Saturday, November 29, 2008

That's the Way I loved you

Sorry I've been slacking lately my muse has all but disappeared recently.
Inspired by Taylor Swift's The Way I loved You and MR. Kris Letang



He is Sensible and so incredible

“Come on, let’s go out the back way.” This statement came from my boyfriend Alex. We had been dating for a month and a half. “I don’t want to have to share you with anyone.” He is incredible; every part of him makes me forget that he’s a Pittsburgh Penguin. Yes my boyfriend was none other than Penguin’s defensemen Alex Goligoski.

And all my single friends are jealous

“You are so lucky!” My best friends from high school were fawning over my birthday present from Alex. He had gotten me a stunning diamond necklace in the shape of the penguin’s logo. He had taken me to dinner at the most expensive restaurant in town and as I told my story I could see my friends melt.

He says everything I need to hear and it’s like
I couldn’t ask for anything better


He pulled me closer as I silently sobbed on his shoulder. My grandma who had been my best friend my entire life had passed away this morning. “Shh…” He whispered softly into my hair. He gently rocked me back and forth until I settled into a light sleep. When I awoke I was greeted by a note that read…This is what it is to be loved and to know that the promise was when everything fell we’d be held. Sitting next to his note was the doll that my grandma gave me when I was an infant. I could’ve sworn I had lost it.

He opens up my door and I get into his car

After a 5-2 win against the Buffalo Sabers I headed down to the locker room to meet Alex. More than a hour later he was finally showered and ready so we left to go clubbing with some of the team. As we got to the lot he gently guided me into his side and pulled open my door before helping me into his brand new SUV.

And he says you look beautiful tonight
And I feel perfectly fine


The Christmas Ball was tonight and Alex was picking me up in about an hour. I was rushing around trying to finish my hair and makeup. I still had to put on my dress and heels and I was running out of time. I heard him place his key into the lock and open the door just as I slipped into my teal, v-neck, sparkly dress. I turned around to see him staring mouth gaping wide. “You look…so…so…beautiful.” His words just made me feel like I could fly.

But I miss screaming and fighting and kissing in the rain
And it’s 2am and I’m cursing your name
You’re so in love that you act insane
And that’s the way I loved you
Breakin’ down and coming undone
It’s a roller coaster kinda rush
And I never knew I could feel that much
And that’s the way I loved you


“You’re lying to me, don’t even try to tell me you aren’t.” He sighed and looked down at me with those brown eyes. Those eyes are what cause all this trouble. No matter what he does, those eyes always draw me back to him. I was beyond whatever effect they may have had on me now. Storming out I slammed the door behind me. Running out into the pouring rain the tears began to fall. When I couldn’t run anymore I collapsed to the ground and held my knees close to my chest.
“Madison,” he yelled. I heard his splashes as he caught glance of me and ran my way. He pulled me to my feet and held me close.
“Kris I just can’t do this anymore.” Those were the words that ended the best thing I ever had.

He respects my space

“Alex…please… I just want to be alone.” I was confused. I was sad. Thinking of my time with Kris only made me miss him more. This drove me insane because I know that what we had is over.
“Ok, I’ll be back in a bit, I’m going to go grab some of your favorite ice cream .” He kissed my forehead, grabbed his coat, and left me to my thoughts.

And never makes me wait
And he calls exactly when he says he will


I was getting out of the shower when I heard the phone ring. Throwing on my robe I walked to my bedroom.
“Hello…”
“Hey Mads it’s me.” I wasn’t sure at first who “me” was but I quickly realized that it was Alex. “Hey I’m sorry to call this soon but I promised you I’d call after the game.” I had completely forgotten that the game was at 1pm. “We’ll be home in a cople hours be ready to go out to dinner?”
“Sure, I love you Alex.”
“Love you too.”

He’s close to my mother
Talks business with my father


“He’s such a nice boy,” my mother commented as he and dad did the dishes from dinner. “He’s so much better than that Kris boy.” Of course my mother had to bring up Kris. She could not stand that I dated him. She saw him as a “bad boy” and didn’t like the fact that he played hockey. Why Alex was different I had yet to find out.

He’s charming and endearing
And I’m comfortable


As we sat on a blanket on the floor beside the fire I was completely happy. Alex’s body is warm and makes a perfect pillow. The only lights in the room were candles in various places and the fire. He looked down at me and gave me that sweet smirk of his. He kissed my forehead and I felt safe.

But I miss screaming and fighting and kissing in the rain
And it’s 2am and I’m cursing your name
You’re so in love that you act insane
And that’s the way I loved you
Breakin’ down and coming undone
It’s a roller coaster kinda rush
And I never knew I could feel that much
And that’s the way I loved you


Watching the highlights from tonight’s game had me completely in tears. Kris had just called me. From the noise and the fact that they had won I knew they were out celebrating. I can’t believe that Kris would call me when he was drunk. The worst part is that I could hear some dumb puck bunny talking in his ear. I immediately hung up and curled into a ball on the couch. How could he do this to me? He said he loved me. Normally our relationship is good but lately it’s only gotten worse and worse. I knew that I had to confront him about it.

He can’t see the smile I’m faking
And my heart’s not breaking
Cause I’m not feeling anything at all
And you were wild and crazy
Just so frustrating intoxicating
Complicated, got away by some mistake and now.


“Go…” Alex hugged me and gently led me to the door. He handed me my bag. “I know you’re not happy and that’s all I really want for you.” Crying I leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. “If Kris is the one that makes you happy then that’s all that really matters.” I didn’t know how to express what I was really feeling.
“I’m sorry …” seemed like the best option.
“I know princess, I know. Go…get out of here.” He cracked a smile and I felt myself laugh for the first time in weeks. I was going to be with Kris but only if he takes me back.

