Until The Day I Die: A Sidney Crosby Story

Chapter One: Game Time.

Sitting in traffic in downtown Pittsburgh had never been my idea of fun, especially when my brother was expecting me at the Mellon on time. As happy as I was to have Colby back in Pittsburgh, everyone else was hoping his team would break leg tonight. He’d been traded from the Pens to the Thrashers a while back. And, much as I loved him, I was still cheering on the Pens regardless of his team. I still lived in the ‘burgh so the Penguins were my team; not the Atlanta Thrashers.

I began to feel myself getting impatient and frustrated as the line of traffic seemed to go on forever with absolutely no end in sight.

“Just getting to this one game on time. That’s all I’m asking for. Is that sooo much to ask?” I questioned the air sarcastically. Finally, after nearly 20 minutes in wait, the line of cars moved and I arrived at the Mellon with exactly four minutes to spare.

Jumping out of my car, I locked it up and ran for the door. Looking back one more time before grabbing the door handle, I made sure my Lambo was locked. Pushing open the door, I waltzed into the Mellon like nothing had ever happened.

Walking in past at least seven hundred fans, I headed for where I was to have already met Colby.

I saw Colby, standing in all his glory, right outside of the Penguins locker room. He failed to notice me so I tilted my head down, hiding my face.

Colby hadn’t seen me since he had been traded and had been forced to move to Atlanta to play and I personally believed that I had changed a lot. I’d become almost unrecognizable, even to my own father, who‘d seen me a few months before and not realized who I was until I‘d pointed it out.

Approaching with strict caution, as to avoid Colby’s jumpy reactions, I walked directly to him and pushed him back towards the wall forcefully.

His face turned from easy going to menacing as he addressed me. “Excuse me? What do you want?” he venomously spat. I could barely contain my laughter.

“The better question is, who are you trying to get a glimpse of in the locker room?” I questioned sarcastically. As soon as the words left my lips, his face faded back to calm and he smiled at me warmly. I guess my voice hadn’t changed as much as I had.

“Bernie? Is that really you? Wow, you really grew up, munchkin.” he half exclaimed as he threw his arms around me, picking me easily up off the floor and swinging me around like a rag doll.

“Hey, bud, I’m not a munchkin anymore.” I managed while he continued to crush me.

“You’re always going to be my munchkin, sis. Deal with it.” he replied just before sitting me down and giving me a once over, same as he always had.

I laughed as he stuck his tongue out disapprovingly.

“What?” I interrogated.

“Penguins gear. Icky.” he answered. “Now I have to burn my jersey…”

“Well, Mr. I’m-so-cool-I-play-for-the-Thrashers-now, I live in the ‘burgh. Hence, I cheer for my team.” I rebuttled, shoving him playfully. “And, you never answered me. Who were you trying to see in the Pen’s locker room?”

“Oh, let me tell you, sis. I wanted to see Fleury, Crosby, Talbot and Staal naked. That would just be, like, a dream come truuue!” he whined girlishly.

I completely fell into hysterics. I couldn’t help it. The look on his face was so serious and yet so childish at the same time.

Finally, when I calmed down I smiled at him deviously. “And yes, that would be a dream come true……” I started thoughtfully, watching him fake gag. “Sike!”

“You better be shitting me. Psh, none of them are hot.” he continued in his girly voice. He’d learned from an early age to mimic preppy girls; most of whom had denied him the time of day for his dorkyness.

“I beg to differ, Mr. Armstrong.” I argued preppily.

“Especially that Crosby guy. He’s not hot at all.” Colby continued as if I’d never spoken.

Before I got to reply, half of the Penguins team burst out of the locker room, nearly scaring Colby to death.

Sidney Crosby, Colby’s best friend, was heading the pack that consisted of Evgeni Malkin, Jordan Staal, Kris Letang, Marc-Andre Fleury, Max Talbot, Eric Godard and Matt Cooke.

Most all of them I knew everything about, hockey-wise anyways; but very few of them had ever been introduced to me. I watched as all the guys greeted Colby warmly and afterwards they all turned their attention to me, squinting almost as if to see if they really knew me or not.

