Friday 2:50 p.m. - Locker Room
"And then what did he say?"
"He just dropped the topic and went on his merry way," Connie chuckled as she explained the events of Wednesday afternoon to Julie. They were in the locker room, changing into the heavy protective gear that had pretty much become a part of their own skin.
"You know? I find it funny how you find this messed up situation so funny," she snorted.
"I'm just...I don't know, Jules..." she sighed.
Julie glared at her bemusedly and Connie shook her head, amused at her friend's reactions.
"Oh come on, it's not as messed up as you think."
"Not as messed up? Ok lemme get this straight. You and the boy you've practically been with since you were kids are on another one of these 'breaks' as you call it, so that your relationship doesn't conflict with the stresses of school and hockey, even though you both go to the same school and play on the same team. Good so far?" Connie nodded.
"On top off that, you've both agreed to take it slow for a little bit until you find a suitable time to get back together for real, which at this point, is still blurry. But until then, you're free to do whatever it is you guys want as long as it doesn't intentionally harm the relationship or cause major issues between you two. This freedom meaning hanging out with people of the opposite friends who aren't the Ducks or friends, no obligation to one another in the couple-y sense, no strings attached, etc., etc., etc...right?" Connie nodded again with a blush.
"But because you two are the best of friends and understand one another that goes beyond the normal sense of understanding, you still unknowingly act like a couple without the really intimate stuff and super lovey-dovey public displays of affection. Except, you are always together, he's always kisses you on the cheek, you do the same to him, you argue at times and you totally behave like two people who are more than friends …but less than lovers, yet you both love each other deeply. And because he's so protective, he's brutally honest about his opinions of other guys whereas your care for him goes so far as to have me and the team stalk the girls that he talks about, which is, by the way, rarely ever." Connie smiled sheepishly.
"Ultimately, you want to be together again but it's not 'the right time.' And judging by post-Wednesday nap time events, Guy's starting to get tired of it not being 'the right time'...am I right?" Julie asked one last time. Connie nodded slowly.
"Connie Moreau, how is this not a mess?!"
"Ugh Jules, fine, it's a little messed up, ok? But I like where we are now; it just works. But please, can we not discuss this? At least not right now?" Connie was getting slightly overwhelmed at this play by play of her and Guy's situation.
"If not now, then when?" Julie asked seriously.
Connie smirked and shook her head. "Funny, Guy said almost the same thing..."
She stared into space for a moment. Was it really as confusing and strange as Julie explained it? As much as she loved him, she didn't want to start a serious relationship until she was certain they could handle it. In her defense, she thought Guy wanted the same. But maybe he didn't. Maybe after 7 years he was tired of being together but not really "together."
Julie placed her hand on Connie's shoulder and gave it a small, supportive squeeze. "I'm not saying you should do something drastic at the moment but I really think you two should talk. This 'perfect setup' has been going on for a while now. If it continues, you're both going to hurt each other either now or later. Make it so that it doesn't happen at all. And Connie? Stop avoiding it. This all might work for you but it sounds like it doesn't for Guy."
Connie looked at her and nodded sadly in agreement. "It's something to think about. Thanks Jules."
Before she could continue lacing her skates, Connie felt a familiar pair of lips plant a kiss on her cheek.
"Hey there, little lady," he said to her with a bright smile.
"What are you? Dwayne?" Connie chuckled and accepted the second kiss to her temple.
"Yeah right. I know he's pulled a couple of tricks in the past but that cowboy's got nothing on me," Guy winked, bringing her back to the Championship match off of the Goodwill Games. She hated being a so-called damsel in distress and so he loved to tease her about it.
She stuck her tongue out at him. "Go and change now." He saluted her mockingly then headed to the bathroom.
Connie turned to Julie who gave her an amused but knowing expression.
Later, Connie mouthed to her, finally admitting that this messy situation needed to be cleaned up...fast.