Ryan Miller had spent the last hour driving around the streets of Buffalo looking for Anna. It was almost midnight and he was exhausted, but he didn't care. She said she was going home, but the truth was, he was the only one with a key- the spare was still on the countertop when Derek had left it days before. Better yet, Anna didn't know the way.
She'd taken off so fast, and of course, the street had to be crowded. It was ridiculous. Ryan wasn't sure where she went, so he took a guess. It had to have been the wrong way, because otherwise he wouldn't be still looking for her.
Where would he go if he was Anna? Ryan wondered to himself. In a city that she didn't know. That was a toughie, he had to admit.
And then it hit him.
By the time he pulled up at the train station, he didn't have to go look for her- Anna was seated outside on a steel bench, staring at the ground. Ryan parked the car and got out, walking over to her gingerly. She shifted over so he could sit next to her. Maybe now she had simmered down.
"Fuck my life..." Anna said slowly.
Ryan sighed, his breath visible in the cold air, "No, no..."
"Ryan...I don't know what to do anymore," Anna said, her face covered in tears, "I feel so lost. I just wanna go home...but no one wants me anymore."
Ryan mumbled, "I do..."
Anna looked at him, shivering in the cold air. He took off his jacket and put it around her shoulders.
"Whoever said I have a girlfriend was lying," Ryan said, "Because I have been single for almost four years now."
Anna looked at him, "Really?"
"Yes, really," Ryan replied, "And...that night in Pittsburgh, I was a virgin." He blushed a bit. "I'm letting you know, just so you don't think the worst of me."
"I don't," Anna said, "I'm the one I don't like right now. I mean, I got myself fired for something stupid, wound up pregnant because I was drunk off my ass-"
"That last bit is my fault, too."
"Yeah, I guess I can blame you a bit."
They laughed. Ryan liked seeing her smile, however brief it appeared.
"I'm sorry about all this," Anna told him, "Really."
"You don't have to be."
"I mean it," she continued, "My body was telling me to go for something that wasn't mine, and I wound up messing up your game, and our relationship..."
"We have a relationship?" Ryan's eyes widened.
"...well, er, something like that," Anna shrugged, "I don't know. We're living together and I'm having your child...not to mention the past few nights we've been...you know..."
"Yeah..." Ryan chewed on his bottom lip, "You're really good, by the way."
"What?"
Ryan blushed, "I mean...what we did. What you did felt good."
Anna touched his hand, "Thanks...what you did was nice, too."
They were quiet for a few moments; the sounds of the city like music.
"Ryan?"
"Yeah?"
"I know we should stop having sex all the time...because it's probably not good for your game or for the baby, but...would it be ok if I kissed you every now and then?"
Ryan was pleasantly surprised, "Um, sure. I'd like that, actually."
Anna pursed her lips, "Do you think that...maybe...we could give this a go? For the sake of the baby?"
Ryan let his hand clasp around hers. Anna felt a sense of security around him. Perhaps that was why she was so upset with what Mercedes said. Ryan protected her, and she felt like she needed that.
"I don't think it would hurt to try."
Anna fell asleep on the way home, still wearing Ryan's jacket. He carried her in the house and upstairs; dressing her in her pyjamas and tucking her into her bed. Clicking on the hall light, Ryan yawned and wandered to his own room to sleep.
The next morning, Ryan woke up to find Anna didn't stay in her room- instead she was in his, snuggled up next to him, sound asleep. He realized that as he had slept, his body had moulded around hers, like two perfect circles entwined.
Yeah, he thought. Maybe they should give this a go.
![tonight [ryan miller]](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2M-AMBs5TfU/TDp_l9eplwI/AAAAAAAAAHM/PEzVpiqLMzA/S660/i++dunno.jpg)
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
28- Sabotage
Julia MacNeil grinned from ear to ear as Carey Price's name lit up the screen at the HSBC. The commentators were discussing the save percentages between the two goalies playing that night. She ignored the boo's coming from the crowd starting to fill up the arena seats and went back to the dressing rooms to visit Anna.
"He's so excited," Julia said dreamily, "And I'm so proud of him."
"I'm sure you are," Anna replied, "Ok, try your knee, Tim."
Tim Connelly moved his knee back and forth without pain, "Awesome. Thanks, kid."
"No problem," Anna patted Tim on the back and moved to jot something down on her clipbpard, "Do the Habs play again tomorrow?"
"Nope, they're back home and off for a day," Julia told her, "Which means...maybe we could stay with you and Ryan for the night?"
"NO!"
Julia was startled, "Um, ok..."
Anna flushed red, "I'm sorry...Ryan's place doesn't have any extra beds, you know, since I'm sleeping in the guest bedroom..."
As though on cue, Ryan walked by the doorway and winked at Anna, who blushed even more. Her face was almost scarlet.
"AND NOW...YOUR BUFFALO SABRES!!!" The entire arena erupted into a sea of cheers, giving Anna her oppurtunity.
"We need to get out there now," Anna grabbed Julia's arm, "Come with me."
Just as the two girls were about to follow the Sabres out, Anna felt a hand clasp around her wrist and jerk her back. Julia turned around just in time to see the tall, blonde Mercedes standing there, glaring at Anna. She was cold as steel.
"Tell your little friend that you'll be out in a few minutes," Mercedes said in a voice that was sweet with spikes all over it, "I want to talk to you."
Julia backed away, "Ok, um, I'll go stand by Lalime, then..."
"Good girl," Mercedes gave Julia an icy look, "Now then...I have something I'd like to ask you."
Anna raised an eyebrow, "Um, ok..."
"Do you think you're pretty?"
What kind of a question was that?
"I...I don't know?"
"I mean, do you think you're attractive?" Mercedes continued, "Because, if you've got it in your head that because you're this young, fresh blood from Shittsburgh, home of the 'Stanley Cup Champions,' that you have any chance whatsoever with Ryan Miller, you're wrong."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Don't play stupid, Anna," she sneered, "I know what's been going on between you two."
Anna swallowed, "I don't know what you're talking about..."
Mercedes shoved Anna's shoulder, "I'm only going to tell you this once: stay away from my man."
Anna remained petrified on the spot as Mercedes walked away. HER man? Did this mean Ryan had a girlfriend? And now, she, living with Ryan and being with his child, made her a homewrecker? All these thoughts came rushing so fast she thought she might keel over.
This was too much to take in.
"So what did she want?" Julia asked, practically shouting over the screaming crowd.
Anna pursed her lips and lied, "She...she just wanted to know how I liked my new job here."
"Yeah, and what'd you say?" Julia continued, "SHIT! Cammy, move your heiny!"
"It's fine," Anna replied, "Oh my god...how was that NOT a penalty?"
"Come on, it was a clear hit, no big deal," Julia argued, "Come on, guys."
"HEY PRICE! YOU SUCK!"
Anna bit her lip, hoping she was just hearing things. Julia's eyes seemed to enflame, and became apparent that she wasn't. Damnit.
"YEAH, YOU HEARD ME- FISHER PRICE! YOU LITTLE PUSSY!"
"Jules, please don't-"
"THAT'S MY BOYFRIEND, YOU KNOW!" Julia shouted to the fan in the third row, "I'LL COME UP THERE IF YOU DON'T SHUT YOUR MOUTH!"
The girl continued, laughing with her Buffalo fan friends as they chanted, "FISHER PRICE! FISHER PRICE!"
Julia took off like a bullet just before the whistle was called. Anna covered her face with her hands. This had happened in Calgary before.
Thankfully, Carey Price could see from his net what was happening as they broke into a commercial break. He hollered to Cammallari, who skated over to the bench and pointed to the stands. Max Lapierre hopped off the bench and gestured to two security guards. Just as Julia had finished slapping the girl with her blow-up noisemaker, the guards escorted her back down to where Anna was standing.
"Lapierre said to stick you here, and if you act up again, you're staying in Buffalo for the night," one of them said, before walking back to their posts.
Needless to say, the shocked Buffalo fan didn't make fun of Price the rest of the night.
And she shouldn't- Carey finished with a 6-0 victory over the Sabres; a shocking feat for any Habs fan in the building. As the team gathered for a celebration, Julia squealed as Lapierre invited her onto the ice to hug Carey. It was an exciting night for them.
Ryan was bewildered in the dressing room, hardly saying a word to the press. He knew what threw him off: the whole time he was in net, he could not concentrate. Thoughts of Anna with him the night before raced through his mind seemingly by the thousands. The game just wasn't into him that night like it usually was. In fact, Ryan gave up by the third period.
Anna was aware of this, and she decided that she didn't want any part of the twisted relationship she was developing with Ryan. She waited outside for him to come out, so she could tell him exactly what was to be done. Of course, he walked out last.
"Anna, I think we need to talk." Ryan said first.
"Let's do this quick then," Anna replied, "I don't think we should sleep together anymore."
Ryan's mouth fell open, "I was about to say the same thing."
"Then don't continue," Anna said, getting in the car, "Mercedes told me about you two, and I don't want to be caught in the middle."
"Mercedes?" Ryan was confused.
"Don't play games, Ryan," Anna said exhaustedly, "I don't want this. You just should have said you had a girlfriend and I would have respected that. Better yet, found my own place." She opened the car door and got out, "I'm going to walk, tonight. When you come up with a good explanation, let me know."
"He's so excited," Julia said dreamily, "And I'm so proud of him."
"I'm sure you are," Anna replied, "Ok, try your knee, Tim."
Tim Connelly moved his knee back and forth without pain, "Awesome. Thanks, kid."
"No problem," Anna patted Tim on the back and moved to jot something down on her clipbpard, "Do the Habs play again tomorrow?"
"Nope, they're back home and off for a day," Julia told her, "Which means...maybe we could stay with you and Ryan for the night?"
"NO!"
Julia was startled, "Um, ok..."
Anna flushed red, "I'm sorry...Ryan's place doesn't have any extra beds, you know, since I'm sleeping in the guest bedroom..."
As though on cue, Ryan walked by the doorway and winked at Anna, who blushed even more. Her face was almost scarlet.
"AND NOW...YOUR BUFFALO SABRES!!!" The entire arena erupted into a sea of cheers, giving Anna her oppurtunity.
"We need to get out there now," Anna grabbed Julia's arm, "Come with me."
Just as the two girls were about to follow the Sabres out, Anna felt a hand clasp around her wrist and jerk her back. Julia turned around just in time to see the tall, blonde Mercedes standing there, glaring at Anna. She was cold as steel.
"Tell your little friend that you'll be out in a few minutes," Mercedes said in a voice that was sweet with spikes all over it, "I want to talk to you."
Julia backed away, "Ok, um, I'll go stand by Lalime, then..."
"Good girl," Mercedes gave Julia an icy look, "Now then...I have something I'd like to ask you."
Anna raised an eyebrow, "Um, ok..."
"Do you think you're pretty?"
What kind of a question was that?
"I...I don't know?"
"I mean, do you think you're attractive?" Mercedes continued, "Because, if you've got it in your head that because you're this young, fresh blood from Shittsburgh, home of the 'Stanley Cup Champions,' that you have any chance whatsoever with Ryan Miller, you're wrong."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Don't play stupid, Anna," she sneered, "I know what's been going on between you two."
Anna swallowed, "I don't know what you're talking about..."
Mercedes shoved Anna's shoulder, "I'm only going to tell you this once: stay away from my man."
Anna remained petrified on the spot as Mercedes walked away. HER man? Did this mean Ryan had a girlfriend? And now, she, living with Ryan and being with his child, made her a homewrecker? All these thoughts came rushing so fast she thought she might keel over.
This was too much to take in.
"So what did she want?" Julia asked, practically shouting over the screaming crowd.
Anna pursed her lips and lied, "She...she just wanted to know how I liked my new job here."
"Yeah, and what'd you say?" Julia continued, "SHIT! Cammy, move your heiny!"
"It's fine," Anna replied, "Oh my god...how was that NOT a penalty?"
"Come on, it was a clear hit, no big deal," Julia argued, "Come on, guys."
"HEY PRICE! YOU SUCK!"
Anna bit her lip, hoping she was just hearing things. Julia's eyes seemed to enflame, and became apparent that she wasn't. Damnit.
"YEAH, YOU HEARD ME- FISHER PRICE! YOU LITTLE PUSSY!"
"Jules, please don't-"
"THAT'S MY BOYFRIEND, YOU KNOW!" Julia shouted to the fan in the third row, "I'LL COME UP THERE IF YOU DON'T SHUT YOUR MOUTH!"
The girl continued, laughing with her Buffalo fan friends as they chanted, "FISHER PRICE! FISHER PRICE!"
Julia took off like a bullet just before the whistle was called. Anna covered her face with her hands. This had happened in Calgary before.
Thankfully, Carey Price could see from his net what was happening as they broke into a commercial break. He hollered to Cammallari, who skated over to the bench and pointed to the stands. Max Lapierre hopped off the bench and gestured to two security guards. Just as Julia had finished slapping the girl with her blow-up noisemaker, the guards escorted her back down to where Anna was standing.
"Lapierre said to stick you here, and if you act up again, you're staying in Buffalo for the night," one of them said, before walking back to their posts.
Needless to say, the shocked Buffalo fan didn't make fun of Price the rest of the night.
And she shouldn't- Carey finished with a 6-0 victory over the Sabres; a shocking feat for any Habs fan in the building. As the team gathered for a celebration, Julia squealed as Lapierre invited her onto the ice to hug Carey. It was an exciting night for them.
Ryan was bewildered in the dressing room, hardly saying a word to the press. He knew what threw him off: the whole time he was in net, he could not concentrate. Thoughts of Anna with him the night before raced through his mind seemingly by the thousands. The game just wasn't into him that night like it usually was. In fact, Ryan gave up by the third period.
Anna was aware of this, and she decided that she didn't want any part of the twisted relationship she was developing with Ryan. She waited outside for him to come out, so she could tell him exactly what was to be done. Of course, he walked out last.
"Anna, I think we need to talk." Ryan said first.
"Let's do this quick then," Anna replied, "I don't think we should sleep together anymore."
Ryan's mouth fell open, "I was about to say the same thing."
"Then don't continue," Anna said, getting in the car, "Mercedes told me about you two, and I don't want to be caught in the middle."
"Mercedes?" Ryan was confused.
"Don't play games, Ryan," Anna said exhaustedly, "I don't want this. You just should have said you had a girlfriend and I would have respected that. Better yet, found my own place." She opened the car door and got out, "I'm going to walk, tonight. When you come up with a good explanation, let me know."
27- Morning After
Ryan Miller was in heaven. He was in a soft, comfortable sleep in a wonderfully warm bed. The bit of rain still coming down from the night before was lulling him to continue sleeping. His arms were wrapped around something bare and beautiful.
Of course, like all good dreams, this one came to an abrupt end.
Ryan lifted his eyelids just in time to see Anna scream, push her way out of his embrace and fall on the floor.
"Don't look at me!" she snapped, stealing a blanket, "Oh my god...you're naked!"
"Yeah...so are you..." Ryan replied sleepily, rubbing his eyes.
"Ewww, ewww, eww..." Anna tied the blanket around her, grimacing at Ryan, "I really don't need to see that!"
"You've seen it twice." Ryan said a-matter-of-factly, covering up with a sheet.
"UGH! Disgusting!" Anna spat, running out of the room, "I can't believe I did this AGAIN!"
Ryan sighed and leaned back down in bed. So much for that one.
Anna practically jumped in the shower and used half of her shower gel and soap. She mumbled angrily to herself the whole time. How could she have been so stupid? Well, in one of the pregnancy books she read, it said he body could crave intercourse- but Anna never thought she'd be so desperate to do it with Ryan a second time.
As if the first wasn't bad enough.
"Your belly's popped."
Anna jerked her head out from behind the shower curtain. Ryan was standing in the bathroom, rummaging through the medicine cabinet- thankfully, wearing boxer shorts.
"Get out," Anna said gruffly, "You pervert."
"I noticed it this morning before you woke up," Ryan replied dryly, "That doesn't make me a pervert. In fact, you are the more perverse one."
"Yeah? How's that?" Anna sneered.
"You snuck into my bed and starting taking my clothes off," Ryan told her.
"You didn't say no."
"Like I was going to."
"You're sick," Anna told him, "Now seriously. Out."
"I've seen you naked twice, Anna."
"I know. And there will not be a third time."
Ryan took the Advil from the cabinet, stuck his tongue out at Anna and walked out.
"Close the door!" Anna screamed.
"Can't hear you..." Ryan said under his breath.
Two hours later the two arrived at the HSBC for the morning skate. Anna didn't admit it, but Ryan was right about her belly- it had grown seemingly overnight. She'd read briefly about it with Max, and it was perfectly normal in pregnancy. Her uniform was slightly tighter than usual.
"Hey kid," Pat Kaleta said when he saw Anna in the medical room, "You like Buffalo so far?"
"I've only been here two days," Anna said moodily, "So I don't know yet."
"We're yet to be Stanley Cup champs, but we're not all that bad," Derek Roy said with a wink, "Congrats, by the way."
"On what?"
Kaleta nudged Roy. He fell silent.
"He means welcome to the team," Kaleta said quickly, "So, uh, yeah. Let's go skate, D."
Derek followed Pat quickly out of the room. Anna raised an eyebrow, but decided to not say a word. Buffalo guys were so weird.
She was starting to set up the table when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"JESUS!" Anna threw her arms in the air as she turned to see Ryan in his full gear, "Don't you knock? EVER?"
Ryan looked at her timidly, "I didn't mean to scare you."
"What do you want?"
Ryan crossed his arms, "Well, I want to apologize. For last night, and this morning."
Anna was surprised, "Really?"
"Yes, really," Ryan continued, "It was my fault. And I'm sorry."
"So...we can forget about what happened? All of it?"
"I'm willing if you are."
Anna breathed a sign of relief, "Yes, yes I am."
"Good," Ryan gave her a tiny smile, "Ok, I'm out."
Anna leaned against the countertop and watched him walk out. Thank the lord for that one.
Little did she know everything would change in a matter of five minutes.
Jason Pominville coaxed Anna to come out and watch the morning skate instead of cleaning the medic room. Anna sheepishly explained that she was still nervous at the new facility, and Pommers guided her out, explaining she had no reason to be afraid. That was reassuring.
Once by the ice, Anna met the second goalie, Patrick Lalime. Lalime was a witty, funny guy whom she instantly liked. He reminded her a bit of TK, which made her heart ache slightly. She wondered when the Sabres would play Pittsburgh and she'd have to face her old friends again.
The whistle blew and Lalime took off to practice his time in net. Ryan skated past Anna to avoid awkwardness and decided to stretch instead by the blueline. Big mistake.
Sabres were shooting pucks everywhere and running drills, but Anna wasn't watch any of them. Ryan took to getting down on the ice and stretching his legs, placing his stick down for support. He moved his hips back and forth, eyes closed, trying to loosen up the muscles he would be using to make butterfly-style saves. His hips moved rhythmically, and Anna got a mental picture in her head. She'd known he had used that move for something completely different.
And she could not stand it.
"Ruff!" Anna called to Lindy, "I forgot to check up on the goaltenders. Should I start with Miller?"
Ruff nodded, "Make it quick, Evans."
Anna practically ripped off the door to the ice and shouted at Ryan, who confusedly skated over to her. She grabbed his arm and dragged him to the dressing room; her blood pumping so fast she thought her heart might explode. Once they got into the medic room she locked the door.
"What are we doing in here?" Ryan asked.
"Take off your gear, Ryan." Anna demanded, before tearing off his helmet and crashing her mouth into his. Never in his life had Ryan shed his goalie equipment so fast in favour of lying on the medical table.
Ten sweaty minutes later, Ryan returned to the ice just as Ruff was rounded them up for a pep talk.
"Geez, man, you been running more drills than usual?" Tim Conelly asked, seeing the beads of sweat running down Ryan's tired face.
Ryan just looked at him breathlessly, "You have no idea."
Of course, like all good dreams, this one came to an abrupt end.
Ryan lifted his eyelids just in time to see Anna scream, push her way out of his embrace and fall on the floor.
"Don't look at me!" she snapped, stealing a blanket, "Oh my god...you're naked!"
"Yeah...so are you..." Ryan replied sleepily, rubbing his eyes.
"Ewww, ewww, eww..." Anna tied the blanket around her, grimacing at Ryan, "I really don't need to see that!"
"You've seen it twice." Ryan said a-matter-of-factly, covering up with a sheet.
"UGH! Disgusting!" Anna spat, running out of the room, "I can't believe I did this AGAIN!"
Ryan sighed and leaned back down in bed. So much for that one.
Anna practically jumped in the shower and used half of her shower gel and soap. She mumbled angrily to herself the whole time. How could she have been so stupid? Well, in one of the pregnancy books she read, it said he body could crave intercourse- but Anna never thought she'd be so desperate to do it with Ryan a second time.
