tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35022682081684512592024-02-08T10:43:03.693-08:00All or NothingLetterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3502268208168451259.post-78964817505417284212011-04-15T19:25:00.000-07:002011-04-15T19:25:05.413-07:00One shots?<i>So maybe I can't let them go. This was kind fo written as a challenge but I couldn't not use them. So here we go with adults being adult!<br />
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<br />
“Come with me.” He said taking her hand dragging her through the club and the back stage area. <br />
<br />
“Excuse me what is going on?” she asked resisting being pulled along by the strong man who was leading the way. <br />
<br />
“Come with me if you want to live.” He said backing her out onto the street pushing her into a cab that was waiting.<br />
<br />
“Excuse me who are you and where are you taking me? If you don’t tell me I will pepper spray you and my friend as a taser and I’ll hunt you down later and tase your ass.” She said digging in her pocket for the mini car holding it up to him. <br />
<br />
“No don’t, I am Special Agent Letang. I’m here to protect you. It’s been 11 years but I know you aren’t Annie Martin. You’re really Sarah Pearson… but you go by Jessie.” He explained slowly peeking out from behind his hands and the mop of hair that had fallen in in his face. <br />
<br />
As the cab raced through the streets of Pittsburgh they both slowly lowered their guard. The pepper spray being slipped back into her pocket and his hands falling to his lap. They rode in silence to the ‘safe house’. <br />
<br />
“So I guess this is all starting back up again then?” she asked as they headed into the lobby Special Agent Letang giving the security guard a nod as they passed by his hand on her lower back escorting her the whole way into the cart before punching the button to the 11th floor. <br />
<br />
“Yes Miss. Primo Buitoni is out of prison on good behavior and the intel we have says he’s coming for you. We’ve been monitoring the situation for a while now and tonight he got a little to close for comfort so my team organized this rescue mission.” He explained as the elevator came to a halt violently. <br />
<br />
She tumbled to the floor thanks to the heels that were designed for sexiness not stability. “That can’t be good.” She said with a sigh. Jessie had been through this several times now. Buitoni or one of his fellow goons would make a run at her. After all it was her testimony that put the big boss behind bars. <br />
<br />
“Are you ok?” he asked helping her back to her feet though she discarded the shoes.<br />
<br />
“Yeah fine.” She said brushing off her little black strapless dress. <br />
<br />
“Is it hot in here?” he asked stripping out of his suit jacket and loosening his tie. <br />
<br />
She nodded. “Yeah it’s warm.” She couldn’t help but lick her lips watching his meticulously toned body move under his dress shirt. “Nice piece.” She added nodding to his gun. <br />
<br />
He shrugged. “Really it just gets in the way.” He said stripping out of the shoulder holster as well. <br />
<br />
Slowly bridging the distance between them her hands went to work on the tiny buttons of his shirt freeing each one as he watched her hands move down his chest just her knuckles brushing over her skin every now and then. She untucked his shirt slipping it off his shoulders to join the rest on the floor She kissed down his body from as high as she could. He wasn’t the tallest but without her shoes she looked child size next to him. Her lips started at his collar bone as she stood on her toes kissing first across then down her fingers leading the way, blazing a trail down over his body. She paused mid-way down his chest paying special attention to his nipples. She gave each special attention swirling her tongue around them breathing cool air on them hearing him moan a little she smiled. “You like that yeah?” she asked continuing to let her hands wonder down followed by her lips. She stopped at his perfectly creased trousers massaging him through the fabric. As she kissed down past his navel leaving a soft butterfly of a kiss on each of his abdominal muscles. <br />
<br />
“Ah, Sarah are you sure about this? I’m supposed to be taking care of you.” He said though a smile played at the corners of her mouth. <br />
<br />
She shrugged standing back up working his belt then fly open. “If the bad guys are going to get me I want them to find me moaning and having by brains screwed out rather than begging for my life. Think you can manage that?” she asked taking a hold of his hard length slowly bring her hand up and then back down his length. <br />
All he could do was groan his response and nod. Sarah continued to work his length her hand in his pants. Once he was able to focus again he brought his lips to her neck kissing as his hands found their way into her shoulder length blond hair. <br />
<br />
“Look at me…” he commanded holding her hair in his fist pulling her head back just hard enough for her to feel it. She felt him tug and her head followed the physical command her eyes meeting his. She halted the stroking of his cock waiting for him to speak again. There were no words as his lips met hers. <br />
<br />
The fantasy was broken and there they were in the elevator the couple that had been together going on four years married for nearly three of them. Just floors above awaited a hotel room and a quality night’s sleep away from their three daughters who were conveniently staying the weekend with Grandpa. This was their thing, a little adventure every now and then. <br />
<br />
The elevator started to move again and they were shaken apart in a shock. Sarah collected their things on the floor and Kris did his best to right his pants for the quick jaunt down to their room. They laughed like teens as they struggled with the key card to open the door. It didn’t matter once the door was closer again Kris had Sarah’s dress worked to her hips his fingers in her panties as their lips battled to never part while their lungs struggled to get more air. <br />
<br />
Sarah shifted allowing him more access with his fingers. a yelp of pleasure followed by a chuckle as he found her clit. Sarah struggled with the rest of her dress pulling it over her head as he took his turn kissing down her body paying the same attention she had. <br />
<br />
“You need to get your pants off now.” She said as calm as she could in the state she was in. <br />
<br />
Kris didn’t protest as he went to work kicking his shoes off followed by his socks hopping as he pulled them off. She went to the big bed in the center of the suite sitting at the edge turning the soft light of the desk map on. He was to beautiful and she loved him far too much to just fuck in the dark like strangers. Waiting for him she decided to stand taking her panties off. <br />
<br />
“No. They’re mine.” He said stripping out of the remainder of his clothes. It was three strides for him to join her on the bed positioning himself over her pushing her panties down to her knees. “I love doing that.” He said as she kicked them aside just in time for him to enter her. <br />
<br />
Sarah barely heard him speak her pleasure centers took over her brain. She was quite sure there was no better feeling then the pressure of his hips on hers, his lips occasionally dropping kisses on her throat as he started at an agonizingly slow but fantastically deep rhythm for them. She let her hands wonder over his body the slightest shift of his weight changing how his pelvic bone pushed against hers electing a whimper of a moan from her lips. <br />
<br />
It was easy to tell he was getting close between the teasing in the elevator and against the wall with the excitement of their game she was getting there as well. Just as he always did he was able to read her like a book. He shifted supporting his weight on one strong muscled arm the other shifting between them to toy with her clit as his thrusts picked up in speed and force. He was good at a lot of things but patience when it came to orgasm wasn’t one of them. Once he neared the edge there was no going back for him. As always he would make sure they climaxed nearly together. He dropped his forehead to his dark hair forming a privacy curtain around their faces as she did her best to keep the volume of her increasingly high pitched moans under control. It didn’t matter though the deep growl of her husband on top of her as she felt the familiar jerk inside of her as he came. It was only about fifty seconds later as her own orgasm came falling into oblivion his lips covering hers to muffle her just a big. <br />
<br />
She felt his weight relax down onto her and she sighed. This was what love was to her his weigh the feeling of his breath on her ear in the twilight of orgasm as he whispered I love you’s before shifting to the side. He had no shame when it came to being naked. A hotel and a weekend without the kids gave him plenty of time to indulge just lying there nude and sweaty playing with her hair. <br />
<br />
“You do know Buitoni is the name of the company that makes those frozen squash ravioli you like right?” Sarah joked as she lightly let her fingers move over his chest. <br />
<br />
“Oh, I figured it had to come from somewhere.” He said with a goofy smile. She was sure his smiles were a special kind of magic, one not everyone got to experience. He saved them up for the people he cared the most about. <br />
<br />
She chuckled. “The airsoft gun was a nice touch as well. What really got me was the elevator. How did you manage to pull that one off?”<br />
<br />
He shook his head. “I had nothing to do with the elevator. I actually should go have a chat with security. Make sure there won’t be anything on the internet.” <br />
<br />
She smacked him lightly.“Idiot. You better get it. Then again you’re a pro at that.” She shifted to the edge of the bed picking up the room service menu bringing it to him. This wasn’t the first or last time they would have one of these little adventures and not the first security video they would need to acquire. “For now though it was dinner. A rest, some food and a soak in the tub and they would be more than ready for a new adventure though it would more than likely be one where they would get to be themselves. <br />
<br />
“Pasta or burgers?” he asked a mischievous grin. <br />
<br />
“Pasta for sure.” She said kissing his shoulder. “You never know when the Buitoni crime family could come after me again.”Letterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3502268208168451259.post-60256321083641819982011-02-14T11:17:00.000-08:002011-02-14T11:17:31.197-08:00Epilogue...<i>That's all she wrote. I hope you've all enjoyed the journey as much as I have! Thank you so much for reading and commenting and being a part of this. If you didn't know Max & Mal have their own spin of (linked in the side bar). Thank you so much again! - Kelly</i><br />
<br />
<br />
"Come on everyone we're getting started!" Sarah shouted up the stairs calling everyone from their respective bedrooms. <br />
<br />
The 14 year old Ruby was the first one down the stairs her hair pulled up high on her head in a messy bun a pile of school books in her arm and a fleece throw around her shoulders. Next down the step was the 8 year old Liam Lucas looking just like his father his slightly disheveled longer than average dark brown hair obscuring his face. Following along with him the gray tabby cat that never seemed to far away from the first traditionally born of the Letang clan. <br />
<br />
"Lets go guys!" Sarah called again resting one hand on her hip. "Auntie Mal and Uncle Max sent you gifts and I've been instructed not to give them to you until you're all together." <br />
<br />
"Oh my God Mom I'm coming. I was talking to Andy. I think it's really unfair you're making me stay home to do this stupid tradition when all I really want to do is go out with my boyfriend." Ramona said stomping down the stairs her sweat pants that bore her last name on her butt and the school logo down the leg pushed to her knees to show off the heart covered socks that matched the pink ribbons she had in her hair. "I mean if I can't go out with Andy you could at least release me to practice my lines. I mean the play in next week." the 17 year old said as she plopped down on the sofa next to her younger sister stealing half of the blanket though Ruby didn't seem to care as she went to town taking notes on the chapter going over the onset of WWI from her history book. <br />
<br />
"Mommy I'm here." the youngest Letang JJ declaired standing at the top of the steps.<br />
<br />
"Don't you dare slide down that banister." Sarah said immediately using her Mother mind reading skills on her adventurous four year old Jerimiah Jason Letang. "You're Dad will be so mad if we have to go to the ER again." Sarah said watching him clunk his cast that was on his left arm off the wall as he headed down the stairs a bit saddened to actually be walking. <br />
<br />
Kris swept in from the office bringing the red shiny wrapped shirt boxes from Max and Mal passing them out to each of the children. "Where is Becca?" he asked looking to Sarah. <br />
<br />
"I'm here, sorry I'm late." a voice called from the foyer as the sound of stomping snow off boats. "Snow you know." she said finally joining the whole family picking up her youngest brother and putting him on her lap. Rebecca the 18 year old freshman at Pitt University had made the drive home to the suburbs for the Valentine's day tradition with her family. <br />
<br />
"So open your presents from Uncle Max." Kris encouraged. <br />
<br />
"Look Montreal shirts." the annoyed Ramona said holding up the bright pink shirt with the crazy design on it. "This one isn't so bad. I guess Aunt Mal helped him this year." <br />
<br />
"I like mine." JJ said holding up the neon yellow shirt with some kind of graffiti like swirls over it. <br />
<br />
"You're four. I'll allow it." Ramona said messing up JJ's shorter hair dark hair. <br />
<br />
Sarah cleared her throat holding up the blueray box for the traditional Valentine's Day movie. "As you all know this happens to be an amazing day. A day for love both romantic and for that of family. It was our first year as a real family that the viewing of this film became a tradition." Sarah said going over the usual speech as Kris took the disc from her getting the entertainment system set up and on. "So basically it's the time of year where we take a special moment to tell everyone how much we love them." Sarah said with a sigh looking to her husband. <br />
<br />
"Why up?" JJ asked being the newest to the tradition. "Why do we always watch Up? It's old." <br />
<br />
"We watch up because it's special to Mommy and Daddy." Rebecca said giving her brother a little squeeze. "When Mommy and Daddy got married they had a joke about Up that day and because Daddy is so romantic..." she said giving some play attitude causing her father to chuckle "he and Mommy want to watch it every year and because they love us they want to watch it with us too." <br />
<br />
"Your sister is right." Kris said as he took a seat on the sofa while Sarah headed tot he kitchen getting everyone their little traditional red velvet cupcakes. "Even when I had games we'd all watch the movie together even if we were in different places." Kris explain starting the film and opening his arm up so Sarah could sit leaning into him at their usual spot on the huge sectional sofa. <br />
<br />
Sarah smiled sighing completely content. Eleven years of marriage, three daughters, two sons, three NHL teams and finally they were back where they started. Back in Pittsburgh with a two year contract and every intention to retire when it expired with one final attempt at the greatest prize in sports. That wasn't what life was about for the Letang family though. Sure the most famous Letang skated hard, scored from the blue line and threw checks four times harder than he should but that wasn't what life was about for the family. It was this, it was five children, a cat a turtle and love that took them from Pittsburgh to Boston to Montreal and back to Pittsburgh again. <br />
<br />
"I'll still let you die first." Kris whispered as he pressed a kiss to Sarah's lips.<br />
<br />
"Dad gross." Liam said making a face catching his Parents kissing. <br />
<br />
Sarah just smiled stretching across laying across Kris and three of the children to mess up Liam's hair forcing him to mess with it a push it out of his face just like his Dad. "Just watch the movie and eat your cupcake." she said with a chuckle.Letterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3502268208168451259.post-51385799490567730242011-02-05T07:41:00.000-08:002011-02-05T07:41:12.257-08:00Part 2 - Chapter 10 So Long, Lonesome - Explosions in The Sky<i>So... this is it. We've arrived to the 'end'. I hope you guys have enjoyed the journey as much as I have. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
“Can you cheat a bit my way Sarah?” The photographer asked as she held her dress in place Nessa hooking the tiny buttons at the back. The photographers they hired were a bit intrusive but they were lovely and had the best pictures around when it came to capturing the real moments of a wedding. Like now as Sarah was buttoned into her dress by her childhood best friend with Mal trying to scrub red lollypop off of Ruby’s face in the background. Grandpa Henri had given it to her when she went down to visit the guys. They were affectionately known to the girls as the CanadaGrands though they were slowly starting to refer to Kris’s parents as Grandpa and Grandma just as they did Sarah’s G-Dad. <br />
<br />
“Ok everyone who isn’t in the bridal party needs to clear out. Mrs. Letang it’s time for you to line up. Kris is about ready to walk you into your seat.” the wedding planner said as she held her clip board. Checking her watch. <br />
<br />
“Um I know this is a bit unusual but I need to talk to Kris.” Sarah said biting her bottom lip. <br />
<br />
“Don’t chew off your lip stick.” The wedding planner said glancing up from her schedule.<br />
<br />
“Sarah if you run I’ll fucking kill you.” Mal said as she rested a hand on her hip leaning in close trying not to swear in front of the little girls. “These shoes are killer and it’s all for you.” Mal reminded her friend. <br />
<br />
“I’m not going to run I just need to talk to him… so clear out. All of you.” she said even looking over to the little girl who in a matter of days would be her official foster daughters.<br />
<br />
“I’ll get him and add a song to the organist.” the planner said with a sigh. <br />
<br />
With everyone cleared out Sarah fidgeted trying not to touch her hair or anything really. She felt like a Barbie all dressed up in plastic. She never felt so beautiful in all her life but it was an unnatural beauty that felt stiff and fake. It wasn’t the kind of beauty she felt just days before laying in bed with Kris and old misshapen gray tank top and a pair of her least attractive panties. She had been sleeping enjoying their last late morning till the wedding when the feeling of Kris’s fingers slowly moving up her side his fingers bunching the fabric of the top. He had whispered the kindest of words though none of them came to her the memories of his touch the golden color of his skin and the flashes of sunlight and it’s warmth streaming in through the window making the whole memory an overwhelming feeling of being loved and comfortable and almost intolerably happy with his lips on her skin as she remembered seeing the sun glitter off the dust particles that settled in the sun breams. <br />
<br />
A knock on the door came and then the familiar voice bringing her back to reality. “Sarah, it’s me. Are you ok?” his voice was so full of concern it just about broke her heart. <br />
<br />
She went to the door pressing her cheek to it. She sighed closing her eyes. “Kris, it’s all happening.” she said just loud enough for her words to pass through the door as a whisper on the other side.<br />
<br />
“Yes it is Sarah, in…” he paused to check his watch “Three minuets.” he replied. “Please tell me everything is ok?” he asked a desperation in his voice on the other side of the door. <br />
<br />
“Someday you’re going to break my heart.” she lamented. “Promise you’re going to let me die first so that doesn’t happen?” she asked stroking the door imagining that was where his face was on he other side.<br />
<br />
“Sarah what is this?” he asked confused. “Is this the plot to Up? I will not put balloons on our house I promise.”<br />
<br />
“No Kris, just… I can’t imagine life without you now.” <br />
<br />
“You can die first Sarah. I promise.” he said from his side of the door. “Just don’t cry everyone will kill me if your make-up gets messed up. Mal is especially cranky and I think she might actually kill someone given the chance.” <br />
<br />
“Excuse me do I need to add another song?” Sarah heard the wedding planner ask. <br />
<br />
“No, I’m ok.” She said from her side of the door. “I’ll see you at the end of the aisle Kris. I love you.” <br />
<br />
“I’m all in Sarah. I’ll see you at the end of the aisle.” <br />
<br />
“I’m all in too. It’s all or nothing at this point and life without you would be my nothing.” she said more for herself than for anyone else. <br />
<br />
It was easy to hear Kris being ushered away as the familiar faint knock of her G-Dad. “Sarah it’s just me are you ready?” she heard the familiar ask. <br />
<br />
She opened the door nodding. “Yeah G-Dad I’m ready. I asked for Kris to come back not because I was worried but because I missed him.” <br />
<br />
“I know you two are hardly ever apart unless it’s for his games. It reminds me of Myself and your Grandmother. I loved her with all my heart and couldn‘t stand to be apart from her. When your Mother…” he paused looking up with tears in his eyes. “When your Mother failed you and your Brother it broke our hearts. We made a pact to take you both in and do better.“ he put his hands on her arms looking her over. “I think even though your Brother has had a few bumps in the road we finally got it right.”<br />
<br />
“Oh G-Dad…” she said hugging him close but he shushed her before she could continue.<br />
<br />
“You look beautiful darling. I’m so happy you found someone who makes you as happy as your Grandmother made me.” <br />
<br />
“Thank’s G-Dad.” she said holding tight to him. <br />
<br />
“The maids are a go, we need you.” the planner said standing in the doorway. She led them through the church giving them just a few more moments to speak.<br />
<br />
“I’m sad your Grandmother could see you like this. She would marvel at what a beautiful woman you are and how amazing it is I didn’t screw that up without her.”<br />
<br />
“G-Dad you could never screw it up. You were the best Dad a girl could ask for. I’m happy you can finally have a chance to be a real Grandpa now. The girls already love you.” <br />
<br />
“I want nothing more than to be the best Grandfather ever for them.” he said taking her arm as they had practiced the day before as the rest of the girls headed down the aisle being cued by the planner. <br />
<br />
The music changed and they took a deep breath in unison. “You ready?” he asked the doors holding till he gave the nod. <br />
<br />
“Yeah. I love him G-Dad I love him completely. I can’t imagine life without him.” she said looking through the stained glass window in the door to where Kris was standing the view of him in fractured colors of yellow, red and blue. <br />
<br />
Archie gave the nod for the doors to be opened and Sarah saw him immediately crisp and clear highlighted by the run streaming in from the skylights. It was just like the other morning the summer golden glow of him surrounded by the sparkles of dust in the sun.<br />
<br />
It was a long aisle but she was completely locked on Kris from the second he came into view. He looked down at his feet for a second lifting his head pushing his hair back just in time for their eyes to meet. Her eyes welled immediately overcome with happiness. She loved him with all her being. She had put him through the ringer and he had taken it all over the last nearly two years. There he was perfect and waiting for her. She could feel the motions happening around her. She kissed her G-Dad’s cheek as he handed her over to Kris the two of them embracing Father of the Bride and Son-in-law before the ceremony continued.<br />
<br />
They had chosen to go with traditional vows the ceremony being split between French and English so everyone in attendance felt accepted and a part of their family. The crowed was non-existent to Kris and Sarah though as the focused on one another and the tradition of the ceremony. They had done the pre-counseling that was expected of them by the church and plenty of counseling for the fostering of the girls. They were ready for this, ready for forever. The ceremony was done without a mass to spare the children and their friends.<br />
<br />
When the end came Sarah could see out of the corner of her eye the little girls being nudged to attention and Ruby being poked awake. It was the part of the ceremony everyone waited for the kiss. Sarah and Kris met in a kiss that was so them sweet with his arms sliding around her back hers resting at his shoulders. One sweet kiss was followed by two shorter ones as the couple had trouble parting even if it was only for the final blessings and prayer. They walked through the recessional stopping at the back of the church for one last kiss his arms wrapping around her lifting her from the ground for everyone to see as their smiles lit up the church even more than the streams of setting sun pouring through the beautiful windows. Everyone in attendance saw, everyone snapped pictures, everyone knew that this was one of the most romantic weddings that they had ever seen. <br />
<br />
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<br />
“So hello everyone.” a familiar voice said over the microphone. “I’m sure you all know who I am.”<br />
<br />
“Potash goes the distance.” Pascal yelled from where he sat with his family. The room erupted in laughter as Potash gave his special Duper sigh. <br />
<br />
“Funny but Pascal this isn’t about you. This is about the lovely couple. As Kris and Sarah know Kris’s day with the cup is in a week and a half once they get back from their honeymoon. With that said some special arrangements have been made and we have a special guest.” The doors to the reception hall opened and the shiny cup was paraded in being set up next to the wedding cake. “Sarah you joked about eating wedding cake out of the cup and we did a little research. As it turns out there has been all kinds of cake in the cup including birthday cake and there have been cups made to look like the cup but in our research no one has eaten wedding cake out of the cup. So our dear friend Lord Stanley is here to oblige.” <br />
<br />
Sarah was all laughs as was Kris over the whole thing. <br />
<br />
“It’s to much.” Kris said his arm around Sarah. <br />
<br />
“Not my doing, it totally them.” she said motioning to the tables of team mates with the piles of nearly empty plates around them as they had gone through the buffet as well as the traditional cookie table that was a western Pennsylvania tradition. <br />
<br />
“Kris and Sarah can you come down here please.” Potash continued. “and the girls, I’m sure photos are required.” Sarah nodded as the new family was ushered over to the cup for photos and the cake cutting. <br />
<br />
The photos were taken and the cake cut and wheeled away along with the cup as champagne was brought out in preparation for the toasts. Speaking would be Nessa, Mal and Max. The three lined up on the little stage where the DJ was set up with Nessa going first. <br />
<br />
“When Sarah arrived in Wheeling. Where we’re from. As if you couldn’t spot the West Virginians a mile away…”she said pointing down to her own bare feet and then to Sarah who kindly lifted the table cloth and then her dress showing off her own feet which sat comfortably on the floor her shoes to the side. “I am sure I like many of you had the same feelings about our dear Sarah. I hated her guts.” everyone has a chuckle as Nessa continued. “She was and is prettier than me, could run faster and all the boys liked her.” Nessa took a breath smiling. “No one was ever right for her though. There was no match out there for her. No one could get past the surface. When I met Kris for the first time I knew he was different. He had this air of patience about him. So please Kris continue to be patient with my best friend and Sarah don’t ever make him wait to long. He may be willing to wait forever but he’s a good one and shouldn’t have to. To the happy couple.” Nessa said passing the mic to Mal.<br />
<br />
“Sarah told me I couldn’t swear… well she told Max and I both we couldn’t swear.” she said glancing to her left at him. “So don’t.” she reminded him pointing a finger at him. “Anyways. Though of you who know me which is a lot of you I expect know by now that I am a pain in the…” she paused “butt. Sarah has put up with my being a pain in the butt for a long time and for that I am eternally thankful. I’m just as thankful to her for introducing me to Kris who then introduced me to Max and you know love and all that stuff blah, blah, blah…” she teased putting her hand on Max’s shoulder. “Really though I don’t think I have ever known two people more suited for one another than these two. They are strong and lovely each on their own but together they are even stronger and if possible more lovely. I mean look at them they are like Barbie and Quebec Ken.” she joked getting a chuckle out of everyone. “This isn’t a dream wedding like Barbie always had though. This is the real deal. This is two people promising to love one another till the end of time. I don’t know any people more capable of holding true tot his promise more than these two. To love and being more than a dream wedding.” Mal said passing the mic to Max her hand on leaving his shoulder. <br />
<br />
Max spoke in French content to speak to the Montreal friends and family. He was sure the translation would be passed along between many of the bilingual attendees. “When I met Sarah I couldn’t believe how hot she was. Sorry Tanger but it’s true your wife is sexy. I’m glad many of the little ones don’t speak French yet.” he added with a chuckle. “Anyways, as we all know Sarah isn’t just hot she is sweet and caring and well she’s just Sarah. I know she was a lot of other peoples Sarah before she became the teams Sarah but she is our Sarah now too just like he is out Tanger. We are pretty notorious for making fun of Kris all the time but it is honestly because he is just so good natured about it. So good natured we never thought it was possible to find someone who could match up to him. Kris is quiet, serious when he needs to be, focused on the important things, strong, gracious and passionate. Sarah is all of these things too. These are all of the things a marriage needs to stay strong and I have never met two people with such individual abundance of these. I know together you will have even more focus on what is important, graciousness, quiet when you must, passion for the cold nights and strength for when you each find the other in need. I love you both dearly and have all the believe that love is central to your union. I look forward to making another toast in fifty years at your anniversary.” Max cleared his throat switching back to English. “To the loving couple Mr. and Mrs. Letang.” <br />
<br />
Everyone at the stage and in the audience raised their glasses along with Kris and Sarah, though she had tears in her eyes due to the lovely words of their friends. With sips of champagne drunk the melodic tinkles of forks, spoons and knives against the crystal glasses could be heard through the room calling the couple to kiss. Just as the Stanley cup with a piece of wedding cake in the bowl was being wheeled back out in front of the couple at the head table they met in a kiss. <br />
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Sarah leaned back against resting comfortably against him as they sat in the sand sunglasses on their faces, skin tanned golden. It was the last day of their honeymoon and it was to be spent on the beach enjoying the sun, water and one another. <br />
<br />
“I’m going to give you tan lines.” she joked though had no intention of moving away from him. It was hot but the fresh sea air managed to keep things comfortable even in such close proximity. <br />
<br />
“I don’t care.” he replied dropping a kiss on the back of her neck. “I think we should be here next year as well. Bring the girls. I saw other families.” <br />
“Yes, only less wine.” she teased. They had done quite a few wine tours and had stumbled home a number of nights after experiencing the night life of coastal Southern France. <br />
<br />
“Are you ready to go home and be a Mother? Most get months to ready themselves for the task.” he said continuing to nuzzle her skin as the sun slowly began to drop in the sky, the other beach bums around them packing up to head home for a rest before dinner. <br />
<br />
“I am. I think being a Mother is what I was made to be.” she mused breathing in smell of lavender and the sea mixing together in an intoxicating way that it only can in Provence. “Are you ready to be a Dad?” she asked turning her head to place a lazy kiss on his slightly stubbled chin. <br />
<br />
“I am.” he said firmly. “I love our family.”<br />
<br />
“Me too.” Sarah said with a sigh looking out over the water as the bright yellow sun started to cast orange beams across it. <br />
<br />
“It will be an adventure.” he responded taking a deep breath holding it in his lungs to savor the unique quality of the air. <br />
<br />
“Isn’t it always?” Sarah said with a happy smile the pinks of the sunset starting to shine as the encroaching night bared down upon them. <br />
<br />
“With you yes.”Letterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3502268208168451259.post-32826571089804736812011-01-21T12:47:00.000-08:002011-01-21T12:56:07.535-08:00Part 2 - Chapter 9: All the Things I've Done - The Killers<i>Ok so the end is near! This is both awesome and sad. I've never really finished much of anything but trust me there is an ending to this story. :) I hope you guys like this chapter. With some guidance I decided not to be evil and to let everyone be happy. Be sure to let me know what you think!</i><br />
<br />
It was almost done. All of it was almost done. Sarah was almost done getting things ready at both Pittsburgh homes and Kris was almost done with the playoffs. One was obviously a bigger deal than the other a big shiny trophy on the line though for Sarah getting the house ready to be a home upon returning to Pittsburgh in August was a big deal. She lamented a few times about there not being a trophy for such things when she was with Mal and some of the other girlfriends and wives. <br />
