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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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
“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.
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.
Sarah smiled look at the picture as well. “She said that it was our family.”
“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.
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.
“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.
“We are getting three little girls and you want a pet?” he asked confused.
“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.
“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.
“Want to talk about it?” she asked patting his leg lightly.
“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.”
“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?”
He kissed the corner of her mouth sighing. “You are going to be the best wife ever.”
“What if I do bad turnover?” she teased him.
He cracked a smile. “Better stick to baking pies then.” he joked back. Leave it to him to make a pastry joke.
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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.
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.
“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.”
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.
“ 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.
“Merci.” Sarah said returning the hug.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“Group hug.” Ruby said making them laugh and everyone else who saw laugh.
Sarah picked her up the three year old laying her head on Sarah’s shoulder yawning. “That you sweetie.”
“Will Daddy be done soon? I’m tired. Can I call Kris Daddy yet?” Ruby asked still laying against Sarah.
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.
“Good. I’ve never had a Daddy.”
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.
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.
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.
“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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
“You smell.” Rebecca said as she hugged him making them all laugh.
“Yes I know. That’s why I shower so much.” he teased kissing each of their little cheeks.
Next was Sarah whom he kissed affectionately not wanting to let go even as a reporter approached.
“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.
“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.”
“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?”
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.
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.”
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.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Part 2 - Chapter 8: You're What I'm Looking For - Rooney
REMEMBER WE ARE HAVING GUESTS FOR DINNER. Kris read the text message nodding.
“Your phone telling you what to do again?” Sid asked as they stripped out of their practice gear.
“No Sarah.” he said tucking his phone back into his jeans pocket.
“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.
“More for me mon ami.” Max gave them a sly grin and a cheesy wink.
“So what’s Sarah have to say Tanger?” Sid asked continuing his routine of getting his gear off.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
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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.
“Hey…” he said entering the apartment immediately taking his shoes off seeing the fresh sweeper tracks on the floor.
“Kitchen.” she called giving him her location.
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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
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.
“You remember how I’ve been visiting with Ruby, Ramona and Rebecca?”
“Yes the little girls who won your heart in the ER.” he said nodding.
“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.
“So thy are coming for dinner?” he asked.
“Yes, and will be staying all weekend till Sunday afternoon.” she said with a bright smile.
“I have a game tomorrow.” he said blankly.
“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.”
“Wow… three little girls.” he said rubbing his hand over his face. “I am going to be out numbered.”
“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.”
“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.
“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.”
“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.
“Ruby is three, Ramona is four and Rebecca is six.” Sarah said listing the ages of the girls.
“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.
“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.”
He checked his watch. “Yeah I should start through they will be here soon and it will need to warm up.
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.
“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.
“Hello girls make yourselves at home.” he said giving them a little wave.
The girls huddled up talking for a second in whispers.
“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.”
“We’ve decided you look Prince Charming. It makes sense because Sarah looks like a Princess.” Rebecca said.
“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.
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“Ruby your face…” Rebecca said to her little sisters taking a napkin to the three year old.
“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.”
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.
“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.
“No I will take care of it.” he said shaking his head it was the last he could do.
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.
“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.
“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.
“I can take her back to bed if you want.” Sarah said stretching her arms out.
“No it’s ok.” Kris said shifting putting his feet down and adjusting the sleepy little girl in his arms.
“want to stay up.” Ruby mused as her head lulled against Kris’ shoulder.
“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.”
She knew what he meant even if it came out a little funny.
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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.
“G-Dad we gotta control the West Virginia up in here!” Sarah called as she dusted the bars decorations sheets of dust falling.
“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.”
She opened her mouth to speak but Archie cut her off.
“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.”
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.”
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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.
Sarah couldn’t help but smile as she put her phone down getting in the shower.
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.
“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.
“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.
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.
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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“Hey girls.” Sarah said waving at them. “Come on in.”
“Kris said you forgot these.” Rebecca said handing over a shoe box.
“And this.” Ramona added putting a purse on top of the box.
“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.
“Told you he’s perfect.” Nessa said in a sing song voice as the girls climbed up on the bed.
“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.
Sarah opened the box looking at the delicate chandeliers that were to hang from her ears. “They’re perfect.” Sarah said putting them in.
“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.
With Mal’s arrival the bridal part was complete. These were the women and girls Sarah wanted to stand by her at the alter.
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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.
“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.
“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.”
Kris just smiled. “She’ll change her mind someday.
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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.
“Sarah I’m scared.” the littlest of the three girls said.
“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’.
“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.
“It’s ok.” Sarah said giving Mal a smile.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
“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.
“Dat is only at weddings!” Kris said all smiles and laughter as Ruby lifted her head.
