Escape from the Dominik Hasek house of horror
by: Diane
The mansion loomed in front of the reporter. Storm clouds cluttered the sky and lightning and thunder gave an added touch. The reporter turned and went back inside the news van.
“Are you sure this is the address?” she asked, slamming the door.
“Do you know of any other houses with a big, Czechoslovakian flag out front?” the camera man replied.
The reporter looked out the window, rain began to pelt it. “I told you not to make the interview at night, Joe. Look at that place...it’s enormous...like...Dracula’s castle out of those old movies, or something.”
“Oh, will you knock it off, Joy?” Joe said, adjusting the camera. “It’s only Dominik Hasek’s house. We’re only gonna do ONE interview. He’s not a Vampire, or anything.”
“Are you sure?” Joy cut in, biting her bottom lip.
“Well, maybe you’d feel better with some garlic.” Joe said, laughing.
“Cut the jokes, will ya? There’s something about that man... he’s inhuman.”
“Well, we got a job to do.” Joe said, pulling the camera up on his shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’m right behind ya. You point, I shoot.” Joy sighed, giving in. “Ok, how do I look?” she said, fixing her hair, using the camera lens as a mirror.
“Fine......let’s just go, Joy, huh?” he said.
“Yeah, ok.” The two ran out into the rain, past the grid iron fence that surrounded the house and up to the door.
“Now...how do I look?” she asked, her leather jacket covering her head.
“Like a drenched alley cat...push the intercom, will ya?” Joe said, sighing and checking the camera.
Joy gulped and pushed the buzzer. “M...Mr. Hasek?” A drunk, Czechoslovakian voice answered it. “Who is it?”
“Joy Turner. We scheduled an interview for tonight...”
“One minute...” the voice said. And then silence. Joy gasped. A low growl made her turn to the front of the doorsteps. Two Doberman Pinchers stood growling at them.
“J-Joe...” she muttered.
“WHAT?!” he asked, his back to her.
“I think you should turn around.”
“WHY?!” he shouted. “This cheap camera is acting up again.”
“Dogs...” she whispered.
Joe turned around and gasped.
“Nice doggies....” he murmured.
Hasek pulled open the doors just as the dogs were ready to attack. He yelled something at them in Czechoslovakian. They whimpered and walked away, tails between their legs.
Hasek turned to the two. “Ahhh, guests. It’s been so long since we had some new blood around here.” he smiled wickedly. “Come inside.”
“He said blood...” she whispered to Joe.
“Oh, shut up.” he told her. From the threshold, they stepped into an enormous living room. Red velvet rugs were layed over a brass floor. Red stuffed chairs were set up by a burning fireplace. A small red crystal table held a single lit candle. A winding stair case, Ivory in color was set against the back wall. Red carpet covered the center of the stairs, but white poked out the sides. An enormous stuffed brown bear stood in one corner of the room. It stood on its legs, arms outstretched, mouth wide opened. Blood had been painted on it’s teeth. A Czechoslovakian flag hung above the fireplace.
“Make yourselves at home,” Hasek said, turning to them, leading the way over to the lounge area. Joy and Joe followed him. Their footsteps made an odd sound across the floor.
“Excuse me, Mr. Hasek,” Joy said. “But, this is some house. Is this a brass floor?” Hasek chuckled an evil, wicked chuckle. “No... 24 karat solid gold.” Joy gasped and took a seat. Joe stood on the side. “Ok, we’re ready to roll, Joy.”
“Uh, ok.” she turned to the camera. “Hi, I’m Joy Turner, sitting in a luxurious house in the outskirts of Buffalo, New York. The owner of this house is also my very special quest, the one and only, Dominik Hasek. Mr. Hasek, first off, I’d like to say what a pleasure it is to be here.” Dominik smiled wickedly. “No cameras in my house!” he said and grabbed the camera from Joe and threw it to the floor. It smashed into pieces. Joy and Joe looked shocked. “Mr. Hasek, you did agree to an interview...” she said. Dominik got up and stomped around angrily. “I said an interview! No cameras!” Joy gasped. “Okay, okay...no cameras...” Joe ran to the front door and out it.
“Joe....JOE!” she screamed after him.
