A/N:
Emma Watson: Thank you for your review! Congratulations for being the first one! ^_^
Jessica: I agree with you! I'm so proud of our guys and gals on the ice. Truly unforgettable. I've taken quite a liking for hockey after that. I have the whole thing on tape. Thank you for your review ^_^
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and Co. They are sole property of J.K. Rowling. I also don't own Salt Lake City, Roots, the Olympics, Paul Kariya, Joe, Debbie and Mitchell Sakic, Ryan Smyth, Ed Jovanovski, Eric Brewer and Steve Yzerman. I own myself, though ^_^
*
"Well, we're here!" Harry Potter exclaimed, looking around at the airport. He marveled at the sight. It was different from King's Cross only because there were more people from all over the world and it was much more immense. His heart raced with excitement. Beside him, Hermione looked over some papers.
"What does it say next?" Harry asked.
"Um, it says here that we have to take the shuttle bus to Salt Lake City. It arrives at 2:30 on the dot," Hermione replied.
"Hoo! That was quite an experience!" Ginny breathed out, taking Harry's hand. She had never rode in a plane before. Ron on the other hand, wasn't faring well himself. He staggered a bit, holding his head.
"Urgggghhh.....remind me never to get on planes again. Why couldn't we just apparate?" he half gurgled, looking a faint shade of green.
"Ron, don't you remember that we can't use magic in the muggle world?" Hermione hissed, "Now remember: No wands, no spells, no magic!"
Her warning glare sent chills up their spines upon which Harry answered, "Yes, ma'am. But only if we.."
"No, Harry! We don't want to scare the muggles!" Hermione hissed again, but the look on her eyes told them that Harry was right. They were only allowed to use magic if necessary.
"I can't believe Dumbledore got us passes to watch the Olympics! I'll bet that it's going to be very exciting!" Harry piped happily. He looked at Ginny and smiled.
She jumped up and down twice then squealed, "And we get to see Mel, too! Weren't we just talking about that two weeks ago? Oh, you guys, it's as if our dreams have come true with double blessings."
"I'm sure it is!" Ron added in the same way, his airsickness subsiding, "I can't wait to see the look on her face when she finds out that we're here!"
Hermione frowned, "I don't understand. Dumbledore sent us here on a task. He said that it has something to do with her, but he didn't say what." Usually, Hermione was the braniac of the group. But there were those rare occasions when she does get stumped like the others. She scratched her head, her confused expression matched those of the other three. All around them, noisy people hustled by, bumping into them occasionally and eyeing them curiously.
Ron reached over and patted her back, "Don't worry, you'll figure it all out. Besides, I remember Dumbledore saying that he'd stop by and help us. Oh, do you still have that envelope Dumbledore asked us to give to her?"
Just to make sure, Hermione reached into her small backpack and fingered a thick envelope before she nodded, "Yes, I've got it."
Harry scratched his chin, "I wonder what it is?"
"Blimey! It's almost 2:30! We'd better hurry!" Ginny exclaimed frantically. They looked around nervously.
"Er, um, excuse us!" Hermione called out to a lady. She looked like she was in her late twenties, her dark hair was pulled into a ponytail and her blue eyes shone brightly. She was wearing a red Roots tee that said "Winter Olympics 2002, Canada" and black flared jeans. With her was a little boy, sporting similar outfit. She was holding his hand and pulling a luggage with the other. She stopped and looked at them, smiling.
"Can I help you?" she asked kindly.
"Um, do pardon us, but we're, ah, we're a bit lost," Harry said uncertainly.
"Are you going to Salt Lake City?" Ginny asked.
The lady laughed warmly, "I see this is your first time, huh? No problem! Shuttle bus is this way. Come on, Mitchell! We don't wanna be late for daddy!" Relieved and feeling more comfortable, the four of them followed her and the child, lugging or carrying their luggage. They couldn't bring their trunks.
"It's a good thing Dumbledore's offered to take care of our owls for us," Ron whispered to Hermione, who nodded in agreement.
They got out of the airport and stood with a large crowd waiting for the shuttle. The four of them took off their jackets and either tied the arms around their waist or shoved them in their luggages. Five minutes later, the bus arrived and people started to pile in, shoving or bumping into each other. Harry had nearly got in when a rogue in a black trench coat and a wide black brimmed hat that concealed his face shoved him out of the bus.