Max, Sidney and Marc’s eyebrows all seemed to rise as they recognized me and I caught the others eyes looking me over, sizing me up. I don’t think they really knew what to make of my presence.

“Colby! Bernie! Long time no see!” Max excitedly chattered, offering a high five to Colby and catching me up in a hug.

“Hey Max,” I started, smiling as I hugged him, “Nice to see you too.”

“Well before we go on, you all know me, but this is my sister, Bernie.” Colby stated, glancing towards me for emphasis on this fact. “Sis, this is Evgeni Malkin,” he was interrupted abruptly by a thick Russian accent.

“Just call me Geno, or Malkin. It’s easier.” Geno said courteously. I nodded in compliance as Colby continued.

“Jordan Staal, Kris Letang, Eric Godard, and Matt….” but again he was interrupted.

“Matt ‘Cookie Monster’ Cooke!” Matt half-screamed, much to the amusement of everyone else.

“Nice to meet all of you.” I answered just before Eric addressed me.

“Just don’t pray to me and we’re cool.” he joked. I laughed a bit before turning my attention back to Marc, Max and Sid; all of whom I had previously been acquainted with. We’d all become fast friends but I hadn’t seen them in such a long time.

“Flower! Squidney!” I exclaimed happily, opening my arms wide to them.

A mesh of ‘Bernadette’ from Marc and ‘Bernzie’ from Sidney was heard before they converged on me to give me a hug.

“You guys are so awkward.” Colby stated plainly.

“We missed her!” Max whined.

“But she lives here! You must see her occasionally.” he debated as Marc detached himself from the small group hug he’d started.

“Not really, bro. I have work and then I finished up with college. I’ve only been free just this week since you left.” I said over Sid‘s shoulder, defending Max.

Colby lost interest in the conversation as he watched Sidney, who was still clinging to me, with a cold stare. “All right, let go of my sister, Crosby.”

“Hmmmm……… No!” Sidney half yelled, turning his back to Colby and pulling me along for the ride. I laughed as he squeezed me tighter while Colby attempted to pry him off me.

“Cease and desist! Honestly, Sid! You’re so childish.” Colby joked, finally pulling Sid’s arms off of me. “Run!” he exclaimed.

I, being the jokester, ran behind Marc for protection. “I betcha anything this wall will stop him.”

This earned a hearty laugh from everyone before Jordan, who hadn’t yet spoken to me, began to talk.

“I think I like her attitude.” he complimented.

Eric, Geno, Matt and Kris nodded in agreement with him.

And then, as soon, it seemed, as the fun had begun, it was forced to a prominent end.

“Flower, Geno, Sid, Tanger, Cookie, Gods, Staal, Talbot! C’mon! Game time!” Ray Shero, the General Manager for the Pens, called from the now wide open locker room door.

The atmosphere around the ten of us became suddenly sobering and the fun was over immediately. It was game time. Do or die.

Each of them passed me and waved goodbye. Max, Marc and Sidney put a little more vigor into their waves, and Sid even made himself look sort of like a five year old. Finally, I stood alone with Colby again as the door to the Pens locker room slid closed.

“Well, bro, looks like it’s game time.” I said, the electricity of excitement clear in my eyes. It was the same spark that I’d had as a child playing ice hockey next to him early in the mornings before anyone else had gotten there. He smiled and nodded his head.

“Yep. Any chance you’ll cheer for me?” he asked as he stepped towards his own team’s locker room door.

“Do you not see the ‘66 Lemieux’ on my jersey? No way, bud.” I replied. Then, after getting the puppy face, I sighed. “Only if you have the puck.”

“Thanks!” he exclaimed, delighted to get his own way. “I’ll see you after the game, sis.”

“You bet.” I replied, giving him a hug.

“I expect to be seeing you on the monitor.” he called, as I had already begun walking away.

“Very funny!” I yelled back just before passing through some doors into the lobby, which was now completely empty of people. Of all life, really. The fans here were very loyal and were all probably in their seats by this time, fearing that they’d miss something important.

I took my time getting to my seat, eventually getting to it after lulling through the emptiness of the lobby for a while.

I came to my seat at center ice and sat down, eager for the game to begin. I didn’t have time to think about the ending score because not even a minute later, I heard my brother’s name over the PA system.

