality." "If anyone deserves it, it's you," she replied as she handed me the skates out her trunk. "Now let's go! You wouldn't want to keep the poor guy waiting. He was nervous enough." "That's for sure." She closed the trunk and we sprinted off towards the entrance.

[Sidney's P.O.V.]
I stood in that same spot for the next few minutes waiting for the girls. The whole time I couldn't stop thinking about Carrie. She was just so pretty. Honestly, she's the most gorgeous girl I've ever met. And that smile of hers makes me melt every time I see it. I know I just met her, but she doesn't seem like just another girl. She's different. Oh well, what am I thinking. I couldn't be lucky enough to have a girl like her in my life.
[Carrie's P.O.V.]
When we rounded the corner my eyes flashed straight to the guy who had managed to steal my heart away and my nerves began to take over as we got closer and closer. Sidney stood there rocking back and forth nervously as we approached him. I'm pretty sure he never moved from the place we left him. "Good to go?" he asked, his smiling face looking down at me. "Definitely," and I felt every nerve wash away as we walked off towards the locker room.

With the door only a few feet away, Sid ran ahead of us and opened it. "Ladies first," he said holding the door open. "Awww. Thank you very much!" What a gentleman. I couldn't have asked for a better guy to stumble upon, literally. As soon as I made it into the room, I froze, taking everything that lay ahead of me in. The floor beneath me had served as walking grounds to so many incredible players and I was now standing in the exact same spot they had been. This completely blew my mind. "It's alright. Just follow me," Sid reassured me in a soft voice slipping past Jodi. His hand lightly grazed my back as he lead me over to his stall, with Jodi following close behind. I turned my head back quickly to look at my best friend, who gave me a wink and a smile that said it all.

"Holy crap Sid! You said you'd only be gone for a sec and your gone for.. Ohh, I see. You found your girl." Sid and I both turned a light shade of red and he sheepishly introduced us. "Uhh yeah. Jord, this is Carrie Blough. Carrie, this is Jordan Staal. Although I'm sure I didn't even need to tell you that." I laughed a little. "Nice to meet you." "You too," he smiled. "So who's the other lovely lady you brought back with you?" "Ohh, this is Carrie's best friend.." Before he even got a chance to say her name, she cut him off. "Jodi Milavec," she grinned. Hmm.. someone has a crush. "Jordan Staal." The two stood in silence, their eyes locked on each other. Sid looked at me and I looked back to him, returning his confused expression. After a few more seconds, Sidney broke the quiet. "Um.. we'll let you get to know each other," he told them awkwardly. "Okay. We'll be over there." And with that they wandered over to the far end of the room.

We sat down on the bench and began lacing up our skates. "Was it just me or did I see some sparks flickering up between those two." "No, I saw it too." "How long do you think that'll last?" "Judging by the look of lust in their eyes, not very," I giggled. "That's what I thought," he laughed. God that laugh of his is adorable. Sid got done a little bit before me and stood up, waiting patiently. I finished up only a couple seconds later and he noticed I was ready. "All set?" "Yep. We're good." He held out his hand to help me up off the bench. Even though I really didn't need it, I took his hand anyway, and he gently pulled me up to my feet. Butterflies started to swirl in my stomach as I smiled at him warmly and followed him to ice.