<br />
There she was standing in the upstairs hallway of her new house going through each room to make sure things were in order. Rebecca and Ramona’s room. The two sisters had decided to share rather than be alone. They had been together for to long and did not want to be split up. The room was furnished with a huge walk in closet one side being Rebecca’s the other being for her sister. There were two twin size beds one on each wall with the two sections decorated somewhat differently. The over all theme was purple though Rebecca’s side was highlighted with touches of pink. Ramona’s was done with bits of green. Ramona had a big chest of dress up clothes and full length mirrors on her side while Rebecca had a vanity table. In the center between their beds was the biggest and most impressive Barbie house one could find. <br />
<br />
Ruby’s room was different reflecting her personality. Ruby was content to be on her own often living in her own little world. It was painted a light dreamcicle color orange and decorated in a jungle theme with Diego toys and stuffed animals filling the bins along one wall. There was a tiny tent in there as well with flashlights and sleeping bags so she could go on safari on observing animals in the woods of North America if her imagination decided to take her such places. <br />
<br />
Sarah moved to the master suite next to Ruby’s room. It was light and dark at the same time. A creamy color on the walls to keep things calm with brown dark drapes and a brown over stuffed comforter. With accent colors of gold and teal the room was functional and soothing. The perfect place to sleep and when you turned the amber colored accent lights on it gave a romantic feel. It was hard to have the room be a place where Kris could easily nap, they could love one another and be comfortable over all. She felt like the goal was accomplished in the room.<br />
<br />
There were two bedrooms left, one set up as a guest room where the guest room from Kris’s apartment was just transferred over. His Mom liked it that set up and it fit well in the room. The final room stood empty on the other side of the master bedroom. A room that Sarah had anticipated being Ramona’s or Rebecca’s but everyone around her couldn’t help but comment how it would be a perfect nursery. All she was left to dow as smile and nod. Taking on three daughters was enough of a task without thinking about having a baby anytime soon. Though maybe it would be nice someday and the empty spare room was in the perfect location for it.<br />
<br />
The downstairs of the house was complete as well. Kitchen left as it aside from a new table and chairs. The dining room was one of those formal places Sarah never planned on spending much time but a fancy table stood there and an empty banquet. Everyone warned her not to get to much stuff soon. Who knew what they would end up with after the wedding. The normal living room was set up with a new big tv and comfy section with all the tables ect fitting in perfectly. The den transformed into an office with two smaller desks. One for herself and one for Kris. They each had laptops and although she used hers mostly for work cutting down to one desk seemed next to impossible. The rest of the room had spaces for the book cases and books to come over from Kris’s apartment. <br />
<br />
The basement was untouched and waiting. Most of the things from the apartment were going there to create a man cave for Kris. She knew he needed his own space and frankly she was content to give it to him so the guys would stay out of the rest of the house when they were over. All the video games and things could stay down there so no one would be tripping over cords and things all the time. She figured furnishing the patio could wait. Kris was excited about picking out a grill and she didn’t want to take that away from him.<br />
<br />
While Sarah occupied herself with setting up the house and making sure everything all legal things for the wedding and girls were taken care of along with planning the event Kris was gearing up for the finals. The first round against Tampa Bay had been a hard fought battle that left everyone drained. The second round against Boston wasn’t easy but after going all seven rounds in defeating Washington the Bruins were a tired crew. The Pens were looking at facing Vancouver or Dallas in the days to come. Everyone was dead set in their routine and rituals. Sarah wanted to continue to move things out of the apartment but with everything on the line she knew not even to move the peanut butter in the apartment. Kris hadn’t even been to the house since they official became the owners having their own little celebration with only their bed moved in. Things were moving and Sarah was left constantly wondering how she got here and exactly how her life came to be this amazing. It was scary how good things were… now all that had to happen was a cup win. <br />
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Game day mornings had an exact routine. 8am coffee pot kicks on 8:08am alarm clock goes off. Kris is up first from the bathroom while Sarah checks on the coffee. Kris dresses and Sarah takes her turn in the bathroom. Kris turns on the tv, Sarah makes his now usual breakfast of sunny side up eggs, toast, bacon and yogurt before grabbing her own yogurt and banana. They sit at the table him dressed her in pajamas still. She tells him her plans for the day and he nods not really listening unless it involved the little girls which it did. It was game five in Pittsburgh and with a win tonight they could seal the deal winning eternal glory with his name etched on the cup for a second time<br />
<br />
“I’m picking the girls up at five once you leave for the rink. We’ll be watching obviously.” she gave him a smile getting and going to her purse pulling out a sheet of paper. “Ruby made you this.” Sarah said passing the paper across the table to him. <br />
<br />
When it came to Ruby Kris would do anything. He would do anything for any of the girls or Sarah but if Ruby was involved it always got his attention. “Tell her thank you. I will when I see her but I am going to put this in my stall.” he said putting it with his keys which sat at one of the empty seats on the table. “She is a good artist it actually looks like all of us not pineapple people.” he said looking over at the art work. There stood three little people with straight blond hair like the trio of sisters had. Then there was a adult woman with wavy blond hair who was obviously supposed to be Sarah. Next to her was a man in hockey stuff or the best 3 going on 4 year old version of hockey stuff with brown hair sticking out from under a helmet. His arms were up and holding a shiny silver trophy. He figured Sarah had fielded some questions on what the cup looked like. <br />
<br />
Sarah smiled look at the picture as well. “She said that it was our family.” <br />
“She’s right we are a family and it will be official soon enough.” With that said he got up having finished his food. He took his plate to the kitchen putting it in the sink. He brushed his teeth and met Sarah in the bedroom like every morning when she was getting dressed for the day. There were comments about temptations of the near nakedness but they both knew it was out of the question on such an important game day. He was a post game lovin’ kind of guy anyway. He kissed her first on the forehead and then on the lips as he did every morning before heading off to the morning skate. <br />
<br />
Lunch had a routine to it as well. Really it was something between lunch and dinner but it was what it was. Kris would come back from practice and since it was the playoffs and Sarah was off getting everything non-playoffs related in their lives taken care of they would nap together. Sarah’s watch alarm would go off at two and she would get up to start pasta for Kris. He had gone with pesto this year though she had no idea what led him to the choice. He’d have his angel hair with pesto sauce and a steak done in the boiler. He would wake up at three thirty and eat. Sometimes Sarah had to take off then other times she would stay with him. Since it was such a big game she was planning on staying with him sitting on the sofa together watching tv. <br />
<br />
“We should get a dog or cat or something.” Sarah said looking from his hands which was idly playing with her hair petting her to his face. <br />
“We are getting three little girls and you want a pet?” he asked confused. <br />
“Well no but you sure do love petting me.” she said nodding to where his fingers were continuing to run the ends of her hair across his finger tips and twirling and un-twirling it. <br />
<br />
“Oh…” he made an attempt to stop doing it but it wasn’t even a full sixty seconds before he was starting again. “I can’t help it. I like to do this it makes me feel less nervous.” he said with a sigh. <br />
<br />
“Want to talk about it?” she asked patting his leg lightly. <br />
<br />
“No… yes…” he heaved a sigh shifting so he was facing her a bit more. “I always worry I will do a big mistake and everyone will hate me. Last year I was bad turnover all the time last year.” <br />
<br />
“This isn’t last year.” she said with a little shrug. “Worrying about the past won’t help you in the game today. Being motivated by it will. You can remember those bad turnovers and do everything in our power to keep them from happening again. You can remember Luc and be inspired to be your best. You can remember what it was like lifting the cup the last time and lifting it many times over the summer. You can think about having breakfast with the cup with your Mom and Step-Dad. You can think about whatever it is you’re going to put in there and make me drink out of it no doubt spilling it all over me.” she chuckled. “All these things are making you want to not do bad turnovers right?”<br />
<br />
He kissed the corner of her mouth sighing. “You are going to be the best wife ever.” <br />
<br />
“What if I do bad turnover?” she teased him. <br />
<br />
He cracked a smile. “Better stick to baking pies then.” he joked back. Leave it to him to make a pastry joke.<br />
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There was nothing quite like the friends and family section for games like these parents, siblings, girlfriends, wives, children…. Everyone special to the people on the ice all packed together all wishing, hoping and praying that it will end in the favor of the men they were there supporting. There were the secret hopes of those who lived with these men the secret hopes that the madness will end, that routines could be abandoned for a few short months and everyone could take a breath for the first time in a long time. <br />
<br />
The action on the ice was intense. The men battled harder than imaginable everyone knowing it could end there tonight in 60 short minuets of play. Everyone in the world it seemed was wishing for more or less time. For Pens fans finishing up the first with a one goal lead were wishing for less time. <br />
<br />
“Sarah the girls are beautiful.” Kris’s Mom said as she watched the little girls sit comfortably together on a sofa in the family room eating pizza at the intermission. Sarah and Kris had told her about them many times but she had only met them since coming down for the play offs. “If it is ok with you I’d like to tell the girls they can call me Mamie? There was a time where I did not think Kris would give me Grandchildren and I do not think I can pass on loving these little girls as a Mamie should.” <br />
<br />
Sarah smiled and nodded. “I think that would make them extremely happy. There was no stopping my G-Dad making them call him Pappy so it only makes sense.” Sarah saw Rebecca eyeing her and Kris’s Mom and did her best to switch to French to keep the conversation private. Rebecca was always listening always looking for information that would help keep her sisters and herself safe. “Kris et moi espérons adopter les filles. Avec leur Mère vivante le gouvernement fera toujours des essais de rejoindre la famille. Nous espérons qu'en temps voulu ils verront que nous sommes la famille des filles.” Sarah said explaining that they hoped to be on the road to adoption. <br />
<br />
“ Ils verront que vous êtes une famille à temps. Votre français est très bonne Sarah. Kris devrait être fier de vous.” She said putting an arm around Sarah in a half hug. <br />
<br />
“Merci.” Sarah said returning the hug. <br />
<br />
Rebecca went back to her food unable to understand them though she was happy to see their positive body language. Rebecca was observant and Sarah always did her best to keep things positive. Thankfully G-Dad swooped in distracting her with tickling something that Rebecca was slowly getting used to and when it came to Archie Pearson there was no denying him the chance to be a Grandfather this time. <br />
<br />
The second period was stressful to an extreme. Penalty after penalty which thankfully all were killed off but it was far to dangerous for everyone’s liking. Finally at the end of the period a power play that would carry over. Thankfully the carry over wasn’t needed as Kris slapped a shot on net that Sidney redirected in. BOOM. 3-1 lead going into the third. <br />
<br />
All the wives and adults sat around deep breathing trying to will their husbands, sons, brother, boyfriends and friends to hold the line and finish tonight. Just make it through another 20 minuets and the pains that were kept on ice, the relationships that were put on hold, the routines that made people more stressed than comforted could all be put to rest. <br />
<br />
Mal approached Sarah pulling her into a hug. “If he wasn’t going to be your husband soon enough I would fucking marry him for that goal.” being extremely unlike Mal she held on not letting go. Ruby being her adorable self joined in wrapping her arms around the legs of Sarah an Mal. <br />
<br />
“Group hug.” Ruby said making them laugh and everyone else who saw laugh. <br />
Sarah picked her up the three year old laying her head on Sarah’s shoulder yawning. “That you sweetie.” <br />
<br />
“Will Daddy be done soon? I’m tired. Can I call Kris Daddy yet?” Ruby asked still laying against Sarah. <br />
<br />
It made her heart melt. How could it not melt her heart. “I think you can call him that if you want.” Sarah said rubbing the little girls back. <br />
<br />
“Good. I’ve never had a Daddy.” <br />
<br />
Sarah held ruby tight happy no one but Mal had heard what Ruby said. She took a second to compose herself before putting Ruby back on her feet. “Ok I think it’s about time you guys put these on.” Sarah said fishing the sound canceling headphones from her oversized bag. “I know they look dumb but I’d rather not have anyone’s ear drums busted.” Sarah explained. <br />
<br />
With much prompting the girls put the head phones on the roar of the crowd being much softer and in the end they were left thankful to be able to color and watch the game without the loud roar all around them. <br />
<br />
Thankfully all the kids knew how was not the time to act up. Now was the time to distract themselves and let the adults watch the game and fret and worry as each second ticked off the clock. It was a painful third as everyone in the arena prayed for no penalties to the Pens and that they could just play defensive hockey. They needed all the defense they could get against an offensive power house of Vancouver. It was painful as it came down to the last minuet of regulation. Kris was stuck on the ice and Sarah could see exhaustion on his face. <br />
<br />
“Come on baby you can do.” she said to herself when play was stopped preventing him from leaving the ice. 43 seconds on the clock and he was running on empty. She looked across the ice catching his eyes before the face off in his zone. She nodded not even sure if he saw her till he nodded back. She wanted to yell at him for not focusing on the game but how could she?<br />
<br />
The puck was dropped and passed over to Kris who with 30 seconds on the clock took three powerful strides crossing the Pens blue line. Jordan was at the Vancouver blue line ready to accept the pass tapping it into the zone so Connor could give chase and hold them up. The guy was little but damn he was a gremlin down on the boards behind the goal. Sarah thought given the chance he would bite someone to keep them from getting the puck. It popped free to Max who passed it back to Brooks over to Tanger shot off the post. Not that it mattered as time expired the horn sounding as the arena exploded. Kris abandoned his stick and gloves skating down to MAF nearly tackling him into the net as the whole team piled together. <br />
Meanwhile after holding t heir breath for so long there were tears of joy and relief mixed with squeals of excitement from every child and many of the adults who weren’t in tears. Hugs were given as the guys were made to line up for the handshake. With the trophy being put in place the families were ushered down to the ice and along a red carpet that was rolled out for them to stand on as the presentation was made. <br />
<br />
Everyone waited in a group as the Con Smythe winner was announced. Kris thought it would go to Sid or Testy who both had prolific playoff work scoring goals or grinding people down with game winners respectively. It was a shock when his name was called. He even almost fell as he was pushed forward his sweaty hair in his face. With one hand his pushed it back offering the other for handshakes to the officials. He stood smiling for pictures but was more in shock than anything else till he was told to pick the trophy up. The last two defenseman to win Con Smythe were Nicklas Lidstrom and Scott Niedermayer, both players Kris looked up to. He hoisted the trophy up skating around with it as his team mates patted him on the back. He looked to the side seeing his friends and family cheering for him the little girls jumping up and down in the ear protectors his Mom and Henri by Sarah with her G-Dad who was crying. His moment ended quickly as he was told to put the trophy down it was time for the big prize. <br />
<br />
Sid raised the cup and it was passed around the team. It all had a dreamy quality to it as pictures were taken. Once the trophy had made one round of the team the players were released to their families even if intrusive reporters were hot on their tails. Kris hugged his Mom and Dad rapidly speaking in French leaving Sarah smiling as she caught about every other word. Next he hugged her G-Dady followed by the little girls were just about attached to his legs. <br />
<br />
“You smell.” Rebecca said as she hugged him making them all laugh. <br />
“Yes I know. That’s why I shower so much.” he teased kissing each of their little cheeks. <br />
<br />
Next was Sarah whom he kissed affectionately not wanting to let go even as a reporter approached. <br />
<br />
“Kris you looked pretty shocked when your name was called for MVP.” the reporter said thrusting the mic to his face as Ruby circled his legs. Sarah picked her up but she instantly reached for Kris not caring if all his gear smelled like dead animals. <br />
<br />
“Yeah I was not expecting it.” he said taking Ruby in one arm and pushing his hair out of his face with the other. “I am glad people know I stepped up my play but I was not expecting anything.” <br />
<br />
“Kris we heard you’re getting married this summer what is winning the cup to you mean? Are you going to have Lord Stanley at the wedding?” <br />
<br />
All Kris could do was laugh as he looked to Sarah who quickly had the mic pushed into her own face followed by several others that had caught the question. <br />
<br />
She smiled and patted his back. “We’ll have to see what the schedule is. I don’t know if anyone has ever eaten wedding cake out of the cup before.” <br />
<br />
Kris gave her a quick kiss as the camera’s left them for the moment the trophy making its way down the carpet for pictures of players with their families. There were many pictures taken with everyone and the cup including one with all the little girls and the cup with Kris kneeling on the ice with them. The cup was passed on and Ruby held tight to Kris at her level. Sarah knew what she was saying as she cupped her hands around his ear so he could hear her. He hugged her close nodding before looking up at Sarah. ‘Daddy’. he mouthed smiling. All Sarah could do was nod back. They really were making a family happen.Letterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3502268208168451259.post-44349065403297720292011-01-13T19:17:00.000-08:002011-01-13T19:17:45.260-08:00Part 2 - Chapter 8: You're What I'm Looking For - RooneyREMEMBER WE ARE HAVING GUESTS FOR DINNER. Kris read the text message nodding. <br />
“Your phone telling you what to do again?” Sid asked as they stripped out of their practice gear. <br />
“No Sarah.” he said tucking his phone back into his jeans pocket. <br />
“Ah the amazing Sarah. Still the hottest nurse I’ve ever met.” he said as he peeled the tape from around his legs. “Sorry Max, Mal is second.” he said looking at their more scruffy team mate.<br />
“More for me mon ami.” Max gave them a sly grin and a cheesy wink. <br />
“So what’s Sarah have to say Tanger?” Sid asked continuing his routine of getting his gear off. <br />
“Just reminding me we are having guests for dinner. I do not know who. I just know she asked me to make chocolate fondue for desert.” he shrugged not really questioning any of it. Nessa and Jimmy had their baby about an month ago so he figured it could be them having their first post baby double date night. Sarah had been busy prepping the apartment for whoever was coming. If it was Jimmy and Nessa he figured it was her G-Dad Archie with her brother Rus and his girlfriend. They had been for dinner shortly after the new year. <br />
“Oh didn’t she tell you it’s a key party and all the couples are invited. The whole wife swap thing.” Duper said teasing his usual target in Kris. <br />
“Is this you admitting you want to sleep with my girlfriend? I’m sure your wife would love to know dis.” Kris shot back reaching for his phone again acting like he would text Pascal’s wife Carol-Lyn. <br />
“Did you just back sass me?” Duper asked looking to Tanger who was working his gear off as the post- practice press core entered the locker room. “Tanger just back sassed me.” he said looking around the room only seeing everyone smirking. <br />
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CAN YOUS TOP AND GET THREE LITTLE VALENTINE CANDY BOXES? I FORGOT TO GET THE CANDY WHEN I WENT TO THE STORE. He read the text from Sarah making a mental note to stop and pick up what she asked for. He still didn’t know who was coming but he would no doubt found out when he got home. He had learned long ago to let her fuss over her dinners and events. She liked doing it and if it meant a stop at the CVS to get some candy on his way home from MAF’s it really wasn’t a big deal. <br />
“Hey…” he said entering the apartment immediately taking his shoes off seeing the fresh sweeper tracks on the floor. <br />
“Kitchen.” she called giving him her location. <br />
He followed her voice placing the bag from CVS on the counter next to the bowl of salad she had prepped. “Kiss?” he asked seeing her looking over a cook book her apron in place covering a t-shirt and jeans. <br />
“Oh yes please.” she said keeping her cheese sauce covered hands away from him though he happily pulled her body to his for a lingering but still sweet kiss. <br />
“You taste like cheese.” he said kind of smack his lips processing what the kiss had tasted like. “I do not think you have ever tasted like cheese before. Odd but I can not complain.” he said with a shrug leaning his hip against the counter watching her go back to work. <br />
“I just taste tested the home made mac and cheese in the oven. If it tasted like something other than cheese I would question it.” she joked back. <br />
He flipped on the oven light indeed seeing a pan of macaroni and cheese with the crumb topping and everything baking away. “So I see Mac and cheese, salad, fake fried chicken and you want me to make fondue?” he asked going over the menu. “Who picked these things except for salad we don’t ever eat like this.” he said slightly confused. <br />
“You remember how I’ve been visiting with Ruby, Ramona and Rebecca?” <br />
“Yes the little girls who won your heart in the ER.” he said nodding. <br />
“Yes, though that sounds like the tv guide summary.” she said before continuing on with her explanation. “Well their foster Parents who are lovely by the way are do this weekend long training thing. They asked me if I could baby sit. I said they could stay here this weekend. Sorry this is all news to you the dinner was planned but CYS approved us as temporary care givers for the girls this weekend.” She was all smiles but tense since she hadn’t given him all the details of the weekend. <br />
“So thy are coming for dinner?” he asked. <br />
“Yes, and will be staying all weekend till Sunday afternoon.” she said with a bright smile. <br />
“I have a game tomorrow.” he said blankly. <br />
“Yes, we’re going. We’re going to hang out in the family suit. I called Melanie Kunitz and she said it was ok that there would be plenty of room.” Sarah could tell he was concerned for his routine. “Don’t worry when you come home for your pre-game nap we’re going to head out for a movie and then meet you back here so we can all ride together. I’m going to show the girls the arena and everything.” <br />
“Wow… three little girls.” he said rubbing his hand over his face. “I am going to be out numbered.” <br />
“Yes, for once you will be so just for the weekend, seat down? I don’t complain since men far out number women around here but this weekend ladies rule.” <br />
“I will try though I’ll be using our bathroom. They won’t be in there will they?” he was slightly concerned over that. He would really be thrown off to find his shampoo ect put in a different spot. <br />
“Well they shouldn’t be no. They’re staying in the guest room obviously. That bed is a huge king so all three of them will fit in there with room to spare.” <br />
“How old are dey again?” he asked having heard about the girls many times as Sarah visited with them and kept track of them as they went through the process of landing in a nice foster home. <br />
“Ruby is three, Ramona is four and Rebecca is six.” Sarah said listing the ages of the girls. <br />
“Rebecca likes clothes and Barbie, Ramona like playing pretend and Ruby likes animals yes?” he asked trying to remember the basic facts about the trio of sisters. <br />
“Yep, you have it exactly. They should be here around four thirty so we can get everyone settled in and then have dinner around five? All that is left is the fondue. Your Mom told me what to buy but some of the instructions I didn’t catch all the way so she just said you could make it and she would teach me next time we visit.” <br />
He checked his watch. “Yeah I should start through they will be here soon and it will need to warm up. <br />
<br />
It wasn’t half an hour later when the buzzer rang and a family was let into the building. Three little girls a pillow pet under the arm of each and a little back pack on each back paraded into the apartment. They looked slightly uncomfortable but so used to the feeling that it didn’t phase them. The girls were instructed to be good as their new foster Parents hugged them good bye with a slight awkwardness of it all being so new still. <br />
“So ladies welcome to our home. I know you’ve all seen pictures of Kris but here he is for real.” Sarah said introducing him though he seemed to go just as shy as the girls. <br />
“Hello girls make yourselves at home.” he said giving them a little wave. <br />
The girls huddled up talking for a second in whispers. <br />
“Don’t worry they do this all the time.” Sarah said trying to ease his concern. “Rebecca is kind of the spokeswoman for them all till they get comfortable.”<br />
“We’ve decided you look Prince Charming. It makes sense because Sarah looks like a Princess.” Rebecca said. <br />
“Oh girls.” Sarah said with a chuckle. “He is handsome isn’t he?” she said giving him a smile. “Can I show you your bedroom for the weekend?” she asked leading the girls down the hall. “I hope you’re hungry because once you’re unpacked we’re going to have dinner and prince charming made you an amazing fun desert.” she looked down the hall giving Kris a smile as all three of the girls latched on to her immediately following like little ducks in a row. All Kris could do was shake his head his heart kind of melting as he watched them go before heading to the kitchen to get what he needed to set the table. <br />
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“Ruby your face…” Rebecca said to her little sisters taking a napkin to the three year old. <br />
“Don’t worry Becca we’ll take care of it. You enjoy.” Sarah said as Kris speared another mini marshmallow for each of the girls. Sarah knew Becca was usually the one doing the best to take care of her younger sisters. “As much as it pains me to inform you all baths will be happening after dinner. But it should be fun times. I got the soap you can write on the tiles with. I love that stuff.” <br />
It was amazing to Kris just how good Sarah was with kids. He knew it was her job but even outside of work she was good with them. She helped kids tie skates at the team Christmas party, She was the go to baby sitter for most of the families on the team and here she was taking care of three little girls that had far to much in common with her younger self. <br />
“If you put the dishes in I’ll do them up later.” Sarah said to Kris as she got up from the table lifting a chocolate covered Ruby up no doubt heading for the bathroom. <br />
“No I will take care of it.” he said shaking his head it was the last he could do. <br />
<br />
After dinner he could hear all the chatter in the bathroom and giggles as the women of the home had fun getting clean as he relaxed watching tv on the sofa his feet on the coffee table. Kris wasn’t expecting a tiny little person carrying a unicorn pillow pet nearly the same size as herself to crawl up on the sofa next to him. Thankfully he wasn’t watching anything to weird. Ruby started out sitting next to him on the sofa watching him. The longer she sat there the closer she got to him wordlessly scooting closer till a half an hour had passed and she was in his lap having trouble staying awake. <br />
“Oh there she is.” Sarah said emerging from the hall. “I nearly had a panic attack when she wasn’t in the bedrooms or the closets. <br />
“No she is here.” Kris whispered brushing the fine hair of ruby’s bangs to the side. Sarah had braided it back in hopes it wouldn’t be in tangles in the morning. <br />
“I can take her back to bed if you want.” Sarah said stretching her arms out. <br />
“No it’s ok.” Kris said shifting putting his feet down and adjusting the sleepy little girl in his arms. <br />
“want to stay up.” Ruby mused as her head lulled against Kris’ shoulder. <br />
“Shhh… big day tomorrow. Everyone sleeps soon even me.” he whispered to the little girl. All Sarah could do was pick up the purple unicorn pillow and follow behind. She placed the pillow down in the bed next to Ramona and Becca as Kris carefully put her down and tucked her in. He looked over the scene for a moment giving Sarah a smile. “I think I like little girls.” <br />
She knew what he meant even if it came out a little funny. <br />
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<br />
Playoffs were clinched and the plans for an August wedding in Montreal were being thrown together. Sadly both Kris and Sarah had both wanted a winter wedding but the unknowns of the NHL schedule prevented that. The date was set for Aug. 6th with the following 10 days being their honeymoon in the south of France enjoying beaches, vineyards and the countryside… and some partying on the Rivera. Tonight though there was the engagement party Sarah’s G-Dad had insisted on throwing at the bar. With one of the rare three day breaks it was possible for most of their friends from the team and around the city to make it down as well a few people from Montreal including Kris’ Mother and Step-Father as well as a few friends. <br />
“G-Dad we gotta control the West Virginia up in here!” Sarah called as she dusted the bars decorations sheets of dust falling. <br />
“Don’t you dare change a thing Sarah. If you do you’ll want to paint or something and we don’t have time for all that. The way I figure you finish up dusting and Russ and I will put the rest of the decorations while you go clean yourself up. I saw that dress you brought down.” <br />
She opened her mouth to speak but Archie cut her off. <br />
“Now don’t worry everything is taken care of Brian is on his way to get the grilling started and Evelyn is on the bar.” <br />
Sarah nodded. “Ok G-Dad I’ll go get ready.” she said passing him on her way to the door kissing his cheek bound for the home she grew up in.. “Thank you for doing this.” <br />
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CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU. A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE FOLLOWING ME DOWN SO WE SHOULD ALL BE ON TIME. The text said from Kris. AND I LOVE YOU AND NO I AM NOT TEXTING AND DRIVING REBECCA IS TEXTING FOR ME THE GIRLS ARE RIDING WITH ME. <br />
Sarah couldn’t help but smile as she put her phone down getting in the shower. <br />
Kris and Sarah had been busy since February. As it turns out there is a lot of paperwork when the people getting married are residents of two different countries. Then there was house hunting as the Letang family was about to rapidly expand. Sarah wasn’t pregnant but upon their marriage they would officially be the foster parents of three little girls on a path towards adoption. Finding an adequate home, doing the foster care classes, working with the system and keeping it as quiet as they could around the girls meant a lot of work. A lot of work that stressed them out and had become nearly a fulltime job for Sarah to navigate. <br />
“Hey G-Dad let us in.” Nessa said with a knock at the door of Sarah’s childhood bedroom. The two girls had spent many days and nights in the room studying, talking about boys, jamming to Nsync and chatting on the internet. <br />
“Get in here and let me see my beautiful godson!” Sarah said taking the two month old baby Matthew in his car carrier from her childhood friend. Sarah put the carrier down on the bed taking the awake but pleasantly quiet baby out to hold in her arms. “Oh Nessie I think he gets better looking every time I see him!” Sarah said cooing over the baby touching his little fingers which wrapped around her own finger. <br />
Nessa draped a towel over Sarah’s front. “Seriously I don’t want him to puke on this stunning dress.” she said in a matter of fact kind of way. <br />