“# 20 for the Atlanta Thrashers, Colby Armstrong!” The announcer, well, announced. I heard a few cheers from various places before glancing up to see myself on the monitor, just as Colby had said I would be. Wonderful. I really needed everyone in the arena to know I was here. “And would you look at that! Colby’s sister, Bernie, is also in attendance for tonight’s game. And in a Penguin’s sweater of all things! That can‘t have gone over well.” I heard the announcer comment as the crowd gave me a little recognition and a few cheers before the announcer continued with player introductions.

“And now…. Let’s meet your Pittsburgh Penguins! # 2 Hal Gill!” I listened monotonously and quietly awaited the game’s start while the introductions dragged on until finally the announcer made it to Sidney, who made it a point to glance in my direction before waving to the crowd. I didn’t think he realized that I’d seen him looking at me but I had an eye for detail; I’d also seen that marvelous crooked smile he’d gotten after finding where I was.

A few times, I managed to catch the eye of Kris or Sidney, even getting Geno to acknowledge me with a small wave as he leaned on his stick, clearly bored with waiting for the game to start.

Finally, the time came for the puck to drop. Everyone got in position and as soon as it fell the game was on. A few times, Colby got the puck and I cheered for him a little. I even cringed back as I watch him get checked into the boards right in front of me but couldn’t help cheering when Sidney took the puck away and flew down the ice towards the Thrasher’s net.

So, that’s how the first to period pretty much went for a full twenty minute span. The puck went back and forth a few times, lots of people were checked and a few minor penalties were given. Sidney scored a goal assisted by Dupuis a few minutes into the first and Kris scored a goal in the middle of the second, for both of which I cheered the loudest I could, despite the glare of Colby’s team mates, who seemed to have the conviction that I should be cheering for them.

Then, the game tied with a goal by Colby and one by, well, I’m not sure. It looked like it might have been Kovalchuk but I wasn’t exactly sure. There was too much traffic in front of the net for me to really see who scored from center ice. I looked up to the jumbotron but even it didn’t have the answer, and the announcer had no idea who to credit for the goal. They’d figure it out in Montreal later.

The second ended with a fight between Ruslan Fedotenko and my brother. Fedotenko got taken out of the game from what looked to me as a broken hand while Colby just sat, cringing, on the bench. I winced as I watched Fedotenko’s hand smash into Colby’s face and knock him half over. It really looked like Ruslan had one hell of a punch on him.

At the end of the second, I sat in wait, unlike many other Pens fans who left their seats during intermission to get refreshments or to go to the bathroom. I didn’t really like leaving unless I had to, and besides if anyone was looking for me, it made it much easier for them. Not that, after that little encounter with the announcer earlier in the introductions wouldn’t make it extremely easy for someone to find me if they really wanted too. I mean, who could miss the girl sitting in a Lemieux jersey directly at center ice three rows up? It wasn’t rocket science.

Quietly, I watched as many of the fans began to file back in with drinks, freshly purchased jerseys and lots and lots of nachos. It was still at least ten minutes until the beginning of the third but everyone always seemed to get back early, as if they were really going to miss something. Sometimes I wondered if they thought one of the Pens was going to suddenly appear and walk around the stands in some sort of odd intermission parade.

I suppose the people around me were definitely in for a huge surprise today. I imagine they were glad they got back early as Colby filed through people, sweaty and still in his skates and gear, and found me in my normal seat. Some of them gave him odd looks and others just stood in some sort of dumbfounded awe.

“Hey.” he said tiredly, audibly worn out from the first two periods.

“Colby? What are you doing out here, bro? I thought your coach told you no more outings.” I replied as he took a seat, as best he could in all his pads, next to me in an empty seat that had been there all game long. He had gotten in trouble many a time for coming to visit me in between periods before.

“He did but I just wanted to see how the game was going for you. I haven’t seen you for a while, I think he can live without me long enough for me to come see my little sister.” he answered sarcastically as he took a deep breath.

“Oh yeah, I’m having a great time. Watching you get beat up is the highlight of my life.” I laughed as a few people behind me who were obvious Thrashers fans began to throw a tantrum. Colby and I both turned our heads backwards towards them in questioning, only causing them to turn even more giddy “I think they like you.”

