Staal [A Jordan Staal Story] Seventy-One

Hey guys,

I'm sad to say that this will be my last update for a while. I'm leaving next week for U.S. Air Force basic training which means that I will be unable to get to a computer for eight and a half weeks. I know this seems like forever for you guys but just think how ling it's going to be for me; waking up a four am everyday, doing countless push-ups, sit-ups, running mile after mile. The next time that I will be able to update will be once I get to technical school, but the exact that that I can update is unknown. I hope that you can all bare with me, your support is greatly appreciated and expect an update in either late January or early February.

Thank you all so much,
Miriya.


Chapter Seventy-One

When morning skate ended the next day Miriya pulled Ben aside as he was walking out of the showers. "Hey coach, I know show up tonight ready to sit in the box."

"Now kid don't talk like that. You may not have noticed but Eats is getting up there and could use a rest tonight, which means that Ric is in."

"What's that have to do with me?" He asked pulling his jeans up.

"Let me get to it Clarke. Hallsy's got a cold and I figured that you wouldn't mind taking his place since your girl's going to be sitting in the crowd."

Ben's face light up, "You found me a ticket?!"

"I'll see you tonight Ben."

The players left and the equipment staff got the locker room ready for the game that night as Miriya went to her office. She sat down in her chair and pulled the lever out so that it could recline. Leaning back she put her feet up on her desk and a smile came to her face as she knew what she had done.

It was just as it had been when she met Jordan, something clicked, and less than twenty-four hours earlier something had clicked between Ben and Bella. Soon she was pulled from her thoughts when her phone buzzed on her desk signaling that it was time to head home. The short drive was spent listening to music and thinking about that night's game. Just as every other day when she walked through the front door she fed herself and her son before laying down for a two hour pre-game nap.

At three o'clock the alarm went off and Miriya rolled out of bed and made her way to the shower. With her hair in a messy bun and the button done on her pin-stripe suit she went to get Scotty ready. With her now nine month old son dressed she kissed her husband good-bye and left for the arena.

The players trickled into the locker room and with one of them was a new but familiar face. "Hello Mr. Shero," she said passing the general manager.

"Oh hello Ms. Hardy and call me Ray, everyone else does."

"Ben's got a thing for her," Miriya said before Ray could ask.

"Oh. Merry Christmas Staalsy," he said handing her an envelope.

"Thanks Ray, I don't have your present with me."

"Not from me," he turned the white envelope so that she could see the official NHL seal.

Miriya quickly went to her office where she sat down and opened the official letter. She read through it but the only words that stuck out as if they had been in bold print were 'Eastern Conference All-Star assistant coach.' "Damn the league likes me," she thought. "But it's up to the boys."

"Staalsy it's up to you," Colby threw out.

"You'll get to spend more time with me," Sid said with a smile.

"Alright, I'll tell them I'll do it."

The pre-game skate quickly passed and the puck was dropped to start the game. In the first period Miriya looked down her bench before the start of a penalty kill in search of Eats. "Right, Ric you're up."

Later in the period Ben picked up an unassisted goal and looked to the crowd in search of Bella before his teammates crowded around him.

***

"Good job tonight boys, I hope you all have a Merry Christmas. Remember you can stop by my house Friday but no one there before noon. Our next game is Saturday so those of you I don't see Friday I will see bright and early Saturday.

The next morning the Staal family awoke with not a single care in the world… except the gathering that was going to take place that night at Miriya's grandparent's house. Just as every year Miriya and Jordan went to her grandparent's house on Christmas Eve after mass.

Dressed in nice church clothes the Staals went to St. Sebastian's for mass and enjoyed the singing of the children's choir. Miriya couldn't help but sing along having remembered all of the words having sung in the very same choir. After mass Miriya and Jordan caught up with people that they hadn't seen in a while, Miriya's youth minister and former choir director.

Surprisingly everything went well at dinner and since all of the kids had grown up and started having kids of their own it was a lot different that when Miriya was younger. It ended around ten as it usually did and after saying good-bye Miriya, Jordan, and Scott headed home.

Upon arriving home both Miriya and Jordan put Scott to bed before going to bed themselves. Christmas morning Miriya awoke to find a thin blanket of snow covering the yard, this brought a smile to her face. Soon Jordan and Scott were awake as well and they sat down to open presents. "Is it just me or does the house seem empty?" Miriya asked.

"It is weird not having Nik and Erin here but I assure you the house won't be empty later. You know the entire team's going to show up."

"Oh I know," she said picking up a gift. "Look Scotty, a present from mommy and daddy." She helped him rip the paper and inside was a ball with holes of different shapes. As all babies, he was more interested in the paper than the toy.

Scott opened all of his gifts and Jordan placed him on the floor to play with the wrapping paper while he and Miriya exchanged gifts. Mo joined Scott on the floor and snuggled up against Miriya's leg. "So it's kind of lame, but really what more could you ask for, you have the greatest thing ever."

"What's that, you?" She asked sarcastically.

"Well I'm part of it. You have the team and this is nothing compared to them, but I hope you like it." He handed her the gift and she quickly tore off the paper. It was a small box from a jewelry store which she quickly opened and smiled at what she saw. A silver chain with a small pendent in the shape of a heart.

"Thank you baby, I love it. Help me put it on?" She asked removing it from the box.

"Of course my love." He clasped the necklace around her neck and kissed her lips.

"As always the gift I got you is super lame compared to what you got me."

"You tell me that every year and every year I love what you give me." She handed him the large present and he ripped the paper. "You got me a picture frame?" He asked confused.

"Turn it over you retard." Jordan turned it over to see a picture of himself; it was of his fight verse Ryan Parent a month before. His eyes made their way to the gold lettering across the top that read 'What a come back, Jordan Staal. 11/22/15.' On the right side of the frame was the official score sheet from that night and in the middle was a piece of one of the game pucks and the net. "Dana and Cassie helped me out a little."

"I love it, thank you baby." Just then there was a jingle and they both looked to the Christmas tree.

"No Scott," Miriya said prying his fingers from the bulb on the tree."

"You crawl fast kid," Jordan said with a laugh. "We're not allowed to put you down anymore."

After cleaning up the wrapping paper Miriya made breakfast as Jordan fed Scott. Soon the kitchen was filled with the scent of waffles and the front door flew open. "Do I smell waffles?"

"Yes Colby you do, but I said no one here before noon, remember?"

"Yeah," he said weakly. "But you can't leave me out in the cold."

"Fine Colbs you can stay." The three of them sat down to breakfast and soon Erin and Nik arrived home.

Lunch time came and Miriya had food set up on the island in the kitchen as the guys started showing up. Someone was always following Scott and Christiano as they crawled around the living room, that someone was usually Colby. Jamie and Will played with some of their new toys in Scott's room while Brittany and Jess played in the dinning room. Gifts were exchanged and lots of food was eaten. At around five the entire team was there and Jordan told Miriya to sit down on the couch so that the guys could give her her gift.

"I told you guys not to get me anything."

"Colby," the guys said in unison.

Colby walked up to the couch and handed Miriya the gift. She pulled off the paper to find a photo album entitled 'World's Greatest Coach'. As she turned through the pages she found pictures of herself from many different situations. There were one from practices, morning skates, and ones from every game that took place that year including the one that had taken place two days earlier. There were pictures of her in the locker room, on the plane and bus, even drinking with the guys. Each player had their own picture and there was one of Jordan kissing her. The last picture took up the pull page, it was of the full team and they were all looking at her. "Aw thanks guys this is so sweet."

"There's one more thing," Nik said.

She turned to the last page to find a typed letter. 'To the World's Greatest Coach: We the Pittsburgh Penguins of the 2015-2016 season promise to play our hardest everyday. We will give 100% every time we hit the ice, whether it be game or practice. We will listen to our coach and follow her every direction, no matter what she says. She has sacrificed for us and we will sacrifice for her. We are the Pittsburgh Penguins and we will make our couch proud. We love you Staalsy, Your team (The 2015-2016 Penguins).' Each of the guys had signed their names somewhere on the page and Miriya's eyes started to get watery.

"Are you going to cry?" Ric asked.

"No," she said wiping her eyes. "Thank you guys, I love you all so much." She walked around the room and hugged each of her boys, holding Jordan the longest. "Thank you baby, Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas to you and you welcome, you are the world's greatest coach." She smiled as his lips pressed against hers.

Staal [A Jordan Staal Story] Seventy

Monday the twenty-first came, there was no game that night, but as always Miriya had an optional skate. The entire team was there just as every other time that season. “Alright boys hit the showers, remembers there’s practice tomorrow morning and going to be a long one.”

“Aw coach,” Colby said. “How long is a long practice?”

“Colby do you ever write things down?” Hallsy asked.

“No, why?”

“Tomorrow’s the day that chick’s coming,” Max chimed in.

“That chick’s name is Isabella Hardy and you will be nice to her, okay?” Miriya asked looking over the entire team. “I know you’re a great group of guys who like to joke around, just don’t scare the girl. She’s a year older than I was when I first met you guys so she’s probably going to freak out, I mean you guys are the greatest people on the face of the earth.” She looked around the room to see the guys giggle. “See you guys in the morning.”

Everyone went to the locker room and then to the showers. Miriya headed to her office where she was going to be meeting with Ray to work out the final details for the next day. After spending about an hour in her office Miriya went to the locker room where she got a surprise. The white board which normally displayed the message ‘Let’s Go Pens!’ now displayed a new one, ‘Welcome Isabella,’ and all of the guys had signed their names.