“Just kiss her!” Rebecca said loudly getting a laugh from the crowd as Kris and Sarah met in a kiss with Ruby between them.
“Your phone telling you what to do again?” Sid asked as they stripped out of their practice gear.
“No Sarah.” he said tucking his phone back into his jeans pocket.
“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.
“More for me mon ami.” Max gave them a sly grin and a cheesy wink.
“So what’s Sarah have to say Tanger?” Sid asked continuing his routine of getting his gear off.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
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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.
“Hey…” he said entering the apartment immediately taking his shoes off seeing the fresh sweeper tracks on the floor.
“Kitchen.” she called giving him her location.
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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
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.
“You remember how I’ve been visiting with Ruby, Ramona and Rebecca?”
“Yes the little girls who won your heart in the ER.” he said nodding.
“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.
“So thy are coming for dinner?” he asked.
“Yes, and will be staying all weekend till Sunday afternoon.” she said with a bright smile.
“I have a game tomorrow.” he said blankly.
“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.”
“Wow… three little girls.” he said rubbing his hand over his face. “I am going to be out numbered.”
“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.”
“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.
“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.”
“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.
“Ruby is three, Ramona is four and Rebecca is six.” Sarah said listing the ages of the girls.
“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.
“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.”
He checked his watch. “Yeah I should start through they will be here soon and it will need to warm up.
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.
“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.
“Hello girls make yourselves at home.” he said giving them a little wave.
The girls huddled up talking for a second in whispers.
“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.”
“We’ve decided you look Prince Charming. It makes sense because Sarah looks like a Princess.” Rebecca said.
“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.
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“Ruby your face…” Rebecca said to her little sisters taking a napkin to the three year old.
“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.”
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.
“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.
“No I will take care of it.” he said shaking his head it was the last he could do.
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.
“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.
“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.
“I can take her back to bed if you want.” Sarah said stretching her arms out.
“No it’s ok.” Kris said shifting putting his feet down and adjusting the sleepy little girl in his arms.
“want to stay up.” Ruby mused as her head lulled against Kris’ shoulder.
“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.”
She knew what he meant even if it came out a little funny.
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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.
“G-Dad we gotta control the West Virginia up in here!” Sarah called as she dusted the bars decorations sheets of dust falling.
“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.”
She opened her mouth to speak but Archie cut her off.
“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.”
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.”
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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.
Sarah couldn’t help but smile as she put her phone down getting in the shower.
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.
“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.
“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.
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.
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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“Hey girls.” Sarah said waving at them. “Come on in.”
“Kris said you forgot these.” Rebecca said handing over a shoe box.
“And this.” Ramona added putting a purse on top of the box.
“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.
“Told you he’s perfect.” Nessa said in a sing song voice as the girls climbed up on the bed.
“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.
Sarah opened the box looking at the delicate chandeliers that were to hang from her ears. “They’re perfect.” Sarah said putting them in.
“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.
With Mal’s arrival the bridal part was complete. These were the women and girls Sarah wanted to stand by her at the alter.
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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.
“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.
“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.”
Kris just smiled. “She’ll change her mind someday.
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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.
“Sarah I’m scared.” the littlest of the three girls said.
“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’.
“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.
“It’s ok.” Sarah said giving Mal a smile.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
“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.
“Dat is only at weddings!” Kris said all smiles and laughter as Ruby lifted her head.
“Just kiss her!” Rebecca said loudly getting a laugh from the crowd as Kris and Sarah met in a kiss with Ruby between them.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Part 2 - Chapter 7: These Are the Days - Jamie Cullum
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!
“Minimum two weeks Kris.” Sarah said sitting with Kris, in head trainer Chris Stewart’s office along with coach Dan.
“No, please consider day to day.” Kris said pleading with everyone in the room.
“Are you forgetting that yesterday you had the worst migraine I’ve ever seen you have?” She said crossing her arms over her chest.
“It had nothing to do with the hit. Migraines happen to me.” he tried to explain.
“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.
“Is this true?” Dan asked giving Kris a fatherly look that demanded honesty.
“Yes coach, it was especially bad.” Kris answered hanging his head.
“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.
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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.
“I want to play.” he said flopping down on the sofa turning on the tv.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
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.”
“Funny.” he tried to dead pan but cracked a smile.
“Man Byfuglien and I are so different. Talk about not having a type sweetie….”
“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.”
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.
“Uh-uh. Now you.” he said his accent thick with lust.
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.
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.
“The show is half the fun.” he said holding he wrists delicately to keep her from rushing.
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.
“Scoot back…” she said guiding him back on the bed so she could gain ground over him.
