Staal [A Jordan Staal Story] Sixty-Two

Friday came and with it the last day before the home opener. Miriya had managed to stay calm thus far, even through the continuing newspaper articles of her predicted failure. One that the team enjoyed was entitled 'Beginner's Luck' it went on to say that the four preseason games were won out of pure luck and that once the real season was under way she was surely in for failure.

"There you guys go, good pass, good save Flower. Get back D get back, there you go, good, Sid pas. There you go Nik, Army's in front. Good Job Arms, let's run it again boys."

For some reason now more than ever Miriya felt like a coach, like she had the power to control her team. She thought this as she watched her first line run a scoring play.

"Nice poke-check Conks, this is what I wanna see tomorrow night. Second line, you're up." Geno's line stepped onto the ice and ran the same drill, Jordan and Adam's lines following that.

Miriya blew the whistle after Marc had covered the puck, signaling the end of the drill. "Scrimmage, losing team does suicides."

"What do we get if we win?" Max asked.

"To go to the locker room and shower while your teammates do suicides, sound okay Maxi?"

"Yep."

The top two lines were to play against the third and fourth lines. The top two lines, team A, had Brooks, Tanger, and Jamesy for D. Team B, the third and fourth lines, had Whit, Eats, Scuds, and Ric.

"Coach we're down a D," Bugsy pointed out.

"Well, I was going to be mean and say just rotate, but since I'm nice I'm going to play D with Jamesy."

Team A now wore wide smiles, team B complained about how it wasn't fair. Miriya said nothing more and just skated to the bench to wait for her turn to hit the ice. On her third or fourth shift Max was behind the net after the puck, Miriya, being the physical defenseman that she was laid a hard check on him, causing the glass to rattle.

In the end team B won by one goal; they headed to the locker room while team A, including Miriya went to the goal line.

"Wow coach I didn't think you would do suicides too."

"Well I was part of the losing team wasn't I, Eats?"

At that point the whistle blew causing the losing team to speed down the ice. After a few minutes Miriya told the boys to hit the showers and everyone headed to the locker room.

Max still sat at this stall waiting for Miriya. "And they say girls can't hit," he said with a laugh.

"Sorry, you should be used to physical defensemen now," she paused. "Ones who are six-three, two-twenty not five-one, one-twenty, on a good day."

"You’re right, I'm sorry coach."

"Good you should be," She said jokingly. "I'll see you in the morning."

Morning skate went well the next day and everyone, including Miriya, was ready for the game that night. Her pre-game nap was shortened more than it would have been when Scotty started crying. Once he was giggling again Miriya figured that it was time to get ready for the game.

Dressed in her new black pin stripe suit she made her way to the arena. She left Scott with Jordan were Mel would soon be picking him up to watch him during the game.

The boys wandered into the locker room and once they were all dressed in their black jerseys it was time for the pre-game skate.

Miriya had gone to the locker room to talk to Cassie and Michelle and she could hear the crowd's cheers from there.

It was finally just minutes before everyone was to talk the ice and Miriya made her way to the center of the locker room. "Alright boys, you know the crowd out there is crazy, can you feel the intensity? They're out there cheering like it's the Stanley Cup Finals," The guys all smiled at this. "Now there are people who don't believe in us, well they don't believe in me. We won all four of our preseason games and they called it beginner's luck. Let's get out there and show them that we can play, that we can win!"

As always with the home opener the coaching, equipment, and training staff went out and were announced. They stood on the bench as the arena was dark except for the circling spotlights.

"And your head coach, Miriya Staal!" The crowd erupted with cheers as the spotlight moved to Miriya and she waved to the fans.

The announcers for the Habs though, were not so nice. "Staal, who lead her team to four wins in the preseason, sure looks professional tonight, but that doesn't mean that she has what it takes to lead a team. As she said, we'd have to wait and see. We're just minutes from the start of the home opener, we've waited, now let's see."

The players were announced and skated out one by one as the crowd cheered and chanted their names. The lights came up and the anthem was sung by Pittsburgh favorite, Jeff Jimmerson.

The stating line-up of Sid, Colby, Nik, Brooks, Kris and Marc stood only the newly cleaned ice awaiting the drop of the opening face-off. The crowd was deafening, even after the drop of the puck.

About three minutes in Nik had the puck in the neutral zone, after intercepting a Habs' pass. Taking it up to the offensive zone he dropped it back to Sid. Sid carried it to the hash before centering to Colby. With a quick one-timer he flipped it up over Carey Price's shoulder giving the Pens a one-nothing lead at three twenty-one.

The crowd was insane and the boys on the bench could barely hear Miriya yelling, "Good job."

At fifteen minutes the Habs were called for hooking and the rookie slowly skated to the box. The Habs dumped it in right off the face-off and the top D went back to pick it up from behind the net. Scuds stick handled for a few seconds before taking it up. Once he got to the point he put it across to Eats who let a slapper rip. The shot was blocked in front by a Habs' defenseman but picked by Hallsy who put it up, top shelf.

"A Pittsburgh goal scored by number eighteen Adam Hall assisted by number seven Mark Eaton and number four Rob Scuderi at fifteen forty-three, a power play goal."

At the end of twenty minutes the Guins were up by two and smiled filled the locker room. And when they went back out for the second the crowd was somehow louder than they had been.

The Guins didn't score in the second, the Habs did however. Jason Williams, a rookie scored at six fifty-four to bring the game a little closer.

Hard hits were thrown and for no reason Brooks got a five minute boarding major after throwing a clean hit. Miriya called the officials over to argue the call, but the refs took the Habs side.

The third however went more the Guins way. Mid-way through the period Jamesy got the puck in the defensive zone and showed off his stick handling skills. He took it up to the neutral zone before giving Geno a lead pass. A quick cross ice pass was given to Crush who snapped it between Price's pads and the post at seven fifty-five.

The Habs received a tripping call at eighteen thirty causing their coach to call a time out. Seconds after play began again Price quickly skated to the bench so that they would be back at five skaters. Tanger passed the puck across to Brooks who passed it up to Jordan. Jordan let a slapper rip from the hash.

The crowd, team, Miriya, and Jordan went crazy. The Habs put their goalie back in knowing that there was no chance of a come back. Jordan's first goal of the season was scored at nineteen minutes, a power play, empty net goal.

"Coach, coach," The reporters said. "What do you think of what the newspapers have been saying about you?"

"I say look at the way the boys are playing, we're winning games and people can think what they want."

"Do you feel that you have what it takes to coach this team all year, you're only twenty-four."

"If I didn't think I could do the job I would not have taken it when Ray offered in April. And as for being twenty-four, the youngest coach in NHL history was twenty-four. I'm only five months younger than when he started."

After a few more questions of that nature Miriya made her way to the locker room where most of the boys were already showered and pulling on their suit jackets. Mel came in from the lounge with Scott and handed him to Miriya before leaving with Colby and Jamie.

With Scott asleep in his crib Miriya stepped into the bedroom where Jordan sat on the bed. "Babe you look amazing in that suit, did I tell you that?"