“Oh I love being coach,” Miriya said to herself while lacing up her skates. The ice hadn’t been cleaned after practice ended so it was choppy but it still felt good under her skates. She rounded the corner quickly and quickly switched to skating backwards from the hash to the bench. With a spray of snow she stopped and grabbed her water bottle. The banners that hung in the rafters drew her attention and she gazed admiringly at the three that read, ‘Stanley Cup Champions’.

“Impressive.” Miriya turned to see Jordan skating to the bench from the runway. “You’re such a good skater.”

“Thank you,” she said as his arms wrapped around her. “I thought you were going home.”

“I was going to but then I decided that I needed to work out.”

“You, need to work out?” She ran her hand down his arm. “Babe I think you’re good. Where’s Scotty?”

“Nik and Erin took him home.”

“We owe them,” she reached over the boards to open the door and sat down on the bench.

“Baby we let him live in our house rent free, I think we’re okay. Besides its good practice for if they ever have a baby.” Miriya smiled picturing Nik and Erin with a baby while taking another sip of water. She stepped out onto the ice and took Jordan’s hand. They skated that way for a while until Miriya let go and skated full speed, one time around the ice. When she got back to Jordan she stopped, spraying his legs with snow. They had ended up by the bench again and Jordan picked Miriya up, placing her on the boards. Planting his skates firmly in the ice he pressed his lips to hers. Even after all the years they had been together Miriya’s heart still began to race every time Jordan so much as touched her. His tongue slid into her mouth and battled with hers, he pushed more of his weight against the boards. The time quickly past and soon their romantic ‘get-away’ was interrupted by the sound of a Zamboni engine.

***

The next morning Miriya arrived at the arena before everyone else, just like every other day. “Good morning Jacob,” she said pulling into the parking lot. Jacob was a fan who stood at the parking lot before games and sometimes a practice if he didn’t have school. He wasn’t there for autographs, just to support the team and the guys appreciated it. She pulled up to the guard’s station where she signed in. “Hey Dave, remember we have a guest coming today. She has a pass but could you bring her to my office?”

“Sure thing.”

Miriya made her way to her office and soon there was a knock on the door. “Come in.”

“Your guest coach Staal.”

“Thanks Dave. Hi you must be Isabella, I’m coach Staal but you can call me Miriya or Staalsy, all of the guys do.”

“Nice to meet you, you can call me Bella.”

“Well Bella it’s nice to meet you too, the guys should be getting here soon and I’ll introduce you to them when we’re all out on the ice.”

“Okay,” she said nervously.”

“Don’t worry the guys are just a bunch of goof balls, they’re all very nice but like to joke around. You’ll be fine.” Bella smiled, she had a very pretty smile, she was a pretty girl. She was taller than Miriya but just about everyone was. Her brown hair was pulled into a messy bun and her bright blue eyes, which were much like Brooksy’s, were outline in light eye-liner. She also wore jeans, converse and a Penguins’ hoodie. “That reminds me, you’re gonna need skates. What size do you wear?”

“Seven.”

“Sweet you can use a pair of mine. Alright, we’re gonna be cutting it close but Ray wanted to meet you before practice.” She got up from her chair and led Bella to Ray’s office where they spent no more than five minutes.

The guys still had ten minutes before practice was set to start but they had all abandoned the locker room by the time Miriya and Bella got there. “Let’s lace up and we’ll hit the ice.” Bella stood there awkwardly holding a pair of Miriya’s skates. “Just sit down at any of the guys’ stalls.” She sat down at Ben’s stall while Miriya sat down at her own. Once their skates were laced Miriya grabbed two sticks and the two girls made their way up to the runway. There stood the guys, to Miriya they all looked like little boys, very tall little boys, but to Bella they were her heroes.

Miriya blew the whistle once causing the boys to quickly shut up and line up along the boards.

“Wow,” Bella said quietly.

“Guys this is Bella Hardy, Bella I’m sure you know all of the guys. Kay boys don’t think that because she’s here I’m gonna go easy on you.”

“Staalsy I don’t think you’ll every go easy on us,” Max said.

“In that case, suicides.”

As practice went on Bella became more comfortable with being around the guys. Miriya handed her a stick and het her participate in some of the drills. On one of the passing drills she had been standing along the boards and counted backwards in the line across the ice to find that she was matched up with Sid. “Yes I got Sid,” she said realizing who she was matched with causing all of the guys to laugh.

After a good hour and a half Miriya blew the whistle to end practice. “Hit the showers guys. Be in the lounge in twenty minutes so Sid that means actually go to the locker room,” she said with a laugh. The guys went to the locker room while Miriya and Bella went to the lounge. “You’ve gotta be hot with that hoodie on after an entire practice.”

“I am kind of warm,” she said taking her hoodie off. “Can I have a bottle of water?”

“Of course.” Bella turned to go to the fridge and for the first time showing the back of her Pens’ t-shirt. The number sixty-five and the name ‘Clarke’ were written in white with a gold outline. “Ben is going to love your shirt.”

“Really? He’s my favorite and I kind of have a thing for him if you know what I mean.”

“Oh believe me I know. I think I saw him checking you out on the ice.” Bella’s checks now turned a deep shade of red. “When the guys come in here you should talk to him. I’m gonna go check on them, you should probably stay in here; you never know what goes on in that locker room. Bella giggled at the thought of what could go on in the locker room as Miriya made her way there.

Ben had apparently just gotten out of the shower since he stood at his stall in just his boxers talking to Jordan. “Maybe I should have let her come in here.”

“Huh?” Ben said pulling on a pair of light wash jeans.

“Bella likes you,” she whispered so that none of the other guys could hear it. “Hurry up guys, pizza’s gonna be here soon.”

“Pizza, did I hear pizza?” Michelle asked running in from the training room.

“Yeah, go wait in the lounge.” She pulled Michelle closer. “You should go talk to Bella, she’s a lot like me and she might be part of the team soon.”

Ben quickly threw on a t-shirt and pair of converse before walking into the longue. “Hi,” he said sitting down next to Bella on the couch.

“Hey, good practice,” she said shyly.

“Thanks, you were pretty good out there too.” Bella smiled. “So I couldn’t help but notice that you were wearing a Clarke shirt, not many people wear the rookie’s shirt,” he paused. “Especially not the rookie who’s scratched half the time.”

“Aw, well you were amazing when Jordan was out,” she moved over to make to room on the couch as the rest of the guys had started coming in. She talked to everyone on the team, but mostly Ben as the day went on.

“So I know that all you wanted for Christmas was to spend the day with the team, but we got you something,” Miriya said standing up from the arm of the couch.

“You guys shouldn’t have, this has already been so much better than I thought it would be. I seriously though t I would sit on the bench while you practiced and maybe sit here while you all talked.”

“Staalsy wouldn’t let that happen,” Nik said causing the team to laugh.

“Cass bring it out.”

Cassie went to the locker room and quickly returned with a box. Bella opened the box and a wide grin spread across her face. She pulled out a white authentic jersey that had been autographed by the entire team. “Look at the back,” all of the guys said. She turned it around to show the number one and the name Hardy. If it was possible her smile grew upon seeing this. “Thank you all so much.”

“Okay guys I’ve kept you here long enough. Bella if you want a tour of the arena I would be happy to show you.”

“That would be great,” she said still looking admiringly at the jersey.

“Any of you guys who can to stay can.”

“Love you Staalsy but I’m gonna go home,” Eats said giving her a hug. “It was nice meeting you Bella; I hope to see you again at a game sometime.”

“It was nice meeting you too,” she gave him a hug.

All of the guys who left said good-bye to both Miriya and Bella and gave them both a hug. Most of the team left but Nik, Jordan, Kris and Ben had stayed. Miriya led the tour around the arena showing the boys and Bella some of her favorite places. When the tour had ended everyone went out the parking lot but Miriya, Bella and Ben.

“Erin thank you so much for watching Scott, I owe you and so many people so much. I’m always having people watch him for me.”

“It’s okay you’re busy and we all understand that. I’m glad today went well.”
“Me too.”

“Hey Staalsy!”

“Yeah Ben?”

“Do you have an extra ticket for tomorrow’s game?”

“I might, who needs it?”

“Bella, I want to get to know her better, I like her.”

“A Pittsburgh goal scored by number sixty-five Ben Clarke assisted by Miriya Staal and Ray Shero. You’re welcome kid; I’ll find you a ticket.”

Staal [A Jordan Staal Story] Sixty-Nine

When they arrived home they decided to prolong their freedom just a little more. Though it was cold outside it was nothing they couldn’t handle and sat down on the swing on the front porch. Jordan wrapped his arms around Miriya and pulled her closer. He placed a gentle kiss on her cheek before saying, “I love you.”

“Well Jordan I love you too. Can you believe that we’ve been together for eight year, and married for two?”

“Sometimes it’s hard to believe it’s been that long, it seems like just yesterday I was asking you to marry me.” He and Miriya both smiled remembering that day in Buffalo. “Those people who say that love dies after you’ve been with someone for so long are wrong. I still love you more every day. You my love are my world, my life, my everything. Without you I would be lost, I truly love you more than anything.”

Miriya smiled, “It sounds like you’re proposing.”

“Already been there and done that,” he smiled as he put emphasis on ‘done that’ and looked at Miriya.

“Yes baby you have,” she tried to suppress a giggle. Slowly their lip connected as if they were pulled together by gravity and sparks ignited. However the sweet, innocent kiss didn’t last long as the sparks turned into fire and the kiss became rough, yet passionate and their tongues battled. After five minutes they pulled away, smiles on their faces. “We should probably go in so we can see Scotty before he goes to bed.”

They walked into the living room to find Nik and Erin tickling Scott on the floor. “How was dinner?”

“Good, what are you guys up to tonight?”

“Well I was wondering if I could go to Erin’s for the night?”