"Hey!" Harry shouted angrily. The rogue ignored him.
Luckily he got back in, annoyed and angry. He felt like blasting the man out of the bus. He held his temper as best as he could and made his way to the back of the buss, where Ginny was saving him a seat. He sat down and watched as the man in the black trench coat sat down near the front by the window. Harry got a strange feeling about the man, like he somewhat knew him.
"Harry?" Ginny shook his shoulder, "Is something wrong?
Harry shook his head and looked at her, "N-nothing. I'm fine. It's just hot in here that's all."
"Oh," Ginny turned her attention back to the conversation that she, Ron and Hermione have started with the lady with the child.
"So you came all this way from England to watch the Olympics?" the lady asked, half-disbelieving and half-amazed.
"Yes, we came here to visit a friend!" Ron answered back politely.
"Oh, and is you friend participating in any sports?" she asked. The child was getting drowsy and he yawned.
Hermione shook her head and answered, "No, but I believe her cousin does."
The lady seemed amazed, "Really? If you don't mind me asking, who and what sport?"
They thought. Ron bit his lower lip, "Um, I forgot who, but I know it starts with a....an....."
"Ah it's definitely not quidditch, but something like it," Harry spoke out but Ginny kicked his feet lightly, but warningly. He realized what he just said and kicked himself mentally.
"It's um, it's played with sticks with a lot of players," Ron said slowly.
The lady patiently supplied the answer, "Is it hockey, by any chance?"
Hermione's eyes widened with recognition and she snapped her fingers, "That's it!"
"Hockey! Yes! What is hockey?" Ron asked. His face turned red as he realized that he sounded stupid. Luckily, the lady didn't think so.
"What a coincidence! My husband's on the Men's Hockey Team, too, playing for Canada," she exclaimed with an air of pride in her voice.
"Yes, didn't Mel mention in her letter that her cousin would be playing for Canada, too?" Harry asked, knitting his brow, looking at Ron.
"Yes!" Hermione said so loud that people nearby were giving her weird looks. She muttered a silent apology and quickly composed herself, "Yes, she did say that!"
"Well, that would put us in the same league then, wouldn't it?" the lady asked, "Oh, I'm Debbie, by the way. And this little guy here is Mitchell!" On the last part, she looked at her son, who is now sound asleep on her shoulder, giving him a quick squeeze. She extended her hand.
They reached out at the same time, but realizing how awkward it was, they let Harry shake hands with her first.
"Hullo. I'm Harry Potter," he greeted as he shook hands with her.
"Hello, Harry," she greeted back.
"I'm Ron. Ron Weasley," Ron introduced himself and shook hands with Debbie.
"Pleasure," she nodded her head.
"And my sister, Ginny," Ron gestured friendlily towards Ginny.
They shook hands.
"Nice to meet you, Ginny," Debbie said.
"Oh, likewise!" Ginny piped, "Your son's adorable."
Debbie beamed, "Thank you! He's like his father!" She turned her attention to Hermione.
"And I'm Hermione Granger," she stated politely and shook hands.
"Last but not least," she replied with a kind smile, "So, tell me again. Why are you here? I'm sorry. What I mean is that it's not everyday that we get Brits visiting this part of the states, well, at least to me."
The four looked at each other uneasily.
"Well, um," Ron started.
"We're here to visit a friend a-and watch the game," Hermione answered, "Her cousin plays on the same team as your husband's."
"Ah, I-I think his name was..." Ron's voice trailed off.
"Patrick?" Hermione asked uncertainly.
"No, no....Philip? No, It starts with a 'P'"
"Peter? Percy?" Ginny listed. Harry's eyes suddenly lit up.
"Paul!" Harry exclaimed loudly, "That's it! Mel's cousin is Paul!"
Again, people turned around and glared. Harry mouthed an apology sheepishly, which many people turned back shaking their heads. Debbie was looking at Him impressively.
"Paul? As in /the/ Paul Kariya?" she marveled.
They chuckled and nodded.
"I think that's it," Harry answered, "Unless there are more Pauls."
Debbie shook her head, "Nope. He's the only one."