"You did, great job tonight."

"It's all on you coach, if it weren't for you there's no way we could have won." She smiled widely while taking off her suit jacket. "Let me give you a hand." Her white blouse was
unbuttoned and off in record time, and her pin stripe pants followed just as quickly. She stood in just a lacey tan bra and matching underwear. "Babe I think since you became my coach you got sexier."

"Really? Well last time I checked you were pretty sexy yourself, let's make sure. Jordan quickly took off his own suit jacket off and was helped with the rest by his lovely wife. "Yeah, you're still pretty sexy."

She looked him up and down, stopping briefly at the area covered by a thin layer of black cotton. With a giggle she looked back up to his beautiful blue eyes, which were now looking over Miriya, stopping at the perfect, full breasts only partly covered by a thin layer of fabric. His seductive smile drew her to him, she ran her hands over his muscular chest and stomach as his roamed her toned stomach, breasts and well toned thighs.

He picked her up and a smiled that he loved spread across her face. "I love you coach, congrats on the win," he said and finally kissed her. All of the fire that could be seen in his eyes was poured into this kiss.

"I'll try to coach you to more win if it gets you like this." He laughed and pulled her lips back to his.

They made their way to the bathroom where the remaining clothing was shed. After awhile in the shower they went back to the bedroom to finish their intense night.

"I love you Miriya Lauryl Staal, I'm so glad that I met you."

"I love you too, but don't think I'm gonna go easy on you at practice in the morning."
He laughed and placed a kiss on her check, it felt like a feather compared to the rest of the night. "Goodnight beautiful, I'll see you bright and early for practice."

"Goodnight handsome."

Meeting Young Sidney

So this is where you're going to want to kill me. *sheilds face* Sidney Crosby pulled out of the parking lot and decided that he was going to sign. We were told to get in an orderly line and that he would sign for all of us. We all got in line, I was either the third or fourth. My friend had my jersey down at the light and was trying to get Geno to sign for me, the attempt was unsuccessful. So I thought to myself, "What am I going to have him sign." I looked down at the Guins shirt I was wearing and said, "Okay he's going to sign my shirt." I got up to his car, handed him the sharpie and he signed my shirt, on the stomach of the Penguin and I'm sure you know where that falls. Yes Sidney Crosby touched me! Sorry I'm okay again. My camera which was hanging on my wrist accidently bumped his car and I apologized at least three times, he was a sweet heart and said, "Don't worry about it." I thanked him for signing my shirt at least three times. The funny thing was the whole time I was standing less than a foot from the man, when he touched me, when I touched his car, I wasn't thinking "Oh my God it's Sidney Crosby," No, I was thinking, "Wow his beard looks good in person." I know I am such a lame and probably the only female Penguins' fan who would be thinking that while that close to Sidney Patrick Crosby. After I walked away there was about a three second span that I turned into a puck bunny, jumped up and in a little kid voice said, quietly, "Sidney." Overall it was a good time.

Staal [A Jordan Staal Story] Sixty-One

Camp started winding down and the players who were left grew more nervous with each passing day. The Devils fell to the Guins again as Miriya coached her team to their second win. The third and fourth games were to be played against someone Miriya knew and loved. They would be playing her second favorite NHL team lead by Captain Eric Staal, the Carolina Hurricanes.

Before the first game against the Canes Miriya stood in the locker room for her pre-game speech. “I have to say that you boys are doing amazing. I want you to go out there and have fun, but play smart. Don’t take any stupid penalties and most of all, watch out for Staal. I’ve watched him play many times and know his style. Someone stay tight on him at all times. Let’s get out there and kick some Canes ass!”

The boys hit the ice and when they returned to the locker room after the final buzzer they held their heads high. Miriya had coached her boys to another win; four to one, against her brother-in-law’s team. The lone Canes’ goal was in fact scored by Miriya’s brother-in-law & Canes’ captain Eric Staal. The Guins goals were slapped, tipped and deflected in by Hallsy, Crush, Geno, and Georges.

“Good work out there boys, you’re making it really hard to make cuts. But the roster stands at twenty-nine and for league standards it has to be down to twenty-three. But we’re not gonna worry about that until after the game Friday and maybe even next week.”

Practice the next day went well and Friday they practiced at South Pointe. Miriya stuck with her normal practice plan, but switched up the order a bit. There weren’t many fans in the stand which was good, the boys weren’t as distracted as during previous practices.

Since the practice wasn’t at the arena Miriya walked out with the rest of the staff and players. “Coach Staal can I have an autograph? Can I get a picture.” She signed and posed for pictures along the way to her car, making the fans happy. When she did make it to her car she rolled the window down and signed until all of the fans had cleared the area.

Heading home and changing into her game clothes she thought more about the cuts that still had to be made. Not much later the team boarded the plane to go to North Carolina to take on the Canes in their arena.

“Okay boys you played hard Wednesday night and we need to do it again. You did good covering Staal, but stick to him even tighter tonight. He got on the score sheet last time and let’s try to keep him off it tonight. Alright boys, let’s do it.”

They hit the ice and with power, dominated in the first period. Two goals were shown on the visitor’s side of the Jumbotron, scored by Brooks on the power play and Beech.

The second period held both teams scoreless, but there was an intense fight. Brooks had laid a huge hit on a Canes’ rookie behind the net. It was a clean hit but Mike, the Canes’ rookie didn’t seem to think so. He skated up beside Brooks and asked, “You wanna go?” Brooks who never shied away from a challenge smiled. The two men dropped their gloves simultaneously and circled as the whistle blew.

“Oh boy, that kid has no idea what he’s getting himself into,” Miriya said from the bench.
The home crowd booed as the big Pens’ defenseman won the fight, bringing the Carolina rookie down to the ice. Since the fight took place with only three minutes left in the period it ran over into the third.

The third held nothing spectacular, just a goal with just over a minute left. Since they were only two by two the Canes pulled their goalie in hopes of scoring with the extra attacker. The Guins destroyed their plan when TK intercepted a cross ice pass and went the other way. The arena erupted with boos as they knew that there was no chance of a comeback.

What was left of the fans quickly left following the final buzzer, only the most loyal fans stayed for the announcement of the three stars. The Penguins however were practically jumping up and down having won their fourth straight game.

“Congrats coach,” Mario said passing her in the locker room.

“Thanks Mario.” She made her way to the middle of the room. “Boys I have to say that I’m proud of you. You’ve won four straight games, who cares that they were pre-season, it proves that you guys are ready. In a week you will be playing in the home opener, the sold-out home crowd will be crazy. Now tonight; Brooks, Beechy, TK, great goals. All of you, way to hold off Staal. Get showered and get ready to go home. Great game boys!”

As the boys passed to go to the showers they congratulated Miriya, not only for coaching them to this win, but all four that they had posted during the pre-season.

On the plane Miriya sat next to Jordan as always, “Baby is it okay if I go talk to Brooks?”

“You’re the coach,” he said with a laugh.

“I was referring to something else, you know the whole playoffs.”

“Baby you know we cleared that up and I trust you.”