“ ‘Cause I’m just so sexy.” he winked at me and then stood back up. “Well, I guess I should be going. I’ll catch you after the game. We’re all going out bar hopping later if you wanna come.” he offered.

“We as in whom?” I asked absentmindedly as I continued to try and understand the giddy ramblings of the girls above us in the stands.

“Sidney, Jordan, Geno, Max, Kris, Marc, and pretty much whoever else wants to come. We’re just going out to party since we haven’t partied for…. Wow….. A long long time.” he resolved.

“Alright. Well, get out there and try not to get beat up again, kay?”

“Oh, I’ll try my hardest.” he remarked with a sarcastic smile. Giving me a short hug he turned and walked through a legion of Penguins jerseys, getting the occasional boo from every jerk off that decided they really didn’t like him. As soon as Colby was gone out of view, the girls from above me came down to my seats, still jumpy as ever.

“Oh My Gosh! You know Colby Armstrong!?” they exclaimed in unison. Obviously they hadn’t been here for the introductions, so I sat back and decided to let them humor me for a while.

“Yeah, we go way back.” I replied monotonously, almost sounding bored.

“That is so amazing!!!! Are you, like, his girlfriend?” they questioned curiously.

“Nah, we’re a bit too close for that.” I answered effortlessly. They seemed relieved by this and became even more excited.

“Uhm… can you get us his autograph? Please?” they asked hopefully.

“Hmm…. I guess. But I have to tell you something…” I trailed off as they leaned in to listen.

“What? What is it?!” the blonde girl asked me curiously, followed by the nodding of her redheaded friend.

“My brother never turns down a chance to meet his fans. Don’t be so shy next time.” I commented with a sly smile. Both of the girls’ faces fell down quickly before both of their eyes grew wide.

“Your BROTHER?!” the blonde exclaimed. I couldn’t believe they hadn’t caught on to the familiarity between us. Then again, everyone always said he looked like dad and I looked like mom. I was about 5’5” with hazel eyes that were more green than brown and a decent complexion. He was much more like our father and I definitely took after mom, at least in the curves department. Mom was something else.

“That is sooo cool!!” the redhead shouted. “You got to grow up with that hottie. That’s so great.”

“Ha, he’s annoying but I love him.” I said, smiling. Then, suddenly feeling generous, I offered something that I knew I probably shouldn’t of. “Hey, why don’t you guys come see me after the game and I’ll take you to get your autograph.”

“Okay!” they screamed in agreement.

As soon as they responded I pressed my finger to my lips. “But shh! No one else can come, you got it? You have to keep quiet or I can’t take you.” I started. “And by the way, I’m Bernie.”

“Got it! I’m Madison and this is Katie.” the blonde, whom I now knew was Madison, introduced.

“Alright, well, the third’s starting so I’ll catch you two later.” I attempted to shoo them away so that I could focus on the game. As much as I loved fraternizing with people who loved hockey as much as I did, I didn’t enjoy missing out on a game that had such an interesting match up.

“Thank you soo soo much for this, Bernie. You’re amazing.” Katie complimented as they both walked away back into the stands to their seats. I sighed in relief and turned in time to see the ref skating to center ice in preparation for dropping the puck.

“The things I do for my brother’s fans.” I said, again to the air. I watched quietly as the Penguins and Thrashers came back onto the ice and the third period began. I caught Max’s eye before he began to play and he waved a little, but I couldn’t get a smile from him. I guess the seriousness of this game was really hitting hard for him. It was the last game before Christmas and the Penguins really needed the win to move up in the conference.

The puck was dropped and nothing else really happened. A few minor slashing or hooking penalties and everything was normal. Stupid referees and their off side calls on plays that weren’t off side at all. Even I could see that, and I wasn’t even a referee. Finally, at the near end of the third, Eric Godard showed me why he was the Pen’s enforcer. He got into a one minute fight and accidentally hit a ref, earning him a major four minute penalty with only three minutes and thirty-four seconds to go. I clapped and cheered as he went to the box and I made a mental note to praise him for it later. It was one of the best one hit KO’s I’d ever seen in all my days.