They talked some more and as the ride went on and on. They were unaware, however, that the man in the black trench coat was eyeing them occasionally, sending evil glances their way.
*
"Mel!"
Confused by Paul's sudden excitement, they wheeled around and watched in stunned silence as Paul run towards somebody.
"Heh.? Who?" Ryan spat out to nobody in particular.
The young Asian girl about twenty years of age looked up from the book she was reading at the sound of her name being called. Her eyes widened with surprise upon seeing who the person running towards her was and her lips parted into a joyful smile.
"Blimey! Paul?!" She called out standing up.
Paul scooped the girl into a hug, "Mel! It's so good to see you! What are you doing here?! Did you come alone!? You come to watch us play?!"
"Whoa, whoa! Easy. One question at a time please." Mel leaned over to kiss his cheek.
He pulled away and studied her. She was dressed in a cute pink floral peasant shirt with a jean jacket and khaki capris pants with matching brown sandals. A pink ribbon neatly held back her soft black curly hair. Her features include two dark eyes, a pug nose and average lips. Her complexion was almost porcelain pale. "Looking good, as always," Paul complimented, nodding in approval.
Mel blushed and turned away, "Thanks...you, too."
"So, how are you? Did you come alone?" Paul asked.
"Yeah, I did. Mum and dad didn't want me at home for two weeks, so naturally, I'm bloody stuck here with you." She replied jokingly.
"And I have to baby sit you on top of hockey games?" Paul gave her a pretend serious look, "Just joking."
"You are under no obligation to baby-sit me," Mel replied briskly, scratching her head.
"Hey Kariya! Who's the chick?" a voice called out from behind them.
Both of them turned around to face Ryan, Ed, Eric and Joe coming towards them. Paul cleared his throat, stepped behind his cousin and placed his hands on both her shoulders. "Guys, I want you to meet my cousin. Mel these guys here are my teammates and buddies. This is Ryan Smyth."
Ryan twirled his hand in an elaborate manner and bowed, "Pleazzuuure to meet Kariya'zz young and beeeeeauteeful kinzzwoman." He said in a passable French accent and kissed her hand. The guys groaned. Ed punched him on the shoulder, "Ryan, you flirt!"
Mel chuckled, but seemed uncomfortable by the gesture, "Likewise, thank you."
".Ed Jovanovski."
Ed smiled and gave Mel a strong warm handshake, "Nice to meet you, Mel."
Mel smiled, though she was blushing, "Thank you...You're from the Vancouver Canucks."
"Hey! That's right!"
"I've heard a lot about you..Canucks all the way!"
"Right on! What sorts of stuff have you heard?" Ed asked with an unsure look in his face.
"Mmm..Good things. C-can I..could I get your autograph?" Mel asked shyly.
Those who knew better stifled their giggles as best they could. But Paul and Ryan couldn't contain themselves anymore and burst out laughing.
"Mel, quit being so cute!" Paul stammered between laughter.
"Oooh, Ed! You found yourself a fan without even trying!" Ryan teased.
"At least I have one. Where are yours?!" Ed retorted, causing Mel to chuckle. Her glare made Paul stop laughing and reminded him to continue with his introduction.
"...Ha ha.J-joe.ha..Sakic.."
Joe gave Mel a firm handshake, "Pleasure to meet you, only my middle name isn't 'ha ha'."
Mel giggled and let go of his hand. She tuned to Paul and gave him a reprimanding look, "Yeah, Paul. Don't go giving people ridiculous names. He has a habit of doing that," she finished turning back to the guys.
"I do not!" Paul countered.
"Yes you do! It's like that time you called Yzerman schmmoooofff."
Paul's hand covered her mouth before she could finish. "Don't!" he hissed nervously.
Ryan swaggered forward with an evil smile, "Aw, come on! What did you call Yzerman? It's not like /we're/ gonna tell."
"Promise me you won't blab it out. Right now!" Paul hissed.
Mel nodded although trying to hold back laughter, "Eef frummuss"
When Paul finally took his hand off, he pretended to wipe his hands on his shirt, "Eww, you slobbered all over my hand."
"You can tell us now." Ryan prodded.
Mel shook her head and pretended to zip her mouth, to Paul's relief. But then to his horror, she said, "But I didn't promise Mr. Appoggiatura here not to say anything else."