“Don’t worry...he won’t get very far...” Dominik said, sipping some red liquid from a red crystal glass. Loud barking and screaming were heard from outside. Joy gasped. “Joe?!” she ran to the door, but it was locked. “Let me out of here! He needs help!” Dominik’s eyes flashed red for a moment. “Relax....No one gets out of here.” The barking and screaming stopped abruptly.
“Oh, please God, let him be alright....” Joy whispered. Blood splashed a side window and an arm hit it with a thump. It slid down with a squeak to the ground, smearing the blood.
Joy shuddered. “What’s going on here?!” The lights went out. Pitch blackness filled the room. They came on a moment later. Dominik was no where in sight.
Joy tried the locked door again. “MR.HASEK!” she called. “I REALLY MUST GO!” Wailing voices filled the air. Pleading for help. She gasped for air.
“Who---who’s there?” she gulped. A children’s voice was heard.
A little girl. “Help us!” she cried. “We’ve been here so long!”
Joy turned to the stair case. “Are you up there?” she asked.
Silence.
Joy began climbing the stairs. “Hello?” she asked again. She reached the top of the stair case. A dimly lit hallway stood before her and two endarkened ones branched off to the left and right of her. The walls were painted a blood red and the floor was gold. Just like the downstairs. A Czecholslovokian flag nearly covered the entire wall on the left side of the dimly lit hallway. Joy began to walk down the doorway. With every step she took, she heard her footsteps echo off the floor. He’s going to find me, she thought. He’s a Vampire...or something... She reached the end of the hallway and a door, all white stood in front of her. A smiling sun and a rainbow had been painted on the door. Something had been written on the rainbow. Now, they were covered with dust. Joy took the sleeve of her dress and wiped the dust away. She peered at the writing.
“Dom...Dominica’s Room?” she asked. “The little girl...” Joy gulped and turned the red crystal doorknob. It opened easily. The room was in total blackness. Joy searched a wall for a light switch. Her hand landed on one and she flicked it on. The room had a weird smell, as if it had been closed up for a long time. A light pink canopy bed sat in the middle of the room. An oak desk and chair sat near the window. The carpet was a soft white. Stuffed animals and knick knacks were on shelves on the far side of the room. Something on the bed caught Joy’s eye. She moved to the bed. The sheets from the bed had all been knotted together...like a rope. The sheets trailed off the bed and to the desk. One end was tied around the leg of the desk. On the desk lay a tattered report card. Joy picked the report card up and read it aloud.
“Dominica Hasek... grade 6...Reading...A Science....A Social Studies....A Math...B+...” her voice trailed off. She leaned over the desk and out the window. The rain was coming down hard.
“Dominica?” she whispered. “Dominica, are you here?” Thunder answered her call. She turned back to the report card and to the window again. She nearly screamed out loud. Dominik’s face floated in the rain, smiling in at her.
“I... I see you have found one of my little secrets....” he said, snickering. Joy screamed and ran out of the room. She slammed the bedroom door behind her and ran down the hallway to the right. She passed dozens of red, crystal doorknobs. "There’s got to be another way out of here...” she said aloud. She bearly ran head first into another door. This one, like all the others had a red crystal doorknob. She pushed open the door. The room was dimly lit by candles. The walls were covered in Czechoslovakian flags. The American flag was hung on one wall, with the international “NO” painted on it. With glistening red paint. Or...was it?
“Please, let that be paint...” she whimpered.
“I...think I found his room...” A red oak desk sat against the back wall. Joy stepped up to it. Hanging above it was a picture of Satan and a Czechoslovakian flag. On the desk were bills to Czecholslovakia. “One thousand dollars for
“Czecholslovakian Rabbit Burgers????” she picked up another. “Two hundred and fifty dollars for Czecholslovakian GAS??” she picked up another. “Six thousand dollars and thirty five cents for Imported Czecholslovakian beer?” She tried some of the drawers in the desk. They were all filled with American money. An opened crate filled with beer sat by the desk. Joy walked out of the room. Sad, wailing sounds filled her ears.