It was nice to be with Nessa as she worked on her hair. Sarah missed her friend from home even if they talked and or texted nearly daily. “Do you think it’s crazy all this happening so fast?” Sarah asked looking at her friend fixing her hair in the vanity mirror she could remember her G-Dad putting in her room once her Grandmother had passed away. Sarah loved it and knew he couldn’t bare to see his own reflection in it without hers standing by him. <br />
“Sarah you better not be having doubts. Though if you are let me know. I’ll divorce Jimmy and hop on the Kris train. He’s freaking as close to perfect as they come.” Nessa said as she flat ironed sections of Sarah’s usually wavy hair so it would go up smooth in a french twist. <br />
“You haven’t smelled his farts.” Sarah said with a cheesy grin. She loved him and she knew it. As fast as it all was happening she would take fast and crazy over not having him any day. <br />
“I think you two are the only people who could pull all this off. Getting married, all the paper work, a house, a family. People look at you and they see you’re in love. Not just happy puppy love but real love the love that allows you to glare at him from across the room and strike fear into him. The love that lets him walk up next to you fart and then slink away leaving you with the blame.” Nessa stopped talking as three little girls appeared in the mirror. <br />
“Hey girls.” Sarah said waving at them. “Come on in.” <br />
“Kris said you forgot these.” Rebecca said handing over a shoe box. <br />
“And this.” Ramona added putting a purse on top of the box.<br />
“And this.” Ruby said putting a small jewelry box on Sarah’s lap unable to reach to put the other things in the pile on the vanity. <br />
“Told you he’s perfect.” Nessa said in a sing song voice as the girls climbed up on the bed. <br />
“He’s Prince Charming.” Ruby said as she got an elephant out of the pile of stuffed animals to hold and play with. Ruby was slowly opening up as were the other girls. Rebecca was already starting to stroke out on her own more feeling less need to hover over and protect her younger sisters. Ramona had thrown herself into school and playing soccer all spring excelling in athletics. Ruby was a little chatter box when she was comfortable and had a special bond with Kris. She was content to spend most of her time with Kris sitting on his lap just chatting away about anything and everything. It was a good thing Kris was good at listening and or zoning out. Sarah was pretty sure Ruby had babbled about a stray cat that hung out on the playground at her preschool for over an hour the other day. Kris just sat patiently listening… or many maybe not. Either way Sarah found it adorable. <br />
Sarah opened the box looking at the delicate chandeliers that were to hang from her ears. “They’re perfect.” Sarah said putting them in.<br />
“It’s because he’s fu---… Hi Girls!” Mal said from the door cutting herself off from swearing. “It’s because he’s brilliant or at least brilliant at knowing you.” Mal said with nods from everyone else in the room. <br />
With Mal’s arrival the bridal part was complete. These were the women and girls Sarah wanted to stand by her at the alter. <br />
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“So this is going to be your life now eh Tanger?” Max said bringing his friend a bottle of beer. Kris had a way of isolating himself even at a party that was half about him with old friends and family all around. He had dressed to compliment Sarah’s dress though she wouldn’t let him see it she had told him it was green leading him to go with the sage colored dress shirt and tan slacks. Thankfully the only photos being taken tonight were by friends and family. On the teams second trip to Montreal in January they couple had made time to do engagement photos in the snow and in a studio. His Mom had insisted though he wasn’t sure why. Either way they were nice to have even if he felt they were a bit unnecessary. <br />
“Yes. Sarah the girls and Me. Our house, a real life.” he said trying not to sigh knowing it would bring about a ribbing. He thought it was funny how he had never known he wanted a family till one was nearly dropped into his lap. Upon meeting the trip of little girls he knew they had to be a part of his and Sarah’s life. They were young and had plenty of time to have children of their own but right now they could provide for these girls like no one had ever done before. <br />
“I envy you.” Max said. The words shocked Kris. Max was the ever bachelor in the eyes of almost everyone. Sure Mal was the exception because they were both so chaotic and wild it somehow worked. “Mal does not want to be married ever. Not to me, not to anyone.” <br />
Kris just smiled. “She’ll change her mind someday. <br />
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The ladies stood at the back door to the bar all together as the guys were gathers to the front and Russ started to introduce them all on the karaoke system. Sarah fixed the girls dresses ending with Ruby. <br />
“Sarah I’m scared.” the littlest of the three girls said. <br />
“Hold my hand.” Sarah said offering her fingers to Ruby. In response Ruby put her arms up in the children's universal code of ‘pick me up’. <br />
“I got…” Mal tried to say but it was to late. Sarah had Ruby in her arms clinging with the little one clinging to her. <br />
“It’s ok.” Sarah said giving Mal a smile. <br />
They were all announced and lined the small stage with the male members of the bridal party in the form of max, MAF, Sid, Kris’ friend Yanick from Montreal and his Step Dad. <br />
Russ held the mic out for Kris who looked momentarily panic stricken before taking hold of it. “I thank you all for coming out to celebrate with us. I especially want to thank Archie Pearson for hosting us here. Having you all here makes me so ‘appy. To have you all supporting Sarah and I in starting our life together with our family. It was not long ago I could never imagine my life bringing me ‘ere. Yet ‘ere I am and I would not change it for the world. I ‘ope everyone has a great time tonight.” <br />
Kris passed the mic to Sarah who shifted Ruby on her hip slightly. She opened her mouth to speak but was beat to it by little Ruby who said “Hi’ into the mic first. <br />
The room responded with a chorus of hello’s and other greetings. With the spotlight on her Ruby instinctively reached out for Kris hiding her face in his chest suddenly embarrassed. This elicited a chorus of ‘awws…’ from around the room. <br />
“I know right?” Sarah said into the mic looking at Ruby with Kris as the other girls shifted to stand with Kris their future father figure. “Thank you all for making the drive or in some cases flights” she looked around spotting people she had met on her trips to Montreal. “I don’t think you know how lucky I feel to be standing up here with my soon to be husband and family sharing my joy with all of you. The past few years have been pretty intense and all of you stood by us. Like I said I can’t thank you enough. Please eat all the food and drink lots and dance and in a little bit feel free to karaoke.” Sarah passed the mic back to Russ Russ as a chorus of glasses clinking and people calling for a kiss started up. <br />
“Dat is only at weddings!” Kris said all smiles and laughter as Ruby lifted her head. <br />
“Just kiss her!” Rebecca said loudly getting a laugh from the crowd as Kris and Sarah met in a kiss with Ruby between them.Letterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3502268208168451259.post-91578972370405396472011-01-06T14:58:00.000-08:002011-01-06T14:58:17.806-08:00Part 2 - Chapter 7: These Are the Days - Jamie Cullum<i>Hey everyone! Thanks for the heaps of comments! I really appreciate them. Seriously you have no idea how much it makes me go 'awww' when I get a notification of one. Anyways we're about due for a happy times chapter aren't we? I hope you enjoy!</i><br />
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<br />
“Minimum two weeks Kris.” Sarah said sitting with Kris, in head trainer Chris Stewart’s office along with coach Dan. <br />
<br />
“No, please consider day to day.” Kris said pleading with everyone in the room. <br />
<br />
“Are you forgetting that yesterday you had the worst migraine I’ve ever seen you have?” She said crossing her arms over her chest.<br />
<br />
“It had nothing to do with the hit. Migraines happen to me.” he tried to explain. <br />
<br />
“Liar. If there had been any way for me to move you I would have taken you to the ER.” she ran a hand though her blond hair. <br />
<br />
“Is this true?” Dan asked giving Kris a fatherly look that demanded honesty. <br />
<br />
“Yes coach, it was especially bad.” Kris answered hanging his head. <br />
<br />
“Well then it’s settled. One more week no practice a week of no contact and then we’ll start to talk day to day.” Chris Stewart said from behind his desk looking between all parties. <br />
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“Oh don’t be pouty.” Sarah said following Kris into the apartment they shared. She put her keys in their usual spot on the entry way table. She hung up her coat as well as the one he tossed in the direction of the closet. He wasn’t usually a messy person but she knew he was grumpy. “I did you a favor by not telling everyone how you’ve been dizzy a few times. I should get mega girlfriend points for that.” she said carefully arranging their winter coats in the closet. <br />
<br />
“I want to play.” he said flopping down on the sofa turning on the tv. <br />
<br />
“I know you do sweetie.” she said as she took off her boots not wanting to track watery slush around the apartment. “It’s only eight games or so.” he said crossing to join him sitting on his lap as she nearly always did. He was such a kitty cat kind of person. He doesn’t stay mad if she was touching him so being right on top of him was the best way to deal with his bad moods. Sometimes it was like all you had to do was pet him and scratch behind his ears to keep him happy.<br />
<br />
“I want to stay on top.” he said arranging his arms around her and resting his face against her. If the guys ever really saw him like this they would totally kick his ass and he knew it. <br />
<br />
“I thought you didn’t care about that stuff?” she teased. “That you don’t pay attention.” she added calling him out on telling the media he was clueless about points and things. “You want to beat the ‘Big Buff’ don’t you?” she teased with a big grin poking him in the side playfully. <br />
<br />
“I don’t care I just play my game, good D-zone coverage, puck management leaving the zone… I want to beat that ass.” he confessed. <br />
<br />
Sarah laughed leaning back causing her to slip off his lap and back onto the vacant sofa spot next to him. “That sounds like kinky d-man love. I didn’t know Byfuglien was your type.” she continued to tease. “Many a fan will have their hopes and dreams crushed. If you were prone to fellow man love I would think Max or Sid would be more your type or Flower maybe.” she continued to tease. “But I guess not. You like the Big Buff.” <br />
<br />
“Funny.” he tried to dead pan but cracked a smile. <br />
<br />
“Man Byfuglien and I are so different. Talk about not having a type sweetie….”<br />
<br />
“That is it!” he said scooping her up in a fireman’s carry marching her down the hall towards their bedroom. “you are my only type.” he said playfully giving her butt a smack. “I’ll show you how so.” <br />
<br />
He put her down on the end of their bed. When she immediately went to undo his belt he smacked her hands away. “No. Patience.” he said slowly slipping his shoes and socks off followed by slowly taking off his zip up hoodie followed by his t-shirt. He stepped closer to her picking up her hand placing it on his stomach. Being as in tune as they were Sarah immediately let her lips follow her fingers kissing over as much of his exposed skin as she could from her sitting position. She ran her tongue over the waistline of his jeans before once again going for his belt only to have her hands batted away again.<br />
<br />
“Uh-uh. Now you.” he said his accent thick with lust. <br />
<br />
standing her up swapping her places so he was now sitting on the end of their bed. She did just as he did removing her shocks and top as he kissed over her skin. There was nothing like having his lips on her. He knew just how to kiss body when his tongue would touch her stomach or when his teeth would nip just under the wires of her bra urging her to remove it next. If he could play hockey with his mouth there would be no questioning him as a Norris Trophy candidate. Then again she didn’t want anyone else to enjoy the process of selecting him for such an award. His kissing skills were something she like having all to herself. <br />
<br />
The swapped places again this time Kris removed his jeans and boxer briefs. Finally she was able to take him in her mouth working his length with her tongue and hand till he forced her to stop being worried things would end to soon. He swapped places with her having to force her to slow down as she removed her dress slacks and panties. <br />
<br />
“The show is half the fun.” he said holding he wrists delicately to keep her from rushing. <br />
<br />
With the clothing removed his kissed across her hips letting his fingers slip between her folds. If she thought what he could do with his mouth on her skin was award winning what he could simply do with his fingers was enough to leave her legs shaking. <br />
<br />
“Scoot back…” she said guiding him back on the bed so she could gain ground over him. <br />
<br />
“I want to stay close.” he said refusing to lay back instead holding her around the waist as she sank down onto his length. <br />
<br />
There was nothing in either of their lives that could compare to the completeness of being together. After Christmas things had obviously been rough but the hit seemed to serve as a reset button for their relationship. It was like they were in sync again working as a team not just for the pleasurable outcomes of orgasm but the future prosperity of their relationship as well. <br />
<br />
He reached his peak first with her shortly following. He fell back pulling her with him his eyes rolling back in his head as the sweet tingles of the after glow ran through him. <br />
<br />
“Are you ok?” she asked barely able to form words though she had immediate concerns seeing his eyes roll back. “Are you dizzy?” she asked still twitching herself.<br />
<br />
“Only good dizzy.” he said bringing his lips to brush over her collar bone. <br />
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<br />
Sarah laid against his chest in desperate need of washing up but far to comfortable, and tingly in the twilight of orgasm to do anything about it. “I love you so much.” she said against his chest. “I’m not just saying it now because I feel like this. Which is amazing by the way but because you’re a secret artist, you know more about me than anyone else, you are my best friend and the best thing I have going for me.” she sighed letting her fingers draw lazy shapes on his skin. When she felt him inhale to speak she cut him off continuing to speak. “You scared the hell out of me the other day. New scariest day of my life. I was there with you knocked out terrified of what would happen and then when you weren’t you for a bit. It was heart breaking.” She sat up getting animated as she continued to talk. “When you weren’t my Kris I had to entertain the thought of what would happen next and could I love that version of you. I’m glad we didn’t have to find out.”<br />
<br />
He sat up on his elbows smiling at her. “You done now?” he said with a joking smile. <br />
<br />
“For the moment.” she said back a smile of her own reaching out to tuck his real sex hair behind his ears. <br />
<br />
“I love you.” he said simply smiling up at her. <br />
<br />
She waited for him to continue but he only shrugged. <br />
<br />
“That’s it.” he added the usual Kris smile that he seemed to reserve for those closest to him on his face. It was a smile not everyone got to see making it a true privilege. <br />
<br />
“Did you know when you didn’t remember me and you weren’t you that you hit on me?” she chuckled teaching for the night stand to grab a hair tie to pull her hair out of her face. <br />
<br />
“Oh?” he asked with a little chuckle. <br />
<br />
“Yeah. The real you is far smoother.” <br />
<br />
“I am not smooth.” he said sitting up completely leaning back against the padded headboard of their bed.<br />
<br />
“Oh yes you are. Helping a lady off her chair. Taking her drunk ass home to yours and being a gentleman. Meeting my G-Dad on like our third date… you Sir are smooth. The not you was calling me an angel and all kinds of cheesy things. I’m glad you’re back to being you though because it’s taken me awhile but I know the truth about you.” she said turning and facing him. <br />
<br />
“And what truth is that?” he asked crossing his arms over his bare chest an extra smug smile on his face. People would be shocked to find him ever looking smug but it was something he was on occasion especially when he thought he could win at something. He was a bit awkward and shy but he was still competitive just like the other athletes on the team he was a part of. He lifted his eyebrows almost daring her to go on. <br />
<br />
“Oh you don’t think I know?” she paused letting out a single laugh. “Let me school you on the Kris Letang that you seem to think no one sees. You sir are funny. You’re dry and sarcastic and make this little off the cuff statements that leave me dying. Especially when you take that rare opportunity to bust on someone who spends all their time busting on you. Then how you take it when people beak you. Man I would have kicked so many asses over my life. You just have no much grace.” she paused for a breath.<br />
<br />
“You done?” he asked still leaning back looking amused. <br />
<br />
“Hell no. How can I not include that you are a freaking artist? I’ve seen your doodles around the house. I’ve hung them on the fridge like a proud Mama as you know. It’s this thing you don’t ever tell anyone. How about how you let people think you’re stupid? I know you aren’t Mister. I know you’ve been working your way through the bookshelf. I see the little notes you make looking things up that get lost in translation.” she took a deep breath. “Now I’m done.”<br />
<br />
“It’s all true I am these things.” he dead paned. <br />
<br />
“Shut up.” she squealed leaning forward punching him in his shoulder. He played hurt flopping to the side in their bed. <br />
<br />
“You stop or I’ll tell coach.” he said smiling though he was lightly rubbing his shoulder. <br />
<br />
She sighed snuggling up to him a little bit nudging him till his arm was around her shoulders. “That hurt a little didn’t it.”<br />
<br />
“You punch like TK.” he said with yet another secretly smug Kris Letang smile. <br />
<br />
“He must punch hard then.” she said sticking her tongue out at him. “On that note I’m going to get a shower.” she said slipping away from him. <br />
<br />
“I’ll change the bed.” he said getting up as well. <br />
<br />
Things were back on track again. Perhaps maybe even better than they had been before. Or at least that’s how Sarah felt when she got out of the shower to find he had made the bed having laid out pajamas for her and could be heard in the kitchen making up some kind of snack. She went to her usual side of the bad pulling on the random pajama pants and tank that actually matched when she saw the little box on her bedside table. It was a familiar little box that made her heard race. She picked it up padding out to the kitchen her hair still wet having only towel dried it. <br />
<br />
“Is this what I think it is?” she asked cradling the box in the palm of her hand. <br />
<br />
“It is not a puppy so if you think it is then you are wrong.” he teased as he put together cheese and tomato sandwiches on toast. <br />
<br />
“I don’t think it’s a puppy.” she said not looking up from the box. “So you’re asking me again?” she said lifting her eyes. <br />
<br />
“I already asked again and you already said yes. I thought you would like the token that expresses this.” he said putting the sandwiches on plates and cutting them in half taking half away from her and putting it on his own plate. <br />
<br />
Sarah just looked down at the little box. “At the hospital.” <br />
<br />
Kris watched as she slowly opened it up the hinge creaking slightly. He could see the tears well in her eyes as she looked at the ring. <br />
<br />
“Where did you find this?” she asked unable to take her eyes off the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. It was obviously vintage with a delicate leaf pattern flanking a nice sized but not over the top diamond. <br />
<br />
“It was my Great Grandmothers.” he came over to where she was standing taking the ring out of the box slipping it onto her finger. It fitted perfectly as he expected it would. There was something about that ring as if it was destined to be on Sarah’s finger that led him to believe it wouldn’t need any adjustment. “Her husband who I never met brought it from home from Italy when he served in WWII.” He explained looking at the ring on her finger. <br />
<br />
“I need to call G-Dad and Mal and Nessa…” she said taking a single step towards the phone. <br />
<br />
“Archie knows. When he came for Christmas I figured I should do it right and I asked for his blessing. Which he gave though he muttered something about freedom fries.” Kris just shrugged as Sarah smiled up at him.<br />
<br />
“So this is all real.” she said as a statement rather than a question. She wrapped her arms around him her head buried in his chest. “I guess we have some plans to make.” <br />
<br />
He chuckled kissing the top of her head. “Yes we do. Plans I am looking forward to making.”Letterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3502268208168451259.post-76069125849545346502010-12-29T13:09:00.000-08:002010-12-29T13:09:50.543-08:00Part 2 Chapter 6: In the Aftermath<i>A few notes...yes, even more than usual. We're to the point in the story that when I was writing this it was before the games happened and obviously a large chunk of this chapter hasn't passed in real time yet so we're talking 100% fictional. Even more fictional than usual. Also if you're aware of the soundtrack songs the song for this chapter is 21 Guns from American Idiot the musical. Lyrics, words all of it, I love for this chapter but it's not exactly title worthy. I hope you guys like this chapter it was a tough one. </i><br />
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Three games since Christmas, three multi-point showings for Kris. Sarah could easily see he was channeling whatever feelings of anger, frustration and hurt into his game because he sure as hell wasn’t talking to her. After the game with the Islanders he had pulled to the lead in points for defensemen and cracked the top five of all skaters. <br />
<br />
Sarah on the other had had no one more than DTD injured and was back to regular shifts ar the hospital. They stuck her in her most hated department ever. The ER. It wasn’t the snapped bones or kids with dangerously high fevers that bothered her, it was when an all to familiar scene from her past played out. A police car would pull up and they would carry in children who were confused and more than likely dirty wrapped in scratchy blankets that usually get stored in the trunk of the cars carrying the only possession that mattered to them a teddy bear or ratty doll. It was always the worst when a sexual assault evidence collection kit was asked to be brought and completed. <br />
<br />
December 30th was the lay that it was finally to much. An 18 hour shift that had three burns, four flu’s, two ear infections and one appendicitis and three sexual assault kit collections on a trio of Sisters removed from the custody of their parents. They were three, four and six years old. It was the straw that broke her back. She walked into the apartment which had been extremely stuffy with awkwardness since their return home. Sarah didn’t even bother to remove her coat just kicking her boots off by the door and immediately curling up on his lap on the sofa where he was watching tv. <br />
<br />
“Bad day?” he asked stroking her hair for the first time in to her what felt like forever. <br />
<br />
All Sarah could do was nod and lay her head against his shoulder. <br />
<br />
“I know you hate ER.” he said as he unzipped her coat taking it off of her and tossing it into the chair across the room. When she didn’t respond he rubbed his face against her arm like a cat demanding attention would. It was one of his little physical cues he gave her always pushing her to talk or interact when she was stone walling him. When she didn’t respond he picked up her hand reading off the three names written there. “Who are Ramona, Rebecca and Ruby?” he asked catching her golden brown eyes with his dark chocolate ones. <br />
<br />
“Remember back in the fall when I told you about what happened to me when I was little?” she said softly just resting against him. <br />
<br />
“How could I forget?” he said shifting so he could watch her talk. <br />
<br />
“Well it happened to these little girls too. They’re staying at the hospital for a few days and I wanted to check on them on Monday.” She sighed. “I just… no one checked on me. No one checked on me when I was at the hospital. No one could even look at me till G-Dad and Grandma got there.” She started to tear up but did her best to fight it back. “They knew but we never talked about it. I never talk about it with anyone. Mal guessed about some of it but I didn’t even tell her the whole truth. You’re the first person to really know it all.” she pushed her hair out of her face looking everywhere but at him. “I let Eric do what he did because I thought he loved me. They can tell you a million times in books and classes about your past effecting your future but I let him do what he did to me over and over again hurting me because that was my fucked up view on love. I thought when I was little if I let those men do what they wanted if I was a quiet good girl maybe my Mom would bring home KFC for dinner and we’d be a normal family. I thought she’d love me for being a good girl.” she shook her head the silent tears turning to body shaking sobs. “I thought maybe if I was a good girl fro Eric the perfect girlfriend…” she paused taking in a ragged breath. “I tried so hard to be lovely for all of them. I thought if I was a lovely little girl and a lovely girlfriend they would stop hurting me. I just had to try harder.” <br />
<br />
He cut her rant off. “We accept the love we think we deserve.” He wasn’t sure what the quote was from but he thought it applied. It was all starting to come together in his head. He was understand why she did what she did in Montreal. He had never hurt her and she didn’t think she was deserving of his love. Those psych books of hers she had put on the shelves of the apartment that he had been secretly reading were paying off. <br />
<br />
“I don’t deserve someone as good as you.” she whispered crying into his shoulder. <br />
<br />
“But you do!” he said stroking her hair holding her close. “I know you don’t believe me but you do deserve love, love that will never hurt you.” <br />
<br />
All she could do was look up at him unbelieving.<br />
<br />
“God, Sarah I love you so much. Love you because you do this…” he picked up her hand looking at the three names. “You care about people.” He carefully shifted her from his lap going to the message pad she had put by the phone taking a sheet. Previously he would just use whatever receipts he had in his pocket or laying around. He took a piece of her message paper copying down the three names for her. He then headed to the bathroom starting up the shower for her. <br />
<br />
“Ok bath time.” he said leading her by the hand to the bathroom putting her in the shower. <br />
<br />
“Get in with me?” she asked softly standing in the shower just letting the water wash over her. <br />
<br />
“You sure?”<br />
<br />
“Yeah. Kris. I’m processing a lot but my brain isn’t completely broken.” she gave him a little smile. “As in get in here the cold air is getting in.” <br />
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
“oh my God Sarah that’s two goals!” Mal said jumping up and down with her friend in the second goal celebration for Kris Letang. “Sarah do you think Kris is going to get a H-------”<br />
<br />
Sarah covered Mal’s mouth cutting her off. “DO NOT JINX IT.” Sarah said letting to of her friend. She usually wasn’t the superstitious type but when it came to something like this in such a big game she had to err on the side of caution. <br />
<br />
Apparently it was a beautiful day for outside hockey. 20 degrees with the wind chill dropping it down to 15. The cold winter sun over head making the eyes a white so bright it was almost hard to look at. Heinz field was crawling with Pens fans just the way it was supposed to be. With Kris’ two goals the Pens had the advantage by one. Sid wasn’t scoring, Geno wasn’t scoring no one was from around the net it was just to defensively fortified. Kris’ two goals had come on the power play. <br />
<br />
With 9 mins left in the second Kuni, Sid and Kris flew up the ice in a three on two. Sid had just jumped out of the box took puck on side and boom drop pass to Kuni, cross ice to Tanger a rocket of a shot top shelf blocker side. Pen up 3-1 hat trick Kris Letang. Never before had anyone heard anything like that roar of the crowd and what looked like thousands of hats, scarves and gloves rained down on the ice and field that surrounded it. <br />
<br />
It was a simple play on Kris’ next shift. He pinched down like was usual for him. It didn’t matter who took the cross ice run at him smashing his head off the boards and ice as he went down. It didn’t matter if HBO was there filming every second of it. For a moment time stood still and everyone in the stadium gasped. The hero of the game taken out with what looked like serious intent to hard. The scrum followed but Sarah wasn’t paying attention. She was charging from her seat digging through her bag for her security pass. She was working hard to separate nurse from girl friend as she made it to the runway. <br />
<br />
She was ready to charge on the ice, ready to kill and by the look in her eye. “Clear a path!” she screamed as she stomped down the runway. She was caught by the arm by her friend and the team Chaplin Brian. “Let go of me.” she demanded. “I’m going to kill whoever did this. I’m going to kill the bastard who just dropped the man I love.” she yelled trying to yank her arm free wrenching it till it hurt her shoulder. <br />
<br />
“Sarah Kris needs you now. He you to be you, he needs you as a nurse and as the woman he loves. Don’t go getting yourself in trouble.” he said continuing to squeeze her arm. <br />
<br />
“I know!” she yelled back. “I know.” she said softer relaxing so he would let go of her arm. <br />
<br />
They wheeled Kris by on the backboard head in the brace position. Sarah and Brian followed down the runway and out of the stadium. <br />
<br />
“She rides with.” Brian said catching the door as the EMS attempted to shut them out. <br />
<br />
“She’s the team nurse.” Chris Stewart said pulling the door back so Sarah could climb in. <br />
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<br />
Sarah pulled on a pair of gloves. “No latex allergy.” she said seeing them looking at her. Next she snatched the pen from the paramedic’s pocket jotting down the time the hit happened. When sometime like that happens it’s second nature for her to check her watch and note the time. <br />
<br />
She looked up as she put the pen back in the pocket seeing Kris’ brown eyes open and alert. He flinched as the Paramedic started to remove his skates. <br />
<br />
“Just relax.” she said softly putting her hand on his chest meeting his eyes. “Be as still as you can.” she knew that would be hard for him. He was usually a fidgety mess especially when uncomfortable and being strapped to a back board was in no way comfortable. <br />
<br />
“I’m fine.” he half groaned. “Where are we. I need to be ready when Goose hops off.” <br />
<br />
“Can you tell me your name?” the paramedic asked. <br />
<br />
“Kris, Kristopher Allen Letang.” he said looking between Sarah and the Paramedic who’s nametag said Rick. <br />
<br />
Sarah made note of the time again. In total he was unconscious for 17 mins. That was a scary long time. <br />
<br />
“Ok Kris do you know the date?” Paramedic Rick asked next as Sarah texted Chris Stewart the head trainer that Kris was conscious now. <br />
<br />
“The first of January 2011.” he said looking at Sarah. “You’re beautiful.” he smiled a kind of flirty smile she didn’t see from him till maybe their third date when he conquered his shyness. “Your hair, makes you glow like an angel.” <br />
<br />
All Sarah could do was touch the side of his face lightly. She loved him and was seriously afraid about what might be going on inside his head. <br />
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
They arrived at the hospital and immediately sent him up for a CT scan. <br />
<br />
“What is your number?” he asked watching her out the corner of his eye filling in his medical history. <br />
<br />
“Same as yours silly.” she said not thinking anything of the question as she filled in his information. <br />
<br />
“Oh so you’re my wife. I remember.” he said smiling. “I’m a lucky man to have a wife a beautiful as you. My friends always joked that I would marry the first girl who was willing to sit in silence with me and not feel the need to talk.” <br />
<br />
Sarah stepped closer as the orderly started to snip off his gear with scissors. “Don’t cut his pads.” she said softly. You can get them off by taking them apart.” She knew he would flip to find his pads had been destroyed. “Kris what’s my name?” she asked resting a hand on his bare chest. <br />
<br />
He looked up at her blankly his brows then knitting. “Sweetie?” he said that weird smile returning. <br />
<br />
“Kris I’m not your wife.” Sarah said softly working hard to maintain eye contact. She was panic stricken her heart racing. She hoped he couldn’t feel it through the pulse in her wrist. <br />
<br />
“Not yet. But you will be.” he winked at her and she did everything she could not to tear up or give away any emotion. This was not her Kris. <br />
<br />
“Did we win the game?” he asked to whomever could answer. <br />
<br />
“Yeah man. That hattie of yours sealed the deal. The guy who hit you got a game misconduct and will more than likely be fined and suspended.” The tech said as he and Sarah worked to take off his chest protector sliding the back section out from under him extremely carefully. <br />
<br />
“I’ll be just over there.” she said as she was motioned to the room behind the safety glass. She was sat down in front of the microphone and prompted to talk.<br />
<br />
“He likes you. Just try to help him stay calm.” The tech said. <br />
<br />