I sat up completely straight in my seat and watched eagerly to see if we would need an overtime victory or even a shootout. Then, out of nowhere, Sidney came up the middle of the ice and the players parted like the Red Sea. I watched, almost transfixed, as 87 broke away, went to the net and shot, a wrister, straight into the twine of the goalie’s cage. Everyone in the Mellon had to have been on their feet screaming. With only twenty six seconds left on the clock, there was no coming back for the other team. We had won the game.

And the game ended just as quickly as it began, even if three hours had gone by. The Pens gathered at center ice to dog pile on each other in a victory dance, but I wasn’t concerned about them so much as my brother. Colby, whose face I watched fall, was now skating slowly and painfully to his locker room. He would definitely need that party now. He, just like Sidney, didn’t take losing games very well.

Getting up out of my seat and stretching, Katie and Madison found me and began to jump up and down in excitement. Again, I had to remind them that they needed to stay quiet about the whole thing or we’d never get to where we needed to be.

“Alright, come on then.” I demanded more than asked. They followed quietly and without question with childlike glee in their eyes.

As we reached the doors that lead into the locker room lounge area, I turned to them. I needed to inform them of the new set of rules they needed to follow.

“What?” they asked together.

“Now, I need you two to wait in the lounge when I go get him. I don’t think they want you both in the locker room. They barely want me in there.” I commented with a smile. They nodded and I pushed the door open.

We walked in and they quickly took seats in the lounge, clearly more giddy now that they were ‘living the dream’. It reminded me of the first time Colby had introduced me to Sidney.

I’d always been a huge fan of Lemieux, as he was the first player I’d seen close up at a game as a child, so when Sidney Crosby came along I was mystified. Wayne Gretzky had called him ‘the next one’ and Mario Lemieux was mentoring him. Sidney just seemed so magnificent. The fact that Colby played with him on the same team just made it so much better. I’d begged my brother to introduce us for weeks before he actually agreed. Colby had always kept me away from Sidney when Sid been over to our house so I had never had the opportunity.

The day I met him, even though I was surprised, I became as jumpy as a school girl and when I finally did get to know him, he didn’t disappoint. Sidney was amazing, and just so modest about everything. Not to mention he had some pretty amazing video game skills, especially at Zelda.

~~Flashback~~

“Sis!? Hey Sis! Where’d you go?” Colby yelled, walking through the house in search of me.

“I’m in my room!” I shouted back, pausing Zelda for a moment as I anticipated his wanted me to do something. For the last week and a half I’d be running all sorts of remedial errands for him. Doing his laundry, getting his dry cleaning, going to the store to get food, buying books for him. You name it, I’d done it.

“Well, come here!” he answered. I knew it. What else could he possibly want me to do today? I’d already cleaned everything and helped reorganize the entire living room.

“Colbs,” I mumbled, just loud enough for him to hear me, “At the rate your going with making me do things you’re going to kill me.” I finished, walking blindly into the living room.

“Aweh, don’t be killing people, Army. That’s not very nice.” A familiar voice was heard from across the room on the couch. That voice suddenly got my full and unadulterated attention.

Immediately, my eyes snapped open wide as I recognized the voice. It was the voice I’d come to love on interviews and come to know on speaker phone late at night, discussing hockey plays with Colby. The voice of Sidney Crosby.

Looking up from the floor, I saw Sidney smiling back at me and Colby leaning up against the wall nonchalantly to my left. After seeing the look of surprise, Colby decided it best to explain.

“You’ve been bothering me for weeks to meet him, though I can’t see why,” he started, interrupted by Sid’s laughter, “So, here he is, in all his glory, Sidney freakin’ Crosby. Now you can stop bothering me….” he trailed off as he gestured towards Sid, who waved energetically at me. I waved back weakly before nearly tackling my brother and being forced to jump off the floor in order to get my arms around his neck.

“Thank you!” I half-yelled. He picked me up off the floor and gave me a hug before replying.

“You’re welcome… but I still don’t see why he’s so damn special.” he retorted with a laugh.

“You’re not very nice, Colby.” Sidney said from across the room as he stood up. He didn’t look like he usually did when I’d ever seen him. He looked much less… professional and not nearly as stiff and business like. Then again, I didn’t really know what I’d expected him to be like.