“WHERE ARE YOU?” she hollered to them. She covered her ears, not paying attention to where she was going. She lost her balance and fell down the stairs. She woke up in a dark and damp room. A few candles lit the room. She was in some kind of basement. Her hands and feet were chained to a wall.
“You know you’re never going to get out of here,” a child’s voice said.
“Who...who are you?” Joy asked.
“Isn’t it obvious?” she asked. “I’m Dominica.” Joy gasped. “You’re the little girl!” ,p>“Yes...but...it’s been so long since we’ve seen the outside world. Tell us, is “Alf” still on TV?”
“No....” Joy sighed. “That show has been off the air for quite awhile. Who else is down here?” she could see other forms strapped against the wall.
“You’re lucky you can’t see us in the light,” the little girl said. “We’re his “Oddities.””
“What makes you say that?” Dominica stepped into the light, a leg sewn to her forehead. Joy gasped.
“Joy---is that you?” someone said
“Yes...who’s there?”
“I’m Harry Jacobs...”
“Oh my God!” Joy cried. “No wonder you never came back since Nagano!”
“Well, I’ve been here ever since.”
“Me, my Mom and sister are all here. Plus countless others...” Dominica sighed.
“Someone will stop him---some day!” Joy cried.
“Yeah, just wait till he operates on YOU,” Dominica said The intercom buzzed, echoing throughout the house. Dominik answered the buzzer. “Who is it?” he asked.
“Jerry Harold...we scheduled an interview...” the voice said.
Dominik smiled. “Come in,” he growled.
THE END
It's been awhile since I've written another hockey story, but here it is. Before you read this, please be aware that I have no beef against hockey players. I love them. Kudos to them in all they do because they have to keep their body in top physical shape and be extremely skilled. No More Heroes is a tragedy that I had to write for my english class. It is seen through the eyes of a young girl named Samantha Cavalier whose father was a great hockey player. So, without further adue, read the story everyone's been talking about, the story that earned me an A, the story I've written myself. I give you No More Heroes...
Diane Damiani 2/16/01 introduction to literature (ENG 102) Dr. Kaler No More Heroes For as long as I can remember, hockey has been a part of my life. My father, John Cavalier had been one of the greats. He played thirteen years for the NHL Ontario Beasts until a knee injury ended his career at the age of thirty-two. I had always been so proud of my dad and I went to every home game. He had always been so happy when he was playing. But after he retired, it was as if he lost the will to live. His face was almost always solemn and his injury had forced him to walk with a limp. We had an ice pond out back that my father would go sit by every day after he retired. It was always just as the sun was setting. Some days, even though he tried his best to hide it, I saw a tear or two trickle free from his eyes and I knew he was hurting. He always said to me, “Make me proud, Sam. Don’t be like your dad. Make me proud.” It was as if he knew he’d dissapoint me someday… and he did. I was seven when he left mom and me. I remember that day so well. I went to the window to watch him, just as I did everyday and he was gone. No goodbye whatsoever. Was there a time when hockey was played purely for the love of the game and not for the money? I used to think there was... but that was before my father left my mom and I penniless. And to think… I used to believe my father was a hero. I met George when I was waitressing part-time at a diner and going to school in Ontario, a few miles from my home. George is a middle- aged man who’s an agent that complains constantly that he should get out of the business, though he never makes a move to another job. He had dreams of playing professionally, but never made it. He comes to the diner everyday, sits at the same stool at the counter and withers away his problems to his coffee mug and me. He’s a married man with no kids and would rather be at the bar if he could afford his drinking problem. George tells me all the time about how professional players were not that tall and not that big, compared to the monsters we have today. There are so many players that refused to play because their salary isn’t high enough. You think they’d play no matter what they were being paid because of their love of the game. But perhaps that’s just a fairy tale or something you want to be true so badly, you actually