“It’s going to make some noise. Kris just be as still as possible.” Sarah said into the mic the reality of the situation her mind trying to handle.<br />
<br />
“Dude why don’t you tell me how you met your future wife here?” The Tech asked when he saw Sarah struggling. <br />
<br />
She turned off their end of the mic looking at the tech. “We’ve been together for over a year you know. I really love him and am kinda freaking out here.” she explained turning the volume up on Kris so they could hear his response. <br />
<br />
“I wake up and she there sitting next to me in the…” He paused searching for the right word. “transport de carabin… she has gold brown eye and light hair. I like her light hair. She look like angel.” he said using about what Sarah thought was her panic stricken face.<br />
<br />
“Is his speech off?” the tech asked looking at Sarah. <br />
<br />
“No, he’s French Canadian. Plurals are always a struggle for him.” She explained. <br />
<br />
“Ambulance Kris.” she said pointing out the right word.<br />
<br />
“See and she smart. I like the smart angel.” he said as the machine completed it’s scan. <br />
<br />
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<br />
Two hours and a few more tests later he was freed from the back board and neck brace given an ok to use ‘gentle movement’. <br />
<br />
“I can not wait to go home and sleep.” he said being careful as he reached for the cup of juice with a straw he had been given. <br />
<br />
“Are you feeling sleepy?” Sarah asked from the visitors chair next to him in the standard room he had been put on. <br />
<br />
“Not like dat. After a game tired.” he explained. “You may not be my wife but you did my forms so you know where I live and will take me home.” he smiled that smile that was so uncharacteristically him that it worried her. <br />
Sarah opened her mouth to speak but a knock at the door interrupted her. Mal stood there beckoning Sarah into the hall. <br />
<br />
“I’ll be back Kris. Try not to go to sleep ok. Watch some tv or something.” she said giving him the remote control for the tv. <br />
<br />
Sarah picked up his chart and headed into the hall where her friend waited. <br />
<br />
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“What do you mean he doesn’t remember you? Sitting in the waiting room with Sarah going over the chart with her. <br />
<br />
“He think’s we just met.” Sarah said with a shrug. “They always say memory loss is possible but I’ve only ever see it be temporary and with teenage football players in the ER. He hasn’t come around to remembering me yet. He’s got everything else falling into place but me.” Sarah ran a hand through her hair. “He asked me to marry him.” <br />
<br />
“Even though he thinks you just met?” Mal asked holding an x-ray up to the light. <br />
<br />
“No in Montreal on Christmas eve.” Sarah said with a sigh. <br />
<br />
“OMG Sarah congratu-..” Mal paused looking at Sarah’s hands. “You don’t have the ring. Where’s the ring? Did you lose it? You better not have it‘s so perfect.” <br />
<br />
“I said no for now but how did you… you knew!?!” Sarah asked dropping her jaw. <br />
<br />
“You said no!” Mal shrieked looking at her friend in total shocker. “I can’t believe it. Actually I can.” Mal said as she got up. You finally get something good in your life and you just can’t accept it.” Mal stood putting the x-rays and sheets back in the file. “God Sarah you don’t always need drama and pain in your life. I don’t know what happened to you as a kid but I know what you let Eric do to you. You’ve had it rough I get it but you’re doing this to yourself.”<br />
<br />
“Shut up Mal.” Sarah said looking down at the floor between her feet. “Just shut up.”<br />
<br />
“You’re right I don’t know about everything but that man does and if he doesn’t I know he’s still willing to accept whatever it is.” Mal pointed to Kris’ room as she spoke. “That man fucking loves you. He would die for you Sarah, you need to get your issues dealt with or he’s gong to walk.” <br />
<br />
“I know Mal.. I know.” Sarah chocked out through tears. “I know.” she whispered again. <br />
<br />
“The truth is painful. Both the truths we can accept and the ones we can forgive our friends for pointing out.” Mal said sitting down next to her friend. <br />
“Yeah.” was all Sarah could say in agreement as she did her best to dry her tears as the Doctor approached. <br />
<br />
“I’ll see you soon Sarah. Mal said getting up. Just keep me posted ok?” Mal put her hand on her friends shoulder. <br />
<br />
“I will.” she agreed. <br />
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<br />
“The only thing that’s concerning me is his memory.” Sarah said to the Doctor who was slightly annoyed to be talking with a nurse rather than just hysterical family. Family didn’t have opinions or ideas they just accepted what he said. <br />
<br />
“Well we’re going to keep him overnight. He can sleep but someone will be in to wake him every few hours. We can reassess in the morning.” The doctor closed the file. <br />
<br />
“I’ll wake him. You don’t have to have the nurses bother I know how busy they are.” <br />
<br />
“I’m sure you do.” he said straightening the file handing it back to her. Sarah close to ignore the somewhat snide comment. <br />
<br />
She took a moment to call and text the necessary people keeping them aware of the most recent news. By the time she got back to the room he was asleep and the nurse was waiting on her. <br />
<br />
“Sweetie we’ll wake him up. You need rest too.” The nurse on duty said. <br />
<br />
“No, it’s ok.” Sarah insisted. <br />
<br />
“Really dear. Your friend stopped by the desk and said we should insist.” Sarah sighed giving in. She was tired.<br />
<br />
“He was just awake about 15 mins ago so we’ll be back in about an hour.” the nurse who’s name was Becky said patting Sarah on the back. “Get some rest. He’ll need you tomorrow.” <br />
<br />
Alone in the room Sarah silently moved the chair next to his bed taking his hand as she said her head on it. “You have to come back to me.” she whispered knowing he was sleeping. “I’m so scared Kris and you’re the only person who can make me feel safe.” she whispered sniffing. She was all out of tears. “You’re the only person who can make me feel ok.” she chuckled. “I know it’s a cliché but you made me a whole person when I didn’t even know I was partially empty.” <br />
<br />
Sarah slept there with her hand on his hand not daring to let go. She missed all the early morning flower deliveries, she even missed breakfast. <br />
<br />
“Hey you’re drooling on me.” she heard in an all to familiar accent as the hand she hadn’t dared to let go wiggled under her face. <br />
<br />
“Oh… sorry.” she mumbled sitting up her back cracking in a million places as she stretched. <br />
<br />
“I can not blame you.” he said with a smile that was like the one she was used to seeing from him. <br />
<br />
“It is a good thing you slept on my right hand.” he said making no effort to pull it from where she still held it even now. <br />
<br />
There was a pause as they just looked at one another. <br />
<br />
“Next time I ask you, you will say yes?” <br />
<br />
“Yes, Kris completely yes.” she said though a combination sob and laugh. <br />
<br />
He was back.Letterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3502268208168451259.post-43950198704293601062010-12-24T13:02:00.000-08:002010-12-24T13:02:19.920-08:00Chapter 5: Petit Papa Noel // So Close - Jon McLaughlin<i>Happy Christmas! This is EXTREMELY Christmas centric chapter so you get it today! I hope everyone has a great holiday!</i><br />
<br />
“How do you feel about Christmas in Montreal with me?” Kris asked from across the phone line. <br />
<br />
Sarah almost dripped the hot pumpkin pie she was pulling from the oven. He was boarding the plane out of Buffalo and she had him on speaker phone as she continued to cook. <br />
<br />
“Um… I don’t know. I can’t just leave G-Dad. I mean sure Russ has settled sown a lot but still.” she said resting an oven mit covered hand on her hip. <br />
<br />
“He can come too.” Kris said from the other end of the call. <br />
<br />
She had to laugh at that. “Yeah right. Good luck getting him on a plane.” she put the double crusted apple pie in the hot oven before going back to hand chopping everything for her stuffing. <br />
<br />
“Trust me.” <br />
<br />
She said a silent prayer hoping it would all work out. “Ok. Christmas in Montreal. With or without G-Dad I guess.” He missed out on so much with his family she couldn’t deny him Christmas when G-Dad came up for dinner almost once a week now. <br />
<br />
“Good I will tell my Mama. She will be so happy. I will take care of everything.” He was a giddy as a child as he searched out their home phone. <br />
<br />
“You better because I’m waist deep in Thanksgiving and Christmas shopping at the moment." <br />
<br />
Thanksgiving went off without a hitch. Once again Sarah fed the guys without family in town. She did a good job keeping herself busy trying to push Montreal Christmas out of her mind. She went out shopping with Mal and even a now 6th month pregnant Nessa. The guys were even hitting a huge winning streak as they approached the holiday. Everyone was happy though it was clear that her G-Dad had no intention of putting himself in a ‘flying tin can bound for the artic to come to Montreal for Christmas. <br />
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<br />
<br />
Sarah was packing and she hated every second of it. She was dragging her feet as she put things in the overnight bag. She was flying part of the way like any other member of the public would and she didn’t want to deal with lost baggage or worse baggage fees. <br />
<br />
“He isn’t coming is he?” She asked as she folded her Christmas eve outfit into the bag. She would hang it up upon arrival. <br />
<br />
“Not yet.” Kris said from the other side of the bed where he was doing his own packing. He had the luxury of the team jet so Sarah had put a few things in his case. “But it isn’t over.” he said trying to counter his disappointment. <br />
<br />
“It’s fine, I want to spend Christmas with you. Your Mom is even letting me keep my Tradition of pie. I know she makes the best cake but I do pie.” It was the tradition that reminded her the most of her grandmother. Even if G-Dad wasn’t coming she could still have this bit of home. <br />
<br />
“Pecan?” he asked saying it like her G-Dad always did with the West Virginia coming out. The two of them had spent hours trying to get Kris to say it 'right'. “It is my favorite of your pies.”<br />
<br />
“Yes silly. I can’t deny you pecan pie.” Sarah repeated with with the fake twang. <br />
<br />
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<br />
“Mama do you care if Sarah and I walk home?” Kris asked his Mother as they exited midnight mass. <br />
<br />
“You children go. We used to walk home when you were little Kristopher, do you remember.?” she asked pausing to kiss them both on the cheek. <br />
<br />
“Of course Mama. That is why I want to share it with Sarah.” he said hugging both his Mother and then a rare real hug for his Step-Father.<br />
<br />
He took Sarah’s arm wrapping it around his as they walked nice and slow through the light snow. It was everything about Christmas in Montreal he wanted to share with Sarah. He held her close as they walked pointing out things that never changed like the house that always had the multi-colored lights the looked exactly like gingerbread and the statue of some solider statue people always ‘vandalize’ by putting a wreath around it’s neck no matter how many times the authorities remove them one goes up every night. <br />
<br />
“It’s beautiful here.” Sarah said giving his arm a squeeze. “I’m glad I came and you can share your Christmas with me.” She hadn’t expected him to be such a Christmas-y person but here he was talking about memories of Pere Noel visits at the mall and even a failed attempt at caroling when he was in elementary school. As it turns out the one artistic thing he can’t do is sing.<br />
<br />
“Me too. It would not be Christmas for me without you now.” he said putting his arm around her back holding their bodies close together as they walked.<br />
<br />
“You always know what to say.” she was half joking when she said it but it was frequently true. He didn't always say much but what he did say was always perfect.<br />
<br />
“Marry me?” he asked stopping in the middle of the empty street just a few blocks from his home. <br />
<br />
She stopped turning to face him. “Wait what? I think I have snow in my ears.” she joked. <br />
<br />
“Be my wife.” he said pulling the little box from his coat pocket. <br />
<br />
“Holy fu-” she covered her mouth with her mitten hands. “Oh my God Kris… you can’t be doing this right now.” she said shaking her head taking a step back. “Yes, but not now not yet.” she took another step away from him and the box. “I want to say yes but we need more time.” she shook her head no tears welling up in her eyes.<br />
<br />
He tucked the box back into his pocket and stepped in close grabbing the front of her coat so she couldn’t step back again. He took his gloves off brushing her tears from her cheeks meeting her eyes. “So yes, but not yet?” he questioned. <br />
She nodded leaning in resting her forehead against his chest. <br />
<br />
He lifted her chin so their eyes could meet. Swallowing his emotions down hard he nodded. “Ok… whatever it is you need time for it is worth the wait.” <br />
<br />
Sarah threw her arms around him. “The next time you ask me it will be yes, all yes.” she whispered in his ear before they started out for home again. <br />
Silently she couldn’t help but wonder if he would ever ask again. <br />
<br />
When the house came into view the car pulling into the drive way caused a bit of confusion. She didn’t understand how Kris’ Parents could just now be getting home from church. <br />
<br />
“We found someone at the airport. Sarah he say’s he knows you?” Henri shouted down the street in French. They had been having great fun testing how hard Sarah had been working on the rosetta stone program over the last year. <br />
<br />
She looked to Kris giving him a big hug emotion filled hug. “You’ve done the impossible.” she whispered. “The next time you ask it will be yes.” she said before letting go and running to meet her G-Dad as he climbed out of the car.<br />
<br />
Sarah sobbed into the familiar arms of the man who had raised her up when everyone else in her life had abused, abandoned or died on her. <br />
<br />
“Shhh… it’s ok Sare-Bear.” he whispered petting her hair as he held her close. She was crying everything out on him. The excitement of him being there, the breaking of her heart from saying no to Kris and the mending of all the old wounds when he said he was willing to wait. It all came out in tears there in a front yard in the suburbs of Montreal.Letterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3502268208168451259.post-7665630052794913872010-12-16T18:39:00.000-08:002010-12-16T18:39:49.948-08:00Part 2: Chapter 4: All This Time - One Republic<i>I'm super excited for the upcoming chapters. I hope you guys are too. As you know I'm writing in real time now as in so things are going into the AU (alternate universe) world where I can make up stats and the outcomes of games. I wish I could make things peachy keen all the time but they won't be because I'm evil to my characters. However things are peachy keen in this chapter so enjoy and let me know what you think! </i><br />
<br />
<br />
All the WAGS said the first long road trip was the most painful thing to experience as a couple. With her role in the Penguins organization diminished Sarah had found greater acceptance within the extended family of Pend wives, girlfriends and children. With Duper’s wife about to pop any second it seem Sarah’s offers to baby sit were called upon a few times for appointments and the like. <br />
<br />
She wasn’t that’s hocked when the call came begging her to stay with the Dupuis children till their Grandparents could arrive from Quebec. All in all she was thankful for the distraction from the apartment that felt painfully empty without Kris. <br />
<br />
The children made card for their new baby sister Lola. The made cookies too with pink icing for everyone to enjoy. All the while answering the door bell as casseroles’ were delivered from the other WAGS and friends of the family. Sarah kept a careful list of who brought what dish and the type of container so Carole-Lynn would have what she needed to write note cards and return the glass/plastic ware. She was actually sad to go home when the grandparents arrived. She made the children promise to tell their Parents how much fun they had and how they wanted Sarah to come back. She especially wanted to watch them with Kris getting him some of that practice they had talked about. <br />
<br />
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<br />
In an effort to fill the quiet of the apartment without Kris being home she begged Mal to stay, Had Jimmy and a now 6 month pregnant Nessa up for a weekend visit. She even had Jstaal over for dinner a few times though they were getting sick of seeing one another with him being continuously on IR. She also cleaned the apartment from floor to ceiling, scrubbing down the walls in hopes of preventing colds and flus this winter. She nearly made herself sick on cleaner fumes it was so well done. By the time the team plane had landed they had been apart for ten days. Funny how she managed for three months apart but this 10 days had been about enough to do her in. <br />
<br />
She couldn’t help but sit perched on the edge of the sofa waiting for him to arrive. She watched the door like an anxious puppy awaiting it’s owner to return. She even managed to hear his keys in the hall as he opened the door. If she had a tail it would have been wagging. When the door opened and he entered she launched off the sofa immediately tackling him to the ground. <br />
<br />
“Don’t ever leave me again!” she squealed as she dropped kisses all over his face as he laid on the floor under her in his suit. <br />
<br />
“Stop, stop!” he said through laughter at her behavior. She finally let up on sitting back on his hips allowing him to smile up at her. “I missed you too.” he said making no move to get up enjoying having her on top of him. <br />
<br />
“I baked bread, made chicken and snap peas for dinner.” she said almost on random as she got up ready to have him settle in and just be home again. <br />
<br />
“Wait…” he said catching her hand as she turned to go to the kitchen. He pulled her to his body his arm looped around her waist. With her so close he almost went crossed eyed looking at her. “ Ees good to be home with you…” he said before leaning in bringing a gentle kiss to her lips. “I could get used to coming home and having you here.” <br />
<br />
If he wasn’t holding onto her she might have fallen down. She knew she loved him even when he left globs of toothpaste in the sink but it were moments like these that she would tell her children about her their Father was indeed prince charming. <br />
<br />
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<br />
“So we’re watching Duper’s kids while he and Carole-Lynn go for baby photos and a doctor’s appointment?” he asked trying to figure out exactly what they would be doing with the kids. <br />
<br />
“Yeah. Don’t worry. I brought cookies and stuff. They call me cookie Sarah.” she said as she drove looking over giving him a grin. <br />
<br />
“I can only have one.” he said with a little frown. Generally they both subscribed to eating well even though Sarah could indeed eat whatever she wanted. Eating with him was healthy though well eating what he ate only without the carb loading for pre-game was healthy. She didn’t have to worry about food when they ate together and she found freedom in that. Even though he never would ever question what she ate she felt comforted knowing it was healthy for the most part. <br />
<br />
“Dear, the cookies are for the kids. Mostly to keep the busy decorating them rather than eating them.” she explained. <br />
<br />
It was simple enough kicking the oldest and the youngest member of the Dupuis clan out of the house leaving Sarah in charge of the Six year old Maeva, four year old Kody and two year old Zoe and one extremely frightened looking man-child who was holding Zoe like a football about to be passed. Four sets of expectant eyes looked at her for direction. <br />
<br />
“Ok Kris can you and Kody and Mavea go draw in the family room while I take care of Zoe?” she asked taking the sleepy two year old from him holding her to her body. <br />
<br />
“Oh I love to draw.” Maeva said leading the was. <br />
“I make a car.” Kody said immediately latching onto Kris’ hand pulling him along. <br />
<br />
They all sat down at a tiny art table and worked. Kris did well like this. She had seen him be like this with Jason after a few visits. Kris didn’t know it but he had an instant connection with the Dupuis children just like he had Jason.<br />
<br />
Sarah laid down a now sleeping Zoe in her pack and play. She escaped next to the kitchen to get things ready for cookie baking. <br />
<br />
“Kody says he has to pee.” Kris said standing in the entry to the kitchen Kody holding his hand. It about made her heart melt but she held in her ‘awww…’<br />
“Well you guys better take care of that.” she said to both of them. “Really just pull the step stool up for him. “Kody you can do the rest right?” <br />
<br />
‘Yeah!” Kody exclaimed jumping only to then need to hold himself.<br />
<br />
“Better hurry.” she said to both of them as they trotted upstairs. <br />
<br />
Mave entered the kitchen next using a letter D magnet on the fridge to post the new family portrait she had drawn. <br />
<br />
“Is he your husband?” she asked climbing up to the table to watch Sarah and talk like it was girl time. <br />
<br />
“No, we’re dating. He’s my boyfriend.” Sarah explained as she laid out all the icing tubes and sprinkle containers. <br />
<br />
“He wants to be your husband. He said so when Kody asked him if you were married.” Maeva said resting her head on her hand proped by her elbow. <br />
<br />
“That’s great. Someday we’ll be husband and wife then I hope.” Sarah said as she put her bag of cookie cutters down in front of the six year old. “Pick out some shapes?” <br />
<br />
Thankfully Maeva was distracted by that and let the subject slide so Sarah could roll out the cookie dough. <br />
<br />
“All good?” she asked as the boys returned. <br />
<br />
He nodded moving to stand next to her. <br />
<br />
“Ok everyone needs to wash hands, Kris will help you.” she said with a smile. It was cute how he held them up like superman flying so they could use the sink. <br />
<br />
“So, everyone gets to cut out three.” Sarah said as Maeva held up her flower, Kody his hockey stick, Kris a duck and Sarah had a plain circle that Kody had picked calling it a puck. <br />
<br />
With the cut outs done Sarah sent the kids and Kris to go draw more as the cookies baked the seconds ticking off the chicken shaped egg timer on the counter.<br />
<br />
She sat near by on the sofa watching them. Maeva was drawing flowers and a pony talking about how she wanted one for her birthday. Sarah couldn’t help but think how something’s never changed when it came to being a little girl. Kody was working on… well Sarah wasn’t sure what it was but it looked like a happy pineapple. Kris’s papers on the other hand were unexpected. He was doing portraits of Maeva and Kody. She had seen him leave little doodles around the apartment and the shoes he had painted for max’s charity event were really nice but these having been done in black and blue crayons were amazing. She stood behind him her hands on his shoulders. <br />
<br />
Leaning down she pressed a kiss to the top of his head. “Add this to things you’re amazing at.” She sighed continuing to watch him and the kids. Finally the chicken went off making her jump. The loud ringing immediately made Zoe wake up crying. <br />
<br />
“I’ll get the cookies you get Zoe?” she asked Kris not giving him a chance to respond as she headed for the kitchen the elder Dupuis children trotting after her. <br />
<br />
Kris looked down at the little girl with big wet tears in her eyes and almost melted. Being extremely careful he bend down picking her up cradling her against his chest as he had seen Sarah do. Zoe still fussed so just like Sarah he walked her around kind of rocking her. Once she was calm he headed for the kitchen to see the older children watching the cookies willing them to cool faster so they could play with the sugary toppings. <br />
<br />
“Guys if you go do something you won’t notice how long it takes.” Sarah offered seeing them in agony as they waited. <br />
<br />
“Can we watch sponge bob?” Kody asked. <br />
<br />
Sarah sighed. “Fine but one episode.” she hated seeing kids watch tv all day and when she was baby sitting she did everything to avoid turning the tv on. <br />
<br />
The kids made a run for the living room as they turned the tv and dvd player on with no trouble. It seemed to involve six remotes and Sarah knew she’d never figure it out on her own. It took three lessons for her to learn how to switch Kris’ crazy tv from the wii back to cable. <br />
<br />
“Here I’ll take her.” Sarah said reaching out for Zoe. Much to her surprise Kris turned away. <br />
<br />
“No I like holding her.” he said looking down at the little girl in his arms who had fallen back asleep. <br />
<br />
“Go sit with her.” Sarah encouraged pointing him to the sofa. Kris Sat with Zoe. Maeva and Kody flanking him as they watched sponge bob. <br />
<br />
The decorated cookies the rest of the afternoon and drew so Kris could finish all the portraits of the kids. They even had time to squeeze in a game of hide and seek. <br />
<br />
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
Pascal and Carole-Lynn returned with Lola at 5:30 right on time with McDonalds in hand for the kids who were left at home. Just like the last time Sarah had baby sat for them they were shocked to find the house clean and the kids happy. What made her cry tears of joy though were the three portraits Kris had drawn that Maeva put up on the fridge with her own art. <br />
<br />
“Who did there? Sarah was this your doing too?” Carole-lynn asked. <br />
<br />
“Oh no. I don’t have an artistic bone in my body. This was all Kris.” Sarah said with a smile. <br />
<br />
Carole-lynn walked immediately into the family room where Pascal was as always picking on Kris. “Shut up Pascal. Get the kids ready fro dinner.” She had the Mom tone that let everyone know she was not to be messed with. Even Duper put his head down and followed her instructions. “Kris you must draw Lola. I want to frame these they are to beautiful.”<br />
<br />
His cheeks went pink at the compliment and just shrugged. “It won’t take long.” he said going to the art table to sit like he had. Lola’s car carrier was put down next to him and he went to work drawing the tiny infant. <br />
<br />
The elder Dupuis family members all ate their dinner leaving Kris alone to work as Sarah sat with him watching him. He was perfect like that his hat holding his hair out of his face as he intently worked. He had the same kind of focus when he taped his sticks. It made her wonder what he would have been if it hadn’t been for hockey. She thought of him as an artist in Old Town Montreal who did portraits for people on the streets who had an apartment over an art gallery where he showed his work as well as the works of his friends. She would have never met him if it wasn’t for hockey other than perhaps to cross paths if she happened to stay into his shop on a vacation. Two strangers that’s all the would have been. Or maybe just maybe they really were meant to be and fate from this alternate world meeting would be enough to draw them together. <br />
<br />
He finished up and it was time to leave. Sarah and Kris were both exhausted as were the Dupuis children from the looks of it. <br />
<br />
“That you so much Kris these are lovely.” Carole-lynn said looking over the drawings in her hands which she had forced her to sign. <br />
<br />
“I always knew you were a sensitive artist emo boy.” Pascal teased like the proud older brother figure he was to Kris. Carole-lynn give her husband a glair that forced him to stand down. <br />
<br />
“Please come play again soon.” Kody said throwing his arms around Kris’s legs. <br />
<br />
“They’re going to get married.” Maeva said to her parents beaming. <br />
<br />
Sarah chuckled. “Someday Maeva, though not soon.” she said looking between all the Dupuis' who seemed not to shocked by their daughters comment. <br />
<br />
“We’ll be heading home then.” Kris said helping Sarah into her jacket before putting his own on. The headed out to the car hand in hand ready to crash at home exhausted from chasing the children around all day.Letterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3502268208168451259.post-12739511243473601662010-12-10T16:56:00.000-08:002010-12-10T17:02:33.422-08:00Part 2: Chapter 2 & 3 : F**k Gentely - Tenacious D, I'd Rather Be With You - Joshua Radin<i>I decided to post these two Chapter's together because they're both short. So no complaints this time *you know who you are*. As always I hope everyone enjoys it as we head into the freakishly dense 3 'chapters' coming up.</i><br />
<br />
“Ok with a smile like that you totally got laid this morning. If I wasn’t aware of your total aversion to car sex I’d say you just got laid in the parking lot.” Mal said as the pair headed into the hospital. Sarah was in for a training and Mal for the training followed by a shift. <br />
<br />
“Can’t a girl be happy to be home?” Sarah asked lifting her coffee to her lips to hide her smile. <br />
<br />
“Oh please you totally had hot long haired French Canadian hockey stud sex at 5am.” Mal hit the up button on the elevator as she talked. <br />
<br />
“You’re one to talk walking a little bow legged this morning?” she asked in a sing song voice. <br />
<br />
“Damn straight.” Mal said with a big grin. “Let me guess you and Mr. Sensitive held hands all night and cried while you…”she paused for dramatic effect “made LOVE.” <br />
<br />
“Ha. Nice. If you must know we totally fucked in the living room yesterday. I mean could barely get the door closed before he was on me.” she grinned mischievously. “This morning was half asleep slow lazy cozy… honestly I don’t’ think he’s ever had a bad performance.” she usually wasn’t one to chat about her and Kris’ sex life. She was always a little paranoid about people listening. <br />
<br />
“Damn girl. God love my Max but I could go for half asleep and lazy on occasion.” <br />
<br />
They reached the floor they needed for the training. “Lunch before I lose you to hockey land again?” Mal asked as they took their seats. <br />
<br />
“Always.”<br />
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
“Oh man you must be tired Tanger.” max said from the tredmill next to Kris.<br />
<br />
“Why?” he asked slightly confused by the random question. They hadn’t been in the workout room that long yet. <br />
<br />
“Dude you and your sexy girlfriend just reunited after three months. Even I know what he’s talking about.” Sid said from Kris’ other side. <br />
<br />
“Oh yes. I missed her lots. I actually rest better now that she is home and safe.” Kris said dodging the question. <br />
<br />
“You know I was only in Haiti for a few days but when I got home I think Mal and I both had trouble walking for days.” Max said as the conditioning coach came over bumping up the speed on Max and Sid but the incline for Kris knowing what would break each of the guys sooner. <br />
<br />
“Come on Tanger give me something. I don’t have a girlfriend right now and I gotta live through you guys.” Sid said.<br />
<br />
“Sid. Dat’s creepy.” Max said blanking. <br />
<br />
“Don’t let Sarah know you want to know about her.” Kris said shaking his head. “She’s scary. She’ll prank you like before or worse yet she’ll make you think she's did something which is so much worse. Psychological warfare.” he explained. <br />
<br />
“Do not think you’ll get out of this.” Max said. “Psycho or not you have to give us something.” <br />
<br />
“Fine. Yesterday night frantic hallway living room. I needed her bad. This morning lazy slow spoons. Are you both happy?" He asked his face bright pink with embarrassment. <br />
<br />
“Damn you do love her don’t you? No one spoons unless they are in love.” Max sad with Sid nodding his agreement. <br />
<br />
“Yeah I do.”<br />
<br />
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
“So spoon sex…” Mal said crunching into a red pepper that topped her salad. <br />
<br />
“Yeah it’s nice. Really intimate feeling, being connected head to toe.” Sarah explained happily adding mayo to her turkey sandwich. <br />
<br />
“Sounds like it.” Mal said with another crunchy bite. “So what’s wrong with him? I mean he’s been perfect since the beginning. Like Max is amazing but his flaws are being horny all the fucking time and the whole superstar persona thing he insists on keeping up in public. He has trouble being the real Max.” Mal explained.<br />
<br />
“Kris is to giving. I know that sounds stupid but he would lasso the moon if I asked him to. He never expresses his needs though. I have to dog so deep to get anything out of him. Someday I’m afraid he’ll resent me for not knowing his needs better. He’s a secret keeper too. I know it’s just his general quietness but I don’t like secrets.”<br />
<br />
“If he’s the pot then you’re the kettle calling him black when it comes to secrets and open communication.” Mal said lifting her fork to her mouth. “You still haven’t told him everything about Dr. Asshat and when you were a kid.” Mal lifted her eyes to her friend. <br />
<br />
“I know Mal.” she said taking a bite of pineapple from her fruit cup she had gotten with her sandwich. She hoped the sweet acid of the fruit would push down the burning acid her stomach was churning up at the mention of her past.<br />
<br />
“So tell me about this spooning thing…” Mal said changing the subject.<br />
<br />
“Well sometimes when one of us need that connection we just sleep like that so close together. I mean he’s just kind of there and ready to go in the morning s I mean it just kind of happened.” she said her neck and chest going pink. “I mean well first he gets me going but you get the idea.”<br />
<br />
“Damn girl. For real hold onto him.”<br />
<br />
“I plan on it Mal. I mean I love him.”<br />
<br />
Mal just smiled knowingly trying to hide behind her salad. <br />
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
“So what’s she like Tanger?” Sid asked not looking aay from the big HD tv they were playing one of the final fantasy games on at MAF’s house. <br />
<br />
“Ew, Sid I do not want to know. She is like our Sister.” Marc-Andre said making a face. <br />