I miss screaming and fighting and kissing in the rain
It’s 2am and I’m cursing your name
I’m so in love that I acted insane
And that’s the way I loved you
Breaking down and coming undone
It’s a roller coaster kinda rush
And I never knew I could feel that much
And that’s the way I loved you oh, oh


Now completely drenched from the rain I stood at Kris’s door waiting for the courage to knock. After a few minutes as I reached up to rap on the door it opened revealing a half-dressed Kris Letang. He looked down at me sleepily and confused. I wrapped my arms around him and pulled his lips to meet mine. As he stood there shocked I pressed a post-it note to his chest and walked into the apartment. It felt so good to be home.

And that’s the way I loved you oh, oh
Never knew I could feel that much
And that’s the way I loved you.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Sad news in the hockey world

Today marks another sad day. 19 year old Alexei Cherepanov has died. Best wishes go out to family and friends.

And to think I was in the same building as him only 16 months ago as he was drafted.

For more information which at the moment I am too distraught to type click the links...

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=386386

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=252547&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl

Thursday, August 7, 2008

What would I do without You(Marc Staal)

She was THAT girl. The girl that was what most people considered a brainic. The Girl that everyone knew but no-one was best friends with. Yeah they talked to her but they didn’t know her. She’s not athletic or out-going and no one invites her to just ‘hang-out’. Everyone assumes that she’s happy; that they know her just by having class with her. Everyone except me that is. I know there’s more to her than that. That just because she’s not athletic doesn’t mean she’s not into sports. Trust me, she is; especially when it comes to hockey. Though she may be a brainic she doesn’t act like she knows everything, actually she acts the exact opposite. Just by watching her I’ve learned so much. She writes…poetry, stories, and all sorts of other things. She’s kind, she’ll go out of her way to help you. She’s great with kids. She actually cares about those around her even if they don’t deserve it.
She was my friend. She was always there for me. She was there to cheer me on when I was on the ice. She was there to let me cry when we lost the championship game. She was there when I needed to yell because my girlfriend cheated on me. She was even there when I got my driver’s license and was ready to hit the road. She was there for anything that meant anything to me. I only wish I could say the same.
I wasn’t there for her when she needed me the most. I got her call when she was in the hospital, but I was with my latest fling and decided it wasn’t important. I was wrong, so wrong. The next day I stopped by the house to apologize; only no-one was there. So I tried calling. No one answered. She was gone. They moved I was told.
After awhile I realized, I missed her. I missed her smile. I missed her laugh. I missed her brains. I missed her support. Then I realized what I missed the most was her smell and her touch. Oh, God I’ve fallen for her. Fallen for everything she is. So I searched, and searched, and searched to no avail. I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep, and my grades started slipping. I just didn’t care. The only thing in my life that didn’t change was hockey. It almost felt like she was pushing me to my best but I know that sounds crazy. My life became a routine that just crept by day by day.
Eventually my life became semi-normal again. I still sought out anything to remind me of her. This drive to find some connection led me online. There I stumbled across a creative writing site where I found a poem that hit home.
Friendship is a thing,
that causes a smile but yet can also hurt you.
Feeling some connection with this author, I went to their profile to read more. There was one entitled ‘My Pain’ so I clicked on it.
Rape-violation knowing that you’ll always feel inferior.
Abuse-knowing someone has complete control over you .
Yet neither of these is as bad as knowing your best isn’t there for you.
I was in shock. I hit the back button in order to read the author’s bio.
Hi, my name is Rachel, but my best friend used to call me Ray…please don’t ask about it. I am 17 and I’m addicted to hockey. Especially the Sudbury Wolves. I currently live in a suburb just east of Sudbury itself. No it can’t be…that has to be her. Oh God, she was raped! I knew I didn’t like him for a reason. I have to find her. At that moment I grabbed my coat and car keys and left my apartment driving east. There is only one suburb east of the city. My best guess is to check there first. As soon as I got close I stopped at a phone booth and grabbed the phone book…ah ha 1542 South St. I hopped back in my car and sped off. 1536…1538…1540…1542. I parked and got out eying the house as I walked up the drive. What the heck…I’ll never know if I don’t knock. I slipped onto the front step and knocked twice quietly. Then again a little louder. After 30 seconds I heard footsteps as the door gently opened. As it did it revealed Ray. The girl I’ve fallen in love with. “I’m so so sorry,” I whispered. “Can you forgive me for being an idiot?” She looked like she was about to cry. She grabbed my hand and led me into the entry and out of the cold. I gently eyed her appearance that I hadn’t seen in nearly 6 ½ months. Wow. She looked different. Her hair was longer and she looked tired. Her chest had grown and her stomach had slightly swollen. She glanced at me carefully as if worried about what I thought. I opened my arms and pulled her to me. I whispered comforting words in her ear. “Ray, I couldn’t care less if you’re pregnant, I love you.” She simply replied ‘oh Marc what would I do without you.’

Monday, July 7, 2008

Love for the game, Love for the guy(Marc-Andre Fleury)One-Shot

“She’s Hot,” I heard my teammates say. Granted this is what they were always saying. They were never with a girl for more than a day. Today they were talking about the woman that had joined the penguin’s staff. We had yet to officially meet her but that didn’t stop the guys heads from going straight into the gutter. I mean I love these guys but they can be too much at times.
“I wonder how many of you she turns down in the first hour,” I muttered as I laced my skates up for practice.