She smiled and kissed his cheek. “Good, I was going to talk to him about the game anyway.” She went up a few rows where she found Brooks sitting with the other two Boston boys. “My Boston boys,” she said with a smile. There was an empty seat next to Brooks so she sat down. “So double B.”

“What’s up?” he asked.

“Just wanted to say that you played an amazing game and Congrats on the Gordie Howe.”

“Thanks coach, I mean Miriya.”

“So what did I interrupt?”

“We were talking about the fight,” Scuds said.

“I was on the bench in front of Staalsy and she was like ‘that kid doesn’t know what he’s getting into’. Good fight Brooks,” Whit said.

“Good fight Brooks,” she said kissing his cheek. “I’ll see you guys later.”

“Bye Staalsy.”

She made her way back to her seat next to Jordan and rested her head on his shoulder, looking over the boys who she could see from her seat. “So baby you gonna pick Scotty up in the morning?” Jordan asked.

“Sure, I haven’t spent much time with him and I feel bad.”


The next morning Miriya rolled out of bed and made her way to her parent’s house. The fifteen minute drive from her house in Fox Chapel to her parent’s house was filled with thoughts of the pervious night’s game. ‘It’s going to kill me to make these cuts.’ She pulled into the huge drive-way and quickly stepped out of her car and up the stairs.

“Hey Mir,” Sharon said after opening the door.

“Hey Share, thanks for helping mom with Scotty.”

“Anytime, he’s with mom.”

With Scott in hand she made her way back to her car and back home. Jordan had breakfast ready when they got home and was at the table with Nik. The food, as always was delicious and was quickly eaten. After the table was cleaned and the dishes were done Nik left to hang out with Erin and Jordan went to play video games with some of the guys.

“Hey Scotty,” Miriya said picking him up. “I know I haven’t spent much time with you lately and I’m sorry. Do you still love me?” He giggled. “I take that as a yes. I love you my little baby. You’re getting so big soon you’ll be walking, and talking, and daddy and I can teach you how to skate. And when you’re bigger you can be a big bad hockey player like daddy. Well, that is if you want to play hockey. We’re not going to force you to do anything you don’t want to.” She paused for a moment. “How great would it be for my son to make it to the NHL.” She said more to herself than to her son.

At around lunch time after feeding Scott, Miriya decided to change so that she could go out without being noticed. In a pair of jeans, a Robert Morris t-shirt and an RBK hat she made her way out to the car. Contemplating between Pittsburgh Mills and Ross Park Mall she put the car in reverse and after about twenty minutes arrived at Ross Park Mall.

With Scott in his stroller Miriya made her way into the mall and to the food court. Just as every other time she was at the mall she got Chinese food and upon finishing it she walked around trying to avoid the sports stores, the places where there was the most chance that she would get recognized. She went to mostly children’s clothing stores and picked out a few things for Scott, one for Nathan and Christiano as well.

On the way home from the mall she stopped and picked up a few things for dinner. Scott was asleep when she pulled into the drive-way and Miriya couldn’t help but smile. She laid him in his crib, sleeping soundly, Miriya stood there watching him breathe. While she stood there a pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist and a kiss was placed on her head.

“It’s amazing isn’t it?” Jordan said softly as not to wake Scotty.

“Can you believe it, he’s almost seven months old,” she paused. “He’ll be seven months tomorrow.”

“I know baby and it still overwhelms me that we created this, our child.”

“I knew I loved you for a reason; you’re a great husband and a great dad. But baby I want another one, I want Scott to have a little brother or sister.”

“I want another one too, tonight?” he asked, a sly grin spreading across his lips. Miriya could hear it in his voice and turned to face him.

“Tonight.”


Monday morning it was back to practice and the team was looking good. Miriya tried to hide the fact that she was nervous, that way the guys wouldn’t be nervous and would play to their full potential. She had the last passing drill end early and made they finish out with suicides.

“Okay boys, get some water and stand at center.” With water bottles still in hand the boys stood at center, waiting for what she was about to say. “You know that I love you all and would love to keep you all on my roster, but the league says that I can’t. So it’s time for final cuts.”

The boys froze and nervous looks now appeared on all twenty-nine faces.

“I’ve decided that instead of keeping twenty-three people my roster will have twenty-two. It’s more even, there’s less healthy scratches and you guys who don’t stay will get playing time in WBS. I’m sorry that I can’t keep you all, but there’s always the chance of being called up.”

The guys stood frozen, waiting to see who would be staying on the big squad in the Steel City and who would be taking the long trip to Wilkes-Barre.

“I know that you’ll probably want to kill me, but I’m going to start with the veterans and say the rookies last.” All of the rookies looked even more nervous at this point, if that was possible. Miriya picked up her clipboard from the boards and flipped through the papers until she got to her final roster.

“Mark Eaton.”

Eats high fived everyone and made his way to the bench where he gave Miriya a hug. “Thanks Staalsy.”

“Rob Scuderi, Jordan Staal, Ryan Malone, James McGuire, Nik Vandershmut, Erik Christensen, Adam Hall, Ryan Whitney, Colby Armstrong, Kris Beech, Max Talbot, Georges Laraque, Marc-Andre Fleury, Ty Conklin, Brooks Orpik, Tyler Kennedy, Kris Letang, Evgeni Malkin, and Sidney Crosby.”

Each player high-fived everyone else and hugged Miriya, thanking her for keeping them on the team.

“Two spots left, which means that two rookies have spots on this year’s team.” The nine people remaining now held their breath. “Eric Michaels and Ben Clarke.”

The two rookies started breathing again, high-fived their teammates and hugged their new coach.

“Congratulations to those of you who made the team, to those of you who didn’t I’m sorry. There’s a chance to be called up throughout the year and really you’ve gotten off easy. Practice nine am for those of you on the team. See you all in the morning.”

Everyone said good-bye to those who didn’t make the team and went their own ways.

Staal [A Jordan Staal Story] Sixty

Thank you all so much for reading, please continue to promote this and all of my other stories.
Also I think that you should all check out my good friend Haley's stories. She is an amazing writer with great ideas.

Tonight I Send Out Apologies [About Patrick Kane.]

I'll Meet You There [About Sidney Crosby]

There's Millions of Me's, and One of You. [About Jordan Staal]

Check out her stories and comments on mine are greatly appreciated as well.

Sixty


"Coach how old is your car?" Nik asked.

"It’s an '05 but Jordan bought it for me in '09."

"You're a professional hockey coach and you're driving an eleven year old car," Brooks now joined in. "Something's wrong there."

"You should get a new car," Eats said placing his hand on her shoulder.

"I don’t know, Jordan just got a new car last month and, I don’t know," she said with a sigh.

"Staalsy I know how much you love your 'Stang," Bugsy said. "And we're not saying you can't keep it. You can, it's a great car and you've taken amazing care of it."

"You still have Jordan's old Escalade and he just bought that sexy Porsche," Kris said standing up from his stall. "So keep the Stang and by yourself a new car, you deserve it."

"Alright boys, when I have time I'll look at cars." She glanced down at her cell phone. "But for now boys, hit the ice."

