Chapter 8

*I was a bit skeptical in posting this. I wasn't sure if it was up to par with my usual. But I decided to anyways, I haven't posted one for this story in a while. I hope you guys enjoy. And remember, commmmmentssss, or no more chapters. Thanks guys!*



I woke up the next morning and smiled as I saw Max beside me. He was out late last night after the big win against the Canadiens. I didn’t see any of the game, I was asleep pretty early. It was the first night I actually got a decent sleep in a while. As I stood up my head got a bit spinny and my stomach turned. I ran to the bathroom and threw up, it was not pretty. I stood back up, still woozy and washed my face and mouth. I still felt like crap and went back towards my bed, Max was already up.
“That didn’t sound good” he said with concern in his voice.
I sat back into bed and pulled the covers up, “I don’t feel so good”
He immediately sat back, “should I be careful?”
“You’ll be fine, I’m sure it’s nothing” I sighed.
“Well I have practice” he said standing up, “I’ll see you after?”
I just nodded as he gently kissed my forehead.

All day I felt awful, I finally got the energy to get up and eat something, I was actually starving and my head was throbbing. I had some cereal and actually felt a tad bit better. I curled up on the couch and watched “You’ve Got Mail” it was a classic, I adored it. It was around 3ish when Max finally came in the door.

“Hey” I said still watching the movie.
“Hey, feeling better?” he said kissing my forehead and walking towards the shower.
“Yes. Good practice?” I asked him.
“I suppose” he replied from the other room, “they asked about Price…again”
“Again?” I asked, when did they ask about him before?
I saw him walk back into the living room with just shorts on. He just looked at me.
“What?”
“Did you see any of the highlights Jules?” he asked.
“None” I replied, “I mostly slept this morning”
“Well, the two of us got into a shouting match, and there was a couple shoves, I got a penalty, which they scored on. After the game they asked me all this shit about Price and whether anything was mentioned about you in our “tussle” if you will” I just smirked as he finished.
“What?” he asked.
“You’re cute when your annoyed” I laughed.
“Well I pride myself on looking good in any mood” he said with a proud smile.
“Wow, you have a big ego” I joked.
“Well thanks” he said sarcastically.

He went back to shower and I stayed in my spot on the couch. I finished my movie and switched over to watch the highlights of the game. I watched to see if Price had anything to say, but it didn’t even look like they talked to him. I wanted to call him, but I would just feel stupid. I stood up to make the effort to take a drive, but my head got spinny again and I sat back down.

“You ok?” Max asked coming into the room.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with me” I told him.
“Why don’t you just relax, all this stress probably isn’t helping” he told me.
“I suppose” I replied.


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For the past few days I was still feeling awful. Max was gone away for a few days on the road as it was getting closer and closer to the playoffs. I was getting suspicious as the symptoms were getting more obvious, was I pregnant? I decided to find out.

I changed into a pair of stretchy yoga pants and black hoodie over my Penguins t-shirt. I pulled my hair into a low ponytail as the curls fell down my face. I put on some makeup to hide the tiredness, it showed. I shoved my feet into my black uggs and grabbed my phone and keys.

I drove myself to the drug store without any problems, the fresh air for once was doing me some good. I walked in and quickly grabbed a pregnancy test. I subtly brought it to the cash and tried to get out of there as quickly as possible. That didn’t happen.

“You look really familiar” the cashier said.
I snapped my head up and glanced around, “oh really?”
“Yah” she said, “but I can’t seem to put a name to the face”
“Oh that’s too bad” I said quickly digging for money.
She told me the price and I handed her the exact change.
“Wait…” she said looking at me one last time, “you’re Julie Miller”
Shit, the cat’s out of the bag.
“I think you have me confused with someone else” I lied smiling nervously.
“No, you’re Julie, I saw the pictures, unless you have a twin somewhere”
“You’re Julie?” I heard a soft voice from behind me.
I turned to see a tall blonde, with green eyes, beautiful, she looked like someone out of a movie. Perfect skin, perfect hair, perfect everything.
“Maybe” I quietly said.
“I’m…Liz” she said it calmly. I almost passed out right there.
“You’re…her…” I had no idea what I was supposed to say.
“You’re…her” she repeated me.
“Yah…”
“I see you might be…” she couldn’t finish it, I’m surprised she hasn’t attacked me yet.
“Possibly…but I don’t know for sure” I said looking down at the ground.
“Are you happy now?” she asked bitterly.
“Excuse me?” I said shooting my head up.
“You’ve ruined my marriage, my life and our happiness”
“Liz…don’t start, I just want to go home…I feel like shit”
“As you should” she was starting to get angrier.
“I meant physically, so just leave me alone”

I tried to walk out but she grabbed my arm and swung me around. Are you serious, Malibu Barbie wants to fight? No thanks.