If you don’t know who I am, we’re going to fix that problem immediately. My name is Marc-Andre Fleury. I was born on November 28, 1984 outside of Montreal. That of course makes me 23 years in age. I am 6 foot 2 inches and 180 pounds. I was drafted 1st overall in the 2003 NHL draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins and I’m in my 3rd year as their starting goalie. Now that those are over with let’s get on with my story. Where were we? Oh, yeah, my teammates were being perverts and discussing our new staff member. From what I could tell she was slender but not a fake thin…if you know what I mean. She looked like the type of girl that actually ate but worked to keep her figure healthy. That’s the word I was looking for…she looks slender yet healthy. She looked to be about 5’6” or 5’7” in height too.

“Hello…hell….oooo,” She whispered snapping her figures. “Are you with me Fleury?” Crap she’s talking to me? “Huh, what?” I may have sounded dumbstruck but then again I think I was.
“I said: Hi, I’m Sara, the assistant goaltending coach. Obviously you didn’t hear me.” Her voice sounded annoyed but when I looked up she was smiling.
“Marc-Andre, call me Marc.” I said reaching for her outstretched hand. I think she was expecting me to shake it or at least that’s what I gathered after I kissed her hand and saw her shocked expression.

“Hey Sara, why don’t you take Marc into one of the workout rooms and get to know each other. Do some strength exercises with him.” I looked up at Meloche. Was he serious? He always helped me with my strength exercises. O top of that does he not realize that everyone in the room heard him. I’m in for it now. Thanks a bunch. Well I can’t say no. Guess I better get these skates off and hit the workout room.
Lucky for me she kept conversation simple. Questions ranged from favorite color to hockey history. At that topic she got a little edgy and I figured she didn’t want to talk about it.

The guys had finished their practice 20 minutes before we finished our workout. I thought most of the guys had left by the time I hit the showers myself. Sara was actually kind of cool. She worked me hard but not harder than I was capable of. She was 21 and had already graduated university with a sports med degree. Her hair is brunette with little bits of blonde that appeared to be totally natural. And her eyes wow…wait what am I thinking! I can’t fall for her but crap I already have. I mean she’s kind yet demanding at points. She seems to know what I can do even better than I do. I was still hitting myself upside the head as I stepped out of the showers and over to get dressed.

I could just barely hear a conversation going on outside the locker room door. The raised voices were those of my teammates. Wait! That sounds like Sara. What’s going on out there? I quickly threw on my pants(Ummm shirtless) and rushed over to see what was wrong. She sounds upset. I pulled the door open to see Jordie, Tang, Sid and Geno on one side of the hallway and Sara on the other. She was curled up in a ball on the floor sobbing like there was no tomorrow.
“What’d you guys do?” Ok so I was a little angry. Jeeze. I didn’t need her quitting just because I have some idiot teammates trying to hit on her or something.
“We just wanted her to join our pickup game. She said no.” This came from Jordie.
“But we kept bugging her and this happened,” added Geno. I gave them a look telling them to leave and steeped across the hall towards Sara. I slid down the wall to sit beside her.
“Sara,” I whispered trying to get her attention. She continued crying only quieter now. I didn’t know what to do so I followed my instinct. I gently pulled her close to me whispering quiet nothings into her hair. Nearly 20 minutes later she sat up but was still leaning against me.
“You wanna talk about it?” I murmured. She nodded. She leaned into me even more while reaching into her back pocket. She flipped her phone open and handed it to me. Woah! It was our midget team picture. Dwn right in front were the goalies…me and her?
“Petal?” She looked up at me and smiled.
“Flower.” I can’t believe it took me this long. This was the girl that was as good if not better than me and was two years younger. I opened my arms to pull her into a tight hug. We had been best friends that one year we had played together.
“Why’d you quit?” I didn’t know whether or not I was pushing it by asking her or not.
“Remember my dad,” she sobbed.
“He was there every game, yeah I remember him.”
“He passed away not a week after we won the title. He had a brain tumor and refused any help. Without him my world collapsed. He was my everything. I haven’t laced up my skates since.” Her tears were flowing freely. I pulled her chin up so she was looking a t me. I wiped away her tears with the pad of my thumb. “I think I want to try again, but only if you’ll help me."
“Your dad is so proud of you Sara.” With those few words I kissed her unleashing every emotion that I felt.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Who Says Boys are Better?-Sept. 25, 2008(Sidney Crosby)

I'm using creative lisence considering I had this written before Malone signed with Tampa so just bear with me...

September 25, 2008

Hanging up the phone I reflected on what Mario had said. He had basically told me that I was in. The league and player’s assoc. were making an exception and allowing me to play. I was to join practice today. Sid and I have been working hard the past week and it’s really starting to pay off. I can almost out bench him. I grabbed my bag and keys and headed out the door. Arriving at the arena I smiled. This place was already starting to feel like home. Seeing as Mario called me late, the locker rooms were empty at the moment. The guys were doing warm up stretches so I guess I wasn’t THAT late. As I stepped onto the ice Sid looked up and saw me.

S: Hey Mel.

I waved and slid over to him.

M: So did you hear the ruling?
S: I’ve been on the ice almost all morning so I’m gonna say no.
M: You’re stuck with me, I grinned.
S: Really you’re in? That’s great!

He hugged me making me fall down. In the process he fell down too. Talk about awkward. Slowly he got up and pulled me to my feet. Coach Therrien just looked at me strangely.

CT: Melissa what are you doing here?

I left Sid and skated over toward the bench.

M: Mario called me about a half hour ago. The league approved my appeal to play.
CT: Ok go stretch and practice with the guys. I’ll have Sidney introduce you to everyone later.