<br />
“Liar. Before she and Kris were official you said she was hot.” Sid shot back. <br />
<br />
“Yes, hot but I do not want to think about Tanger having sex.”<br />
<br />
“Gross. Just say about her Tanger. come on.” Sid begged. <br />
<br />
“If you don’t he will never shut up. Better here than the locker room.” Marc said with a sigh<br />
<br />
Kris ran a hand through his hair. “Well she is good at everything. Giving, flexibility, endurance, strength…”<br />
<br />
“Tanger this isn’t a scouting report get to the good stuff.” Sid said putting the game on pause looking at his friend. <br />
<br />
“Well she has a great tongue. It just doesn’t things. Her breast are perfect.” he said holding his hands up. They just big enough to look amazing when she lays down… she isn’t shy about being naked when it’s just us. She’s made me a sandwich topless.” he said grinning like a school boy though it was his friends with their mouths hanging open that made him chuckle. <br />
<br />
“Dude if you guys break up I’m so jumping in there.” Sid said joking… well mostly joking. <br />
<br />
“She’s forever guys. She is the one.” Kris said taking the game off pause continuing with the level they were on. <br />
_______________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<b>Chapter 3</b><br />
<br />
“So this is it?” Mal asked looking over Sarah and the exactly 20 boxes she had sitting on the side of the curb. <br />
<br />
“Yep this is it.” Sarah confirmed. <br />
<br />
“No really this is it?” Mal asked again. <br />
<br />
“Yeah Kris has everything and all his stuff was better than mine. Well except my wok and baking stuff. He didn’t have any of that. We got me a desk and a new book cake too. So I gave all the rest of my stuff to charity or junked it. Well except that.” She said pointing out one box with Mal’s name on it. “That’s all your stuff or stuff I knew you would want.”<br />
<br />
“The purple rain boots?” she asked raising an eyebrow. <br />
<br />
“Yes since I have the newer black one wit white polka-dots.” Sarah confirmed. “And the silver heels I only wore to that one Christmas party. Just stuff I know you would dive in the dumpster for if I told you I threw it out.” she said with a shrug. <br />
<br />
“Have I told you lately that I love you…” mal started to sing. <br />
“Shut up you nut.” Sarah laughed as she picked up the first box lugging it into the back of Mal’s SUV. <br />
<br />
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
The girls worked all morning moving the boxes tll Mal had to go to a meeting for Max’s Foundation. Mal was actually really knowledgeable about that kind of stuff and thought it was great the couple could be involved together on the project. <br />
<br />
Sarah got all of her clothes put away first then the kitchen. Finally she tackled the biggest project. Putting together the Ikea bookcase for all their books, DVD’s and cd’s. She was standing up on a chair putting things on the top shelf when she heard the door open and then close.<br />
<br />
“Well dat is going to take getting used to.” Kris said as he entered the room. <br />
<br />
“Hey!” she asked from where she was perched on the chair. “Can you hand me your red piñata horse award thing?” she asked pointing out the award he had won at world juniors with team Canada. She had found it buried in the back of what was now her closet and thought it would look good on display. <br />
<br />
He handed it p to her where she put it between some books. It looked nice there which he was confused about. How would she know to put it between books. It must have been some weird girl instinct he thought. <br />
“Come here.” he said taking her out at the knees forcing her to fall into his arms with a gleeful squeal. <br />
<br />
“And to think I was worried about how I was going to get down.” she joked shifting in his arms to press a kiss to his lips. “How was practice with the shooting?” she asked as he put her down on her feet. She knew he had been working all summer putting pucks on the net. <br />
<br />
“Good. I think we want to change my stick a bit. A bit more of a curve.” he said with a shrug. He didn’t really like change but if it would help him not miss the goal he would give it a try. “I see you made progress. Is this all you brought?” he asked remembering her apartment to be full of stuff. <br />
<br />
“Yeah I got rid of a bunch of stuff. I know you don’t like clutter and it was stuff I didn’t need.” <br />
<br />
“You didn’t have to we could have gotten storage.” he said sitting on the arm of the sofa watching her go back to putting books and things on the shelves. <br />
<br />
“Sweetie I just spent three months living out of one suitcase. I learned what’s important and what isn’t.” she said giving him a smile. <br />
<br />
“I just don’t want you to mss anything.” he said getting up bound for the kitchen. He saw her stack of cook books arranged on what were his next to bare counters along with her cookie jar and set of canisters looking like something out of an interior design magazine. It looked good, like a woman lived here which she did now but it was going to take some getting used to. He wasn’t as bad about change as some but it was still a challenge. Good thing this wasn’t happening mid-season. <br />
<br />
‘Drink?” he asked going to the fridge. <br />
<br />
“Water please.” she replied from the other room. “Can you make pesto chicken for dinner? I missed your pesto chicken oh and salad. That sound really good.” <br />
<br />
“Um yeah. Let me check if there is everything here…”<br />
<br />
“There is. I checked and put the chicken down to thaw.” she said with an obvious smile in her voice. <br />
<br />
“Cheater. You knew I would make it before you asked.” he said bringing her the water even opening the lid for her. <br />
<br />
“Maybe but you me love.” she called from the living room where she was still working at the book shelf.<br />
<br />
“Yeah I do.”<br />
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<br />
“Hey what is dis?” Kris asked standing at her open dresser drawers in their now shared bedroom. He pulled out a purple satin and lace number holding it up. His wet hair dripped on it leaving dark water spots on the material. <br />
<br />
Sarah emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a towel. “Well that was going to be a surprise…” she paused for dramatic effect. “Surprise.” she said with a chuckle. “I can put it on now if you want but after that good clean fun we just had I don’t know if I can go or another round right now. I need to rest.” she said putting her hand on his arm feeling the contours of his muscles. <br />
<br />
“Another night.” he said putting it away before pulling out pajama’s for her. <br />
<br />
“Why thank you.” she said taking the shorts and tank top he had picked for her. <br />
<br />
He couldn’t help but watch as she got dressed. She was the only woman he had ever seen who could look just as sexy putting clothes on as she could taking them off. <br />
<br />
“What?” she asked catching him watching her as she pulled the tank over her head. <br />
<br />
“I am a lucky man.” he said with a grin going to his own dresser pulling out boxers to sleep in. <br />
<br />
She crawled across the bed to get to him faster. “Please. I am the luck one. You are like a freaking statue of a greek god or something.” she said running her hands over his toned back and shoulders. She sighed the contented sigh she always had when she was happy as she moved away from him to turn down the bed. She climbed into bed feeling like things were really official now even though they had to have done the same thing over a hundred nights before. It was just she lived her now and this was her bed as well as his. <br />
<br />
Kris climbed into bed after turning of the lights and cozied up next to her. They always started off like this drifting apart as they slept most night. “Play question game with me till one of us falls asleep?” he asked wrapping his arms around her. <br />
<br />
“Ok.” she said knowing it wouldn’t be long till he drifted off. <br />
<br />
“Best day of your life? Do not be cheese and say something about us.” they had to put stipulations on the questions knowing one another as well as they did. <br />
<br />
“Um… I think finishing my first marathon. No one thought I could do it. I didn’t even think I could do it.” she explained. “Ok your turn. What was your favorite toy growing up. Excluding hockey stuff.” <br />
<br />
“When I was really little I had this brow stuffed dog. It is on the shelf in my bedroom at my Mom’s. Theo was its name. Then I like building toys, drawing stuff too.” <br />
<br />
In another life she thought maybe he could have turned out to be an architect or something. <br />
<br />
“When were you most scared?” he asked next. She waited a moment thinking maybe he would drift off but his lips on her shoulder let her know he was waiting for an answer no matter how slow and steady his breathing got. <br />
<br />
“Sometimes when I was really little and lived with my Mom she would bring these guys home and they were more interested in me than her.” This was what Mal was talking about right? Being honest, no secrets. <br />
<br />
“Wait you mean she let them…” he asked trailing off propping himself up on an elbow to lean over her a bit. <br />
<br />
“Yeah…. What ever you’re thinking yeah and maybe worse.” Sarah said softly. “I really don’t want to go into detail.” <br />
<br />
“Why have you never told me?” he asked softly. Suddenly her reluctance to try certain things in bed made sense. <br />
<br />
Sarah rolled over to meet his eyes in the darkened bedroom. “What was I supposed to say? By the way my history of neglect wasn’t what got me removed from my Mom’s care but some seriously fucked up shit she let happen in exchange for drugs and money?” she turned away from him again. “She did what she did and I am who I am because of it. I mean if I it wasn’t like that maybe I wouldn’t even be here. I could have turned out like her.” <br />
<br />
“You’ll never be like that.” he said cutting her off. “Never ever. And I will never let anyone hurt you ever again. It should not have ever happened to any child ever.”<br />
<br />
“You’re right.” she said turning over and forcing him to his back so she could lay against his chest. “My question.” she needed to change the subject though things were already uncomfortable so she figured shed ask something she didn’t know the answer to. “Do you want to be a Dad?” over all she found that he ignored children when they were around. He casually observed them but never interacted unless prompted to do something specific. People handed their babies to MAF and Max all the time but it was like no one dared to hand their child to Kris. <br />
<br />
“Before I did not think so. Now I think yes. I don’t know many childs and even less babies. But I know you will be the best Mom ever so much so to make up for my being a bad Dad.” <br />
<br />
His answer made her smile. “You won’t be a bad Dad. You just need to practice. We should baby sit for Duper or Kuni sometime.”<br />
<br />
“Not Duper even his kids beak me.” <br />
<br />
Sarah really had to work hard not to laugh. Duper’s kids looked and acted just like him so she could see that happening under Duper’s supervision. <br />
<br />
“I remember seeing you at the hospital one day when I was bringing you lunch. We were just starting. You had this little girl about four or five just clinging to you as you held her. She was crying but no sound, I think she was in pain and you just walked the hall with her up and down trying to sooth her. It make me think sometime I want to come home and see you with our little girl taking care of her. I never thought like that till I knew you.” <br />
<br />
She softly patted his chest unsure of how to respond. <br />
<br />
“Do you want to be a Mom?” he asked after a pause so long she had thought he had fallen asleep. <br />
<br />
“Yeah.” she said softly even though the light buzz of a snore he had when he slept on his back could be heard.Letterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3502268208168451259.post-54491593338053532902010-12-06T04:58:00.000-08:002010-12-06T04:59:29.064-08:00Part 2: Chapter 1: Brand New Day - Joshua Radin<i>I Couldn't resist! Updates here and over at Max & Mal!</i><br />
<br />
<br />
“The stars are so bright here.” he said look up at the dark sky that was dotted by pin pricks of light. <br />
<br />
“Yeah it’s like when you’re a kid and you started with the black paper on the lite brite slowly putting the pegs in to make the creepy clown.”<br />
<br />
He looked at her like she was a bit crazy. “I’m really glad there isn’t a fucking creepy clown in the sky.” he turned his head to look at the girl net to him on the blanket. “I’m glad you’re better. We all are.”<br />
<br />
“Yeah it’s like that book Eat, Pray, Love. Well movie now, I want to see that when we get home... I needed , to get away from it all. Even you guys. Who I love, I became defined by what I did.” she sighed laying back completely on the poured concrete floor. <br />
<br />
“Yes. This has made me see that I need to be more than hockey.” I think starting my foundation here will be good.” He looked down at her next to him. <br />
<br />
“Max, you’re right about the foundation, but if you don’t stop looking at my boobs I’ll black your eyes and have my boyfriend and your girlfriend do the same once we get home. They’ll be waiting at baggage claim to do it and you know it.” <br />
“Ok. Only because I am afraid of Mal and you. Tanger is just Tanger.” <br />
<br />
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‘Don’t trip, don’t trip, don’t fall..’ he thought to himself as he stiffly moved down the runway. ‘Try not to look like a douche…’ he thought each time he changed and was restyled to be sent out under the lights. ‘Thank you Jesus.’ he prayed as the show came to an end. <br />
<br />
The backstage was crazy. People everywhere, models in various states of undress. ‘eyes down’ he reminded himself as he headed for the lounge. It was there he promised to wait. <br />
<br />
‘You…” she said covering her mouth trying not to laugh,. “The hairless look?” she asked reaching out to touch his bare stomach and chest. <br />
<br />
“Oh shut up.” he said batting her hand away. “Do you like it?”<br />
<br />
“No. But my opinion doesn’t matter.” glasses of champagne were brought to them. They each took a glass as the toast was made across the room. <br />
<br />
“I think she’ll like it.” Kris said with a little the shrug after taking a sip of the drink only to abandon his glass on a near by table. <br />
<br />
“Not that hair.” mal said pulling here camera from her bag snapping a picture in his face. “That I am never ever going to let you live down.” <br />
<br />
“I figures.” he violently shook his head the hair sprayed pool falling apart leaving a half puff on side of his head. <br />
<br />
“Sweet baby jesus… you look a hot mess.” Mal said snapping another picture. <br />
<br />
“Yes I know.” he joked putting on a blue steel kind of look joking with her. <br />
<br />
“No that means… never mind.” she didn’t want to take the time to explain the slang. <br />
<br />
Each of them were pulled in different directions to talk to different people. They really didn’t meet again till it was time to leave. <br />
<br />
“Going back to Max’s parents?” he asked walking with Mal to the parking lot. <br />
<br />
“Yeah they let me borrow their car to drive in. They’re taking me to the airport in the morning. Max’ll be back the day after and I wanted to get some rest before I spend my last few days off in this cycle with him.” she explained. <br />
<br />
“Yes, I come back to Pit the day before Sarah. I wanted to be able to pick her up but her G-Dad is. I have special shots coach coming in. Then we spend the next weeks moving her stuff.” <br />
<br />
“Yeah I’m helping with that. You nutters moving in together, if I lived with Max I would kill him. Really you’d all start to wonder when he didn’t show up for practice one day.” <br />
<br />
“Yeah well it the next steps.” he shrugged. “Then this.” he said fishing in his bag pulling out a ring box. <br />
<br />
“Oh shit.” Mal said her hand at her mouth covering her smile. She took the box opening looking at the antique ring with gold leaves flanking a round cut diamond that was big without being ridiculous. “That is so Sarah. It’s perfect.”<br />
<br />
“You think so?” he asked taking the box back looking at it. “I think so but sometimes I’m wrong.” he said tucking the box back in his bag. <br />
<br />
“Really she’ll love it.” <br />
<br />
“Was my Great-Grandmother’s. Her husband, my Great-Grandfather brought it back from Italy WWII her her.” he explained. <br />
<br />
“Seriously she’ll love it. She likes leaves and things and that story. Because it’s special to you it will be even more special to her.” Sarah liked those kinds of sentimental things where as Mal tended to go for new and shiny. “Just make sure you’re both ready. Make sure you truly know one another.” Mal said as she unlocked the car. <br />
<br />
“I do. But I like finding new things about her. I want to know it all and I want forever to do it.” <br />
<br />
His sincerity made her heart melt. “Good. I can honestly say I can’t imagine a better match for my best friend…” she paused. “I’ll save all my mushy stuff for my wedding toast.”Letterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3502268208168451259.post-9705762839566174042010-12-02T20:45:00.000-08:002010-12-02T20:52:10.165-08:00Chapter 26: Beautiful Life - Charlotte Martin<i>It's friday now so officially the weekend hence why I can post this. So here is the end to All or Nothing: Kris & Sarah Part 1. Don't worry though I'm already 6 chapters deep in part two. Updates here should still be regular so no worries. I hope you guys like it all. Leave comments on hopes, fears, what you want to happen ect. If someone actually manages to guess what's going to go down in part two I'll be shocked! Thanks for reading! </i><br />
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<br />
No one expected the season to end like this. No one wanted to send the arena out with a loss. No one wanted to see their friend feel like he let the team down. No on wanted to pack of their gear. No one wanted to turn up the morning after the last loss of the season facing down a long summer.<br />
<br />
Sarah was in putting in the final stats of the game the night before and starting to pack up when she got a knock on her door. It was Ray, her boss. The big boss, the one step from the ultimate top boss. “Sarah the guys are just about ready to talk to you but I think we should talk first. Can I come in?” he asked still standing outside of her door.<br />
<br />
“Yeah, come in, have a seat.” she said moving to clear a space in her guest chair for him. She had prepped books for the guys with their current stats to take with them to their summer trainers.<br />
<br />
“You’ve done a great job this year. Chris and the rest of the training staff say they feel comfortable with the system. That means you’ve done your job well.”<br />
<br />
“Thanks you. Really they weren’t hard to teach and seemed thankful to have less paper to keep track of.” she relaxed some.<br />
<br />
“I’m sure you know by now that we will not be renewing your full time contract. However we would like to offer you a consulting position. This would entail reporting to the training staff when called in mostly in cases where someone is facing a long term recovery.” he explained.<br />
<br />
“I think that sounds like something I would enjoy.” Sarah relaxed back into the chair. “I will not be available until September though. I hope that isn’t a problem. I’ve taken a position outside of the country for the summer.”<br />
<br />
“No problem at all. I will have the contract drawn up and you can sign this afternoon. I hope you have an excellent summer Sarah. The guys will be waiting for you. Feel free to tell them about your new place with the team.” He shook her hand and was out the door before she could do anything about it. He was a man of fast deals and mystery as far as she was concerned.<br />
<br />
With her box in hand she made her way to the old nasty locker room. They all still looked defeated as they bundled their sticks and packed away their gear to have it sent to where they trained in the summer. Kris’s and Max’s were headed to Montreal, Geno’s was headed for Moscow and Sid, Cole Harbor. She let them continue their work as she gave each person their binder where they found every stat humanly possible from face offs won to their average treadmill speed on the second Thursday of every month.<br />
<br />
“So as you can see I’ve given you all your books. I think this confirms I’ve been paid to be a creepy stalker to all of you.” everyone gave a chuckle but no one was in the mood to laugh. “I hope you all have a great summer. Train hard, have fun, heal…” she emphasized the last word staring a few of them down in hopes she could put the fear of a Mother into them. “I’m sure you all know I’m not contracted for next year.” they looked nervously at Kris before nodding collectively. “But I’m happy to say I will see you all next year.” There was a collective cheer and clapping as those close to Kris slapped him on the back making him go bright red.<br />
“you can all relax though. I won’t be here all the time but I’ll be here when you need me. I won’t be your creepy stalker anymore but more like….” she paused smiling shaking her head. “More like you fairy health godmother. Or the nagging voice of giving something time to heal.” they all groaned and she laughed. “Enjoy the summer boys.” she ended giving them all a hand smiling. She knew they were all still disappointed but she could see one person smiling across the room one who got up to follow her out of the locker room. <br />
<br />
Kris scooped her up in a big hug squeezing so hard he made her back crack. Usually he was beyond gentle so she knew he was consumed by emotion to be this rough on her. He put her back down on her feet his hands on his hips.<br />
<br />
“How long have you known? Do you enjoy keeping news from me?” he asked trying to play stern. When she kept good news from him he never minded to much.<br />
<br />
“I just found out. I haven’t even signed the deal yet. Ray turned up at my office made the offer, I said yes and then he disappeared again. I think he might be magical.” she said with a shrug. “I have to go sign for real later this afternoon."<br />
<br />
“This make me so happy.” he said holding her shoulders for a second before pulling her into a hug again. He knew now she would be back. She wouldn’t run away to Haiti and never come back to him. His fears for their future were eased.<br />
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They stood in line at the baggage counter. Sarah had one bag on either side of her with Kris behind her his arms around her, his chin resting on her shoulder. He had to stoop a bit to do it but for some reason he had taken to standing like this while they were on vacation. On the cruise he said he liked it because he could always kiss her shoulders. Why he did it now she’d never know. He just said it was comfortable. She let him go though as they inched their way though the line.<br />
<br />
Vacation had been fun but now her bags were much more carefully packed. What held bikinis and cute casual dresses before now held clothes, a bed roll and mosquito netting in one bag and another packed full of medical supplies. Thankfully when the bags were weighed they passed the under 50 lbs mark. Her ticket and passport were scanned and she was checked in. There were still two hours till her flight boarded and at the ridiculous hour of 4am no one was passing though security yet. So the couple found a bench to spend their last bit of time together. They sat holding hands their tans nearly matching. Her head on his shoulder and his head on hers.<br />
<br />
“I think you will be everyone favorite in Haiti.” he said softly.<br />
<br />
She chuckled. “I don’t want to be everyone’s favorite just yours.”<br />
<br />
Kris lifted his head from her to look into her eyes. “Come home to me ok? I do not think I will be happy till you come home. Just as I know you will not be happy till you go.” He knew she was going as a way to jump start her nursing again. After Jason passed away she didn’t go back to the hospital. She couldn’t. Now she would need to so she could support herself. Well she didn’t need to he made that quite clear that he was content to support her but she refused. She did however agree to move in upon her return.<br />
<br />
“I’ll always come home to you.” she whispered kissing him lightly. Traffic though security started to pick up as business people started to arrive for their early morning flights. “I should go…” she said resting her forehead against his.<br />
“Come home to me.” he said again one they were standing and she had her beat up old backpack of a carryon over her shoulders.<br />
<br />
“Always.” she echoed again.<br />
<br />
One last kiss and she was on her way.Letterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3502268208168451259.post-59312531685206613012010-12-01T15:44:00.000-08:002010-12-01T15:44:58.475-08:00WHAT A MID WEEK POST!?!?!Ok guys I just wanted to let you know I have the first chapter of All or Nothing: Max & Mal up in their own blog. You can check it out <a href="http://allornothing25.blogspot.com/">Here</a>. This section of Kris & Sarah is ending soon and as I work on part two there will be sporadic updates to Max & Mal to kind of keep me from burning out on Kris and Sarah because OMG guys they are drama city lately. If only you knew.<br />
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Yes I'm an evil tease.Letterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3502268208168451259.post-8226947024570107162010-11-26T22:44:00.000-08:002010-11-27T21:34:50.670-08:00Chapter 24: Be Ok - Ingrid Michaelson<i>Hey everyone! As always thanks for reading. Part One of the story is nearing an end here (with one more chapter to go!). I'd really appreciate it if you would leave me some feed back on what you would like to see next. Obviously (<strike>JStaal</strike>) There is more to come for Kris and Sarah. I'm ahead and have a plan as always. What I want to know is if you want more Max & Mal. I have some stuff of them as a kind of spin off as well as having them featured more in Part 2. Is this something people like or absolutely hate? I'm just curious. Let me know what you think!</i><br />
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It was May 2nd the day of the marathon. It was the second game in the Montreal series. They had won the first game of the series a few days before. Sarah was thinner then she had intended her grief taking off more weight than the most intense part of training. Mal however looked strong and happy that morning. Kris and Max had dropped them off at the start. They each had their own contest that day. For Sarah in addition to the race she had a big decision to deliberate over.<br />
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The girls stretched Sarah cracking every joint in her body from her toes to her neck. Mal was down on the ground doing yoga poses. She found they helped her stretch, strengthen and relax. That in itself was funny considering Mal’s loud over the top personality. The thought of her in a yoga class was completely hysterical. Sarah shook her limbs out as the one minuet till start happened.<br />
<br />
“Where did you learn yoga?” Sarah asked her friend as they both started to jog in place.<br />
<br />
“Max taught me and then I started a class.” she said with a little shrug.<br />
<br />
“Max does yoga?” I asked half laughing.<br />
<br />
Mal didn’t get to answer as the starter pistol went off.<br />
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Sarah was wrapped up in her own thoughts as the race ran it’s course. It’s mile 22 when the pain becomes next to unbearable. Blisters have formed and broken, the burn of the muscles as they reach their wall. It’s so close to the end but there is nothing to be hopeful about because the only thing waiting there is the pain of stopping. Mal was still at her side though her gait was suffering. Sarah could remember her first race. It’s at this point where you wonder what the fuck you’ve been smoking for the last few months as you made futile attempts to prepare for this. Nothing could prepare someone for this. She had to do it though. Sarah was running in honor of Jason. She had told his family that was what she was doing. There was no way she could win but she would run knowing he couldn’t anymore.’<br />
<br />
It was then she started to notice Mal slowing down at her side.<br />
<br />
“Where are we going?” Mal asked her gait jagged as she weaved next to Sarah.<br />
<br />
“It’s the wall you can do this. We talked about this.” Sarah encouraged. She knew her wall was mostly in her mind. There was the pain, the breaking of her muscles from over use that felt like she had no legs but hot pokers from an iron forge that connected her body to the ground with each step.<br />
<br />
“You have to remember why you’re doing this Mal.” Sarah encouraged tell me why you’re doing this.” Thankfully they were approaching a drinking station. They all started out as water by now they all had Gatorade to help with the hypoglycemia every runner was experiencing by this point.<br />
<br />
“I’m doing to show my fucking Parents they don’t own me.” Mal said as she licked her dry lips. “I want them to know I don’t need their head games, their money or their words of pride when I told them I was dating Max. They aren’t happy that I’m happy. They’re happy because they think he’s fucking rich.” Her gait steadied a little as she took the cup drinking from it before tossing it to the ground with the others.<br />
<br />
“That’s it Mal. You’re doing this because you’re better than all of that. You aren’t defined by how you were raised or who they want you to be.” Sarah encouraged. All the while she told herself over and over in her head. ‘I’m doing this for Jay, I’m doing this for Jay and occasionally I’m doing this for Kris so it will end my madness. I'm doing this to save my relationship. I do this for Jay now so I can go back to how things were… I hope.’ In completing the race she would have little to distract her from her upcoming decisions that needed to be made. Ones she hadn’t talked to her boyfriend about. It was the playoffs, she didn’t want to upset him… or at least that was what she told herself.<br />
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The last mile was a straight shot. You could see the finish line ahead; the whole thing was lined with people. Nessa, Jimmy and G-Dad were there to cheer for Mal and Sarah as well as take them home, push them into the shower, feed them and strap bags of frozen corn and peas to them and then take them to the Mellon for the game. It was a lot to ask of them but it had to be done.<br />
<br />
It was a weird feeling being so exhausted and in but completely high when you cross the finish line. There were hugs all around as they stood there and were congratulated by everyone. They crossed crossed the line at 4:12: 06 &07. They couldn’t cross at exactly the same time so Mal who’s name came first in alphabetical order gave her the one second lead before Sarah. They finished an hour behind the leader for their age group. Not a bad time at all for recreational runners.<br />
<br />
There wasn't long to relish in the showers and veggie ice packs. Everyone had to be at the game. Everyone was going because it seemed like the only time they could all be together. Nessa, Jimmy, G-Dad and Mal would all be sitting together in the end where the Pens would be on defense twice. Sarah had offered them the offensive end but they all wanted to see Kris play. Well Mal was happy to hear that Sarah kept them in the defensive end but cheated them to the side so she could see Max.<br />
The game was less than spectacular… it was down right odd actually. Sarah felt good that Jordan Leopold was back in the line up after a devastating concussion but that was about the only highlight. The game ended and everyone headed home. Mal went with Max so they could both baby their injuries. Mal was obviously in need of recovering and Max hadn’t been completely healthy all season. No doubt they would spend the night on the sofa and then in bed actually sleeping.<br />
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Back at Kris’s they to were spending a bit of time on the sofa before bed. Sarah had bags of frozen peas duct taped to her legs and Kris had one sitting on his shoulder which he had hurt earlier in the season as well as on on his ankle that was propped up on the coffee table.<br />
<br />
“Next year looks good right? I mean you have your contract to stay here and everything.” she said starting what was no doubt going to be a difficult conversation.<br />
<br />
“Are you already counting us out of final?” Kris asked his voice raspy with fatigue.<br />
<br />
“No that’s not what I mean at all.” she she said shifting so she could sit next to him her feet now on the coffee table next to his. “I just want to talk about the future.”<br />
<br />
His eyebrow raised at that. She wasn’t really one to ever talk about the direction of their relationship. He loved her, she loved him and that seemed to be enough for her. They had only ever talked once before in the days before the trade deadline. His contract was running out and the worries of having to move in the summer were getting to him. As it turned out the worries had been for nothing with his contract being renewed early and quite handsomely.<br />
<br />
“You have a contract for the next three years but I don’t.” That was the flat out truth. “I’m not going to be with the team next season. At least not like I am now. It was my job to set up the system and train everyone how to use it. I turn things over to the regular training staff once we get it moved into the new arena.” It was news she had known all along though she had expected to hear if she would be kept for longer by now but no word had come and she doubted it would. Her voice for guys resting properly and not playing through injuries made her a hindrance to some of them rather than a voice of reason.<br />
<br />
“Oh. I did not know.” he lightly squished the pack of peas taped to her thigh. They were starting to get squishy.<br />
<br />
“I haven’t told anyone. I mean there’s still time to renew but I don’t think it’ll happen.” she shrugged. “In the fall I’ll be working somewhere in the city I just don’t know where yet. We’ll be a normal couple like everyone else.” she half chuckled at that. “Well never normal but normal in the world of players and wags.”<br />
<br />
“It will be different.” was all he said. Everyone knew change was coming. The new arena was different in every way possible that would no doubt leave all their heads spinning.<br />
<br />