Sid stood, dressed in a loose, but flattering, plain black shirt and jeans, not more than two feet away from me now. He offered his hand to me as Colby put me back down on the floor and I quickly supplied my own hand to shake.

“I think you know who I am, and I certainly know who you are…” he trailed off as he shook my hand once, “so let’s just forget the formalities.” he finished, pulling me towards him and giving me a hug. I could hear Colby laughing hysterically behind me. It was like he knew that I was floating on air for a minute.

As Sid let me go, I turned around and raised an eyebrow, “What?”

“I bet you never suspected that after I made you do all that work that you’d get something out of it.” he smiled.

“What?! You made me do all that pointless stuff just for this?! You little prick! Psh. Not cool.” I said, folding my arms sarcastically and sticking my tongue out at him.

“So then I take it me bringing Sidney here on our day off was a waste of time then, huh?” he asked sarcastically. My head fell, defeated.

“No, it wasn’t,” I started as I turned back to Sid, who was now chuckling at our little family spat. “You, Sidney, are amazing.”

“If I had a dollar for every time someone had said THAT to me.” he replied with a smile.

“But she means it, Sid.” Colby interjected. “Trust me, she’s not just saying it to make your head swell up.”

“But why ever would my head swell? Am I becoming…” Sidney trailed off as he jumped up and struck a heroic pose, hands on his hips, “Ego Man?!”

I broke out into a fit of laughter, nearly falling over, with Colby right beside me.

“You’re an idiot, Crosby.” Colby said between laughs, “What in God’s name do Lemieux and Gretzky see in you?”

“A lot more than you do. All you see is the sexy outside. But you don’t know me!” Sid said as he stood up and laughed.

“That’s not all I see, maybe all she sees, but not all I see. And you’re kidding yourself, Sid, I know you better than you know yourself.” Colby said, his laughter slowing.

“Mmmmmmm nooo. I think you’re kidding yourself, I’m like a book you can’t read, a song you can’t sing. I’m a mystery!” Sidney replied, sticking his tongue out.

“Wow. This really was worth all that meaningless stuff you made me do.” I said, finally able to stand up from laughing. Sidney was much more pleasant than I imagined he would be, much more amusing.

“And the day’s not even half over!” Sid yelled happily with a smile.

“Oh Jesus. Who invited you to stay?” Colby asked, eyebrows raised.

“I did. Sid, want to stay?” I double crossed him, nudging him in the side.

“Yes I do!” Sidney answered excitedly, “I’d love that. Spending my day off with my best friend and his completely insane little sister. I don’t see what else I’d rather be doing.”

I smiled triumphantly and stuck my tongue out at Colby, who just shook his head.

“Thanks, Sid. You just made her day.” he said with a laugh. I felt my cheeks flush a little bit, but not too much.

Sidney ignored him and turned his attention to me. “So, what were you doing that was SOO important you didn’t want to leave it to come meet me?”

I looked down, a little embarrassed at the fact that I was still playing childish video games. “Well, I was trying to beat Zelda, but I’m a lost cause…” I trailed off, watching Sidney’s eyes grow wide with childlike glee.

“Zelda?!” he exclaimed before being interrupted by Colby.

“Oh God. Is that the same game you‘ve been trying to beat for three months?” I nodded a yes to him before looking back to Sid.

“I’m amazing at Zelda! That’s the best game EVER!!” Sid continued, “I could help you if you want.” he offered.

“Seriously?” I questioned in surprise.

“Yeah! Why not? If I’m gonna be here all day I might as well help someone. I‘ll call it charity work.” he finished with a smile.

“My sister is NOT a charity case, Sid.” Colby interjected, nudging Sid to one side. I completely ignored him as I watched Sidney turn and walk down the hallway towards my room. I hadn’t showed him where he was going but I suppose Colby had at some point.

“Thank you!! My God! You’ve no idea how long it’s taken me to even get as far as I did. I suck at Zelda. Pokemon, Castlevania and Mario, those are my games.” I said, turning to follow Sidney who was already halfway down the hall, obviously knowing exactly where he was going.

“Mario and Pokemon, great games…. Castlevania… not so much.” he replied, opening my door and walking in.

“Nuh uh! Castlevania’s my passion! I’m sooo good at it!” I fought back, pouting a little.