With that I was dismissed. Practice was good but very easy. Working with Sid has gotten me in great shape. I must say…I was faster and a more fluent skater than half the other guys. Plus I scored a lot more. After grabbing a quick shower I went to put on nicer clothes. Everyone was still showering. I threw on a denim skirt and a light pink baby-doll style top. Grabbing my flip-flops off the floor I noticed that Sid had gone but left behind a note.

Mads,

The guys are all meeting for lunch at Eat’n’Park. You are welcome to join us. (11:30am)

Sid

PS: My treat…as a congratulatory present.

I smiled and grabbed my bags so I could get going. After all I deserved one relaxing day before dealing with the media storm, which was sure to come. I pulled up to my apartment and went inside to put my hockey bags there. Making sure I had everything I needed, I checked the clock.

10:50am

Hopping back into my car I started to make my way to the restaurant. Hearing one of my favorite songs I turned up the radio. When it was over I heard an announcement that somehow surprised me.

As of today the NHL had decided to include certain females that they deem ready into the league. This has come due to Pittsburgh native Melissa Norris’s appeal to play. The Pittsburgh Penguins have not announced whether Melissa will be on their official roster at the beginning of the 08-09 season.

I slammed on my brakes not believing what I had just heard. I can’t believe the news leaked that quickly. Composing myself I pulled into the parking lot. Sid had just arrived and was getting out of his SUV. He saw me and came over. I still was shocked and apparently he noticed.

S: So I’m guessing you heard the radio announcement too. I just nodded. Don’t worry about it…this is just a big thing that’ll blow over in no time. Well at least until people realize how good you are.

M: Gee thanks that helped.

Sidney shrugged and led me inside. Half the team had already arrived and was sitting around laughing. Sidney walked over and patted Army on the back. (He had begged and pleaded to be moved back to Pittsburgh.) I followed Sid lest look like an idiot just standing there. Sid pulled out a chair for me and then sat down on my right.

S: Guys…everyone turned to look at him. This is Melissa.

A: New girlfriend Sid?

S: Ummm no, try new teammate.

W: Wait, I heard this on the radio but I didn’t believe it.

M: Well it’s true.

Mal: And you’re from Pitt?

M: Oh Yeah

Mal: Cool another Home-Towner

Everyone else said hi and other pleasantries. After eating and thanking Sid so many times that he yelled at me for it, I headed home to relax and watch a movie.

Who Says Boys are Better?-September 15,2008(Sidney Crosby)

September 15, 2008

As I stepped out of the shower I heard the doorbell ring.

M: One minute.

I grabbed my jeans off my bed and grabbed a Pittsburgh Penguins shirt out of my drawer. I pulled my long brown hair back as I walked to the door. I opened it and saw Sidney leaning against the frame.

S: Hi, he said looking somewhat like a nervous teenage boy.

I motioned for him to come in. I then led him to the living room.

M: Want anything to drink?
S: Water’s fine.

I grabbed water for him and a pop for me. I returned to the living room and plopped down on the couch next to him. I handed him the bottle.

S: So I talked to Mario
M: Yeah should I be surprised. You do live with him,
I smirked. He pushed me gently on the arm.
S: You know that’s not what I meant.
M: Just teasing you.
S: As I was saying I talked to Mario…about you.
M: Good or bad?
I was dying to know as this had been my dream for so long.
S: I don’t know, I think it’s good but that’s my opinion.

I motioned for him to continue.

S: He said so far so good and that they are getting closer. He also said we should get working on some plays.

Yes! This is amazing!

Who Says Boys are Better-Info and Sept. 12, 2008(Sidney Crosby)

S-Sidney Crosby
M-Melissa
CT-Coach Therrien
A-Colby Armstrong
W- Ryan Whitney
Mal- Ryan Malone

September.12,2008

Pitter, patter, pitter, patter…

Slowly I walked down the long hallway that would soon become very familiar. As I got closer to my destination I could begin to smell the ice. And yes ice does have a smell. Finally reaching the opening where the entrance to my domain was I stopped and set my bag down. Pulling the zipper open I grabbed my hockey skates and put them on. At the moment all I wanted to do was skate. Gliding, I gradually got used to the difference in the ice. After doing speed drills I went back to get my water bottle. Standing at the doorway was none other than Sidney Crosby dressed in a sweat suit and his skates with his stick in one hand and a couple pucks in the other.

S: Hi, he said smiling.
M: Nice to meet you, I replied.
S: Do you play?
M: OH yeah, I’m trying to make it professionally now. Oh and I’m Melissa.
S: Sidney.
M: No duh, I laughed.
S: So you want to go pro?
M: Of course, hockey isn’t just for guys.
S: We’ll see about that.

We went out onto the ice and he handed me a spare stick.

S: Easy game, no check.
M: If you’re worried about me I can handle it.
S: Nah, I’m not worried about you I just don’t need injured before the season starts.
M: Yeah, last year was bad enough, I cringed.

He nodded and we started our one on one game. Personally I say I kicked his butt. And he wasn’t going easy on my either. I had a ton of speed and I knew how to use it. I scored again.

S: Ok. I give up…, he said trying to catch his breath. Damn you’re good.
CT: Did you have a good workout Sid?

I slid over to the bench where I had placed my water and took a huge sip.

S: Oh yeah, she’s good. He motioned to me.
CT: Well I’m glad you think so. If all goes according to plan she’ll be your winger this year.
M: I’m gonna go grab a shower…nice to meet you Sid.

I walked to the locker room, not wanting to eavesdrop…well I do but I won’t. Heading home for the day I pondered what Sid and the coach had said.

