Chapter 11

*So some ideas are comin to me for this one. It's exciting. I just wanted to thank all my readers and their comments :) I love hearing from you*



“I don’t want you near me Max” I snapped.
“Julie I--”
“You tell me where he lives, and I can do this myself” I replied.
He just nodded and gave me the address, “Jor…can you come with me?” I changed my mind.
Max just looked at him then back at me in confusion, “go back to Liz” I said quietly, “since you apparently love her”

Jordan gently directed me to his car and we arrived at a huge apartment building only a few minutes from the club. I opened the door and slammed it behind me, before I could do anything Jordan stopped me.

“Jules, don’t do anything you’ll regret. Try calling her again”
I just took a deep breath, nodded and pulled my phone from my pocket. I dialled the number, and waited, no answer, “I’m going up there Jor” but again he grabbed my arm.
“Jules, I’m not letting you up there until you calm down. You’ll help nothing if you have a fit, plus, we don’t need a scene, it’s late, there are other people in the apartment”
Jordy, always thinking of others, “fine” I replied taking a deep breath in, “ok…I’m good”
“Ok” he replied, “let’s go”

We made our way to the apartment and up the stairs. I stood in front of the door for a minute and knocked. Nothing. I knocked a bit harder this time.
“Who is it?”
“It’s me Kris” Jordan said.
“Jor?”
“Yah” he replied, “it’s important”
“It can’t wait?”
“No”

I heard the lock click and the door opened. He froze the moment he saw me. Over his shoulder I saw Ally. I kept my composure and pushed Kris out of the way.

“Ally, we need to go” I told her.
“Why?” she asked looking at me with confused eyes.
“Kris is engaged Al…” was all I said.

She just looked at him, back at me than back at him. She stared at him for a minute before she looked down at the ground. She was breaking my heart.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked quietly, keeping her eyes on the ground
“Ally, I--”
“Don’t get near her” I said moving in front of him.
“Julie, this has nothing to do with you” he replied.
“Kris, when it comes to my little sister, it has everything to do with me” I said, “we’re leaving”

Ally grabbed her phone off the table and shoved it in her back pocket. She glared at him as she passed him and then disappeared around the corner.

“You ever try to get near her again…I swear…”
“You swear what?” he snapped.
“You have not seen half of what I can do Kris, do not underestimate me…” I said walking out the door and Jor just shut it behind him.

I walked out to the car and found Ally leaning against it, tears falling gently. I slowly moved towards her and wrapped my arms around her, “I’m sorry Al”
“It’s not your fault” she sniffed, “I was stupid enough to believe him”
“You’re not stupid” I reassured her, “he’s the ass”
She just shrugged, looking over my shoulder at Jordan, “where’s Max?”
His name made me cringe at this point, “we’re done…”
“What happened?” she asked.
“He decided to go back to Liz…because of something his father said”
“So that’s what was up this morning…”
“Yah, anyways, I’m done talking about him, let’s go home. Jor can you drive me back to my car please?”
“Sure thing” he replied.

We got to the car and I slipped the key in the lock opening the door and unlocking the passenger door.

“Jules?”
“Yah?” I replied turning around.
“You going to be ok?”
“I’ll be fine” I sighed, “it’s only a broken heart…I’ll survive…”
He just wrapped his arms around me and I melted into him. He was an amazing friend.
“I’ll call you”
“See you later Jor” I replied moving into the drivers seat.

We got home and I immediately spotted Max’s car. Probably cleaning out his stuff. Great.

“Jules, I’m worried about you” she said as we made it to the door.
“I’m fine” I sighed unlocking it and opening it.

I looked up and locked eyes with him. Those eyes that once shined, were dark, and cold…sad. I looked away and shut the door behind me. Ally walked up to him and looked up at him, on account she wasn’t the tallest person in the world.

“What gives?” was all she asked.
“Excuse me?”
“First you leave your wife for her, cause you claim you’re in love with her, then you go back to your wife? Is my sister not enough for you?”
I just grabbed her and pulled her back, “stop” I whispered, “leave it alone. He made his decision”
“Can we talk?” he asked. He looked over at Ally then to me, “alone?”
I shooed Ally to her room and she glared at him once more before shutting the door.

