Off the Ice (Penalty Kill 2)

“I can’t. I mean, look.” I point out to the ice where the Penguins are warming up. “They are right there.”

“This isn’t your first time seeing them.”

“I know, but it’s my first time seeing them here.” I give him a stern look. Levi just laughs and shakes his head.

“Presley, are you okay? You look like you’re about to bust.” Victor sits down next to me.

“I am. Victor, I don’t know how to thank you for this.” I give him my brightest smile. I still can’t believe Victor was able to do this for me. Well, I know it’s for Levi too, b

ut I know this is something my parents wouldn’t do for me. Even though we have become closer since Valentine’s Day, there is still a lot of rebuilding to do.

The players leave the ice for the start of game. I can’t take it, and I know Levi is still laughing at me. Levi and Victor begin to talk about the players, but I can only focus on the jumbotron and watching the players in the hallway. Finally, after an eternity of waiting, the arena goes dark and the Penguins race onto the ice. I’m screaming at the top of my lungs, jumping up and down at seeing my boys on the ice.

“I need to make sure that Dad brought enough bail money for you.” Levi laughs at me.

“Why?”

“Because you’re definitely going to tackle them.” I shove his shoulder and look back out on the ice.

The game is intense. Each period is building up until the final moments. The Penguins are in the lead by one, and the Flyers are playing very physical. Victor is shouting for his boys and I see that Levi is concerned about too much excitement for his dad. I have to tell him during the second intermission that it is going to be okay. Victor knows how much he can handle, and Levi is just being overprotective.

The final minute is on the clock. Everyone in the arena is on the edge of their seats, and then everyone is on their feet when number eighty seven takes the puck and skates down the length of the ice. He shoots and misses. The whole crowd moans in disappointment. The Flyers recover and skate towards our goal. Our boys quickly change lines, and the defense is all over the red line. It’s a perfect play until the Flyers score with twenty seconds on the clock and tying the game. I drop to my seat in agony. Victor is cheering loudly, and Levi is patting my shoulder.

“There is still twenty seconds,” Levi says. I just look at him. Twenty seconds? Really? It might as well be one second.

Timeout is called, and Victor is beaming with pride for his team. On the other hand, I could just punch a wall. Maybe I’m overreacting a little, but I really want them to win. As the players come back on the ice, I get back up and still cheer on my team. Win or lose, those are the greatest players and team in any league.

With an empty net and extra defender on the ice, the crowd goes crazy. The puck drops and Penguins have control.

Fifteen seconds.

Number eighteen passes to number seventy one.

Ten seconds.

Number seventy one passes to number nine.

Five seconds.

Number nine passes back to seventy one, who shoots and … scores.

BUZZER!

We won. The crowd is jumping, screaming, yelling, and whistling, and the team is celebrating on the ice. It’s the greatest win I’ve personally seen. I’m screaming so loud my head and throat hurts, but I can’t believe it.

On the other hand, Victor falls in his chair in defeat. I feel bad for him for one second before I begin to scream louder.

“Okay, Smarty, you can stop jumping now.” Levi is standing next to me holding my shoulders down.

“Did you see that? Did. You. See. That.” I need to say it slowly in hopes that I’m not dreaming.

“I was standing right here when it happened.”

“Well, that sucked,” Victor grumbles.

“Oh, Victor, maybe next time.” I gently pat his shoulder and give him a sympathetic look.

“I think you’re teasing me, child.” It’s the first time he has ever given me a stern look, and I bust out laughing.