“I want to stay close.” he said refusing to lay back instead holding her around the waist as she sank down onto his length.
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.
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.
“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.
“Only good dizzy.” he said bringing his lips to brush over her collar bone.
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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.”
He sat up on his elbows smiling at her. “You done now?” he said with a joking smile.
“For the moment.” she said back a smile of her own reaching out to tuck his real sex hair behind his ears.
“I love you.” he said simply smiling up at her.
She waited for him to continue but he only shrugged.
“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.
“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.
“Oh?” he asked with a little chuckle.
“Yeah. The real you is far smoother.”
“I am not smooth.” he said sitting up completely leaning back against the padded headboard of their bed.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“You done?” he asked still leaning back looking amused.
“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.”
“It’s all true I am these things.” he dead paned.
“Shut up.” she squealed leaning forward punching him in his shoulder. He played hurt flopping to the side in their bed.
“You stop or I’ll tell coach.” he said smiling though he was lightly rubbing his shoulder.
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.”
“You punch like TK.” he said with yet another secretly smug Kris Letang smile.
“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.
“I’ll change the bed.” he said getting up as well.
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.
“Is this what I think it is?” she asked cradling the box in the palm of her hand.
“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.
“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.
“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.
Sarah just looked down at the little box. “At the hospital.”
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.
“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.
“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.
“I need to call G-Dad and Mal and Nessa…” she said taking a single step towards the phone.
“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.
“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.”
He chuckled kissing the top of her head. “Yes we do. Plans I am looking forward to making.”
“Minimum two weeks Kris.” Sarah said sitting with Kris, in head trainer Chris Stewart’s office along with coach Dan.
“No, please consider day to day.” Kris said pleading with everyone in the room.
“Are you forgetting that yesterday you had the worst migraine I’ve ever seen you have?” She said crossing her arms over her chest.
“It had nothing to do with the hit. Migraines happen to me.” he tried to explain.
“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.
“Is this true?” Dan asked giving Kris a fatherly look that demanded honesty.
“Yes coach, it was especially bad.” Kris answered hanging his head.
“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.
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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.
“I want to play.” he said flopping down on the sofa turning on the tv.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
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.”
“Funny.” he tried to dead pan but cracked a smile.
“Man Byfuglien and I are so different. Talk about not having a type sweetie….”
“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.”
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.
“Uh-uh. Now you.” he said his accent thick with lust.
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.
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.
“The show is half the fun.” he said holding he wrists delicately to keep her from rushing.
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.
“Scoot back…” she said guiding him back on the bed so she could gain ground over him.
“I want to stay close.” he said refusing to lay back instead holding her around the waist as she sank down onto his length.
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.
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.
“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.
“Only good dizzy.” he said bringing his lips to brush over her collar bone.
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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.”
He sat up on his elbows smiling at her. “You done now?” he said with a joking smile.
“For the moment.” she said back a smile of her own reaching out to tuck his real sex hair behind his ears.
“I love you.” he said simply smiling up at her.
She waited for him to continue but he only shrugged.
“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.
“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.
“Oh?” he asked with a little chuckle.
“Yeah. The real you is far smoother.”
“I am not smooth.” he said sitting up completely leaning back against the padded headboard of their bed.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“You done?” he asked still leaning back looking amused.
“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.”
“It’s all true I am these things.” he dead paned.
“Shut up.” she squealed leaning forward punching him in his shoulder. He played hurt flopping to the side in their bed.
“You stop or I’ll tell coach.” he said smiling though he was lightly rubbing his shoulder.
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.”
“You punch like TK.” he said with yet another secretly smug Kris Letang smile.
“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.
“I’ll change the bed.” he said getting up as well.
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.
“Is this what I think it is?” she asked cradling the box in the palm of her hand.
“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.
“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.
“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.
Sarah just looked down at the little box. “At the hospital.”
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.
“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.
“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.
“I need to call G-Dad and Mal and Nessa…” she said taking a single step towards the phone.
“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.
“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.”
He chuckled kissing the top of her head. “Yes we do. Plans I am looking forward to making.”
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Part 2 Chapter 6: In the Aftermath
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.
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.
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.
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.
“Bad day?” he asked stroking her hair for the first time in to her what felt like forever.
All Sarah could do was nod and lay her head against his shoulder.
“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.
“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.
“How could I forget?” he said shifting so he could watch her talk.
“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.”
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.
“I don’t deserve someone as good as you.” she whispered crying into his shoulder.
“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.”
All she could do was look up at him unbelieving.
“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.
“Ok bath time.” he said leading her by the hand to the bathroom putting her in the shower.
“Get in with me?” she asked softly standing in the shower just letting the water wash over her.