As if the first wasn't bad enough.
"Your belly's popped."
Anna jerked her head out from behind the shower curtain. Ryan was standing in the bathroom, rummaging through the medicine cabinet- thankfully, wearing boxer shorts.
"Get out," Anna said gruffly, "You pervert."
"I noticed it this morning before you woke up," Ryan replied dryly, "That doesn't make me a pervert. In fact, you are the more perverse one."
"Yeah? How's that?" Anna sneered.
"You snuck into my bed and starting taking my clothes off," Ryan told her.
"You didn't say no."
"Like I was going to."
"You're sick," Anna told him, "Now seriously. Out."
"I've seen you naked twice, Anna."
"I know. And there will not be a third time."
Ryan took the Advil from the cabinet, stuck his tongue out at Anna and walked out.
"Close the door!" Anna screamed.
"Can't hear you..." Ryan said under his breath.
Two hours later the two arrived at the HSBC for the morning skate. Anna didn't admit it, but Ryan was right about her belly- it had grown seemingly overnight. She'd read briefly about it with Max, and it was perfectly normal in pregnancy. Her uniform was slightly tighter than usual.
"Hey kid," Pat Kaleta said when he saw Anna in the medical room, "You like Buffalo so far?"
"I've only been here two days," Anna said moodily, "So I don't know yet."
"We're yet to be Stanley Cup champs, but we're not all that bad," Derek Roy said with a wink, "Congrats, by the way."
"On what?"
Kaleta nudged Roy. He fell silent.
"He means welcome to the team," Kaleta said quickly, "So, uh, yeah. Let's go skate, D."
Derek followed Pat quickly out of the room. Anna raised an eyebrow, but decided to not say a word. Buffalo guys were so weird.
She was starting to set up the table when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"JESUS!" Anna threw her arms in the air as she turned to see Ryan in his full gear, "Don't you knock? EVER?"
Ryan looked at her timidly, "I didn't mean to scare you."
"What do you want?"
Ryan crossed his arms, "Well, I want to apologize. For last night, and this morning."
Anna was surprised, "Really?"
"Yes, really," Ryan continued, "It was my fault. And I'm sorry."
"So...we can forget about what happened? All of it?"
"I'm willing if you are."
Anna breathed a sign of relief, "Yes, yes I am."
"Good," Ryan gave her a tiny smile, "Ok, I'm out."
Anna leaned against the countertop and watched him walk out. Thank the lord for that one.
Little did she know everything would change in a matter of five minutes.
Jason Pominville coaxed Anna to come out and watch the morning skate instead of cleaning the medic room. Anna sheepishly explained that she was still nervous at the new facility, and Pommers guided her out, explaining she had no reason to be afraid. That was reassuring.
Once by the ice, Anna met the second goalie, Patrick Lalime. Lalime was a witty, funny guy whom she instantly liked. He reminded her a bit of TK, which made her heart ache slightly. She wondered when the Sabres would play Pittsburgh and she'd have to face her old friends again.
The whistle blew and Lalime took off to practice his time in net. Ryan skated past Anna to avoid awkwardness and decided to stretch instead by the blueline. Big mistake.
Sabres were shooting pucks everywhere and running drills, but Anna wasn't watch any of them. Ryan took to getting down on the ice and stretching his legs, placing his stick down for support. He moved his hips back and forth, eyes closed, trying to loosen up the muscles he would be using to make butterfly-style saves. His hips moved rhythmically, and Anna got a mental picture in her head. She'd known he had used that move for something completely different.
And she could not stand it.
"Ruff!" Anna called to Lindy, "I forgot to check up on the goaltenders. Should I start with Miller?"
Ruff nodded, "Make it quick, Evans."
Anna practically ripped off the door to the ice and shouted at Ryan, who confusedly skated over to her. She grabbed his arm and dragged him to the dressing room; her blood pumping so fast she thought her heart might explode. Once they got into the medic room she locked the door.
"What are we doing in here?" Ryan asked.
"Take off your gear, Ryan." Anna demanded, before tearing off his helmet and crashing her mouth into his. Never in his life had Ryan shed his goalie equipment so fast in favour of lying on the medical table.
Ten sweaty minutes later, Ryan returned to the ice just as Ruff was rounded them up for a pep talk.
"Geez, man, you been running more drills than usual?" Tim Conelly asked, seeing the beads of sweat running down Ryan's tired face.
Ryan just looked at him breathlessly, "You have no idea."
25- Children, 26- Secret
OOOH LA LA, SOME ROMANCE IN THIS CHAPTER!!!
- A
25. Children
Anna was nervous for her first shift at the HSBC Arena. Ryan continued to tell her it was a simple, easy-going place. But it was game night, and they were playing the Boston Bruins, a pretty damn good NHL team. So the place was bustling like crazy.
After a few quick introductions to the players, Anna, wearing her new team coloured scrubs, was taken to the medical room where she met the two other medics: Jake, an older veteran, and Tom, a younger one. On her way to the sink she walked into a tall blonde.
"Watch it," she snapped, "Oh wait...aren't you the new medic who replaced Chelsea?"
"Yeah," Anna replied, "I'm Anna Evans."
"Mercedes Johnson," the girl replied, "Massage therapist. I've been here for a year or two, so, I have more seniority than you do. That pretty much means that this room is mine, and you can't just expect to take it over just because you worked with that Crosby kid, got it?"
Anna wanted to say 'that Crosby kid' was her brother-in-law, but she decided not to, "Alright, that's fine with me."
"Hey Mercedes, Connelly needs some work before the skate," Jake called out.
"Ugh," Mercedes rolled her eyes, "Again?"
Anna realized this was nothing like the Pens medic team. They were at least friendly with one another. Mercedes clearly had a power struggle going on.
Within ten minutes it was time for warm-up. Anna stood by and watched the boys make their way onto the rink, watching for anything of importance health-wise. Everyone seemed ok, so she made her way back to the team dressing room.
Like in Pittsburgh, everything was set a certain way. All the guys had superstitions. She smiled, seeing Ryan's iPod set just so above his bag. It was kind of funny, considering Max did the same.
Max Talbot. She hadn't spoken to him since moving to Buffalo. And why should she? He wasn't exactly happy with her pregnancy if he sent her here. Well, Kris and TK could truly be blamed for that, but really, why would Max be any different?
"Evans!" Jake called out, "Take it for the remainder of the first, ok kid?"
"Yeah ok!" Anna replied, making her way out to the bench.
The first period went by swiftly, finishing with 0-0. Tom eventually decided Anna would be ok to keep on and let her stand beside him as Mercedes stomped off haughtily. After the second period it was tied 1-1. It finished with a 2-1 victory for Boston. As the whistle blew for what would be the last puck drop, Ryan did something that caught Anna by surprise.
She hadn't been particularly watching him, but this time when she happened to see him, her jaw hit the floor. Ryan took off his mask and squirted some water on his face, followed by running a hand through his hair. He then flipped it around, put his mask back on, and readied himself for the puck drop.
It was by far the sexiest thing she had ever seen.
And, for the first time since the night months ago in Diesel... she wanted him.
Badly.
After the game and post-game interviews, Anna stood waiting by the exit for Ryan, since he was the one with the car. She asked Pat Kaleta what was taking so long.
"Oh, he's in the hall signing for some kids," Pat replied non-chalently, "He always does."
Anna frowned and ventured to the hallway, and Pat was right. There was Ryan, dapper in his suit, surrounded by a dozen little Miller fans. It was an adorable sight. He signed jerseys, hats, sticks and shirts. He was taking pictures with them and having conversations with their parents. One little boy started to cry because he was so excited. Anna leaned on the frame of the door. This was a side of him she hadn't seen. She watched as he signed for every child until they had all left.
"Ok, you ready?" Ryan asked, handing the marker to the last parent and child.
"Uh, yeah...let's go." Anna replied, a bit at a loss for words.
Ryan walked Anna to the car in the dark. She was tired and so was he. It was a tough night against the Bruins. As Ryan started to drive out of the arena parking lot, Anna became lost in her thoughts. The Ryan she'd seen wasn't the Ryan she'd known (to say she even knew him was quite a funny thought). He was sweet and caring. He was smiling from ear to ear. He loved kids.
After wishing each other good night, Anna closed the door to her room and closed her eyes. Maybe he wasn't so bad after all. In fact, maybe he was good.
26. Secret
Lying in bed, Anna had a hard time sleeping. She felt tired, but her body was wanting something else. Someone else.
It didn't help that there was a storm beginning to brew outside. Anna loved stormy nights, but tonight she wasn't interested in the pitter-patter of rain on the window. Instead, she felt like leaving her room.
So she did.
Quietly venturing down the hallway, Anna grasped the doorknob and opened it, peering into the darkness of Ryan's room. Slowly closing it behind her, Anna crawled into Ryan's bed and laid down next to him. There was a bit of light from the window in the room, so she could see him sleeping soundly. He didn't sleep for long after feeling her movement in the bed.
As soon as Ryan opened his eyes, Anna pressed her lips to his and kissed him. Ryan, shocked and taken aback, hesitated. Anna broke away and looked at him.
“What are you doing?” he whispered.
Anna replied by kissing him again and holding his face in her hands. Her fingertips grazed through his dark hair, making him shiver. It felt...good. He decided not to care if it was wrong or right.
Ryan started to sit up, kissing Anna back. She pushed him back down and crawled atop of him, taking the bottom of his t-shirt and lifting it over his head. The lightning flashed outside, illuminating his muscular body for a moment. That made her only want him more.
Anna touched his shoulders and explored his body. A deep scar across his neck scared her; Ryan took her away from it with a soft kiss. Anna raised her arms so he could pull off her shirt, exposing her femininity. Ryan stared.
“You’re beautiful,” he whispered into her neck, planting kisses down to her collarbone. Shyly, he touched her breasts and arms, causing Anna to sigh. It felt like heaven. She ran her hands through the back of his head lustfully, loving as his shyness lifted with the more skin she showed. She thought of how she wanted to join with him again; not caring what would happen.
They changed positions so Anna was lying on her back. Ryan hovered above her, letting Anna remove his boxers. She stared at his length, something she had seen before, and was surprised by how much it did not bother her- in fact, Anna wanted him more. Painstakingly she removed her sleep shorts, and her underwear. Ryan gently held himself so their noses touched, the thunder roaring outside.
Anna closed her eyes, “I need you, now...Ryan, please...”
Fearfully, Ryan struggled with his weight to accommodate where their unborn child might be. Gently, he found Anna’s sacred place, and slowly he slipped inside of his temporary lover; quietly and carefully. Anna reacted with a sudden gasp.
“Ryan,” she shuddered, “Oh my god, Ryan...”
The fear began to fade as they moved their bodies together. Ryan felt himself seething with pleasure within her, moaning into her mouth with every kiss. Anna grasped his shoulders tightly, begging him to move faster and deeper, pulling his hips closer to hers so he would penetrate her further. He followed every request, ecstasy building up in his body with every thrust of his hips. It was like their first time, only ten times better.
Anna’s climax hit her at the same time Ryan’s did, and they held each other so tightly they thought they might burst. The thunder crashed outside and the lightning flashed; the movie they were in had a soundtrack that sealed their passion. Anna’s nails dug into Ryan’s back painfully, but he swore he didn’t care. He could feel her body tensed up all over him as she writhed in pleasure, pleasure that he alone was giving her. Ryan knew that all he wanted was this moment, and he had it. Every savory minute of it.
As they rode out their orgasm, the two collapsed into the bed, exhausted and breathing heavily. Ryan glanced at Anna, her naked body visible in the cluttered moonlight. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen...and he’d just made love to her. For the second time.
“Ryan,” Anna whispered tiredly, turning to look at him, “That was amazing.”
“It was,” he whispered back, closing his eyes, “It was.”
That night, it didn’t matter what they were. Lovers or friends, friends or enemies. That was for the morning.
- A
25. Children
Anna was nervous for her first shift at the HSBC Arena. Ryan continued to tell her it was a simple, easy-going place. But it was game night, and they were playing the Boston Bruins, a pretty damn good NHL team. So the place was bustling like crazy.
After a few quick introductions to the players, Anna, wearing her new team coloured scrubs, was taken to the medical room where she met the two other medics: Jake, an older veteran, and Tom, a younger one. On her way to the sink she walked into a tall blonde.
"Watch it," she snapped, "Oh wait...aren't you the new medic who replaced Chelsea?"
"Yeah," Anna replied, "I'm Anna Evans."
"Mercedes Johnson," the girl replied, "Massage therapist. I've been here for a year or two, so, I have more seniority than you do. That pretty much means that this room is mine, and you can't just expect to take it over just because you worked with that Crosby kid, got it?"
Anna wanted to say 'that Crosby kid' was her brother-in-law, but she decided not to, "Alright, that's fine with me."
"Hey Mercedes, Connelly needs some work before the skate," Jake called out.
"Ugh," Mercedes rolled her eyes, "Again?"
Anna realized this was nothing like the Pens medic team. They were at least friendly with one another. Mercedes clearly had a power struggle going on.
Within ten minutes it was time for warm-up. Anna stood by and watched the boys make their way onto the rink, watching for anything of importance health-wise. Everyone seemed ok, so she made her way back to the team dressing room.
Like in Pittsburgh, everything was set a certain way. All the guys had superstitions. She smiled, seeing Ryan's iPod set just so above his bag. It was kind of funny, considering Max did the same.
Max Talbot. She hadn't spoken to him since moving to Buffalo. And why should she? He wasn't exactly happy with her pregnancy if he sent her here. Well, Kris and TK could truly be blamed for that, but really, why would Max be any different?
"Evans!" Jake called out, "Take it for the remainder of the first, ok kid?"
"Yeah ok!" Anna replied, making her way out to the bench.
The first period went by swiftly, finishing with 0-0. Tom eventually decided Anna would be ok to keep on and let her stand beside him as Mercedes stomped off haughtily. After the second period it was tied 1-1. It finished with a 2-1 victory for Boston. As the whistle blew for what would be the last puck drop, Ryan did something that caught Anna by surprise.
She hadn't been particularly watching him, but this time when she happened to see him, her jaw hit the floor. Ryan took off his mask and squirted some water on his face, followed by running a hand through his hair. He then flipped it around, put his mask back on, and readied himself for the puck drop.
It was by far the sexiest thing she had ever seen.
And, for the first time since the night months ago in Diesel... she wanted him.
Badly.
After the game and post-game interviews, Anna stood waiting by the exit for Ryan, since he was the one with the car. She asked Pat Kaleta what was taking so long.
"Oh, he's in the hall signing for some kids," Pat replied non-chalently, "He always does."
Anna frowned and ventured to the hallway, and Pat was right. There was Ryan, dapper in his suit, surrounded by a dozen little Miller fans. It was an adorable sight. He signed jerseys, hats, sticks and shirts. He was taking pictures with them and having conversations with their parents. One little boy started to cry because he was so excited. Anna leaned on the frame of the door. This was a side of him she hadn't seen. She watched as he signed for every child until they had all left.
"Ok, you ready?" Ryan asked, handing the marker to the last parent and child.
"Uh, yeah...let's go." Anna replied, a bit at a loss for words.
Ryan walked Anna to the car in the dark. She was tired and so was he. It was a tough night against the Bruins. As Ryan started to drive out of the arena parking lot, Anna became lost in her thoughts. The Ryan she'd seen wasn't the Ryan she'd known (to say she even knew him was quite a funny thought). He was sweet and caring. He was smiling from ear to ear. He loved kids.
After wishing each other good night, Anna closed the door to her room and closed her eyes. Maybe he wasn't so bad after all. In fact, maybe he was good.
26. Secret
Lying in bed, Anna had a hard time sleeping. She felt tired, but her body was wanting something else. Someone else.
It didn't help that there was a storm beginning to brew outside. Anna loved stormy nights, but tonight she wasn't interested in the pitter-patter of rain on the window. Instead, she felt like leaving her room.
So she did.
Quietly venturing down the hallway, Anna grasped the doorknob and opened it, peering into the darkness of Ryan's room. Slowly closing it behind her, Anna crawled into Ryan's bed and laid down next to him. There was a bit of light from the window in the room, so she could see him sleeping soundly. He didn't sleep for long after feeling her movement in the bed.
As soon as Ryan opened his eyes, Anna pressed her lips to his and kissed him. Ryan, shocked and taken aback, hesitated. Anna broke away and looked at him.
“What are you doing?” he whispered.
Anna replied by kissing him again and holding his face in her hands. Her fingertips grazed through his dark hair, making him shiver. It felt...good. He decided not to care if it was wrong or right.
Ryan started to sit up, kissing Anna back. She pushed him back down and crawled atop of him, taking the bottom of his t-shirt and lifting it over his head. The lightning flashed outside, illuminating his muscular body for a moment. That made her only want him more.
Anna touched his shoulders and explored his body. A deep scar across his neck scared her; Ryan took her away from it with a soft kiss. Anna raised her arms so he could pull off her shirt, exposing her femininity. Ryan stared.
“You’re beautiful,” he whispered into her neck, planting kisses down to her collarbone. Shyly, he touched her breasts and arms, causing Anna to sigh. It felt like heaven. She ran her hands through the back of his head lustfully, loving as his shyness lifted with the more skin she showed. She thought of how she wanted to join with him again; not caring what would happen.
They changed positions so Anna was lying on her back. Ryan hovered above her, letting Anna remove his boxers. She stared at his length, something she had seen before, and was surprised by how much it did not bother her- in fact, Anna wanted him more. Painstakingly she removed her sleep shorts, and her underwear. Ryan gently held himself so their noses touched, the thunder roaring outside.
Anna closed her eyes, “I need you, now...Ryan, please...”
Fearfully, Ryan struggled with his weight to accommodate where their unborn child might be. Gently, he found Anna’s sacred place, and slowly he slipped inside of his temporary lover; quietly and carefully. Anna reacted with a sudden gasp.
“Ryan,” she shuddered, “Oh my god, Ryan...”
The fear began to fade as they moved their bodies together. Ryan felt himself seething with pleasure within her, moaning into her mouth with every kiss. Anna grasped his shoulders tightly, begging him to move faster and deeper, pulling his hips closer to hers so he would penetrate her further. He followed every request, ecstasy building up in his body with every thrust of his hips. It was like their first time, only ten times better.
Anna’s climax hit her at the same time Ryan’s did, and they held each other so tightly they thought they might burst. The thunder crashed outside and the lightning flashed; the movie they were in had a soundtrack that sealed their passion. Anna’s nails dug into Ryan’s back painfully, but he swore he didn’t care. He could feel her body tensed up all over him as she writhed in pleasure, pleasure that he alone was giving her. Ryan knew that all he wanted was this moment, and he had it. Every savory minute of it.
As they rode out their orgasm, the two collapsed into the bed, exhausted and breathing heavily. Ryan glanced at Anna, her naked body visible in the cluttered moonlight. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen...and he’d just made love to her. For the second time.
“Ryan,” Anna whispered tiredly, turning to look at him, “That was amazing.”
“It was,” he whispered back, closing his eyes, “It was.”
That night, it didn’t matter what they were. Lovers or friends, friends or enemies. That was for the morning.
24- Parents
"Irma, can we talk?" Anna asked quietly.
Irma closed her phone and pursed her lips, "Ok."
"Let's go for a walk," Anna told her, "Come on."
The two started walking down the chilly streets of Buffalo. Anna looked at Irma, who was shifting uncomfortably. She was visibly upset.
"You told me something in there that you didn't want to," Anna began, "I know you did."
Irma nodded, still quiet, "It was a long time ago, hun..."
"But it still affects you," Anna replied, "That I can see."
Irma sighed and leaned against a nearby pole; a busy highway crowded with cars nearby. She looked to the sky and took a deep breath, eyes closed.
"I was with someone else before Victor," Irma said, "Jonathon Ericsson."
"The Red Wing?"
"Yeah," Irma continued to look at the grey clouds, "He was my first real boyfriend. My first love. We were crazy about each other. His career was just starting to take off and everything seemed perfect." Irma crossed her arms. "Then, just before the playoffs started, I found out I was pregnant."
Anna nervously chewed on her lip. She didn't like where this was going.
"I didn't know you were ever pregnant."
"Well," Irma continued, "After I told Jonathon, he got really upset and told me to get rid of it. He had no time for a baby, let alone time to be a father. I wanted to keep it. He didn't like that."
Irma's eyes were starting to glaze over. The story could only get worse.
"One night I went to visit him while they were on the road. He asked if I'd gotten the abortion yet. I told him I wasn't going to get one." She paused, her voice shaky, "We got into a huge argument at the hotel, and he pushed me down the stairs."
Anna said nothing.
"I woke up in the hospital with a few broken bones," Irma said through tears, "And I lost the baby. We broke up shortly after that."
