Twenty-Two.

I was going home for the fourth of July and I was really excited. I would be spending about four days there total. I would get to see my cousins and Rose, and Travis and KellyAnn, as well as Marlana and her boyfriend, Martin. It would be fun and it was nice to get away from the city. Liam has been my rock lately. I know, I tell people that and they aren’t surprised. I told Mollie, an RN on the oncology unit at the Children’s hospital, and she was just like what did you expect? I guess she was right. Liam was my rock always. He was always my rock. He wasn’t coming home this weekend with me. He wanted to stay in the city for the fourth, I guess I couldn’t really blame him.

“Tell me about Sidney.” Marlana said while we were all sitting in the living room of my parent’s house.

“Nothing to tell.” I simply said.

“Oh come off it. You are dating Sidney Crosby and there is nothing to tell!” KellyAnn said.

“KellyAnn!” I said mortified.

“I’m just saying there must be something to say.”

“There is nothing to say. He is in Canada and he is a nice guy.” I said.

“Who is Sidney Crosby?” My mom asked.

“He is the youngest captain in NHL history and could arguably be the best player in the league.” Travis said. My mom just looked at him confused.

“He is a really good hockey player. I have even heart about him.” My dad said.

“And you are dating him?” My mom asked.

“I guess. Its nothing really.”

“Its something.” KellyAnn said.

“I don’t understand why you are acting like you know whats going on when you don’t live in Pittsburgh and you met Sidney for like ten minutes!” I said.

“I saw the way he looked at you after the game. I also see the way you talk about him and lets be honest if a boy got you over Liam, than it must be a big deal.” KellyAnn said.

“How is Liam?” My mother asked. My mom always loved Liam. It is kind of hard not to love Liam, but its also really hard not to love Sidney. I mean I don’t love Sidney, but I know that I could.

“Liam is good, mom. He is just Liam. You know work hard, party hard.” I said.

“What does he think about Sidney?” Marlana asked.

“He likes him a lot.” I said.

“Really?” Marlana asked.

“Yeah. He didn’t at first, but he does now a lot. Liam is very good friends with some of the other hockey players, so it works out.” I said.

“That’s nice.” My mom said.

“Yeah, Liam is really good. He has a job for the summer.”

“Doing what?” My mom asked.

“Construction.”

“So do you see him a lot?” Mom asked.

“Yeah. He stays at the apartment atleast five nights a week right now. I don’t really like staying there by myself.” I said.

“I’m glad you have him.” My dad said.

“Me too.” I said.

I was kind of relieved that the Sidney thing was out in the open. However, it would come back to bite me the next day. I was sitting on the back porch and my mom and dad came out to talk to me. I knew it was important because never do my parents both come out and sit down. Its not uncommon for one to come out and the other to follow, but both came out with a determined look on their face.

“We want to talk to you about something.” My mom said. I just looked at her a little confused.

“Its about this Sidney boy.” She continued.

“What about him?” I asked.

“We just don’t think it’s a good idea for you two to be together.” My mom said.

“What? We are dating and we are friends. He is a good guy, you don’t even know him.” I said getting a little defensive.

“We don’t need to know him. He is a 21 year old boy who has more money than he knows what to do with.”

“You don’t want me to see him because he has money?” I asked disgusted.

“No, but boys in that kind of lifestyle.. I just don’t think it’s a good fit.” My mother said.

“You don’t even know him, mom. He is a great guy!” I said.

“But he is a professional athlete. He travels.. you two have nothing in common.”My dad said.

“You don’t know anything about him, so you don’t know what we have in common. He travels and yes, he is a professional athlete, but that doesn’t mean that he isn’t one of the best guys I have ever met.” I said.

“Better than Liam?”Mom asked.

“That’s not fair, Mom. Liam and Sidney are very different people. Both are great people, but Liam is my best friend. I love Liam, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t love Sidney too.”

“But you don’t yet.” My dad said.

“Because I have only known him for a few months. I just want to be able to date him.”

“We don’t want to tell you who to date.” My dad said.

“Then why are you? Why can’t you just be happy that I have found someone that makes me happy.” I said.

“I am happy that you found someone. But just think about this..”

“Think about what?”

“Does he even know about your illness?” My mom asked.

“My illness? Last time I checked I don’t have anything wrong with me!” I said getting even more upset.

“Does he know about your previous illness?” My dad asked.

“Yes, I told him everything. He knows.” I said.

“How did he take it?” My mom asked.

“He is a great guy! He was there for me. He wants to be there for me.”

“I’m not saying he doesn’t want to be there for you, but heaven forbid something bad happens, he won’t be able to be there for you.” My mom said.

“He will be.”

“He can’t be. I’m not saying he is a bad guy, he could be a great guy. He is a fabulous hockey player and I’m not doubting that he makes you happy.” My dad said.

“Then wants your point?” I asked.

“No matter how much he wants to be there for you if you have a relapse, he works a job that he can’t be there. He travels, hockey is his life, his profession, his love. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, but in your situation he can’t be there for you.”

“My situation? I’m not dying. I don’t have cancer anymore. I am perfectly fine. Its my job to take care of myself and its my job to pick who I want in my life.” I said.

“I don’t understand why you would want to be with someone that can’t be there for you like you need.”

“He wants to be there. He will be there if it came to that. Plus, I have Liam.” I said.

“Liam isn’t your boyfriend.” My mother said.

“You are right. He is not. He is my best friend and I want him there. I also want Sidney there and I don’t think its fair for you both to be judging him when you don’t know anything about our relationship.” I said.

“You are right. But, I don’t think you should be involved with him.”

“Why, Mom?”

“Because of his lifestyle. He is a famous athlete. He can get whatever he wants, whenever he wants.” She said.

“And he wants me.” I said.

“That’s what scares me. You are going to get attached and when you need him most he won’t be there.” She said.

“I’m dating Sidney and there isn’t anything you can do about it. I don’t live here anymore, remember?” I said. I was determined to win this battle.

“You may not live here anymore, but last time I checked you still lived under our roof. We pay for that apartment.” Mom said.

“So you are forbidding me from dating Sidney?” I asked.

“I just think right now if your life, you don’t need someone like him.” My dad said. I just got up and went into my bedroom. After about an hour, I decided I needed to see Rose. I needed her advice. She had been dating the same boy for 4 years. He was still in high school, which was hard for her being away, but it all worked out. She was the girl I went too when I needed advice. She was my girl best friend. She would know what to do.

“Aren’t you going to get that?” Rose asked me. I looked down at my phone. It was Sidney. I just silenced the call.

“That’s kind of the reason I needed you.” I said.