Practice went well and at the end roster changes were posted at the locker room, bringing the roster down to forty-two. The rookies who had been cut said good-bye to everyone and cleared their stuff from the locker room. Miriya stayed in her office trying to finalize lines for the next day's game.

After about forty-five minutes of trying to perfect her third and fourth line she couldn't take it any longer. The notes that she had taken and the videos from practices weren't helping either. "I need a break," she said to the air. She grabbed her skates from the door handle, her stick from behind the door and made her way to the locker room. After picking up a bottle of water and a bag of pucks she made her way to the ice.

As always, the ice and a few heavy slap shots cleared her head. After a few laps she went back to her office and started the video again.

Lines were finalized at around five; four hours are practice had ended. As she was gathering her things to leave her phone rang. "Hey baby, what's up?"

"Nothing, where are you?"

"Just leaving the arena, it took longer than I thought it would to finalize these lines."

"Aw you sound tired. You don't have to make dinner tonight, Colby's babysitting and Nik and I are taking you out."

"You guys are so sweet. I'll be home in ten, fifteen minutes."

"Anything for you babe, see you when you get home."

She arrived home and showered before they headed to Claddagh on the South Side. After a good Irish meal they made their way back home. Colby brought Scott home around nine and didn’t stay long since they had practice the next morning. Miriya fed Scott and placed him in his crib before heading to bed herself.

"Stressed about the game?" Jordan asked climbing into bed.

"Yeah, it’s the first show of how good of a coach I am."

"You'll be fine, don't worry about it." He kissed her cheek and began to massage her back.


The next morning Miriya got up early again and made her way to the arena with Scott. For some reason she picked up a newspaper, something she never did. This time though, she was glad that she did. One the front page of the sports section was a half page picture of Jordan with his arms around her and an article entitled, "Do You Believe?"

"Oh God, I was waiting for something like this. What could they say about me?"

'Penguins' training camp is underway and there's speculation on whether or not their new coach has what it take to lead a team. Miriya Staal 24, a Robert Morris graduate and Pens' star center Jordan Staal`s wife, only has three years of experience in the real sports world.

General Manager Ray Shero obviously thinks she has what it takes, but only time will tell.
Looking back in reccent team history there are two coaches who looked extremely promising however turned out not to be in the end. Ed Olczyk being one and Michel Therrien the other. Just over a year ago the Pens were coming off a Stanley Cup win and just one season later lose in the first round.

Some players were able to be reached after practice this week, all saying they "Believe in their coach."

Staal herself was also able to be reached for comments responding, "You'll have to wait and see just like everyone else."

Staal and her team take the ice for their first pre-season game at home tonight against the New Jersey Devils. Let's see if the youngest and only female coach has what it takes.'

She sighed; the article certainly did not help her already rattle nerves. Just before practice started she handed Scotty off to Erin and made her way to the ice, newspaper article in hand. "Good morning boys."

"Morning coach!"

"I know that none of you read the sports section and I normally don't either. However this morning I picked one up and found this." She held out the article. "Apparently some people, even in Pittsburgh think I don’t have what it takes to coach. So I'm thinking that we should prove them wrong tonight. I'm sure you saw the note in the locker room saying who will be playing tonight, I'm gonna have you practice first so you can be rested for the game. Boys who aren't playing tonight, you will have a scrimmage with the guys who are before your practice."

The guys who weren't playing sat mostly on the away bench watching as the others practiced. Most of the guys on the bench were veterans, but not all.

"Alright boys I developed a new play, I wanna try it out. If you can get it maybe we'll use it tonight." Everyone formed a semi-circle and watched as Miriya explained the play. "Pass and shoot boys. I want to try this now so I don’t have to yell at you later. You need to get more shots on net. I know I've said it before, but those of you who played for Therrien, he had you passing way too much. I have nothing against passing, it's a huge part of the game, but with too many passes you can be picked off. We're gonna try three passes and shooting. Yes in a game if necessary you can make more than three passes, but for now, try it."

The rest of practice went well and the guys who would be playing that night seemed ready. Twenty-two guys would be dressed including two goalies.

After a shortened pre-game nap Miriya changed into her dress pants and blouse before heading to the arena. Looking over her game plans she felt better than before, but still extremely nervous. Jordan, who wasn’t playing that night, came into her office with Scott around six.

"Hey baby you okay?" She nodded getting up from her desk. Placing Scott's car seat on the floor Jordan put his arms around her. "Baby you'll be fine. You've been amazing this week and you've gotten the boys into playing shape. I'll be here for you, well up in the box with Mario, but still. Believe me, the guys in the room love you and are ready to prove that you are a great coach."

"Thanks baby, you and Scott go have fun. I'm gonna use my last half hour to calm down so I can actually talk to the boys before they go out."

"Okay, again you'll be fine. I love you." he pressed his lips to hers and felt her relax. When he slowly pulled away he picked Scott's car seat up and went to the locker room.

Miriya sat back down at her desk and with her head in her hands she let out a long sigh. With a few glasses of water and a trip to the bathroom she finally had her nerves reasonably calm and made her way to the locker room. The boys all sat in their stalls, in uniform and looked ready. "Did anyone step on the Penguin?"

"No coach!"

"Alright we're good then. Seriously though you guys are ready and it's only pre-season." She continued with her speech and got calmer and calmer as she went on. "So let's get out there and do it"

Though she had calmed down she was still too nervous to remember who she sent out for her starting line. New Jersey had their third line out and since the home team got the last change she probably sent her third line out too. She was tense for the first two minutes of the game, intently staring at the action on the ice.

However she really started to calm down for the first time all day when Ben Clarke scored three minutes into the first period with help from Kris Letang and Eric Michaels. "Alright boys there we go," Miriya said as the line skated along the bench for high fives.

Everyone on the bench smiled sensing that she was calm now and into the game.

"Good hit Ric," Miriya said to her assistant coach Mike Yeo, "I'm seriously thinking of keeping him.

Mike smiled knowing that she was back to her normal self. "He's doing good."

By the time intermission came the team was into it, feeling a win was on the way. Miriya congratulated them on a good period but reminded them not to get cocky either.

The second period brought two more goals to the Guins side of the scoreboard, the first of which sailed off Mark Eaton's stick from the point on the power play and one from Max on a break-away, short-handed.

Fleury stood strong in goal stopping all of the shoots the Devils fired; bringing the team to a three-nothing win. The team and coach were congratulated and interviewed in the locker room following the big win.

Jordan took his car back home and Miriya hers after all of her post-game duties were fulfilled. She announced that there would be an optional skate at practice that morning and reminded the guys in the room as they left.

When she arrived home she showered and fell into bed. "See baby I told you you'd be fine," Jordan said before kissing her cheek.

"You did," she smiled. "I'm really tired and have to get up to go to optional skate in the morning."

"Okay, I know that Nik and I will be there. Goodnight baby, I love you and great game."

"Thanks. I love you too, goodnight baby."