"Irma...I'm so sorry..." Anna said, putting her arms around her friend.
"What I'm trying to say is..." Irma said to her, "Is I want you to be safe, because you're my friend and I love you. And if Ryan doesn't want this baby, then you don't have to go through this." She sniffed. "I don't want anything to happen to you."
Anna took a deep breath and let go, "I won't let anything happen, I promise."
"What about Ryan? Does he want this too?"
Anna sighed, "I don't know, Irma. I just don't know."
Irma wiped her tears on her sleeve, "I don't feel well, Anna. I'm going home tonight. I need to see Victor. I have to see him."
"I understand."
"But Julia will be here tomorrow with Carey. The Habs are playing the Sabres, so you two will get some time to hang out."
"That's good."
"But before I go, you have to promise me something."
Anna looked at Irma, who looked her straight in the eye.
"If you need anything, if he hurts you or mistreats you, or if you feel like you can't do this on your own...call me. Or Victor. You are welcome at our place any time."
"Thanks, Irma. I'll remember that."
She just hoped she wouldn't have to.
Irma closed her phone and pursed her lips, "Ok."
"Let's go for a walk," Anna told her, "Come on."
The two started walking down the chilly streets of Buffalo. Anna looked at Irma, who was shifting uncomfortably. She was visibly upset.
"You told me something in there that you didn't want to," Anna began, "I know you did."
Irma nodded, still quiet, "It was a long time ago, hun..."
"But it still affects you," Anna replied, "That I can see."
Irma sighed and leaned against a nearby pole; a busy highway crowded with cars nearby. She looked to the sky and took a deep breath, eyes closed.
"I was with someone else before Victor," Irma said, "Jonathon Ericsson."
"The Red Wing?"
"Yeah," Irma continued to look at the grey clouds, "He was my first real boyfriend. My first love. We were crazy about each other. His career was just starting to take off and everything seemed perfect." Irma crossed her arms. "Then, just before the playoffs started, I found out I was pregnant."
Anna nervously chewed on her lip. She didn't like where this was going.
"I didn't know you were ever pregnant."
"Well," Irma continued, "After I told Jonathon, he got really upset and told me to get rid of it. He had no time for a baby, let alone time to be a father. I wanted to keep it. He didn't like that."
Irma's eyes were starting to glaze over. The story could only get worse.
"One night I went to visit him while they were on the road. He asked if I'd gotten the abortion yet. I told him I wasn't going to get one." She paused, her voice shaky, "We got into a huge argument at the hotel, and he pushed me down the stairs."
Anna said nothing.
"I woke up in the hospital with a few broken bones," Irma said through tears, "And I lost the baby. We broke up shortly after that."
"Irma...I'm so sorry..." Anna said, putting her arms around her friend.
"What I'm trying to say is..." Irma said to her, "Is I want you to be safe, because you're my friend and I love you. And if Ryan doesn't want this baby, then you don't have to go through this." She sniffed. "I don't want anything to happen to you."
Anna took a deep breath and let go, "I won't let anything happen, I promise."
"What about Ryan? Does he want this too?"
Anna sighed, "I don't know, Irma. I just don't know."
Irma wiped her tears on her sleeve, "I don't feel well, Anna. I'm going home tonight. I need to see Victor. I have to see him."
"I understand."
"But Julia will be here tomorrow with Carey. The Habs are playing the Sabres, so you two will get some time to hang out."
"That's good."
"But before I go, you have to promise me something."
Anna looked at Irma, who looked her straight in the eye.
"If you need anything, if he hurts you or mistreats you, or if you feel like you can't do this on your own...call me. Or Victor. You are welcome at our place any time."
"Thanks, Irma. I'll remember that."
She just hoped she wouldn't have to.
23- Teammates
"I don't know," Carey said as they sat down at the restaurant, "I just, I feel like...I feel like everything is a mess right now."
"It'll get better, babe," Julia said, affectionately touching his hand, "Montreal's a tough city. You know that."
"Vancouver's not too bad," Irma piped up, "I mean, the fans get pissed sometimes, but it's not as hard as Toronto."
Anna smiled a bit. She was happy to see her friends. It had seemed like an eternity since she last talked to Irma or saw Julia. She was even happy to see Carey, who worried like a hormonal girl. Anna would know.
"I feel bad for not coming here sooner," Irma turned her attention to Anna, "I was furious when I found out they made you move in with him."
The way Irma said 'him' sounded like it was the ugliest word in the world. Anna knew that Irma didn't like Ryan Miller, but she could never figure out why. She knew better not to ask.
"I wasn't too happy either, but at least it beats the shitty apartment," Anna replied, opening her menu, ignoring Julia and Carey cuddling across the table, "Ryan has a nice place."
"He would. He's overpaid." Irma said snarkily.
Anna frowned, "Carey, come to think of it, why are you here?"
Carey looked taken aback, "What? You don't want me here?"
"No, I mean...I thought Montreal was playing the Leafs tonight."
Carey swallowed, "Oh...yeah. I've actually been bumped down. I'm a third stringer now."
Anna was horrified, "What?"
"Yeah, things weren't going too well, and long story short, I don't play again until next week," Carey replied, "Which isn't so bad." He smiled knowingly. Julia didn't notice.
"You Habs are messed up," Anna remarked, "Seriously."
"I could say something about the Leafs, but it would be useless since Melissa and Luke aren't here," Irma said with a grin, "Hey, do you still talk to Toskala, Anna?"
Anna shrugged, "Not for awhile. Man, NYC Fashion Week was a blast with him. I miss Vesa."
Vesa Toskala was the biggest fashion fiend since Sean Avery, only nicer and much quieter. Anna and Vesa were instant friends when Melissa invited Anna and Brittany to a mixer in Toronto. Both retreated to the corner and made fun of people's outfits. In fact, Anna probably would have fallen in love with Vesa if he wasn't gay.
That little detail wasn't known to the public, nor the NHL.
"If he knew what I've gotten myself into...he'd probably never speak to me again." Anna said miserably.
"No, that's not true," Carey assured her, "We're still talking to you."
Anna gave him a small smile, "Thanks Pricey."
Carey grinned, "Anytime."
Within a few minutes the waitress showed up, "Are you ready to order?"
"Yes," Anna replied, "I'll have the chicken tenders and cheese stick appetizers, the balsamic chicken with linguine, um, perhaps a caesar salad...an order of fries, mashed potatoes as well, if that's ok...vegetarian pizza, size small, and a farmhouse turkey club."
The waitress was stunned, "Is that all?"
"Oh," Anna giggled, "And a Coke, please."
Carey was floored, "Are you sure there's just one fetus in there? Not like, six?"
"Carey, please don't say fetus when we're eating." Irma said, rolling her eyes.
"Technically, we're not eating yet." Julia pointed out.
Carey snorted, "Well, apparently one of us is."
Anna bit her lip, "You know, actually, I think I should go home."
"No wait!" Irma grabbed her arm, "Don't go."
"This wasn't a good idea," Anna said, standing up and loosening Irma's grip, "I need to go back to Ryan's. I'm not feeling well."
"Please Anna," Julia protested, "Stay. We came all this way to see you."
Anna paused. She then turned to the waitress, "I'm sorry. I'm going to step outside for some air."
The waitress nodded and Anna grabbed her coat. She held up one finger at Julia, who understood that her friend was, indeed, coming back. Anna headed out the door and onto the sidewalk, hoping to catch a breath of fresh air.
Instead, she walked right into Ryan Miller.
"Anna!" Ryan gasped, "What're you doing here?"
"I was about to ask you the same thing," Anna said, puzzled and slightly dizzy, "I thought you were at a charity event until four."
"I am," Ryan explained, "I had to go to an autograph session first."
"Oh," Anna blinked at him, "Is it me, or is the room spinning?"
"Anna, we're outside."
Within twenty seconds she blacked out.
Minutes later, or at least it seemed like minutes, Anna awoke on a table. A cushiony, bending table. Ryan was standing in the doorway, talking to two men in under armour that she didn't recognize. After blinking woozily, Anna realized she was in the Buffalo Sabres medical room. Slowly, she tried to sit up.
"Hey, she's coming around," one of the guys piped up, "Welcome back to earth."
Anna rubbed her eyes, "Ryan, what happened to me?"
"You fainted," Ryan said, walking over to her, "And since I was on my way to the arena, I decided to take you here."
"You carried me here?" Anna was horrified, "That must have been attractive."
"Yeah, the crackheads would've been hounding you, Ryan," the shortest of the two other players said with a laugh, "Gotta love Buffalo."
"Well at least this way you can get to know the facility," the second guy spoke up, "And your new teammates." He extended his hand, "I'm Jason Pominville."
Anna shook his hand, "I'm Anna. And I'm sorry you have to see me like this."
"Trust me, I've seen worse," Jason winked at Ryan, who rolled his eyes and shoved him, "And this is Pat Kaleta."
The shorter guy waved at Anna from the doorway, "Nice to meet you."
"No, seriously. I work for the Vancouver Canucks. I am IRMA TREMBLAY. I got us VICTOR HEDMAN, ok?! Will you seriously just let me-"
Irma appeared in the doorway, barely restrained by a young man in underarmour. Anna squinted and recognized him as Derek Roy. She glared at Ryan, "YOU."
"Irma, what-"
"You skinny little bastard," Irma said through clenched teeth, "I should pound your ugly little face in."
Ryan held up his hands, "Whoa whoa whoa, I think you've got the wrong idea here."
"No, Mr. Miller, you have the wrong idea," Irma continued, as the players began to flee the room, "You don't just fuck with one of my girls. Because I will fuck you up."
"No one is fucking up anyone," Ryan said calmly, "Now if you just calm down, we can talk like civilized human beings."
"Like you'd know anything about that!" Irma crossed her arms, "'Victor Hedman is an alright player, you know, he's tall and such, but his scoring wasn't that difficult to stop.'"
Ryan frowned, "What?"
"You said that about MY boyfriend," Irma snapped, "Remember?"
Ryan smirked, "Oh, well that makes perfect sense as to why you're a scout."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I think you know what it means."
"That's IT!"
Irma tackled Ryan and the two fell to the floor. Ryan struggled to restrain her from hitting him and doing permanent damage. Anna started screaming, "GUYS! STOP! PLEASE!"
"What is going on here?"
A booming voice caused Irma to pause. In that instant she was pulled off of Ryan by someone much stronger than she, and Ryan was pulled away from her. Tyler Myers and Derek Roy witheld them as coach Lindy Ruff crossed his arms gruffly.
"You," he said to Irma, "Who are you?"
"Irma Tremblay, Vancouver Canucks scout." Irma stated proudly.
"What in the name of all that is holy are you doing in my facility?" Ruff demanded.
"She's with me, Mr. Ruff," Anna said quickly, "I'm Anna Evans. The new medic." She felt embarrassed.
"Alright then," he turned to Ryan, "And why, Ryan, were you assaulting her?"
"She was assaulting ME," Ryan said defensively, "Really."
Lindy shook his head, "Miss Tremblay, I am going to have to ask you to leave."
"No," Irma argued, "I am staying with my friend to protect her from Ryan."
"Excuse me?" Lindy said with a puzzled look on his face, "Fine, have it your way. I'm calling the police."
"Wait!" Ryan jumped up, "Sorry, Lindy. Irma and I just got into an argument because, um, my girlfriend and I-" he gestured to Anna, "Were discussing baby names."
"We were?" Anna asked.
"Yeah, and Irma was offended because we want to use her name, and she's very protective of it, you see, and-"
"Miller, stop running your mouth and get on your gear," Lindy told him sternly, "Miss Tremblay, please leave this facility as soon as humanly possible or I will phone the police. As for you, Miss Evans..." He frowned at her, "Just be here in time for the game."
As Lindy exited, Pat Kaleta was stunned, "Dude, you got off easy."
Irma rolled her eyes, "Please. I can handle myself, Miller. You're just lucky your coach came in to defend you like the baby you are, or I probably would've killed you." She turned to Anna, "I'm going out. Carey and Jules are waiting in the car." She sighed, "You can really pick 'em."
Anna crossed her arms, "Irma, Ryan didn't even fight back. Why do you hate him so much?"
Irma picked up her purse and headed for the door, "Because. He did to you what Ericsson did to me."
Anna stood there in complete shock as she watched her friend walk out the door and out of sight. Ryan walked in as she left, wearing his Sabes blue under armour.
"What was that all about?" he asked.
Anna said slowly, "Look, Ryan, I'm sorry, but I really need to talk to her."
Ryan nodded, "I understand."
"But first," Anna said, "Tell me why you didn't fight her or let Lindy call the cops."
"She's your friend," Ryan said, "That's why."
"It'll get better, babe," Julia said, affectionately touching his hand, "Montreal's a tough city. You know that."
"Vancouver's not too bad," Irma piped up, "I mean, the fans get pissed sometimes, but it's not as hard as Toronto."
Anna smiled a bit. She was happy to see her friends. It had seemed like an eternity since she last talked to Irma or saw Julia. She was even happy to see Carey, who worried like a hormonal girl. Anna would know.
"I feel bad for not coming here sooner," Irma turned her attention to Anna, "I was furious when I found out they made you move in with him."
The way Irma said 'him' sounded like it was the ugliest word in the world. Anna knew that Irma didn't like Ryan Miller, but she could never figure out why. She knew better not to ask.
"I wasn't too happy either, but at least it beats the shitty apartment," Anna replied, opening her menu, ignoring Julia and Carey cuddling across the table, "Ryan has a nice place."
"He would. He's overpaid." Irma said snarkily.
Anna frowned, "Carey, come to think of it, why are you here?"
Carey looked taken aback, "What? You don't want me here?"
"No, I mean...I thought Montreal was playing the Leafs tonight."
Carey swallowed, "Oh...yeah. I've actually been bumped down. I'm a third stringer now."
Anna was horrified, "What?"
"Yeah, things weren't going too well, and long story short, I don't play again until next week," Carey replied, "Which isn't so bad." He smiled knowingly. Julia didn't notice.
"You Habs are messed up," Anna remarked, "Seriously."
"I could say something about the Leafs, but it would be useless since Melissa and Luke aren't here," Irma said with a grin, "Hey, do you still talk to Toskala, Anna?"
Anna shrugged, "Not for awhile. Man, NYC Fashion Week was a blast with him. I miss Vesa."
Vesa Toskala was the biggest fashion fiend since Sean Avery, only nicer and much quieter. Anna and Vesa were instant friends when Melissa invited Anna and Brittany to a mixer in Toronto. Both retreated to the corner and made fun of people's outfits. In fact, Anna probably would have fallen in love with Vesa if he wasn't gay.
That little detail wasn't known to the public, nor the NHL.
"If he knew what I've gotten myself into...he'd probably never speak to me again." Anna said miserably.
"No, that's not true," Carey assured her, "We're still talking to you."
Anna gave him a small smile, "Thanks Pricey."
Carey grinned, "Anytime."
Within a few minutes the waitress showed up, "Are you ready to order?"
"Yes," Anna replied, "I'll have the chicken tenders and cheese stick appetizers, the balsamic chicken with linguine, um, perhaps a caesar salad...an order of fries, mashed potatoes as well, if that's ok...vegetarian pizza, size small, and a farmhouse turkey club."
The waitress was stunned, "Is that all?"
"Oh," Anna giggled, "And a Coke, please."
Carey was floored, "Are you sure there's just one fetus in there? Not like, six?"
"Carey, please don't say fetus when we're eating." Irma said, rolling her eyes.
"Technically, we're not eating yet." Julia pointed out.
Carey snorted, "Well, apparently one of us is."
Anna bit her lip, "You know, actually, I think I should go home."
"No wait!" Irma grabbed her arm, "Don't go."
"This wasn't a good idea," Anna said, standing up and loosening Irma's grip, "I need to go back to Ryan's. I'm not feeling well."
"Please Anna," Julia protested, "Stay. We came all this way to see you."
Anna paused. She then turned to the waitress, "I'm sorry. I'm going to step outside for some air."
The waitress nodded and Anna grabbed her coat. She held up one finger at Julia, who understood that her friend was, indeed, coming back. Anna headed out the door and onto the sidewalk, hoping to catch a breath of fresh air.
Instead, she walked right into Ryan Miller.
"Anna!" Ryan gasped, "What're you doing here?"
"I was about to ask you the same thing," Anna said, puzzled and slightly dizzy, "I thought you were at a charity event until four."
"I am," Ryan explained, "I had to go to an autograph session first."
"Oh," Anna blinked at him, "Is it me, or is the room spinning?"
"Anna, we're outside."
Within twenty seconds she blacked out.
Minutes later, or at least it seemed like minutes, Anna awoke on a table. A cushiony, bending table. Ryan was standing in the doorway, talking to two men in under armour that she didn't recognize. After blinking woozily, Anna realized she was in the Buffalo Sabres medical room. Slowly, she tried to sit up.
"Hey, she's coming around," one of the guys piped up, "Welcome back to earth."
Anna rubbed her eyes, "Ryan, what happened to me?"
"You fainted," Ryan said, walking over to her, "And since I was on my way to the arena, I decided to take you here."
"You carried me here?" Anna was horrified, "That must have been attractive."
"Yeah, the crackheads would've been hounding you, Ryan," the shortest of the two other players said with a laugh, "Gotta love Buffalo."
"Well at least this way you can get to know the facility," the second guy spoke up, "And your new teammates." He extended his hand, "I'm Jason Pominville."
Anna shook his hand, "I'm Anna. And I'm sorry you have to see me like this."
"Trust me, I've seen worse," Jason winked at Ryan, who rolled his eyes and shoved him, "And this is Pat Kaleta."
The shorter guy waved at Anna from the doorway, "Nice to meet you."
"No, seriously. I work for the Vancouver Canucks. I am IRMA TREMBLAY. I got us VICTOR HEDMAN, ok?! Will you seriously just let me-"
Irma appeared in the doorway, barely restrained by a young man in underarmour. Anna squinted and recognized him as Derek Roy. She glared at Ryan, "YOU."
"Irma, what-"
"You skinny little bastard," Irma said through clenched teeth, "I should pound your ugly little face in."
Ryan held up his hands, "Whoa whoa whoa, I think you've got the wrong idea here."
"No, Mr. Miller, you have the wrong idea," Irma continued, as the players began to flee the room, "You don't just fuck with one of my girls. Because I will fuck you up."
"No one is fucking up anyone," Ryan said calmly, "Now if you just calm down, we can talk like civilized human beings."
"Like you'd know anything about that!" Irma crossed her arms, "'Victor Hedman is an alright player, you know, he's tall and such, but his scoring wasn't that difficult to stop.'"
Ryan frowned, "What?"
"You said that about MY boyfriend," Irma snapped, "Remember?"
Ryan smirked, "Oh, well that makes perfect sense as to why you're a scout."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I think you know what it means."
"That's IT!"
Irma tackled Ryan and the two fell to the floor. Ryan struggled to restrain her from hitting him and doing permanent damage. Anna started screaming, "GUYS! STOP! PLEASE!"
"What is going on here?"
A booming voice caused Irma to pause. In that instant she was pulled off of Ryan by someone much stronger than she, and Ryan was pulled away from her. Tyler Myers and Derek Roy witheld them as coach Lindy Ruff crossed his arms gruffly.
"You," he said to Irma, "Who are you?"
"Irma Tremblay, Vancouver Canucks scout." Irma stated proudly.
"What in the name of all that is holy are you doing in my facility?" Ruff demanded.
"She's with me, Mr. Ruff," Anna said quickly, "I'm Anna Evans. The new medic." She felt embarrassed.
"Alright then," he turned to Ryan, "And why, Ryan, were you assaulting her?"
"She was assaulting ME," Ryan said defensively, "Really."
Lindy shook his head, "Miss Tremblay, I am going to have to ask you to leave."
"No," Irma argued, "I am staying with my friend to protect her from Ryan."
"Excuse me?" Lindy said with a puzzled look on his face, "Fine, have it your way. I'm calling the police."
"Wait!" Ryan jumped up, "Sorry, Lindy. Irma and I just got into an argument because, um, my girlfriend and I-" he gestured to Anna, "Were discussing baby names."
"We were?" Anna asked.
"Yeah, and Irma was offended because we want to use her name, and she's very protective of it, you see, and-"
"Miller, stop running your mouth and get on your gear," Lindy told him sternly, "Miss Tremblay, please leave this facility as soon as humanly possible or I will phone the police. As for you, Miss Evans..." He frowned at her, "Just be here in time for the game."
As Lindy exited, Pat Kaleta was stunned, "Dude, you got off easy."
Irma rolled her eyes, "Please. I can handle myself, Miller. You're just lucky your coach came in to defend you like the baby you are, or I probably would've killed you." She turned to Anna, "I'm going out. Carey and Jules are waiting in the car." She sighed, "You can really pick 'em."