“Talk” I simply said.
“You know I love you”
“Alright”
“I have to do this”
“Alright”
“Damn it Julie, you have more to say. I know you” he snapped.
“I do. But none of it will convince you to stay with me, so there is no point in trying” I shot back.
“Give it a shot”
He just stared at me as the thoughts formed in my head. Finally, I spoke.
“I love you Max. With all that I have in me. I have never felt anything like this before, which is the reason I am carrying your child. But if you would rather fulfill a commitment because your “dad said so” than to stay with the one your really in love with, your not worth it. And I will not cry a tear over you”
All he did was grab my face and kiss me, I couldn’t help but kiss him back and it took all I had in me to pull back and push him off.
“I knew you had it in you” he whispered.
“Don’t” I said moving away from him.
“What?”
“Don’t do something like that if you still plan on leaving Max. That’s not fair…”
“Julie I--”
“Fuck you, Max” I snapped, “just stay away from me”

I walked into the bedroom and shut the door behind me. I told myself I wouldn’t cry over him, I told him that. It’s all his fault. He made me this strong. Not to take any crap from anyone, including him. So I’m done. I’m done fussing over him, I’m done crying, because he is no longer a part of my life.

Chapter 10

*It's been a while since I posted for this one, I've been working on other ones, and was a little lazy in trying to finish this one up. I've notice that I'm putting a tad too much dialogue in this, I'm hoping to fix that in future chapters. Comment please. And those who do comment, I really appreciate it. You guys are awesome readers, and I hope you'll continue in your feedback :)*


The Penguins were gone on a road trip and my sister Ally was here for the weekend. Only the weekend. I knew if she stayed any longer, she would beg to meet some of the guys. I’m not stupid. I know how beautiful she is and I know some of those guys will pounce the moment they get the chance.

“How’s your sister?” Max asked over the phone.
“Good, I think she’s bored though” I sighed, “I’ve done everything but take her to one of your games, well, because you guys are gone”
“Well how long is she around?” he asked as I heard noises in the background.
“She leaves tomorrow” I said.
“Well, we have a game on Tuesday, tell her to stay and see a game”
“No” I said quickly.
“Why not?” he asked with confusion in his voice.
“Max” I said quietly moving to the other room, “I’m not getting her near your team, I don’t want her going through what I’m going through”
“How old is she Julie?”
“21”
“I think she can take care of herself”
“She’s still my little sister Max”
“I know, but give her some credit, she’s an adult, I think she can think for herself”
“Oh what do you know?” I huffed sitting on the bed.
He just laughed, “love you too”
“I’ll let you go” I sighed, “see you Tuesday”
“See you then”

I hung up and moved back to where Ally was slumped on the couch flipping through channels. I just sat beside her and watched as she didn’t budge.

“Um, so question for you” I said as she turned her eyes towards mine.
“Yes?”
“Well, how about staying a few more days?” I asked, “Max wants you to come to the game on Tuesday and I can send you back the next morning”
“Really?!” her tone suddenly changed.
“Yes” I smiled, “you can meet Max…and some of the guys” I mumbled the last part.
“You’re kidding right?”
“No” I smirked.
“I. Love. You” she said giving me a huge hug.
“Love you too” I replied, “but can I just warn you, be careful, please. I don’t want something happening with you like it did with me”
“Yah, yah” she said texting.
“Ally” I said snatching her phone, “I don’t think you know how serious I am”
“I’ll be careful” she sighed, “Now give me my phone please?” she had her arms crossed and a serious look on her face.
“Thank you” I replied handing it back to her.

I know Ally. I know that this wasn’t going to be that easy. Flirting with some of the guys was one thing, but for some reason I can just picture one of those guys saying something to her and they end up disappearing. I just want what’s best for my sister. Is that so wrong?

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Tuesday finally came and I woke up with Max next to me. I guess he must have come in late last night. I just smiled, watching him sleep. He must be exhausted. The Pens have been really busy the past little while, but they have been winning games which is what counts. It was coming up to April, but we all knew they were making the playoffs, they were, 4th in the conference, with the Devils just ahead of them. I had a good feeling about this season, especially since they were so close last year, but the Wings sadly came out on top.

I gently got up, trying not to wake him, I suddenly felt sick to my stomach and once again had my head in the toilet. It’s only been a week and I’m already tired of this. I stood up and brushed my teeth, I moved back into the room, he was sitting against the headboard and a small smirk appeared on his face when he saw me.

“What?” I said looking down at myself then back at him.
“Nothing” he said still smirking.
“Don’t start, I’m not in the mood” I sighed sitting beside him.
“You’re going to get through this Julie, I promise” he said tucking a piece of hair behind my ear.
“Yah I know” I sighed.

In the midst of the perfect silence, my phone rang. Way to ruin the moment. I picked it up seeing a familiar number. Price.

“What?” I answered.
“Hey to you too” he replied.
“Sorry, I’m moody” I said, “what’s up?”
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you, I saw you and his wife going at it” he chuckled, “didn’t know you had it in you”
“Thanks” I smirked.
“Are you ok?”
“I’m perfectly fine, why?”
“Cause you don’t sound too healthy” he replied. My voice was hoarse from throwing up.
“Oh” I paused, I wasn’t sure if it was right to tell him or not, “I’m fine”
“Ok, if you're sure”
“I’ll talk to you later, k?”
“Alright, see you”

I hung up the phone and gently set it on the end table.