“You sure?”
“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.”
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“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-------”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
“I know!” she yelled back. “I know.” she said softer relaxing so he would let go of her arm.
They wheeled Kris by on the backboard head in the brace position. Sarah and Brian followed down the runway and out of the stadium.
“She rides with.” Brian said catching the door as the EMS attempted to shut them out.
“She’s the team nurse.” Chris Stewart said pulling the door back so Sarah could climb in.
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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.
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.
“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.
“I’m fine.” he half groaned. “Where are we. I need to be ready when Goose hops off.”
“Can you tell me your name?” the paramedic asked.
“Kris, Kristopher Allen Letang.” he said looking between Sarah and the Paramedic who’s nametag said Rick.
Sarah made note of the time again. In total he was unconscious for 17 mins. That was a scary long time.
“Ok Kris do you know the date?” Paramedic Rick asked next as Sarah texted Chris Stewart the head trainer that Kris was conscious now.
“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.”
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.
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They arrived at the hospital and immediately sent him up for a CT scan.
“What is your number?” he asked watching her out the corner of his eye filling in his medical history.
“Same as yours silly.” she said not thinking anything of the question as she filled in his information.
“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.”
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.
He looked up at her blankly his brows then knitting. “Sweetie?” he said that weird smile returning.
“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.
“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.
“Did we win the game?” he asked to whomever could answer.
“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.
“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.
“He likes you. Just try to help him stay calm.” The tech said.
“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.
“Dude why don’t you tell me how you met your future wife here?” The Tech asked when he saw Sarah struggling.
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.
“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.
“Is his speech off?” the tech asked looking at Sarah.
“No, he’s French Canadian. Plurals are always a struggle for him.” She explained.
“Ambulance Kris.” she said pointing out the right word.
“See and she smart. I like the smart angel.” he said as the machine completed it’s scan.
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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’.
“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.
“Are you feeling sleepy?” Sarah asked from the visitors chair next to him in the standard room he had been put on.
“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.
Sarah opened her mouth to speak but a knock at the door interrupted her. Mal stood there beckoning Sarah into the hall.
“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.
Sarah picked up his chart and headed into the hall where her friend waited.
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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.
“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.”
“Even though he thinks you just met?” Mal asked holding an x-ray up to the light.
“No in Montreal on Christmas eve.” Sarah said with a sigh.
“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.”
“I said no for now but how did you… you knew!?!” Sarah asked dropping her jaw.
“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.”
“Shut up Mal.” Sarah said looking down at the floor between her feet. “Just shut up.”
“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.”
“I know Mal.. I know.” Sarah chocked out through tears. “I know.” she whispered again.
“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.
“Yeah.” was all Sarah could say in agreement as she did her best to dry her tears as the Doctor approached.
“I’ll see you soon Sarah. Mal said getting up. Just keep me posted ok?” Mal put her hand on her friends shoulder.
“I will.” she agreed.
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“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.
“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.
“I’ll wake him. You don’t have to have the nurses bother I know how busy they are.”
“I’m sure you do.” he said straightening the file handing it back to her. Sarah close to ignore the somewhat snide comment.
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.
“Sweetie we’ll wake him up. You need rest too.” The nurse on duty said.
“No, it’s ok.” Sarah insisted.
“Really dear. Your friend stopped by the desk and said we should insist.” Sarah sighed giving in. She was tired.
“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.”
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.”
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.
“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.
“Oh… sorry.” she mumbled sitting up her back cracking in a million places as she stretched.
“I can not blame you.” he said with a smile that was like the one she was used to seeing from him.
“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.
There was a pause as they just looked at one another.
“Next time I ask you, you will say yes?”
“Yes, Kris completely yes.” she said though a combination sob and laugh.
He was back.
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.
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.
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.
“Bad day?” he asked stroking her hair for the first time in to her what felt like forever.
All Sarah could do was nod and lay her head against his shoulder.
“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.
“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.
“How could I forget?” he said shifting so he could watch her talk.
“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.”
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.
“I don’t deserve someone as good as you.” she whispered crying into his shoulder.
“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.”
All she could do was look up at him unbelieving.
“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.
“Ok bath time.” he said leading her by the hand to the bathroom putting her in the shower.
“Get in with me?” she asked softly standing in the shower just letting the water wash over her.
“You sure?”
“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.”
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“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-------”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
“I know!” she yelled back. “I know.” she said softer relaxing so he would let go of her arm.
They wheeled Kris by on the backboard head in the brace position. Sarah and Brian followed down the runway and out of the stadium.
“She rides with.” Brian said catching the door as the EMS attempted to shut them out.
“She’s the team nurse.” Chris Stewart said pulling the door back so Sarah could climb in.