“Yeah. But what I really want to talk about is the summer. After the finals… I know you want to go on vacation and go back to Montreal.” she paused and he nodded to confirm. “What if I told you I had an opportunity I couldn’t pass up?”<br />
<br />
“How do you mean?” he asked still quashing individual peas in her veggie ice pack.<br />
<br />
“Brian offered me a job for the summer.” she paused looking from his fingers at he popped a pea by her leg then to his eyes. “In Haiti.”Letterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3502268208168451259.post-64953146063526229672010-11-21T17:15:00.000-08:002010-11-21T23:11:01.691-08:00Chapter 23: A Comet Appears - The Shins<i>Hello new followers! I think readership doubled this week which is crazy to me. I hope you're all enjoying the story. Let me know what you think as I am writing 'part two' now. :)</i><br />
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It was upon Max’s insistence that everyone go out for Kris’ birthday. Not the day of the Playoff win but the day after. They were all tired and wanted to rest even if they had won the first round of the playoffs against Ottawa on Kris’s birthday. There was a six day break but the guys really needed it. Everyone was banged up some worse than others. Many of them had no business on the ice but there was no way they would give up playing now. <br />
<br />
Sarah was sure to tell all the guys they could drink but no one did. Ok they had a bit of wine or beer at dinner but it was in the way that was to enjoy rather than get drunk. They were big goofballs sometimes big drunken goofballs but when it came down to it they were indeed serious professional athletes. Instead of drinking themselves they pumped the rest of the non-athlete crew with drinks. <br />
<br />
“You look pretty tonight.” Kris said as he sat down next to her. We had gone from dinner at his favorite restaurant to Diesel. “I know I told you already but you do. I like it when you wear purple.” he said sitting in the corner of the semi-private lounge watching the crew we were out with. Max and Mal were out on the dance floor, Jordan and his Girlfriend were on the sofa hanging out. MAF and his girlfriend were near by as well. A lot of the other guys had been at dinner but went home to their families or at least hot showers and sleep. <br />
<br />
“I picked it out with that in mind.” Sarah said leaning into him. She was drinking far to much than she knew she should Max and Mal kept handing her drinks as Dad Kris like it was some big conspiracy. She was sitting now because she knew there was no way in hell she could stand on her own. <br />
Sarah had been in a bad way for the first two weeks after Jason’s death. She went to the funeral but everyone around her knew she carried a burden of grief. Thankfully Kris was understanding having some experience with grief himself. She dropped more weight in that time than was healthy. She ran, worked and slept but didn’t eat. Kris tried to make her eat but was barely successful. <br />
<br />
“I love your presents.” he said putting his arm around her. The classic looking large headphones that blocked outside noises and pumped the music right into his brain were something he really wanted but never got around to getting for himself. She got him new high thread count sheets though they were partially a gift for herself. What he had liked the most though was the year of laundry service she had gotten for him. Gone were days of having to drop off and pick up his suits or feel like an idiot when he got home to find he had left wet clothes in the washer while he was gone that now had mold on them. <br />
<br />
“I’m glad.” she could feel herself spinning as she sat next to him. She kissed his cheek and leaned into him. They were quiet for awhile just enjoying their friends laughing as Jordan nearly killed his girlfriend falling on her. <br />
<br />
“I think I need to go home now.” Sarah announced looking at Kris. The spinning and blurring of the room were getting especially bad. She didn’t feel like she was going to vomit but the two empty bottle of vodka on the table led her to believe otherwise. <br />
<br />
The crew hooted and hollered as Kris scooped her up. She felt like a child in his arms as he carried her to the car carefully putting her inside being mindful not to bump her head. He even buckled her seatbelt for her. As always the ride back to his place was short. He got her out of the car just the same as he put her in.<br />
<br />
“I’m sorry I’m so drunk.” she said standing in his bedroom as he unzipped her dress tossing it aside replacing it with one of his t-shirts. “You deserve birthday sex. Wild hot birthday sex. Wild hot birthday and advancing in the playoffs sex.” she poutted as he carefully searched out the pins she had put in her hair to make her bangs a bit poofy. He thought it was a bit over the top as he fished six pins out of her wavy blond hair. “You’ll get you birthday sex tomorrow I promise. I don’t want to throw up in your face or something gross like that.” she continued to talk and he continued to take care of her awkwardly pulling her hair up in a lop sided ponytail circa 1989 but it was how hard he was trying that made it adorable. He grabbed a bag lined trash can putting it on her side of the bed as well as a glass of water. Next he brought her two aspirin and a small paper cup of water. “You’re good at this you should be a nurse.” she teased. “Sexiest nurse ever.” she took the pills taking the little cup of water like a shot. “Not in a skirt though. You don’t have the legs for it. You have some seriously thick thighs. That‘s a good thing though. Skate fast, hold me tight…” <br />
Kris just continued on guiding her to the bed. He tucked her in and then changed himself all while she continued to babble about nursing and loving it though it was obvious in her tone that as much as she meant the words in the long haul at the moment they only contained the bitterness of loss. <br />
<br />
“I love it, you know? I do. I love taking care of people. Especially kids. There’s nothing like seeing a little one be well enough to actually play….” she felt Kris climb into bed next to her. He moved so his back aligned with her and they were connected head to toe. <br />
<br />
“Shhh… close your eyes.” he said in a soft tone just beside her ear. <br />
“I can’t. If I close my eyes I can’t fight it.” she said in a drunken loud whisper. <br />
<br />
“Can’t fight what?” he asked tightening his arm around her pulling her closer to his chest. <br />
<br />
“Can’t fight the pain.” she said in the same whisper. “I’m sad. I’m so sad.” she confessed. “I can’t cry anymore. I can’t smile anymore. I know you know.” she rolled in his arms to face him their noses almost touching they were so close. He was really glad he made her brush her teeth now. <br />
<br />
“I know. I know you try to be well. But you aren’t.” he kissed the tip of her nose. “I’ll be here now and when you’re better because I love you and I know you’ll get better.”<br />
<br />
Sarah felt like dead weight in his arms now. He knew she was asleep or at least passed out. What she was going though frightened him. It brought up old memories of his own grief. There was only one person he thought of who could really help her. An old friend he hadn’t talked to in awhile. <br />
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It was 11am when Sarah finally woke up. The sun was bright and hurt her eyes. She ached all over and had a bit of a headache. She knew right away what had happened. What she didn’t understand though was the side ponytail her hair was pulled into. She pulled on some shorts and headed out into the rest of the apartment to find Kris. She learned a long time ago to always put the shorts on. Max and MAF had seen her in just a t-shirt several times and Geno had actually seen her in just her bra and underwear that was when he walked in on her fresh out of the shower though. <br />
<br />
“I’m waist deep in the shame and pain of drinking to much.” she said going to the coffee pot pouring herself a cup not bothering with her usual splenda. <br />
<br />
“You need to shower I have someone coming over for lunch.” Kris said as he turned the microwave a plate of pancakes spinning inside. <br />
<br />
“Who’s coming?” she asked holding the warm cup tightly between her hands. “Aww, did your Mom come in to surprise you?” she asked hopeful to see his Mom. They had chatted on the phone a few times since her visit to Montreal. <br />
<br />
“Non. My friend Brian is coming over. You’ve met him before in passing. He’s the team Chaplin.” Kris explained as the microwave dinged. He added syrup to the two pancakes putting them on the table guiding her there. “Now eat these.”<br />
<br />
“I’m not hungry.” she said raising her eyes to meet his. It was a lie. She was hungry but didn’t feel like eating. <br />
<br />
“Bullshit. Eat the pancakes Sarah.” he crossed his arms not giving her any ground. <br />
<br />
She sighed sitting down. “Fine.” <br />
<br />
Once she ate enough of the pancakes for him to release her from the table as if she was a child she showered and dressed. By the time she was ready she knew the Chaplin was already there. She went into the living room seeing the two men sitting on the sofa.<br />
<br />
“Brian this is my girlfriend and our team Nurse Sarah. Sarah, Brian our Chaplin.” Kris made the introduction sound so simple. <br />
<br />
“It’s nice to meet you.” Sarah extended her hand and he took it in introduction. <br />
<br />
“Kris has told me a lot about you. All wonderful things. I know he’s an honest man so I know you’re quite the woman.” Brian said as he took a seat in a near by chair allowing Sarah to sit by Kris. <br />
<br />
“Sarah I asked Brian to come because I want you to have help. He helped me when Luc died.” Kris looked to her eyes though she avoided his gaze. <br />
<br />
“Is this because I got drunk last night?” She asked leaning away from him into the arm of the couch. <br />
<br />
“No, not at all.” Kris said giving up on trying to get her to move closer to him. “It’s about what you said. Last night you told me how sad you are. You told me you can’t fight the pain anymore.” <br />
<br />
“I was drunk.” she said with a little chuckle though she didn't smile since it was the truth. <br />
<br />
“I know you have experience dealing in psych work Sarah. I know that makes it harder to reach out for help.” Brian said as he moved to the edge of his seat. “I just want to be a resource or a sounding board for you. You can talk with Kris about me, I know he was real skeptical when Max introduced us. Right Kris?” <br />
<br />
“I was so pissed at Max that day. I wanted to murder him.” he looked at Sarah smiling. “Max did it at the rink. Maybe I should have too. Less knives and ways for you to kill me... though more skate blades.” he joked.<br />
<br />
“Ah yes but there is that nice table saw in the stick room.” Sarah said with a glair. <br />
<br />
“Don’t worry Kris isn’t going to leave us now or anything. This was really just an introduction.” Brian moved to get up. “I actually need to go I have a lot of stuff to do today. I’m gearing up to head down to Haiti.” Brian explained. <br />
<br />
“Oh?” Sarah asked her interest perked.<br />
<br />
“Yeah. I’m working with an orphanage there. The need is so great. I’ll be heading down once the playoffs are over. If you’re interested you should come meet the team.”<br />
<br />
“Ok. I’ll meet the team sometime.” Sarah said relaxing a bit. <br />
<br />
“Great. I should really get going. Kris, it’s always great to see you doing so well. Sarah don’t be a stranger. I’m always around the rink on game day if you ever want to talk about anything.” Kris got up as did Brian and she was left alone to think about the encounter.Letterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3502268208168451259.post-26886769252710333432010-11-14T11:19:00.000-08:002010-11-14T11:22:47.144-08:00Chapter 22 Good Night - Liz Calloway<i>I rarely say you MUST listen to the music but on this one you MUST even with the annoying lady talking in the beginning just please do it. I'm actually really proud of this chapter and think it might be the best most difficult thing I've ever written in my life. I hope you guys think I did it justice. Let me know what you think. </i><br />
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February ended and March came. Between the team’s season kicking down the stretch, training with Mal for the upcoming marathon and spending as much time with Jason as she could there was little time for much else in Sarah’s life. Her relationships with her family, friends and Kris. He was being kind and understand as she grew more standoffish as her young friend slowly slipped away. He even went to visit a few times. The end was near though, the end of training for the big race, the end of the regular season and the end of a young life. <br />
<br />
Sarah had been keeping Jason company. It was to the point where he could barely tell she was there but she was there reading him stories while his Parents kept his other sibling occupied. Sarah knew what it was like to never have and to lose Parents but she could never imagine the pain of having to lose her Brother. <br />
<br />
The time was passed by reading stories and sleeping. Sarah spent the little free time she had there which overlapped the time she had for sleep. Kris brought food when he could for her but he rarely saw her eat. She had been losing weight since he met her due to her running but she was crashing since spending more time at the hospital. She was in a downward spiral with a little boy she couldn’t help. He would eventually hit bottom where as she would continue to fall for no one knew how long. <br />
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Kris crept in beside her putting the cool foil box with plastic lid on her lap. Sushi. One of their favorite treats. When she didn’t respond he opened the cover and opened the chopsticks putting them in her hand. <br />
<br />
“I’m not hungry.” she said not taking her eyes off the little boy who looked especially tiny now that he was hooked up to the many machines helping him function. <br />
<br />
“This is sad.” Kris said taking the sushi off her lap putting the lid back on. He knew she would eat some of it eventually. <br />
<br />
“I would expect so he’s dying.” Sarah said plainly. Finally she brought her eyes to Kris’s face. “How was practice?” she asked. Sure, she had been there but she was keeping her head down focusing on her work rather than watching them with their sticks and pucks. <br />
<br />
“Fine. Playoffs soon so everyone is intense. The arena closing add more pressure.” he confessed. Sarah put her arm around his back letting her palm flatly move over his t-shirt. <br />
<br />
“I’m sure it’s a lot of pressure on you guys. I can honestly say the fans will love you no matter what.” unless it was something having to do with Flower in which case the radio personalities would have a field day taking calls about it. <br />
<br />
“Yeah.” Kris paused looking back to Jason again. “How much longer do you think?” he had asked the question before. It sounded impatient but that wasn’t how he meant it. <br />
<br />
“Less than a week I would expect.” Sarah leaned back in her chair. “I’m ready to go home now.”<br />
<br />
This was how it went. She would be there for awhile and Kris would come and then they would go home. Sarah would run and then they would sleep. The next morning they would get up and do it all over again. <br />
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The call came at 4am. Sarah got out of bed dressing in sweats. It was down to hours for Jason. Sarah woke Kris up to tell him where she was going. He nodded sleepily and said he would be down after morning skate. It was a game day. <br />
<br />
The hospital was always quiet in the early morning. Kids were sleeping though their fevers, Parents weren’t worried yet. The first chicken pox hadn’t been noticed this was the blissful time of paperwork for nurses. Not for Sarah though as she ran up the stairs to Jason’s floor. She had beaten his family there. They were coming from farther out of the city. <br />
<br />
“Hey little man it’s me.” she said sitting down at his bedside. “I know you hate it when I call you little man now. You’ve gotten so tall in the last year.” she reached up brushing the sandy blond hair from his forehead. “I’m glad we have minuets to ourselves. I think you should know that someday when I have little boy I want him to be just like you.” she chuckled. “Yeah, you’re right it would be great if he got some awesome hockey playing genes. It’s still early days for that kind of talk.” she took his hand in hers. “I want to tell you not to be scared.” her eyes welled and her bottom lip quivered. “You’re the bravest person I know already so I know you’ll be strong on this trip. I wish I could ask you what it’s like once you’ve gone. I think it’s beautiful though. I know my Grandma will be waiting to meet you. I never got to tell her about you but she’s the kind of lady who couldn’t resist a cutie like you.” There were full on tears streaming down her face as she continued. “I really want you to wait for me while you’re there. Not like wait around and do nothing wait for me but just know I’ll be joining you someday. I know you have a Mom already but I want to be there with you. We’re closer than you’ll ever know little man. I lo…” she was interrupted as his Parents rushed in. Sarah hugged them both giving her seat and their sons hand. She was close by though there the whole time. She was even there at 10:23am when time of death was called. She was there an hour later when the bed was cleaned and fresh linens were put on. <br />
<br />
Kris arrived at noon meeting Mal in the hall. She gave him a hug and walked with him to Jason’s old room. “She hasn’t come out yet. Even his family is gone. I think they were more ready than she was.” Mal explained resting a hand on Kris’s shoulder as they peaked in seeing Sarah sitting by the bed. <br />
<br />
“I do not know what to do.” he confessed standing there in the door.<br />
<br />
“Just be yourself. You’re exactly who and what she needs.” Mal knocked on the door jam. “Look who I found wondering the halls.” She offered a little Mal smile pushing through the pain as was her stile.<br />
<br />
“I’m ready to go home now.” Sarah said plainly getting up. “I need to shower and change there’s a game tonight.”Letterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3502268208168451259.post-26329863675246502972010-11-07T21:45:00.000-08:002010-11-07T21:56:24.613-08:00Chapter 21 Kiss Me Till It Bleeds - Nina Gordon<i>For the moment I am unable to find the song for this chapter. Don't fret when I get my computer back I should be able to figure it out. <br />
<br />
That's the other big note... My computer had to have a FULL system restore so it's unclear what will be left when I get it back. Thankfully I had all of 'Part One' backed up BUT I am more than likely going to lose two chapters of part two. Hopefully I'll be able to get them back if not I'll need to do some rewriting. :( I hope that doesn't mean taking a week off from posting but we'll see. As always thanks so much for reading!</i><br />
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Sarah awoke the next morning to a cold spot in the bed next to her and the sun brightly streaming into the windows. She groaned pulling the pillow over her head but it was to late the sun had snapped her awake and now she had to get up. <br />
<br />
With a shower out of the way and no sight or sound of Kris she headed down stairs after dressing in simple well fitting jeans and a purple v-neck sweater. She had all these clothes she wasn’t really getting a chance to wear so it was nice to have a chance to be more casual. <br />
<br />
She peaked her head into the kitchen spotting Kris’ Mom who was in the middle of baking something. It was funny how memories came back. She could remember her Grandma doing similar things with the array of bowls and measuring cups around the counter. <br />
<br />
“The boys went out to do some errands. Something about a pump for the pool. It is winter but the pools has always been a bond between Henri and Kristopher so I let them go.” Marlene said as she worked at the counter. <br />
Sarah nodded heading towards the baking action. “Can I help you? I never really get a chance to bake.” Other than pies for holidays Sarah did no baking at all.<br />
<br />
“Yes dear. Aprons are in second drawer down.” Marlene said pointing with her elbow. <br />
<br />
Sarah followed the directions pulling out an apron to cover her clothes. “So what are you making? I see things for bread and for cake.”<br />
“Yes, vanilla cake with chocolate frosting. Kristopher favorite. He will say he can’t eat it but I know the truth. He can not resist.” she smiled as she flowered two round pans obviously making a layer cake. “And I make bread for Henri because I must make something for each of my boys.” she was all smiles as she worked.<br />
<br />
“Here you start frosting.” Sarah opened her mouth to say something as the index card was put in front of her. Thankfully she could understand the measurements and saw words she knew from the French she was learning between rosetta stone giving her a real foundation and the Kris teaching her the slangs she could manage pretty well for a beginner.<br />
<br />
“Ok… if it’s wrong I’m sorry. I never really had anyone teach me how to bake.” Sarah explained as she measured the chocolate into the top of the double boiler on the stove.<br />
<br />
“Non?” Marlene asked. “Kris told me you grew up with your Grandfather but he did not say you lost your Mother.” Marlene was working the cake batter in a stand mixer so she spoke loudly over the noise.<br />
<br />
“Oh I didn’t lose her. She's just not around.” Sarah shrugged as she worked. “My Grandmother passed away when I was pretty young. She taught me how to bake pies not cakes.” <br />
<br />
Kris’s Mom nodded choosing not to say much right away but wait till she got the batter in the pans. “Well the secret of baking cakes is always using shiny metal pans, waiting till cakes cool to frost and take top off the bottom layer so it will be even. We will do secret of bread later.” <br />
The two worked comfortably till the cake was in the oven and the frosting chilling in the fridge. Sarah sighed happily leaning her hip against the counter.<br />
<br />
“Coffee?” Marlene asked as she put a new pot on.<br />
<br />
“Sure, yeah I could go for a cup.” she hadn’t had anything to eat yet and coffee sounded great.<br />
<br />
“How do you take it?”<br />
<br />
“one milk one sugar.” Sarah said with a little smile as she picked a banana up from the fruit bowl on the counter needing some kind of food to mix with the acidic coffee. <br />
<br />
“Just like Kristopher.” she commented pouring the cups and making Sarah’s just how she liked it. “You two are quite well matched.”<br />
<br />
“Aw, well thanks. I like to think so most of the time.” Sarah took the first sip of coffee savoring it. There was nothing like the first sip of the first cup of coffee each day.<br />
<br />
“Ah yes. Kristopher can be a difficult young man. He is stubborn like his father but loving like his step-father.” she sat down at the table across from Sarah. “Kris and his Father do not talk much. We divorced when he was quiet young and I remarried when Kristopher was 15 I think. Tough age to gain a step-father.” she explained. “His Father was not flexible and when you have a child gifted in a sport a wife can not always have the dinner on the table at 5:30pm or always have fresh bread on the weekend.” it was Marlene’s turn to sigh though it was more of a sad sigh than Sarah’s previous one of contentment. “Kris suffered not having a Father. I think from what you said earlier you are someone who can understand that.” <br />
<br />
Sarah nodded. She didn’t want to tell her story but she knew she was expected to. “I don’t know my Dad. I never met him not even as a baby. My Brother met him a few times but he doesn’t remember him. We lived with my Mom for awhile. As it turns out she wasn’t exactly a good Mother according to the State of West Virginia which is saying something considering the West Virginia standard is quite low. So my Brother and I went to live with my Grandparents. We saw my Mom from time to time for awhile. Less as the years went on. My Grandma died when I was a teenager so I took care of my G-Dad and older brother.” Sarah shrugged. That was the basics of it. She left out the drugs and true abandonment her Mom subjected she and her Brother to. <br />
<br />
They worked in silence putting together the bread dough while the cake baked and then cooled before frosting it. The guys called offering to bring home lunch. Marlene agreed since time was running short to cook lunch with all the baking they did. “Yes get her the regular.” Sarah’s brows knit to question but her expression was waved away as the conversation switched to French that was far to fast for her to pick up on. Once Marlene hung up the phone she clarified. “They bring home poutine.” <br />
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“I think I may be dying.” Sarah said as she laid in bed with Kris. She could hear her stomach churning processing the cheese and gray covered fries from lunch and then the rich home made toutriere and fresh bread they had for dinner followed by the cake. “It was all so good… I couldn’t stop eating.” she moaned.<br />
<br />
“Yes, you are not used to the way my Mom feed me.” he said stretching out next to her on the bed. <br />
<br />
“I don’t know how your stomach can handle it." she groaned curling up a little bringing her knees to her chest. <br />
<br />
“Mom said you and she talked. She said you told her about when you were a girl.” He gathered her hair back moving each stray hair from her face. “Will you tell me? I know you grew up with your G-Dad but that is it.”<br />
<br />
“Only if you tell me about your family.” she said mimicking him moving his hair from his face.<br />
<br />
“You’ve met them.” he said starting to close himself off from her.<br />
<br />
“Not your Dad.” she said taking his arm draping it over her midsection.<br />
<br />
“Oh…. I have not seen him a long time.” he said softly. They were still in their clothes from the day just laying on the bed together. <br />
<br />
“Is it cheating to tell you that your Mom told me a bit? We were chatting while baking.” Sarah explained as she leaned little into him slowly forcing him to his back so she could lay against his chest. <br />
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“I thought she would. Always protecting me from hard stuff.” <br />
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“It’s nice though. To have someone to protect you. I know I have G-Dad and Nessa and Jimmy and even Mal who all try to protect me. Sometimes even now that I’m an adult I wish I had a normal Mom and Dad to just have in my corner if something goes wrong.” she sighed going quiet. It took a lot to admit that. More often than not Sarah was one to play it tough when it came to her emotions and struggles.<br />
<br />
“My Mom and Dad were divorced when I was young. My Dad has another family now. We talk once about it. He said he was not ready to be a Father when I was born but he is now. Henri is a good man. He loves my Mom almost as much as I do. I gave him a hard time when I was a youth.” Kris had been a terror to poor Henri when he arrived in the Letang home. It was every step-parents nightmare only in French. <br />
<br />
“He cares about you. I can see he’s rubbed off on you. Your Mom said so as well.” Sarah proped herself up on her elbow a bit so she could see his face.<br />
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“Do you know your Parents at all?” Kris only knew what she had told him about her family and nothing else.<br />
<br />
“I know my Mom. She turns up every now and then. Usually asking G-Dad or me for money. We’re both softies so one of us usually gives in. She never started another family or at least not one I know about. As for my Dad… I don’t know him at all. He was gone before I was even born. Russ met him as a baby but doesn’t remember. I know he must have had brown eyes. I have blond hair like my Mom but she has blue eyes not brown like me.” Sarah chuckled a little. “Sorry I know it isn’t appropriate to laugh but I never thought of my Dad giving me anything but he gave me brown eyes. I just think it’s funny for some reason.” Sarah continued to try and hold back her inappropriate laughter as tears welled in her eyes. “Damn it now I know why I’m laughing.” Sarah hid her face in his chest as the tears mixed with laughter fell onto Kris’ shirt. <br />
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“You laugh to hide hurt. I know it well.” He put his arms around her holding her close.<br />
<br />
“I hate how well you know me sometimes.” she didn’t mean it and knew that he knew that. She said she hated things that she really loved all the time. There had been one misunderstanding early on in their dating where she said she hated sushi so they didn’t eat it for over month till she explained how she used to expression to him.<br />
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“You do not. Though I wish I was not right.” he kissed the top of her head. <br />
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It was quiet from then on out. It had been an emotional day for Sarah and Kris could always sleep in the season. In a constant state of recovery after games he could always sleep. Getting up well after it was dark Sarah changed into pajamas and prompted him to do the same as well. Really she changed herself and then helped him strip out of his clothes like a sleepy child. It wasn’t sexy, it wasn’t hot he was just cute and sleepy with messy hair. She almost wished she had adult sized footie pajamas to put him in.<br />
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Kris awoke the next morning seeing Sarah’s back to him as she sat on the edge of her bed. She was quietly talking on her phone slightly hunched over so he t-shirt was riding up from her pajama bottoms showing him her lower back. He sleepily reached out tracing along her the bit of her spine that was exposed. Sarah jumped turning to look over her shoulder at him. He was expecting a smile but received a frown as she got up walking away from the bed to the corner of the room to finish her conversation. Kris roller to his back watching her while she softly talked. He didn’t listen for content knowing she would explain if she felt like it.<br />
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Hanging up the phone Sarah sighed running a hand though her hair that had fallen from her ponytail. “I need to get back to Pittsburgh sooner than expected.” Her eyes were wet and it was obvious she was working hard not to cry.<br />
<br />
“What is wrong? The Olympic guys ok?” Kris asked propping himself up in bed to lean against the headboard.<br />
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Sarah would have found the scene adorable with his hair sticking up all over, a tiny glass of water on the bedside table in his childhood bedroom but she definitely wasn’t in the mood to find anything funny. “No, no, the Olympians are fine. At least as far as I know…” she paused chewing on her bottom lip. “Jason isn’t well.”<br />
<br />
“I am sad to hear.” Kris said frowning. He knew she cared more about him that most of her other patients from the hospital. She was obviously connected even more to his health since her ‘anonymous’ bone marrow donation. <br />
<br />
She put her phone down on Kris’s dresser that was covered with various action figures still as she made her way to her bag to get dressed for the day. “He’s dying Kris.”<br />
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“Oh…” That got his attention as he sat up taller in the bed. “What you did, it did not help?”<br />
<br />
Sarah stopped dead in her tracks a jagged breath making her shake a little. “Obviously not.” she finally managed to say the tears starting to fall. <br />
<br />
He got out of bed moving around the room to wrap her into a hug. “Hey, hey… I did not mean like that.” he said holding her to his body one hand on the back of her head the other around her waist. <br />
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“I know… it just only helped for a little while. I knew it was bad when we left but I didn’t want to miss meeting your family. Mal promised she would only call if it was getting serious. They put him on life support Kris.” she was starting to think clearer now her professional nursing mind kicking in. “I’m guessing he has till March but that will be it if he’s lucky.” <br />
<br />
“Go back to Pittsburgh. We were only staying a few more days anyways. My Parents will understand. You get ready I will find ticket for you.” He let go of her going to his bag pulling on sweat pants and a t-shirt before heading downstairs to get on his Mom’s computer. <br />
<br />
Sarah got a shower and dressed taking the time to write a thank you not for Kris’s Mom and to leave a little note for Kris as well. She came downstairs as he was printing her ticket. “It leaves tonight at 7pm. It was the best I could do.” he said with a little shrug. I tried to get you out at lunch but they would not transfer your old reservation.” he explained. <br />
<br />
She kissed his cheek taking a moment to smooth his hair down a little. “You did great.” <br />
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Sarah spent the rest of the day with Kris and his family. She explained the situation and they were understanding of her needing to go. They were happy though so happy they planned to visit Pittsburgh making special time for them to visit with her rather than just for the weekend to see Kris’s game. <br />
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The airports felt especially lonely when traveling alone. She was used to being with the team or at least with Kris when traveling. Seeing Mal there to pick her up was just what she needed.<br />
<br />
“What up hooker?” Mal asked trying to make her friend smile. <br />
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“Oh you know same ol’.” Sarah said hoisting her bag into Mal’s back seat. Sarah got in the car as did her friend. <br />
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“Sarah…” Mal said pulling her friend into a hug. <br />
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“I’m ok. Well I’m not but I’m as ok as I’m going to be.”Letterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3502268208168451259.post-76866105831583914672010-10-31T03:00:00.000-07:002010-10-31T03:00:54.027-07:00Chapter 20 Love Ain’t Gonna Let You Down - Jamie Cullum<i>So Thanks for reading. It's been awhile since I've said that but really I can't say how much it means to get feedback or see a new subscriber. I hope you all continue to let me know what you think. </i><br />