“Actually, I’ve never played it. I was just saying that.” he answered with a smile as he plopped down on my floor and took the controller into his own hands, easily getting past levels I’d never even imagined.

And the rest of the day went like that, we played some video games, fought a little like children and went out for dinner around 6 before leaving each other’s company to go to our homes.

~~~End Flashback~~~

I walked over to the Thrasher’s locker room door and banged on it loudly. Ilya Kovalchuk pushed it open to find me, standing in the doorway.

“Yes?” he questioned curiously.

“Can I steal Colby for a minute?” I asked sweetly. He smiled back at me and closed the door. I heard him yelling for Colby to come over. Not more than three seconds later the door was pushed open by a sweaty and still heavily breathing Colby Armstrong.

“What do you need, sis?” he asked, obviously not noticing the two girls from earlier in the chairs, now throwing a fit because he wasn’t wearing his shirt, only his shorts. He didn’t seem to be in the best of spirits but his face rose when I spoke.

“I brought some fans to meet you. They were really excited about seeing you in the stands so I thought you might want to meet some Pittsburgh Thrashers.” I commented deviously.

Colby smiled and glanced over my head to Madison and Katie, who waved meekly. “Very funny. Pittsburgh Thrashers. That’s a knee slapper.” he said just before taking a few steps around me and walking over to the girls.

“Hiii!” Katie half screamed, after which she covered her mouth in embarrassment.

“Uh, hm… Please excuse my sweatiness, I’ve been playing that stupid hockey game again.” he joked, lightening the mood. I smiled as the girls laughed and relaxed a little, finally realizing that he wasn’t going to rip their heads off.

“Uhmm…. Hi! I’m Madi and this is Katie. We can’t tell you how big of fans we are. You’re team’s amazing.” Madi said with a huge smile. Colby offered her his hand and she took it greedily.

“You know me already. It’s nice to meet you both. Is there anything I can do for you two before I go get clean?” he asked sarcastically as he shook Katie’s hand.

“Can you sign our jerseys and take a picture with us?” Madi asked, obviously now more relaxed than she had been. I laughed a little as Colby did his best heroic face before nodding.

“Sis, can you give me a sharpie?” Colby asked over his shoulder. I threw a sharpie from my pocket at his face and he caught it skillfully. Sometimes, he had such good reflexes that I wondered why he hadn’t been a goalie. Then again, I guess it wouldn’t have been good to have two goalies in the family. At least this way he’d had me to shoot at as a child for practice.

“Alright. Turn around, ladies.” he commanded. They both listened without complaint or sick minded joke. He signed their jerseys and as I was gearing up to watch him take a picture with them, someone had their arms around my waist and picked me up off the floor.

“Did you see that amazing game!?” Sidney whisper-yelled in my ear. I laughed before he sat me down so I could face him. He got so excited about winning that it amazed me that he could ever be sad.

“Nope, I was just three rows from the ice and I watched the fat old man a few seats over eating nachos all game.” I replied sarcastically with a smile.

“That was the best game we’ve had in a long time! It was sooo great to win for once! And on home ice!” he screamed as he spun me around again. I giggled a little as I watched Sid’s girly spasm continue. He was such a fun person.

Turning back around to see Colby, Katie and Madison; I saw that they were now walking away, obviously happy about meeting him. They waved goodbye and thanked us both before leaving through the doors that lead to the lobby. As soon as they were gone I turned to Colby and suddenly became the caring sister again, though that might have been because I could see clearly where his face was swelling.

“How’s your face, Colbs?” I asked caringly as I walked over to him and gingerly brushed my fingers against his chin.

“It’s fine. It doesn’t hurt really. How’s Fedotenko, Sid?” Colby questioned over my shoulder.

“His hand’s broken. He’ll be out for a while.” Sid replied quietly. It amazed me how concerned they were about each other’s team mates even though their teams were complete rivals. They never ceased to blow me away, these hard ass hockey players. All of them were big teddy bears at heart, they all cared so much about their families and friends, wives, girlfriends and love interests but they could all be such hard asses when they needed to be.

“I take it he’s not coming clubbing with us then, huh?” Colby asked rhetorically, knowing well enough that the answered would be no.

