We had a special delivery today. One of the hockey wives had given birth to her first child. I was the only one working in the nursery at the moment and when her husband arrived to see the baby I was shocked to see him there too. They scrubbed up and I handed cam Ward his daughter. I walked to the fridge to get her bottle and handed it to Cam as well. While he fed her I went over to wash the dishes left by the previous shift. While I wash the coffee mugs I noticed that he was beside me drying them. I looked at him and he smiled.
“Nice shirt,” he said. I looked down at the Hurricane t-shirt I wore under my smock.
“It was the only shirt I had clean,” I teased. His booming laughter filled the room and my heart fluttered.
“Are you doing anything tonight?” he asked.
“Not that I know of,” I answered.
“Good, you’ll have a ticket waiting for you at Gate 3.” He dried the last mug and then went to talk with Cam. I stood frozen at the sink for at least 2 minutes before going to put the little girl in Cam’s arms back to bed. The rest of the day I couldn’t stop smiling. Had Eric Staal asked me out? No he just saw that I was a fan and invited me to see his team play. When Maria came to relieve me from my shift she just smirked as I rushed to sign out.
Stopping quickly at my apartment to change, I made my way to the arena headed for Gate 3. I thought I blended into the crowd pretty well. I wore jeans, a canes sweatshirt, and a hat with the number 12 on it. I got my ticket from the call office and made my way to my seat. When I got there I was pleasantly surprised at the location. It was lower bowl, center ice, across from the benches. I was even more surprised at who they were next to. Now I may not have followed the NHL very closely but I could guarantee that my seat was next to Henry and Linda Staal, Eric’s parents. I slid into my seat hoping they would ignore me. My wish was granted, at least during the game it was. Along with my ticket was a locker room pass and a note that said ‘show up or else :)’. I dilly-dattled to the locker room so that the guys had plenty of time to shower and dress. When I got there I was let in immediately. Eric’s parents were talking to Cam congratulating him on the shutout and new baby. Eric was tightening his tie and when he saw me he gave me a big hug.
This is what it means to be held (Held-Nathalie Grant)
“You came,” he said. I nodded, blushing when I noticed his mom’s gaze on our encounter. I felt awkward the rest of the night and escaped as soon as I could saying I was tired and had to work early.
The wise hand opens slowly To lilies of the valley and tomorrow(Held-Nathalie Grant)
I walk through the gardens everyday. It gives me a piece of mind. No matter how stressed or emotional I feel, it always relaxes me. Normally they are empty and I am left with my thoughts. Today, however, it was full of children from the cancer ward laughing and having fun. I couldn’t help but smile slightly hearing them. As I turned the corner I discovered the cause of the laughter. Today was one of the visits from the Carolina Hurricanes who came 2 or 3 times a year. I was sitting on my normal bench when one of the kids whose mom had just had a baby ran over. She pulled me to my feet and dragged me over to meet the man she had been talking to. She was jumping up and down as she introduced us. He was Eric Staal one of the star centers. We talked about crazy things while playing with the kids. It’s too bad I’ll never see him again.
‘Throughout the next few weeks my dreams were plagued by thoughts of Brent. As much as he hurt me I couldn’t help but miss him. I missed his jokes, his manner, and the way his skin felt when it brushed against mine. It may sound crazy but I believe that he never meant to hurt me.’
Around a month following her practice with Jared, she was skating freely on the ice on the wolves’ off-day. She did lazy laps, and easy wrist shots. Her mind was wandering and she was on the verge of tears. He was leaning against the door to the ice just watching her. He knew something was wrong, heck the whole team knew something was wrong but no one wanted to be the person who asked about it. Seeing her crying Jared knew it was time. She was keeping something inside and it was slowly killing her. He carefully walked toward her and pulled her to him, her tears staining his t-shirt. He could care less; he was just worried about her. When she looked up at him, he wiped her tears away and smiled. They cleaned the equipment up and left through the locker room.
“Hey, come watch a movie with me?”
She nodded and followed him to his car. It was a silent ride and when they arrived at his apartment he was at her side opening the door before she had even unbuckled her seat belt. They walked into the living room taking off shoes and coats at the door. He went to the kitchen for snacks and drinks and told her to pick out a movie. As she looked though his collection certain titles popped out at her as she remembered all the night’s spent at Brent’s. She remembered the fun and she remembered the bruises. She finally remembered the night she had blocked from her mind…the night of the breakup.
She had gone to Brent’s because though she loved him she was tired of having to explain the bruises. Ever since he had decided to move cross-country for college he had become more controlling and violent. She truly believed that it was her fault. If she wasn’t such a bad girlfriend he wouldn’t hurt her. A fight ensued and she began throwing things trying to defend herself. When she accidently picked women’s clothes that were not her’s, she finally snapped. She ended the relationship because he was cheating on her. He became very angry and threw her against his bedroom wall. He kicked and hit her for at least ten minutes. Then his persona changed.
“Well if you actually put out, I wouldn’t have to look for other girls.”
He pulled her off the floor where she had fallen during his attack and began to tear the clothes off of her. When she realized what he was doing she screamed and began to fight back. He covered her mouth and put so much pressure on her neck that she became unconscious. When she woke up he was gone, but she knew in her heart what had taken place.