“Nik, do I look like your mother?” Miriya asked with a laugh.

“No, you’re a lot prettier than her.”

“Okay then, when do you ever have to ask me about going somewhere?”

“I don’t know, well we’re gonna get going then. I guess I’ll see you at practice tomorrow, have fun tonight.”

“We will,” Miriya said. “Thanks again for watching Scotty.”

Nik and Erin both Kissed Scott’s cheek before leaving. Not much more than five minutes after they had left the doorbell rang and Miriya went to answer it while Jordan put Scott in his pajamas. He was just placing Scott in his crib when Geno entered the room with Nathan. The two boy were asleep before their fathers had left the room. Cassie and Miriya had already made their way down to the game room and opened up a couple of beers.

“It’s been a long time since I saw you outside of an arena or airport Staalsy.”

“Well Geno I am your coach,” she said with a laugh. “I do spend a lot of time at the aren’t though. But I’m just trying to do well and coach you boys to a couple of wins.”

“A lot,” Jordan said with a smile.

“A couple of wins?” Geno said jokingly.

“You spend almost all of your time there and if you’re home taking care of Scott or occasionally spending time with Jordan. As for wins, I think you’re doing pretty well in that department.”

Geno and Jordan both laughed and nodded in agreement. “Okay, enough about hockey,” Jordan said. “What are we going to play, pool or ping pong?”

“Pool!”

“Cass I love you but you suck at pool,” Miriya said with a laugh.

“I’ve gotten better since ninth grade.”

“I’ll play with ya,” Jordan grabbed two queues from the rack on the wall. Once the balls were racked up and queues chalked Jordan went to break. The balls scattered around the table and two went into the pocket. “Alright, looks like I’m solids.” He went again but this time the ball stopped along the rail. Cassie banked her first shot off three of the rails and somehow the ball stopped in the dead center of the table.

“It’s gonna be a long night,” Miriya said. “I’m gonna need another drink, Geno you want one?”

“Yeah, I’ll come with you.” They went to the bar that stood on the other side of the room and grabbed a few shot glasses from the shelf. After both downing a shot of vodka they grabbed another beer and went back to watch the game.

Cassie finally got a ball in but it was a solid, “Thanks Cass.”

“Anytime Jay.”

Half an hour after the game had started Jordan finally sunk the eight ball in the corner pocket. “You’re right Cass you have gotten better since ninth grade, you shaved fifteen minutes off your time.”

“Funny, let’s see you do better.”

“Alright.” She took the queue from Jordan’s hand and gave it to Geno before taking the one from Cassie for herself. Jordan racked up the balls while Miriya chalked up her queue and took one last sip of beer. She broke sinking two balls into the corner pockets. “Solids,” she called out looking for her next shot. She sunk her next two before barely missing the side pocket. This game went quickly compared to the previous one and ended just over minutes after it had started.

Miriya sunk the eight ball before Jordan said, “Damn didn’t think we were playing speed pool.”

“Funny baby, you just have to admit that I’m better than you at pool.”

“Okay, you’re better than me at pool, but I know a few things that I’m pretty damn good at,” he said with a toothy grin.

“I’m sure there are Gronk but we really don’t want to know,” Geno said. “Anyone up for ping pong?”

“Yeah we should do that before we all get too drunk,” Miriya said taking another sip of beer.

It was decided that they would play boys vs. girls and the boys served first. The girls returned the serve causing it to hit the guys side before bouncing off, a girls point. The game continued to go in the girls favor and they won fifteen-two. After that game they decided to just sit around the bar and talk.

They talked until about two when Miriya got down from her barstool. “Well guy it’s been fun but considering the fact that I’m your coach, I of all people shouldn’t be hung over when it comes to practice later today, so I’m gonna go to bed. Night Cass, night Geno.”

“Night Mir,” they said in unison.”

Goodnight Jordan, I love you.”

“I love you too,” he said as she kissed his cheek and went up to her room.

Eight o’clock quickly came a but Miriya was rested when she came down the steps from her room and into the living room. Geno was asleep with Cassie on one couch and Jordan was draped over the other. She let them sleep and went to Scott’s bedroom where he lay awake, not crying but lying contently and kicking his feet. She changed him and picked out an outfit that she had specially made for him. The pants were black and the shirt white with black lettering that read, ‘Mommy and I love the Penguins.’

“You’re all ready for practice, huh little guy? Just a few more years, okay one for two until I can start teaching you to play and seventeen until you can get drafted.

Cassie, Geno, and Jordan all woke up at around noon and went to the kitchen where Miriya had lunch waiting for them. “Hey guys,” she said from behind the refrigerator door. “How’d you guys sleep, anyone hung over?”

Geno looked around the island before speaking up, “I think we’re all good actually.”
“That’s surprising,” she sat down next to Jordan and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. “How are you my love?”

“Good, you’re rather perky today.”

“Maybe it’s because it’s noon and I’ve been up for four hours now,” she said pouring herself a glass of Pepsi. “But eat up guys we’ve gotta be at the arena soon.”

When they got to the arena Miriya went to her office while everyone else went to the locker room to suit up. She sat down at her desk and started at her laptop before putting on her practice hat. The desktop was the team’s schedule and showed the next game against the Aves in two days. She quickly checked her e-mail and saw that she had one from Ray. ‘The twenty-second is fine with me, can’t wait to meet her.’

Practice went well and later tha night everyone boarded the plane for Colorado. As always Miriya said with Jordan, Nik and Kris but about an hour after taking off she went to talk to her coaching staff. When they arrived in Denver they went straight to the hotel where everyone went straight to bed.

“Alright boys, we only play these guys once a year so this is a big game. Everyone get back early tonight so that you’re rested for tomorrow. I’ll see you all at morning skate.” The guys went to the locker room and then their separate ways for the day.

Later that day at around seven Miriya replaced her shorts and t-shirt with jeans and a new t-shirt with a semi-tight hoodie. “Bye Jordan, thanks for watching Scotty tonight.”

“Yep, have a good time.” He kissed her cheek but couldn’t just leave it at that. He kept his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. She didn’t even have to think about it anymore, her arms made their way around his neck as his as his lip gently pressed against hers. She ran her hands down his chest, keeping them there and shortly after pulling away. She tried to walk towards the door but Jordan caught her hand and pulled her back. He left a quick peck on her lips before saying, “Bye baby.”

She got to the lobby where she found Michelle and Cassie, both girls were dressed similarly to the way she was. They left the hotel and found their way to a bar down the street. Getting seats at the bar they ordered their drinks and gazed up at the TV. FSN was on and the bearded man was talking about the Aves. “The Pittsburgh Penguins are in town to take on the Aves tomorrow night, right here on FSN.”

“Hello ladies,” a tall man said walking up to them from across the bar. “Can I get you some drinks?”

“Already got one,” Miriya said shaking her Shirley Temple.

The girls tried to go back to their conversation but the guy was very persistent, he just wouldn’t give up. Finally the girls gave in and let him buy them a drink. He kept asking them to go home with him and they tried their best to ignore him. Eventually Michelle got tipsy and started to go along with it.

Miriya who wasn’t the slightest bit drunk got down off of her stool and punched him in the face. She landed the punch square on his left cheek causing him to let go of Michelle’s hand and just look at her. Thankfully she had been wearing her thistle ring leaving an imprint on his face. “How can you punch that hard?” He asked just as the TV switched back to hockey.

“The Penguins and their coach Miriya Staal are in town for what should be an intense match-up tomorrow night.”

“That’s how,” she pointed to the TV which was now showing her coaching the boys in a game earlier in the season. The man finally got the hint and walked away. “So glad I can hold my liquor,” Miriya said finishing off her drink. “We should head back to the hotel so Michelle isn’t hung over for morning skate.”

The three girls left the bar, Miriya and Cassie helped Michelle walk down the street and to the hotel. The elevator opened at the fifth floor and Michelle was helped to her room. The door creaked open after a few seconds and there stood Sid in just his boxers. “You girls are back earlier than I thought you would be.”

“That’s all because of your wife, I want her to be sober enough to function at morning skate. Goodnight Sid.”

“Night coach, see you in the morning.”

Miriya made her way to her room where she found Jordan, as always, watching TV. “Hey baby, I didn’t expect you back for at least another hour.”

“Neither did Sid,” she said removing her hoodie. “We had to leave though, Michelle,” she said to his questioning look. “She got tipsy and started going along with this guy who was hitting on her. So I punched him in the face, finished my drink and we left.”

“Sounds like a fun night, anyone know who you were?”

“Not until they started talking about tomorrow’s game on FSN.”

“Well we’re gonna be extra rested for the game aren’t we?”

“I guess so,” she said walking to Scott’s crib. “Goodnight sweetheart, I love you.” She placed a kiss on his forehead. “I’ll be back in a little bit, I smell like alcohol and smoke so I’m gonna shower.” She went to the bathroom where she quickly showered and got into her pajamas. When she returned to the bedroom the TV was still on but Jordan was fast asleep. Miriya got into bed next to Jordan , turned the TV off and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. “Goodnight Jordan, I love you.”

Stanley Cup Champions 2009

Just a little video that I made...

Yet another one shot....

Hey guys I don't know how many of you would want to read it but I just posted a new one shot about Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Ryan Doumit. It's called The Man Behind Home Plate.

Chris Lee?

Hey guys, for those of you who don't already know I have a new one shot. It's about one of the WBS Pens, Chris Lee. I really like him and think that you guys would too. This one shot was completed in less than two days, so if it sucks that's why. I hope that you guys like it, it's called 'I Just Might Love You'

Staal [A Jordan Staal Story] Sixty-Eight

“Hey Staalsy?”

“What’s up Vero?”