“Fuck off Liz, if I am pregnant, I’d rather not lose it when it’s barely weeks old”
“Like I care if you lose that baby. That baby should be mine” she said shoving me. My head started to spin and I grabbed onto a nearby post.
“I told you” I said weakly, “just leave me alone”
She wouldn’t let up and took the back of her hand and slapped me across the face. Okay, now she was asking for it. I balled my hand into a fist and used all my energy and punched her square in the jaw and then fell back, almost passing out. A lady ran over and helped me stand up.
“You ok sweetie?” she asked me looking over at Liz, “from what I heard she was being a bitch” she said that last part a bit quieter.
“Not really” I said putting my hand on my face, one of her nails put a huge gash across my right cheek, “I just need to go home. Just keep her away from me” I pointed towards Liz.
She just nodded and responded, “You don’t look so good, maybe you should get to the hospital dear”
“I’m ok, I’m just going home, I need sleep”
“Be careful” she said with worry in her voice.
“Thanks” I smiled back at her.

I drove home and made it without any issues. I walked into the house and threw my phone and keys on the coffee table and went to the washroom. I looked in the mirror as the gash felt worse than it looked. If Max were to find out about this he would go ballistic. I cleaned up the cut, but it was still pretty obvious, there wasn’t much I could do. Max was back tomorrow and this wasn’t going to heal that fast. I gave up and looked in the white plastic bag for the test I just bought.

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Minutes past and they felt like hours as I sat on the floor against the bathtub. My mind was going through so many possibilities. Right now, it would be a blessing if I wasn’t pregnant, but all the signs pointed otherwise, and that scared me.

Finally, it was ready and I quickly jumped up to look. Positive. Oh joy, this was going to go over well with Max. Do you seriously think that this is going to help on the stress of the playoffs and Liz breathing down his neck? I doubt it. How was I supposed to tell him?

I jumped into a warm shower to see if it would help me feel any better. Physically it did, but emotionally, not so much. Every second that got closer to him coming terrified me more. I was afraid of his reaction, what if he was to leave? What if he went back to her? I mean, she’s gorgeous, why would he ever leave someone like that….for me? Why would he want a child…with me? It just didn’t make sense.

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We had a 30 second phone conversation so he could tell me he was back in Pittsburgh and on his way back. My stomach felt like it was going to explode, my hands wouldn’t stop shaking and my mind was filled with negativity, I hated how he did this to me.

I waited. It felt like hours, but it was only 20 minutes when he finally walked in the door. I smiled at the sight of him and stood up to greet him.

“Hey” he said putting his hand on my cheek and kissing my forehead, “wait”. He looked down at my face and saw the gash Liz had left not 24 hours ago.
“What happened?” he said looking at me with worry in his eyes.
“I had a run in with your wife” I replied.
“How did she know?”
“I was at the drug store and the cashier recognized me, Liz was right behind me”
“Are you ok?” he asked putting both hands on my cheeks this time.
“Don’t worry, I’m more worried about how you’re feeling, I know your temper” I said taking both his hands, “don’t do anything you’ll regret, it could make things worse”
“I won’t” he said, “but you’re ok?”
“I’m fine, but I have something I need to tell you” I replied, getting more nervous by the second.
“What is it?”
“Max, I’m pregnant” I said it bluntly, but quickly. I moved back in anticipation of his reaction. I think he was shocked at first but he wrapped me in a hug and spun me around. I was in shock myself.
“That’s amazing” he said putting me down.
“Seriously?” I asked in shock.
“Why wouldn’t it be?” he could barely contain himself.
“I thought this would add more stress to everything”
“You worry too much” he said, “you need to change that, or you’re going to get too stressed to carry this child”
“Ok…I’ll relax, I guess” I said, I was really confused.
“So what happened with Liz?” he asked, he was interested.
“Long story short, she got pissed, I tried to leave…multiple times, I felt like shit, I almost passed out but she still had it in her to bitch slap me and I punched her in the jaw” I said quickly.
He just looked at me with confusion and let out a light chuckle, “you punched her?”
“You sound surprised” I said moving back to the couch.
“I just never thought of you punching someone” he said.
“I think you brought out the feistier side of me” I said patting his leg as he sat down.
He looked down at my hand and saw the bruise, “well I guess this is proof”
“You better believe it” I said putting my head on his shoulder.
“Julie…I don’t know how I would have gotten through any of this without you” he sighed.
“Same here” I said looking up at him, “I think we can get through this Max”
“I think so too”