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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.
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.
“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.
“I’m fine.” he half groaned. “Where are we. I need to be ready when Goose hops off.”
“Can you tell me your name?” the paramedic asked.
“Kris, Kristopher Allen Letang.” he said looking between Sarah and the Paramedic who’s nametag said Rick.
Sarah made note of the time again. In total he was unconscious for 17 mins. That was a scary long time.
“Ok Kris do you know the date?” Paramedic Rick asked next as Sarah texted Chris Stewart the head trainer that Kris was conscious now.
“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.”
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.
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They arrived at the hospital and immediately sent him up for a CT scan.
“What is your number?” he asked watching her out the corner of his eye filling in his medical history.
“Same as yours silly.” she said not thinking anything of the question as she filled in his information.
“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.”
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.
He looked up at her blankly his brows then knitting. “Sweetie?” he said that weird smile returning.
“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.
“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.
“Did we win the game?” he asked to whomever could answer.
“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.
“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.
“He likes you. Just try to help him stay calm.” The tech said.
“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.
“Dude why don’t you tell me how you met your future wife here?” The Tech asked when he saw Sarah struggling.
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.
“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.
“Is his speech off?” the tech asked looking at Sarah.
“No, he’s French Canadian. Plurals are always a struggle for him.” She explained.
“Ambulance Kris.” she said pointing out the right word.
“See and she smart. I like the smart angel.” he said as the machine completed it’s scan.
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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’.
“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.
“Are you feeling sleepy?” Sarah asked from the visitors chair next to him in the standard room he had been put on.
“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.
Sarah opened her mouth to speak but a knock at the door interrupted her. Mal stood there beckoning Sarah into the hall.
“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.
Sarah picked up his chart and headed into the hall where her friend waited.
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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.
“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.”
“Even though he thinks you just met?” Mal asked holding an x-ray up to the light.
“No in Montreal on Christmas eve.” Sarah said with a sigh.
“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.”
“I said no for now but how did you… you knew!?!” Sarah asked dropping her jaw.
“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.”
“Shut up Mal.” Sarah said looking down at the floor between her feet. “Just shut up.”
“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.”
“I know Mal.. I know.” Sarah chocked out through tears. “I know.” she whispered again.
“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.
“Yeah.” was all Sarah could say in agreement as she did her best to dry her tears as the Doctor approached.
“I’ll see you soon Sarah. Mal said getting up. Just keep me posted ok?” Mal put her hand on her friends shoulder.
“I will.” she agreed.
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“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.
“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.
“I’ll wake him. You don’t have to have the nurses bother I know how busy they are.”
“I’m sure you do.” he said straightening the file handing it back to her. Sarah close to ignore the somewhat snide comment.
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.
“Sweetie we’ll wake him up. You need rest too.” The nurse on duty said.
“No, it’s ok.” Sarah insisted.
“Really dear. Your friend stopped by the desk and said we should insist.” Sarah sighed giving in. She was tired.
“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.”
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.”
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.
“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.
“Oh… sorry.” she mumbled sitting up her back cracking in a million places as she stretched.
“I can not blame you.” he said with a smile that was like the one she was used to seeing from him.
“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.
There was a pause as they just looked at one another.
“Next time I ask you, you will say yes?”
“Yes, Kris completely yes.” she said though a combination sob and laugh.
He was back.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Chapter 5: Petit Papa Noel // So Close - Jon McLaughlin
Happy Christmas! This is EXTREMELY Christmas centric chapter so you get it today! I hope everyone has a great holiday!
“How do you feel about Christmas in Montreal with me?” Kris asked from across the phone line.
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.
“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.
“He can come too.” Kris said from the other end of the call.
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.
“Trust me.”
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.
“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.
“You better because I’m waist deep in Thanksgiving and Christmas shopping at the moment."
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.
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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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
“Yes silly. I can’t deny you pecan pie.” Sarah repeated with with the fake twang.
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“Mama do you care if Sarah and I walk home?” Kris asked his Mother as they exited midnight mass.
“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.
“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.
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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“Marry me?” he asked stopping in the middle of the empty street just a few blocks from his home.
She stopped turning to face him. “Wait what? I think I have snow in my ears.” she joked.
“Be my wife.” he said pulling the little box from his coat pocket.
“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.
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.
She nodded leaning in resting her forehead against his chest.
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.”
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.
Silently she couldn’t help but wonder if he would ever ask again.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
“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.
“How do you feel about Christmas in Montreal with me?” Kris asked from across the phone line.
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.
“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.
“He can come too.” Kris said from the other end of the call.
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.
“Trust me.”
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.
“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.