Anna crossed her arms, "Irma, Ryan didn't even fight back. Why do you hate him so much?"
Irma picked up her purse and headed for the door, "Because. He did to you what Ericsson did to me."
Anna stood there in complete shock as she watched her friend walk out the door and out of sight. Ryan walked in as she left, wearing his Sabes blue under armour.
"What was that all about?" he asked.
Anna said slowly, "Look, Ryan, I'm sorry, but I really need to talk to her."
Ryan nodded, "I understand."
"But first," Anna said, "Tell me why you didn't fight her or let Lindy call the cops."
"She's your friend," Ryan said, "That's why."
21- Family, 22-Strangers
21. FAMILY
Ryan wasn't sure what to do, so he did what he was told. After successfully unloading Anna's few belongings and a bit of furniture, he waited for her to emerge from the bathroom. He leaned over the counter in the kitchen, thinking to himself about the sudden whirlwind of events.
"So you live close to facility," Anna said, walking out of the bathroom, "That's good. Usually I took the bus to the CEC."
Ryan shrugged, "I still have to drive."
His eyes fell to see the small baby bump that was sitting just below her chest. Ryan swallowed nervously; as though he had just realized the gravity of the situation he was in. Reality often hit Ryan pretty hard.
"You're...you're three months along," he managed to stutter.
Anna glared at him, "What's it to you?"
"If I'm going to take care of you, then I will have to know what stage your pregnancy is at," Ryan said a-matter-of-factly.
Anna snorted, turning to head upstairs to unpack, "You don't have to do that. I can take care of myself."
"If that's so, how'd you end up here?"
Anna stopped in her tracks. She turned around and faced Ryan. His eyes hinted a small sense of fear; as though he knew he'd hit a nerve. But at the same time he seemed...interested.
"I ended up here because I made the biggest mistake of my life. I had drinks with you, I kissed you and worst of all...I slept with you. And that is the thing I hate most about myself; the parts that involve you."
The words hit Ryan's heart like icy shards. Anna bounded up the stairs, tears welling up in her eyes as she entered the guest room. She hated Ryan Miller. She hated him.
"It's probably just her hormones," Daniel Briere said on the phone fifteen minutes later, "She says things she doesn't mean sometimes."
"I don't know, Danny," Ryan whispered, "I feel...I feel like this is just a bad idea."
"No it's not," Danny replied, "Look, pregnant women love to be taken care of, even if they won't admit it. And I know that deep down Anna is a real softie. Just tend to her when the time is right."
"How will I know? She wants to bite my head off."
"You'll know. Trust me, you'll know."
Anna clenched the sheets between her tightened fists, tears streaming down her face as she awoke from her nightmare. She was falling into a deep, darkened hole, and as she fell she passed millions of outstretched hands. But she couldn't reach any of them; they were just too far away. Or maybe, just maybe, she wasn't reaching at all…
A cold hand on her forehead caused her to jump.
"Sorry," Ryan whispered in the dark, "You're feverish."
"What are you doing in my room?" Anna demanded, feeling the cold sweat pouring all over her body.
"I heard you crying," Ryan replied, switching on the lamp by the bedside, "You were calling for help. So I came in."
The quiet, cosy guest bedroom wasn't far from Ryan's room. Although he insisted that he could sleep in the guest room and put fresh sheets on his bed for her, Anna replied dryly that she didn't want to kick him out of his own bedroom. Ryan knew better than to argue.
"I don't need your help," Anna said miserably, turning so her back faced him, "I don't need anything right now."
Ryan bit his lip, "Look, I'm sorry about what I said earlier. It was uncalled for. And I want you to know, that this is just as much my responsibility as it is yours, and I am going to do everything I can to make this work."
Anna was softened by his words. Perhaps Ryan Miller wasn't such an asshole after all...or not as much one as she thought. She decided to turn over and see him again.
"I was dreaming about monsters," she told him quietly, "Monsters in the dark."
Ryan gently touched her cheek, "Are you afraid of the dark?"
Anna nodded, "A little."
Ryan stood up and walked slowly to the door, "Would it help if I turned the hall light on?"
Anna murmured, "Yes."
She waited until she heard the gentle 'click' of the light switch in the hallway. Reassured, Anna started to drift back to sleep, listening to Ryan's footsteps as he walked down to his room.
It was times like these Anna wished she was five years old again, at the family homestead, cuddling with her sock monkey. Not 23, pregnant and living with a hockey player she barely knew.
22. STRANGERS
Anna opened her eyes the next morning and remembered where she was, much to her dismay. Sitting up, she glanced at the clock radio on the bedside table. 11:00 am.
“Fuck,” she muttered under her breath, allowing herself to get out of bed.
Anna never slept late. She was always up at a good, decent time. It became imperative after a bit of wandering down the hall and seeing the rumpled sheets that Ryan wasn’t at home. Where had he gone?
A post-it note attached to the stainless-steel refrigerator explained it.
Anna,
At a kids charity event until four. Will be home with dinner.
If you want I can take you to the facility tonight.
-R
How very husband-y of him to bring home dinner later, Anna thought. She shuddered at the thought of Ryan Miller being her husband, let alone her baby-daddy. Yuck.
So she was gonna fend for herself the first day. Well, that wasn’t so bad. That meant she could explore the house freely and not be tempted to blow up at Ryan every five seconds for being in her face. He was so clingy it was making her sick, and she’d only been there for less than 24 hours.
Living alone, Anna figured Ryan wouldn’t have much, but it was truly an understatement for what she did find. The beautiful, fine cabinets contained little to nothing. One box of cereal, a bit of bread and some old Wheat Thins. The fridge had some juice, a small carton of milk and ketchup. No wonder Ryan was so skinny. He didn’t eat!
After a quick shower and some toast, Anna decided to investigate Ryan’s entertainment library. She didn’t know him very well, but after befriending her now ex-friends in Pittsburgh, Anna knew that looking at someone’s musical tastes could tell you a lot about them. It was like a stranger-to-acquaintance initiation.
Peering into Ryan’s giant television room, she found a stack of CDs by the computer desk. Sifting through them, Anna found more reason to distaste when she discovered Kings of Leon and Pearl Jam in the same pile. It wasn’t so bad to see Dave Matthews Band or Cold War Kids, but Anna was genuinely floored when she discovered both of the Meg and Dia records, including the rare B-sides release. She’d never met a guy who listened to Meg and Dia. Anna loved Meg and Dia. She knew all their songs by heart and had seen them three times.
The phone rang, but Anna ignored it. This wasn’t technically even her house. It finally hit the answering machine and the speakerphone began.
“Hi, I’m not sure if this is the right place, because I got it from Talbot, but this is Julia calling for Anna-”
Anna jumped up from her seat and rushed to the phone.
“Thank god!” she screamed into the receiver.
"I'm here too!" Irma screamed back.
Anna laughed, "I'm so glad you guys called. You have no idea."
"Are you in the mood for a visit?" Julia asked, "I mean, Irma wanted to go on an angry rampage through the streets of Buffalo and cut off Miller's-"
"I did not," Irma interuppted, "Anyway, what's the address?"
Anna frowned, "I don't know the street-"
"Then tell us what number," Julia replied, "Is it...24?"
The phone clicked off and Anna was puzzled. Within minutes, Julia McNeil and Irma Tremblay were standing on the doorstep, with an irritated-looking Carey Price behind them.
"You really better be pregnant, that's all I can say." Carey snarled.
Ryan wasn't sure what to do, so he did what he was told. After successfully unloading Anna's few belongings and a bit of furniture, he waited for her to emerge from the bathroom. He leaned over the counter in the kitchen, thinking to himself about the sudden whirlwind of events.
"So you live close to facility," Anna said, walking out of the bathroom, "That's good. Usually I took the bus to the CEC."
Ryan shrugged, "I still have to drive."
His eyes fell to see the small baby bump that was sitting just below her chest. Ryan swallowed nervously; as though he had just realized the gravity of the situation he was in. Reality often hit Ryan pretty hard.
"You're...you're three months along," he managed to stutter.
Anna glared at him, "What's it to you?"
"If I'm going to take care of you, then I will have to know what stage your pregnancy is at," Ryan said a-matter-of-factly.
Anna snorted, turning to head upstairs to unpack, "You don't have to do that. I can take care of myself."
"If that's so, how'd you end up here?"
Anna stopped in her tracks. She turned around and faced Ryan. His eyes hinted a small sense of fear; as though he knew he'd hit a nerve. But at the same time he seemed...interested.
"I ended up here because I made the biggest mistake of my life. I had drinks with you, I kissed you and worst of all...I slept with you. And that is the thing I hate most about myself; the parts that involve you."
The words hit Ryan's heart like icy shards. Anna bounded up the stairs, tears welling up in her eyes as she entered the guest room. She hated Ryan Miller. She hated him.
"It's probably just her hormones," Daniel Briere said on the phone fifteen minutes later, "She says things she doesn't mean sometimes."
"I don't know, Danny," Ryan whispered, "I feel...I feel like this is just a bad idea."
"No it's not," Danny replied, "Look, pregnant women love to be taken care of, even if they won't admit it. And I know that deep down Anna is a real softie. Just tend to her when the time is right."
"How will I know? She wants to bite my head off."
"You'll know. Trust me, you'll know."
Anna clenched the sheets between her tightened fists, tears streaming down her face as she awoke from her nightmare. She was falling into a deep, darkened hole, and as she fell she passed millions of outstretched hands. But she couldn't reach any of them; they were just too far away. Or maybe, just maybe, she wasn't reaching at all…
A cold hand on her forehead caused her to jump.
"Sorry," Ryan whispered in the dark, "You're feverish."
"What are you doing in my room?" Anna demanded, feeling the cold sweat pouring all over her body.
"I heard you crying," Ryan replied, switching on the lamp by the bedside, "You were calling for help. So I came in."
The quiet, cosy guest bedroom wasn't far from Ryan's room. Although he insisted that he could sleep in the guest room and put fresh sheets on his bed for her, Anna replied dryly that she didn't want to kick him out of his own bedroom. Ryan knew better than to argue.
"I don't need your help," Anna said miserably, turning so her back faced him, "I don't need anything right now."
Ryan bit his lip, "Look, I'm sorry about what I said earlier. It was uncalled for. And I want you to know, that this is just as much my responsibility as it is yours, and I am going to do everything I can to make this work."
Anna was softened by his words. Perhaps Ryan Miller wasn't such an asshole after all...or not as much one as she thought. She decided to turn over and see him again.
"I was dreaming about monsters," she told him quietly, "Monsters in the dark."
Ryan gently touched her cheek, "Are you afraid of the dark?"
Anna nodded, "A little."
Ryan stood up and walked slowly to the door, "Would it help if I turned the hall light on?"
Anna murmured, "Yes."
She waited until she heard the gentle 'click' of the light switch in the hallway. Reassured, Anna started to drift back to sleep, listening to Ryan's footsteps as he walked down to his room.
It was times like these Anna wished she was five years old again, at the family homestead, cuddling with her sock monkey. Not 23, pregnant and living with a hockey player she barely knew.
22. STRANGERS
Anna opened her eyes the next morning and remembered where she was, much to her dismay. Sitting up, she glanced at the clock radio on the bedside table. 11:00 am.
“Fuck,” she muttered under her breath, allowing herself to get out of bed.
Anna never slept late. She was always up at a good, decent time. It became imperative after a bit of wandering down the hall and seeing the rumpled sheets that Ryan wasn’t at home. Where had he gone?
A post-it note attached to the stainless-steel refrigerator explained it.
Anna,
At a kids charity event until four. Will be home with dinner.
If you want I can take you to the facility tonight.
-R
How very husband-y of him to bring home dinner later, Anna thought. She shuddered at the thought of Ryan Miller being her husband, let alone her baby-daddy. Yuck.
So she was gonna fend for herself the first day. Well, that wasn’t so bad. That meant she could explore the house freely and not be tempted to blow up at Ryan every five seconds for being in her face. He was so clingy it was making her sick, and she’d only been there for less than 24 hours.
Living alone, Anna figured Ryan wouldn’t have much, but it was truly an understatement for what she did find. The beautiful, fine cabinets contained little to nothing. One box of cereal, a bit of bread and some old Wheat Thins. The fridge had some juice, a small carton of milk and ketchup. No wonder Ryan was so skinny. He didn’t eat!
After a quick shower and some toast, Anna decided to investigate Ryan’s entertainment library. She didn’t know him very well, but after befriending her now ex-friends in Pittsburgh, Anna knew that looking at someone’s musical tastes could tell you a lot about them. It was like a stranger-to-acquaintance initiation.
Peering into Ryan’s giant television room, she found a stack of CDs by the computer desk. Sifting through them, Anna found more reason to distaste when she discovered Kings of Leon and Pearl Jam in the same pile. It wasn’t so bad to see Dave Matthews Band or Cold War Kids, but Anna was genuinely floored when she discovered both of the Meg and Dia records, including the rare B-sides release. She’d never met a guy who listened to Meg and Dia. Anna loved Meg and Dia. She knew all their songs by heart and had seen them three times.
The phone rang, but Anna ignored it. This wasn’t technically even her house. It finally hit the answering machine and the speakerphone began.
“Hi, I’m not sure if this is the right place, because I got it from Talbot, but this is Julia calling for Anna-”
Anna jumped up from her seat and rushed to the phone.
“Thank god!” she screamed into the receiver.
"I'm here too!" Irma screamed back.
Anna laughed, "I'm so glad you guys called. You have no idea."
"Are you in the mood for a visit?" Julia asked, "I mean, Irma wanted to go on an angry rampage through the streets of Buffalo and cut off Miller's-"
"I did not," Irma interuppted, "Anyway, what's the address?"
Anna frowned, "I don't know the street-"
"Then tell us what number," Julia replied, "Is it...24?"
The phone clicked off and Anna was puzzled. Within minutes, Julia McNeil and Irma Tremblay were standing on the doorstep, with an irritated-looking Carey Price behind them.
"You really better be pregnant, that's all I can say." Carey snarled.
19- Enemies, 20- Lovers
19. ENEMIES
"Sorry man, left my key on the counter," Derek Roy, Ryan's roommate said hastily, "Busy busy."
Ryan looked at him blankly. What day was it?
Derek walked past Ryan as quickly as possible, "Alright, I think I have everything. Just need my hockey bag and I'm good."
Ryan frowned, "Dude, you going on vacation?"
"No stupid, I'm moving out, remember?" Derek replied, hustling up the stairs.
Ryan's face fell. The last time he spoke with Derek about him moving in with Chelsea, it'd been more of an idea. Now it was a definite. Ryan loved Derek like a brother, and it hurt to see him leave so suddenly. Then again, everyone was always leaving him. Including his best friend Daniel Briere, who stopped by to drop a bomb and skip out.
Derek came bounding down the stairs with his bag, "Ok, I'm all set. Chels should be here soon."
Ryan crossed his arms, "This is really happening, isn't it?"
Derek looked at him, "What do you mean? The fact that I'm moving in with my fiancee, finally?" He breathed out a smile, "Yeah, it is really happening."
Ryan nodded, "I'm happy for you, man. I really am."
"But you're sad to see me leave ya," Derek patted his friend's shoulder, "Bachelor days are over for us, I'm afraid."
"Nah, just for you."
Derek bit his lip, "Actually, there's something I've been meaning to tell you."
Ryan felt his heart sink. Could his day get any worse?
"Dan Bylsma called Lindy the other day," Derek explained, "And since I'm your roomie and one of your best friends, he talked to me about Anna." Ryan went to speak, but Derek stopped him, "It's none of my business, but this needs to be worked out. Everything is already done, Ryan. Anna will be here into two hours."
Ryan's mouth dropped open, "Here? You mean she's moving in with ME?"
"You are the baby daddy," Derek said with a smirk, "And you live close to the arena."
"This is not fair! Anna hates me!" Ryan exclaimed.
Derek hung his hockey bag over his shoulder, "Nothing's fair, Ry, and in life we have to work at it. And Anna doesn't HATE you..." He chuckled, "In fact, she must have some kind of feeling for you. I mean, she wears the evidence."
Ryan sighed as Derek walked out the front door, "See you at practice."
Derek walked down the paved driveway and to his red convertable, tossing his hockey bag in the passenger's seat. Two hours later, right on schedule,the Pittsburgh moving van pulled up on the side of the street, followed by Anna's vehicle.
Ryan was playing with Derek's old keys absently, trying to think of a way to deal with this mess, when there was a stern knock on his front door. He rose reluctantly and took a quiet stride to the door. At long last, he gained the courage to open it.
The girl standing on his doorstep looked exhausted. Her hair was in a messy ponytail and she was wearing a worn, old guy's shirt. Smeared black eyeliner and a dab of mascara was her only make up. Clutching a cardboard box with a handful of books, she shivered in the November air.
Anna stared at Ryan. Ryan stared back. Anna scoffed and shoved the box into his hands.
"Well, don't just stand there. My shit won't unload itself."
20. LOVERS
Carey Price walked into the small Tiffany's store at the Centre de Eaton with his hands in his pockets nervously. He had hoped they still had it on hold. It had been awhile since he last visited the store, being busy with hockey and all.
"Allo, Mr. Price," the owner, Monsieur Desrosiers, chimed with a heavy French accent, "You are 'ere to see your ring?"
Carey bushed slightly, "Yes, please."
Mr. Desrosiers smiled, turning to the glass case beneath the deep chestnut wood desk, "You really must 'ave a special lady. This ring is exquisite."
"I know," Carey smiled, "I hope she says yes."
"Hmm, let us see here," Mr. Desrosiers set the small velvet box on the glass surface, placing his glasses further down his nose, "The round brilliant three stone. Set with three Tiffany diamonds, painstakingly set to match perfectly. C'est magnifique." He breathed slowly, mesmerized by the diamonds, "Yes. She would be crazy to say no."
"Then I'll take it." Carey said proudly.
"Are you sure this is the one, though? You do not wish to see the others?"
"Yes, I'm sure," Carey said, "She is the one I want."
Mr. Desrosiers smiled, "So, it shall be when you play the Sabres?"
"You better tune in, Monsieur," Carey said with a wink, "It'll be a night to remember."
"Sorry man, left my key on the counter," Derek Roy, Ryan's roommate said hastily, "Busy busy."
Ryan looked at him blankly. What day was it?
Derek walked past Ryan as quickly as possible, "Alright, I think I have everything. Just need my hockey bag and I'm good."
Ryan frowned, "Dude, you going on vacation?"
"No stupid, I'm moving out, remember?" Derek replied, hustling up the stairs.
Ryan's face fell. The last time he spoke with Derek about him moving in with Chelsea, it'd been more of an idea. Now it was a definite. Ryan loved Derek like a brother, and it hurt to see him leave so suddenly. Then again, everyone was always leaving him. Including his best friend Daniel Briere, who stopped by to drop a bomb and skip out.
Derek came bounding down the stairs with his bag, "Ok, I'm all set. Chels should be here soon."
Ryan crossed his arms, "This is really happening, isn't it?"
Derek looked at him, "What do you mean? The fact that I'm moving in with my fiancee, finally?" He breathed out a smile, "Yeah, it is really happening."
Ryan nodded, "I'm happy for you, man. I really am."
"But you're sad to see me leave ya," Derek patted his friend's shoulder, "Bachelor days are over for us, I'm afraid."
"Nah, just for you."
Derek bit his lip, "Actually, there's something I've been meaning to tell you."
Ryan felt his heart sink. Could his day get any worse?
"Dan Bylsma called Lindy the other day," Derek explained, "And since I'm your roomie and one of your best friends, he talked to me about Anna." Ryan went to speak, but Derek stopped him, "It's none of my business, but this needs to be worked out. Everything is already done, Ryan. Anna will be here into two hours."
Ryan's mouth dropped open, "Here? You mean she's moving in with ME?"
"You are the baby daddy," Derek said with a smirk, "And you live close to the arena."
"This is not fair! Anna hates me!" Ryan exclaimed.
Derek hung his hockey bag over his shoulder, "Nothing's fair, Ry, and in life we have to work at it. And Anna doesn't HATE you..." He chuckled, "In fact, she must have some kind of feeling for you. I mean, she wears the evidence."
Ryan sighed as Derek walked out the front door, "See you at practice."
Derek walked down the paved driveway and to his red convertable, tossing his hockey bag in the passenger's seat. Two hours later, right on schedule,the Pittsburgh moving van pulled up on the side of the street, followed by Anna's vehicle.
Ryan was playing with Derek's old keys absently, trying to think of a way to deal with this mess, when there was a stern knock on his front door. He rose reluctantly and took a quiet stride to the door. At long last, he gained the courage to open it.
The girl standing on his doorstep looked exhausted. Her hair was in a messy ponytail and she was wearing a worn, old guy's shirt. Smeared black eyeliner and a dab of mascara was her only make up. Clutching a cardboard box with a handful of books, she shivered in the November air.