start to believe it. And it wasn’t just hockey either, the color of money invades every professional athlete’s mind and it is there to stay. “You want to hear about the glory days, I’ll tell ‘ya,” a young man walked into the diner. “They’re a figment of your imagination.” “Oh, Scott, my boy!! Come have a seat!” George cried. He patted the stool next to him and Scott sat down. “Samantha, this is Scott Reuben. He’s going to be the next John Cavalier.” I stopped dead in my tracks. It had been years since I heard someone outside of my family speak my father’s name. “What?” I asked weakly. “He’ll be the next Cavalier.” “Wow…” I choked out. “Wow?” George repeated. “As big as a nut of a hockey fan you are, all’s you can say is ‘wow’?” I nodded. “Wow.” “Cavalier was the best player of his day,” George continued. “Yes, he was,” I said. “But he left his wife and seven year old daughter not soon after he retired. The guy’s a jerk.” “Where’d ya hear that?” I felt shame to have the famous last name after my dad left, so I had it changed to Matthews, my mother’s maiden name. “Ohhh…” I stuttered. “Around…” “Hmm.” George replied. “Never heard that one, Sam. Anyway,” he slapped Scott on the back. “He is going to be a star. Kid, I’m going to make you millions.” “What team do you have lined up for me?” “I’ve got a great deal in progress with the Beasts, right here in Ontario.” “I’m liking it, I’m liking it.” Scott replied. “Now, you are fresh out of Juniors… so you’ll only get… oh, $85,000.00 a season.” “Nice.” Scott beamed. His watch beeped. “That’s practice.” “Alright, kid. You work hard. We’ll talk later.” George said. “I’m out,” Scott headed to the door and then turned back to face me. “Nice meeting you.” “Same.” He walked out the door. “Nice boy, eh?” “You just behave yourself.” I told him. “Don’t you go fixing us up or anything. And you take care of him, George. I know what kind of cut throat business that is.” He laughed. “Oh, that’s a good one, Sam.” “I’m serious.” “Sweetheart, I’ll do whatever it takes.” A girl came running out from the kitchen. “Sam, close up tonight? I’m scheduled to, but I have a date with Bobby and I really like Bobby and if you do this for me, I’ll be your very best friend!” “Dora, you are my best friend,” I smiled. “Sure… go ahead.” “Thanks a bunch, babe!” she called as she ran out the door. I had known Dora for years. She was my best friend when I was a kid and was the only one who knew about my father besides my mom. We stayed friends throughout the years and now share an apartment. “Sweet cakes, I’m out of here too. The wife’s probably is looking for me.” “Ok, George. Same time tomorrow?” “You know it. Goodnight,” he said and strolled out the door. It was a little after ten when the few remaining customers gathered up their belongings and shuffled out. Just as I had gone out the door and turned the key in the lock, I noticed a shadow behind me. With a gasp, I turned around. Scott. “Hey,” he said weakly. “Sorry if I scared you.” “No. Uh, I was just heading home.” “I--- uh, had you on my mind all day at practice.” I smiled. “What? We barely said two words to each other.” “I know. But I have every curve of your face etched in my mind.” Oh, he was good. He was very good. And to be honest, I couldn’t stop thinking about him either. I blushed. “That’s sweet.” “Are you doing anything now? I know a great little place...” “I’d love to go,” I beamed. “My car or yours?” We drove around the city for hours and talked about everything. I even told him that my father had left when I was little, a secret I never shared with any other guy. But Scott wasn’t just any guy. Somehow, I knew that he was the one. “Dora!!” I called, slamming the apartment door behind me. “Yea?” she popped her head out of the bathroom with a toothbrush in her mouth. “I met somebody today,” I beamed and flopped down on the couch. Dora’s pupils dilated. “HOLD.” She ran into the bathroom, rinsed her mouth out and flung herself onto the couch. “Details.” “His name is Scott and he’s going to play for the Beasts.” “Oh, that cutie with George?” “Yeah.” I nodded happily. “But, sweetie, I thought after your dad that you were steering clear of hockey players.” “I know that’s what I said but Scott seems so different so different that I’m going to make an exception.” “Wow, you two must have really bonded, considering you were out all night, young lady.” “Sorry, mom.” I joked. “I’ll let you slide this time, but next time, you’re grounded.” She