Another one to get me back in the groove. I may have changed the end of the Stanley Cup a bit here ;). Phil owns himself, Derick Brassard probably belongs to the Rangers and the NHL as do the Blackhawks and the cup.
~Game 7 – Stanley Cup – Madison Square Garden – Rangers vs. Blackhawks
Jessica sat with the other wives and girlfriends, behind the Ranger bench as Baba O'Riley blasted through MSG. The boys come charging out of the locker room and take the ice. The crowd roars to life and the whole building preps for the stressful 60 minutes of regulation time. The spot light flashes over her shiny new engagement ring that Derick had presented her that morning, stating that if he had waited until after the game, his proposal nerves would enhance the nerves of the game. She gladly accepted giving him a whole new boost to play tonight.
He skated to the middle and met Jonathan Towes of the Blackhawks for the opening faceoff. It was then where she saw a familiar face on the other side.
"It can't be him." She thought as she shook her head to rid herself of his memory. She watched as the game started to unfold before her, cheering for Derick as he found his way to the score board with an assist of Rick Nash's goal. The first period ended with the Blackhawks leading and she headed for the bathroom.
She passed a flash of red and her head whipped around. There he was standing with his wife on line for some food, she was in a blank jersey, he in a Duncan Keith. Neither saw her and she kept it that way, entering the bathroom. She took care of business and returned to her seat as the boys skated their way back out.
The second period was a little flat, though the crowd was now buzzing as Mats Zuccarello had tied the score. Going into the third it was anyone's game. All the wives and girlfriends got up and headed out to refuel. Being so close to the team they all felt the pressure the guys did. Someone brushed against Jessica's shoulder and her eyes met the pair of Mrs. Brooks. With Phil nowhere in sight, AJ glared at her and kept walking. She shook off the glare and paid for her beer, clearing her head of all thoughts of Phil to focus on the monumental moment that was soon to take place in the Garden.
There was a minute left and the game was still tied, Derick had the puck and passed to Rick as they rushed the net. As they got closer Rick faked the shot and passed to Derick again as Corey Crawford went down on Rick's side. Derick pulled his stick back and ripped one to the back of the net. The Garden Faithful went nuts as the buzzer sounded to signify a goal. The boys jumped on Derick as it was clear it was over. They played the final minute and the Rangers won the cup for the first time in 21 years. The boys threw off their gear and started hugging as the carpet got rolled out and the cup was presented to Ryan McDonagh.
A security guard came to get the women and their families and Jessica headed down with them. Jessica ran across the ice to Derick who took her in his arms and spun her around as he yelled. When he stopped spinning and just held her there, she saw him again. This time his eyes met hers, his teams disappointment evident in his eyes…or was it because of who was holding her? She pulled her head up and smashed her lips against Derick's, who happily responded. When she pulled away and looked at Phil again, hurt shining through his green orbs as he grabbed AJ's arm pulling her up and out of their row.
He didn't expect to see her there, let alone on the ice with the man who scored the game winning goal, with a large rock on her finger. Jessica smiled to herself and then at her fiancée. For the first time in a long time…she was free from Phil Brooks.