"Mr..what?" Ed asked with a stumped look that equaled those of the guys.
"Wanna run that by us again?" Eric asked slowly.
"I don't think I wanna know," Paul moaned at the same time.
"Oh, Mr. Appoggiatura," Mel repeated, now at ease, "He always plays the wrong notes before landing on the right ones. Didn't you know that Paul plays th-ruffu.Hmmm!!!" Paul's hand once again found its way to Mel's mouth.
"Er, what she means is I am dyslexic! I always read the wrong letters before actually figuring out the right ones! That's what she meant..uh.yeah!" He rambled on to his unconvinced friends.
"Sure, Paul." Eric said, "Like anyone's gonna believe that."
"Well, we'll find out one way or the other, right?" Ryan taunted to the agreement of the guys. "Aw, c'mon! You never told us you play an instrument!"
"Ahem!" Paul interrupted, "Anyways, last but not least, Eric Brewer, the baby of this group."
"Hey! I'm not a baby. Gagne is." Eric whined.
"Nice to meet you, Eric," Mel extended her hand.
"Oh. nice to meet you, too!" They shook hands briefly.
Paul looked at his watch and exclaimed, "Hey! We've got a few hours left. Do you wanna go do something together?" He said it to Mel in particular.
Mel looked up for a few minutes before replying with a really sorry expression, "I'd love to, but I'm really tired right now. Sorry."
"Aww, come on! You sure?" The guys were clearly disappointed.
"I'll take a rain check, though," Mel replied in a reassuring voice. "Plus I have to do something important."
"What's so important that it's keeping you from having fun with a few good old men?" Ryan asked with a pout and a hurt voice.
"Uh, I have to.to.." Mel leaned over to Paul and said something the others can't hear, much to their curiosity.
"What!?" Paul spat out, "You brought it with you?! You're on vacation! Honestly, Mel.."
"But I have to! You know I am majoring in it."
"But you're always doing that! Have fun for once!" Paul pleaded.
"I thought you of all people would understand. It's like you and hockey," she countered.
"But you do it 24/7! We, on the other hand, find some time to have fun! Do you even have a social life?"
Mel gave him a look.
"Um, okay. In that case, why don't you join us for dinner later? I promise I won't get drunk. How's that?" Paul offered.
Mel thought about it, "Okay. That sounds good."
Paul smiled, "That's more like it! Where are you staying?"
"That hotel," she pointed to the building within walking distance.
"That's not far. Why don't I walk you back there?" Paul offered, "Unless these guys don't mind."
The guys waved their hands, "Oh no. Go right ahead."
"Alright! See ya later!" Paul waved as he escorted Mel away from the group.
"See ya both!" Joe replied back.
"Bye, Mel!" Ryan and Eric called out.
When both of them are far from earshot, the guys started talking.
"I wonder what's she's majoring in?" Joe voiced out.
Ed shrugged, "Must be something really important. Must be really dedicated or something."
"What do you think of her?" Eric asked.
"She's the shy type but funny and cute personality wise once she gets comfy," Ed answered.
Joe nodded and smiled, "She's a nice gal."
"Kinda shy at first. I get the impression that she's not the wild kind." Ryan said.
"Yeah, buddy," Eric muttered, "I think you really freaked her out, you know?"
Ryan was taken aback, "What did I do?"
"Most likely gave her a bad impression of yourself when you kissed her hand," Ed reminded him.
Ryan waved his hand absently, "Ah, the gal's flattered as hell. It takes a while to get used to a charming guy like myself!"
"Is that how you won Stacey over? With your really bad French impression?" Joe teased.
"Tut, tut. Once you've been around a guy like me, you'll learn the essential secrets on how to charm a lady," he replied with a goofy grin. "Little girl's gonna ease up."
"Yeah, that's why we don't hang around you," muttered Eric.
Ryan turned to him, "What about you, buddy boy?"
"Huh? What about me?" he asked, confused.
"What do you think of her, you dolt?"
Eric shrugged, "She's nice. I like her."
Ryan slapped him on the back, "Buddy, I think we've found you a chick."
*
A/N: Don't worry! It'll get better, I promise! Please R&R ^_^ Tell me what you think so far. Constructive criticism welcomed.