“You better because I’m waist deep in Thanksgiving and Christmas shopping at the moment."
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.
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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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
“Yes silly. I can’t deny you pecan pie.” Sarah repeated with with the fake twang.
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“Mama do you care if Sarah and I walk home?” Kris asked his Mother as they exited midnight mass.
“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.
“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.
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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“Marry me?” he asked stopping in the middle of the empty street just a few blocks from his home.
She stopped turning to face him. “Wait what? I think I have snow in my ears.” she joked.
“Be my wife.” he said pulling the little box from his coat pocket.
“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.
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.
She nodded leaning in resting her forehead against his chest.
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.”
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.
Silently she couldn’t help but wonder if he would ever ask again.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
“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.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Part 2: Chapter 4: All This Time - One Republic
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!
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
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.
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“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.
“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.
“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.
“Dear, the cookies are for the kids. Mostly to keep the busy decorating them rather than eating them.” she explained.
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.
“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.
“Oh I love to draw.” Maeva said leading the was.
“I make a car.” Kody said immediately latching onto Kris’ hand pulling him along.
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.
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.
“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…’
“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?”
‘Yeah!” Kody exclaimed jumping only to then need to hold himself.
“Better hurry.” she said to both of them as they trotted upstairs.
Mave entered the kitchen next using a letter D magnet on the fridge to post the new family portrait she had drawn.
“Is he your husband?” she asked climbing up to the table to watch Sarah and talk like it was girl time.
“No, we’re dating. He’s my boyfriend.” Sarah explained as she laid out all the icing tubes and sprinkle containers.
“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.
“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?”
Thankfully Maeva was distracted by that and let the subject slide so Sarah could roll out the cookie dough.
“All good?” she asked as the boys returned.
He nodded moving to stand next to her.
“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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
“Guys if you go do something you won’t notice how long it takes.” Sarah offered seeing them in agony as they waited.
“Can we watch sponge bob?” Kody asked.
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.
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.
“Here I’ll take her.” Sarah said reaching out for Zoe. Much to her surprise Kris turned away.
“No I like holding her.” he said looking down at the little girl in his arms who had fallen back asleep.
“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.
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.
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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.
“Who did there? Sarah was this your doing too?” Carole-lynn asked.
“Oh no. I don’t have an artistic bone in my body. This was all Kris.” Sarah said with a smile.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
“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.
“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.
“Please come play again soon.” Kody said throwing his arms around Kris’s legs.
“They’re going to get married.” Maeva said to her parents beaming.
Sarah chuckled. “Someday Maeva, though not soon.” she said looking between all the Dupuis' who seemed not to shocked by their daughters comment.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
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.
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“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.
“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.
“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.
“Dear, the cookies are for the kids. Mostly to keep the busy decorating them rather than eating them.” she explained.
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.
“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.
“Oh I love to draw.” Maeva said leading the was.
“I make a car.” Kody said immediately latching onto Kris’ hand pulling him along.
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.
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.
“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…’
“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?”
‘Yeah!” Kody exclaimed jumping only to then need to hold himself.
“Better hurry.” she said to both of them as they trotted upstairs.
Mave entered the kitchen next using a letter D magnet on the fridge to post the new family portrait she had drawn.
“Is he your husband?” she asked climbing up to the table to watch Sarah and talk like it was girl time.
“No, we’re dating. He’s my boyfriend.” Sarah explained as she laid out all the icing tubes and sprinkle containers.
“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.
“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?”
Thankfully Maeva was distracted by that and let the subject slide so Sarah could roll out the cookie dough.
“All good?” she asked as the boys returned.
He nodded moving to stand next to her.
“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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
“Guys if you go do something you won’t notice how long it takes.” Sarah offered seeing them in agony as they waited.
“Can we watch sponge bob?” Kody asked.
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.
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.
“Here I’ll take her.” Sarah said reaching out for Zoe. Much to her surprise Kris turned away.
“No I like holding her.” he said looking down at the little girl in his arms who had fallen back asleep.
“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.
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.
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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.
“Who did there? Sarah was this your doing too?” Carole-lynn asked.
“Oh no. I don’t have an artistic bone in my body. This was all Kris.” Sarah said with a smile.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
“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.
“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.
“Please come play again soon.” Kody said throwing his arms around Kris’s legs.
“They’re going to get married.” Maeva said to her parents beaming.
Sarah chuckled. “Someday Maeva, though not soon.” she said looking between all the Dupuis' who seemed not to shocked by their daughters comment.
“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.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Part 2: Chapter 2 & 3 : F**k Gentely - Tenacious D, I'd Rather Be With You - Joshua Radin
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.
“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.
