Thanks for the reviews you guys!

Note: Ok I just realized that I left out an important role with Coxie and Herb, but I guess it was on purpose. In this chapter Ralph gets cut from the team instead of before Christmas. I hope that you enjoy this little twist.

Pre-Olympics Door 1; A Way Out Door 2.

"Hey Craig I need you to get Coxie, and Annabelle I think you should go finish up the paperwork for the Olympics." Herb said from his office. Herb watched as they left, while waiting for Cox.

Jack's POV

I watched as Craig came in half listening to what Buzzy and Bill were talking about, but just wanting to hurry up so I could see Annabelle. I watched out of the corner of my eye as Craig went up to Cox and the look on his face told it all. Herb was cutting him, so we now were down to 20.

Normal POV

Cox walked down the hall toward Herb's office knowing what was going to happen. The tension was thick in the air, but now he knew that it was diminishing as he walked down the hall. Once at his door, he knocked waiting for his answer.

"Come on in." Herb said with emotion dripping from his voice. Cox came in and sat down in front of Herb's desk waiting for him to speak.

"I hate to do this to you Ralph, but we need 20 players, and right now we're at 21. I hate to cut you Ralph you know that?" Herb said waiting for Ralph to respond. "Your one hell of a player Ralph I really do wish I could keep ya. This doesn't prove that you're a bad player remember that ok?"

"Yeah I understand coach." Ralph said trying to hold back tears. Herb stood up followed by Ralph and they shook hands. "Thanks for giving me a shot coach." Herb nodded and watched Ralph walk out of the office.

Ralph passed by Annabelle's office to say good-bye instead of waiting at the last moment. He knocked on the door waiting for a response.

"Hey Coxie how are things?" Annabelle asked cheerfully.

"I just wanted to say thanks for befriending me through this." Annabelle looked at Ralph in confusion. "I cut from the team. Herb needed his 20 guys, but I understand where he's coming from." Annabelle stood up and walked up to him.

"Ralph I wish there was something I could say to you that will make you feel better, but right now all I can say is good luck out there and I hope to see you soon." Ralph hugged Annabelle and continued to walk down the hall.

As the team walked through Madison Square Garden Arena the pressure blew up in they're faces. Just the thought of playing the Russians was so high that the room for error was as thin as a needle.

"Ok guys get your gear on we're going to have a last minute practice before playing against them. There is no room for respect against them." Herb said and continued to walk down the hall to his temporary office.

Annabelle and Craig stood outside while Doc went in with the guys.

"Hey Rose I just wanted to say that I'm proud you made it this far with Herb and all."

"Dad like I said months ago, Herb's not going to beat me. I refuse to lose when I can be strong for this team. Even though you and Doc are they're friends, I'm the closest to they're age so I understand what they're going through a little."

"And that also applies to OC?"

"Yes and no. If one of us ends it, it's for a good reason." Annabelle said flatly.

Annabelle stood behind the glass where the other rink techs stood. At this point she didn't feel it right to stand behind the bench or being with the USOC members. The thought about being around them was not a good one, especially with them offering her jobs. Just from standing feet from the guys on the ice she could feel the victory coming off the Soviets and the sickening respect the US players had for them. Also with this game, something didn't seem right after Jack started to push around a few of the USSR players. Then it happened, Jack was hit by one of the players and went down. Annabelle's breath hitched in her throat when she didn't see him getting up. The whistle was blown and the trainers went out to see if he was ok.

Finally Annabelle started to breath, but it wasn't a relieving feeling. She ran back to the locker room where Doc and the others were taking him. After seeing him being laid down on the bed, she moved a little from the doorway. Doc looked up from his position and gave her a grim look. Jack on the other hand, didn't look at her, but had his eyes closed and his hands on his head, almost crying. When the analysis was finished with Jack, Doc brought Annabelle outside.

"How is he?" Annabelle asked worriedly.

"He might have a severe problem with his knee. If the best thing possible, it's a stretch with the ligament."

"Oh God." Annabelle said trying to hold in her tears and remain calm. "Do you think I can see him?"

"I was about to ask if you could stay with him for a little, at least until the game is over."

Annabelle nodded her head and watched Doc walk down the hall toward the game, Annabelle paused slightly trying to regain as much composer so it didn't look like Jack was finished for good.

Once entering, Jack looked over at her with bloodshot, tear streaked face. At that point, Annabelle couldn't handle it. She lightly cried at seeing him in this much pain.

"I'm finished aren't I?" Jack asked.

"I don't know Jack. You won't know until you go to the doctors." She said trying to wipe the tears away from her eyes.

"You think I'm finished don't you?" Jack asked angrily.

"No I don't Jack. If you can get through everything in high school and college, then I have faith in you to get through this." Annabelle said slightly shocked. "Look Jack just because you're hurt doesn't mean the end of the world in hockey. You've done everything else, but…" Annabelle stopped talking since anger was bubbling up in her. "Damn it Jack why did you have to push they're buttons!"

"I…I…don't know."

"I do." Annabelle said quietly looking down at the floor. "It's your damn ego."

Jack looked back up at the ceiling until he heard Annabelle get up and Herb's footsteps. Annabelle's quiet voice spoke and she walked out. Tears again entered his eyes at the fear of being sent home.

"What'd Doc say?" Jack asked leaning against his elbows.

"He doesn't know. He's going with you to get a picture of your knee taken, and then we'll see." Herb said and looked at Jack before walking out.

I know… pretty short, but hey it's still a chapter. Sorry that it has taken forever to get one out, but I'll try to get it finished this year.

Thanks.