The team was in the locker room, everyone was talking about the game that they had just won. Miriya stood smiling at her team as the reporters left, players showered, and they too left.

Ray walked up behind her and put his hand on her shoulder. "Miriya we're going to have to let you go."

"What?"

"You're fired."

"No, I understand that but why. What did I do wrong?" Ray didn't answer and began to walk away. "Ray?" Sadness and uncertainty were heard in her voice as it cracked.

"I'm sorry Miriya," he said without turing to face her. At this point she was alone in the locker room almost in tears.

Miriya woke up covered in sweat and sighed with relief, "Thank god it was only a dream."

"Baby what's wrong?" Jordan asked sitting up in bed.

"I had a dream that I got fired."

"Aw baby, they wouldn't fire you. You coached your team to a three-nothing win in your first game."

"I know, I'm gonna take a shower to clear my head." She made her way to the bathroom and took a quick, but hot shower. With the thoughts of the dream far from her mind now she crawled back into bed. Jordan's arms instinctively wrapped around her and held her close as she drifted back to sleep.

The next morning she woke refreshed and ready to go back to where she now spent more time than her won home; the arena. The optional skate was set for ten and she arrived at the arena at eight. She had time to kill since if any of the played showed up they would get there around nine and wait in the locker room until just before ten.

She decided to go to the weight room since she was falling behind on her work-outs, what with being coach now she didn't have much free time.

Nine forty-five came and Miriya went to the ice with her stick in hand expecting to see just a few smiling faces. To her surprise both benches were filled with smiling faces. She quickly counted, forty-two. "Everyone's here," she said more of a question than a statement. The guys on both benches nodded. "I thought everyone would be sick of me and take advantage of the chance to have a day off."

"Staalsy we love you and want to play well for you this season. And to do that we're going to practice whenever we get the chance," Scudsy said.

"And some of us want to prove that we're good enough to make it in the NHL," Ben said. This caused the guys to laugh and Miriya smiled widely.

"Alight boys then hit the ice."

Staal [A Jordan Staal Story] Fifty-Nine

How 'bout them Pens?!?! I have to say that I was incredibly freaked out last night, but it was a good game and watching it on the big screen made it so much better. LETS GO PENS!!! I hope you all enjoy this chapter, as always comments are greatly appreciated.

Fifty-Nine

“Good morning baby, it’s time to get up.”

She rolled over in bed and looked up at the ceiling. “I don’t wanna get up.”

“Babe, you’re the coach you have to be there, and it’s going to take twenty minutes to get there.”

“Fine,” she sat up and kissed Jordan’s cheek before going to the bathroom to get ready. “I kind of feel bad for making it so the kids can’t have gym class.

“Well I’m sure that they’ll be fine with Penguins’ training camp happening in their gym. And we are going to get them out of class later this year.”

“True, is Scotty ready?”

“In the living room with Nik.”

After grabbing a pack of Pop-tarts from the kitchen the Staals made their way to the car and twenty minutes later pulled into the upper parking lot at St. Sebastian’s. Miriya picked up a bag full of tennis balls form the trunk of her car and walked and in hand with Jordan to the school gym. Most of the team had arrived around eight forty-five and sat on the bleachers awaiting instructions. Nine o’clock came and Miriya did a head count to make sure that everyone was there, “We’re missing someone, but who?”

The door flew open and in ran Colby short of breath, “I’m so sorry I’m late coach. Traffic was horrible.”

“It’s alright Colbs sit down, but let this be a lesson to you all. Lateness does not sit well with me, if you are told to be somewhere at nine o’clock get there by eight forty-five. Colbs, you will have to run sprints later for being late.” Colby nodded as some of the rookies looked nervous. “Okay, have you guys ever heard of butt-ball?” At this some of the guys smiled while others looked confused. “It involves one of these,” she pointed to the huge wall along the side of the gym, “One of these,” she held up a tennis ball, “and one of these,” she turned around and shook her ass causing a lot of the guys to let out catcalls. “Thank you boys. Now to help me explain the rules are two people I used to work with, my friend Matt and best friend Ryan.” Both men came down from the stage and hugged Miriya, Ryan holding her longer than Matt. “Thanks for coming.”

“You know I wouldn’t miss hanging out with my best friend, especially when it’s for a mass game of butt-ball.”

The three friends demonstrated things that could happen during game play so that they team would understand.

“Coach are you gonna play?” Geno asked after the rules were explained.

“You think I would miss playing with my boys?” The team laughed at this. “I can watch you guys from a competitive level.”

Ryan threw the ball first, a high bounce that went to a cluster of rookies. “Catch it,” Miriya yelled. Eric Michaels made a snag with his right hand. He was about to threw after switching the ball to his left hand when Miriya spoke up, “You have to throw with the hand you catch it with.”

“Aw coach.”

“Come on Ric,” most of the guys urged him to throw the ball.

Balls were bobbled, throws missed the wall, guys ran, and lives were lost. “That’s three for you Eats, you’re done.” Miriya said with a smile and Mark made his way to the bleachers as play continued.

In the end it came down to Ryan, Matt, Jordan, Sid, Brooks, and Miriya. “Go Coach!” The guys said from the bleachers. Brooks threw, Jordan bobbled, Miriya got a hold of it and whipped it at his back before he got to the wall. “Sorry babe, that’s three.” Next she got Brooks out after he bobbled it, then Sid and Matt. It was down to Ryan and Miriya, they were both ready.

Ryan had the ball and threw, with a dive Miriya made an amazing catch. She was slow to get up which caused the guys to get up from the bleachers. “Staalsy, you okay?” Nik asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Ryan can you give me a hand?” Being very careful not to lose the ball Miriya got back to her feet. She threw, caught, Ryan threw, Miriya bobbled it but somehow made it to the wall it time, because Ryan missed he had to run but was hit before he made it. “Good game Miriya, you finally beat me.”

“Good game. Boys help me in thanking Ryan and Matt for taking the time to come out and help.” Everyone applauded as Miriya gave both Ryan and Matt a hug. “Thank you.”

“Yep, let me know when we’re doing movie night.”

“Okay Ry, see ya.” Once Matt and Ryan had left Miriya made her way to the center of the gym. “Good job today boys, you did better than I thought you would. Go home and enjoy the rest of your day, but be at the arena ready to practice at ten tomorrow.” She looked at her phone to see that it was almost one. “All of the kids should be done with recess so you shouldn’t have a hard time getting out of here. See you all in the morning.”

Everyone got up and quickly left, talking amongst themselves. “Jordan you wanna go with Nik since I have to stay here with Colby?”

“Sure, hey Nik wait up. Bye baby, bye Colbs.” He kissed her lips, her check gently, and then headed to the door.

“Alright coach I’m ready, sprints you said?”

“Yeah, one the far line,” she said walking to the line herself.

“What are you doing?”

“Well I need to stay in shape and since all I’m going to be doing all season is standing behind the bench I’m going to do sprints with you,” she said with a smile.

They did sprints for about twenty minutes, said their good-byes and went their separate ways. Miriya made it home in fifteen minutes to find Nik and Jordan showered and watching TV with Scott in the living room. “Hey boys, I mean hey Nik, hey Jordan.”