I Miss You-It's Been Awhile(Colby Armstrong)



It’s been awhile…since we talked and I needed to do talk to him desperately. After I got my needed information to finish the project I called up Colby once again. I wanted to know if he wanted to help me with the final touches. Plus I needed his approval on the pictures I had chosen. He agreed to come over and ‘hang out’ as he put it. Needing to shower anyways I headed to my bedroom and picked out a cute sundress and tights. It was still early in the morning and it was time for me to get dressed.

As I walked down the steps I heard the doorbell echo in the distance. I headed to meet him and then took him to my office. He looked awed. How can you have a place like this and put yourself through college? , he wondered. I smiled and explained how I was able to keep a steady income. Once again he looked shocked. He didn’t know I worked for Mario on my free time apparently. I have many different traits. Most people only know about one or two of them. Yet I was letting him know more about me than anyone else and I don’t know why. I pulled up the pictures that I had chosen to use on my computer and looked at him. This is the last part that I need to add to my video, I explained. He smiled when he saw which pictures I had chosen.

I Miss You-Dear Colby,(Colby Armstrong)

Dear Colby,

This is how it all started. How two little words made my life fall to pieces. I was always a hockey fan. Ever since I was born it seems. Growing up in Pittsburgh, Mellon Arena was THE place to be on a Friday night. Even though I was there a lot I never met any of the players. Leave it to me to be the shy one. I always have been and I probably always will be. So you see when a school project came up in broadcasting class that we had to interview someone we admired I was shocked. I knew who I wanted to do but I didn’t know how to get the interview. I approached my teacher with my idea and he suggested I write Mr. Armstrong a letter.

So I did. Within a day I had a response saying he’d love to meet with me. We arranged to meet down town at a local coffee shop. I arrived early due to the roads being closed and knowing otherwise I’d run late. I chose a corner table and placed my stuff down to reserve it. I ordered a large cup of hot chocolate and a muffin and sat down to wait. As I took my last bite I heard the bell on the front door ringing. Glancing up I smiled…he came. Not that I didn’t expect him to but you never know what their schedule is like. He looked around nervously and I gave him a small wave.

He nodded and came to sit down. We exchanged pleasantries soon falling into a deep conversation.

From the brink of Disaster to paradise-Day 29 Love and Support(Eric Staal)

I started back to school. I am expanding to learn sports therapy. Between that and work I am busy but yet I still wish I had my baby to take care of. It’s hard to get out of bed everyday. The women I work with are amazing help though. They pray for me and offer support. My boss, Maria, knows what it’s like to lose a child. She lost her daughter to a drunk driver 2 years ago. It was very hard she says and she’ll never forget her daughter but she had to move on with her life. She says it gets easier not just day by day but month by month. Slowly the pain will slip away and what’s left will be honor and remembrance.

This hand is bitternessWe want to taste it andLet the hatred numb our sorrows (Natalie Grant-Held)

From the Brink of disaster to Paradise-Day 15 Moving on(Eric Staal)

How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life (Natalie Grant-Held)

Things are starting to look up. Though I think about my baby every day, I am starting to move on. I just got a job as a nurse in the nursery at the hospital. On my break I slowly walk through the garden, reflecting on all that had happened. I remember 9 months ago, telling my parents that I was going to be a mommy. They freaked and pretty much disowned me. I was left to finish my semester at UNC with no financial support. My boyfriend wanted nothing to do with me. In fact he wanted me to get an abortion but I refused. He even threatened to take me himself. I was scared but I knew I needed this baby as much as it needed me. I placed a restraining order against him. Lot of good that did me.

This job is hard. Seeing new mothers with their babies makes me wish even more that I still had mine. It’s hard but I know God as a plan for me. As long as I believe in him and do my share of the work I know he will provide.

From the brink of disaster to paradise-Day 4 Closure Begins(Eric Staal)

Drip, Drip, Drip…

The rain just makes my day even worse. Today is my baby’s funeral. I bought an entire box of tissues just for the service and another for the burial. I got up around 8 for the 10 o’clock service. I quietly showered and got dresses purposely not wearing a lot of makeup.

Coming home that first night was especially hard. My baby’s stuff scattered around the apartment. From bottles to diapers I was totally ready. Now it is just staring me back in my face and laughing. I can’t stand to go anywhere near the room I had designated as the nursery.

We're asking why this happens to us Who have died to live, it's unfair(Natalie Grant-Held)

The church service was amazing. The sermon was beautiful. The only bad thing is that it truly showed me how much I lost when I got pregnant. It was very lonely. We drove to the cemetery. I could barely see the road through my tears. As a last goodbye I took my son’s baby blanket and gently laid it over his tiny coffin. I was crying profusely. The funeral director handed me an envelope and I glanced inside. It contained a lock of his soft brown hair. As I walked away from the cemetery the sun began to peek through the clouds.

From the brink of disaster to paradise-Day one Disaster Strikes(Eric Staal)

“He’s gone,” the nurse told me. I collapsed into the chair just sobbing.

To think that providence Would take a child from his mother While she prays, is appalling. (Held-Natalie Grant)

“He can’t be gone, he was never really here.” “I just don’t believe it.” “Why, why did God take the only thing I had going for me.” My words became incomprehensible at this point. I was an absolute wreck. My baby boy was gone, and he was only 2 weeks old. I know I need to be strong but I just can’t. I’ve lost everything. The only hope I had left was in him and now that’s gone too. Feeling totally overwhelmed I grabbed my coat and rushed out the door.