Anna stared at Ryan. Ryan stared back. Anna scoffed and shoved the box into his hands.
"Well, don't just stand there. My shit won't unload itself."
20. LOVERS
Carey Price walked into the small Tiffany's store at the Centre de Eaton with his hands in his pockets nervously. He had hoped they still had it on hold. It had been awhile since he last visited the store, being busy with hockey and all.
"Allo, Mr. Price," the owner, Monsieur Desrosiers, chimed with a heavy French accent, "You are 'ere to see your ring?"
Carey bushed slightly, "Yes, please."
Mr. Desrosiers smiled, turning to the glass case beneath the deep chestnut wood desk, "You really must 'ave a special lady. This ring is exquisite."
"I know," Carey smiled, "I hope she says yes."
"Hmm, let us see here," Mr. Desrosiers set the small velvet box on the glass surface, placing his glasses further down his nose, "The round brilliant three stone. Set with three Tiffany diamonds, painstakingly set to match perfectly. C'est magnifique." He breathed slowly, mesmerized by the diamonds, "Yes. She would be crazy to say no."
"Then I'll take it." Carey said proudly.
"Are you sure this is the one, though? You do not wish to see the others?"
"Yes, I'm sure," Carey said, "She is the one I want."
Mr. Desrosiers smiled, "So, it shall be when you play the Sabres?"
"You better tune in, Monsieur," Carey said with a wink, "It'll be a night to remember."
16- Black, 17- White, 18- Friends
16. Black
Ryan Miller walked through the city with a heavy mind. His hands were in his pockets, he was wearing a newsboy cap and a dark black houndstooth jacket; this way he wouldn't be easily recognized. Ryan needed some time to think, and perhaps make a plan.
His first idea was to jump in his car, floor it to Pittsburgh and go straight to the Consol Energy Centre, find Anna and make the world's most sorry apology. Either that, or he'd find out her address (Danny likely knew, and he was simply a text message away) and arrive at her house, drop to his knees and make the world's even sorrier apology. Both, he thought, sounded like suicide missions.
The second idea he had would be to somehow arrange a meeting with her before she started working at the HSBC and speak with her. Ryan wasn't sure to begin. "Hey, I hear I got you pregnant," didn't exactly sound like the best icebreaker.
The third would be to wait until she started working there and try not to be awkward in explaining her cared about the fact that she was having his baby. Easier said than done, given, as Danny had once told him, that Anna had a temper worse than Chris Pronger.
His last resort was to change his name, leave the city, eventually the country and become a European rent boy. Or jump off the Peace Bridge. Both sounded appealing.
The only thing Ryan knew was that he wanted to take responsibility. He wanted to go to Anna and tell her that he wanted to help her in every way possible. He wanted to take her hands in his and swear he'd do anything to make it better. He wanted to tell her how much he...liked her.
Ryan thought of his little brother Drew, all the way out in Tampa Bay. Drew was married and a Stanley Cup champion. Ryan was single and still hadn't made the playoffs in the past five years. But they were still brothers, and Ryan recalled he talked to Drew and spoke to him about everything. They were friends; long-lost ones, separated by the country's distance.
Despite his anger with himself, embarrassment and shame, Ryan decided that Drew would be the one to call. He had all the answers. He always did. It was as though the roles were reversed. He headed home to call his brother, ready to break the news and beg for a snippet of advice to get him out of the hellhole he called his life.
-
17. White
"I'm going to kill him" Irma Tremblay announced, gripping her coffee cup fiercely, "I really am."
"That's not an option, Irma," Brittany Crosby said tirelessly, "Unfortunately."
"Well, I'm going to put it as a last resort, then," Irma said, leaning back on the sofa, "It had to be Ryan Miller. That stupid, freaking-"
"Language!" Brittany hissed, gesturing to Gavin in the next room.
"Sorry," Irma rolled her eyes, "I'm just so surprised at Anna. She was always the tough one, you know? Always held her ground."
"Yeah, but she can't hold her liquor," Brittany said under her breath, "At least that night she couldn't. I can't believe Max didn't watch her."
"Don't blame me!" Max Talbot shouted from the other room, trying to help Gavin finish his Dora puzzle, "I was dizzied up too, you know!"
"We all were," Flower said from the easy chair, resting his chin in his palm, "There are pictures to prove it."
"I still have the best Facebook comments on them," TK said with a grin, "Seriously."
"Regardless, that doesn't solve the problem," Irma said, "That's why we're here, right Victor?"
Victor Hedman, Irma's boyfriend, looked up from his spot on the couch next to her, looking extremely bored, "Huh?"
"We're here to help." Irma nudged him.
"I'm just here because I was told there would be nachos," Victor said quietly.
TK snorted. Irma ignored him.
"Well Dan broke the news already," Sidney told them, "TK and Kris were there. Well, for the aftermath."
"She won't speak to us," Kris said sadly, "I feel like I'm in kindergarten again and no one wants to play with me."
Gavin came running over, "I'll play with you, Uncle Kris!"
Kris smiled, "I feel loved," and followed Gavin to the playroom to assist Max with the puzzle.
"It was a unanimous decision," Sidney continued, "And I believe it was for the best."
"Yeah, but it's one big slap in the face, don't you think?" Irma replied, "If I were pregnant and hormonal, like Erica-"
"Wait, Erica's pregnant?!" Brittany perked up.
"Yes!" Irma squealed, "Isn't it awesome? She and Steve have wanted kids for ages!"
"I KNOW! That is so-"
"Ladies, back on topic?" Max shouted from the playroom, "Where the heck is Dora's Map?"
"So everyone voted for this, then." Brittany said slowly.
"Yes," Sidney said with a nod, "Everyone except Max and Flower."
"I thought that we could take care of her," Fleury explained, "But now that this has been spoken about a bit more, I think she needs a change."
"And Max still wants to play big brother," TK said, "Cause he's a teddy bear."
"I am not!" Max growled.
"Ok then, can you explain where she's going to live?" Irma asked, crossing her arms.
"With Derek Roy," Sidney told her, "He's got a duplex, walking distance from the arena."
"And she'll be working as the medic for the Sabres?"
"Mmmhmm."
"Are you guys sick?" Irma said, "I mean seriously- just because Ryan knocked her up doesn't mean we have to force her to work with the guy. It's like making her pay for the damages!"
"I am sure that Anna may have some resentment for Ryan, but that will fade in time."
"Sid, please tell me you're joking."
"No, I'm not."
Irma shrugged, "Fine. It's a twisted plan, but the likelihood of those two falling in love and bonding over baby is pretty much 1 in a million. Isn't it, honey?"
Victor frowned, "Why did you paint this room white, Brittany? It's making me dizzy."
Then a hush fell over the crowd, bewildered by the tall, insightful Swede.
-
18. Friends
"Thanks, Daniel. I really appreciate it." Anna told Briere as he placed the last box in the moving van.
"Anytime, Anna," Danny replied, "You got the address punched in the GPS?"
"I sure do," Anna said, shrugging, "Man. I'm gonna miss this city."
"I felt the same way when I left Buffalo," Danny told her, "But Philly's my home now. Maybe you'll adapt to it sooner than you think."
"I don't know," Anna glanced at the Consol Energy Centre, "But it's not like I'm wanted here anyway."
Daniel put his arm around her, "You are wanted by everyone here, you understand? Dan only transferred you because he thought their facility and a change would better accommodate you. And don't think for one minute that it was personal."
Anna turned and hugged her friend, "I'm going to miss you."
Danny reached for the keys in his pocket after they let go, "You sure you don't want to say goodbye to Max and the guys?"
Anna nodded, "I'm sure."
They were better off without her, as far as she was concerned. And as Anna drove off, leaving Pittsburgh behind, Ryan Miller was picking up his home phone and dialling a long-distance number, only to be stopped by the sound of his front doorbell ringing.
Ryan Miller walked through the city with a heavy mind. His hands were in his pockets, he was wearing a newsboy cap and a dark black houndstooth jacket; this way he wouldn't be easily recognized. Ryan needed some time to think, and perhaps make a plan.
His first idea was to jump in his car, floor it to Pittsburgh and go straight to the Consol Energy Centre, find Anna and make the world's most sorry apology. Either that, or he'd find out her address (Danny likely knew, and he was simply a text message away) and arrive at her house, drop to his knees and make the world's even sorrier apology. Both, he thought, sounded like suicide missions.
The second idea he had would be to somehow arrange a meeting with her before she started working at the HSBC and speak with her. Ryan wasn't sure to begin. "Hey, I hear I got you pregnant," didn't exactly sound like the best icebreaker.
The third would be to wait until she started working there and try not to be awkward in explaining her cared about the fact that she was having his baby. Easier said than done, given, as Danny had once told him, that Anna had a temper worse than Chris Pronger.
His last resort was to change his name, leave the city, eventually the country and become a European rent boy. Or jump off the Peace Bridge. Both sounded appealing.
The only thing Ryan knew was that he wanted to take responsibility. He wanted to go to Anna and tell her that he wanted to help her in every way possible. He wanted to take her hands in his and swear he'd do anything to make it better. He wanted to tell her how much he...liked her.
Ryan thought of his little brother Drew, all the way out in Tampa Bay. Drew was married and a Stanley Cup champion. Ryan was single and still hadn't made the playoffs in the past five years. But they were still brothers, and Ryan recalled he talked to Drew and spoke to him about everything. They were friends; long-lost ones, separated by the country's distance.
Despite his anger with himself, embarrassment and shame, Ryan decided that Drew would be the one to call. He had all the answers. He always did. It was as though the roles were reversed. He headed home to call his brother, ready to break the news and beg for a snippet of advice to get him out of the hellhole he called his life.
-
17. White
"I'm going to kill him" Irma Tremblay announced, gripping her coffee cup fiercely, "I really am."
"That's not an option, Irma," Brittany Crosby said tirelessly, "Unfortunately."
"Well, I'm going to put it as a last resort, then," Irma said, leaning back on the sofa, "It had to be Ryan Miller. That stupid, freaking-"
"Language!" Brittany hissed, gesturing to Gavin in the next room.
"Sorry," Irma rolled her eyes, "I'm just so surprised at Anna. She was always the tough one, you know? Always held her ground."
"Yeah, but she can't hold her liquor," Brittany said under her breath, "At least that night she couldn't. I can't believe Max didn't watch her."
"Don't blame me!" Max Talbot shouted from the other room, trying to help Gavin finish his Dora puzzle, "I was dizzied up too, you know!"
"We all were," Flower said from the easy chair, resting his chin in his palm, "There are pictures to prove it."
"I still have the best Facebook comments on them," TK said with a grin, "Seriously."
"Regardless, that doesn't solve the problem," Irma said, "That's why we're here, right Victor?"
Victor Hedman, Irma's boyfriend, looked up from his spot on the couch next to her, looking extremely bored, "Huh?"
"We're here to help." Irma nudged him.
"I'm just here because I was told there would be nachos," Victor said quietly.
TK snorted. Irma ignored him.
"Well Dan broke the news already," Sidney told them, "TK and Kris were there. Well, for the aftermath."
"She won't speak to us," Kris said sadly, "I feel like I'm in kindergarten again and no one wants to play with me."
Gavin came running over, "I'll play with you, Uncle Kris!"
Kris smiled, "I feel loved," and followed Gavin to the playroom to assist Max with the puzzle.
"It was a unanimous decision," Sidney continued, "And I believe it was for the best."
"Yeah, but it's one big slap in the face, don't you think?" Irma replied, "If I were pregnant and hormonal, like Erica-"
"Wait, Erica's pregnant?!" Brittany perked up.
"Yes!" Irma squealed, "Isn't it awesome? She and Steve have wanted kids for ages!"
"I KNOW! That is so-"
"Ladies, back on topic?" Max shouted from the playroom, "Where the heck is Dora's Map?"
"So everyone voted for this, then." Brittany said slowly.
"Yes," Sidney said with a nod, "Everyone except Max and Flower."
"I thought that we could take care of her," Fleury explained, "But now that this has been spoken about a bit more, I think she needs a change."
"And Max still wants to play big brother," TK said, "Cause he's a teddy bear."
"I am not!" Max growled.
"Ok then, can you explain where she's going to live?" Irma asked, crossing her arms.
"With Derek Roy," Sidney told her, "He's got a duplex, walking distance from the arena."
"And she'll be working as the medic for the Sabres?"
"Mmmhmm."
"Are you guys sick?" Irma said, "I mean seriously- just because Ryan knocked her up doesn't mean we have to force her to work with the guy. It's like making her pay for the damages!"
"I am sure that Anna may have some resentment for Ryan, but that will fade in time."
"Sid, please tell me you're joking."
"No, I'm not."
Irma shrugged, "Fine. It's a twisted plan, but the likelihood of those two falling in love and bonding over baby is pretty much 1 in a million. Isn't it, honey?"
Victor frowned, "Why did you paint this room white, Brittany? It's making me dizzy."
Then a hush fell over the crowd, bewildered by the tall, insightful Swede.
-
18. Friends
"Thanks, Daniel. I really appreciate it." Anna told Briere as he placed the last box in the moving van.
"Anytime, Anna," Danny replied, "You got the address punched in the GPS?"
"I sure do," Anna said, shrugging, "Man. I'm gonna miss this city."
"I felt the same way when I left Buffalo," Danny told her, "But Philly's my home now. Maybe you'll adapt to it sooner than you think."
"I don't know," Anna glanced at the Consol Energy Centre, "But it's not like I'm wanted here anyway."
Daniel put his arm around her, "You are wanted by everyone here, you understand? Dan only transferred you because he thought their facility and a change would better accommodate you. And don't think for one minute that it was personal."
Anna turned and hugged her friend, "I'm going to miss you."
Danny reached for the keys in his pocket after they let go, "You sure you don't want to say goodbye to Max and the guys?"
Anna nodded, "I'm sure."
They were better off without her, as far as she was concerned. And as Anna drove off, leaving Pittsburgh behind, Ryan Miller was picking up his home phone and dialling a long-distance number, only to be stopped by the sound of his front doorbell ringing.
15- Purple, 16-Brown
15. PURPLE
Gavin Crosby pushed his purple Los Angeles Kings car into his Pittsburgh Penguins truck. The little boy had practically every hockey toy known to man, but these were among his favourites. With a self-made "VRRROOOOM!", Gavin was happy as a clam to play with his toy cars on the kitchen floor while his mother made his breakfast.
The morning news was on the television as proud dad Sidney walked in, kissing his wife on the cheek, "Morning."
"Morning," Brittany replied, gesturing to her son, "Gavin thinks you need to improve your game, honey."
"Is that so?" Sidney knelt down to the floor, "And what makes you think that, G?"
"They just said that Ovechky's ahead in points, Daddy!" Gavin exclaimed, "Not even Uncle Geno is beating him!"
"Oh no!" Sidney said with a grin, "Well, what matters most is that I'm trying my best and having fun."
"I know, Daddy, but Ovechky might get the Ross trophy, and I want you to get it!"
Sidney smiled and picked up his little boy, "Now you know I don't care about that. I care that my team is in good shape and doing well. But there IS one trophy I'd like to have."
Gavin threw his arms in the air, "The Stanley Cup!"
Sidney laughed, "Yeah, the Cup."
"Pancakes are ready, you two," Brittany announced, bringing the steaming plate to the table, "Practice today, babe?"
"Yeah, but it's being withheld an hour," Sidney told her, letting Gavin run loose and helping bring out the plates, "Apparently there's been a staff meeting-"
"Mommy, is Aunty Anna in trouble?"
Brittany glanced from the kitchen to the living room, "What do you mean, Gavin?"
"She's on TV, with Uncle Godard."
Sidney and Brittany immediately left the table and focused their attention on the television screen.
Two sports commentators were debating a topic entitled, "Should Evans stay the Pens Medic after the Eric Godard incident?"
"...now what I'm saying is it won't be a suspension because it ultimately was not Godard's decision. Evans should either get a trade or a withdrawl of position."
"I agree with you on that, but this girl is still young and should not be in such a high position to deal with. I think the problem is that with hockey, we can hire young players, but not young medical staff, you know what I mean? I mean, Fleury can handle the pressure, but he's a Stanley Cup champ-"
Sidney turned off the television, "Ok little guy, go get your pancakes."
"Is everything ok?" Gavin asked.
"Of course," Sid replied, messing his hair, "Be with you in a sec."
He turned to Brittany, whose arms were crossed nervously, "I meant to tell you, but I wasn't sure how."
Brittany shot him a look, "What, that the entire NHL is after my sister for a stupid stunt she pulled? I knew that."
"I meant that Dan is going to have her transferred."
Brittany swallowed, her voice quivering, "What?"
"I'm so sorry, baby," Sidney pulled her into a hug, "I tried to talk him out of it...but there's nothing we can do."
-
16. BROWN
Anna sat in the office with Mario Lemieux, Dan Byslma and Ray Shero. She felt sick to her stomach, and not because of the baby this time. The nervousness she felt was overwhelming. Somehow, she had this feeling that she'd walked into a trap. This was no ordinary staff meeting.
Finally, Dan spoke.
"Anna, we want to make this as quick and painless as possible," he said.
Mario gently placed a copy of Anna's ultrasound photos on the table before them. Anna turned white, feeling her heart stop. She wanted to run as fast as she could in any direction that would get her the farthest away.
"It doesn't matter where or why this happened, or even who was involved," Dan said simply, "Just know that we care about you and this team, and we think for the well-being of yourself and the guys, that you be transferred."
Anna was shocked, "What?! Transferred?"
"We've already touched base with Darcy Reiger and Lindy Ruff," Ray said, "You will be able to start at the Buffalo Sabres facility on Monday."
Anna blinked, "Buffalo? Monday?" That was in three days.
It was all happening so fast.
"But what about the guys?" Anna asked, "Don't they need me here? I mean, Jordan's still got that ankle problem..."
"You needn't worry, we've already got a replacement," Ray replied, "She's a bit younger than you, but a tad more experienced. She goes by the book."
Anna didn't want to know the name of the young, cutesy little bitch taking her place. She knew Ray never liked her. Ray didn't even like Brittany. Ray didn't really like anyone.
Anna shook her head in disbelief, "The Buffalo Sabres. Seriously, this has to be some kind of sick joke?"
Mario looked at her with sympathetic eyes, "Anna, this must be coming as a shock-"
"Pittsburgh is my home!" she erupted, "Of course it's a shock! This was my first real gig, my first real job. My sister is here, my nephew..." she paused, "And these boys, these hockey players...they're like my brothers. I'd be lost without them."
Ray folded his hands on the desk, his ugly brown tie visible from beneath his jacket, "Well fortunately they make Buffalo city maps."
Anna felt the sting of his comment and saw her cue to leave. Catching a glimpse of Mario's kind eyes, she knew it wasn't completely his, Dan's or even Ray's idea. It was for the best, that one of the greatest teams in the NHL not be distracted by a hormonal, pregnant single mom-to-be. As far as she was concerned, she wasn't being abandoned by the Penguins...rather, she was being evicted like black mould.
Pushing open the office door, Anna nearly walked into Tyler Kennedy and Kris Letang. At that moment she realized who came forward with the photos. Her eyes started to fill with tears and she walked out. There was no reason to look back.
Kris looked at Tyler questionably, but then Dan Bylsma stepped out.
"It's for the best," Dan said quietly, "Anna may not know it yet, but this change will benefit her in so many ways."
"Like what?" Tyler asked, "I mean, besides the obvious?"
Dan replied simply, "Switching teams really does a change a person."
Gavin Crosby pushed his purple Los Angeles Kings car into his Pittsburgh Penguins truck. The little boy had practically every hockey toy known to man, but these were among his favourites. With a self-made "VRRROOOOM!", Gavin was happy as a clam to play with his toy cars on the kitchen floor while his mother made his breakfast.
The morning news was on the television as proud dad Sidney walked in, kissing his wife on the cheek, "Morning."
"Morning," Brittany replied, gesturing to her son, "Gavin thinks you need to improve your game, honey."
"Is that so?" Sidney knelt down to the floor, "And what makes you think that, G?"
"They just said that Ovechky's ahead in points, Daddy!" Gavin exclaimed, "Not even Uncle Geno is beating him!"
"Oh no!" Sidney said with a grin, "Well, what matters most is that I'm trying my best and having fun."
"I know, Daddy, but Ovechky might get the Ross trophy, and I want you to get it!"
Sidney smiled and picked up his little boy, "Now you know I don't care about that. I care that my team is in good shape and doing well. But there IS one trophy I'd like to have."
Gavin threw his arms in the air, "The Stanley Cup!"
Sidney laughed, "Yeah, the Cup."
"Pancakes are ready, you two," Brittany announced, bringing the steaming plate to the table, "Practice today, babe?"