Emma Watson: Thank you for your review! Congratulations for being the first one! ^_^
Jessica: I agree with you! I'm so proud of our guys and gals on the ice. Truly unforgettable. I've taken quite a liking for hockey after that. I have the whole thing on tape. Thank you for your review ^_^
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and Co. They are sole property of J.K. Rowling. I also don't own Salt Lake City, Roots, the Olympics, Paul Kariya, Joe, Debbie and Mitchell Sakic, Ryan Smyth, Ed Jovanovski, Eric Brewer and Steve Yzerman. I own myself, though ^_^
*
"Well, we're here!" Harry Potter exclaimed, looking around at the airport. He marveled at the sight. It was different from King's Cross only because there were more people from all over the world and it was much more immense. His heart raced with excitement. Beside him, Hermione looked over some papers.
"What does it say next?" Harry asked.
"Um, it says here that we have to take the shuttle bus to Salt Lake City. It arrives at 2:30 on the dot," Hermione replied.
"Hoo! That was quite an experience!" Ginny breathed out, taking Harry's hand. She had never rode in a plane before. Ron on the other hand, wasn't faring well himself. He staggered a bit, holding his head.
"Urgggghhh.....remind me never to get on planes again. Why couldn't we just apparate?" he half gurgled, looking a faint shade of green.
"Ron, don't you remember that we can't use magic in the muggle world?" Hermione hissed, "Now remember: No wands, no spells, no magic!"
Her warning glare sent chills up their spines upon which Harry answered, "Yes, ma'am. But only if we.."
"No, Harry! We don't want to scare the muggles!" Hermione hissed again, but the look on her eyes told them that Harry was right. They were only allowed to use magic if necessary.
"I can't believe Dumbledore got us passes to watch the Olympics! I'll bet that it's going to be very exciting!" Harry piped happily. He looked at Ginny and smiled.
She jumped up and down twice then squealed, "And we get to see Mel, too! Weren't we just talking about that two weeks ago? Oh, you guys, it's as if our dreams have come true with double blessings."
"I'm sure it is!" Ron added in the same way, his airsickness subsiding, "I can't wait to see the look on her face when she finds out that we're here!"
Hermione frowned, "I don't understand. Dumbledore sent us here on a task. He said that it has something to do with her, but he didn't say what." Usually, Hermione was the braniac of the group. But there were those rare occasions when she does get stumped like the others. She scratched her head, her confused expression matched those of the other three. All around them, noisy people hustled by, bumping into them occasionally and eyeing them curiously.
Ron reached over and patted her back, "Don't worry, you'll figure it all out. Besides, I remember Dumbledore saying that he'd stop by and help us. Oh, do you still have that envelope Dumbledore asked us to give to her?"
Just to make sure, Hermione reached into her small backpack and fingered a thick envelope before she nodded, "Yes, I've got it."
Harry scratched his chin, "I wonder what it is?"
"Blimey! It's almost 2:30! We'd better hurry!" Ginny exclaimed frantically. They looked around nervously.
"Er, um, excuse us!" Hermione called out to a lady. She looked like she was in her late twenties, her dark hair was pulled into a ponytail and her blue eyes shone brightly. She was wearing a red Roots tee that said "Winter Olympics 2002, Canada" and black flared jeans. With her was a little boy, sporting similar outfit. She was holding his hand and pulling a luggage with the other. She stopped and looked at them, smiling.
"Can I help you?" she asked kindly.
"Um, do pardon us, but we're, ah, we're a bit lost," Harry said uncertainly.
"Are you going to Salt Lake City?" Ginny asked.
The lady laughed warmly, "I see this is your first time, huh? No problem! Shuttle bus is this way. Come on, Mitchell! We don't wanna be late for daddy!" Relieved and feeling more comfortable, the four of them followed her and the child, lugging or carrying their luggage. They couldn't bring their trunks.
"It's a good thing Dumbledore's offered to take care of our owls for us," Ron whispered to Hermione, who nodded in agreement.
They got out of the airport and stood with a large crowd waiting for the shuttle. The four of them took off their jackets and either tied the arms around their waist or shoved them in their luggages. Five minutes later, the bus arrived and people started to pile in, shoving or bumping into each other. Harry had nearly got in when a rogue in a black trench coat and a wide black brimmed hat that concealed his face shoved him out of the bus.
