Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with the movie or the real story, I'm just celebrating their achievement in my own way.

AN: Hi, Thank you for reading and reviewing.

Chapter 10 – Heading for Europe

Jack

It had been two weeks since the incident with my passport, which Coach Craig had dropped by a little while later with apologies for not passing it on. I was also still oblivious to the conversation that had happened in the kitchen after. Everyone had started to mix a little more and excitement was building ready for the trip to Europe, now it was time, we were all packed and preparing to board the bus to the airport. Half our luggage was ready to ship to Minnesota ready for our return, Craig Patrick was wandering about making sure everything was in order, helping Ellie keep us on track.

I'd seen all the guys, but one person I hadn't seen since earlier was Ellie, her luggage was there but she hadn't appeared. I looked around again, she had been pretty quiet the last few days and seemed a little tense, we had all been so busy hardly anyone had spoken to her. Her shoulder was getting better, but Doc still had her doing exercise with it and not lifting anything heavy.

"Jimmy! You seen Ellie?" I called out and got several negative responses from the guys, Jimmy looked at me like I was crazy.

"We've still got 10 minutes, she'll be here." He answered, checking his watch.

"I'm not sure, something doesn't feel right."

I was excited about the trip to Europe, but something in my gut was telling me we had a problem. "I'm gonna go check on her, make sure that she doesn't put her shoulder out again lugging her camera gear around." I offered, before heading back into the building.

The final few guys were milling around in the lounge as I made my way to the stairs. Everything was eerily quiet, a far cry from the chatter and noise from earlier as we all packed. I eventually found her standing by the window in her room looking over the parking lot where the bus was waiting and I tapped on the door to let her know I was there but she never turned around.

"I knew one of you would come looking." She offered hesitantly. "I'm all packed." She stayed at the window, staring out, something about her told me she wasn't right.

"Yeah I know, your cases are all aboard, we're just waiting for the last few guys, ... What's up Ell?" I walked across the room to join her, peering at the activity by the bus.

"Nothing, I just needed some time alone."

Neither of us spoke for a few minutes, her eyes never leaving the view out the window, eventually she sighed "... I'm not sure if I can do this, ... I've been having nightmares about this."

"Nightmares about what?"

"This, the trip." She clarified. "The ... the plane" I heard her swallow, she was fighting her emotions again as my gut twisted at her words. Of course it would be the first time she'd be forced to fly since her father's death and the association had to be overwhelming.

"I'm sorry, we should have realised," I turned to look at her as her eyes remained fixed on the gathering crowd below.

"Why Jack? It's not your problem, you've got more important things to worry about, I have to deal with this, I have to figure out how I'm going to sit in a tin coffin for 6 hours and not have a heart attack doing it."

The vehemence of her words made me realise that she probably hadn't voiced her fears to anyone until this point. "I'm not going anywhere. I'll be with you the whole time if you want." I offered.

"Why Jack?"

"Why what?"

Now she finally looked around, her eyes fixing on mine, "Why would you offer to do that? No one here has a responsibility to take care of me-"

"I'm your friend, that makes it my problem," I answered quickly cutting off her words. "I'm not going anywhere, so you'd better get used to the idea that I'm gonna be sticking to you like glue for the entire flight. I'll even let you hold my hand as tight as you like, see if you can break it."

"Not a smart move Mr O'Callahan, I figure a working hand is kind of essential for handling a hockey stick." At least the anguished look on her face seemed to lift for a moment as she answered me.

"You got me there, see I need you around to keep me in line." I grinned at her and was relieved when a flicker of a smile crossed her lips.

"Full of yourself aren't you?" She teased, flicking her hair from her face.

"Always am, that way I get what I want. ... Now tell me Ms Jensen, what do you want?"

"Right this minute, nothing. ... Thanks for coming up and dragging me back from my memories."

"Anytime," I stepped closer to her, watching the flicker of hesitation cross her face. "Tell me how this works-"

I swiftly snaked one arm around her waist, pulling her tight against me, and the other tangled in her hair. I heard a soft gasp, and realised it had come from her, as I slowly lowered my head, all the time holding her eyes with mine. The first touch of my lips on hers was soft and too brief, I wasn't thinking particularly about what I was doing, I hadn't planned it, but now I'd started I didn't want to stop. I felt her hand press against my waist as I teased her lips.

The sound of someone clearing their throat as they knocked on the door made me realise her door was still open. With an arm still around her waist, I held her close as I looked up, I could feel her trembling.

"Sorry to interrupt, but everyone's ready." Silky announced grinning wildly, "I'll go tell them you're just dealing with some unfinished business and you'll be right down." He added, I glared at him as I felt Ellie bury her head in my shoulder.

"You'll do no such thing, or I'll be forced to inform them of your darkest secret, the one that goes with the name."