“Who was it?” he asked.
“Price” I replied.
I saw his jaw clench a little as he diverted his attention downward.
“Hey” I said putting my hand on his cheek, “he’s a friend, just checking in after what happened”
He relaxed and looked back at me, “sorry”
“Stop being so jealous” I joked.
“I have no one to be jealous of” he smirked.
I just kissed him gently as his phone went off. He turned to answer it and frowned at the name.
“Who is it?” I asked.
“My dad…”
“Go talk to him” I said pushing him off the bed.
He weakly smiled and answered the phone. He moved to another room, like I could understand half the things they would talk about anyways.

He finished talking with him and I was already dressed in a simple long white t-shirt with a long black open flap vest and a pair of black leggings.

“Everything ok?” I asked.
“Fine” he simply said.
He didn’t look like he was in a great mood, so I didn’t pester him about it. He left for practice without another word. I was a little nervous that something was up.

I moved to the kitchen where Ally was and just sat across the table from her.

“Met Max” she said, “cranky…”
“Yah, his dad called, he didn’t say much to me afterwards either” I sighed, “I’m hoping everything’s alright”
“I’m sure all is well” she smiled looking back down at the newspaper.

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The game went fine, they beat Atlanta 5-2. I got a text from Max saying he’d meet us at Diesel, so Ally and I decided to leave. We entered the building, the loud building and sat up by the bar. I wasn’t allowed to drink, but Ally ordered herself something as we chatted for a bit.

After a while, I saw a few players streaming in. Like Sid, Jor and Kris. Jor spotted us and all three of them were standing in front of us in seconds.

“Hello guys” I smiled, “what’s up?”
“What’s up with Max?” Jor asked quickly, “he barely said a word to anyone tonight”
“I know as much as you do” I sighed, “he’s been acting strange since his dad called earlier today, before practice”
“He never said anything?”
“Notta” I replied.
Just then, Max came in with Fleury and spotted us.

“Hey” he said.
“Can I talk to you?” I asked him before he could say anything else.
He just nodded and we moved outside the door.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
“What are you talking about?”
“Max, this is the most you’ve spoken to me today, to your teammates…what happened?” I crossed my arms and shifted my weight to one foot. He never lied to me, he had no reason to.
“Julie…” he began, “my dad doesn’t want us to be together…”
“Ok…well that doesn’t surprise me. But you told him we were staying together…right?”
He just looked down at the ground and didn’t respond. I just looked at him, letting out a shaky breath, “what did you tell him?” I asked quietly.
“I told him I would work it out with Liz. To save our marriage”
My heart dropped at the very words, “you--you wh-what?”
“Julie” he said moving closer.
I stepped back, “Don’t. Please tell me you were lying to him Max”
He just shook his head.
“Your going back to her?”
He just nodded.
“Don’t just stand there Max, say something!” my eyes were welling up with tears.
“Julie, my parents raised me to be a man of integrity, to be trustworthy, loyal…”
“Well I’m pretty sure that’s been shot to hell Max” I snapped.
“Julie, I’m doing this for your own good. You deserve someone better than me. Someone who will treat you with respect, who isn’t married”
“Max, I don’t want anybody else, don’t you get that! I only want you. Who will help me with this baby?” I was almost in hysterics. I couldn’t believe he was doing this to me, now! My heart was shattering into pieces, and all he was doing was stomping all over the pieces, he didn’t care.
“I’ll help you” he said, “but I can’t leave her like that. It’s not fair”

I didn’t reply I just sniffed back a few more tears and darted past him. Trying to find my sister. Instead I found Jordan.

“Where’s Ally?” I asked, still in tears.
“What’s wrong?” he asked suddenly with concern in his voice.
“It’s nothing” I replied wiping my eyes, “I just need to find Ally”
“I don’t know. I saw her leave with someone, but I didn’t catch who it was”
“Fuck, I must have missed her when I was outside” I said under my breath.
I grabbed my phone and dialled her number quickly. There was no answer and suddenly I broke into another stream of tears. Jordan was suddenly behind me and caught me before I could fall over. I cried in his chest, for I don’t know how long. Finally I pulled back and wiped my eyes.

“Julie, breathe. What’s going on?”
“Max is leaving me to go back to Liz. I can’t find my little sister, and I’m pregnant” I said, “Everything hurts right now”
I looked up at him and Jordan was glaring in front of him, I turned around and saw Max.
“Don’t you get near me” I cried, “Go back to your wife who you’re apparently so happy with”
I walked past him and he grabbed my arm. Jordan jerked forward to help but I stopped him, “it’s fine Jor” I said pulling my arm away from him, “I can handle myself” I just glared at Max.
“Julie, I know where Ally is” Max said.
I just looked at him funny, “well?”
“I saw her leave with Kris”
“Kris? Letang? Engaged Kris?”
He just nodded.
“He is a fucking dead man” I snapped going towards the door.