The hospital garden. My home for the past 3 hours. I couldn’t stand it anymore. The sanitized smell, white bare walls, and the hustle and bustle of the hospital irked me to no end. No one should have to bury their child. And yet, that’s exactly what I would have to do.

Dream or reality?-Chapter 2(Jared Staal)

‘Oh yeah, I finally figured out who the boy that woke me up was. His name is Jared. And guess what he’s a STAAL! For those of you that live under a rock, the Staal’s are THE up and coming hockey family. There are 4 boys, 3 of which are currently in the NHL. Jared is the youngest among his 3 brothers: Eric of the hurricanes, Marc a ranger, and Jordan is a Penguin.

After fully recovering from her little spill on the ice, Krista returned skating and maneuvering a puck around. For a girl she was actually pretty good. Maybe that’s why her uncle volunteered to take her. She can keep his boys in better shape than anyone else could.

“Hey Krista, I have a few errands to run. Would you mind running the boys through some drills when they get here?”

Krista agreed and her uncle told her to expect the boys any time now. Ok maybe not…so they are a little late. Whatever. She decided to warm herself up and began skating, carrying the puck with her. As she picked up speed she did little tricks dragging the puck behind her and picking it back up on her stick.

“Wow!”

That was all it took to get her attention. She stopped. Standing by the entrance to the ice was a half dressed Jared Staal.

“I thought I heard someone here. The rest of the guys are stuck waiting on an accident about 2 blocks away. I walked.” “Hey where’s coach.”

“Running errands. I’m in charge of practice today.”

‘Oh gosh, he really is gorgeous! It’s kind of distracting.’

“You up for some one-on-one, since I don’t think the rest of the team is going to make it?”

“Sure.”

“Should I tell the guys just to head back home?”

“Yeah, go ahead.”

“K be back in like 5 minutes,” he smiled.

“I’ll be here.”

‘Gosh what was I thinking?! Me being alone with him for at least an hour, not a good idea.’

Dream or reality?-Chapter 1(Jared Staal)

‘What happened?’

She looked up and saw a roof staring back at her. Slowly sitting up she saw ice, a player’s bench, and faces looking down at her.

“Are you okay?” one of the boys asked her. “You took a pretty bad spill.”

‘So it was all a dream?’

“Where am I?”

“Sudbury, Ontario.”

‘Oh that’s right Brent and I broke up 5 months ago and I was having a hard time getting over him so my parents sent me to help my Uncle with his hockey team.’

Dream or reality?-Intro(Jared Staal)

Crying she looked down at the item in her hand.

‘OMG this can’t be happening.’ ‘What am I going to do?”

Sliding down the wall she sobbed.

‘I’m too young for this.’ ‘I’m still in high school.’

“Krista, dinner”

‘Aww crap I can’t go downstairs looking like this.’

She cleaned herself up and buried the object of her misery in the trash. After a miserable dinner she locked herself in her room.

‘This sucks, Brent isn’t even in the same country.’ ‘I still need to tell him.’

Slowly she picked up the phone and dialed 3 numbers only to hang up again.

‘I can’t do this.’ ‘My parents are going to kill me.’ ‘I’m supposed to graduate, go to college, get a job, get married and then have kids.’ ‘This is so screwed up.’ ‘What do I do.’

“What do I do?”

Next thing she knew it all went blank.

Media or is it...player relations-Epilogue(Jordan Staal)

As I stood there watching him celebrate with the team I smiled. After all we’ve been through his dream has finally come true. Taking the cup from Malkin he raises it over his head. Yes the cup has come back to Pittsburgh. After a season of injures galore they did it. They are the champions.

During Jordan’s two seasons in the NHL so far so much has happened. Remember my dream? Well it came true too. Jordan became the youngest player to ever score a hat-trick on February 10th, 2007 against you guessed it Toronto. The boys made the playoffs for the first time in 7 years only to lose to Ottawa in the first round. This year though things were going to change. After losing not only Marc-Andre to a high-ankle sprain we also lost Sid and Talbot. Roberts was out with a broken leg and Eaton for his knee. Yet the boys did better than ever. At the trade deadline Army, Christensen and Esposito were sent to Atlanta for Hossa and Dupuis. We acquired Gill from Toronto for a draft pick. After winning the Atlantic division the boys got their chance at revenge on Ottawa. And boy did they get it. A sweep! Then they took on the New York Rangers meaning Jordan had to play his brother Marc. We won in five. Then came the Flyers…have I mentioned that I hate them. They targeted Sid but he played through whatever pain he was in. We won the Battle of Pennsylvania and headed to the Stanley Cup finals. Now here we are.

The guys motioned for me to join them on the ice. I did. Jordan pulled me into a kiss and twirled me around.

“You did it baby,” I whispered. He held me close and as he took my hands he brushed my wedding ring. We had wed last summer in Thunder Bay. It was a small, quiet wedding with just close family and friends. I am now Erika Staal, and I love it. We bought a house last month in Pittsburgh and are finishing the renovations. Jordan had done most of the work with help from his teammates.

Oomph, I felt gently in my stomach. I placed Jordan’s hands on my swollen belly as the baby kicked again. “Madeline is proud of her daddy too,” I said. We had just found out we were expecting a baby girl. I was due in late September or so the doctor said. If she’s anything like her father who knows when she’ll arrive.

Sidney was currently holding the cup and skating around Mellon arena. The crowd was still on its feet and the cheering was energetic. As Sid came around the ice he stopped. Turning to me he said, “Your turn.” I looked at him confused. “Oh come on Erika, you’re as important to the team as anyone else standing on the ice right now.” He eased the cup into my hands and I smiled. He knew better than to let it go because technically I wasn’t supposed to hold anything heavy. As we stood the ice it was a picture perfect moment, one that will forever be engraved into history.