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Montreal was a beautiful city. It was new and old, had a great river and enough bridges to remind her of Pittsburgh, it made Kris happy and by default it made her happy as well. She was happy to be there with him. After the marrow donation she had thought for sure they would ‘take a break’ but he stood by her. Sure things were a bit cold between them but she couldn’t blame him. If the table had been turned she would have rescinded her invitation for such a trip. <br />
<br />
Sarah was trying her best to apply what she could remember from psychology of relationships. It was one of her continuing education requirements she had decided to take the previous year. There were four types of people when it came to relationships. Puppies, kitty-kats, canaries and gold fish. Puppies were people who needed verbal approval from the ones they loved. Puppies didn’t care if everyone loved them but were in desperate need for attention from a specific few both in physical touch and verbal praise. Kitties were the kind of people who thrived on physical touch. Kitties needed to feel the physical connection to know they were loved. Canaries were the kind of people who needed to talk things out they needed people to listen to them. For a canary being heard was what they needed the most. Gold fish were the kind of people who just did things for others. They didn’t need much and didn’t ask for things often. They would do and do for others and the maybe just ask them to straighten up the fish bowl every now and then. Sarah knew she was a puppy with a minor in gold fish. Kris on the other hand was a gold fish with a minor in kitty-kat. She needed attention from him and at the moment, things were less than warm between them. Gold fish didn’t ask much of people just as Kris hadn’t ever asked much of her. He really only had asked for honesty and she had betrayed that. He was suffering to. She could tell on the flight to Montreal he had wanted nothing more than to touch her and be close. He had even gone to move to put his arm around her a few times only to pull back hurting himself as well as her. <br />
<br />
No one was home when they arrived at the house he had done most of his growing up in. He parked the rental car out front and led the way into the house. It was cold in Montreal but beautiful. Sarah thought the snow seemed more what but that was to be expected from the way she had grown used to the boys describing Canada. Kris got their things settled in his bedroom a place Sarah was fascinated by. It was the room of a child with the bed and wardrobe of a young man. It was obvious a larger bed had been put in the room sometime in the past few years. It was also obvious there weren’t many girls with a weeks worth of clothing visiting often. <br />
<br />
“You can use the guest room as a closet.” he offer standing unsure of what to do with her suitcase. “Or just share with me.” he shrugged standing in the hall. <br />
<br />
“Um with you is good if that’s ok.” Sarah said from where she stood investigating a picture of a group of little boys in hockey gear propped up on his dresser against a trophy which a little silver medal hung from. <br />
<br />
“Yes, fine with me.” he said putting her bag next to his on the bed unzipping both starting to unpack a few things. They had each brought an especially nice outfit as they planned on once fancy dinner with his Mom and Step-Dad. The rest of their clothes were mostly casual though Sarah had brought a few going out kind of things since he mentioned wanting to hit a few clubs with some friends. <br />
<br />
He hung up his suit he had brought as well as the dark teal colored dress she had packed in a closet that was obviously full of summer things. <br />
<br />
With everything in place Sarah wasn’t quite sure what to do with herself. It was only 2pm and she couldn’t just sit there with him the closed in feeling of the unfamiliar house pushing her to say or do something. It was almost unbearable to feel so boxed in with her feelings that she had to get out.<br />
<br />
“Um I think I’m going to go for a run.” she said moving over by him to get into her suitcase to get out her cold weather running gear she had brought. Like it or not she was still training with Mal for the marathon. She said she wasn’t going to run the race in the spring but she knew Mal would talk her into it. <br />
<br />
“I’ll go with you.” he said also getting in his bag which was right next to hers. “I don’t want you to get lost.”<br />
<br />
Sarah opened her mouth to tell him it was ok that he didn’t have to but closed it a little smile turning her lips up at the corners. This was his inner goldfish reaching out to her puppy dogs. He was willing to be with her even though he didn’t have to be. She could almost wag her tail she was so happy he would be joining her. <br />
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It was cold but bright outside. The sun reflecting off the snow made one think it was warm but the truth was just the opposite. Sarah had to make Kris go change several times before she approved of a weather appropriate outfit. He kept complaining saying how it was sunny. This was followed by her opening a window letting a rush of cold air in to remind him that it was indeed February still. Finally he managed to put together weather appropriate attire. Sarah had the sneaking suspicion this whole ordeal was somewhat like helping a first grader pick out clothes on a similar kind of day. <br />
<br />
Once outside she took the time to stretch and he half stretched as well. “Do you think I will be able to keep up?” he said an obviously cocky tone in his voice. He knew she ran for distance but he had never seen her actually do much running leading him to believe he was more fit than she was. Really he was right just in a different kind of fitness.<br />
<br />
“Keep up…” she paused to think recalling his fitness statistics. “For the first five miles.” she said with a grin. “You’ll be begging to come home around mile seven and I’ll give in at mile ten so you don’t get bad blisters.” he had seen some of the blisters she had come home with when she and Mal had done the first 12 mile run of their training and frankly he was frightened by them. <br />
<br />
Sarah didn’t wait for him to say anything but took off setting a comfortable pace for herself. She could hear him complaining about it being slow but she ignored him. Her plan had been to go running to clear her head and he wasn’t allowing that to happen. The constant sound of his breathing and foot falls next to her only hit home what was on her mind in regards to their relationship. Just as he complained about being to slow it reminded her that keeping things steady was better for the long haul. How could she not have seen such a clear metaphor for their relationship? <br />
<br />
It was in dwelling on that fact that around mile 8 when he was starting to drag that she found herself stopping dead on the suburban sidewalk. He was slightly behind so it took just a moment for him to catch her. When he did she sat down on the cold but dry sidewalk her arms resting on her bent knees. <br />
<br />
“Are you ok? Are you hurt?” he asked standing over her hands on his hips. His breathing was labored and he rocked between his feet letting on they were obviously hurting. <br />
<br />
“No and no.” she said looking up at him squinting as he was backlit by the sun. “Tell me you hate me.” she asked lifting her hand to block the sun so she could look at him. She knew it was a dramatic statement but it was how she felt. There was distance between them since her marrow donation and she didn’t know how to fix it. They were out of sync and she couldn’t think of a way to make him talk about it. <br />
“No.” he said sitting down next to her stretching his legs out in front of him taking all weight off his feet. <br />
<br />
“We’re together all the time. I mean more hours than any normal couple could stand.” she looked at him. “We don’t talk. We used to but we don’t anymore. We’ haven’t talked since you came to the hospital.” she knew it was partially her fault for causing this whole mess. <br />
<br />
“We talk.” he said shifting away from her taking a defensive position. <br />
She rolled her eyes staring him down with her ‘Mom look’ as the guys called it. She tended to use it more and more with Kris which was something she didn’t like to do. <br />
<br />
“Ok, maybe we do not.” he confessed her eyes making him feel like he was about to burst into flames. “I do not know how to fix it.” he shrugged. <br />
<br />
“Well some work. I know you don’t trust me like you did before.” Sarah thought it was stupid that he didn’t trust her as much. She hadn’t exactly lied just omitted the truth when it came to her marrow donation. She knew it had hurt him but what she had done could well save a special kids life. If he couldn’t understand that then he was the idiot. It wasn’t the best of attitudes but it was how she felt. <br />
<br />
“I trust you. I care about you, I bring you to meet my family.” he said turning his big brown puppy eyes on her making her melt. <br />
<br />
“Not like before.” she said melting under his gaze. She could feel the guilt welling up inside her when she met his eyes. Funny how one look from him could do that to her when moments before her convictions were so strong in the other direction. <br />
<br />
“I try harder.” he said look at her and then away. “I try more to trust you and talk.” <br />
<br />
Somehow she didn’t believe him but it was the best she could get for now. She knew he cared about her and knew she cared about him. The unknown was when he was going to forgive her and deep down she knew she would have to forgive him for making her feel so badly over the last few weeks. <br />
<br />
“I don’t feel like running anymore.” she said slowly getting up her muscles going stiff from sitting on the cold ground. <br />
“Then we can go home.” his feet were hurting anyways and he knew he had blisters she would need to treat. “We can walk.” he added standing just as stiff as she was from the cold. <br />
He took her hand as they walked getting a little smile from her. It was half hearted though. She knew he took her hand to make her feel better rather than taking her hand because he wanted to. She had hopes this vacation from Pittsburgh, from their normal life would be like a re-set button for them. So far it wasn’t doing much of anything. <br />
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<br />
Meeting Kris’s family was lovely. His Mom was fashionable and passionate about how proud she was of her son. His Step-Dad was quiet but was quite good at chirping up with one liner jokes here and there. Thankfully they used English around the dinner table for Sarah’s benefit. When side one on one conversations developed they slipped naturally into French. She was getting better about getting the basics but she kept it to herself enjoying overhearing a kind word here or there including how Kris’s Mom thought she was much more beautiful in person than in photos and how it was nice he had a girlfriend who was fit because she worked out not because she didn’t eat. <br />
<br />
Despite protests Sarah helped clean up after dinner enjoying what it felt like to have a Mom for a moment. Kris’ Mom was a touchy feely person and when the two passed one another in the clean up process she always put a hand on Sarah in a light touch. Some people would be put off by such a thing but to Sarah it was an ultimate comfort. This was what ‘normal’ families were like something she always yearned for. <br />
<br />
Going to bed that night was like most other nights though in the slightly strange setting. They brushed their teeth and crawled into bed like normal. They laid on their separate sides of the bed as was their style lately. <br />
<br />
“You know I love you yes?” <br />
<br />
She heard from his side of the bed in the darkened room. She bit her bottom lip in an attempt to hold back her smile. <br />
<br />
“I am not so good at showing but I do.” he added turning over lining up with her his chest just inches from her back. <br />
<br />
“I know.” she finally said bringing her hand to cover his at her waist. “I love you too Kris.” It still wasn’t forgiveness but it was good.Letterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3502268208168451259.post-84380092505239848022010-10-25T00:57:00.000-07:002010-10-25T00:57:36.345-07:00Chapter 19 Fall Apart Today - Schuyler FiskFall Apart Today - Schuyler Fisk <br />
Hockey had resumed and the usual cycle or road games and home games all seemed to blur into January. The only thing that Sarah had to break up the sameness was the occasional shift at the hospital. Jason was doing poorly more poor than he had ever done before. Each day it ate a her more and more to see Jason going down hill. <br />
<br />
Finally she couldn’t take it anymore and made her way to the nurses station flopping down in the chair next to Mal. “Remember when we tested to see if I was a match for Jason but I asked you to not let me see the results?” she asked her friend knowing Mal would have them still. <br />
<br />
“Yeah. You asked me to hold onto them because Kris didn’t want you to do it.” Mal turned her attention away from typing her notes on a patient to Sarah. <br />
<br />
“Yeah. I need to see the results.” she was choosing to not listen to the part about Kris not wanting her to do it. She loved the guy but he had no say in this choice. <br />
<br />
Mal sighed bringing up the results and Jason’s profile. Sarah scooted closer a smile spreading over her face. “I knew it. I knew I would be a match.” <br />
“Yeah, yeah.” Mal said a worried look on her face. “Are you sure about this Sarah?”<br />
<br />
She nodded looking Mal in the eye. “You can’t tell me you haven’t once thought about doing this for a patient. It’s a conflict of interest when you’re regularly scheduled here. Since I’m PRN I can actually do it.” she paused for a second digging her phone from her pocket going to the calendar. “Schedule it. Presby.” she said waiting for Mal to log into the UPMC system wide schedule. It took a bit of searching but February 13th the Pens didn’t have a game and Sarah wasn’t covering a shift. <br />
<br />
Sarah felt better knowing she was doing something about the situation. Now all she had to do was encourage Jason and do what she could to get him healthy enough to accept the donation and to ward off rejection. She wasn’t planning on telling Kris at least not right away. He didn’t want her to do this for some reason and she didn’t want to bother him about it. He was in a good place having just broken a scoreless streak. <br />
<br />
It didn’t take long for February to roll around. She was busy with Kris and the team and working with Jason who was excited to have an anonymous donation match. All the while she put off telling Kris or anyone else other than Mal. She didn’t even tell her G-Dad who had been up to see a game in that span of weeks. She arranged with Mal to drop her off and pick her up after the process. She had taken a personal day from the Pens saying she had a Doctors appointment which wasn’t a lie at all she was indeed with a Doctor. <br />
<br />
When it came down to the day she went with Mal and waited calmly signing her self in and going into surgery prep. It wasn’t till she was starting on the anesthesia that she started to have doubts. Mal was there holding her hand as any friend would be. <br />
<br />
“Mal you need to call Kris. He’s in practice but leave him a message.” Sarah had tears rolling down her cheeks silently as she spoke. “Tell him I’m sorry for lying or for not telling him the truth. Tell him I love him.” she smiled the IV drip making her slowly dift out. “Well don’t tell him I love him. I haven’t told him yet and it would be silly… for you to…” and she was out. <br />
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<br />
“I can’t believe she didn’t tell him.” Mal said as she paced outside the hospital on her cell phone. “She’s been so excited and so ready for this it was as if her mind was clear and obviously it wasn’t.” <br />
<br />
“Do not worry. I will bring him and talk to him. He will be fine. She will be fine and we will all have pizza tonight.” Max said as he talked with Mal on his way to South Pointe for practice. <br />
<br />
“I’ve never seen Kris get mad. I mean I saw him fight at a game once but that’s it.” Mal sat down on a bench bundled up in her coat. <br />
<br />
“He does not get mad often. He does not fight often.” Max said with a sigh. “He’s going to be mad but he will be more worried.” Max said as he pulled into the parking lot. “We’ll be there around two she will be done by then yeah?” <br />
<br />
“Yeah.” Mal said getting up to head inside then. “She’ll be in recovery by then more not really awake.” <br />
<br />
“Maybe that is for the best.” Max said as he shut his car off. “I will see you in a bit crazy girl.” <br />
<br />
“Later Wild Man.” she replied before ending the call. <br />
<br />
Mal and Max had been dating for a little over a month now and we’re having fun even adopting the occasional pet name for one another. <br />
<br />
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<br />
Kris agreed to go out to lunch with Max after practice. A lie Max told to get him in the car. “So where are we going Tanger asked looking expectantly at his friend. “Before you say anything I am not paying. Valentine Day is coming and I got Sarah something nice.” <br />
<br />
“Oh?” Max said looking at his friend with a big goofy grin. “Jewelry right?” <br />
“Yes. Pair of ear rings.” he said proudly. “Emeralds. Faithfulness. So say my Mother.” Kris explained. <br />
<br />
“We need take out.” Max said pulling into one of their favorite quick but good restaurants. “We are going to see Sarah and Mal. Sarah can’t be eating much now but a milkshake would be nice. She is a chocolate kind of girl yes?” <br />
<br />
“Yeah. Sarah likes chocolate.” his brows knit skeptically. “Sarah had an appointment. We can’t go see her.” Kris was confused but really he was used to it happening at some point each day. More often than not someone used a phrase that he just couldn’t figure out while out in the community. <br />
<br />
“She had an appointment yes but it was for a surgery.” Max kind of winced expecting the worst. When Kris sat quiet in the seat next to him he started to worry. “For b…”<br />
<br />
Kris didn’t give him a chance to say it. “Bone marrow donation.” He looked to Max an obvious chance in his mood. <br />
<br />
“She is doing it for a kid man. She is a good person doing the right thing.” Max was on her side in all of then. Then again he and Sarah were more alike than people realized. Everyone say the kooky loud side of Max Talbot but less so the sweet side that was a genuine friend. <br />
<br />
“Yes.” was all Kris said. <br />
<br />
They sat in silence till they got into the city proper. <br />
<br />
“Listen man if you are angry we can’t go in there.” Max said as he found the right parking garage Mal had texted him directions to. <br />
<br />
“Not angry. Sad.” Kris said quietly. “She did not tell me.” He was hurt and in the eyes of everyone rightfully so. <br />
<br />
“Mon ami, she was afraid of hurting you more by telling you.” Max said with a little shrug as he parked. <br />
<br />
Kris took his turn to shrug before getting out of the car. <br />
<br />
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<br />
“Hey guys she just got back to the room.” Mal said looking worried at Kris. “She didn’t do it to hurt you. She did it so not to worry you.” she explained for Kris.<br />
<br />
Kris once again said nothing just sitting in the chair next to her taking her hand. <br />
<br />
“Let him be. Max said putting his arm around Mal. I brought you lunch.” he held up the take out bag putting what they brought for Kris and Mal on the rolling table before exiting leaving Kris and Sarah alone. <br />
<br />
It was an hour before she finally started to stir. He wasn’t sure if he imagined her squeezing his hand or if it was real. Then her eyes opened and the tightness of her hand around his became real. <br />
<br />
“You came….” she croaked out before clearing her throat. <br />
<br />
“Mal called Max and he brought me. If I had known…” <br />
<br />
Sarah closed her eyes shaking her head. “I didn’t want you to worry. I didn’t want you to be mad.” she blinked a few times before shifting to press the nurse button with her free hand. “They need to know I’m awake.” she said so he understood why she called them to the room. <br />
<br />
“Please, don’t hate me Kris.” she pleaded with him wordlessly till the nurse attending to her came in to check her out. She told Sarah to sip her milkshake and when it was gone they could talk about discharge.<br />
<br />
When the nurse left she opened her mouth to speak again but he shushed her simply bringing his lips to her forehead. “My turn to talk yes?” he phrased it as a question but did not leave her time to respond. “I am proud of you for this.” he was being so quiet she was still worried. “I am hurt you did not tells me.” he shrugged his shoulder. “I would have fought with you about it.” he confessed. “But I would rather be mad than hurt.” he knew he wouldn’t have stayed mad at her for long. <br />
<br />
Sarah nodded feeling all the guilt wash over her. It was horrible to go behind his back and do this. What was worse was that up until they started to put her under she had planned on not telling him. She planned on saying her aches and pains were a bit of a cold or something. She was planning on lying to this man whom she loved. Something was definitely amiss here. <br />
<br />
“I’m sorry.” she croaked reaching for the water pitcher on the bedside table. Kris beat her to it pouring her a glass being sure to put the straw in it knowing how much she hated germs especially ones on the rims of glasses or pop cans. <br />
<br />
All he did was nod and relax back in the chair.Letterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3502268208168451259.post-51154667569687982592010-10-21T14:21:00.000-07:002010-10-21T14:34:15.853-07:00Chapter 18 The Stowaway - Yamit Mamo<span style="font-style:italic;">It should be known I hate Christmas. Hence why I was confused when I ended up writing a Christmas chapter. Anyways this bonus post is happing because I've finished writing 'Part 1' of what I've taken to calling the All or Nothing Saga. Hope you enjoy the adorable perfection that is Kris & Sarah at the holidays.</span><br /><br /><br />Three days off for Christmas wasn’t much. As it turned out Sarah and Kris both had traditions on Christmas Eve that they weren’t able to give up. So Kris was bound for Montreal and Sarah for West Virginia. It was so strange their traditions were so similar but so different at the same time. Sarah’s Christmas Eve started early in the morning cooking several hams in the ovens of her G-Dad’s bar. Christmas was meant to be shared and the bar was a place she was used to spending her holidays. Her G-Dad didn’t let anyone go unfed on the holiday. All were welcome to eat with their family. Kris on the other hand awoke to the smells of his Mother baking. Spending most of the day in pajamas or sweats he would help decorate and clean up the nativity set placing it under the tree. <br /><br />Sarah’s Grandma was a churched woman. She went to mass at least once a week and when she could force her grandchildren out of bed she would take them with her. Sarah didn’t mind mass on Christmas. The church was warm with the glow of candle light at the midnight mass she attended in her Grandmothers memory. She could never get her G-Dad or brother to go with her. This year was like all the others in that respect. Kris dressed up for his Mom button down and tie with a sweater she had picked out for him to go to mass in with her and his Step-Father. He didn’t attend church all that often but Christmas was special. <br /><br />Sarah always came home to find the bar had been cleaned up and her Dad and brother gone to bed or more her G-Dad in his chair in the living room with the Pope doing midnight mass on the tv. She would always cover him up turning the tv off before heading to bed herself. Kris’ night was just beginning as gifts were opened after Mass. His Mom had taken to getting him gift cards and a few little things to remind him of his childhood over the last few years. She knew shopping for him would be useless. <br /><br />Christmas morning for Sarah loved waking up to the smells of G-Dad making breakfast. Always fried eggs, toast and sausages. It’s what it always was and Sarah wouldn’t change that for the world. Then it was just her, Rus and her G-Dad. The three of them exchanged gifts. Sarah had gotten each of the guys a jersey. G-Dad wanted one with Kris’s name on it and Rus had requested Geno’s name and number. Things went well considering the drama from earlier in the fall. Rus was making an effort to get help with his problems and his PO was making sure Rus actually followed though. Archie Pearson was just happy to have his ‘kids’ there. <br /><br /> Sarah was still in her pajamas never having changed when she heard her cell phone ringing in her room that evening; Christmas evening. <br /><br /> “Joyeux Noël.” Kris said on the other end of the line. <br /><br /> “Joyeux Noël.” Sarah said a smile spreading wide on her face. “How’s it going? How’s your Mom? Did you have good food?” she asked peppering him with questions curious about how his holiday was going. <br /><br />“Everything is great.” he said though there was now a bustle of people in the background. “Can I ask a favor?” he said obviously shielding the phone from outside noise. <br /><br /> “Sure anything Kris you know that.” She was concerned now hoping everything was ok with him and his family. <br /><br /> “Can you pick me up from the airport at midnight?” her brows knit. She had planned on picking him up the next evening not this evening. <br /><br /> “Yeah, is everything ok?” <br /><br />“Yes. Alls well. I just got an early flight. There is important person in Pittsburgh I have to see. I am missing them.” he said finally having found a quiet corner of the airport. “Max and I switch flights. It was difficult but we got it done.” he explained. Max was for sure playing some kind of Santa/Cupid hybrid in this situation. <br /><br /> “Yeah. I’ll be there. I have my tree up if you want to come to my place.” she bit her lip not wanting to read to much into his actions. It sure seemed like he cut his vacation short to come home and spend time with her. <br /><br /> Kris loved his family but it seemed weird not to be with Sarah at some point over the holiday. When he was scheduled to be home he would be jumping back into a practice and then a game right away. He loved his job but getting to experience a first Christmas with his Girlfriend was something he didn’t want to miss. So he called the airlines and then when nothing was available he called Max. He knew Max had an earlier flight having complained about not being able to stay another day with his family. It took some begging and name dropping to get their reservations switched but Kris managed it. <br /><br />Broaching the subject with his Mother was a little more difficult. He had mentioned Sarah numerous times but cutting his trip home short to be with her? Well he expected the worst kind of reaction. Instead he was greeted with a quiet understanding. That and a threat of death if he cut out on the longer Olympic break he would have to visit Montreal. Then there was a shocker from his Mom. She requested he bring Sarah with him in February.<br /><br /> “Um….” he kind of chewed on his bottom lip pondering her request. “It is up to Sarah but I think she will agree. You should know she does not speak French.” he said watching his Mother out of the corner of his eye. <br /><br /> “I figured as much she is American.” she replied with a shrug. <br /><br /> “She’s learning though.” he clarified. <br /><br />“Good.” was all his Mom said going about the business of the day. <br />-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />It was 11:45 when Sarah arrived at the airport parking in the temporary lot to meet Kris. He said he didn’t have luggage so they were skipping baggage claim. She checked her watch nervously. She had not he new cream colored sweater and dark jeans her G-Dad had gotten her. Really Sarah knew he enlisted the help of Nessa having done that since Sarah was 12. It made things easier on everyone. <br /><br /> She spotted him at 11:58 and he was running. She had an obviously confused look on her face as he caught her in his arms at full speed. <br /><br /> “I had to make it before Christmas was over.” he said against her shoulder as he held her close. <br /><br /> Sarah’s eyes welled up and tears fell onto his shirt collar where her head was buried. “No one has ever come home for me.” she mumbled against him. <br /><br /> “I will. Always.” he said his hand stroking over her hair. <br />________________________________________________________________________<br /><br /> They went ‘home’ to Sarah’s apartment where they exchanged gifts. Sarah had gotten him a new tie being sick of the blue spotted one he had deemed ‘lucky’ a few games for his psp, one of which she knew some of the other guys were also getting so they would be able to play together. And a new bedding set. His old one was leaking down from somewhere and she was tired of picking tiny feathers off of one another all the time. Kris had gotten her a Burberry trench. She tackled him on her living room floor. She had always wanted something this nice but never in a million years would she have bought it on her own. <br /><br /> They went to bed then content and happy in flannel pajamas. She rested snuggly with her back to his chest his arms around her holding her close to him as he snored lightly into her hair. This was one new Christmas tradition she could get used to celebrating.Letterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3502268208168451259.post-34236945980223142252010-10-16T08:52:00.000-07:002010-10-16T14:54:31.478-07:00Chapter 17 Chinese - Lily Allen<span style="font-style:italic;">I changed thing up obviously(JStaal). The older playlists are linked over in the dooblydo thing as 'Part1' and 'Part 2'. This was for space saving only. The little player things were driving me nuts. Also new blue look. If the text is hard to read let me know. :) Also Pens won last night and I had the best seats I've ever had thanks to student rush. :)</span><br /><br />Chinese - Lily Allen <br /> It was the day after Thanksgiving and all was well. The big meal had gone as planned as Sarah’s apartment with her G-Dad coming up and staying the night before. All the players she had invited had come and Mal joined them as well. Just as Sarah predicted Mal was hitting it off with Max in the living room. They spent the evening on the couch chatting animatedly with a curious Geno watching from a near by chair. Sarah always found Geno amusing. She knew he was way smarter than he let on and understood more than anyone could guess. Hence his timely eruptions of laughter as Max and Mal’s antics served as a great backing track to the evening. Everyone seemed to enjoy the night but Archie Pearson seemed to enjoy it the most. He was pleased Sarah had a defacto family in Pittsburgh and seemed happy. He left with enough turkey and fixings to last him two days. Sarah knew he would be having hot turkey sandwiches like every year. She also took the time to pack a take home meal for each of the other guests. She had ended the night with just her and Kris and an epic ton of trash. Thankfully Kris took it out to the dumpster. They spent the rest of the night just the two of them on the sofa with Sarah leaning against him a blanket covering her. <br />------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /> It were normal mornings like these that she loved morning there they each got ready to go down to the practice rink. No game day, just practice so there was little stress. They went to practice like Normal Sarah working on tracking everyone’s health including a great thanksgiving bloat. Even Sid had managed to pack on the slightest bit of turkey weight. <br /><br /> They returned home to their separate apartments with Sarah taking a shift at the hospital till. 11pm. She worked and had a good night getting the chance to spend a bit of time with Jason even reading him a story which he said he was to old for even if it had indeed helped him fall asleep. <br /><br /> Jason had been in and out over a week here, three days there for the last three months and it was killing Sarah. She knew what she had to do but she also knew how much it did and would upset Kris. It was a tight rope she was walking between doing what she knew she wanted and had to do and preserving the best relationship of her life that was just getting started. She was doing her best not to think about it and will Jason to get better she could pray like her Grandma had taught her and be a stern SOB like her G-Dad wishing for a miracle from God and frightening off the disease with her sheer will. Sadly in her experience she had seen neither work on their own or together. <br /><br /> She set the thoughts aside when her shift ended happy to head ’home’ to Kris. She could tell he cared about her. The only way she could describe being with him was being loved. She actually felt loved when she was with him. Feeling loved was a new thing. A kind of comfort she hadn’t known before. Sure she knew her Grandparents loved her growing up and the few attempts her Mother had made at a relationship had been something like love. Even the feelings she and her brother had for one another were a kind of love. With Kris it was different he didn’t have to love her but there he was doing it anyway. <br /><br /> She let herself announcing her presence as always. “Kris, je suis ici.” she said slowly trying to integrate a bit of French into her life to show him she was making an effort. She was working through the rosetta stone things when they were on the plane and at the hotel. Geno had done so well with it she had to give it a try. <br /> “Ah très bien.” he said coming around the corner from the kitchen kissing her cheek pressing a banana into her hand. “You should have this. Your legs have been squiggling at nights.” <br /><br /> Her brows knit. “I’m sorry. That happens sometimes. If it’s keeping you up just kick me out of bed.” <br /><br />“No it is cute.” he said kissing her head again. He took her bag off her shoulder taking it to the usual chair in the bedroom before taking his usual place on the sofa in front of the tv. <br /><br /> Sarah tossed her banana peel in the trash and joined him on the sofa still in her scrubs. They were pretty clean considering. She pulled the blanket off the back of the couch covering her legs. “Really Silence of the Lambs again?” she asked looking over her shoulder at him. “You have creepy murderous love for this movie.” she said turning her attention back to the screen. <br /><br /> “I like how Anthony Hopkins act in the film.” he said with a shrug. His shoulder was nearly completely healed. He had full motion back which everyone was happy about. <br /><br /> “Yeah That’s creepy Kris. It’s a good movie but we’ve seen it five times since I started coming here.” She settled her back against his chest pulling his arm around her. “I don’t mind though. One of these days I will subject to my favorite movie.” <br /><br /> “Breakfast at Tiffany’s or Up Close & Personal.” he said listing her two favorite films not giving her a chance to say what they were. <br /><br />She smiled sighing giving his hand a squeeze. “Thanks for making this so normal. I know it’s the farthest thing from a normal life what we have but this right here us, is so amazing…” she brought his hand to her lips kissing the back of it. <br /><br /> “Yes. This is our normals.” he replied pressing his own kiss to the top of her head. “I am happy like this with you. I tell everyone how happy you make me.”