“Have you seen Brittany? She was running around with Will and I haven’t seen her in a while.”

“No I haven’t, sorry. If I do though I’ll let you know.”

“Thanks Mir,” she said before walking into the lounge.

Miriya made her way to her office where she found a little girl sitting at her desk. “Hey Britt, your mommy’s looking for you. What are you doing in here?”

“I’m coach,” she said with a giggle.

“Well coach Fleury your mom is waiting for you in the lounge.”

“Okay,” she slid off the chair and skipped out of the room.

Miriya sat down at her desk and took out her phone to see when would be a good day for this Bella Hardy girl to attend practice. She saw that Tuesday the twenty-second had practice scheduled and figured that schools should have started Christmas break by then. That would be the day. She quickly typed up an e-mail to Ray requesting the date and headed home.

“Hey baby,” Jordan said as she stepped into the living room. “You pick a day for the girl to come?”

“Yes, Ray just needs to approve it.”

“Babe I’m sure that Ray will let you do anything you want, the man loves you.”

“I know he does,” she said with a laugh. “But I love you.”

“Oh really, well I love you.” He pulled her onto his lap and just as their lips were about to meet Scott’s cry was heard from the bedroom.

“I’ll get him, but we’ll get back to this later.” She got up from the couch and made her way to Scott’s room where he continued to cry. She took him from his crib and the two Staals went to the kitchen where Scott was placed in his high chair. The second his feet were through the leg holes the tears stopped falling and he knew that food was coming. Miriya mixed his cereal a made a sandwich for herself and for Jordan. Her sandwich was put aside until Scott had finished eating and had been handed over to Nik for playtime.

Later that night Miriya walked into the bedroom after putting Scott to bed and found Jordan watching TV. “Well it’s later so where were we?” She asked sitting on her side of the bed and Jordan turned the TV off. “I’m pretty sure it was right about here,” she said just before pressing her lips to his as he pulled her onto his lap. The kiss deepened as their tongues battle and Jordan’s went from Miriya’s waist, up under her shirt and to her bra, unhooking it in one motion but not removing his hand from her back. He gently lay her down onto the pillow, but not before removing her shirt and bra, leaving her in just a pair of his boxers. “Moving quickly tonight aren’t we?”

“I’m sorry my love, do you want me to slow down?”

“Just a little,” she said pulling his brown Bauer shirt over his head and running her hands over his muscular chest. His lips founds hers but only for a brief second before finding their way to her neck causing a wide smile to come to her face “Oh god Jordan I hate it when you do that.”

“Why?” he asked before picking up where he left off.

“Because you could get me to do just about anything right now.”

This caused his lips to form a smile, “Well then it’s a good thing all I want you to do is let me kiss you and make love to you.”

“Okay Mr. Staal, do whatever you want.”

“Well I’m glad I have your permission,” he kissed her forehead before sliding off his and her boxers.

Hours later Miriya lay in Jordan’s arms with a smile. “I’m gonna have to say that was the best Saturday night of my life.”

“I’m gonna have to agree. I’m glad we decided to take it slow today, it was so worth it.” He placed a kiss on her cheek and hand before drifting into a peaceful sleep.

Sunday morning Miriya woke up later than she would if there was practice or morning skate and made brunch. Erin came over and helped with the cooking before Jordan and Nik made their way into the kitchen. Miriya fed Scott his cereal and he sat giggling in his car-seat as everyone else ate. After the dishes were done everyone went to the living room to play with Scott until his nap time.

“Hello?” Miriya said answering her cell phone.

“You got plans for your day off?” Cassie asked.

“Nope, you wanna bring Geno and Nathan over?”

“Sure you wanna do it later so that the kids are asleep?”

“Alright, practice isn’t until two tomorrow so I guess we could do that, will there be drinking involved?”

“Geno, Miriya just asked if there would be drinking tonight if we went over.”

Miriya laughed as she heard Geno start laughing. “Okay I know that was a dumb question. So my alcohol or do you want to be nice and pick some up?”

“We’ll grab a couple beers but you got some hard liquor there, right?”

“I should unless Max, Geno and Jordan drank it all,” she said looking over to Jordan, he gave an innocent smile and Miriya went back to her conversation. “If we don’t have anything downstairs I’ll have Jordan pick something up,” she said with a smile.

“Alright,” Cassie said with a laugh. “Nine okay?”

“Yeah that’s good, see you guys later.” She hung up with her best friend and rested her head on Jordan’s shoulder. “Can you do me a favor?”

“Maybe.”

“Go downstairs and see what all we have.”

“What if I don’t want to?”

“Do you remember last night? Do you remember who you feel asleep next to?”

“That is not all you guys did last night, I really think you forget that my room is only half a flight of steps from yours.”

“Aw I’m sorry babe,” Erin said with a giggle.

Miriya lifted her head from Jordan’s shoulder and kissed his cheek. “If you want that again anytime soon you will go downstairs and look.” She said in a joking tone. “But seriously babe please go look and I’ll pick out a movie for all of us to watch.” Jordan got up from the couch and made his way downstairs to the bar and Miriya went to the movie shelf.

A few minutes past and Miriya had finally picked Saving Private Ryan before Jordan came back upstairs. He sat down on the couch and took Miriya’s hand in his before speaking. “Well if it’s just going to be the four of us tonight we should be good. What movie are we going to watch?”

“Good and we’re watching Saving Private Ryan.”

“That’s so long,” he whined.

“We have time to kill; Cassie and Geno aren’t going to be here until nine.”

“Okay, at least there’s violence.”

“And swearing,” Miriya said excitedly before pushing play.

The movie was in fact long and ended around six with a brief ‘intermission’ so that everyone could stretch. Miriya also had to get up at around four when Scott woke up from his nap. Nik and Erin offered to watch him for a few hours to give Miriya and Jordan free time and their offer was accepted. The Staals headed out to Jordan’s Porsche and went to South Side works and ‘their’ restaurant. The staff at Claddagh had become accustom to seeing the Staals over the years and always sat them at the same table, the one next to the window in the castle room.

They sat quietly as the fire crackled and waited for their food. They didn’t talk much the entire time they were there other than an occasional word to the waiter or a soft ‘I love you’ across the table. When dinner was finished and the check had been paid they made their way home. Once in the car they started talking again until one of Miriya’s favorite songs came on and she started singing along.

“Wow baby you haven’t sung for me in a long time,” he said with a smile. “I love it when you sing; you have such a beautiful voice.” All she could do was smile as she continued to sing along with the radio.

Staal [A Jordan Staal Story] Sixty-Seven

Wow, it's been almost a month since I updated. I'm really sorry I just lost track of time and was attempting to work on my other stories. I hope that you guys enjoy this chapter and as always comments are greatly appreciated. You guys all like Geno right? Well if you do I think that you should check out a good friend of mine's story about him.

It's called Love is Stronger than Words.


Chapter Sixty-Seven

The new week started and as it went on Thanksgiving drew closer. Games had been scheduled for Monday and Friday, giving the team a nice break. Monday the game was to be played against the Panthers in Florida and the team arrived their shortly after practicing at Consol Energy Center. The game was won by a close margin after a tight-checking, hard fought game.

Following the game the team boarded the plane for Pittsburgh and after close to two hours they were back in black and gold territory. Tuesday morning Jordan picked Scott up from Miriya’s parents’ house and the day was spent at home.

“Erin wanted to know if you needed any help tomorrow.”

“Help would be great,” she smiled. “Now I just need help keeping someone out of the kitchen while I’m making food,” she rested her hand on Jordan’s thigh.

“Sorry babe.”

Wednesday Erin arrived at the front door just before noon. Jordan had taken Scott with him to Marc’s house where a bunch of the guys were getting together to play video games, leaving the house to the girls and the preparation of food.

Miriya was covering the last dish with foil when came through the front door and into the kitchen. “Mmm food,” he said before kissing her cheek.

“Which will not be eaten until tomorrow,” she smiled and looked around, “Where is our son?”

“With Nik in the living room,” he reached around his wife and tried to lift the foil to see what was underneath.

“Not until tomorrow,” she smacked his hand, lightly.

The next day Miriya’s parents arrived just as she was placing the last of the dishes on the table in the dining room. Dinner went well just as the rest of the evening and for this Miriya was very thankful.

***

The rest of November went by quickly and December brought the first snow of the year. The tenth came and with it something discomforting. Michelle had a woken to find that she had gotten her period. She called Miriya with tears in her eyes and waited for the doorbell to ring. “Hey Mir.”

“Baby, what’s wrong?” she said sitting on the couch next to her.

“I’m not going to have the baby anymore,” she said, trying to choke back her tears.

“I’m so sorry,” Miriya said shocked, the news was like a punch to the stomach; she could only imagine how Michelle was feeling. “Does Sid know?”

“No, he left before I woke up.”

“I’m sorry,” was all that Miriya could say. She sat with her until the front door opened and Sidney walked in.

“Baby, what’s wrong?” He asked replacing Miriya on the couch.

Miriya had placed Christiano in his car seat, grabbed his diaper bag, and headed towards the car to relieve both Sidney and Michelle of any more stress.

Michelle finally spoke up, “Baby, I’m not going to have the baby anymore, I got my period.”

“Baby, I am so sorry,” he wrapped his arms tightly around her. “Everything will be okay. I love you no matter what.” Michelle couldn’t bring herself to say anything; she nodded in agreement before burying her face in Sid’s chest.

The next morning brought morning skate which as usual went well. “Alright boys, hit the showers.” Everyone left the ice; including Sidney, in fact he was the first one into the locker room. ‘Hmm something’s wrong with this,’ Miriya thought to herself.