"You wouldn't dare," he blustered, I smiled, wrapping my other arm around Ellie, as she finally looked up.

"You want to try me?" I grinned and he disappeared. I looked down at Ellie, "Are you okay?"

".. I think so, ... what did you just threaten him with?"

I shook my head, "maybe I'll tell you sometime, but right now we gotta go." I started to loosen my hold on her but on impulse pulled her back and kissed her again. This time I felt her tentative response. I pulled back watching her reaction as a pink tinge appeared on her cheeks.

"Wow," she whispered as a real smile crossed her face.

"I aim to please," I grinned stupidly back.

"Jack?" Her smile vanished, "What happens now?"

I caressed her cheek, "what do you want to happen?" I had to admit to myself that the girls I normally dated were self confident and outgoing, Ellie was the complete opposite and since I first met her there was something about her that just got under my skin. This whole situation was one I hadn't encountered before and the last thing I wanted to do was to louse it up.

"I asked first." She persisted.

"As much as I'd like to discuss that right now, we got a bus load of hockey players waiting for us. We're gonna walk out there get on the bus, I doubt Silky said anything about what he saw, but I've got no regrets, I'll walk out there right now and stake my claim, but I won't if you don't want to."

"Honestly Jack, I don't know, you kinda took me by surprise."

"Good or bad?" I asked hoping I knew what she was going to say.

"Definitely good." I grinned at her and planted another kiss on her lips, then let her go. She reached for her camera bag and a small holdall from her bed. I caught her hand then, scooped the camera bag from under her and hooked it onto my shoulder, leaving her the lighter bag. With my fingers linked in hers we walked out of her room.

...

Ellie

We walked out of the motel for the last time. I was conscious of my hand in Jack's and saw the way some of the guys looked at us as we approached the bus, but they never said anything. Jack took my bag and climbed aboard as I stopped to check up on things.

"Ellie?" I turned around.

"Hey Jim, how are you doing?"

"Good, you've been pretty busy lately, how are you doing?" He asked wrapping me in a big hug. I could feel what he was trying to say without him putting it into words.

I sighed and stepped back still uneasy with the guys friendly displays of affection, "keeping busy, it stops me thinking too much you know?" I wasn't surprised to see him nod in agreement.

"Want me to sit with you tonight?" He asked, his eyes fixed on me.

"Actually Jack already offered." I answered, thankful for the darkness shrouding us so he didn't see me blush as I recalled the kisses his friend had given me minutes earlier. "Is everyone here?"

"Yeah, we should get going huh?" He confirmed. I nodded, turning to climb onto the bus.

"Can you do me a favour and round them up." I asked nodding at the few stragglers that were still standing outside.

I slipped into a seat near the front as the last few climbed the steps and made their way to a seat. Some stretching out across two seats, others sharing to continue already started conversations. I stowed my camera bag under the seat in front and wedged my holdall into the foot well beside me as Craig moved into the seat in front of me, standing and trying to do a headcount.

"How you holding up Ellie?" He greeted with a half smile. I nodded.

"I'll be alright at the other end." I told him feeling more nauseous now that there was no way to back out.

"You need anything you just holler okay?"

"It's alright coach, I got it covered," Jack's voice floated over the seats as he moved the last few steps along the aisle and dropped into the seat next to me and entwined his fingers in mine.

"I'm fine Jack, if you want to sit with the guys I won't hold it against you."

"I'm good right where I am, don't worry coach I'll take care of her." He grinned up to Craig who nodded and turned to sit down and the doors closed and we headed out for the hotel to pick up Herb and the others. Jack squeezed my hand encouragingly and I lay my head on his shoulder. "I'm not going anywhere." He repeated.

True to his word he stayed with me the entire journey and barely let go of my hand. I must have been lulled to sleep for a while because the next thing I remember was hearing Jack having a conversation with someone sat across the aisle. I sat up and went to look out the window to see where we were, but Jack stopped me, he'd broken off his conversation and was facing me, his hand against my cheek, turning me to look at him.

"Look at me Ell," his voice firm but with an edge to it.

I don't know how it happened, but a few of the guys seemed to be able to instinctively pick up when I was feeling down and try to cheer me up or at least be there if I wanted to talk. I hadn't cried in weeks, but there were times when I felt really down. Now wasn't really one of them, I was just scared about the flight, something that had never bothered me before, but since Dad's accident it had been the one thing that scared me more than anything. "We're nearly there aren't we?" I asked, knowing that he didn't want me to see the airport until I had to.

"Few minutes, you can do this babe, I know you can." He grazed his fingers down my cheek sending shivers down my spine. For once Jack O'Callahan seemed completely sincere, unlike the brash, cocky Boston boy I'd met in Colorado.