"Yeah, but it's being withheld an hour," Sidney told her, letting Gavin run loose and helping bring out the plates, "Apparently there's been a staff meeting-"
"Mommy, is Aunty Anna in trouble?"
Brittany glanced from the kitchen to the living room, "What do you mean, Gavin?"
"She's on TV, with Uncle Godard."
Sidney and Brittany immediately left the table and focused their attention on the television screen.
Two sports commentators were debating a topic entitled, "Should Evans stay the Pens Medic after the Eric Godard incident?"
"...now what I'm saying is it won't be a suspension because it ultimately was not Godard's decision. Evans should either get a trade or a withdrawl of position."
"I agree with you on that, but this girl is still young and should not be in such a high position to deal with. I think the problem is that with hockey, we can hire young players, but not young medical staff, you know what I mean? I mean, Fleury can handle the pressure, but he's a Stanley Cup champ-"
Sidney turned off the television, "Ok little guy, go get your pancakes."
"Is everything ok?" Gavin asked.
"Of course," Sid replied, messing his hair, "Be with you in a sec."
He turned to Brittany, whose arms were crossed nervously, "I meant to tell you, but I wasn't sure how."
Brittany shot him a look, "What, that the entire NHL is after my sister for a stupid stunt she pulled? I knew that."
"I meant that Dan is going to have her transferred."
Brittany swallowed, her voice quivering, "What?"
"I'm so sorry, baby," Sidney pulled her into a hug, "I tried to talk him out of it...but there's nothing we can do."
-
16. BROWN
Anna sat in the office with Mario Lemieux, Dan Byslma and Ray Shero. She felt sick to her stomach, and not because of the baby this time. The nervousness she felt was overwhelming. Somehow, she had this feeling that she'd walked into a trap. This was no ordinary staff meeting.
Finally, Dan spoke.
"Anna, we want to make this as quick and painless as possible," he said.
Mario gently placed a copy of Anna's ultrasound photos on the table before them. Anna turned white, feeling her heart stop. She wanted to run as fast as she could in any direction that would get her the farthest away.
"It doesn't matter where or why this happened, or even who was involved," Dan said simply, "Just know that we care about you and this team, and we think for the well-being of yourself and the guys, that you be transferred."
Anna was shocked, "What?! Transferred?"
"We've already touched base with Darcy Reiger and Lindy Ruff," Ray said, "You will be able to start at the Buffalo Sabres facility on Monday."
Anna blinked, "Buffalo? Monday?" That was in three days.
It was all happening so fast.
"But what about the guys?" Anna asked, "Don't they need me here? I mean, Jordan's still got that ankle problem..."
"You needn't worry, we've already got a replacement," Ray replied, "She's a bit younger than you, but a tad more experienced. She goes by the book."
Anna didn't want to know the name of the young, cutesy little bitch taking her place. She knew Ray never liked her. Ray didn't even like Brittany. Ray didn't really like anyone.
Anna shook her head in disbelief, "The Buffalo Sabres. Seriously, this has to be some kind of sick joke?"
Mario looked at her with sympathetic eyes, "Anna, this must be coming as a shock-"
"Pittsburgh is my home!" she erupted, "Of course it's a shock! This was my first real gig, my first real job. My sister is here, my nephew..." she paused, "And these boys, these hockey players...they're like my brothers. I'd be lost without them."
Ray folded his hands on the desk, his ugly brown tie visible from beneath his jacket, "Well fortunately they make Buffalo city maps."
Anna felt the sting of his comment and saw her cue to leave. Catching a glimpse of Mario's kind eyes, she knew it wasn't completely his, Dan's or even Ray's idea. It was for the best, that one of the greatest teams in the NHL not be distracted by a hormonal, pregnant single mom-to-be. As far as she was concerned, she wasn't being abandoned by the Penguins...rather, she was being evicted like black mould.
Pushing open the office door, Anna nearly walked into Tyler Kennedy and Kris Letang. At that moment she realized who came forward with the photos. Her eyes started to fill with tears and she walked out. There was no reason to look back.
Kris looked at Tyler questionably, but then Dan Bylsma stepped out.
"It's for the best," Dan said quietly, "Anna may not know it yet, but this change will benefit her in so many ways."
"Like what?" Tyler asked, "I mean, besides the obvious?"
Dan replied simply, "Switching teams really does a change a person."
13- Green, 14- Blue
12. GREEN
"What about this one?" Tyler Kennedy held up a limesicle green romper, complete with frills and polka dots. Anna grimaced, "Not in a million years would I dress my child in that, Tyler."
"Well it doesn't help that you don't want to know if you're having a boy or girl," Max added, trying on a baby hat, "So now you'll be stuck with a yellow nursery instead of a pink or blue one."
"My nursery was purple." Kris said to no one in particular.
Walking around Babies 'R' Us and shopping for child-rearing supplies wasn't exactly how Anna had planned to spend the day off. Rather, she'd be sulking at home, but after Max dragged her ass out of bed to go shopping, she had no choice. Besides, it was kind of fun.
"Ok, I found these," Flower cut in, placing a small pile of books in the cart, "I know Veronique has some of them. They did us very well."
Anna began to leaf through What To Expect When You're Expecting when suddenly her cell phone rang.
It was Dan Bylsma.
"Anna, could you please arrive at the arena one hour before practice?" the seriousness in Dan's voice made her blood run a little cold, "There is a staff meeting."
Anna nodded, "Yes, I can do that."
"Thank you," Dan said, not a hint of emotion in his voice, followed by the click of him hanging up.
"This is the shit!" TK exclaimed, banging on the rainbow keyboard of a miniature toy piano, "You HAVE to buy this!"
"No man, Baby Einstein," Kris said a-matter-of-factly, "The kid has to be smart."
"Which means it can't be like either of you," Flower said with a smirk, knocking TK and Kris' heads together.
Anna rolled her eyes as the three started wrestling. Max leaned on the cart next to her.
"How're you feeling today, kid?" he asked her.
Anna shrugged, "Oh, you know. Taking the vitamins, being careful with whatever I eat, not smoking or jumping on trampolines..."
"You don't smoke and hate trampolines anyway."
Anna laughed, "Good point."
-
14. Blue
Ryan Miller gripped his coffee cup nervously. Daniel Briere, his former teammate/captain/best friend was sitting across from him in Sally's, a low-key coffee shop in Buffalo. The last time he'd seen Daniel was during a fight between him and Tim Connelly. Danny had called all of sudden, stated he was on injured reserve, and needed to talk to Ryan as soon as possible. So now, here he was, with a ghost friend from the past.
Awkward.
"So," Ryan said slowly, "How's Philly?"
Daniel shrugged, a small smile on his lips, "It's alright. I miss everyone here, though. And the blue jersey is so much nicer than the bright orange."
Ryan smirked, "Sure you do."
"I do!" Daniel insisted, "Especially Roy and Staff. All the pranks we pulled, the awesome nights on the town...man, it was like junior days amped up 10,000. I mean, Philly's nice and all, but it's no Buffalo."
"Not to mention the fans want to kick your ass every time you screw up."
Daniel nodded, "Oh, you wanna believe it. Pronger's a big guy, but I swear, but this little old lady was ready to put him in a headlock the night we lost to Pittsburgh."
Ryan laughed. As much as he hated Daniel for leaving (the same went for Brian Campbell, who was currently a Blackhawk), it was nice to sit and chat with his old friend. The year he left, it was like the team's momentum went with him. Danny wasn't just the captain of the team, he WAS the team- their star, their leader. Ryan was awarded the face of the franchise shortly after Danny's departure; a nameplate he didn't exactly vie for, but one he sheepishly accepted. Now, seeing him sit in front of him, talking about how much he missed Buffalo, Ryan silently let his anger leave him. Danny was still the same kid he was the day he arrived in the busy New York state.
"Now enough about me," Daniel began, "I'm actually here for you."
Ryan raised his eyebrows, "Oh?"
Daniel shifted uncomfortably in his seat, "You know Anna Evans, right?"
Ryan felt a shiver run down his spine, "Um, sure."
"Ryan, I need you to be honest with me here," Daniel persisted, "Please."
"I know her," Ryan said quietly, "Yeah, sure."
"Look, I know what happened that night at Diesel," Daniel told him, "I know you both had a little too much to drink and went upstairs. And then to her apartment."
Ryan felt his stomach churn and his heart jump into his throat, "How did you..."
"Anna's a good friend of mine," Daniel said, picking up on Ryan's uneasiness, "And despite what I've been told, I think you have the right to know..."
Daniel reached into his jacket and placed Anna's ultrasound pictures on the table in front of them. Ryan turned completely white.
"She's three months pregnant, Ryan," Daniel told him, "You're going to be a father."
With shaking hands, Ryan reached out and lifted the pictures so he could look at them. Now that he thought of it, they hadn't used protection- drunkenness, fits of passion and no thought of consequence were what lined their actions. He couldn't breathe. This wasn't happening...
"Why," Ryan said breathlessly, "Why didn't she tell me?"
"Because," Daniel replied, "She thinks she can do this all on her own. Max Talbot, Fleury, Kris Letang, Tyler Kennedy and me are the only ones who know. Her sister as well. You saw the stunt she pulled on Godard the other night?"
Ryan nodded, feeling like he was drowning.
"It's going to cost her," Daniel explained, "And the entire team has been complaining about her violent mood swings. Since you've lost your last medic, Dan Bylsma is considering a transfer-"
"You can't be serious," Ryan said nervously, "That would mean-"
"And it's a perfect opportunity for you two to get to know each other," Daniel said calmly, "If you ask me." He paused. "Ryan, I know you're a good person, and I know how you feel about her. You're exactly what she needs right now."
"She probably hates me," Ryan said under his breath.
"Anna's stubborn, I will admit," Daniel said with a nod, "But I'd much rather her be with you than in Pittsburgh, where she still hasn't told her employers about the pregnancy. I doubt she ever will." He put a supportive hand on his friend's shoulder, "You deserve to be in your child's life. I know you'll be a great parent."
Ryan sighed, "If she lets me."
"Tonight she'll find out about the transfer," Daniel said, "Max Talbot has already come forward with her secret. By next week, she will be living here."
Ryan shook his head, "My god."
Daniel stood up, "Well, I've got to get going. My wife is waiting for me at home."
Ryan stood up with him, "And I've got to talk to the guys..."
"Would you like me to go with you?"
"I'd rather you not," Ryan said, "You know, might not go over well."
"I understand," Daniel replied, "Listen. If you ever need anything, Cecilia and I are a phone call away. I'll be out for at least a month. So don't hesitate to call us."
Ryan mused that when he met Daniel, Cecilia was still just his girlfriend. How times had changed. They even had a daughter now.
"Anna would never admit it, and she acts like she's all tough, but really," Daniel said, pulling his friend into a hug, "She needs you."
Ryan hugged Daniel back and whispered, "I hope you're right."
"What about this one?" Tyler Kennedy held up a limesicle green romper, complete with frills and polka dots. Anna grimaced, "Not in a million years would I dress my child in that, Tyler."
"Well it doesn't help that you don't want to know if you're having a boy or girl," Max added, trying on a baby hat, "So now you'll be stuck with a yellow nursery instead of a pink or blue one."
"My nursery was purple." Kris said to no one in particular.
Walking around Babies 'R' Us and shopping for child-rearing supplies wasn't exactly how Anna had planned to spend the day off. Rather, she'd be sulking at home, but after Max dragged her ass out of bed to go shopping, she had no choice. Besides, it was kind of fun.
"Ok, I found these," Flower cut in, placing a small pile of books in the cart, "I know Veronique has some of them. They did us very well."
Anna began to leaf through What To Expect When You're Expecting when suddenly her cell phone rang.
It was Dan Bylsma.
"Anna, could you please arrive at the arena one hour before practice?" the seriousness in Dan's voice made her blood run a little cold, "There is a staff meeting."
Anna nodded, "Yes, I can do that."
"Thank you," Dan said, not a hint of emotion in his voice, followed by the click of him hanging up.
"This is the shit!" TK exclaimed, banging on the rainbow keyboard of a miniature toy piano, "You HAVE to buy this!"
"No man, Baby Einstein," Kris said a-matter-of-factly, "The kid has to be smart."
"Which means it can't be like either of you," Flower said with a smirk, knocking TK and Kris' heads together.
Anna rolled her eyes as the three started wrestling. Max leaned on the cart next to her.
"How're you feeling today, kid?" he asked her.
Anna shrugged, "Oh, you know. Taking the vitamins, being careful with whatever I eat, not smoking or jumping on trampolines..."
"You don't smoke and hate trampolines anyway."
Anna laughed, "Good point."
-
14. Blue
Ryan Miller gripped his coffee cup nervously. Daniel Briere, his former teammate/captain/best friend was sitting across from him in Sally's, a low-key coffee shop in Buffalo. The last time he'd seen Daniel was during a fight between him and Tim Connelly. Danny had called all of sudden, stated he was on injured reserve, and needed to talk to Ryan as soon as possible. So now, here he was, with a ghost friend from the past.
Awkward.
"So," Ryan said slowly, "How's Philly?"
Daniel shrugged, a small smile on his lips, "It's alright. I miss everyone here, though. And the blue jersey is so much nicer than the bright orange."
Ryan smirked, "Sure you do."
"I do!" Daniel insisted, "Especially Roy and Staff. All the pranks we pulled, the awesome nights on the town...man, it was like junior days amped up 10,000. I mean, Philly's nice and all, but it's no Buffalo."
"Not to mention the fans want to kick your ass every time you screw up."
Daniel nodded, "Oh, you wanna believe it. Pronger's a big guy, but I swear, but this little old lady was ready to put him in a headlock the night we lost to Pittsburgh."
Ryan laughed. As much as he hated Daniel for leaving (the same went for Brian Campbell, who was currently a Blackhawk), it was nice to sit and chat with his old friend. The year he left, it was like the team's momentum went with him. Danny wasn't just the captain of the team, he WAS the team- their star, their leader. Ryan was awarded the face of the franchise shortly after Danny's departure; a nameplate he didn't exactly vie for, but one he sheepishly accepted. Now, seeing him sit in front of him, talking about how much he missed Buffalo, Ryan silently let his anger leave him. Danny was still the same kid he was the day he arrived in the busy New York state.
"Now enough about me," Daniel began, "I'm actually here for you."
Ryan raised his eyebrows, "Oh?"
Daniel shifted uncomfortably in his seat, "You know Anna Evans, right?"
Ryan felt a shiver run down his spine, "Um, sure."
"Ryan, I need you to be honest with me here," Daniel persisted, "Please."
"I know her," Ryan said quietly, "Yeah, sure."
"Look, I know what happened that night at Diesel," Daniel told him, "I know you both had a little too much to drink and went upstairs. And then to her apartment."
Ryan felt his stomach churn and his heart jump into his throat, "How did you..."
"Anna's a good friend of mine," Daniel said, picking up on Ryan's uneasiness, "And despite what I've been told, I think you have the right to know..."
Daniel reached into his jacket and placed Anna's ultrasound pictures on the table in front of them. Ryan turned completely white.
"She's three months pregnant, Ryan," Daniel told him, "You're going to be a father."
With shaking hands, Ryan reached out and lifted the pictures so he could look at them. Now that he thought of it, they hadn't used protection- drunkenness, fits of passion and no thought of consequence were what lined their actions. He couldn't breathe. This wasn't happening...
"Why," Ryan said breathlessly, "Why didn't she tell me?"
"Because," Daniel replied, "She thinks she can do this all on her own. Max Talbot, Fleury, Kris Letang, Tyler Kennedy and me are the only ones who know. Her sister as well. You saw the stunt she pulled on Godard the other night?"
Ryan nodded, feeling like he was drowning.
"It's going to cost her," Daniel explained, "And the entire team has been complaining about her violent mood swings. Since you've lost your last medic, Dan Bylsma is considering a transfer-"
"You can't be serious," Ryan said nervously, "That would mean-"
"And it's a perfect opportunity for you two to get to know each other," Daniel said calmly, "If you ask me." He paused. "Ryan, I know you're a good person, and I know how you feel about her. You're exactly what she needs right now."
"She probably hates me," Ryan said under his breath.
"Anna's stubborn, I will admit," Daniel said with a nod, "But I'd much rather her be with you than in Pittsburgh, where she still hasn't told her employers about the pregnancy. I doubt she ever will." He put a supportive hand on his friend's shoulder, "You deserve to be in your child's life. I know you'll be a great parent."
Ryan sighed, "If she lets me."
"Tonight she'll find out about the transfer," Daniel said, "Max Talbot has already come forward with her secret. By next week, she will be living here."
Ryan shook his head, "My god."
Daniel stood up, "Well, I've got to get going. My wife is waiting for me at home."
Ryan stood up with him, "And I've got to talk to the guys..."
"Would you like me to go with you?"
"I'd rather you not," Ryan said, "You know, might not go over well."
"I understand," Daniel replied, "Listen. If you ever need anything, Cecilia and I are a phone call away. I'll be out for at least a month. So don't hesitate to call us."
Ryan mused that when he met Daniel, Cecilia was still just his girlfriend. How times had changed. They even had a daughter now.
"Anna would never admit it, and she acts like she's all tough, but really," Daniel said, pulling his friend into a hug, "She needs you."
Ryan hugged Daniel back and whispered, "I hope you're right."
10- Red, 11- Orange, 12- Yellow
10. Red
"I still can't believe you're pregnant," Brittany shook her head as she watched her four-year-old son Gavin run around the playground from her perch on a park bench, "I don't know what to say."
"Vomitting in Orpik's gym bag should've been a tipoff," Anna said with a tad of humour, not well received, "Well, I suppose I should start making plans, taking vitamins, going to the doctor more often…"
"Wait," Brittany turned to face her, "You're keeping it? You've gotta be kidding me."
"Of course I am," Anna looked at her slightly horrified, "Why wouldn't I?"
"Hmm, let's see," Brittany replied, "You're single, not married, too young..."
"You're younger than me!"
"And I'm married," Brittany snapped, "Look, if you have any plans, I'd like to hear them now."
Anna shrugged, "I'll raise him, or her, on my own. I will be ok. I make enough money to support myself and-"
"Don't even go there. You have no idea how expensive a child is-"
"Tell me about it," Cecilia Briere sat down on the bench next to Brittany, "Looks like Gavin and Miranda are really hitting it off."
Little Gavin Crosby and Miranda Briere were now both playing in the sandbox. Brittany beamed as Gavin offered to share his red plastic shovel with Miranda, a trait surely from his father. He was already a gentleman.
Anna sighed, "Well, whatever happens, I promise I can handle it. Later." She got up and walked away, heading to the library across the street.
Cecilia frowned, "What was that all about?"
Brittany rolled her eyes, "It's not even worth mentioning, or explaining."
-
11. ORANGE
"It's so hot in here," she whispered, nose touching his.
"I know," he replied, finishing unbuttoning her shirt, "It'll get warmer still…"
"I'm willing to take that risk," she told him, pulling his head until their lips collided for what seemed like the millionth time that night. Her room was small but it was comfortable, and now it was perfect for them both.
"This, is the best night ever," he told her quietly, laying her down, "I think I-"
"Hush," she commanded, "I can't take it anymore."
And then everything was a sweet, entangled blur.
Anna sat up in bed, heart beating fast and sweat on her forehead. She sighed nervously, looking around her room. It was the second time she'd dreamt of that night; a night she wanted so desperately to forget. Groaning, Anna brought herself to get out of bed and into the bathroom.
Splashing cold water on her face and beginning to open her skin care set, Anna shrugged. Why did she have to keep make herself feel so guilty? TK had congratulated Anna on 'sealing the deal' at Diesel. Then again, TK wasn't the best role model around. At least he had kept a good, steady relationship going with Kelsey, his high school sweetheart. Flower said he was 'all talk' anyway.
Fleury had it good, too. He was with a beautiful girl named Veronique that Anna coveted every time she saw her, but once Veronique began to speak, it was like they'd been friends for years. Veronique had natural dark hair and skin, making her look far too exotic for Pittsburgh, or even her home province of Quebec. They'd been together since they were sixteen and neighbours since childhood. It was clear that while some goalies buckled under pressure, Marc had someone good to confide in and love.
Anna left the bathroom and went to the kitchen, opening the fridge and taking out a carton of orange juice. Lately she'd been craving it like crazy. Doctor L had said that she'd be craving different foods. Pouring herself a glass, Anna thought more about her friends' relationships.
Daniel was married and happy. Enough said.
Kris was another story. It had been a longtime rumour that he was a womanizer, but that wasn't the case. Anna arrived when Kris had just gone through a nasty breakup and his health was faltering. She'd never known the girl, but it was clear that Kris had his heart broken pretty badly. Anna didn't see Kris smile for the first time until a year later. Max had told Anna that Kris was ready to ask her to marry him when the fall out happened. Tangers was a bit of an idiot, but he had a soul too.