All of the boys had showered and quickly left to get to their pre-game rituals. Miriya walked into the lounge to see if anyone was there and she found Sidney staring at the blank TV screen. “Hey, everything alright?”

“No, she really wanted this baby,” he said and a small tear fell to his cheek.

“I know Sid,” she hugged him to try and comfort him. “Are you going to be able to play tonight?”
“I don’t know,” he sighed.

“I’ve you’re not going to be one-hundred percent I don’t want you to play,” she didn’t say this like other coaches would. “You’re one my best friend Sid and I know how hard this is for you. If you want to sit out tonight I’ll put Ben in and move the lines up.”

“Thanks coach, I mean Miriya. I’ll be there tonight though.”

“You can take Ben’s spot in the box.”

That night when the boys filed into the locker room Miriya pulled the rookie aside. “You’re back on the fourth line.”

“Alright coach, I’ll do my best.”

Once everyone was suited up Miriya went to the center of the locker room being careful not to step on the Penguin. “Alright boys you’re without your captain tonight, it’s not like it’s never happened before. I want you to go out there and play hard and win this for Sid and Michelle. Geno you’re taking Sid’s place on the first line, Jordan second, Hallsy third and Ben fourth. Now get out there and kick some ass.”

And that’s exactly what they did; they went out and kicked the Rangers’ asses. The final score was four-one and even Sidney and Michelle smiled in the end. The team showered, Miriya announced the optional skate that would take place the next morning, and everyone headed home.

The next morning Miriya entered her office to find a letter on her desk. She sat down and took a sip of her green tea before opening and reading the letter. ‘Hmm there’s someone who loves the Guins as much as I did when I was her age.’ She thought after reading through the letter. She decided to read through it again to make sure that she didn’t miss anything.

‘Coach Staal,
Let me start of by saying that I am a huge fan of not only the team, but of you and your coaching style. I have been watching the Pens for most of my life but have never had the opportunity to meet any of the players. Now I’m not asking for anything special but with the holidays approaching there’s only one thing I want.
If it is at all possible I would like to attend a practice and spend a day with the team. I know this is a lot to ask of you and the organization, but as I said it is the holiday season. I know that this is something that must be taken up with management and ownership and I would have gone straight to them but I know that they are swamped with requests and more important things. If you could take this up with them, I know you have a lot of influence within the organization. It really means a lot if you just read this.
Thank you for your time.
Isabella Hardy

Her phone number and e-mail address were also included.

After reading through the letter the second time she made her way from her office to Ray’s.“Ray after you busy?”

“No, what can I do for you?”

“I got a letter from a fan and have a question to ask of you.” She handed him the letter and he quickly read through it.

“Well it seems like a good idea. I’m okay with it but you have to make sure that the boys are okay with it and figure out when she’s going to come.”

“Really, that simple it’s a yes?”

“If the team’s okay with it.”

“Thanks Ray,” she said before making her way back to her office. The time quickly passed and she made her way to the ice where she found the entire team. “Now boys it’s not surprising to see you all at optional skates anymore.”

The team laughed before Scuds said, “We love you Staalsy and we’re going o practice when we can so that we can play well in front of you and maybe win the cup.”

“Well Scuds, I love you all too and I’m glad that you all want to play well. But it’s still way too early to even think about the cup,” she slowly skated backwards until she got to the boards before pulling herself up and sitting on the boards. “I have a question for you boys. I came into to work today and found a letter from a fan and all she wants for Christmas is to meet you boys. Now she’s like me when I was her age and is completely in love with you boys, not in a creepy way, just the way that I did when I was her age.”

“And what age would that be?” Nik asked.

“Seventeen. So would you guys be okay with her coming to a practice and then maybe hanging out with you guys for a little bit afterwards?”

“Yeah, I guess,” Sid said from center ice.

“Well I see that your captain is speaking for everyone, I’ll pick a day,” she said with a smile.

Staal [A Jordan Staal Story] Sixty-Six

With the start of November came the Pens’ first loss, they had gone nine and oh and obviously Miriya and the boys were upset. The final score had been three to one and the Devils’ third goal was scored into an empty net. Miriya had addressed the press as quickly as possible and tried to make the team feel better about the loss before making her way to her office.

She sat at her desk going over every play in her head, trying to figure out what she had done wrong. She had gone through all of the first period when her door creaked open and there stood Jordan with Scott’s car seat in hand. “Baby, you okay?”

“Yeah, fine, just disappointed about the loss.”

“Babe listen; we’re nine and one ten games into the season, that’s amazing. I know that even you didn’t think that the season would start out this well. The guys are out there playing hard every night; it’s just tonight New Jersey played a little harder. Don’t worry it’s not like we’re on a ten game slide or anything, it’s one loss. I think we can get through it.”

“I think so too,” she said standing and making her way over to him. He wrapped his arms around her and she rested her head against his chest. “I just can’t wait until you can get out there again and help kick the rest of the NHL’s ass.”

“Believe me baby I can’t wait either, only a few more weeks and I’ll be back on the ice.”

***

A few days later practice was about to start and Jordan was in the locker room, sitting at this stall. “You know how I used to talk about wanting a motorcycle?”

“Yeah,” Jordan said looking up from the stick he was taping.

“Well do you think I should get one?”

“I don’t know, it’s up to you.”

“Okay, there’s someone else I have to talk to about it,” she kissed his cheek and left him to finish taping his stick. She walked up the runway and found Kris working on his slap shot. “Kris, can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Yeah coach what’s up?” he said stepping onto the bench.

“It’s not about hockey; it’s kind of a personal question.” He took his gloves off and helmet off before running his fingers through his hair. They sat in silence for a moment as Miriya tried to think of a way to word her question. “So I was thinking of getting a motorcycle, but I had to see if it was okay with you first. I know that you lost your best friend to a motorcycle accident, but then there’s TK.”

The look on Kris’s face quickly changed, he was no longer smiling but now sat with a solemn look on his face. “Tyler’s had his Harley for forever so he’s fine. I mean I still worry about him but he knows what he’s doing. Really it’s up to you whether or not you get it, but if it was me I wouldn’t.”

“Then I won’t get it.”

“Don’t let me make the decision for you.”

“No Kris, it really means a lot that you care about me. I know how hard Luc’s death was for you,” she paused for a moment thinking of Kris’ best friend who had died years before. “I don’t want you to worry about me so I won’t get it.”

“Thanks.”

“Anything for you babe,” she said giving him a hug. She quickly kissed his check and looked into his dark brown eyes. “Alright, I’m Coach Staal again until the end of practice.”

“Yes Mrs. Staal,” he said with a smile putting his helmet back on and stepping on to the ice.

***

Over the next two weeks the team picked up four wins in five games and this time Miriya took the loss a little better than she had the last time. This loss had come in a road game, the second of the trip. But two wins followed, the second at home.

The next day Jordan stepped out onto the ice for the first time since his injury, well the first time with the rest of the team. When he picked up a puck along the boards and began stick handling a wide smile came to his face. “How’s the wrist Jordan?” Miriya asked stepping on to the ice.

“Surprisingly it feels great,” he said, taking a shot that hit the back of the net.

“You’re looking good, what did Michelle say?”

“I’m healthy enough to play; now I just have to wait until you and Ray give me the okay.”

“We’re not putting you in cold, practice this week and see how you feel.”

The rest of the guys came out onto the ice and as usual practice started when everyone was at center ice stretching. Stretching was followed by some shooting and passing drills and finished with a short scrimmage.

When it ended most of the guys were still on the ice and Miriya pushed Jordan over to the penalty box. “Good practice today Staal.”

“Thanks coach.”

“Technically I’m not your coach right now, practice is over.”

“Really?” he asked, a sly smile forming on his lips. All Miriya could do was smile as Jordan pushed her back against the glass and his lips pressed hard against hers for a passionate kiss.

“You two should really get a room,” Colby said from the ice. Jordan’s lips never left Miriya’s as he kicked the penalty box door closed. “I guess that works.”

***

The week passed and Friday afternoon when practice had ended all of the guys had gone to the locker room, except for one. The one who remained was working on his stick handling and without more than a glance Miriya knew exactly who it was. She watched from the edge of the runway without a word and couldn’t help but smile. After a slapper from the point in the far end he started towards the runway. “What do you think coach?”

“How’s centering the third line tomorrow night sound?” At this a smile appeared and he stopped inches from her, pulling her into a hug. “You’re welcome, go get showered so we can go home.”

The next day morning skate went well and Jordan looked good back on the third line. He had gone to the weight room for some last minute strengthening before the game and that’s where Miriya food him. “Jay, I know that you want to be ready for tonight’s game but I don’t want you to overwork your wrist. I don’t want you to pull a Max.”

“Alright, let me go grab my stuff and we can go.”

Once they arrived home they showered, slept, ate and got Scott ready before returning to the arena. Minutes before the pre-game skate Jordan pulled his game jersey for the first time in over a month and you could see in his eyes that he was excited to be taking the ice again, especially at home. As he stepped out onto the ice his face lit up as the crowd cheered.

“We’ve been playing well all season and I hope to continue to do so tonight, and for all of the remaining game. Jordan’s back in the line-up so Max and Tyler you may have to look up before you make passes since you haven’t played together in a while. Jordan, I know that we’re playing Philly and they’re the team that hurt you but please do not go after Ryan Parent. If he messes with you and you feel the need to fight you can, just don’t get called for instigating. But a fight would definitely make for a good comeback and so would a goal or two. Alright boys, let’s get out there and kick some Philly ass.”