"Hey!" Harry shouted angrily. The rogue ignored him.
Luckily he got back in, annoyed and angry. He felt like blasting the man out of the bus. He held his temper as best as he could and made his way to the back of the buss, where Ginny was saving him a seat. He sat down and watched as the man in the black trench coat sat down near the front by the window. Harry got a strange feeling about the man, like he somewhat knew him.
"Harry?" Ginny shook his shoulder, "Is something wrong?
Harry shook his head and looked at her, "N-nothing. I'm fine. It's just hot in here that's all."
"Oh," Ginny turned her attention back to the conversation that she, Ron and Hermione have started with the lady with the child.
"So you came all this way from England to watch the Olympics?" the lady asked, half-disbelieving and half-amazed.
"Yes, we came here to visit a friend!" Ron answered back politely.
"Oh, and is you friend participating in any sports?" she asked. The child was getting drowsy and he yawned.
Hermione shook her head and answered, "No, but I believe her cousin does."
The lady seemed amazed, "Really? If you don't mind me asking, who and what sport?"
They thought. Ron bit his lower lip, "Um, I forgot who, but I know it starts with a....an....."
"Ah it's definitely not quidditch, but something like it," Harry spoke out but Ginny kicked his feet lightly, but warningly. He realized what he just said and kicked himself mentally.
"It's um, it's played with sticks with a lot of players," Ron said slowly.
The lady patiently supplied the answer, "Is it hockey, by any chance?"
Hermione's eyes widened with recognition and she snapped her fingers, "That's it!"
"Hockey! Yes! What is hockey?" Ron asked. His face turned red as he realized that he sounded stupid. Luckily, the lady didn't think so.
"What a coincidence! My husband's on the Men's Hockey Team, too, playing for Canada," she exclaimed with an air of pride in her voice.
"Yes, didn't Mel mention in her letter that her cousin would be playing for Canada, too?" Harry asked, knitting his brow, looking at Ron.
"Yes!" Hermione said so loud that people nearby were giving her weird looks. She muttered a silent apology and quickly composed herself, "Yes, she did say that!"
"Well, that would put us in the same league then, wouldn't it?" the lady asked, "Oh, I'm Debbie, by the way. And this little guy here is Mitchell!" On the last part, she looked at her son, who is now sound asleep on her shoulder, giving him a quick squeeze. She extended her hand.
They reached out at the same time, but realizing how awkward it was, they let Harry shake hands with her first.
"Hullo. I'm Harry Potter," he greeted as he shook hands with her.
"Hello, Harry," she greeted back.
"I'm Ron. Ron Weasley," Ron introduced himself and shook hands with Debbie.
"Pleasure," she nodded her head.
"And my sister, Ginny," Ron gestured friendlily towards Ginny.
They shook hands.
"Nice to meet you, Ginny," Debbie said.
"Oh, likewise!" Ginny piped, "Your son's adorable."
Debbie beamed, "Thank you! He's like his father!" She turned her attention to Hermione.
"And I'm Hermione Granger," she stated politely and shook hands.
"Last but not least," she replied with a kind smile, "So, tell me again. Why are you here? I'm sorry. What I mean is that it's not everyday that we get Brits visiting this part of the states, well, at least to me."
The four looked at each other uneasily.
"Well, um," Ron started.
"We're here to visit a friend a-and watch the game," Hermione answered, "Her cousin plays on the same team as your husband's."
"Ah, I-I think his name was..." Ron's voice trailed off.
"Patrick?" Hermione asked uncertainly.
"No, no....Philip? No, It starts with a 'P'"
"Peter? Percy?" Ginny listed. Harry's eyes suddenly lit up.
"Paul!" Harry exclaimed loudly, "That's it! Mel's cousin is Paul!"
Again, people turned around and glared. Harry mouthed an apology sheepishly, which many people turned back shaking their heads. Debbie was looking at Him impressively.
"Paul? As in /the/ Paul Kariya?" she marveled.
They chuckled and nodded.
"I think that's it," Harry answered, "Unless there are more Pauls."
Debbie shook her head, "Nope. He's the only one."