<br /><br /> Sarah smiled snuggling against his warm body. It was when he said things like that and did things like give her the silly banana that she felt horrible about what she knew she had to do. She wanted to tell him but she couldn’t. They were so happy like this that it made her wonder if she could keep it all a secret.Letterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3502268208168451259.post-11871763672489886122010-10-11T01:00:00.000-07:002010-10-11T01:15:11.973-07:00Chapter 16 I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked - Ida MariaSarah came into the locker room getting the stats round up from the trainers and all the info she needed. She could feel Kris’ eyes on her but not in a good way. She had been pissy with her for the last three days since she wouldn’t release him to skate. “You my office.” she said pointing at him. She strode out of the room not giving the guys a chance to make cat calls about her calling him into her office and assuming something exciting was about to happen. <br /> She stood behind her desk waiting for him. He was just a few beats behind her. “Close the door.” she said as calm as she could. He opened his mouth to speak but she put her hand up stopping him. “You listen and you listen good. When it comes to being here and your health we aren’t dating. It’s my job to make sure you stay as well as possible. I know you’re three weeks into the healing process and it sucks but guess what you’re still yellow and that’s good but it’s taking it time to heal up. You need to stop shooting daggers at me with your eyes.” she sat down in her chair looking at him. “Might as well stop that pouting too because it doesn’t work here.” she crossed her arms over her chest staring him down.<br /> He had been rude, glaring and pouty and he knew it. She had been annoying though constantly reminding him to do this not that or how to move so it didn’t bother him. The first week it had been great to have her around since it really did hurt then but now it was just annoying since it felt better he wanted to get skating again. “I will stop. I know you are doing what you can.” he leaned back in the chair sighing. “I just want to skate. It is like if you are hurt you want to run.” he said trying to garner some support with her. <br /> “You forget I like to run but I don’t love it.” she ran her hand though her hair. “I’m going to release you to skate next practice. No contact, just skating. I’m tempted to say no stick but I know that won’t fly.”<br /> He went to open his mouth but closed it again a tiny closed lip smile spreading across his face. He was so excited he wanted to bounce up and down in his chair. He felt like he could explode he was so happy. <br />Sarah rolled her eyes. “You can be happy.” she said leaning back in her chair relaxing. “Ok quick switch to girlfriend mode.” she spun her chair around goofing off like that would actually change something. “I’m going running with Mal when we’re done here. We’re doing nine miles to her place from here but she’s just two from you so I’m going to just do 12 and end at your place ok?” she knew it would be ok but she wanted to let him know. Since she had gotten the mystery key to his place from Max he told her to just keep it saying he felt better knowing she had it than Max did. He still wasn’t exactly sure how Max got the key but he was pretending that didn’t happen. <br />“Yes it no problem.” he shrugged without wincing. “I will order dinner you’ll be there around seven?” he asked relaxing intot heir usual comfortable relationship flow. <br /> “Yeah but order it for eight so I won’t get sick when I eat it right after.” that had been a lesson she had to always remember. Wanting to eat right after she ran was something she always wanted to do but landed her hugging a toilet every time for some reason. “I’ll try not to be hyper or exhausted when I get there. I know I’m a pain in the ass when I’m either way.” <br /> “Don’t worry I am no longer mad at you.” he cheesed a big stupid grin at her getting up from the seat in the office. “See you tonight.” he added stretching across her desk to plant a quick kiss on the corner of her mouth. <br /> “Yep tonight. All sweaty and gross I’ll trun up at your door.” she laughed. “And in layers lots of layers.”<br /> It was the week before Thanksgiving and the city was somewhere between full an empty as the students started to head home and everyone from far away returned to their families. The constant construction was indeed constant as Sarah and Mal went for their run. It was one of the typical cold but sunny days that made it hard to run your body was cold but you got hot in the sun and in your layers. <br /> “So you guys have been dating for….” Mal said as they went at a relatively gentle pace around the city proper. <br /> “We’ve been dating for about two months.” Sarah clarified. “Weird dating though since we seen one another just about everyday.”<br />You’re spending two nights a week at his and he spends one or two nights at yours?” Mal knew these details but she liked to rehash Sarah’s love life more than anyone. <br /> “Yeah though less at mine because he has to do his rituals at his apartment.” she took a few strides in silence. “That makes him sound crazy but they all have their routines. Kris’ is pretty mild compared to some of the other guys.” She explained. “Trust me if I could get away with it I’d send half the team to out patient psych for OCD tendencies and a few of them would for sure be western psych bound for the crazy dedication to their ritual and routines.” she was for sure worried about what was going to happen to a few of them next year when they moved across the street. They had some time before they had to deal with that though. <br /> “So any of them single?” Mal asked their breathing deep but regular as they sucked in cold air and breathed out hot clouds.<br /> “Yeah you interested?” Sarah asked raising an eyebrow. “I thought you were still hooking up with Mike from radiology?” <br />“Uh no. He was married. Can you believe it? I knew his city apartment was to good to be true.” <br /> “Mal you have the worst taste in men. I thought mine was bad but you take the cake this time.”<br /> “Well you lucked out with Kris.” Mal said as they paused for traffic before heading out into the bridge two miles left before Mal completed her run. Sarah could tell her friend was starting to get winded and no doubt had sore feet. <br />“I am lucky.” Sarah repeated thinking of her boyfriend who was waiting for her. By the time she reached his place the sun would be setting. “I have some in mind for you. Crazy and fun loving. He’s a good friend to everyone. He’s got pretty blue eyes too.” <br /> “Oh you know I’m a sucker for blue eyes.” Mal’s were blue as well. She always liked blue eyed guys saying if she was going to have kids some day she wanted them to have blue eyes too. <br /> “I’ll have to set something up. A kind of chill double date. Oh I know you can come to late Thanksgiving at my place. He’ll be there. G-Dad will be happy to see you too.” Sarah explained how she would be hosting most of the single and Canadian guys for Thanksgiving since they didn’t really have anywhere else to go… and it wasn’t really their traditional Thanksgiving holiday day anyways. <br /> “Yeah. I’ll be there after I visit my family. It’ll give me an excuse to split before Uncle Ron gets drunk and starts with the ethnic slurs.” Mal joked. <br />Sarah shook her head as she spotted the first snow flakes start to fall. “It’s getting to be that time of year.” she said with a kind of sigh… well the best sigh one could have while running. “I need to start thinking about what to get Kris fro Christmas.” she had a few ideas but she wasn’t sure how much to spend. “At Thanksgiving see if you can get out of him what he’s going to spend on me so I can kind of budget the same.” she had a bad habit of over spending for all of her friends and family. She had extra money though with all the working she did and the little free time she had nowhere to spend it. <br />They arrived at Mal’s and Sarah coached her in stretching while she jogged in place. Mal didn’t approve of Sarah running even just the two more miles along in the growing dark. “I’ll be fine. Kris is expecting me and I’ll text you when I get there. He’s got my phone.” she was obviously still full of energy as she jogged in place. “Seriously no big deal I used to run by myself all the time.”<br /> “I know but I didn’t like it then either.” Mal sighed as she stretched. “Just text me as soon as you’re safe ok?” <br /> “Promise. Now go shower you smell. Or I smell. Well we both smell.” She paused her jogging in place for just a second to give her friend a quick hug. <br />------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> The run to Kris’ left Sarah to her own thoughts. It was nice to be able to just think and breath. Her mind kept drifting to her relationship with Kris. It felt healthy and good. Sure they had their ups and downs. He was moody sometimes and she signed up for extra shifts when she had problems but they made it work despite seeing more of one another than normal couples. She really cared about him and for the first time in a long time it felt like someone really cared about her. <br />She arrived at his place stretching outside before fishing the key out of her sweaty inside pocket of her fleece. She let herself in calling out to him. “Hey, I’m here where’s my phone so Mal knows I didn’t die.” she found her bag in it’s usual place in the chair of his bedroom. She pulled hit out sending a quick message for Mal before starting to look for him. She left her phone going to find Kris. She checked the kitchen a common place to find him and the living room but came up empty finally she found him in the bathroom door closed shower running. She left him alone crashing on the couch still in her running gear so she could warm up. <br /> Finally the shower stopped and she turned her attention to the hall seeing him come out of the bathroom in a towel his body and hair still dripping wet. She smirked as he finally saw her on the sofa. <br />“Quand êtes-vous arrives?” he asked his face giving away it was a question. <br /> “You just talked to your Mom didn’t you?” she asked following him to the bedroom. He always had a bit of trouble transitioning back<br /> “Yes. Sorry. When did you get here?” he asked as he picked up a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. <br /> “Just a bit ago.” she pulled the fleece over her head stepping up behind him wrapping her arms around his wet body. “You’re so clean and shiny to bad I’m gonna get my sweaty nastiness all over you.” she rubbed her face between his shoulder blades her hands wondering over his chest. <br /> “Oh I think it will be ok.” he turned in her arm immediately going for the hem of her sweaty fitted under armor tank pulling it over her head followed by her sports bra. Her body was red from the run and from being inside direct from the cold. “Mmm… best way to cool down from a work out ever.” she said bringing her mouth to his as her arms moved over his wet body finding their way to his hair. It was already starting to grow out. <br />She was sweaty and he was wet so his hands moved over her quickly and efficiently. Till he laid her back in an effort to remove her tights. He pulled from the ankles which only made her laugh. “You can’t take them from there silly.” she guided his hands to her waist where he hooked his fingers into the waist band pulling the pants along with her underwear down. “See much easier she cooed beckoning for him to join her on the bed. She unhooked the towel from around his waist as his hand moved up her inner thigh cupping her sex. She took his length in her hand working him slowly till he was at full attention. <br />It was when he moved to be on top their heads bumped. “No. Something different.” She said guiding him back till his back was against the head board and he was sitting up. It was a bit shocking how traditional he was or at least to Sarah it was shocking. She liked missionary as much as the next girl with a skilled boyfriend but every now and then she liked to be the one in charge as well. She straddled his lap taking him in her hand as she slowly sank down over his length. <br /> “Does this mean you medically release me for more stressful physical activity?” he said gruffly in her ear as his hands found her hip. The pads o his fingers dug into her lower back holding her in place in his lap. <br /> “Something like that.” she said back nipping at his ear lobe before starting a tedious and slow rhythm that had them both melting. He slid slower down the bed till he was nearly on her back with her over top of him taking her turn to have her hands on either side of his shoulders. His thrusts met her backward rocking driving him deep inside her. <br />Sarah was already a sweaty mess when they started but it was clear by the time they were done he was going to need another shower as well. His hands came up to her breasts. Kris pinched and rolled her nipples getting and added sound effect of extra moans which made him smile. He loved being the reason for her to make any noise. It wasn’t long till they were both red with anticipation teetering on the edge. Instinctively he brought his fingers to her clit knowing she had to be a few paces behind him. He rubbed the swollen nub with the pad of his thumb sending Sarah’s usual steady trained breathing to erratic. “Kris… I’m going to…”<br />She didn’t have time to finish before the waves of pleasure washed over her as she gently rocked her inner walls holding him squeezing tight inside her. He was only moments behind the tightening of her walls milking him as he jerked and let go inside of her. <br /> Sarah collapsed down onto his chest not caring how sweaty and wet they were. She laid there listening to her own heart beat thundering in her ears slowly dissipate till she could hear his beneath her. He was content with her laying on his chest. Slowly he brought his fingers to her back lightly brushing up and down her spine. Finally with her senses in tact she moved off of him but only to his side so she wasn’t putting any pressure on his shoulder. “Sometimes different is good right?”<br /> “If you wanted different you could have just asked.” he said now playing with the ends of her ponytail. Most of her hair had fallen out around her face while on the run and was now stuck there in her sweat but he played with what he could. <br /> “Why ask when I could just do?” she said simply. It was then the doorbell rang making Sarah jump out of her skin. <br />“Dinner. Italian ok?” he asked slowly shifting out from under her and pulling sweats on. Before searching out a t-shirt and finding his wallet in it’s usual place on the dresser. <br /> “Yeah sounds good.” she said from the bed where she still laid. “I need to shower though so I’ll be a minuet.” <br /> She didn’t take long in the shower just getting clean and washing her hair so she wouldn’t smell. She was sure to use ‘her bathroom’ and her shampoo (a favor to him since he wasn’t a fan of when she smelled like his things). She dressed in her own pajamas which she had packed in the bag she sent with him. <br />Smells good.” she said joining him in the kitchen wrapping her arms around his waist ducking under his shoulder so she could see. Two plates of pasta one with a much smaller portion size that she knew to be hers as well as two lovely grilled chicken breasts. “Looks good too.” she added tilting her head up to him. <br /> “Yep does look good.” he said looking down at her. Kris pressed a quick kiss to her lips before taking the plates to his small table. <br /> It was just a normal night from there out. Dinner and watching a movie on the sofa together and then sleeping. Every once and awhile they both loved to just be normal for a change.Letterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3502268208168451259.post-49297345313303526892010-10-08T15:29:00.000-07:002010-10-08T15:43:58.886-07:00Chapter 15 Paperweight - Schyler Fisk & Joshua Radin<span style="font-style:italic;"> As promised three chapters this week. Ok so two of them are really short. ANYWAYS. I wanted to do something a little different and this chapter happened. First person isn't really my thing but I gave it a shot. Hopefully it doesn't suck to bad.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sarah</span><br /><br /> ‘Ugh. I have to pee.’ I thought to myself as I laid in bed. Th sun was up but Kris has been kind enough to pull his heavy blackout curtains. Only the faint orange yellow glow came though at the edges creating an orangish yellow glow in the room. I was on my stomach facing away from him. I could feel him to my side. He was sleeping solidly on his back which I know was a feat for him. He was usually a stomach or side sleeper like myself. I was used to waking up with him on his stomach one arm touching my arm or back like he it was there to make sure I wasn’t going to leave him. Tonight though he slept so still his arm in place on his chest propped with a pillow positioning it like he had it in a sling. He was snoring lightly a kind of whistle as he breathed through his mouth. <br /> I crawled out of bed mindful not to uncover him and subject his body to the cold air of the room. I shivered slightly as I padded across the room to ‘his bathroom’. Putting the seat down I sighed in relief. Sometimes it just feels really good to pee. I didn’t bother to turn on the light knowing the little plug in air freshener the gave off a faint glow would be in its usual place. He had gotten it when I first started staying there regularly. I had tripped on my way to the ‘guest bathroom’ off the hallway hurting my toe. I must have been loud swearing when I did it because he came to my aid as I sat on the floor winging holding it. It ended up being fine, just a broken toenail but at the time it hurt. He was so sweet making sure I was ok that night I had to kick him out so I could actually pee. <br /> Even now we aren’t to the point of open door bathroom use. Getting ready in the morning sure. He had seen me in my underclothes quite frequently and in my opinion when I had a hairdryer in my hand I wasn’t at my most sexy. Sometimes he disagreed but it was his prerogative as a man to make no sense when it came to wanting sex.<br /> With my business taken care of I washed and dried my hands heading back to bed. The warmth of him under the blankets was like slipping into the most comfortable fresh out of the dryer sweater ever. I moved to his side bringing my head to his chest Overall he was a hairy guy just not so much on his chest. I laid my head on him hearing the consistent watery thuds of his heart pumping blood. Between the whistles of his light snore and the beats of his heat it didn’t take long for me to feel sleepy. The last thing I felt was his hand smoothing over my still damp hair. I felt just a bit guilty for waking him but his tenderest of touches just left me feeling like this tiny moment would be an amazing memory to keep as I feel back asleep. <br /><br />---------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Kris</span><br /><br /> She doesn’t know it because I have told her but anytime she gets out of bed I wake up. Not because she’s loud or bounces around on the mattress but it’s just something that happens. Like now the cold creeps in from where she was and I wake up seeing her be sure to close the bathroom door even in the dark. It doesn’t bother me. I know we’ll get to the level of comfort for open door bathroom use eventually. For now it’s a comfortable mystery. <br /> My shoulder is killing me but I don’t want to tell her. She would spring into nurse mode and leave girlfriend behind in the bat of an eye. The reality is it will hut no matter what I do. She’d just get me a pill and water. The pills help but I don’t want to turn into House popping pills and being crazy.<br />I hear her flush and open my eyes to watch her creep back to bed. She moves to lay with me and I close them again so she doesn’t feel obligated to talk. Only two hours had passed since she crawled into bed with me the first time. <br /> A few minuets pass and I move my hand to her hair. It’s still damp. Her hair was so soft and silky. I know it feels good when do that. Girls like to touch my hair and frankly it feels good when they do. I like it when their fingers and nails scratch my scalp light, when they move it out of my face to kiss me, I love it all. That’s why I usually keep it long. I cut it because Sarah never mentions it. She barely ever talks about my hair or her own. It was a change not to have it be the reason someone liked me. It had gotten a bit out of control long too, even for me. <br /> I remember the first night Sarah and I just slept together no sex. I had the day off and she had picked up a shift at the children’s hospital to visit Jason and some of the other kids. We had intended to just watch a moved but it turned into a marathon of Criminal Minds. She loves the show and I tolerate it. It was late and I asked her to stay. She said she couldn’t because it was ‘that time’. She’s honest like that. She even went so far to tell me she did the seasonal one which I didn’t need to know but she felt compelled to say so. I just nodded along not sure what to say. She agreed to just sleeping and adopted a red t-shirt of mine. I call it one of my Montreal shirts since you wouldn’t find something like it here in the US. She laughed about that. She also took a pain of my shorts pulling the drawstring tight on her smaller hips. <br /> It is so strange when things work out just so. We naturally sleep on different sides of the bed. There was no looking at one another awkwardly deciding who would sleep where. I got in on the window and bathroom side and she took the door side of the bed. <br /> We could spoon then. I could lay on my now hurt shoulder and have her body completely pressed to mine. It was and still is such an amazing felling to fall asleep pressed against her. The smell of her, the softness of her body, how she rubs her feet together to to sooth herself… all of it is just so… comforting. It’s as if I didn’t know what a restful night of sleep was like till I met her. Even now with my shoulder causing pain I’ve slept better since she arrived than he 4 before. I wonder if she sleeps better when we are together too? I’m to tired to think about it. I can smell her hair now and it’s making me sleepy. I close my eyes my fingers still in her hair and slowly sink back to sleep.Letterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3502268208168451259.post-81410484983186841132010-10-05T21:02:00.000-07:002010-10-05T21:12:37.280-07:00Chapter 14 A Little More of You - Ashley Chambliss<span style="font-style:italic;">Super short tonight hence the three chapters being posted this week. More adorable to come later this week.</span><br /><br />----------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /><br />It was early in the morning a full 48 hours later she was finally back in Pittsburgh. Sure she had the team to distract her taking care of all the little but mounting aches and pains of the previous game to distract her as well as getting confirmation of Kris’ test results in keep her busy but it wasn’t enough. She was anxious to get back to him and it was the first thing on her mind. <br /> She texted a few people and got in her car bound for Kris’ well she had to make a few stops first but his place was the ultimate destination. She stopped at home putting her laundry in and grabbing a quick shower and fresh clothes before heading to her second stop. She was only a moment at Max’s since he was waiting out front in a plaid house coat with what she needed. “Tell him he owes me.” he teased ruffling her still wet hair. It was back across town now to Kris’ apartment. <br />Sarah let herself in creeping though the quiet as the sky just started to lighten. <br /><br />“Hey it’s just me.” she whispered crawling into bed next to him. She had thrown on shorts and a hoodie taking the sweat shirt off leaving her just in the shorts and a tank to be in bed with him. <br /> He groaned slowly processing that she was there. “How did you get in?” he asked groggily shifting obviously babying his bad shoulder. <br />“Max lent me his key.” she said bringing her head to rest on his chest as he moved to his back. They were both usually started the night on their sides in the obvious spooning position drifting to their stomachs or Kris to his back and Sarah resting on his chest or at his side. She was exhausted and it was hours before he would be getting up for the day. <br /> “Why…. Max key?” he mumbled bending down kissing the top of her head. He had no memory of giving Max a key but he didn‘t dwell on it being to much asleep still to worry. “You.” he added his good arm moving around her holding her to his chest. “Your hair is wet. Strawberry shampoo.” he added pressing his nose to her head. <br /> “Yeah I showered you wouldn’t have wanted to smell me before.” she closed her eyes listing to his heart. <br /> “Yes I would have. You always smell nice.” he said taking the tie out of her hair so he could run his fingers though the damp stands.<br />She smiled against his skin letting out a content sigh only to have her phone buzz in her purse on the floor next to the bed. She rolled away from him not bothering to check the message but turning it off. <br /> As soon as her head was back in place on his chest he had his fingers in her hair. “I am glad you are here.” he said softly. Hearing her breathing go regular he let go of her hair the strands slipping though his fingers. “I think I will always love you.” he whispered as his hand come to rest on her shoulder blade. The warmth of her there next to him was comforting and it wasn’t long till he too was asleep.Letterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3502268208168451259.post-42148249485173760432010-10-03T21:19:00.000-07:002010-10-03T21:45:37.089-07:00Chapter 13 You and Me - Alex Day<span style="font-style:italic;">Ok so the playlist version of this song is sucky. You have to get though some talking by the artist but it's an adorable song. <br /><br />In other news.... um I think this might be a three chapter post week since the next two chapters are so linked. :) <br /><br />Oh and I'm obviously (JStaal) back from Africa. I did manage to write a chapter on the plane so everything is still on track for the future of the story which is more epic than I ever imagined.</span><br /><br /><br />You and Me - Alex Day<br /><br /> Kris got off the plane in Pittsburgh at some ungodly hour. He had taken the Advil as Sarah told him to do but he couldn’t deny he was in some rather serious pain. He trucked though the airport though and to the picks up. He skipped baggage claim since everything he had was on the team jet save his carry-on which Sarah had bravely saved for him. He looked around for the Mal he knew but really only having seen her twice he doubted he would see her right away. Looking for someone in scrubs didn’t really work either. He sighed continuing to walk slowly around the area keeping an eye out for the brunette he had met only once. <br /> “Hey you with the hair. Sarah sent me.” she said tapping him on the good shoulder. Mal was dressed as anyone would be when they were picking someone up at the airport at 4am. She had sweatpants and a hoodie on her hair pulled up into a messy bun. “Come on before your arm falls off you have to be hurting.” she said trying to take his bag from him. She pulled and he didn’t let go. “Dude I’m helping you out let go of the bag.”<br />“I am not dead I can carry it.” he said putting it back on his good shoulder awkwardly. <br /> Mal rolled her eyes. “Listen if you don’t give me your bag I’ll tell Sarah you aren’t healthy enough for sex so give me the bag or I ruin your life.” She put on an overly chipper smile. “Don’t think that I won’t. you don’t know how crazy I am.”<br /> Kris sighed letting her take the bag. “I believe you are crazy. Sarah has told me a few stories.” he ran a hand though his hair starting to follow her out to her car. <br /> “Oh you have no idea..” Mal led the way to her car putting her back in the back seat. “Ok so you have a choice here. In your already hurt arm or in the ass.” she said holding up the needle and vile. Don’t try to play it cool I know how bad you’re hurting so suck it up.” <br />Kris’ phone buzzed in his pocket letting him know he had a text. Sarah had just landed and got his message and a message from Mal about getting the prescription to help him with pain. ‘I’M IN BOSTON. GLAD YOU’RE SAFE. GO FOR THE ASS IT’LL HURT LESS. XOXO’ Kris chuckled closing his phone. “It is scary how she read my minds at times.”<br /> “Oh trust me I know.” Mal said as she prepped pulling the plunger to the right dose letting the needle fill. “She told you to take it in the ass didn’t she?” Mal smirked as she admired her work happy to see no tiny bubbles. “Sarah’s like that. She can’t really read your mind but she just always knows what to say.” Mal came around to the passenger side of the car where he was standing. “Now lower your drawers.” <br /> Kris sighed unbuckling his belt sliding his slacks and boxer briefs down his hips. Not exactly the best position one wants to be in at the airport short term parking with their girlfriends best friend. <br /> “Cold.” Mal said running an alcohol swab over his skin. She fanned the spot till the alcohol has all evaporated. “Ok now pinch.” she said pinching his skin and sinking the needle in before dropping the plunger the drug entering his system. “I’m sure it’s a lot better when Sarah grabs your ass.” she teased pulling the safety on the used needle putting it in the contamination container in her trunk. She did home health on the side so it was something normal to have in her trunk. “Ok so hitch those pants back up and we’ll be on our way.” she said closing her trunk. “She wants you to go for X-Rays now and not to fight it.” Mal chuckled. “Really you aren’t whipped she’s like this with everyone she cares about.”<br /> “Good to know.” he said getting in the passenger side door.<br />“So what is this she told me about answering some questions no answering 5 questions and an embarrassing story.” Mal started up the car cranking the heat to get them comfortable. It wasn’t to cold for November yet but she saw he didn’t have a heavy jacket. <br /> “Yes, she said I could ask you questions about her. Though I do not know what to ask.” he buckled his seat belt as she started though the maze in the temporary parking garage. “I guess whatever you feel like telling me.” he shrugged his shoulder but then held it in some pain. The injection he had been given was starting to work but he still don’t move like that comfortably. <br /> “Well I guess the first thing you should know is if you hurt her or make her hurt herself I will make your life hell along with her G-Dad, Nessa and Jimmy and that brother of hers. We’re some people you don’t want to mess with. I mean I’ve been taking kick boxing so just don’t do it.” Mal was bound for the highway though there was a tad bit of traffic someone needing to cross three lanes and doing it poorly ahead of them at the little parking toll station. <br />“These threat of pain are because of the Doctor yes? I understand he was not a good man.” Kris relaxed back in the seat content to just ride into the city. <br /> “Yep. That would be Dr. Eric James. Asshat extraordinaire. He made Sarah lose weight. That’s why she ran the marathon because he wanted her to slim down and she did her best to make it positive. I wanted to punch his teeth in every time he touched her. He always was just a little bit to rough…” she shook her head. “Sarah’s smart I’m sure you know that. He had her so trapped and hurting herself trying to be perfect for him. He just made her hate herself constantly. He had her believing she was never good enough.” Mal rolled her eyes. “It took three attempts to break up with him. He would always get her to go back telling her no one would ever love her and that he was the only one who would take her.” She paused heaving a sigh. “It was some fucked up shit. It really messed her up. She’s still pretty messed up about it. She doesn’t talk about it though but you can see it sometimes. How much she hates herself when she thinks no one is looking. God love her she’s so damn close to perfect it’s sad she’ll never see it.” <br /> Kris was silent listening to Mal tell the story. He remained quiet letting his mind go and contemplate what he had been told. Knowing what he knew now he could see in Sarah what Mal had said. He could see her climbing up on that table her inhibitions gone for the moment till she realized everyone was watching her. Then she needed help not just with the short height but a hand to hold to fight away the fear of everyone dissecting her. By the time they entered the city he had come to the realization that there were two Sarah’s. The one she let people see and the one she let extremely few meet. He had seen that wounded and hurt inner Sarah a few times but for it to truly work between them he needed to really know her. All this was a two way street though. He had to let her in on more than the basics of his life. He couldn’t continue to let her just skim the surface of knowing him. It was clear now that for her to let him in he would also need to open up. <br />Snapping out of the quiet just as the pulled into the hospital he opened his mouth to star asking questions but decided against it. “Thank you Mal. For taking care of me and for being a friend to Sarah. I think we are both lucky you are here.” he smiled over knowing the meaning of his words didn’t match the strange smile he was giving her. <br /> “Your not feeling any pain are you?” Mal asked chuckling at his expression. <br /> “No pain just…” he paused trying to find the right phrase. “Floaty.” <br /> “Get your drugged up ass out of the car Letang.” she teased shaking her head all smiles.Letterhead.Loyaltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11639855814765059482noreply@blogger.com1