“Can’t a girl be happy to be home?” Sarah asked lifting her coffee to her lips to hide her smile.
“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.
“You’re one to talk walking a little bow legged this morning?” she asked in a sing song voice.
“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.”
“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.
“Damn girl. God love my Max but I could go for half asleep and lazy on occasion.”
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.
“Always.”
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“Oh man you must be tired Tanger.” max said from the tredmill next to Kris.
“Why?” he asked slightly confused by the random question. They hadn’t been in the workout room that long yet.
“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.
“Oh yes. I missed her lots. I actually rest better now that she is home and safe.” Kris said dodging the question.
“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.
“Come on Tanger give me something. I don’t have a girlfriend right now and I gotta live through you guys.” Sid said.
“Sid. Dat’s creepy.” Max said blanking.
“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.
“Do not think you’ll get out of this.” Max said. “Psycho or not you have to give us something.”
“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.
“Damn you do love her don’t you? No one spoons unless they are in love.” Max sad with Sid nodding his agreement.
“Yeah I do.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“So spoon sex…” Mal said crunching into a red pepper that topped her salad.
“Yeah it’s nice. Really intimate feeling, being connected head to toe.” Sarah explained happily adding mayo to her turkey sandwich.
“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.
“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.”
“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.
“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.
“So tell me about this spooning thing…” Mal said changing the subject.
“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.”
“Damn girl. For real hold onto him.”
“I plan on it Mal. I mean I love him.”
Mal just smiled knowingly trying to hide behind her salad.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“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.
“Ew, Sid I do not want to know. She is like our Sister.” Marc-Andre said making a face.
“Liar. Before she and Kris were official you said she was hot.” Sid shot back.
“Yes, hot but I do not want to think about Tanger having sex.”
“Gross. Just say about her Tanger. come on.” Sid begged.
“If you don’t he will never shut up. Better here than the locker room.” Marc said with a sigh
Kris ran a hand through his hair. “Well she is good at everything. Giving, flexibility, endurance, strength…”
“Tanger this isn’t a scouting report get to the good stuff.” Sid said putting the game on pause looking at his friend.
“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.
“Dude if you guys break up I’m so jumping in there.” Sid said joking… well mostly joking.
“She’s forever guys. She is the one.” Kris said taking the game off pause continuing with the level they were on.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 3
“So this is it?” Mal asked looking over Sarah and the exactly 20 boxes she had sitting on the side of the curb.
“Yep this is it.” Sarah confirmed.
“No really this is it?” Mal asked again.
“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.”
“The purple rain boots?” she asked raising an eyebrow.
“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.
“Have I told you lately that I love you…” mal started to sing.
“Shut up you nut.” Sarah laughed as she picked up the first box lugging it into the back of Mal’s SUV.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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.
“Well dat is going to take getting used to.” Kris said as he entered the room.
“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.
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.
“Come here.” he said taking her out at the knees forcing her to fall into his arms with a gleeful squeal.
“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.
“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.
“Yeah I got rid of a bunch of stuff. I know you don’t like clutter and it was stuff I didn’t need.”
“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.
“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.
“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.
‘Drink?” he asked going to the fridge.
“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.”
“Um yeah. Let me check if there is everything here…”
“There is. I checked and put the chicken down to thaw.” she said with an obvious smile in her voice.
“Cheater. You knew I would make it before you asked.” he said bringing her the water even opening the lid for her.
“Maybe but you me love.” she called from the living room where she was still working at the book shelf.
“Yeah I do.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“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.
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.
“Another night.” he said putting it away before pulling out pajama’s for her.
“Why thank you.” she said taking the shorts and tank top he had picked for her.
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.
“What?” she asked catching him watching her as she pulled the tank over her head.
“I am a lucky man.” he said with a grin going to his own dresser pulling out boxers to sleep in.
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.
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.
“Ok.” she said knowing it wouldn’t be long till he drifted off.
“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.
“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.”
“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.”
In another life she thought maybe he could have turned out to be an architect or something.
“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.
“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.
“Wait you mean she let them…” he asked trailing off propping himself up on an elbow to lean over her a bit.
“Yeah…. What ever you’re thinking yeah and maybe worse.” Sarah said softly. “I really don’t want to go into detail.”
“Why have you never told me?” he asked softly. Suddenly her reluctance to try certain things in bed made sense.
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.”
“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.”
“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.
“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.”
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.”
“Not Duper even his kids beak me.”
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.
“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.”
She softly patted his chest unsure of how to respond.
“Do you want to be a Mom?” he asked after a pause so long she had thought he had fallen asleep.
“Yeah.” she said softly even though the light buzz of a snore he had when he slept on his back could be heard.
“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.