I fell more in love with him every single day. I didn’t think it was possible. Sometimes he still gave me butterflies, he still made me weak in the knees and he still consumed my every thought. Right now…nothing was going to ruin this, not if I have any say in it.

Chapter 7

*Just so you know for anyone who has not read this yet, i will not keep posting until i get some comments. I knoww it's harsh, but I need to know your opinion on the chapterr pleasseeeee, thank you.*


*Julie's POV*

So he isn't back yet. But I wonder if he's seen it. There must be a way to keep him from seeing it. Right? Or maybe I should just tell him, I need to be honest with him. I never even told him about Price in the first place...

I turned as I heard the door open. I saw him greet me with a warm smile and gave him a hug.

"Everything alright?" he asked.
"No" I simply said.
"What happened?" he asked.

I just pulled away and turned on the tv. They would still have the headline I'm sure. I was right. He just stared at the tv, and I stared at him.

"What's this about Julie?" he asked quietly.
"He's my ex..." I said.
"And you decided to tell me this when?" he was starting to get louder.
"I didn't think it made a big deal. It was a long time ago Max. When I was living in Montreal. I hadn't even known who you freaking were, so forgive me if I forgot to mention a past boyfriend who means nothing to me now" that last part might have been a lie...
"Then why the hell was he here?" he was starting to get snappy.
"He said he needed closure"
"Did he get it?"
"No because he fucking lied!" I shouted, "he tried to get me back"
"And?"
"Well what does it look like?! Do I look like I went back to him?" I've never fought with him like this before.
"Don't be a smart ass Julie. Do you want him back or not?"
"Not" I said quickly, "I love you"
"Do you love him?"
"Excuse me?"
"Julie...you heard what I said" he replied calmly.
"No" I lied, "no feelings whatsoever. I'll be friends with him if anything"

I don't know if he believed me or not. I just stared at him as he put together his thoughts, and I put together mine. There was something I left out...the kiss. Should I tell him? I don't know...

He was silent most of the evening. I really didn't understand him sometimes. He drove me nuts. He didn't talk things out, he thought about them on his own, normally it wasn't that big of a deal, but when it had to do with someone that still loves me, and tried to take me away...the fact he won't talk about it...bothered me. I tried to confront him about it.

"Max, we have to talk about this" I said breaking the silence that was our afternoon.
"What else is there to say?" he said, "Do you have something else to say?"

I stared at him, his dark eyes were cold, I wanted to tell him about the kiss, but I couldn't bring myself to let it out.

"No" I sighed, "nothing else"
"Ok"
"Don't you think you should be sleeping? You have a game tonight"
"I can't sleep right now" he said, "but can I just be left alone now. We can talk later"

I just nodded and started to leave the room when my phone vibrated on the table in front of him. I turned and looked at him then at the phone then back at him.

"Who is it?" he asked.
I moved towards my phone and picked it up, "it's him"
"More pleading?" he said.
"Fuck Max just let it go, it's nothing" I snapped moving to my room.
"What?" I said answering.
"Are you ok?"
"Price do you have something to say, because if not I would rather not talk to you right now"
"So you saw it?" he said.
"Yes" I replied, "Max is pissed at me. Now the media will be bothering him AGAIN about this, I'm fed up with all this drama"
"Why are you with him if he's causing you all this crap?" he asked.
"It's not him" I snapped, "it's everything that comes with him. I love him Price, but not what comes along with loving him"
"I'm not going to repeat my feelings for you again Julie, you know what they are, and if I would be so lucky as to have them returned from you, I would be the happiest guy alive, but if not, I suppose I need to give it up"

I just sighed. I realized that I love Max with my whole heart and soul, but Price, the moment I saw his face again, I knew the love was still there for him. I also knew that if I went back to Price, it would just cause more pain and drama for Max and if I stayed with Max, yes...Price would be hurt, but it would not do near the damage it would to Max. I think I've made the choice...