laughed. “How’d things go with you and Bobby?” “My night can’t compare to yours, Samantha darling. Poor Bobby is just average.” “Just average?” I cocked a brow. “Well, I can tell he’s not Mr. Right,” she said in a breathy voice. “Compared to Scott,” she batted her eyelashes. I grabbed a couch cushion and threw it at her. “Nut,” I called her. “I’m a Pecan, for your info,” “Right, forgot.” I said and headed off to bed. “”How ya doing, kid?” George asked me as he sat down on his stool the next day. “Wonderful. Yourself?” “Great.” “Do you want the usual, George?” “Surprise me,” he mumbled. He’s said that everyday since the first time he ordered. Yet, he always ate the eggs and bacon along with a cup of black coffee. Scott walked in not two minutes later carrying a rose. “For you,” he said and handed it to me. “But your beauty does not compare.” What a sweetheart, eh? “And what exactly is going on here?” George asked, cocking a brow. I took the rose from him and gave him a quick kiss. “Thank you, it’s beautiful.” “Ahem.” George cleared his throat. “I’m not sure myself,” Scott said. “But after yesterday, I think I love you, Samantha Matthews.” My knees buckled. “Well, say something, Sam!” Dora called from behind me. “This boy is confessing his love for you!” “I--- I don’t know what to say,” I confessed. “This has never happened to me before.” “You don’t have to say anything. Just know in your heart that I love you.” Scott smiled. “I have practice at 12:30. Say you’ll come.” “I get off work soon, I’ll be there.” “Perfect,” Scott smiled. “Until then, I’ll count the minutes.” He turned to George. “I need to see you.” “Well, isn’t he something,” Dora whispered to me. “I’d hang on to him… does he have any brothers?” I laughed. “No. But if he finds his identical twin, I’ll tell him to give you a call.” “Thanks, babe.” Dora sauntered off to wait on more tables. It felt so weird being in that building. It was the Ice Centre. It was the same building where my father used to play. “Is that him?” Dora pointed to a player in a Black and Gold Beasts practice jersey. The number 7 and Reuben were tattooed on the back. “Yup,” I said. “That’s him. Isn’t it ironic that he’s playing for the Beasts?” “ Totally ironic.” She mumbled, then a mischievous gleam flashed in her eyes. “SCOTT!!!!” Dora cried. “Scott, over here!” “Shut up!” I whispered. Scott turned towards the stands and smiled. He skated over. “Hey,” “Are you going to get in trouble or anything?” I asked. “Nah. Coach isn’t even here yet, it’s fine.” He smiled. “I’m glad you came.” “So am I. I had to bring this one along or I was afraid she’d burst.” I pointed to Dora. He laughed. “Wacky fans, eh?” “Oh hush, both of you,” she replied, sticking out her tongue. “Doing anything tonight?” “Well, I was going to fly to Egypt and have my picture taken with a Sphinx, but I guess I can put that on hold.” I kidded. “Good,” he smiled, skating away. “Pick you up at eight, all right?” I nodded happily. Dora shook her head and pointed to Scott. “I have got to get me one of those. But maybe in a blonde, perhaps.” I laughed. “Watch the practice.” I watched him skate away, the same sentence repeating in my mind: he’s the one. Little did I know that he’d propose three days later. What better place for a marriage proposal than at my place of employment, eh? Yes, Scott popped the question when I was at work… “Refill, George?” I asked, the fumes from the steaming pot of coffee I held in my hand making me nauseated. “No thanks, sugar.” He replied from behind a copy of the Wall Street Journal. I returned the pot to its rightful place and started wiping the counter. I didn’t even look up when the Diner’s door chime jingled. I did, however when a small box was placed under my nose. I looked up and into the eyes of Scott. “What’s this?” I asked, a bit startled. Before I could say anything, he got down on a knee and opened the box to reveal the biggest rock that I had ever seen. “Marry me, Samantha.” He begged. “And make me the luckiest guy in the world.” The whole diner stopped and stared. Everyone --- even the food had their eyes on me. I was young and foolish then, so I said what I felt. “Yes.” “Wow, she looks just like him, doesn’t she?” George asked Scott when I was working one day at the diner. It was a few days before the wedding. “Yea, she does.” I saw them starring at a picture, and then glanced back at me a few times. I had just cleared a table and was bringing the dirty dishes