Everyone hit the ice and the second line was out for the opening face-off. Forty seconds in the third line hit the ice while the pick was in the neutral zone. TK picked it up along the far boards and was off into the Flyer’s zone. A crisp cross ice pass connected with Max’s stick and he put it up to the net where Jordan tipped it in for his third of the year and first since returning. After his usual fist pump he went to the boards for the “huddle” with his line. After a pat on the back he got a little more than that, Ryan Parent came up and slashed the back of his leg.

“You’ve got to me kidding me,” he said stepping on to the bench. “Did you see that?”

“I did, but I’m not going to argue it, you know the relationship between the officials and me.”

For the rest of the first period every time Jordan was on the ice Ryan Parent seemed to be too. Three-quarters of the way through the period the puck was in the Flyers’ end and their winger tried to get it out but Eats had other plans. After holding it in he slapped it towards the net from the point at fifteen forty-five to notch the Pens second goal of the game, unassisted.

For the remaining few minutes Jordan and Ryan both took the ice for two more shifts and both times whenever Jordan was along the boards he was on the receiving end of a few illegal hits.

It was the start of the second and one last dirty hit that pushed Jordan over the edge. “I’ve had enough of you Parent, let’s go.” And with that both sets of gloves were on the ice and the two combatants were circling at center ice. Now a much better fighter than in his first few seasons Jordan grabbed a hold of Ryan’s jersey and started throwing lefts. Ryan got one good punch in just before Jordan took him down to the ice and the officials separated them. The crowd was insane as they showed the replay on the Jumbotron and Jordan watched from the penalty box.

When the two teams went to their respective locker rooms the score was still two-nothing. “Gronk.”

“Yeah coach?”

“All you need is an assist in the third to get the Gordie Howe.”

“I’ll try my best; I take it you’re not made about the fight?”

“Me, Coach Miriya Staal, mad about a fight?” She asked with a laugh, the team joined with a laugh too. “It was a good, necessary, fight. He was beating up on you out there and I’m glad you dropped the gloves when you did.”

The third period started out rather quickly as Brooks and Kris passed the puck back and forth in the defensive zone as the front line changed. Brooks made one last pass to Kris before Jordan in the perfect position for a lead pass. The Flyers were stuck in a change and Jordan was off on a breakaway and beat the goalie, short side with a snap shot from the slot.

No much later Jordan was back on the ice for the face-off in the neutral zone. It was won by the Flyers who tried to take the puck into the Pens zone. At about the blue line Jordan picked it off the winger’s stick and was off the other way, all alone. His wrister went top shelf as the goalie went down and he stayed down as the team came to congratulate Jordan. The crowd erupted with cheers as hats fell to the ice from all around the arena. As Mike Lange would say, “He was smiling like a butcher’s dog” as he was practically tackled by his line mates.

The guys went to the bench as the hats were cleared and Miriya tapped Jordan on the shoulder. “I guess this beats getting the Gordie Howe,” she said with a smile.

“Definitely.”

The game ended with a score of the Penguins four and the Flyers zero, the guys practically attacked Jordan as when they got to the locker room. Miriya decided that she would join in the celebration before addressing the press and gave him a pat on the back as the guys cleared to their stalls. She pressed her lips to his but pulled away when Colby cleared his throat.

“Come on coach, save it for when you get home.”

“Not a bad idea, thanks Colbs,” Jordan said with a smile.

With that Miriya went to address the press.

Staal [A Jordan Staal Story] Sixty-Five

The boys had beaten the Sens three to one; Miriya did her usual post game press conference, and soon after made her way to the locker room. “Hey babe,” she ran her hand over Kris’ clean black t-shirt and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek.

The next day at practice Ben approached Miriya, “Coach can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Sure, what’s up?” They sat down on the bench and Miriya removed her gloves.

“Are you cheating on Jordan?” Ben sat on the bench with a look on his face that Miriya was sure it had never held before, this was the most serious she had ever seen the boy.

“No,” she said taken aback. “I would never cheat on him; I love him more than anything in the world. The whole Kris thing had been going on for years and Jordan knows about it, and really it’s practically his fault…” She went on to tell of when they had played seven minutes in heaven years before. “That’s the only time his lips have ever touched mine. We only kiss each other on the cheek and we are both happily married, okay?”

Ben nodded. “And as I said, I would never cheat on him. Once I thought he was cheating on me and I don’t think that I’ve ever cried so hard in my life. Not only was I mad at him for being with someone else, but I love him too much to be without him. The thought of not being with him hurts too much.”

“What happened that made you think he was cheating?” Ben asked, playing with a water bottle that sat on top of the boards.

Miriya walked into the locker room after the game, making her way to Bugsy’s stall to wait until Jordan has finished with his interviews. It was early in the oh eight, oh nine season, Miriya and Jordan had been together for about a year. Ryan’s stall was across the room from Jordan’s and Miriya stood facing Ryan as she spoke with him about the happenings on the ice that night.

When all of the reporters had left Miriya gave Bugsy a hug before turning toward Jordan. He sat at his stall, but tonight something was different. “J-Jay?” Miriya asked her voice cracking as she chocked back a tear.

“Baby it’s not what you think,” Jordan said standing from his stall and pushing the blond girl from his lap.

Miriya grabbed her ice time from the bench and stormed into the lounge, longing for any of the guys. “Brooksy,” she said to the one remaining. “I need a ride home.”

What about--” He stopped himself from asking about Jordan when he saw the look of hurt on her face. They made their way to the car and Brooks was out of the parking lot as quickly as possible.

“Thanks Brooks,” she said before getting out of the white BMW and running up to the house. She jumped onto her bed and buried her face in the stomach of her teddy bear, Fleury. The next thing she knew the bed sunk down and there was a clam breathing behind her.

“Baby?” he asked, questioning whether or not she was still awake. She reluctantly turned to face him, tears still in her eyes. He gently wiped a tear from her cheek with his thumb and looked into her ice, blue eyes. “It’s not what you think, she’s a friend from Thunder Bay, I hadn’t seen her in years. Baby I would never cheat on you I love you too much, and it hurts me to see you like this.”

She didn’t say anything but just crawled into his lap and rested her head against his chest. He held her tightly and soon she was asleep in his arms. Any time that she tried to move his grip tightened and this assured her that he had told the truth.

“I’m sorry Staalsy, that’s crazy. The only reason I asked was because I love you two and from what I can see you’re perfect for each other.”

“Well thank you Ben, it’s good to know that I’ve got people looking out for my boy,” she said putting her gloves back on. “But get back on the ice.”

When practice ended everyone headed home, Miriya sat down on the couch and put her feet up on the table. “How was practice?” Jordan asked after sitting on the couch next to her.

“Good, the guys are doing really well I just need to be away from the arena for a little while.”

“I know the feeling; you wanna watch movies all day?”

“That actually sounds amazing, what do you wanna watch?” She asked standing from the couch.

They eventually decided on a movie and sat watching contently without another thought in the world. When Scott woke up Nik took care of him to give Miriya a break and when it came time for dinner they ordered pizza to continue their relaxing day. With the empty pizza boxes on the table the Staal family sat back to watch the Devils take on the Canes.

As Jared and Eric Staal skated around the crisp ice Miriya was with her own Staal brother watching a game that she was glad wasn’t her own. “Being a coach is stressful.”

“But you’re good at it and the boys are giving all of the other teams a run for their money.”

“Thanks babe but you’re part of the team too and it’s early in the season. It’s way too early to be thinking about the cup, I’m still thinking about stuff for tomorrow’s game.”


The next morning Miriya headed to the arena for morning skate and soon after everyone headed to the airport. Once the plane landed in New Jersey the team went to the Rock to get ready for the game. Not much happened that was exciting, the win came easily for Miriya and her boys, the third win against the Devils although the first two were pre-season.

“Hey Staalsy,” Scuds called from behind her. “I’m really liking this travel schedule, are we gonna do this all season?”

“As much as we can, as long as it’s only a one day trip. If we’ve got a long trip it’s not going to work, but I’ll definitely think about it.”

“Thanks coach, you’re the greatest,” he said embracing her in a hug.

“Let’s wait a few more games before we start saying things like that we’re only four games into the season and have seventy-eight more to go.”


The boys had the next three days off but Monday they had practice to stay in the game mindset. The rest of the month went by quickly and soon it was the day before Halloween. Miriya who was still a little kid at heart not to mention that she wasn’t too far removed from being a child, decided to have a team Halloween party.

“Baby, have you seen my other combat boot?” Miriya asked from the bedroom.

“Nope, do I look like a vampire?” He asked walking into the room.

“You remind me of Edward Cullen, very sexy.”

Miriya finally found her boot and the Staals headed to the arena. Most of the team was already there and as instructed, in costume. The decorations which had been left to Colby didn’t look as bad as Miriya thought they would, his costume on the other hand was very, frightening.

“Wow Scream, I haven’t seen one of these costumes in years.”

“Funny Staalsy, you look ready to go play with guns.”

“Well actually when I was in the Air Force I played with fire, but guns are fun too.”

As Miriya walked around the locker room some interesting costumes drew her attention. Mark, Sid and Vero along with Jordan were vampires. Brooks, Marc, and Geno were part of the mafia and they pulled the look off perfectly. One costume that really drew Miriya’s attention though was Michelle’s; she was dressed in scrubs and a lab coat with a stethoscope around her neck.

“Wow Chelle, how original,” Miriya said with a laugh.

“I could say the same about you little miss Air Force.”

At that point a new group walked in, Ryan, Deb, and Jess. Jess was dressed as a bumblebee and Ryan and Deb as Spiderman and MJ. They were so cute together and looked better than the actual movie couple. The rest of the kids were dressed up as well, Jamie just like his mom was dressed as a pirate, Will as a hockey player wearing a jersey with his dad’s name and number. Nathan was a pumpkin, Christiano a frog, and Scott a penguin, they were all adorable.