"Price. I know it's going to hurt, but I can't leave him. He already left his wife, and it was posted all over the media, and if I went back to you, it would cause alot more damage to him than it would for you...I will admit, when I saw you, I know the feelings were still there, but he's the one my heart belongs to and I can't bring myself to do that. Let's just end this before it gets any worse...please, for me"

There was silence on the other end. I wanted to know what he was thinking. He sighed and was silent still, he must have been thinking of what to say.

"Ok" he said, "I would never take you away from something that makes you this happy. Even if it does hurt"
"Thank you" I sighed, "we'll stay in contact though, right?"
"Of course. Goodbye Julie"
"Bye Price"

I hung up and breathed a sigh of relief. I felt so much better, but I needed to talk to Max, I needed to straighten this out, I didn't like being mad at him. I opened the door and saw him leaning against the wall, arms crossed.

"So it's done?" he said.
"It's you Max, no one else" I said quietly.
He was silent, I just bit my lip and looked down at the floor. I felt his hand come under my chin and he tilted my head towards him. I just looked into his eyes, which were warm again.
"I feel like I'm hurting you" he said.
"You would never hurt me" I whispered.
"It looks like you're hurting" he replied, "this whole thing is my fault"
"No" I said, "I chose you because I wouldn't be whole without you Max...and you chose me..." I couldn't finish the sentence.
"Because I would be completely empty without you" he finished.
I just smiled and he gently pulled me into a hug, "this needs to end" I sighed.
"It will, let's just take it a day at a time" he whispered.
"Ok" I said.

I believed him. There was no reason not to.

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And there's no one that comes close to you
Could ever take your place
Cause only you can love me this way
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Chapter 6

*So an idea came and I want to see if you like how it's going. If not..tell me and I will work around it. I just had to get my other love in her somehow ;) I know I have not been around in a while, my stupid laptop is being a douche...again. I'm on my mom's tonight, I'm thinking it will be another couple days before I can write some more. Enjoy what you get in this one. It's fairly long :D*



*Max's POV*

"What!?" I exclaimed. I couldn't believe what just came out of her mouth, Liz would never...
"Remember when I talked to her on the phone? Well she said that she went out the night you told her about the affair, hoping for something herself...she was flirting with some guy and her emotions got the best of her and she told this guy...not realizing he was a reporter" she stated.
"What!?" I repeated, not being able to say anything else.
"Max...relax" she said climbing into the driver's seat of her car.
"Should I talk to her?" I asked leaning into the open window.
"Do what you have to do" she said, "just don't do anything stupid, in the mean time...I will be home"
"Alright" I said gently kissing her, "see you there"
"Bye" she smiled starting the car and putting up the window.

*Julie's POV*

I waved at him before driving away from the arena. I really hoped he didn't do something stupid. I know how he gets when he loses his temper. I just didn't want him to get into more trouble then he was already in. As I was turning out of the parking lot I saw a bus coming in. As I waited for the cars to go by I looked in my rearview mirror as the bus stopped and players started getting out. They looked familiar, wait, Cammalleri, Gomez, Latendresse...it couldn't be. Then I saw him. Carey Price. I almost let my foot off the brake as I stared, which would lead me into incoming traffic. I hit the brakes hard and shook his face out of my mind. I hit the gas when it was clear and turned onto the road. See, Price was an ex, when I lived in Montreal...we dated on and off, it's where I started my writing career, we met the same way Max and I did...through an interview. It lasted a good while, but eventually he was changing, he wasn't the guy I fell for, we fought constantly and I finally had enough and broke it off. We haven't spoken since. The worst thing, he's still beautiful...

I got home and looked at my phone. I scrolled through my contacts and saw Price's name. I contemplated whether I should call him or not. But he beat me to it.