Max bounced from one girl to another, but was more focused on the game and having fun with friends than going steady. He had just ended a short relationship with a friend of Kunitz', Molly Montgomery. Molly was a children's doctor at a local practice, and since Kunitz' baby was still small, they needed a reliable doctor on hand at all times. Max liked Molly well enough, but both agreed the chemistry wasn't strong and went their separate ways.
Anna shook her head as she thought of the fairy-tale like courtship between Sidney and Brittany. But cheesiness aside, Anna truly loved Sid. She'd never admit it but she trusted him with her sister's life. Gavin was living proof that they were meant for each other.
She silently wondered if she could ever have that, pouring the remainder of her juice down the drain. It was time to go to the arena anyway, and there was little time to ponder her already faultering future.
-
12. YELLOW
The Penguins were in a fierce battle against the Washington Capitals 3-2 in the third period. Brittany watched from the sidelines with Anna, practically biting her fingernails…well, if she had any.
"These fakes are a huge regret," Brittany said, eyes glued to Staal and Semin taking the face-off, "I don't know why I got them."
"Because Oksana convinced you to," Anna replied, watching a swift pass from Staal to Orpik, "Though I don't know how the hell you understood her."
"Well next time I'll pretend I didn't," Brittany said with a laugh, "How do you think Tyler and Kelsey are doing with the kids?"
TK and Kelsey were babysitting Gavin Crosby and Lisette Fleury for the night, since Tyler was on injured reserve. As many times as Anna warned him, TK still pushed it too far and wound up needing shoulder surgery.
Anna put a protected hand on her growing stomach, "God knows."
In a few months she'd have one.
An eruption of screams from the crowd caused the two sisters to jerk their attention to the ice. A Penguins player was down on the ice, gloves covering their head. Anna saw her cue and took off.
Dan Bylsma gave Anna the OK to make her way to the ice with the other medics. A dirty hit from Mike Green caused Eric Godard to fall down in pain, something he didn't do often. That was an indication it was bad. The amount of blood on the ice led a short trail as the referee blew the whistle. Anna and the medic team lifted Godard to the bench.
"That bastard got me good," Godard said quickly, blood gushing from his nose and down his face, "What's the damage?"
"Stop talking," Anna told him, stopping the flow with a heaving bandage, "Shit. I think it's broken."
"We'll have to pull you and do further examination," one of the medics said.
"No," Godard snapped, "I ain't going anywhere until I finish this period."
Anna shook her head, "Godard, you'll just get more banged up. They're already revved knowing they took you down."
"Then fix it."
Anna shot him a look, "No. You're out of here."
Godard grabbed Anna's wrist, gripping it, but gently, "Fix it. I know you can. Please."
Eric's eyes seemed to plead with her. Anna bit her lip and sighed. This was wrong. The fix was temporary and could mess him up for good. She could get fined.
But she turned to one of the interns and commanded, "Get me two Q-tips. Now."
As the intern reached into the kit, the second medic was horrified, "Miss, if you do that, the league could fire you."
"So let them," Anna said sarcastically, "This guy is the closest to goon we've got and if we pull him now, Washington will get the advantage. They need him. We need this win." She paused. "One goal, Godard. You promise me."
"You got it," Godard replied, "Now give me the pain."
Anna stuck the Q-tips on either side of his nostrils and pressed, pushing his nose back into place. It stuck with a painful snap, and Godard let out a yelp. He gritted his teeth and wiped his face, nodding, "Thanks, kid."
Anna nodded back, "Goal. Now."
As Godard returned to the ice, the fans welcomed him with a chant and his teammates tapped their sticks. Anna glanced at Dan Byslma, who was speaking to Ray Shero. Both were looking at Anna disapprovingly.
-
"Miss Evans, could I see you in my office please?" Dan asked, post-game interview over and arena nearly empty of fans.
Anna followed him past the Mario Lemeuix plaques and DEMAND MORE banners. It was becoming apparent that, despite her best efforts, everyone was starting to hate her. Brittany continuously told her over and over, 'They're gonna flip!' after the incident. Max and Orpik both shook their heads at Anna after she congratulated them after the game. She couldn't understand why everyone was so upset over something so juvenile.
Anna settled herself in the small, semi-uncomfortable chair in front of Dan Bylsma's desk. Dan didn't sit; instead he stood behind the desk and leaned over. He finally met Anna with weary eyes.
"Will you kindly explain to me what the hell that was out there?"
Taken aback, Anna frowned, "Excuse me?"
"You've been here for a good three years, Anna," Dan said quietly, clearly holding in his frustration, "You know very well that stints like that could cost us. Godard has been sent to the hospital."
"Why?" Anna said, playing dumb, "I fixed it, didn't I?"
"If this was street hockey in elementary school, then you did," Dan continued, crossing his arms, "But this is the NHL. We have rules. Things like that could cost us. If Godard winds up having a problem with his breathing, which is very likely, we'll lose him for a good couple weeks."
"Look, you won 4-2, is that not enough?" Anna said angrily, "Ovechkin practically stormed out of the arena."
"I don't care about Ovechkin," Dan as with a heavy sigh, "This isn't like you. I don't even know what I'm going to say to the medic interns, who no doubt will report this to the University of Pitt. For god's sakes, you're supposed to be a professional!"
"I am a professional, I just had to act quickly!" Anna snapped at him, "Why are you making such a big deal out of this? One black mark on a three year record isn't going to kill me."
Dan paused, turning to look at the 2009 Stanley Cup team photo, "There have been complaints, Anna."
Anna's eyes grew wide, "From who?"
"From some of the guys," Dan replied, "It doesn't matter. If there is something personal going on, I would like you to tell me."
"There's nothing going on," Anna lied, "I'm fine."
"Nothing at all?"
"Nothing at all."
"I will not deny your attitude has changed and it is effecting the team's performance," Dan told her, "But because this club is like a family, I am willing not to let you go, but only if you tell me what is wrong."
Anna said nothing, looking at a dead spider on the carpeted floor.
"Right then," Dan sighed, "Well, I expect you here tomorrow as normal. Please try to get some sleep."
Anna got up and walked out of the office, feeling the stares and glares from the Pittsburgh Penguins as she left the team area. As she collected her things from the medical office, she felt the look of the older, yellowed Pens logo on a sweater watching her. She turned to it, "What the hell are you looking at, fat ass?"
"I still can't believe you're pregnant," Brittany shook her head as she watched her four-year-old son Gavin run around the playground from her perch on a park bench, "I don't know what to say."
"Vomitting in Orpik's gym bag should've been a tipoff," Anna said with a tad of humour, not well received, "Well, I suppose I should start making plans, taking vitamins, going to the doctor more often…"
"Wait," Brittany turned to face her, "You're keeping it? You've gotta be kidding me."
"Of course I am," Anna looked at her slightly horrified, "Why wouldn't I?"
"Hmm, let's see," Brittany replied, "You're single, not married, too young..."
"You're younger than me!"
"And I'm married," Brittany snapped, "Look, if you have any plans, I'd like to hear them now."
Anna shrugged, "I'll raise him, or her, on my own. I will be ok. I make enough money to support myself and-"
"Don't even go there. You have no idea how expensive a child is-"
"Tell me about it," Cecilia Briere sat down on the bench next to Brittany, "Looks like Gavin and Miranda are really hitting it off."
Little Gavin Crosby and Miranda Briere were now both playing in the sandbox. Brittany beamed as Gavin offered to share his red plastic shovel with Miranda, a trait surely from his father. He was already a gentleman.
Anna sighed, "Well, whatever happens, I promise I can handle it. Later." She got up and walked away, heading to the library across the street.
Cecilia frowned, "What was that all about?"
Brittany rolled her eyes, "It's not even worth mentioning, or explaining."
-
11. ORANGE
"It's so hot in here," she whispered, nose touching his.
"I know," he replied, finishing unbuttoning her shirt, "It'll get warmer still…"
"I'm willing to take that risk," she told him, pulling his head until their lips collided for what seemed like the millionth time that night. Her room was small but it was comfortable, and now it was perfect for them both.
"This, is the best night ever," he told her quietly, laying her down, "I think I-"
"Hush," she commanded, "I can't take it anymore."
And then everything was a sweet, entangled blur.
Anna sat up in bed, heart beating fast and sweat on her forehead. She sighed nervously, looking around her room. It was the second time she'd dreamt of that night; a night she wanted so desperately to forget. Groaning, Anna brought herself to get out of bed and into the bathroom.
Splashing cold water on her face and beginning to open her skin care set, Anna shrugged. Why did she have to keep make herself feel so guilty? TK had congratulated Anna on 'sealing the deal' at Diesel. Then again, TK wasn't the best role model around. At least he had kept a good, steady relationship going with Kelsey, his high school sweetheart. Flower said he was 'all talk' anyway.
Fleury had it good, too. He was with a beautiful girl named Veronique that Anna coveted every time she saw her, but once Veronique began to speak, it was like they'd been friends for years. Veronique had natural dark hair and skin, making her look far too exotic for Pittsburgh, or even her home province of Quebec. They'd been together since they were sixteen and neighbours since childhood. It was clear that while some goalies buckled under pressure, Marc had someone good to confide in and love.
Anna left the bathroom and went to the kitchen, opening the fridge and taking out a carton of orange juice. Lately she'd been craving it like crazy. Doctor L had said that she'd be craving different foods. Pouring herself a glass, Anna thought more about her friends' relationships.
Daniel was married and happy. Enough said.
Kris was another story. It had been a longtime rumour that he was a womanizer, but that wasn't the case. Anna arrived when Kris had just gone through a nasty breakup and his health was faltering. She'd never known the girl, but it was clear that Kris had his heart broken pretty badly. Anna didn't see Kris smile for the first time until a year later. Max had told Anna that Kris was ready to ask her to marry him when the fall out happened. Tangers was a bit of an idiot, but he had a soul too.
Max bounced from one girl to another, but was more focused on the game and having fun with friends than going steady. He had just ended a short relationship with a friend of Kunitz', Molly Montgomery. Molly was a children's doctor at a local practice, and since Kunitz' baby was still small, they needed a reliable doctor on hand at all times. Max liked Molly well enough, but both agreed the chemistry wasn't strong and went their separate ways.
Anna shook her head as she thought of the fairy-tale like courtship between Sidney and Brittany. But cheesiness aside, Anna truly loved Sid. She'd never admit it but she trusted him with her sister's life. Gavin was living proof that they were meant for each other.
She silently wondered if she could ever have that, pouring the remainder of her juice down the drain. It was time to go to the arena anyway, and there was little time to ponder her already faultering future.
-
12. YELLOW
The Penguins were in a fierce battle against the Washington Capitals 3-2 in the third period. Brittany watched from the sidelines with Anna, practically biting her fingernails…well, if she had any.
"These fakes are a huge regret," Brittany said, eyes glued to Staal and Semin taking the face-off, "I don't know why I got them."
"Because Oksana convinced you to," Anna replied, watching a swift pass from Staal to Orpik, "Though I don't know how the hell you understood her."
"Well next time I'll pretend I didn't," Brittany said with a laugh, "How do you think Tyler and Kelsey are doing with the kids?"
TK and Kelsey were babysitting Gavin Crosby and Lisette Fleury for the night, since Tyler was on injured reserve. As many times as Anna warned him, TK still pushed it too far and wound up needing shoulder surgery.
Anna put a protected hand on her growing stomach, "God knows."
In a few months she'd have one.
An eruption of screams from the crowd caused the two sisters to jerk their attention to the ice. A Penguins player was down on the ice, gloves covering their head. Anna saw her cue and took off.
Dan Bylsma gave Anna the OK to make her way to the ice with the other medics. A dirty hit from Mike Green caused Eric Godard to fall down in pain, something he didn't do often. That was an indication it was bad. The amount of blood on the ice led a short trail as the referee blew the whistle. Anna and the medic team lifted Godard to the bench.
"That bastard got me good," Godard said quickly, blood gushing from his nose and down his face, "What's the damage?"
"Stop talking," Anna told him, stopping the flow with a heaving bandage, "Shit. I think it's broken."
"We'll have to pull you and do further examination," one of the medics said.
"No," Godard snapped, "I ain't going anywhere until I finish this period."
Anna shook her head, "Godard, you'll just get more banged up. They're already revved knowing they took you down."
"Then fix it."
Anna shot him a look, "No. You're out of here."
Godard grabbed Anna's wrist, gripping it, but gently, "Fix it. I know you can. Please."
Eric's eyes seemed to plead with her. Anna bit her lip and sighed. This was wrong. The fix was temporary and could mess him up for good. She could get fined.
But she turned to one of the interns and commanded, "Get me two Q-tips. Now."
As the intern reached into the kit, the second medic was horrified, "Miss, if you do that, the league could fire you."
"So let them," Anna said sarcastically, "This guy is the closest to goon we've got and if we pull him now, Washington will get the advantage. They need him. We need this win." She paused. "One goal, Godard. You promise me."
"You got it," Godard replied, "Now give me the pain."
Anna stuck the Q-tips on either side of his nostrils and pressed, pushing his nose back into place. It stuck with a painful snap, and Godard let out a yelp. He gritted his teeth and wiped his face, nodding, "Thanks, kid."
Anna nodded back, "Goal. Now."
As Godard returned to the ice, the fans welcomed him with a chant and his teammates tapped their sticks. Anna glanced at Dan Byslma, who was speaking to Ray Shero. Both were looking at Anna disapprovingly.
-
"Miss Evans, could I see you in my office please?" Dan asked, post-game interview over and arena nearly empty of fans.
Anna followed him past the Mario Lemeuix plaques and DEMAND MORE banners. It was becoming apparent that, despite her best efforts, everyone was starting to hate her. Brittany continuously told her over and over, 'They're gonna flip!' after the incident. Max and Orpik both shook their heads at Anna after she congratulated them after the game. She couldn't understand why everyone was so upset over something so juvenile.
Anna settled herself in the small, semi-uncomfortable chair in front of Dan Bylsma's desk. Dan didn't sit; instead he stood behind the desk and leaned over. He finally met Anna with weary eyes.
"Will you kindly explain to me what the hell that was out there?"
Taken aback, Anna frowned, "Excuse me?"
"You've been here for a good three years, Anna," Dan said quietly, clearly holding in his frustration, "You know very well that stints like that could cost us. Godard has been sent to the hospital."
"Why?" Anna said, playing dumb, "I fixed it, didn't I?"
"If this was street hockey in elementary school, then you did," Dan continued, crossing his arms, "But this is the NHL. We have rules. Things like that could cost us. If Godard winds up having a problem with his breathing, which is very likely, we'll lose him for a good couple weeks."
"Look, you won 4-2, is that not enough?" Anna said angrily, "Ovechkin practically stormed out of the arena."
"I don't care about Ovechkin," Dan as with a heavy sigh, "This isn't like you. I don't even know what I'm going to say to the medic interns, who no doubt will report this to the University of Pitt. For god's sakes, you're supposed to be a professional!"
"I am a professional, I just had to act quickly!" Anna snapped at him, "Why are you making such a big deal out of this? One black mark on a three year record isn't going to kill me."
Dan paused, turning to look at the 2009 Stanley Cup team photo, "There have been complaints, Anna."
Anna's eyes grew wide, "From who?"
"From some of the guys," Dan replied, "It doesn't matter. If there is something personal going on, I would like you to tell me."
"There's nothing going on," Anna lied, "I'm fine."
"Nothing at all?"
"Nothing at all."
"I will not deny your attitude has changed and it is effecting the team's performance," Dan told her, "But because this club is like a family, I am willing not to let you go, but only if you tell me what is wrong."
Anna said nothing, looking at a dead spider on the carpeted floor.
"Right then," Dan sighed, "Well, I expect you here tomorrow as normal. Please try to get some sleep."
Anna got up and walked out of the office, feeling the stares and glares from the Pittsburgh Penguins as she left the team area. As she collected her things from the medical office, she felt the look of the older, yellowed Pens logo on a sweater watching her. She turned to it, "What the hell are you looking at, fat ass?"
8- Weeks, 9- Months
08. Weeks
"And I realized that after I'd waited two weeks longer that my period was later than usual," Anna explained to the male doctor, "So I took one test. My sister helped me take two more. All three came out positive."
"I see," Dr. Lennon said, writing something on his clipboard, "Well then. Only one way to be sure."
Anna swallowed. Her feet were in stirrups. Marc was on her one side; Daniel was on the other. They both reached for a hand. She squeezed them.
Dr. Lennon was older, greyer than Billy Guerin. He was an old pro, as far as Anna was concerned. She trusted him. He would know exactly what was what. At least, she hoped so.
On the screen to Anna's right was a black shadow. As Dr. Lennon went deeper with the medical tool, towards her uterus, Anna squirmed in discomfort. To think pap tests were bad! He glanced at the screen and smiled, "Ah, there we go. Those are your-"
"Ovaries," Daniel said, "And her uterus is near the top."
Dr. Lennon nodded, "I see you've done this before."
Daniel shrugged, "I have a daughter."
"And that," Dr. Lennon said, pointing, "Is the heart. As you can see, the baby kind of looks a bit odd, but it has yet to form properly. It is still early. But it does have fingernails!"
Marc echoed, "Wow..."
-
09. Months
Dr. Lennon gave Anna a wide smile, "You are exactly three months pregnant. Congratulations."
Anna stared at him with her mouth open.
"Now then, I'll see about a appointment for next week," Dr. Lennon said, taking the clipboard and leaving the room, "Be back in a moment. You may get dressed now."
The second the door closed behind him, Anna began to cry. She hunched her shoulders, her entire body shaking, and buried her face in her hands. This had to be all a bad dream, and soon she would wake up, she had kept thinking.
But now, it was all so real- she had seen it. The baby. It had a heartbeat. It had fingernails. It...it was living within her, and in a few months she'd be pushing it out, raising it, giving it a name...it was all too soon.
Anna slowly got up out of the chair, "I'll...I'll see you guys in a few minutes."
Marc and Daniel nodded, knowing to wait for her in the lobby with Kris, TK and Max.
Appointment made and completely changed, Anna ran out into the lobby. The five boys rose from their seats in the waiting room. Anna stood there, silent for a moment, before crashing into Max Talbot. Tears fell like rain from her eyes as she pushed her face into his shoulder. Max wrapped his arms around her. Four other pairs followed.
As much as she didn't want to admit it, she needed them.
"And I realized that after I'd waited two weeks longer that my period was later than usual," Anna explained to the male doctor, "So I took one test. My sister helped me take two more. All three came out positive."
"I see," Dr. Lennon said, writing something on his clipboard, "Well then. Only one way to be sure."
Anna swallowed. Her feet were in stirrups. Marc was on her one side; Daniel was on the other. They both reached for a hand. She squeezed them.
Dr. Lennon was older, greyer than Billy Guerin. He was an old pro, as far as Anna was concerned. She trusted him. He would know exactly what was what. At least, she hoped so.
On the screen to Anna's right was a black shadow. As Dr. Lennon went deeper with the medical tool, towards her uterus, Anna squirmed in discomfort. To think pap tests were bad! He glanced at the screen and smiled, "Ah, there we go. Those are your-"
"Ovaries," Daniel said, "And her uterus is near the top."
Dr. Lennon nodded, "I see you've done this before."
Daniel shrugged, "I have a daughter."
"And that," Dr. Lennon said, pointing, "Is the heart. As you can see, the baby kind of looks a bit odd, but it has yet to form properly. It is still early. But it does have fingernails!"
Marc echoed, "Wow..."
-
09. Months
Dr. Lennon gave Anna a wide smile, "You are exactly three months pregnant. Congratulations."
Anna stared at him with her mouth open.
"Now then, I'll see about a appointment for next week," Dr. Lennon said, taking the clipboard and leaving the room, "Be back in a moment. You may get dressed now."
The second the door closed behind him, Anna began to cry. She hunched her shoulders, her entire body shaking, and buried her face in her hands. This had to be all a bad dream, and soon she would wake up, she had kept thinking.
But now, it was all so real- she had seen it. The baby. It had a heartbeat. It had fingernails. It...it was living within her, and in a few months she'd be pushing it out, raising it, giving it a name...it was all too soon.
Anna slowly got up out of the chair, "I'll...I'll see you guys in a few minutes."
Marc and Daniel nodded, knowing to wait for her in the lobby with Kris, TK and Max.
Appointment made and completely changed, Anna ran out into the lobby. The five boys rose from their seats in the waiting room. Anna stood there, silent for a moment, before crashing into Max Talbot. Tears fell like rain from her eyes as she pushed her face into his shoulder. Max wrapped his arms around her. Four other pairs followed.
As much as she didn't want to admit it, she needed them.