"Hey Jack, you gonna let anyone else talk to her tonight or you gonna monopolise all her time?" Someone called from a few rows behind us.

"Can it Verchota, Ellie doesn't need all of us crowding her." Someone else replied, I thought it might have been Mac, but wasn't sure.

"I've got an idea," I croaked, hauling my camera bag onto my lap and extracting a camera and flash gun. When I was set I turned and knelt up on the seat and snapped a couple of shots of the guys on the bus. Some were resting, others were trying to play cards and the rest were talking.

"More pictures for your scrap book Ellie?" someone shouted. I couldn't make out who it was, but wished I had some quick comeback for them.

"Nah, she just uses them for target practice when you annoy her." I heard OC chuckle at my side as he stood up and faced the back of the bus, resting a hand on my back and leaning closer, "If you didn't you should," he whispered making me smile.

"OC sit down," Craig's voice came from behind us, we dropped back into our seats and I caught a glimpse out of the window at the airport terminal as we turned up the drive. I felt my breath catch in my throat and Jack's hand grip mine.

"Now listen up boys, in a minute or two we'll be arriving. Make sure you take everything with you, you're responsible with getting your own gear to security, they'll take your hold luggage, you will take your hand luggage and proceed to the boarding ramp, wheels up in an hour." Craig's voice boomed out of the momentary silent bus.

It felt hard to breath, I glanced around, Jack's grip tightened on mine, not sure who was squeezing whose hand the hardest. "Ell? Ellie?" Jack's voice seemed to echo in my ears, I was desperate for air and I just didn't seem to be able to get any. "Doc! Ellie can't breathe." I heard his voice, but never registered the words.

My following recollections were hazy and everything was a blur. I felt myself being pulled out of my seat and the next moment, Doc's face was hovering before mine and his soothing voice played into my mind. I slowly became aware of my surroundings, I was off the bus and sitting on a bench with one of Jack's hands still holding mine while his other hand was rubbing soothing circles on my back.

"Take a few minutes, the worst is over now, it was a panic attack. We'll talk later." Doc consoled as he patted my knee, then stood up and turned towards the bus.

"Doc says you'll be just fine." My self-styled protector reassured me, I was definitely seeing another side to this man. I turned my head to look at him.

"I'm sorry Jack," I croaked. "I don't know what happened." My stomach was churning and I felt sick. Then I realised I was shaking.

"Come here," he stopped rubbing my back and wrapped his arm around my shoulder pulling me closer and kissing the top of my head. "I know you're scared, I promise you I'm not going anywhere, I'll be there with you through this whole thing."

I nodded, I knew they were a bunch of good guys, but somehow Jack had seemed suddenly to really understand me. If I didn't conquer my fears now I'd be in even bigger trouble later on. I'd always loved flying, ever since I was little, I was letting myself be ruled by one event, deep down I know it was irrational but that's what trauma can do to you.

I pulled away a little and started to stand up, Jack was instantly on his feet, giving me a supporting hand. "I've gotta do this, so let's get it over with." I finally said, the words sounding more confident than I felt.

"Alright," He caressed my face making me shiver slightly, then he tipped his head to mine and kissed me, slow gentle kisses. This time I wrapped my arms around his neck as he held me close. A moment later he released me. "The boys have taken our stuff, are you ready?"

His hand slipped back around mine and I squeezed it. "Let's go."

...

Mac

I saw Jack and Ellie walk in hand in hand, something was clearly happening between them because there had been a subtle shift in their relationship since I'd last seen them together a few days ago. At least she looked better than when they'd practically lifted her off the bus. She was still pale and fragile looking, but seemed to have a certain determined air about her. Doc said she'd had a panic attack, he didn't seem too worried and even indicated that he'd have been surprised if she didn't at some point. Of course that also meant she could have more. I saw Jack whisper something in her ear and a brief smile cross her face. But it was soon replaced by the earlier countenance. They joined the Boston boys and started chatting. I was glad she was coming with us and hoped it would help her healing.

We were soon being ushered towards the gate to board the plane, that's when I saw Ellie alone and looking terrified. The rest of the guys were heading out, Jack was nowhere in sight and the rest of the Boston boys were paying attention to a conversation several feet away, Ellie having distanced herself a little.

"Jimmy, where's Jack?" I demanded approaching them and standing by Ellie who looked like she was about to go into full blown panic again.

Jimmy turned around and took one look at Ellie. "Shit, ... I'll get him. Stay with her, keep her calm."

Jimmy dropped his bag and hurried towards the mensroom. "Ell? Look at me, I brought you a present, I thought it might give you something new to read." I rambled on, I couldn't even remember after what I said, I just kept talking to her.

Slowly the glassy look in her eyes cleared and she looked at me. "Rob?"