"Hi" I answered.
"So you and Max" he said.
"How did you know?" I said quietly, realizing the stupid question I just asked him.
"Julie, your picture was all over the fucking news. I know your in Pittsburgh...I want to see you"
"I can't be at the game Price. Too public right now" I told him sitting on the couch.
"I'll come see you, I have time" he said anxiously.
"Why do you want to see me?" I asked. I was getting annoyed.
"I miss you" he said quietly.
"Price, I can't be around you. I don't trust myself, especially not having seen you or spoken to you since we...ended it"
"You still have a thing for me" he said. You could practically hear the smug smirk on his face.
"Fuck off" I snapped.
"Still feisty" he said.
"Just leave me alone Price. I'm happy, and in love, I'm not letting you ruin it"
I just heard him sigh, "Julie, I just want to see you, I need some closure. I can't get over this. I keep telling myself it will never happen again, but I did love you...and still do. Can we just...talk?"
I couldln't believe what I was about to say, "Fine" I said giving him the address, "five minutes if you can find your way"
"Thank you"
I sighed and hung up the phone. Did I make the right decision doing this? I still don't know.

Some time later I heard a buzz and let him up without saying a word. I waited by the door and listened for the knock, opening before he could knock again.

"Hi" I said letting him in.
"Hey" he smiled keeping his eyes on me.
He still was beautiful. His dark eyes were shining. He was wearing a habs hat, hiding his face along wih light ripped jeans and a black under armour hoodie.
"So, what's up?" I asked crossing my arms.
"It's really nice seeing you Jules" he said.
"And?" I knew more was coming.
"I can't live without you" he said taking his hands out of his pockets, "no one else has been able to fill this hole you left...when you left"
I sighed, "Price..."
"Please, I've changed. Since you left I've realized that life without you...sucks. I didn't know what I had until you were gone...I need you"

I could see the pain in his eyes and I could tell he was sincere, and a part of me wanted to, but another part of me was unconditionally in love with Max...and always would be.

"I love him Price..."
"What about me? Do I not count in this? I. love. you." he was firm.

I was starting to get frustrated. Why did he have to do this now? I started to cry uncontrollably. All I did was collapse, but he caught me and held me as I sobbed in his chest.

I eventually composed myself and pulled away from his embrace.

"Jules. I would never get you into the kind of mess he has. I could never hurt you like that"
"He would never hurt me Price" I said quietly, "he loves me"
"He also has a wife who he's loved for a long time"
"He loves me now. They're done, it's over!"
He just stared at me, he was desperate. I know how much he wanted me. You could tell. I had the same look the night I begged Max to stay when he was still with Liz.
"Price. You're amazing, and you're being really sweet, but I can't bring myself to leave him. He needs me"
"I need you too"
He was not making this any easier.
"Why?" I simply asked.
"I'm nothing without you" he pleaded, "my life is empty. Everything hurts"
"I can't do this now" I said, "you said you wanted closure. That's why you came here"
"I lied"
"Obviously" I said under my breath, "you need to go"
He just sighed, he gave up, "fine"

I followed him as he headed towards the door. He turned to me suddenly and kept moving closer. I moved back until the wall kept me from moving back any further. I couldn't move, I didn't even try. My heart raced the moment he gently touched my face. He slowly leaned in and pressed his lips on mine. I admit, it felt good. I tugged onto his shirt and I felt him smile against my lips. It was hard to pull away. His kiss was literally intoxicating, I missed it, but then I thought of Max and I quickly pushed him off.

"Shit" I said breathlessly.
"What?" he said.
"...Max...I can't do this Price...you need to go" I said opening the door. Before I could do anything, he shut it again and leaned against it.
"After that...I'm liking my chances at getting you back"
"Fuck you" I snapped.
"Really?" he said moving closer, "that's your response?"
"I didn't mean literally jackass"
"Since when did you get this mean streak?" he said smirking.
"I get it from my boyfriend" I said, emphasizing that last word, "get out of my fucking apartment before I give him a call"
"I'm not scared of him Julie"
"Just go" I said quieter, "I can't deal with you right now"
"Fine" he sighed.

He finally walked out the door and I collapsed onto the couch. I grabbed my phone as I saw it light up with Max's name.

"Hey baby" he said. His voice was what I needed.
"Hey" I responded quietly, I was choking back tears.
"What's the matter?" he said immediately hearing the stress in my voice.
"Nothing, just come home soon please"
"I'm on my way" he said, "I love you"
"I love you too" I said.

I hung up and gently set my phone down. I started shaking trying to keep myself from even thinking about him, but it was too hard, his face flooded my mind, I just wanted to see Max. I needed him.

I turned on the tv looking for something entertaining to watch. I found FSN seeing Max's commercial. I gently chuckled. A minute later a headline showed up on the tv, not something I needed right now, and a picture of Price...in front of my apartment building.

"Habs in Pittsburgh. Julie Miller's new beau?"