Chapter 9

*Please comment on this one. I cannot stress that enough. I'm not getting much feedback. And to those who I do get it from, I really appreciate it! I'll let you read the chapter now :) Enjoy*




I woke up feeling sick to my stomach again. I raced to the bathroom, making it in time to puke out my guts, well that’s how it felt. I finally got the energy to stand up and brush my teeth.

“You ok?” Max asked sitting up on his elbows on the bed.
“Does it look like it?” I snapped.
“Ooh, hit a nerve” he said putting his hands up in defense.
“Sorry, moody” I sighed.
“Come here” he said motioning his hands to come sit next to him. I sat next to him and I put my head on his shoulder, “Max…I’m scared” I quietly said letting out a shaky breath.
“I know” he simply said wrapping his arm around my shoulder and gently squeezing me.
“I mean, eventually the press will hear about this. Then it’s hell for you again, and then I have to go through nine months of pregnancy through all of that. What if I can’t handle it? What if I can’t do this?”
He took his hand and lifted my head towards his, “you’re going to be fine. I’ll be here the entire time, you have nothing to worry about Jules”
“Don’t go anywhere” I quietly said.
“Never” he said gently kissing me. I just smiled up at him and bounced out of bed, “Oh! I need to check the scores” I said running to the living room.
I grabbed the remote turning it onto ESPN. I watched through a couple commercials when the unthinkable happened.

“How Max Talbot manages to juggle hockey and two women is beyond me. Julie Miller and Liz Talbot were found, physically fighting in a local drug store in downtown Pittsburgh. One of the cashiers managed to tape some with her cell phone”

Then it showed a video of Liz slapping me and then me punching her out. Along with a few choice words we both used.

“Max…” I looked up at him as he watched it all unfold. He was wide eyed and speechless, “Max…baby” I said gently touching his cheek. He finally snapped out of it and looked down at me. Then he turned away and went to his phone.
“Max, what are you doing?”
“Calling Liz” he said angrily dialling in her number.
“Max…don’t make this worse than it has to be”
“She is the one making this worse” he snapped.
“Max” I said grabbing the phone from his hand and hanging it up, “don’t”
He was practically shaking he was so mad, I’ve never seen him like this before.
“Julie, I’m sorry I did this to you” he sighed.
“You did nothing” I told him, “I chose you, and unfortunately…you were married. But, soon you won’t be, and this will all end. I hope”
“I will do anything I can to keep you from getting hurt again” he said putting a hand on my cheek.
“I know” I smiled, “let’s just let this incident blow over. And be careful what you say”
“I won’t say a word” he replied, “not until this whole mess is over with”

The rest of the day was the usual routine. Max went to the morning skate, he had a game tonight and they were leaving for New York tomorrow. I just cleaned my apartment, which I hadn’t been paying much attention to lately. I did everything I could to keep from going out. I knew I would have to eventually, the fridge was empty.

I grabbed a pair of black yoga pants and black hoodie. I grabbed a ball cap from the closet, Max’s, just a white one with the Penguins logo. I really didn’t want anyone recognizing me, and I was paranoid about running into Liz again. I put on my black uggs, grabbed my keys and was out the door.

I was quick through the store, grabbing the basics, milk, bread and a few extra things that were needed. I got to the cash, anxious as she rang everything through. I kept my head down as much as possible. She gave me the total and I handed her the cash.

“Hey, aren’t you--”
“Don’t” I said cutting her off, “that’s how it happened the last time”
“Sorry” she replied handing me my change, “if it’s any consolation, the wife seems like a bitch” she whispered.
I just chuckled, “Thanks”

I grabbed my few bags and put them in the backseat of the car, getting home as quickly as I could. I set my things on the table and saw a note.

“Hey, was hoping to catch you before you before I left for the game. Your sister called the apartment. Talk to you tonight. Love, Max”

I just smiled as I read it. This whole thing was turning out different than I expected. He didn’t go back to Liz, I’m having a baby, and I’m completely happy. The only thing that could ruin this is the press, how I hate them, even though I used to be one of them. Maybe losing that job was for the best.

I grabbed my phone and called my sister back quickly. She wanted to come down. I wanted her to come down too. I missed her like crazy and I really needed her here right now. She planned on coming down this weekend, which is actually convenient, all the players should be gone, road trip. I don’t want her getting involved with them, I didn’t want her ending up in the kind of mess I was in…I will do anything in my power to keep that from happening to her.