into the kitchen when I stopped behind them. “What are you looking at?” Scott held up a picture of my father in his prime. He was dressed in uniform, and was headed up ice with the puck. “You look exactly like him, honey.” I let out a loud gasp and dropped the dishes. “Sam?” George asked. “Are you feeling okay?” Scott demanded. With a shaking hand, I gently took the faded picture from him. I covered my mouth with a shaking hand. “Where did you get this?” I whispered, close to tears. “Was he your favorite player or something?” Scott asked, rubbing my back. “He was my hero.” I said softly. I took a few steps back, and without thinking, ran out the door. I ignored the frantic calls from behind me and drove away as fast as I could. “What was that about?!” Dora cried. “Who knows!!” Scott replied, pulling on his jacket. “I showed her a picture and she freaked out!” “A picture?” Dora cocked her head. “Of what?” “Of John Cavalier.” “Oh God!” Dora gasped. “Sam!!!” she went running out the door after me. “Okay, there’s something in the water!!!” Scott yelled. “What was that about?” “I don’t know, son. But I suggest you get in that car and go find out.” George said. “Way ahead of you.” Scott said and walked out of the diner. It’s ok, it’s ok. I told myself over and over. It’s ok. They don’t know anything. I took my eyes off of the road for a second and glanced down at the picture. It kept reminding me that Scott didn’t know who my father was. Did I want a marriage like that? No, it wasn’t right. I knew exactly where I had to go and what I had to get, I just regretted having to do it. “Hi, mom.” I said as she opened the door. I stood on the doorstep, clutching the picture of my father. “Hi, buttercup!” mom said and stepped aside so I could walk in. “What brings you into this neck of the woods?” I held up the picture. She slammed the door shut. “Oh.” “I have to tell Scott, mom.” “I know you do, honey.” She rubbed my shoulder. “I need my birth certificate and the photo album of when I was little.” “Ok, buttercup, you have a seat and relax and I’ll go get you those things.” She hurried upstairs. I sat down in an arm chair and rested my head back. As soon as I had gotten comfortable, frantic knocking was heard at the door. “Sam?” Dora cried from outside. “Are you in there?” I grunted and opened the door. “Oh, sweetie, are you okay?” she asked. “Yeah,” I replied. “Oh, Dora!!!” mom said, coming from the stairs and carrying the items I had told her to get. “Hi, Miss Matthews.” “Here, buttercup. Your birth certificate and photo album.” She handed them to me. I took them from her. “Thanks, mom.” “You can’t be that surprised, I mean, can you?” Dora asked. “He was going to find out sooner or later.” “Yeah,” I stated. “Well, I’ve been putting it off long enough. It’s time for me to tell him.” “Good luck,” Dora said. “You know where to find me if you need me.” “I live with you.” “My point exactly.” “Okay,” I smiled. “Bye, mom!” “Bye, buttercup.” I rang the buzzer for Scott’s apartment, tightly clutching my birth certificate and the album close to my chest. “Hello?” he asked. “It’s me.” “Sam?” “Yeah.” I said. “Can I come up?” “Sure! Hang on.” He buzzed me in. I stood outside his door for the longest time, just thinking. I would have stayed out there longer if he hadn’t opened the door. “Are you going to come in or are you some kind of hall decoration?” “I’ll come in,” I said hesitantly. I walked in and looked around. It just occurred to me that this was only the second time I had been in his apartment and it was definitely in need of a woman’s touch. Clothes an shoes were strew everywhere, along with various hockey and fitness magazines. “Have a seat,” he said. I took a seat on the couch and he sat on the coffee table across from me. “So… is the wedding off?” he asked. “What?” I said. “Oh, no.” “Good.” He smiled. “About today…” I started. “I apologize for flipping out like that and you deserve an apology… and then truth.” “It was pretty weird. I mean, you ran out of there like your hair was on fire.” He paused. “Was it?” “I wish,” I mumbled. “But no. When you showed me that picture of John Cavalier, it hurt.” “Why?” “Because…” Boy, this was tough. Just spit it out, I told myself. “He was my father.” Scott stared at me a few minutes. “What?” “He was my father.” I handed him my birth certificate and the photo album. “Here, I stopped at my mom’s house and got these.” “Born Samantha Lynn Cavalier. Proud parents: Elizabeth Matthews-Cavalier