The party went well and Miriya seemed happy with it when she got home with her vampire husband. She took Scott from his penguin costume and put him to bed before going to her room and taking her own costume off.

“I want to suck your blood,” Jordan said crawling onto the bed.
“Baby, vampires don’t say that.

“Fine,” he said kissing her cheek.


The next day Scott was back in his penguin costume while Miriya put a table at the end of the drive-way with a bowl of candy and a sign that read ‘Please take one…Happy Halloween! The Staals.’

With that in place the Staal family got into Miriya’s mustang and soon pulled into her parent’s drive-way. After walking up the big hill they made it to Sam’s mom’s house where they would be meeting with the rest of the group.

Sam’s mom had made pumpkin seeds for all of them and the pumpkins that they had come from sat decoratively in the front yard. Once the usual group was there they made their way through Miriya’s old neighborhood. After visiting every house Scott had fallen asleep but his pillow case was full of candy.

Yet another one shot.

Hey guys, I just posted a one shot that I'm very proud of and would greatly appreciate if you guys would check it out and let me know what you think.

Thank you very much.

A New Beginning

Staal [A Jordan Staal Story] Sixty-Four

Hey guys, I know I haven't been updating much lately, but I haven't gotten any writing done on any of my three stories since school ended. I have however been working on two one shots. One is about Andrew Orpik, the brother of Penguins' defenseman Brooks Orpik. That one shot is currently posted and it would mean a great deal if you guys checked it out and commented. The other one shot is about Eric Godard and should be posted in the next few days. In the mean time please enjoy this chapter, comments are greatly appreciated.



Sixty-Four

Wednesday morning there was no practice and the team would be training and bonding. Miriya rolled out of bed for the first time in months on her own. No alarm had sounded and Scotty had no cried. Her eyes had fluttered open out of a peaceful sleep and she went to see if Scott was awake yet. He still lay soundly sleeping in his crib and Miriya couldn’t help but smile. She made her way back to bed and lay back down next to Jordan. “Scotty okay?”

“Yean, he’s still asleep. You ready for training?”

“Sure, am I able to do it?”

“I’m sure that you can do most of it. I won’t make you do push-ups. When we go dragon boating, if you’re wrist starts to hurt then you can just sit, but you’re not getting out of it.”

He placed a kiss on her cheek and got out of bed. “I’m gonna see if Scotty’s up yet.”

Miriya still lay in bed, thinking about the last few years. When she was fifteen she could have never imagined being as happy as she was. She had all that she wanted in great friends, a talented, supportive, sexy husband, and a beautiful son. The big house and expensive cars were just perks when it came along with living her dream. Her train of thought as broken when Jordan sat down next to her.

“Thank you baby.”

“For what?”

“Helping to make my dreams come true,” she smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. “You’re the reason I had enough confidence to go for the announcing internship. You’re the one who motivated me to work hard for the announcing and now the coaching job. You’re the reason that I’m happily married, and in love, and have a beautiful son. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, but you did most of that on your own.” He brought his lips down to her and smiled. “I love you baby.”

“You too.”

Jordan pushed Miriya back onto the pillow and reconnected their lips. He leaned forward and let out a sigh of pain. He pulled his lips from hers and the weight from his wrist.

“Aw baby, let’s not do that anymore. Rest wrist and I’ll go make breakfast.”

*

Everyone stood at the ninth street bridge ready for the day’s training, dressed in shorts and t-shirts. “Okay boys, stretch out, I don’t want anyone getting hurt. I don’t think I can handle anymore injuries,” she looked to Jordan with a smile.

After stretching the team ran from the bridge, past PNC Park, and down to the steps by Heinz Field. Everyone has arrived in good time and was given a short time to sit and talk amongst themselves. “Alright boys, sits-ups, push-ups, and jumping jacks.”

“But coach, the ground is gross,” Colby said in his fake gay voice.

“Well Colbs, would you rather run to the bridge and back again?”

“Nope I’m good, sit-ups and push-ups sound great.”

Miriya couldn’t help but laugh at this as the team got down to do sit-ups. Jordan did sit-ups and jumping jacks but when the guys did push-ups he sat by and watched. Miriya walked along the side of the river to make sure that everyone was working, and thought about how much she loved being with the boys.

The dragon boating instructors waited down by the river with two boats, paddles, and a pile of life jackets. After everything was explained and everyone was divided into groups they put their life jackets on and got into the boats that sat bobbing on the water. The safety boat trailed behind the two large boats and had offered for Miriya and Michelle to ride along with Cassie and Mike Yeo, but they refused.

“Oh boy, Colby’s in the boat with us Chelle,” Miriya said before climbing in.

“Colby, I swear if you make us tip there’s going to be hell,” Bugsy said from the front of the boat.

Surprisingly both boats made it safely back to the dock and everyone shed their life jackets before heading up to the grassy area. Everyone sat down on the steps at the large statue until Miriya told them that it was okay to leave. The guys headed their separate ways; most of them to their cars and home. Jordan and Miriya however crossed the bridge and made their way to the fountain at the point.

“Why are you such a great coach?” Jordan asked climbing up onto the edge of the fountain.

“Because if I wasn’t I wouldn’t be your coach,” she said, smiling.

“Good point.”

They sat at the point for a while before enjoying the sunny October day. After a while though they made their way back home where Nik and Erin were playing with Scott.

“Nik, you’re going to be such a great dad someday.”

“Thanks Staalsy,” he said smiling. “Oh, Erin made lunch.”

“You two are amazing,” she said turning towards the kitchen.

*

That night Jordan put Scott to bed while Miriya showered. He passed the time channel surfing as he waited for his wife. The water shut off and a few minutes later Miriya entered the room with a big Penguins’ t-shirt. The “C” in the upper corner is what drew Jordan’s attention. “Really babe, Sid?”

“Sorry babe, the shirt was clean.”

“Well let’s get rid of it and make it all Staal,” he said seductively.

“I like the sound of that, Mr. Staal.” Miriya made her way to the bed, inching the shirt up as she went. Though it only took a few seconds for her to make it to the bed Jordan looked as though he was going to pounce. She crawled onto the bed, the shirt still covering most of her body. Jordan pulled her to him and quickly brought the shirt over her head just before bringing her lips to his. “Wow babe, you’d think you were deprived,” she said pulling away, keeping her lips just inches from his.

“I’m sorry baby,” he kissed her. “but you’re just so sexy.” Miriya couldn’t help but giggle as he pressed he pressed his lips to hers again.

*

“So Jay, how’s your wrist after last night?” Nik asked at breakfast the next morning.

“Huh?”

“You guys really need to do something about how loud you are, I’m right down the hall.”

“Sorry,” Miriya said with a smile. “Come on boys we’ve gotta get to morning skate.”

The dishes were cleared from the table and everyone left for morning skate. They had just finished laps when Miriya called Sid for. “Yeah coach?” He asked stick handling the air.

“Where’s your wife?”

“She had a doctor’s appointment, she’ll be here for the game though.”
Miriya sent him back to practicing as she skated among the guys to make sure that they were working. They ran a few passing drills and then scrimmaged to get ready for the game that night. When practice ended the team headed home for their pre-game rituals.

Sid entered his house to find it unusually quiet and went to search for his wife. “Hey baby,” he said peaking into Christiano’s room. Michelle sat in the rocking chair in the corner looking at her son, Christiano, who lay asleep in his crib.

“Hey, can I talk to you?” Sid nodded. “Sid,” she paused. “We’re going to have another baby.”

Sidney’s face lit up and he pulled her from the chair. He lifted her from the ground, spinning her around and pressing his lips to hers. He led her to their room and sat down on the bed after removing his t-shirt. He sat there, his eyes and lips hungry for her.

“What about you pre-game nap?” Michelle asked sitting on the bed next to him.

“It can wait, I’ll just go in a little later today,” he said placing a kiss on her cheek.

*

Sidney woke up from his pre-game nap and went to shower as Michelle went to make a quick pre-game dinner.

The few people who usually awaited Sid’s arrival were still there when he got there an hour and half later than normal. “Hey guys, sorry we’re late.”
“It’s okay Sid, good luck tonight.”

The guys suited up, went out for the for pre-game skate and awaited the start of the game. Miriya had made her pre-game speech and asked if anyone had anything else to say before they took the ice.

Sidney stood up from his stall and Michelle came from the doorway and they met in the middle of the room. “There’s going to be another Crosby in about nine months,” Michelle said with a wide smile.

One shot?

Hey guys, I just posted a one shot that I'm very proud of and would greatly appreciate if you guys would check it out and let me know what you think.

Thank you very much.

She Said Yes.

Staal [A Jordan Staal Story] Chapter Sixty-three

I love living in Pittsburgh! We have the greatest football team and more importantly at the moment, the best hockey team. I'm still in shock that we did it, but it's a good shock. I went to the parade yesterday and it was so wroth getting there seven hours before the parade started. I was super close to the stage and got a ton of amazing pics, if you want to see them send me an email an I'll see what I can do. Anyway here's a new chapter of Jordan! I hope you enjoy it, as always comments are grealy appreciated.


Chapter Sixty-Three

Monday came and with it morning skate, that night the Pens would be playing the Flyers. Since there was still a few minutes before practice was going to start the boys were talking at different places around the ice; some working on their shot or sticking handling, Miriya however was just skating.

She rounded a corner and went down. 'Nothing major, hockey players lose their edge and all the time," she thought to herself. That is until she tired to get up. "Shit!" By this point most of the team had made its way over.

"You okay?" Brooksy asked from the crease.