“Sup coach, I mean Miriya.”

“Whoa Nik you haven’t called me Miriya in a long time,” she said with a laugh. “But I’m gonna shower, find something to eat, and feed Scott.” She made her way up the half flight of steps to her room and took a short but relaxing shower. She threw on a pair of RBK shorts and an old Guins t-shirt before making her way to the kitchen. There she found Jordan with a sandwich, plate of chips and a glass of Pepsi. “Aw baby thank you, I love you so much,” she threw her arms around him.

“I love you too, how you feeling since the game?”

“I got a nice bruise of my leg but other than that I’m okay. How ‘bout you?”

“My back’s kind of sore,” he said with a grin.

“I’m sorry baby; I just get really into the game.” When she was done eating she fed Scott and put him down for a nap. Nik had gone to hang out with Erin and Sam which left Miriya and Jordan with the house to themselves. Jordan came into the living room from the kitchen and sat down on the floor in front of Miriya. She instinctively began to massage his back causing a wide grin to come to his face.

“So what do you have planned for today?” he asked.

“Absolutely nothing, oh shit I don’t have anything to wear to the first game and it’s in two days.”

“Well, when was the last time you hung out with Cassie and Michelle?” he paused. “And not with the guys, just the three of you?”

“Really I can’t remember.”

“When you’re done you should call them and got get some work clothes.”

“Okay,” she said running her hand down his arm and taking his hand. She led him to the bedroom where he quickly ditched his shirt and jumped onto the bed. Before she started again she noticed the tennis ball sized bruise. “Aw baby, I really hurt you, I’m sorry.” She gently kissed the bruise and began to work his tense muscles. After about fifteen minutes his breathing had evened out and she knew that he was asleep. She gently kissed his cheek and slid off the bed trying not to wake him. After calling her best friends she quickly wrote down a note and put it on the bedside table.

Hope you have a good sleep babe. I’m with Cass and Chelle and Scotty is with us. I’m not sure when Nik will be home but I’m sure you guys can handle dinner on your own.
I love you baby, see you tonight.
Miriya.

Taking Scott from his crib after changing into a pair of jeans and a random RBK hat she made her way to the car. Because it was relatively close the girls chose to meet at Ross Park Mall.

“Hey Mir, you ready for the game in two days?” Michelle asked.

“I don’t know, I know it’s only pre-season but I’m still really nervous.

“Miriya come on, you’ve been watching hockey for twenty-four years, you know everything there is to know. You’ll be fine.”

“Thanks Cass, let’s go find some clothes.” They walked through the mall for an hour finding about five outfits and trying them on. “Okay, what do you think of this for Saturday’s game?” Miriya asked walking out of the changing room in a pair of black dress pants and a three-quarter sleeve, light blue blouse.

“The Devils aren’t going to be able to concentrate on the puck,” Michelle stated with a smile. “You look amazing.”

"So I’ll get the pants and a few other blouses. Now I need to pick out which of these suits look good, or more importantly fit.”

In total Miriya ended up with three suits, two other pairs of dress pants and five blouses. Once they had paid for the outfits they made their way to the food court. “Chinese?” Cassie asked.

“Sounds good to me,” Miriya looked over at the line at the Chinese place. “Scott’s starting to get fussy, can you guys get me something so I can feed him?”

“No problem, general Tso’s right?” Michelle asked.

Miriya nodded and went to the bathroom so she wouldn’t disturb anyone. Scott ate quickly and they made it back to the table just as Michelle and Cassie were getting back with the food. When they had finished eating they helped Miriya with her bags, and then went their separate ways. “Hey baby,” Jordan said when she walked in the front door. “Get anything good today?”

“Yeah, can you get the last two bags from my trunk?”



“Hey babe what are you doing?” Jordan asked later that night.

“Just looking at pictures from when Scott was born.”

“Can I join you?” She nodded and patted the spot on the couch next to her. She turned back to the beginning of the album and the first picture was of Miriya, her hair still a mess, holding her newborn son. There was a picture of Miriya kissing his cheek, one of Jordan and Scott, and every member of the team had their own picture. When they got to the picture of Hal Miriya stopped.

“Aw Hal, my Harold Priestly Gill III, I’m sad I don’t get to coach him.” She stared at the picture in which you could barely see Scott, Hal was so tall. “I miss my teddy bear.”

“I miss him too. Oh, are you making the first cuts tomorrow?”

“Yep, I’m pretty sure you’re gonna make the team,” she said with a smile.


The next morning Miriya woke up and made breakfast while she waited for the rest of the family to wake up. Just as she was walking into the living room with Scotty, Nik and Jordan stumbled in too.

“Morning baby, breakfast is on the table. I’m going in early to finish thinking about whose getting cut.”

“Okay baby, I’ll see you at the arena in about an hour.” He kissed her cheek before she made her way to the door.

All of the boys pulled into the parking lot, including Jordan and Nik in his brand new black Porsche. “I love your new car,” a girl who looked to be about nineteen said. “It’s sexy, just like you.” Jordan couldn’t help but giggle at this while he walked towards the entrance. “Oh my god I made Jordan Staal giggle,” she said to anyone who would listen. Jordan rolled his eyes, but of course the girl didn’t see. “Hi Nik.” Nik waved causing the girl to freak out even more.

Staal [A Jordan Staaal Story] Fifty-Eight

How 'bout them Pens?!?! What an amazing win against the Isles yesterday, I'm so glad that I was there. One more game before the start of the playoffs, I'm excited. But on with the story, thank you all so much for reading all of my stories. Continue to spread the word and comment. =]



Fifty-Eight

Cassie and Geno sat at home watching TV when Nathan started to cry. "I'll get him." Cassie got up off the couch and went to Nathan's room. While she was on her way there the crying stopped. She walked into the room to find him lying in his crib with a wide smile on his face. "Geno, come see your son."

With a week left before training camp Miriya had some friends over for dinner. Sid, Michelle, Nik, Erin, Colby, Mel, Cassie, Geno, Ryan, and Deb all sat at the dinning room table while Jamie and Jess sat at the coffee table, and Scott, Christiano, and Nathan sat in their car seats.

"Guys," Michelle said. "I have syphilis."

Miriya got up and while practically running to the kitchen said, "She's too young!"

Colby let out a small giggle as everyone at the table stared at him; however Sidney and Mel's stares were more like glares. "Colby?" Sid asked.

"You better stick 'em all because I know I have," Miriya yelled from the kitchen.
Everyone finally caught on to the movie reference and laughed, Miriya came back to the dinning room and everyone finished eating.


September fourteenth rolled around and with it came the start of training camp. Miriya was as nervous as the rest of the rookies; it was her first time doing anything as the team's head coach. "Baby you'll do fine," Jordan said as they got ready that morning. All of the boys believe in you and if any rookies give you a hard time just show 'em whose boss."

"I'll just send them down to Wilkes-Barre," she said with a laugh.

"There you go, let's get outta here." He picked up Scott's car seat and went out to the living room.