She was sobbing uncontrollably when Jared returned from the kitchen. When he approached her she began to hit him. He absorbed the blows until she calmed down and then picked her up and carried her to the couch. She was crying and he just held her letting her know that everything would be ok. Eventually she fell asleep in his arms. He carried her to his room and called her uncle before grabbing a pillow and blanket and lying on the couch.
He came back and they started running a few drills, trying to outdo each other. They did some puck maneuvering, target drills, and skating drills.
‘I must say he’s pretty good, not many guys can keep up with me.’
After about 20 minutes they started to just goof off. They had races, came up with some crazy drills and some even crazier games. They held a breakaway challenge like at the all-star game. It was the first time in a while that she couldn’t stop smiling.
Exhausted they collapsed on the ice breathing heavily.
“Okay so I know I said wow before, but really, the way you play is amazing.”
She blushed slightly, embarrassed.
“See, I was a little concerned when coach said his niece was coming to help him, but I gotta admit I’m impressed.”
“So am I, I’ve never met a guy that can keep up with me for that long, most pass nearly pass out after half an hour.”
His face turned bright red, but the smirk was still clearly planted on his face.
“Well then, we’ll have to do this again sometime.”
With that he got up and skated off to the locker room.
Many say that it doesn’t exist I tend to disagree. I am one of those few people who believe in ‘love at first sight’. Well maybe not love but there was something there the first time I saw him. What it was I wasn’t quite sure. The first time I saw him play was during the 2009 World Juniors and I must admit I couldn’t take my off of him. I didn’t even know what he looked like at the time but WOW. He was everywhere the puck was and more. I didn’t even care about the score I could only think about this boy. The only thing I knew about him was his last name. Wilson.
I planned on watching the semi-finals just so that I could see him play again. Unfortunately I was dumb and got the game time wrong. After that his name slipped to the back of my mind what with exams coming up. That was until I happened to remember wanting to look him up. Via Wikipedia I found out his full name and that he was born in Connecticut but had been raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was the son of former NHLer Carey Wilson and had been drafted 7th overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2008 NHL Draft. With the need for information about this majorly talented guy sated he once left my daily thoughts.
About a week later I realized I had no clue what he looked like and I went in search of a picture. All the ones I found though were action shots from the WJ’s and contained no different of a view than what I had while watching the game. After that I gave up and decided to check my Facebook. Under my news feed was an album featuring Nikita Filatov and pictures from the World Juniors. I scanned through the pictures and when I saw it I froze. It was HIM. Tagged and everything. This was even more of a wow moment. He was GORGEOUS! Through the tag I found his profile and decided to add him as a friend. When I awoke the next morning I had an alert. When I clicked on it I was pleasantly surprised to see an acceptance of friendship. I spent that morning just looking through his photos. If that boy isn’t photogenic I don’t know who is.
About a week after our presentations we each met with the professor to receive our grade. He told me that I had a bright future and that he was very impressed with my work. He informed me that the Penguins were looking for someone to do casual, maybe even funny interviews that show another side of the team. They had asked him to recommend one of his students for the position and that is why he had given us the preceding project. He had not only looked at the results but at our dedication and creativity with the assignment.
“Those are a few of the reason I have chosen you. You are one of my brightest pupils and this project eliminated any doubts I had about work. You should head down to the arena now and every class period as these interviews will now count as the majority of your grade. Work hard but don’t forget to also have fun.”
Hearing him say this not only made me extremely happy but also quite nervous. I thanked him and left for the arena. I was nervous simply because I had not seen or heard from Colby since the end of my project and now I was about to see him again this time at his job. I don’t know what I feel for him. I don’t know if I should even consider him as a friend I mean would he like that or would he think I’m just using this to try and take advantage of him.
I parked my car and walked in through the main entrance because I wasn’t quite sure where to go. Obviously they were expecting me because the great one himself was waiting for me. Even though I worked for him I had never met him and for a lifelong fan this was a shock. He greeted me and led me through the arena to watch the penguins practice. It didn’t take long to spot Colby as he was standing near the wall laughing with Sidney Crosby. Mario told me to enjoy practice and that he would come get me afterward and show me where the locker room was. I choose a seat near center ice and sat down to watch a few of the greatest players in the world practice. Even with players like Crosby and Malkin on the ice my eyes continued to fall upon the guy that I had actually gotten to know quite well. At the end Mario tapped me on the shoulder and took me to meet the coaches while the players showered and changed. We then toured the arena and I probably looked like a kid in a candy store. After about a half hour led me to the doors that had the famous (well at least to pens fans) "We Walk Together". He briefly knocked before peeking in the door to make sure that everyone was decent.
He opened and held the door open while I walked in completely in awe of the people and things that had occurred in this very room. Trying to keep my jaw from dropping was easier said then done especially when I saw the shirtless hockey players that were walking around the room. One of them was the object of my thoughts for the past day or week. Our eyes met and there was something different in the way he looked at me. I excused myself from Mario and walked across the room. I was met with a smile and a great big hug. "How did you do on the film," he asked. I smiled mainly because he smelled so good. "Great that's actually why I'm here." I responded. He had a look of confusion on his face so I quickly added onto my sentence. "The point of the assignment was for my professor to choose a student to get an internship with the Penguins. Thanks to your help I was picked for the job." At that point he wrapped me in an even bigger hug said goodbye to his teammates and led me out of the arena to his car. I'm pretty sure that the look on my face was pure shock especially since his teammates were cracking up at the sight.
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.