"Yeah, ... Jack's coming, but I'm glad I got to talk to you, I brought you a present." I held up the carrier bag I had in my hand and she slowly took it.

"You didn't have to,"

"I saw it a few days ago and thought you might like something new to read, might give you a few tips when we start playing real games." I offered and she slowly withdrew the book from the bag.

She stared at it for a few minutes. "So you were the one," she mused, a small smile crossing her face.

"What?"

"I was in the bookstore a few weeks ago planning to order it, they told me they had one on order and when I went back they told me it had been sold, said they were surprised things like this usually sit on their shelves for months. But why? You don't have to buy me presents."

"I know things are tough and this trip isn't going to be easy, I just wanted you to have something else to focus on for a while. I was going to get Les Miserables, but they didn't stock anything in French." I added, referring back to the conversation that had taken place a couple of weeks earlier.

"Thank you."

"Ellie!" Jack's voice floated over the heads of the few stragglers boarding the plane, Herb and most of the coaches were gone, Craig and Doc were still lingering. Doc was watching Ellie. Jack reached us and wrapped an arm around her waist, kissing her temple.

"I'm sorry babe, if I thought they were gonna board-"

"It's okay Jack." She answered holding the book against her chest like a prized possession.

"Ellie, you want us to wait?" Jimmy asked.

"No go ahead." She croaked looking down the tunnel. "I'll be fine."

I could see her knuckles turning white as she gripped the book tighter. The little colour she'd gained since the panic attack on the bus was gone.

With a nod to Doc, Craig and the Boston boys left leaving just the 4 of us.

"I'll see you on board," I said and turned to go, Ellie reached out and grabbed my arm. Her fingers digging in belying the fragile look she wore.

"Robbie, ... thank you."

I nodded and she released her hand, I got the feeling she wanted to say something else, the look in her eyes when she looked at me was more of a silent plea.

"Ellie, babe we gotta go." Jack cajoled gently as he rubbed his hand up her back, I turned away towards the gate to leave them alone. "Mac wait, would you go with us?" Jack's voice floated over the silent terminal. "I think Ellie would appreciate another friendly face."

"You saying yours is friendly?" I challenged giving Ellie a wink.

"Just watch it, you know what I did to you the last time," Jack shot back, "I'm not sure Herb would appreciate you turning up with a broken nose."

"No-body's breaking anything, I thought you two were getting along better." Ellie got between us, I had a feeling she might, which is why I did it, something else to think about.

"I'm ready for him this time I can drop you anytime OC."

"You want to try Mac, comeon, right here," He was caught in the moment, but I also got the idea that he knew what I was up to.

Ellie now planted herself between us, her hand on Jack's chest holding him back. "No! Not happening, you two are going to be friends, and we are not going to hear anymore about the '76 playoffs, ..." we glared at each other for a moment, "Right, I'm sitting you two together until we get to Holland, then hopefully you'd have either killed each other or decided to at least be civil to each other." She stalked off, surprisingly out the door towards the plane.

We looked at each other then at Doc, "well what are you waiting for? That facade won't last long out there." He waved towards the plane.

"Right, let's go."

We hurried out the door to find Ellie still striding towards the plane. "Ellie comeon, who are you going to sit with?" Jack whined, as we trailed behind her.

She stopped and turned around, "Jack I've heard the story about what happed at that game so many times, I'm sick of it, the rest of the team are sick of it, drop it."

She turned back and started up the steps of the plane, "So who are you going to sit with?"

Jimmy appeared in the doorway, "You pissed her off already Jack?"

"Jimmy you'll let me sit with you won't you seeing as these two are going to be rehashing 76 all over again."

I wasn't planning to go over old history, but I wasn't about to tell her that either.

"Sure, you can sit wherever you want."

Jimmy took her hand and lead her onto the plane, "That worked pretty well." Jack commented holding out a hand. I shook it.

"Now you'd better go tell your girlfriend we made up so you can sit with her and not get banished to the naughty section." I urged, noticing his shocked look when I mentioned girlfriend.

"We haven't exactly-" he stuttered, a new experience for Jack O'Callahan.

"You've had the hots for her since Colorado and that night in the bar, she was into you. I bet you and Jim were the ones to talk her into this job." I didn't let on that she had already told me that the weekend at the lake, which I still believed he knew nothing about.

"Boys, I think you'd better focus on getting inside before Herb comes looking for you and Jack you need to go check on Ellie, let me know if you need anything." Doc's voice behind us caught us both out, and it was clear he had heard what I said. We finally boarded the plane and found seats, I moved to the last row which was empty and dropped into a seat. Jack obviously grovelled to Ellie because he never joined me at the back.

This wasn't exactly how I planned this to work, but the muse decided to stir things up... Let me know what you think...