Miriya walked out of the bed room in a black Guins t-shirt, black track pants, a new pair of white Nikes and a black, light weight Guins jacket. "Good morning coach," Nik said when her foot hit the carpet in the living room.

“Morning, we’re gonna have to establish when and where I’m to be called coach.”

Jordan couldn’t help but smile. “Nik are you coming with us or taking your car?”

“If its okay with you guys, I’ll go with you.”

“Kay, we’re taking my ‘Stang so you’ll be in the back with Scotty.”

After grabbing a thing of Pop-tarts Miriya made her way out to the car and they were soon off to the arena. When they pulled into the parking lot there was a crowd of people waiting for doors to open for practice. A combination of “Nik, Gronk, Jordan, Staalsy, Coach Staal and Hey look there’s Scotty,” was heard from around the family as they made their way to the door.

None of the players had arrived yet so Miriya went to the lounge to get a bottle of water to try and calm her nerves. Cassie came in from the locker room and sat down on the couch next to her. “Hey coach.” Miriya nodded. “You ready?”

“About as ready as I’m going to be.” Just then Erin and Brooke walked in. “Hey girls.”
“Hey,” Erin said. “Is Scotty ready?”

“Yeah, thank you for watching him.”

“No problem.”


“This is my stall.” “Shut up!” “You guys are gonna piss off the coach on the first day.”

“Looks like they’re here,” she said standing from the couch. She went to both locker rooms saying, “Suit up and be on the ice in fifteen minutes.” She then went and waited on the bench until all of the guys took the ice. She then blew the whistle to get everyone’s attention. “Okay boys, welcome to training camp. Don’t think that because I’m your friend that I’ll go easy on you. You’re going to work hard and if you’re not performing at the level you should be then you’ll be on your way to Wilkes-Barre. If you cooperate practices will be easier and in turn games will be more easily won. If you have good chemistry on a line you will get good passes which lead to good shots, and good lead to goals and finally wins. We’re going to divide you into two teams and everyone needs to stretch, we’re going to be running some ability drills.”

Everyone was divided into teams and one team went to the locker room to do physicals with Michelle. The remaining team stood on the ice and awaited their instructions. “Speed,” Miriya said. “Without it there would be no game. You need it to beat your opponent to his net, to beat the goalie, to get back to your own end on time. We’re going to do two speed drills; the first, of which I know you all hate, but it’s a good warm-up and good for building speed.” Everyone groaned. “So on the goal line.”

Suicides went better than Miriya had initially expected, when everyone returned to the goal line for the final time some of them were even smiling. “Alright boys, well done. Now we’re going blue line to blue line, on my whistle.” That drill went well too.

“Now its time for agility. You must be agile to get through defenders,” she said with a smile. “I’ll give you a few minutes to get some water while I set up the course.”

A row of cones was set up in the neutral zone awaiting the guys to finish their water. “All you have to do is skate through the cones.” As was expected everyone did so with ease. “Quite simple, eh? Now you’re going to have to do it again, but this time with this.” She pulled a brand new puck from her pocket.

“Basically you want us to stick handle?” A tall blonde rookie asked.

“Yes, I want you to stick handle. But if you lose control of the puck you must go back to the end of the line and do it again until you get through without losing the puck. After you make it through go to the locker room for your physicals. Teams A and B will scrimmage today. Everyone form a line and grab a puck.”

Once everyone had made it through the course the other team took the ice. “Alright boys we’re going to work on speed…” She went through the entire thing with the other two teams.

After a short scrimmage was held she kept everyone on the ice for a few more minutes.
“Tomorrow we work on stick handling, passing and shooting. Be ready to work! For now hit the showers, I’ll see you bright and early.” As everyone cleared the ice she grabbed a stick from the bench. She also picked up a few pucks before dropping them to the ice. Letting slap shots rip from the point, everyone hitting the back of the net.

“Hey coach,” someone said from behind her.

“Yeah?” she asked as Jordan spun her around.

“You did amazing for you’re first day.”

“Thanks babe.” She kissed his cheek.

“Let’s go get Scotty and Nik, and go home.”

She smiled as she picked up all the pucks she had used and took them to the locker room which was now quite and empty. “Hey Scotty,” she said taking him from Nik. “Let’s go home.”

“So Nik how was training camp not being a rookie?” Miriya asked at dinner that night.

“Good coach,” a toothy grin appeared. “Seriously I’m not as nervous as last year. Don’t get me wrong Staalsy; I’m still scared that I could get cut and end up in WBS.”

“I’m a fair coach,” she said with a smile. “You work hard ad you’ll make the team.”

The next morning she stepped out onto the ice and smiled as the chill hit her face. No one else was there and no one would be for a least an hour, she was going to take advantage of her time alone. She loved the way that the ice felt beneath her skates, smooth and crisp, no one had been on it sine it was cleaned the night before. After working on her cross-overs for a while she heard talking in the locker room and took her spot on the bench.

Surprisingly the boys had followed her instructions that had been posted in the locker room. Team A was to come out to practice first before scrimmaging against team B. After a few quick laps and stretching everyone lined up to work on passing which was followed by defense. Shooting came next and then more laps and stretching.

The ice was cleaned and it was soon time for the scrimmage. Both teams hit the ice and were ready for the drop of the puck. The white team, team A was up by one at the end of the second fifteen minute period and went to the locker room so that the ice could be cleaned again.

“We will not be coming to the arena tomorrow,” as Miriya said this she received some questioning looks. “We will be training however, working on hand-eye coordination. We will be meeting at St. Sebastian’s school gym in the North Hills at nine am. For now, get out there and practice hard.”

Everyone filled back out to the ice where the white team won the scrimmage. Team B had a good practice, successfully running all of their drills. As it was coming to an end some players threw pucks over the glass to people in the crowd. One girl, who looked to be about seven, had been cheering for Jordan all practice and he took notice. He pulled a sharpie from the bench, signed his stick, and handed it through the glass to the little girl.

“Thank you Jordan. Mommy, mommy, Jordan gave me his stick!” She was practically jumping up and down with the stick that was twice as tall as she was.

“You made her so happy,” Miriya said skating up behind him. “I wish a player would have given me their stick when I was younger.”

“Well I’m all out of sticks, but how about a puck?” He picked up a puck from the ice and signed it in silver sharpie.

“Thank you Mr. Staal,” she said as he placed the puck in her hand. “I’ll cherish it forever.”

“You two are so lame.”

Miriya turned around to see Max skating by, trying to look innocent. “I’d watch who you’re saying that to Max, I have the power to send you to the minors.”

Staal [A Jordan Staal Story] Fifty-Seven

“Happy anniversary baby,” Jordan said walking into the bedroom with breakfast on the morning of August seventeenth.

“You too, two years,” she said with a smile.

“You ready for the trip tomorrow?”

“Yep, I just need to finish packing Scott’s stuff.

The next day everything was packed up, Miriya, Jordan, Scott, Michelle, Sid, and Christiano waited for Colby, Mel, and Jamie to show up. Finally they pulled up and Miriya and Jordan pilled their stuff into the car as neatly as possible. After checking to make sure the front door was locked everyone got into their cars and was on their way.