"Yeah, I'm fine." She pulled herself up using the boards for support, tried to take a stride with her left leg and quickly grabbed back onto the boards.

"You wanna go to the locker room?" Mark asked, concerned for his coach.

"Yeah, Mike take over until I get back."

"Sure thing coach," Mike Yeo said. "Jordan and Kris help her out."

With the support of two of her favorite people Miriya let her left skate glide along the ice as they made their way to the locker room. "Chelle!" Jordan said as they stepped off the runway. "You've got a patient."

"Which of you boys got hurt before practice even started?" She walked into the room and stopped in her tracks. "Coach, what happened to you?"

"Lost my edge and went down pretty hard on my bad knee," she said as Jordan gently set her on one of the tables in the training room.

"You know you don’t have to go back out, Mike can handle it."

"I know he can but baby I've played with a dislocated shoulder, I think I can coach with a hurt knee. And you know that I've hurt my knee so many times now I just fight through it."

"Don't worry about it boys, I'll have her back on the ice in no time."

"Thanks Chelle, see you on the ice babe," he kissed her cheek and turned to make his way back to the ice with Kris.

"Baby," Miriya said sadly and both guys turned to face her. "Kris, don't I get a kiss?"

"Sure babe. I thought that while we were doing anything team related I had to act like we were just friends; after all, you are my coach."

"Well everyone knows about it, so you have the same restrictions as Jordan."

"Okay," he said with a smile and kissed her check. "I'll see you out there coach."

The boys went back to the ice and Michelle got to work. She rolled up Miriya's track pants to reveal a knee that had already started to bruise. "We're not worried about the bruise, right?"

"Yeah, it's out again. Just work your magic and put it back in again."

Within fifteen minutes Miriya's knee was back in place and all that hurt was big purple mark. She grabbed a pair of shorts from the locker room and wrapped her knee in ice. "Thanks Dr. Crosby," she said as Michelle put the plastic wrap down.

"No problem, get out there coach."

When she took the ice again the entire team applauded. "Thanks boys but I've come back from worse. Get back to work."

When practice ended Miriya headed home for her pre-game nap and a pre-game meal of steak that Erin had prepared for them. "So Miriya, how's your knee?" Jordan asked.

"Good, I can't believe I lost my edge like that."

"Yeah, you did go down pretty hard," Nik added.

After the table was cleared everyone left for the arena, the entrance to the parking lot was surrounded by fans awaiting the arrival of anyone who was willing to give an autograph. Miriya rolled her window down and signed for a few fans before pulling into her spot.

The fans above cheered for the three of them as they made their way from the car to the arena. Once they made it inside Jordan turned one way to go to the locker room with Scotty and Miriya the other to go to her office to prepare for the game.

Even though she was new to this she had her pre-game ritual down like she had been doing it all her life. She took her gold Penguins' chain from the picture of Hedberg on the shelf behind her desk and kissed it before placing it around her neck. With her stereo all the up she turned on 'Don't Stop Believing' to get herself pumped up. When the song ended she made her way to the locker room to give her pre-game speech, after all of the players arrived of course.

"Coach, are you going to listen to that before every game?' Colby asked.

"Yes Colby, do you have a problem with that?"

"No but…"

"Do I question any of you about your pre-game rituals?"

"No but could you at least turn it down?"

"Sure Colbs, I'll turn it down."

"I can't believe you questioned Miriya and listening to Don't Stop Believing. You don't mess with Mir and her song," Michelle said with a straight face.

That was the last thing said before the boys hit the ice for pre-game skate.
Both teams looked strong early but the Guins managed to cash in first. Jordan put it in top shelf with help from Max and Brooks at four thirty-two if the first period. The crowd went crazy the second the red light went off to signal Jordan's second goal of the season. Also in that period Marc made a glove save as the Flyers' rookie Steve Williams was in on a one on oh. He took the shot from the hash and Marc whipped his glove out to cover the open part of the net, the Guins' keeping the one goal lead.

"Jay!"

"Yeah coach?"

"Keep scoring goals like that and you may out score Sid this season," she placed her hand on his back. "Keep up the good work."

They headed out for the second period and again the Guins struck first. Marc had played the puck behind the net and up to Colby. Army took it up to the blue line where he passed it to Sid who spilt the D and spun around putting the puck stick side of the Flyer's goalie. Sid's first goal of the season came on the power play at six forty-three.

Six minutes later Geno notched his first goal of the season with help from Whit and Jamesy. The wrister from the slot went in at twelve thirty-six. Marc made another amazing save, this time diving across the net to stop a Ryan Parent slap shot. With a three-nothing lead the boys and Miriya made their way to the locker room with wide smiles.

The boys were ready to go out for the last twenty minutes and hold on to their lead. However early in the frame Jordan had the puck behind the Flyers' net and waited for Max to get to the corner so that he could pass it out. After the pass had connected and play had moved to the front of the net a Flyer came charging in, dropped his shoulder and slammed Jordan hard into the end boards. Jordan still lay on the ice, obviously in pain, and play finally stopped when the Flyers' goalie had the puck in his glove.

There was no sign of a penalty being called causing Miriya to call the officials over to the bench as the trainers went to tend to Jordan behind the net.

"Are you kidding me, how can you not call a penalty on that. There's at least three things that could be. First of all, interference, that was definitely a late hit. Two, boarding, there was no way in hell that was a clean hit, he clearly dropped his shoulder. Three, charging, three or more strides before checking and opponent. He was in front of the net before he hit him. Have you guys read the rule book?"

"Yes Mrs. Staal we have. There is no penalty and when your husband is cleared from the ice play will resume."

The officials skated away as Jordan was helped off to the locker room. "Son of bitches."

"Staalsy, you okay?" Eats asked looking back.

"I've seen too many hits like that go bad. There could have been three calls on that play, he should be suspended at least one game, depending on the extent of the injury. And I'm not just saying this because he's my husband or even because he's someone on my team. If Jordan would have thrown that hit I'd say that he should be suspended and he probably would be."

"I know. He'll be fine."

"Thanks Eats, Whit and Jamesy are out there double shifting it, get out there."

On that shift Scuds picked up the puck along the boards and slid a cross ice pass to Eats. Mark took it up to the slot where he dropped in back to Nik. With a one-timer from the hash Nik pit it past the goalie to give the Guins a four-nothing lead.

"Good job boys, that's for Jordan."

Three minutes later Ryan Parent picked the puck off Geno's stick and headed the other way. His break-away ended with the puck behind Fleury, the unassisted goal was scored at ten oh three.

"He should at least still be in the box if not thrown out of the game."

When the final buzzer rang Miriya quickly made her way to the training room to check up on Jordan, before even giving her post game speech to the boys.

"Michelle, how is he?" She asked before even entering the room.

"He dislocated his right shoulder, I popped it back in. He shouldn't need surgery, but the only way to tell is an MRI. He also messed up his right wrist pretty bad, I'm pretty sure it's broken. We're sending him to the hospital to get an MRI and a cast, he'll be out four to six weeks."

"Okay," she said with a sigh. "I've gotta go face the boys and the press. I'm so sorry baby, it's not fair that you were hurt two games into the season. But I've gotta go before the press starts an angry mob."

"It's not your fault babe. But I won't go to the hospital until you're with me."

"Aww I'll see you later, I love you." She lightly hugged him and left a kissing on his cheek before going to address the team.

When the post game speech had been given Miriya made her way to her post game press conference . From the second she stepped into the room reporters were yelling questions.
"Coach, how do you feel about Jordan getting hurt?"

"I feel that the officials did not make the necessary call at the time. He could have been seriously injured, but in any case a penalty should have been called."

"Is there any word on how serious the injury is and how long he'll be out?"

"I'm not at liberty to disclose the injury, but the word from Dr. Crosby is that he will be out anywhere from four to six weeks."

"How do you plan on handling this loss?"

"It is a loss, Jordan is a key player, but we'll fight through it."

Finally, she was done answering questions and made her way back to the training room where Jordan was waiting. Michelle had wrapped his wrist in an ace bandage, it wasn't doing much, but it would help until they got to the hospital. He also had a bag of ice on his shoulder to try to help keep the swelling down.

The three made their way out to the ambulance, Jordan and Miriya obviously in the back and Michelle in Miriya's Stang. Without sirens or flashing lights they drive for two minutes before arriving at the hospital.

Jordan first had an MRI which showed that there wasn't enough damage for surgery to be needed. His wrist was then put in a cast and within a few hours of arriving they walked out the front doors to find where Michelle parked.

Nik had taken Scott home with him and they were sound asleep when Miriya and Jordan arrived home after dropping Michelle off at the arena.

The next morning it was off to practice where Miriya would be making line changes and Jordan would be taking care of Scott, to the best of his ability, he was still pretty injured. When the boys hit the ice Jordan took a seat on the bench and watched what he was missing out on.

"Baby look," Jordan said holding his right arm up. "I had all of the guys sign it."

"You're such a little kid," she tried to hold her laughter in. "But I love you."

The boys ran warm-ups and waited at center ice for instructions.

"Alright, Hallsy you're taking the third line and Ben you're centering the fourth. Let's see how these two lines look now."

Practice went well and when it ended the boys showered and made their way into the sunny October day. There was a crowd waiting outside for autographs, as usual.

"Jordan, Jordan can I have your autograph?" the fans asked as he and Miriya walked towards them, Miriya always signed for everyone there following practice.

"I would love to sign for you guys but I can't, I'm sorry."

One fan booed and the others around him joined in.

"He said he was sorry that he can't sign for you. If you're going to be made at anyone its Ryan Parent, he's the one who hit Jordan last night."

With that being said Miriya turned back towards the car and she, Jordan and Scott walked through the parking lot to their car and left without another word.