They talked some more and as the ride went on and on. They were unaware, however, that the man in the black trench coat was eyeing them occasionally, sending evil glances their way.
*
"Mel!"
Confused by Paul's sudden excitement, they wheeled around and watched in stunned silence as Paul run towards somebody.
"Heh.? Who?" Ryan spat out to nobody in particular.
The young Asian girl about twenty years of age looked up from the book she was reading at the sound of her name being called. Her eyes widened with surprise upon seeing who the person running towards her was and her lips parted into a joyful smile.
"Blimey! Paul?!" She called out standing up.
Paul scooped the girl into a hug, "Mel! It's so good to see you! What are you doing here?! Did you come alone!? You come to watch us play?!"
"Whoa, whoa! Easy. One question at a time please." Mel leaned over to kiss his cheek.
He pulled away and studied her. She was dressed in a cute pink floral peasant shirt with a jean jacket and khaki capris pants with matching brown sandals. A pink ribbon neatly held back her soft black curly hair. Her features include two dark eyes, a pug nose and average lips. Her complexion was almost porcelain pale. "Looking good, as always," Paul complimented, nodding in approval.
Mel blushed and turned away, "Thanks...you, too."
"So, how are you? Did you come alone?" Paul asked.
"Yeah, I did. Mum and dad didn't want me at home for two weeks, so naturally, I'm bloody stuck here with you." She replied jokingly.
"And I have to baby sit you on top of hockey games?" Paul gave her a pretend serious look, "Just joking."
"You are under no obligation to baby-sit me," Mel replied briskly, scratching her head.
"Hey Kariya! Who's the chick?" a voice called out from behind them.
Both of them turned around to face Ryan, Ed, Eric and Joe coming towards them. Paul cleared his throat, stepped behind his cousin and placed his hands on both her shoulders. "Guys, I want you to meet my cousin. Mel these guys here are my teammates and buddies. This is Ryan Smyth."
Ryan twirled his hand in an elaborate manner and bowed, "Pleazzuuure to meet Kariya'zz young and beeeeeauteeful kinzzwoman." He said in a passable French accent and kissed her hand. The guys groaned. Ed punched him on the shoulder, "Ryan, you flirt!"
Mel chuckled, but seemed uncomfortable by the gesture, "Likewise, thank you."
".Ed Jovanovski."
Ed smiled and gave Mel a strong warm handshake, "Nice to meet you, Mel."
Mel smiled, though she was blushing, "Thank you...You're from the Vancouver Canucks."
"Hey! That's right!"
"I've heard a lot about you..Canucks all the way!"
"Right on! What sorts of stuff have you heard?" Ed asked with an unsure look in his face.
"Mmm..Good things. C-can I..could I get your autograph?" Mel asked shyly.
Those who knew better stifled their giggles as best they could. But Paul and Ryan couldn't contain themselves anymore and burst out laughing.
"Mel, quit being so cute!" Paul stammered between laughter.
"Oooh, Ed! You found yourself a fan without even trying!" Ryan teased.
"At least I have one. Where are yours?!" Ed retorted, causing Mel to chuckle. Her glare made Paul stop laughing and reminded him to continue with his introduction.
"...Ha ha.J-joe.ha..Sakic.."
Joe gave Mel a firm handshake, "Pleasure to meet you, only my middle name isn't 'ha ha'."
Mel giggled and let go of his hand. She tuned to Paul and gave him a reprimanding look, "Yeah, Paul. Don't go giving people ridiculous names. He has a habit of doing that," she finished turning back to the guys.
"I do not!" Paul countered.
"Yes you do! It's like that time you called Yzerman schmmoooofff."
Paul's hand covered her mouth before she could finish. "Don't!" he hissed nervously.
Ryan swaggered forward with an evil smile, "Aw, come on! What did you call Yzerman? It's not like /we're/ gonna tell."
"Promise me you won't blab it out. Right now!" Paul hissed.
Mel nodded although trying to hold back laughter, "Eef frummuss"
When Paul finally took his hand off, he pretended to wipe his hands on his shirt, "Eww, you slobbered all over my hand."
"You can tell us now." Ryan prodded.
Mel shook her head and pretended to zip her mouth, to Paul's relief. But then to his horror, she said, "But I didn't promise Mr. Appoggiatura here not to say anything else."
