17
Not surprisingly, my decision to focus on sports reporting brings with it new professional challenges. My supervisor at the New York Post has accepted my proposal, but I still have to prove myself. Interns don”t have the freedom to choose what they want to do, and I had to explain my plans and motivations in great detail to change his mind. Now it”s up to me to prove to him that he was right to put his trust in me.
The first few weeks were not easy. I’ve been greeted with skeptical looks and mistrust within the sports editorial team. But I don”t let that discourage me, and I work hard to make a place for myself. With time, some people begin to recognize my skills and I gradually earn their respect.
Meanwhile, I continue to support Liam in his hockey career. He continues to train and I”m proud of his commitment.
Our relationship is evolving and we”re managing to keep a strong bond, even if the time we spend together is limited. Facetime, a little coffee date, love letters under doors - we”re on the right track.
I”m typing frantically on my laptop when my supervisor, Mr. Roberts, approaches me at a brisk pace.
“Emily, I need you today at Madison Square Garden. The reporter who was supposed to follow the game is sick and you”ll have to replace him,” he says hastily.
My pulse quickens instantly.
“The New York Rangers game? You want me to cover that?” I ask, incredulous.
He nods.
“You know a lot about ice hockey, and we don”t have any other replacements on hand who we could train. Hurry up, the game starts in two hours!”
Adrenalin rushes through my veins and I nod eagerly.
“I”ll get started right away!”
It”s a huge opportunity for me.
Hands trembling, I pack up my press card, laptop and recorder. I”ll do my best to provide a good report!
I”m happy to rush off, ready to take on my first assignment as a sports journalist for such an important game.
My belly quivers with excitement.
The Rangers are the team Liam would dream of joining and, thanks to the work of Mr. Turner, the agent who works with him and Chase, the NHL seems within reach for them.
I can”t believe it! Not only am I accompanying Liam on his journey, but I”m also taking big steps towards my dream career.
The tension in the air is palpable as I enter the huge arena. Excited fans, dressed in Rangers jerseys and scarves, sing in unison in support of the team.
When I take my place, I”m very nervous. It”s the first time I”ve sat in an official press box, surrounded by other journalists. The atmosphere is absolutely indescribable. I can”t believe I”m here with all these famous sports journalists. I sneak a selfie and send it to the girls and Liam. This moment has to be immortalized!
The arena is abuzz as the two teams take to the ice. The line-up is announced and the first whistle blows.
The game begins.
The Rangers enter the match strongly and immediately exert pressure on their opponents” goal. It”s a very tight game and their opponents are not easily intimidated.
Midway through the first period, the Rangers’ defender manages to retrieve the puck and make a precise pass to his attacking partner, who score the game”s first goal. The arena literally explodes with joy.
The game goes back and forth, with chances on both sides, and the tension mounts as we enter the final minutes, and the Rangers lead by a narrow margin. Finally, when the final siren sounds, the Rangers have won!
I jump out of my seat and exult loudly. The other journalists look at me quizzically. As a journalist, I”m supposed to be impartial...
I can hardly contain my enthusiasm as I take my notes for the report. This game had everything an ice hockey fan could want: suspense, drama and passion. It”s a whole new level of hockey compared to university games, let”s face it!
I hope I”ll be able to convey everything I feel and deliver an exciting article.
Emily, let’s get to work!
***
Heart pounding, I move back and forth in my seat. The big day has finally arrived!
Today is the annual NHL draft, and we are in Nashville for the occasion. Bridgestone Arena is impressive in its size and packed with an incredible crowd. Several TV crews are also on hand to broadcast the event on the sports channels, and I”m craning my neck to catch a glimpse of a few journalists I really like.
Liam fidgets nervously beside me. He”s wearing a blue suit, a white shirt and a matching blue tie that sets off his bright eyes.
I place my hand gently on his and smile.
“It”s going to be all right, my love.”
He smiles gratefully, but his tension doesn”t disappear.
I let my gaze wander around the room. Many NHL prospects fill this section of the arena, most accompanied by their families.
I sigh inwardly. Liam”s family unfortunately couldn”t make the trip to support him. But Chase and I are at his side.
The latter seems no less feverish than his best friend. The two regularly give each other feverish glances.
At this point, the evening”s host gets on the stage, and the conversation stops.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the sixty-first draft in NHL history! I”m glad you”re all here to share in the excitement of our young talent and our teams. The draft is something very special. It”s the beginning of a future that can change lives.”
Significantly, he lets his gaze sweep over the arena and a shiver runs through my body. So many people have worked hard for this big day!
“I invite the Chicago Blackhawks to take the microphone!” he announces.
A muscular man in a black suit enters the stage and clears his throat. He makes a brief speech, thanks the team and sponsors, then looks out at the crowd for a few seconds. A mischievous smile appears on his face.
“I”m sure you”d all like to know our team”s choice for this first round. I”m sorry to keep you waiting, but it”s always a pleasure to do so.”
The room erupts in collective laughter.
“The Chicago Blackhawks elect Chase Carter this year!”
Chase jumps to his feet, mouth open. He runs his hands through his hair.
“Dude! Congratulations!” exclaims Liam, tapping him on the shoulder.
They give each other a quick hug and Chase makes his way to the stage. After a few emotional words of thanks, he puts on his shirt and looks in our direction.
“Liam, my brother, without you, I wouldn”t be here. Thank you for everything!”
Liam”s eyes shine with restrained emotion and he applauds his best friend loudly.
I”m also very happy for him. The Chicago Blackhawks were high on his list. He was selected first and has now passed the stress test!
Liam smiles as he sits back down, but his excitement is palpable. I stroke his hand gently.
Round after round, players are drafted one after the other by the teams. Already, the first exchanges are taking place, and the number of places is dwindling. The tension mounts a little more each time, and Liam”s name has yet to be called.
My heart skips a beat when the New York Rangers’ goalkeeper steps up to the microphone. Excited, I rub my hands together and cast a sidelong glance at Liam. He looks petrified.
The broad-shouldered man”s voice echoes through the loudspeakers.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I”ll be brief for this penultimate round, as I know some of you are anxiously awaiting our pick. The New York Rangers would like to draft... Adam Peterson.”
The room is going wild, but something inside me is crumbling. Liam still hasn”t moved, but I can clearly feel his disappointment in my heart. The choices are starting to narrow, and there aren”t many seats left...
“Since we traded one of our draft picks in the previous round, we still have a choice for this one. One we”d love to have on our team,” says the goalie”s husky voice. Liam squeezes my hand so hard it feels like it”s going to break.
“Liam Scott, how would you like to join the Rangers?”
Liam”s gaze turns to me. Tears of joy glisten in his eyes.
“Oh... My love... I did it. I really did it!”
Excited, I take his hand and look deeply into his eyes.
We stand up together and I pull him against me.
At that moment, it”s as if time no longer exists. Surrounded by applause, we are in each other”s arms. We”ve both hoped so hard for this outcome, and yet I can”t believe it. Liam is going to play for the New York Rangers and start a whole new chapter in his life. I couldn”t be prouder of him.
He takes the stage, beaming, A Rangers jersey in hand.
“Wow... I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I would like to thank a very special person. Emily, I love you! And Chase, I”m already looking forward to our first game!”
He smiles to thunderous applause.
Pride and love flood my heart. This is the beginning of something very big for us and I couldn”t be happier.