and Johnathan Eric Cavalier.” He read the birth certificate allowed. “Whoa.” “Yea,” I said. “My father, the great John Cavalier left when I was little!! After that, I couldn’t handle having that last name. I couldn’t handle having anything around that reminded me of… of HIM. That’s why I got my name changed.” “Sam,” he said softly. “I had no idea. I don’t know what to say.” “It’s alright.” I said. “I just wanted you to know. I just didn’t want to go into our marriage with any secrets.” “There won’t be.” He said and opened the album. “Gee, you don’t get much cuter than that.” “I know!” I cried happily. “Hey! And what about now?” “Well, you passed cute.” I joined him on the coffee table. “Oh, just passed cute?” “You’re the prettiest girl in Ontario.” “Just Ontario?” “The world!” “Just the world?” “The whole freaking galaxy, okay?” he laughed. “Aw, how sweet.” I gave him a hug. He pointed to a picture. “Hey, isn’t that you and your dad in Ontario Valley?” “Yup.” I said, peering at the picture. “I cried like a baby when they tore that down.” “The building was falling apart, Scott.” “Yea, but it was a landmark!” he said. “I watched my father win the Cup in Ontario Valley and in the Ice Centre.” I said. “I was sort of happy when the Valley was torn down.” We sat there, looking through all of the pictures. I thought that it had finally brought me closure. Well, at least I hoped it did. Our wedding was small and perfect. Dora was my maid of honor and I had George give me away. My mom had turned into Niagara Falls and couldn’t stop crying. And I guess I should have missed my father not being there to give me away on the most important day of my life, but I didn’t. In my mind, it felt so wrong, but my heart was strong and stubborn and wouldn’t give into the realization that my father wasn’t there. Wherever he was, I just hoped he was so freaking’ happy. I think I was more excited to go to Disney Land for our Honeymoon then have my own wedding. I mean, in all of my twenty years of existence, I had never met Mickey. Dora was insanely jealous, but quickly got over it when I promised I’d buy her those big mouse ears. And so, we were wished a long, happy good life as Mr. and Mrs. Reuben. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. “I can’t believe you’re moving out,” Dora said sadly as she slumped on the couch in our apartment. I came to get the remainder of my things. “Well, I did get married.” “But, you’re my partner in crime, Sam!” “Dora, we can still do fun things together!!! I mean, what am I going to do all alone when Scott is on the road?” “You mean I could sleepover?” she asked excitedly. “Of course!” I said, throwing some shoes into a box. “And who is going to come with me to Scott’s games?” “Me!” “That’s right, see? We’ll still do everything we always did, I just won’t be living here.” “I’m going to miss you!” Dora said, tears forming in her eyes. “Oh, I’m going to miss you, too!” I said, giving her a hug. “But our new house is only twenty minutes from here. I’ll still see you all the time and at work.” “Yup!” she smiled happily. I picked up the box and looked around. “I guess that’s it. I’m going to miss this place.” Dora gave me a hug. “It’ll be alright, Sam. I promise.” Dora had muttered the same phrase when my father left all of those years ago. And you know what? It was all right. I mean, I was moving onto bigger and better things. “Bye, Dora.” I said through tears. “Bye.” She waved sadly. That was the last image I saw as I shut the door. I stood in the hallway a few minutes, just staring at the door. Good old apartment 165. I took a deep breath and then went to my new home. Things went fine for awhile. But then, Scott started to change.He had become the superstar that everyone knew he could be. But he started to let his money rule our lives. And I knew our marriage was headed for disaster. “No deal, George, NO DEAL!” Scott cried. He and George sat in the diner, talking. “I’m sorry, Scott, but the Beasts don’t have that kind of money to offer you.” George sighed. “Then I’ll sit! They’ll find the money then!!” “No one is doubting your talent. But $9.5 million a season is crazy!” “You’re my agent! You’re supposed to make these things happen!” “I have a great offer lined up! $3 million is a very generous offer!!!” “Oh, it’s a generous offer. Even though I’m the best player on the team!” George got up. “Kid, you keep acting this way and you’ll find yourself a new agent.” “Sounds good!