"Mr..what?" Ed asked with a stumped look that equaled those of the guys.
"Wanna run that by us again?" Eric asked slowly.
"I don't think I wanna know," Paul moaned at the same time.
"Oh, Mr. Appoggiatura," Mel repeated, now at ease, "He always plays the wrong notes before landing on the right ones. Didn't you know that Paul plays th-ruffu.Hmmm!!!" Paul's hand once again found its way to Mel's mouth.
"Er, what she means is I am dyslexic! I always read the wrong letters before actually figuring out the right ones! That's what she meant..uh.yeah!" He rambled on to his unconvinced friends.
"Sure, Paul." Eric said, "Like anyone's gonna believe that."
"Well, we'll find out one way or the other, right?" Ryan taunted to the agreement of the guys. "Aw, c'mon! You never told us you play an instrument!"
"Ahem!" Paul interrupted, "Anyways, last but not least, Eric Brewer, the baby of this group."
"Hey! I'm not a baby. Gagne is." Eric whined.
"Nice to meet you, Eric," Mel extended her hand.
"Oh. nice to meet you, too!" They shook hands briefly.
Paul looked at his watch and exclaimed, "Hey! We've got a few hours left. Do you wanna go do something together?" He said it to Mel in particular.
Mel looked up for a few minutes before replying with a really sorry expression, "I'd love to, but I'm really tired right now. Sorry."
"Aww, come on! You sure?" The guys were clearly disappointed.
"I'll take a rain check, though," Mel replied in a reassuring voice. "Plus I have to do something important."
"What's so important that it's keeping you from having fun with a few good old men?" Ryan asked with a pout and a hurt voice.
"Uh, I have to.to.." Mel leaned over to Paul and said something the others can't hear, much to their curiosity.
"What!?" Paul spat out, "You brought it with you?! You're on vacation! Honestly, Mel.."
"But I have to! You know I am majoring in it."
"But you're always doing that! Have fun for once!" Paul pleaded.
"I thought you of all people would understand. It's like you and hockey," she countered.
"But you do it 24/7! We, on the other hand, find some time to have fun! Do you even have a social life?"
Mel gave him a look.
"Um, okay. In that case, why don't you join us for dinner later? I promise I won't get drunk. How's that?" Paul offered.
Mel thought about it, "Okay. That sounds good."
Paul smiled, "That's more like it! Where are you staying?"
"That hotel," she pointed to the building within walking distance.
"That's not far. Why don't I walk you back there?" Paul offered, "Unless these guys don't mind."
The guys waved their hands, "Oh no. Go right ahead."
"Alright! See ya later!" Paul waved as he escorted Mel away from the group.
"See ya both!" Joe replied back.
"Bye, Mel!" Ryan and Eric called out.
When both of them are far from earshot, the guys started talking.
"I wonder what's she's majoring in?" Joe voiced out.
Ed shrugged, "Must be something really important. Must be really dedicated or something."
"What do you think of her?" Eric asked.
"She's the shy type but funny and cute personality wise once she gets comfy," Ed answered.
Joe nodded and smiled, "She's a nice gal."
"Kinda shy at first. I get the impression that she's not the wild kind." Ryan said.
"Yeah, buddy," Eric muttered, "I think you really freaked her out, you know?"
Ryan was taken aback, "What did I do?"
"Most likely gave her a bad impression of yourself when you kissed her hand," Ed reminded him.
Ryan waved his hand absently, "Ah, the gal's flattered as hell. It takes a while to get used to a charming guy like myself!"
"Is that how you won Stacey over? With your really bad French impression?" Joe teased.
"Tut, tut. Once you've been around a guy like me, you'll learn the essential secrets on how to charm a lady," he replied with a goofy grin. "Little girl's gonna ease up."
"Yeah, that's why we don't hang around you," muttered Eric.
Ryan turned to him, "What about you, buddy boy?"
"Huh? What about me?" he asked, confused.
"What do you think of her, you dolt?"
Eric shrugged, "She's nice. I like her."
Ryan slapped him on the back, "Buddy, I think we've found you a chick."
*
A/N: Don't worry! It'll get better, I promise! Please R&R ^_^ Tell me what you think so far. Constructive criticism welcomed.