Media or is it...player relations-Chapter 6(Jordan Staal)

Arrgg! I hate this time of year! Work sucks! Frustrated I threw my pen at the door.

“Oww…” I heard coming out as a yelp not a whine. “What did ya do that for?” I looked up to see Colby Armstrong rubbing his head.

“Sorry,” I mumbled.

“What’s wrong,” he asked. “You look tense.”

“Stupid reporters,” I sighed. “They can’t let me just do my job. They have to interfere.” He gave me a sympathetic smile.

“Yep they can be a pain.”

“So what did you need?” He handed me a note and slid out of the room. I opened the card. ‘I can’t believe I forgot my own birthday!’ It told me to go to where Jordan and I first met. Well I’m done for today anyway. Let’s go! I slid across the ice over to the benches. At first I saw nothing but then I noticed a note with a white rose attached. He is too much. It said:
Roses are red
Violets are blue
It’s your birthday
How about dinner for two?

I smiled. How did he know? I hadn’t told the guys about my love for Tillie’s but yet somehow I knew that was exactly where he’d take me. Practice had only ended 15mins. Ago therefore I knew I could find Jordan in the locker-room. Creeping into the room, I jumped. It was empty. There is no way they changed that quickly. Scanning the room again, I noticed a stray jersey lying on the floor of Jordan’s stall. (haha) Being a neat freak, I picked it up. A tiny box fell out. Now this was no normal box. It was a jewelry box. Shocked I looked at the jersey. The front looked normal but the back was a different story. The letters where the name should be spelled out MARRY ME? I burst into tears at those two little words. Before I could fall, Jordan caught me and looked at me with a question in his eyes. Not being able to speak I nodded. He caught me in a passionate kiss and gently slipped the ring onto my finger. This year has been amazing. Not only did I get my dream job but I got the guy too.

Media or is it...player relations-Chapter 5(Jordan Staal)

After an amazing dinner we all sat and watched a movie. About halfway through it I passed out on Jordan’s chest. While there I had the weirdest dream.

He shoots and scores! I saw Jordan celebrating wit his teammates and sad Toronto players leaving the ice. I walked off the bench and slid towards him cool air hitting my skin. I had left my jacket on the bench. Hats continued to fall on the ice. I looked up at the scoreboard. ‘Goal scored by #11 Jordan Staal.’

All of a sudden I woke up stretching. I was asleep in what appeared to be Jordan’s room. Of course it was only a dream. We’re not even sure if he will stay with the team this year. I looked around to see at least 2 dozen hockey posters scattered on the wall. What wasn’t covered was blue. Hockey memorabilia was laying everywhere. His room was way cleaner than his one at Recchi’s but he’s never here so I guess that makes sense. I stood up and walked to the window. It looked to be around 8am. Jordan slowly crept up behind me and slipped his arms around my waist. I knew his touch anywhere. His lips pressed to my neck and I sighed. After a delicious breakfast we headed back to the city to rejoin the team.

Media or is it...player relations-Chapter 4(Jordan Staal)

Later that week the boys played Toronto. Jordan begged and pleaded with me to go with him to Thunder Bay and meet his parents. I finally agreed and we left the next morning. We pulled into the driveway and Jordan being the gentlemen that he is opened my door for me. Holding hands we walked up the path. Opening the door he led me inside.

“Mom, Dad, Eric, Marc, Jared, we’re here,” he said. His mom was the only one who came to greet us.

“The boys are all out back,” she said. Turning to me she smiled, “It’s so nice to finally meet you.” “Jordan has told us so many good things about you.” Jordan led me to the back door and out to the Staal’s rink.

“I’ll go grab our skates,” he said walking away. When he came back we sat on the bench and put our skates on. After that we stepped onto the ice and Jordan went and pushed his brothers as he skated by. I rolled my eyes and did a double Lutz. Once his brothers noticed me they all skated over totally checking me out. Jordan caught my arm and pulled me towards him easily... I mean we were on ice. Watching Jordan with his brothers was too cute. I introduced myself and looked up at Jordan.

Media or is it...player relations-Chapter 3(Jordan Staal)

2 weeks later we left for our first exhibition game. No one knew about Jordan and I except the Recchi’s. About an hour before the scheduled practice I met Jordan down by the ice. We went out to skate and we were totally flirting. He was so easy to get along with. He was chasing me around the rink. Not looking I slid into the boards him pinning me against them. He gazed down at me his look hot. He lowered his mouth to mine and my world stopped once again. It did every time his touched mine. We broke apart for air and he lifted me up. Hockey has definitely done him good. We stood there my legs wrapped around him as he held me. I don’t know how long we stood like that but the next thing I knew there was a catcall coming from the player’s entrance. I dodged under Jordan’s arms and turned towards the entrance. The entire team was standing there.

“Gee, thanks Mark,” I said knowing it was him. He just shrugged as I skated over to them. I stopped in front of Mark and hit him on the arm. He chuckled at me. Coach T then walked out.

“I see Jordan has gotten some extra practice.”

“Yeah, flirting with his girlfriend,” Mark said sarcastically.

“Hey I put him in for a good workout.” “Don’t even say it Mark,” I replied knowingly. I turned around and started skating laps around the rink. When they started their warm-up skate, I sat down and started to stretch. Soon I was back on the ice ready to continue my workout. Coach T called me over to the bench.

“Feel like practicing with us today?”

“Sure, a scrimmage right?”

“So how do you think we should team up?”