6- Hours, 7- Days
"Carey, this is retarded. You've been in there for hours! I mean seriously...you're such a girl!" Julia McNeil whined outside of the bathroom door.
"Jules, give me another five minutes!"
"NO! I have a job to get to!"
The sound of a ringtone echoed in the bathroom. Julia groaned.
"Please tell me you don't have your phone in there. That's just...suggestive in so many ways."
The bathroom door swung open and Carey Price, Julia's boyfriend, stood there, a white towel around his waist, with his dark hair spiked from the water. His muscular shoulders and arms were perfectly chiseled, giving Julia a reason to stare. But he wasn't staring back; instead he had his cell phone in one hand, frowning at a text message he'd just received.
"Ju Jube," Carey said slowly, his nickname for her, "I just got a text from one of the guys. It's about your friend...the one married to Crosby."
"What?" Julia crossed her arms, "Ok, what about her?"
"I think you should call her," Carey said, "There's an ugly rumour going around."
---
07. Days
"Steven, I made pancakes!" Erica Stamkos announced, "Your favourite Sunday breakfast!"
Steve Stamkos emerged from the bedroom, smiling, "I love you."
Erica blushed, "I know. That's why you married me."
Steve put his arms around Erica's neck, "Do you think we got it this time?"
Erica put a gentle hand on her belly, "I sure hope so, Stevie. We've been trying for a year now."
"Doctor says we've got a 50/50 chance."
The computer in the nearby living room perked up. Steven had received an email from team mate Martin St. Louis.
Erica gave her husband a pouty look as he left her to see the screen. His blue eyes suddenly flared; his hair looking more white than blonde. Erica tilted her head, "What is it, baby?"
Steven sighed, "An nasty headline posted on NHL.com..."
"About you?!"
"No," Steve turned to her, "About Brittany Crosby."
Erica went to stand by him, "Oh my god..."
-
Dan Bylsma bit his lip and awaited the final press question.
"Are you aware of the rumour that has surfaced on NHL.com regarding Sidney Crosby's wife?"
Dan sighed, "Yes, and I will attribute that the rumour is in fact, false. As well it is completely irrelevant to the Penguins and I will speak no further on the subject."
"Thanks, Dan."
Dan gave a nod and walked away from the FOX Sports news crew and put his hands in his pockets. Of course he'd seen the headline:
A DIFFERENT BUN IN THE OVEN FOR MRS. CROSBY?
GAVIN COULD BE GETTING A SIBLING FROM A DIFFERENT DADDY.
It was Ray Shero who had shown it to him. It went on to explain that 'an anonymous source in Buffalo, NY,' reported that 'Crosby's wife is pregnant with a second child but not by her husband.' Dan had shaken it off, as had Ray and the rest of the team. Dan knew Sidney and he knew Brittany. He knew she'd never do anything even as far as kiss another man.
Another day in life, he thought.
Max Talbot thought otherwise. He knew exactly who the rumour was supposed to be talking about. They'd caught the wrong sister. The only thing that stumped him was who had told, and why- he hoped it were pure coincidence- that source was in Buffalo.
Ryan Miller's team.
The father of Anna baby's team.
It had been a week since she'd dropped the news and the Penguins had been busy with new drills. Max had decided, since it was their first day off, to take Anna to the doctor and find out for sure what was going on. He was newly single and had nothing to occupy his time, since things had ended abruptly with Molly after a mere month. They both felt the small connection had faded altogether. Max was a little sad, but hoped Molly would find someone soon.
Max clicked off the news rerun on the television and turned to Anna, who was ready with her coat and purse. TK, Kris and Marc were waiting with him.
"I'm scared." Anna said quietly.
"It's ok," Max said, taking her arm, "I'd call you a fool if you weren't."
"Jules, give me another five minutes!"
"NO! I have a job to get to!"
The sound of a ringtone echoed in the bathroom. Julia groaned.
"Please tell me you don't have your phone in there. That's just...suggestive in so many ways."
The bathroom door swung open and Carey Price, Julia's boyfriend, stood there, a white towel around his waist, with his dark hair spiked from the water. His muscular shoulders and arms were perfectly chiseled, giving Julia a reason to stare. But he wasn't staring back; instead he had his cell phone in one hand, frowning at a text message he'd just received.
"Ju Jube," Carey said slowly, his nickname for her, "I just got a text from one of the guys. It's about your friend...the one married to Crosby."
"What?" Julia crossed her arms, "Ok, what about her?"
"I think you should call her," Carey said, "There's an ugly rumour going around."
---
07. Days
"Steven, I made pancakes!" Erica Stamkos announced, "Your favourite Sunday breakfast!"
Steve Stamkos emerged from the bedroom, smiling, "I love you."
Erica blushed, "I know. That's why you married me."
Steve put his arms around Erica's neck, "Do you think we got it this time?"
Erica put a gentle hand on her belly, "I sure hope so, Stevie. We've been trying for a year now."
"Doctor says we've got a 50/50 chance."
The computer in the nearby living room perked up. Steven had received an email from team mate Martin St. Louis.
Erica gave her husband a pouty look as he left her to see the screen. His blue eyes suddenly flared; his hair looking more white than blonde. Erica tilted her head, "What is it, baby?"
Steven sighed, "An nasty headline posted on NHL.com..."
"About you?!"
"No," Steve turned to her, "About Brittany Crosby."
Erica went to stand by him, "Oh my god..."
-
Dan Bylsma bit his lip and awaited the final press question.
"Are you aware of the rumour that has surfaced on NHL.com regarding Sidney Crosby's wife?"
Dan sighed, "Yes, and I will attribute that the rumour is in fact, false. As well it is completely irrelevant to the Penguins and I will speak no further on the subject."
"Thanks, Dan."
Dan gave a nod and walked away from the FOX Sports news crew and put his hands in his pockets. Of course he'd seen the headline:
A DIFFERENT BUN IN THE OVEN FOR MRS. CROSBY?
GAVIN COULD BE GETTING A SIBLING FROM A DIFFERENT DADDY.
It was Ray Shero who had shown it to him. It went on to explain that 'an anonymous source in Buffalo, NY,' reported that 'Crosby's wife is pregnant with a second child but not by her husband.' Dan had shaken it off, as had Ray and the rest of the team. Dan knew Sidney and he knew Brittany. He knew she'd never do anything even as far as kiss another man.
Another day in life, he thought.
Max Talbot thought otherwise. He knew exactly who the rumour was supposed to be talking about. They'd caught the wrong sister. The only thing that stumped him was who had told, and why- he hoped it were pure coincidence- that source was in Buffalo.
Ryan Miller's team.
The father of Anna baby's team.
It had been a week since she'd dropped the news and the Penguins had been busy with new drills. Max had decided, since it was their first day off, to take Anna to the doctor and find out for sure what was going on. He was newly single and had nothing to occupy his time, since things had ended abruptly with Molly after a mere month. They both felt the small connection had faded altogether. Max was a little sad, but hoped Molly would find someone soon.
Max clicked off the news rerun on the television and turned to Anna, who was ready with her coat and purse. TK, Kris and Marc were waiting with him.
"I'm scared." Anna said quietly.
"It's ok," Max said, taking her arm, "I'd call you a fool if you weren't."
5- Outside
Hey, you've reached Anna's voicemail. Guess I'm not around right now. You know what to do.
"Hey Anna, it's Max. Yeah, I was just wondering if you wanted to have dinner with Molly and me tonight...since I know you wanted to meet her...and it's been awhile since we hung out. Soo, yeah...call my cell."
"Anna BA NAN A! Please call me back. I'm having an issue with Kelsey and I know only you can fix it. Ok, that's not true, but I want some kind of excuse to hang out with you. You're too quiet at work. Ok, well, bye."
"Miss Anna, is Geno. I am, how you say, have worry. You not joke lots no more at arena. I am no understand. Bye."
"Heyyy Anna, it's Irma! Listen, Victor's on injured leave right now, and I was thinking about us both flying down to visit you. We could go to that little place we found, where the drinks run wild! I miss your sister too, and I bet her little boy misses his godparents. Well anyway, talk to you soon dear!"
"Hello Anna, it's Danny B. I think it's time to book a doctor's appointment soon. Call me back when you can."
"Hi, um, I hope this is the right number, I'm looking for Anna Evans. My name's Thomas Vanek, and I think we need to have a little chat. It's very, very important. A friend of mine dropped off some information recently and I think we need to talk. Thanks."
"Hey Anna, it's Max. Yeah, I was just wondering if you wanted to have dinner with Molly and me tonight...since I know you wanted to meet her...and it's been awhile since we hung out. Soo, yeah...call my cell."
"Anna BA NAN A! Please call me back. I'm having an issue with Kelsey and I know only you can fix it. Ok, that's not true, but I want some kind of excuse to hang out with you. You're too quiet at work. Ok, well, bye."
"Miss Anna, is Geno. I am, how you say, have worry. You not joke lots no more at arena. I am no understand. Bye."
"Heyyy Anna, it's Irma! Listen, Victor's on injured leave right now, and I was thinking about us both flying down to visit you. We could go to that little place we found, where the drinks run wild! I miss your sister too, and I bet her little boy misses his godparents. Well anyway, talk to you soon dear!"
"Hello Anna, it's Danny B. I think it's time to book a doctor's appointment soon. Call me back when you can."
"Hi, um, I hope this is the right number, I'm looking for Anna Evans. My name's Thomas Vanek, and I think we need to have a little chat. It's very, very important. A friend of mine dropped off some information recently and I think we need to talk. Thanks."
4- Insides
The Sabres were gearing up for practice at the HSBC, which Ryan Miller usually looked forward to. Today, however, he wasn't feeling up to goaltending- not because he didn't want to, simply because he didn't have the energy.
"Rough night?" Thomas Vanek commented as Ryan yawned for the third time in a row as he strapped on his pads.
"Yeah…" Ryan replied, "Rough couple nights."
"Something on your mind?" Patrick Lalime asked, "Like…I dunno…a girl?"
Vanek whistled, "Yeah Ryan, it's been awhile. Forever, actually."
"Sort of…" Ryan said slowly, rubbing his temples with his thin fingers. The guilt from the night at Diesel was still weighing him down. One-night stands was not the kind of thing Ryan did, and it didn't help that it was how he'd lost his virginity. The way he acted, Ryan even fooled himself. He felt sick to his stomach to even think he could do something like that.
"Heard Crosby's sister-in-law was at the club the other night," Lalime said, breaking Ryan's melancholy thoughts, "Did you hook up with her? Or at least try?"
Drew Stafford laughed, "Five bucks says he didn't."
"Shut up, Staff," Ryan said, trying not to blush, "I said hey."
"You're always just saying hey," Vanek said, "He's been in love with this girl for three damn years-"
"I have not! The game is my first love." Ryan said, trying to sound tough.
Vanek snorted, "Come on, man."
"Yeah," Stafford continued, "We've seen the way you look for her whenever we play the Pens. You haven't been the same since you screwed up your ankle in Pittsburgh and SHE was the one who took care of you…"
Ryan clunked his mask down and grabbed his stick, "You guys can think what you want, but I've got a game to practice for."
Lalime exchanged glances with Vanek, who just shook his head.
Ryan passed Jason Pominville on his way out to the ice, who tapped Ryan's helmet with his stick. Ryan closed his eyes and hoped to God he could finish this practice without another taunting remark. It was only a matter of time before it would all catch up with him.
-
Anna clenched her fists, looking down at the floor. She could feel the eyes of Tyler Kennedy, Marc-Andre Fleury, Max Talbot and Daniel Briere boring into her, waiting. Daniel broke the silence.
"So what was so important you couldn't text it?"
Anna sighed and lifted her gaze. TK was tapping his fingers on his hip nervously. Max was gritting his teeth. Marc was the only one showing no signs of impatience; rather concern in his warm eyes.
"Guys…" she said slowly, "I'm…I'm pregnant."
"What?" TK gasped.
"Jesus." Max said under his breath, bringing a hand to his brow.
"I know you're gonna be really upset with me, and I respect that," Anna said quietly, "You guys are like my brothers, really, and I-"
"It is Ryan Miller's, yes?" Marc-Andre asked.
Anna glared at him suspiciously, "Excuse me?"
Marc's face flushed red, "Well, I, you…at Diesel, you left Veronique to go to the bar with Ryan, and we didn't see you the rest of the night-"
"Ok, ok, enough," Anna waved her hand in the air, "Yeah, I get it."
"Anna, is that true?" Max asked, arms crossed, "You had sex with Ryan at Diesel? And now you're pregnant?"
Anna grimaced, "When you say it like that it sounds like a crime."
"I knew it!" TK shouted, coming to a revelation, "I told you if you didn't tell him you had feelings for him you'd lose your mind and bang him and-"
Marc punched TK in the ribs and he whimpered.
"What is important is that you are taken care of here," Daniel spoke up, "How far along are you? Three months?"
"Yes," Anna replied, relieved and embarrassed at the same time, "I took two tests last night, just to be sure."
"So what are you going to do?" TK asked, "Are you going to get an abort-"
"NO," Anna said sternly, "I couldn't live with myself. That is not an option."
Max raised his eyebrows, but she ignored him.
"Ok then," Daniel said with a nod, "You'll want to go to a gynaecologist. A doctor first and foremost. Plus, prenatal vitamins are a good idea. Cecilia can tell you where we got hers and which brand was best."
"Cecilia? No, wait," Anna said quickly, "I don't want anyone to know about this."
"You just told us." Marc-Andre said a-matter-of-factly.
"Yes, and you're the only ones I've told so far," Anna replied, "Except for my sister, because she was there when I took the test. I don't want this circulating and everyone getting worried about me."
"Are you going to tell Ryan?"
Daniel's eyes seemed hopeful, but Anna shook her head, "No. I am going to do this on my own."
"You are not," Max reached out and touched her arm, "We're going to help you. We'll accompany you to your doctor's appointments, help with setting up a nursery, everything."
TK seemed floored, "We will?"
"Yes," Max said, "Because, like it or not, we love you, and you're not alone."
"I concur," Marc said with his trademark toothy smile, "We are here for you, Etoile."
Anna felt her cheeks burn with tears as Marc said his nickname for her, which was French for 'star'. Together the four boys engulfed her in a warm hug and she stopped herself from crying. The little child living within her was going to be born into a world of love, it seemed…with or without a father.
But Daniel Briere was determined to change all that.
-
Anna, to be put lightly, felt like she had been hit by a truck. She hung her head over the sink, splashing cold water on her face, in hopes it would make her feel somewhat better. Looking in the mirror, Anna saw a face she hardly recognized- a face ridden by lack of sleep and large amounts of sickness.
Cecilia, Daniel Briere's wife, had gone through large amounts of morning sickness when she was pregnant with their second child. Anna remembered Daniel worrying about it well. Anna had expected some amounts of throwing up, but she didn't expect to be hurling her guts all the time. It had even gotten to a point where she was lying awake at night for fear her stomach might explode out of pure randomness.
The worst part was that Anna had chosen to go through with everything without telling Dan Byslma. The last thing she wanted was another person worrying about her; between Max and TK it was getting ridiculous. She hated keeping secrets from Dan, but for the sake of the team she felt she had to.
Her insides were rotting, she thought.
Well, every inside except for that small one, which was only going to grow bigger.
"Rough night?" Thomas Vanek commented as Ryan yawned for the third time in a row as he strapped on his pads.
"Yeah…" Ryan replied, "Rough couple nights."
"Something on your mind?" Patrick Lalime asked, "Like…I dunno…a girl?"
Vanek whistled, "Yeah Ryan, it's been awhile. Forever, actually."
"Sort of…" Ryan said slowly, rubbing his temples with his thin fingers. The guilt from the night at Diesel was still weighing him down. One-night stands was not the kind of thing Ryan did, and it didn't help that it was how he'd lost his virginity. The way he acted, Ryan even fooled himself. He felt sick to his stomach to even think he could do something like that.
"Heard Crosby's sister-in-law was at the club the other night," Lalime said, breaking Ryan's melancholy thoughts, "Did you hook up with her? Or at least try?"
Drew Stafford laughed, "Five bucks says he didn't."
"Shut up, Staff," Ryan said, trying not to blush, "I said hey."
"You're always just saying hey," Vanek said, "He's been in love with this girl for three damn years-"
"I have not! The game is my first love." Ryan said, trying to sound tough.
Vanek snorted, "Come on, man."
"Yeah," Stafford continued, "We've seen the way you look for her whenever we play the Pens. You haven't been the same since you screwed up your ankle in Pittsburgh and SHE was the one who took care of you…"
Ryan clunked his mask down and grabbed his stick, "You guys can think what you want, but I've got a game to practice for."
Lalime exchanged glances with Vanek, who just shook his head.
Ryan passed Jason Pominville on his way out to the ice, who tapped Ryan's helmet with his stick. Ryan closed his eyes and hoped to God he could finish this practice without another taunting remark. It was only a matter of time before it would all catch up with him.
-
Anna clenched her fists, looking down at the floor. She could feel the eyes of Tyler Kennedy, Marc-Andre Fleury, Max Talbot and Daniel Briere boring into her, waiting. Daniel broke the silence.
"So what was so important you couldn't text it?"
Anna sighed and lifted her gaze. TK was tapping his fingers on his hip nervously. Max was gritting his teeth. Marc was the only one showing no signs of impatience; rather concern in his warm eyes.
"Guys…" she said slowly, "I'm…I'm pregnant."
"What?" TK gasped.
"Jesus." Max said under his breath, bringing a hand to his brow.
"I know you're gonna be really upset with me, and I respect that," Anna said quietly, "You guys are like my brothers, really, and I-"
"It is Ryan Miller's, yes?" Marc-Andre asked.
Anna glared at him suspiciously, "Excuse me?"
Marc's face flushed red, "Well, I, you…at Diesel, you left Veronique to go to the bar with Ryan, and we didn't see you the rest of the night-"
"Ok, ok, enough," Anna waved her hand in the air, "Yeah, I get it."
"Anna, is that true?" Max asked, arms crossed, "You had sex with Ryan at Diesel? And now you're pregnant?"
Anna grimaced, "When you say it like that it sounds like a crime."
"I knew it!" TK shouted, coming to a revelation, "I told you if you didn't tell him you had feelings for him you'd lose your mind and bang him and-"
Marc punched TK in the ribs and he whimpered.
"What is important is that you are taken care of here," Daniel spoke up, "How far along are you? Three months?"
"Yes," Anna replied, relieved and embarrassed at the same time, "I took two tests last night, just to be sure."
"So what are you going to do?" TK asked, "Are you going to get an abort-"
"NO," Anna said sternly, "I couldn't live with myself. That is not an option."
Max raised his eyebrows, but she ignored him.
"Ok then," Daniel said with a nod, "You'll want to go to a gynaecologist. A doctor first and foremost. Plus, prenatal vitamins are a good idea. Cecilia can tell you where we got hers and which brand was best."
"Cecilia? No, wait," Anna said quickly, "I don't want anyone to know about this."
"You just told us." Marc-Andre said a-matter-of-factly.
"Yes, and you're the only ones I've told so far," Anna replied, "Except for my sister, because she was there when I took the test. I don't want this circulating and everyone getting worried about me."
"Are you going to tell Ryan?"
Daniel's eyes seemed hopeful, but Anna shook her head, "No. I am going to do this on my own."
"You are not," Max reached out and touched her arm, "We're going to help you. We'll accompany you to your doctor's appointments, help with setting up a nursery, everything."
TK seemed floored, "We will?"
"Yes," Max said, "Because, like it or not, we love you, and you're not alone."
"I concur," Marc said with his trademark toothy smile, "We are here for you, Etoile."
Anna felt her cheeks burn with tears as Marc said his nickname for her, which was French for 'star'. Together the four boys engulfed her in a warm hug and she stopped herself from crying. The little child living within her was going to be born into a world of love, it seemed…with or without a father.
But Daniel Briere was determined to change all that.
-
Anna, to be put lightly, felt like she had been hit by a truck. She hung her head over the sink, splashing cold water on her face, in hopes it would make her feel somewhat better. Looking in the mirror, Anna saw a face she hardly recognized- a face ridden by lack of sleep and large amounts of sickness.
Cecilia, Daniel Briere's wife, had gone through large amounts of morning sickness when she was pregnant with their second child. Anna remembered Daniel worrying about it well. Anna had expected some amounts of throwing up, but she didn't expect to be hurling her guts all the time. It had even gotten to a point where she was lying awake at night for fear her stomach might explode out of pure randomness.
The worst part was that Anna had chosen to go through with everything without telling Dan Byslma. The last thing she wanted was another person worrying about her; between Max and TK it was getting ridiculous. She hated keeping secrets from Dan, but for the sake of the team she felt she had to.
Her insides were rotting, she thought.
Well, every inside except for that small one, which was only going to grow bigger.
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