“Can’t a girl be happy to be home?” Sarah asked lifting her coffee to her lips to hide her smile.
“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.
“You’re one to talk walking a little bow legged this morning?” she asked in a sing song voice.
“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.”
“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.
“Damn girl. God love my Max but I could go for half asleep and lazy on occasion.”
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.
“Always.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Oh man you must be tired Tanger.” max said from the tredmill next to Kris.
“Why?” he asked slightly confused by the random question. They hadn’t been in the workout room that long yet.
“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.
“Oh yes. I missed her lots. I actually rest better now that she is home and safe.” Kris said dodging the question.
“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.
“Come on Tanger give me something. I don’t have a girlfriend right now and I gotta live through you guys.” Sid said.
“Sid. Dat’s creepy.” Max said blanking.
“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.
“Do not think you’ll get out of this.” Max said. “Psycho or not you have to give us something.”
“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.
“Damn you do love her don’t you? No one spoons unless they are in love.” Max sad with Sid nodding his agreement.
“Yeah I do.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“So spoon sex…” Mal said crunching into a red pepper that topped her salad.
“Yeah it’s nice. Really intimate feeling, being connected head to toe.” Sarah explained happily adding mayo to her turkey sandwich.
“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.
“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.”
“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.
“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.
“So tell me about this spooning thing…” Mal said changing the subject.
“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.”
“Damn girl. For real hold onto him.”
“I plan on it Mal. I mean I love him.”
Mal just smiled knowingly trying to hide behind her salad.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“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.
“Ew, Sid I do not want to know. She is like our Sister.” Marc-Andre said making a face.
“Liar. Before she and Kris were official you said she was hot.” Sid shot back.
“Yes, hot but I do not want to think about Tanger having sex.”
“Gross. Just say about her Tanger. come on.” Sid begged.
“If you don’t he will never shut up. Better here than the locker room.” Marc said with a sigh
Kris ran a hand through his hair. “Well she is good at everything. Giving, flexibility, endurance, strength…”
“Tanger this isn’t a scouting report get to the good stuff.” Sid said putting the game on pause looking at his friend.
“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.
“Dude if you guys break up I’m so jumping in there.” Sid said joking… well mostly joking.
“She’s forever guys. She is the one.” Kris said taking the game off pause continuing with the level they were on.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 3
“So this is it?” Mal asked looking over Sarah and the exactly 20 boxes she had sitting on the side of the curb.
“Yep this is it.” Sarah confirmed.
“No really this is it?” Mal asked again.
“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.”
“The purple rain boots?” she asked raising an eyebrow.
“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.
“Have I told you lately that I love you…” mal started to sing.
“Shut up you nut.” Sarah laughed as she picked up the first box lugging it into the back of Mal’s SUV.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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.
“Well dat is going to take getting used to.” Kris said as he entered the room.
“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.
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.
“Come here.” he said taking her out at the knees forcing her to fall into his arms with a gleeful squeal.
“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.
“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.
“Yeah I got rid of a bunch of stuff. I know you don’t like clutter and it was stuff I didn’t need.”
“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.
“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.
“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.
‘Drink?” he asked going to the fridge.
“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.”
“Um yeah. Let me check if there is everything here…”
“There is. I checked and put the chicken down to thaw.” she said with an obvious smile in her voice.
“Cheater. You knew I would make it before you asked.” he said bringing her the water even opening the lid for her.
“Maybe but you me love.” she called from the living room where she was still working at the book shelf.
“Yeah I do.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“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.
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.
“Another night.” he said putting it away before pulling out pajama’s for her.
“Why thank you.” she said taking the shorts and tank top he had picked for her.
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.
“What?” she asked catching him watching her as she pulled the tank over her head.
“I am a lucky man.” he said with a grin going to his own dresser pulling out boxers to sleep in.
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.
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.
“Ok.” she said knowing it wouldn’t be long till he drifted off.
“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.
“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.”
“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.”
In another life she thought maybe he could have turned out to be an architect or something.
“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.
“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.
“Wait you mean she let them…” he asked trailing off propping himself up on an elbow to lean over her a bit.
“Yeah…. What ever you’re thinking yeah and maybe worse.” Sarah said softly. “I really don’t want to go into detail.”
“Why have you never told me?” he asked softly. Suddenly her reluctance to try certain things in bed made sense.
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.”
“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.”
“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.
“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.”
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.”
“Not Duper even his kids beak me.”
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.
“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.”
She softly patted his chest unsure of how to respond.
“Do you want to be a Mom?” he asked after a pause so long she had thought he had fallen asleep.
“Yeah.” she said softly even though the light buzz of a snore he had when he slept on his back could be heard.
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