“Young guns vs. Veterans,” I suggested. He nodded and mentally split the teams. I was on a team of Crosby, Malkin, Jordie, Christensen, Mad Max, ad Army as our forwards. Our defensemen were Scuds, Whitney, and Ekman and Fleury was our goalie. Lucky for us the teams ended up even. After a hard fought scrimmage, which we won by the way, we headed into the locker room. I slipped into comfortable clothes and started to reapply my makeup. Looking in the mirror I saw Jordan stare at me. He walked up to me and gently placed his arms around my waist. He kissed the top of my head and I smiled lightly.

Media or is it...player relations-Chapter 2(Jordan Staal)

Jordan was staying with Mark R. as I later found out. Here’s what went down that night according to Mark.

So I hear you all met your new press manager today,” Alexa said. Jordan and I nodded. With a sly smile I said, “So what do you think of her?” He blushed profusely causing my wife and kids (Christina, Cameron and Austin) to laugh. I grinned at my wife as she started to mock him. “Oh so he has a crush does he?” He turned a deeper shade of red and dinner went back to normal.

When he told me this I just laughed. So now I guess you could say the fun begins. I finished up what I had to do and then headed back to my place. Around 3:00 my work phone rang. I answered and to my surprise it was Mark R. He invited me over to dinner. I agreed and went to change. Now don’t get me wrong I dress up a little but I didn’t want to over do it. I decided to keep it simple by just wearing a sun dress. I headed over a little early and was greeted by Alexa. I started chopping vegetables after finally getting her to let me help with dinner.

“So… Jordan has a major crush on you.”

“Yeah I know.”

“So who on the team do you think is good looking?”

“Well,” I said pondering my answer. “Sidney of course,” I laughed. “And I have a soft spot for Army and Max.”

“What about Mr. Staal?” she asked me. I blushed contemplating my answer. She just smiled knowingly.

Just then Mark and Jordan walked in the door. We carried the food over to the table and then greeted the boys. I received a hug from Mark and a bear hug from Jordan. We ate dinner and sat down to relax. After a while I felt Jordan grab my hand and he pulled me to my feet. I looked at him questioningly but decided to go along with where he was taking me. We walked back through the kitchen and out onto the back porch. The stars were just starting to come out. All of a sudden he stopped pulling me close to him. I could feel him breathe and I looked up at him. My stomach was fluttering and my heart pounding.

“Erika,” he whispered slowly lowering his lips to mine. His kiss was soft and sweet. He pulled away and kissed my forehead. My head was resting on his chest.

“So I guess we’ll be seeing a lot of each other,” I murmured.

“I’m looking forward to it.” I turned around and he wrapped his arms around me. We stood there for hours just looking at the stars and enjoying the company.

Media or is it...player relations-Chapter 1(Jordan Staal)

The next morning I got up and took another shower. I got out and put my makeup on then headed out to get dressed. I picked out a mid-length pink skirt and a off the shoulder white top. Putting on my white heels I grabbed a quick breakfast, picked up my purse and headed off to work. I arrived in no time considering morning traffic. I grabbed my bag and pulled out my pass ready to head inside. Once inside I headed down to the ice.

There I saw a note that said that the team would be there in an hour but that I could skate if I wanted to. I threw on a pair of ice-skates and grabbed my MP3 player. I finished skating and heard applause. I turned the music off and spun around only to see the whole team staring at me. I skated over stopped at the bench. I introduced myself and slipped my heels back on.

“And you are how old?” Sidney asked me.

“19,” I replied shrugging. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Jordan’s jaw drop. I sat down and pulled out my laptop. Starting it up I grabbed my planner and jotted down dates form the top of my head. Turning back to the computer I pulled up ‘internet explorer’ and headed to the Penguin’s website.

“Above all else I’m a fan,” I stated blatantly knowing that they were looking over my shoulder. I checked the board then went to MSN to check my email. Satisfied with everything I shut my computer down and turned my attention back to the boys. Jordan was flat out staring at me. Apparently Colby, Mark R., and Sid all noticed this because they chuckled silently. I glanced at them with an amused look on my face.

Media or is it...player relations-info and intro(Jordan Staal)

Sidney Crosby
Erika/main
Alexa Recchi
Jordan Staal
Coach T
Mark Recchi
Mrs. Staal
Colby Armstrong

One day changed my week, month, year, and possibly my life. Now you may be wondering who I am. Well let me introduce myself. My name’s Erika, I am 19 and am moving to Pittsburgh, Pa to work for the Pittsburgh Penguins. You may be thinking whoa, wait a second she’s only 19. Well I graduated high school at 15 with credits to spare. I went to UNC for four years of business classes. After graduating last summer I applied for a job as a press manager with the team. You see Pittsburgh is an obvious choice for me considering I grew up there.

Well after 2 or 3 weeks I got the letter. They were hiring me! I swear I screamed as loud as possible. So here I am today driving down the highway to Pittsburgh and my new life. I stopped at my new apartment before getting back in the car and heading to West Elizabeth. I pulled into the parking lot and entered the building. It was just like I remembered it. The smells of Italian food drifting through the air. I was seated and handed a menu. It read in big cursive letters ‘Tillie’s’. This was my all-time favorite restaurant. Every time I got to pick the restaurant we came here. I ate and then headed home refreshed and ready to unpack.

Around 11pm I had finished unpacking. I still didn’t have any furniture in my living room so I decided to stretch my muscles before bed by dancing. I had taken 5 years of ballet and tap when I was little. I turned on my radio and popped a CD in. It was full of old music from years ago. About an hour later I hopped in the shower and crawled into bed. Tomorrow I started work.