Playing for Keeps, Not Cheats.

[haileyjordan]

I felt my eyes grow watery, "I still can't be with you right now," I whispered
as tears slipped down my cheeks. I didn't want to cry, not in front of Sam. I
felt embarrassed. As much as I wanted Sam I still needed to screw my head
on straight and think before I made any rash decisions.

[lauren.]

I cupped her face in my hands as I looked down at her, wiping her tears away with my thumbs,"What's wrong? Why are you crying?"I asked softly. Did I do something wrong? Was there someone else?

[haileyjordan]

I swallowed as I let out a shaky sigh, "I'm just so overwhelmed," I
whispered. "I just want everything to work out, and I want to be with
you, but I can't. I don't want this to hurt Taylor," I said, looking contently
at him. I felt sick to my stomach.

[lauren.]

I was confused for a moment before I stepped back from her,"I would never even think of hurting Taylor. And why you say we can't be together is because you think I can't change and I'll screw up like last time right?"I asked kind of angry but I understood. I screwed up big time with leaving her the first time. I clenched my jaw tightly as I looked at her. I ran a hand through my hair as I swallowed hard,"I'll see you tomorrow at Taylor's dance recital,"I said stiffly as I left her in the kitchen, grabbing my jacket and heading out the door.

[haileyjordan]

I watched him leave out the door as I bit my lip. I went into my
room and crawled onto my bed as I began actually crying. I wasn't
ready for this; I never thought I had to. I heard my door creak open
slightly. "Mommy?" Taylor asked. Crap. "Why are you crying?" She
came over and crawled on my bed. "Mommy had a rough day," I said
quietly as I pulled her into my arms.

[lauren.]

I pulled away from Hannah's house, driving back to my place. You can't just kiss a fucking guy and tell him you can't be together. It just doesn't work that way. I would show her that I can change and be a great father, even a husband if she would let me. I hit the sterling wheel with the palm of my hand to let some stem out.

[haileyjordan]

"Please don't cry, it'll be okay," She told me. I couldn't help but
smile slightly. "Thank you baby," I said as I held her close. "Can I
sleep with you tonight?" I nodded, "Of course you can." I felt defeated.
I was so scared to see him tomorrow. I got changed and slid under my
covers, my heart pounding.

[lauren.]

I got home and changed out of my clothes just leaving my boxers on. I would show her, even if it hurt my hockey career. It would be hard and I might loose my job, but my child and possibly my future wife is at loss here.

[haileyjordan]

(Skip to the recital!)
I had to get to the recital early, to make sure Taylor was
okay and everything was ready. "You're going to do great
sweetie, you're such an amazing dancer, don't you ever forget
that," I told her with a smile. "Thanks mommy," she said as
she gave me a hug. "I'll be out there watching," I said as I
left backstage. I had a huge knot in my stomach, because I
knew I had to see Sam after the...incident last night.

[lauren.]

I arrived at the recital a little bit before it started. I was dressed nicely for this as I held a bouquet of flowers for Taylor in my hand. I noticed that people were staring at me wondering what I was doing here. Of course, the public didn't know I had a daughter. I stepped inside searching the place for Hannah. I was cooled off from last night but all I can do is show and prove. If she still didn't want to be with me then I'd still have Taylor.

[haileyjordan]

I glanced around as my eyes fell on Sam. My heart skipped a beat
and I wasn't sure if it was good or bad. "Here we go," I told myself
before I made my way over to Sam. "I'm glad you made it," I told him
with a small smile.

[lauren.]

I watched as Hannah approached me. The way she walked towards me made my stomach flip. I gave her a small smile back,"I wouldn't miss it,"I said.

[haileyjordan]

"Ours seats are over here," I said as I led him to them.
"She's really excited you're here, it's all she's been talking
about," I said as I let out a sharp laugh. I was hoping that
last night could be forgotten about.

[lauren.]

I chuckled softly as we took a seat,"Well I'm excited to see her dance. I'm sure she's great,"I said eyeing Hannah from the corner of my eye. I could tell she was waiting for me to bring up last night.

[haileyjordan]

I smiled, much softer than before. "She really is, I'm extremely proud
of her," I said, looking over at him. "She'll make you proud too."
I crossed my legs and looked down at them, then back up at the stage.
I felt a little more relaxed than earlier, but that little gut feeling remained.