“Daddy are we there yet?” Jamie asked after about twenty minutes in the car. “No.”

“Are we there yet?”

“No.”

“Are we there yet?”

“No Jamie you’ll know when we get there, just watch the movie.”

“Army?”

“Yea Staalsy?”

“Are we there yet?”

“Actually yes,” he said as they pulled onto the gravel road that led back to Jordan and Miriya’s cabin.

It was an old cabin, but was very nice. The outside was logs and had a decent sized front porch with wooden rocking chairs. There were two bedrooms, but three king sized beds, and the couches in the living room also folded into beds. Outside the back door was a fire pit and a rocky path that lead through the pine trees to the lake. At the lack there was a sandy beach and a few chairs made from smooth rocks. Basically the cabin and the surrounding area was beautiful.

“Mommy I wanna to the lake,” Jamie said pulling on her hand.

“Colby you do want to take your son to the lake?”

“Sure, Jamie go put your swim trunks on.” Jamie ran to the bathroom to change.

“Guys you wanna take the boys down and they can splash in the water a little?” Miriya asked.

“Sure,” Sid said looking over to the boys.

“Be careful baby,” Miriya said hugging Jordan.

“I always am,” he kissed her than picked up his son and started down to the lake with Sid and Colby, Jamie was running ahead of them.

“How long you think they’ll be down there?” Michelle asked.

“Knowing Jamie, a couple of hours,” Mel replied.

“Who wants to get the fire wood?” Michelle asked.

“I’ll do it and set up the fire if you guys want to start cutting the vegetables and stuff.”

“Alright, don’t get lost in the woods,” she said with a laugh.

“Thanks Chelle, I’ll try.

Miriya made her way to the woods path and took a moment to take in the scent of the woods. The path wasn’t completely cleared so every few steps there was a crunch of snap as a twig broke up her foot. After a bout five minutes she came upon a fallen tree and started to chop it into reasonably sized pieces for fire wood. Once it was piled by the fire pit and a decent sized fire built she went into side to help wrap dinner in foil.

As she was taking the last foil ball out of the low fire the boys were coming up the path from the lake. “Jamie go wash your hands!” Colby yelled ahead.

Jamie ran into the cabin. Army put his arm around Mel and in a whisper asked, “Do you want to tell them tonight?”

“Sure,” she said with a smile, “After dinner when we’re just sitting by the fire.”

Dinner was finished and everyone sat around the camp fire talking about everything from the upcoming season to when Miriya and Michelle were in high school. “So guys,” Colby said with a smile.

“We’re gonna have another baby, Jamie you’re going to be a big brother.”

“Arms, Mel I’m so happy for you!” Miriya said standing to hug them. “When did you find out?”

“This morning, I’m a month along. I’m due in late May.”

“Mommy, can I have a marshmallow?”

“Sure Jamie,” she pulled one from the bag, placing it on a stick and handed it to him.

The next morning Jamie woke up to fine pancakes with HAPPY BIRTHDAY written in whipped cream. A smile came to his face as he sat down at the table. “Happy Birthday Jamie!”


Thanks again guys, Mel I know you just don’t like the lake, but Colbs I’ll make it up to you later.”

“Really Staalsy, its fine.”

“No Arms, you take care of Scott so much I’ll make it up to you.”

“Are the boats down by the lake already?” Michelle asked.

“Yep,” Sid said putting his arm around her.

They got down to the beach and there sat two blue kayaks. After putting their life jackets on everyone pushed the boats into the water and jumped in.

“Left, right, left, right, there you go Michelle… bye boys!”

“Kayaking in high school was so much fun.”

“There was that one time junior year they let us go twice in one week.”

“Oh CAPA gym class, good times.”

“There were some good times, that time they tried to make us run to the point, ha."

SPLASH! Sid and Jordan’s boat flipped. Miriya and Michelle made their way over to try to help them. “One, two, three!” And the girls fell out of their boat and into the water.

“Sorry girls couldn’t resist,” Sid said putting the paddles into the boats.

“It’s fine, I would have done the same thing,” Michelle sawn closer to Sid and ran her fingers through his wet curls.

“I love this lake,” Miriya said running her fingers through Jordan’s hair.

“I love you.” He ran his hand along her cheek and his lips met hers.

They spent a little longer swimming and then got back into the boats and kayaked up and down the lake a few times. Having lost track of time they made it back to the cabin around six. Michelle, Sidney and Jordan all showered before sitting down for dinner. Miriya figured that since she would be kayaking with Army later she wouldn’t bother to shower just yet. Dinner was finished around seven, Miriya kissed Jordan, Colby kissed Mel and then they made their way down to the lake.

“Ready?”

“Yep, just so you know you’re getting into a boat with me so this may not turn out so well.”

“Well then we better but our life jackets on, huh?” she asked with a laugh.

Once their life jackets were on they pushed their boat into the water and got in. Everything was in and they watched the sun set. They looked off at the beautiful mix of yellow, red, orange, and purple and with one wrong move by Colby they were in the water. “The second time today,” Miriya said with a laugh.

“Sorry, well while we’re here you wanna swim?”

“Sure.”

The sun was completely gone and had been replaced by the moon when they decided to get back in the boat. Miriya put her seat down so that see could go sit in the back with Colby. They stared at the moon as they sat in the center of the lake. “Arms?

“Staals, you ready to coach this year?”

“I think so, I’m kind of nervous. I mean I’ve been doing coach like things for as long as I can remember, but games never depended on my line combinations.”

“I’ve seen some of your stuff and it Shero thinks you’ve got what it takes then you’ll be fine. All of the guys believe in you.”

“Thanks Arms.”

They made their way back to shore and up to the cabin. Colby pulled her into a hug and she couldn’t help but smile. “Thanks Colby, I really appreciate everything you do for me, and for Jordan.” She kissed him on the cheek, in a friendly way and turned to go to the bedroom.
“Goodnight Army.”

“Night Staalsy.”

“You smell like lake,” Jordan said when she walked into the bedroom.

“Colbs and I fell in.” She sat down next to him. “So I’m gonna shower.” She slowly got up off of the bed and headed to the bathroom. Once the water was at the perfect temperature Jordan’s strong arms wrapped around her from behind. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” he spun her around and hips lips found hers for a passionate kiss.

“Could you guys have been any louder last night?” Colby asked at breakfast the next morning.

“First of all it’s my cabin,” Miriya stated with a smile. “And yes we probably could have.”

After a week had passed everyone packed p and hit the road. They had left around six after one last trip down to the lake and stopped at Cracker Barrel for dinner on the way home.
“Thanks guys, I had a good time.”

“No problem Colbs, thanks for the ride.”

“No problem Staalsy, see ya.”

They hauled their stuff into the living room where they found a familiar face.

“Hey guys.”

“Nik!” Miriya said and threw her arms around him.

“Coach, how are you?”

“The season hasn’t started yet and we’re at home, I’m still Staalsy.”