19- Enemies, 20- Lovers

19. ENEMIES

"Sorry man, left my key on the counter," Derek Roy, Ryan's roommate said hastily, "Busy busy."

Ryan looked at him blankly. What day was it?

Derek walked past Ryan as quickly as possible, "Alright, I think I have everything. Just need my hockey bag and I'm good."

Ryan frowned, "Dude, you going on vacation?"

"No stupid, I'm moving out, remember?" Derek replied, hustling up the stairs.

Ryan's face fell. The last time he spoke with Derek about him moving in with Chelsea, it'd been more of an idea. Now it was a definite. Ryan loved Derek like a brother, and it hurt to see him leave so suddenly. Then again, everyone was always leaving him. Including his best friend Daniel Briere, who stopped by to drop a bomb and skip out.

Derek came bounding down the stairs with his bag, "Ok, I'm all set. Chels should be here soon."

Ryan crossed his arms, "This is really happening, isn't it?"

Derek looked at him, "What do you mean? The fact that I'm moving in with my fiancee, finally?" He breathed out a smile, "Yeah, it is really happening."

Ryan nodded, "I'm happy for you, man. I really am."

"But you're sad to see me leave ya," Derek patted his friend's shoulder, "Bachelor days are over for us, I'm afraid."

"Nah, just for you."

Derek bit his lip, "Actually, there's something I've been meaning to tell you."

Ryan felt his heart sink. Could his day get any worse?

"Dan Bylsma called Lindy the other day," Derek explained, "And since I'm your roomie and one of your best friends, he talked to me about Anna." Ryan went to speak, but Derek stopped him, "It's none of my business, but this needs to be worked out. Everything is already done, Ryan. Anna will be here into two hours."

Ryan's mouth dropped open, "Here? You mean she's moving in with ME?"

"You are the baby daddy," Derek said with a smirk, "And you live close to the arena."

"This is not fair! Anna hates me!" Ryan exclaimed.

Derek hung his hockey bag over his shoulder, "Nothing's fair, Ry, and in life we have to work at it. And Anna doesn't HATE you..." He chuckled, "In fact, she must have some kind of feeling for you. I mean, she wears the evidence."

Ryan sighed as Derek walked out the front door, "See you at practice."

Derek walked down the paved driveway and to his red convertable, tossing his hockey bag in the passenger's seat. Two hours later, right on schedule,the Pittsburgh moving van pulled up on the side of the street, followed by Anna's vehicle.

Ryan was playing with Derek's old keys absently, trying to think of a way to deal with this mess, when there was a stern knock on his front door. He rose reluctantly and took a quiet stride to the door. At long last, he gained the courage to open it.

The girl standing on his doorstep looked exhausted. Her hair was in a messy ponytail and she was wearing a worn, old guy's shirt. Smeared black eyeliner and a dab of mascara was her only make up. Clutching a cardboard box with a handful of books, she shivered in the November air.

Anna stared at Ryan. Ryan stared back. Anna scoffed and shoved the box into his hands.

"Well, don't just stand there. My shit won't unload itself."


20. LOVERS

Carey Price walked into the small Tiffany's store at the Centre de Eaton with his hands in his pockets nervously. He had hoped they still had it on hold. It had been awhile since he last visited the store, being busy with hockey and all.

"Allo, Mr. Price," the owner, Monsieur Desrosiers, chimed with a heavy French accent, "You are 'ere to see your ring?"

Carey bushed slightly, "Yes, please."

Mr. Desrosiers smiled, turning to the glass case beneath the deep chestnut wood desk, "You really must 'ave a special lady. This ring is exquisite."

"I know," Carey smiled, "I hope she says yes."

"Hmm, let us see here," Mr. Desrosiers set the small velvet box on the glass surface, placing his glasses further down his nose, "The round brilliant three stone. Set with three Tiffany diamonds, painstakingly set to match perfectly. C'est magnifique." He breathed slowly, mesmerized by the diamonds, "Yes. She would be crazy to say no."

"Then I'll take it." Carey said proudly.

"Are you sure this is the one, though? You do not wish to see the others?"

"Yes, I'm sure," Carey said, "She is the one I want."

Mr. Desrosiers smiled, "So, it shall be when you play the Sabres?"

"You better tune in, Monsieur," Carey said with a wink, "It'll be a night to remember."