Sidney just nodded as he leaned up against the white wall in front of the locker room. I sighed and shook my head, a little disappointed that I wouldn‘t get to meet the man who had taken a swing at my brother.

“Well, I’m heading out to my house then. I’ll just meet you guys wherever. I figure you all probably need time to get ready.” I referred back to the fact that both of them were still dripping with sweat. They laughed and agreed.

“We’re going to the Black Phoenix, sis.” Colby said as he turned around towards his locker room’s door. I let a wicked smile creep across my lips as he complimented it. “I heard it was pretty kick ass.” He was so oblivious.

“Yeah, you’d never believe it. It’s amazing.” Sid chimed in. Obviously he’d been there. I felt almost honored.

“I bet I could believe that.” I told them with a laugh, “Know why?” I questioned sarcastically, causing them both to look at me in questioning. “Because, honey, I own the place.”

“You what?!” Colby exclaimed.

“I own the place. As in I run it, I own it.” I replied, blowing him off. It’d always been my dream to have a bar and when given the chance to have one, I’d quickly jumped on it.

“Wow, sis, you’ve done good for yourself.” he said, pride in his voice. He’d always wanted me to have everything I wanted.

“I know, well, I’ll see you guys later. Meet you there. Bye!” I waved over my shoulder as I walked out the doors and into the lobby, headed directly for my car and my home.

><><><><><><>Colby’s POV><><><><><><>

I watched Bernie’s Lemieux jersey fade into the distance through the glass windows in the lobby doors that lead to the lounge with pride before looking over to Sid.

I turned around to face Sidney just in time to watch him staring after my sister in a transfixed haze. I knew he’d always liked her, even since the day they’d met when I was still on the Pens team, but until that moment I never really noticed just how much he’d taken an interest in her. He’d always taken to telling me that she was an amazing girl and he complimented her achievements any chance he got so it wasn’t really a surprise when he told me he like her.

Suddenly, and unwantedly, I felt my brotherly instincts kick in and I couldn’t help but feel the uncontrollable urge to just reach out and slap him, but I controlled myself.

“Sidney? You still in there?” I asked, waving my hand in front of his face. It took almost everything I had to keep from hitting him and I continually had to remind myself that I couldn’t do anything about the fact that he liked my sister. I had to admit, after seeing her today, I could see why he did. She’d changed a lot, become a lot more like mom, a lot more irresistible to guys. Dad had always warned her that she’d be like this someday.

“What? Yeah. I’m still here.” he answered, shaking it off. He made a half stitched attempt at making it seem as though he wasn’t completely out of it but I didn’t buy it.

I rolled my eyes and he cocked his head to one side in questioning. “I saw you. Don’t give me that look. You know what you did.” I brushed off his gaze and sat down in the chair closest to me, taking a break off my tired feet.

“I didn’t do anything, though. What are you talking about?” he inquired, looking confused.

“Look, if you like my sister that much, just go ask her out. It’s not like I can stop you. She’s almost 21 and she’s grown so much. She can make her own decisions.” I elaborated, eyes shut in rest. “You’ve liked her long enough now that I trust you really are interested in her as a person and not just as a hot girl.”

“Y-your sister….. W-what makes you think I-I was….. I swear I w-wasn’t…..I-it‘s not like….” he attempted to make an excuse but I saw straight through it.

“I saw that stare, Sidney. You only get that stare around two things. My sister and a hockey puck in front of an open net, and considering that I don’t see an empty net around here, I’m thinking it was Bernie.” I continued, opening one of my eyes sleepily to watch Sidney’s reaction.

“I-I swear.. I-I wasn’t….” he denied still. I laughed a little at his denial. After all this time of him liking her he was still denying that he did. Silly Sidney.

“Stop denying it, Sid. You and I both know it. Just do something about it soon before Jordan or Kris does, Geno even. They all looked fairly interested.” I said suggestively in an attempt to get him to take some action instead of letting opportunity knock on his door and then have it leave.

“Kris’ dating and Geno…. I don’t know about Geno.” Sidney mumbled to himself, almost as if taking tally of competition. It finally seemed like I’d gotten through to him.

“Take my advice, Sid. Just go ask her out, already.” I said as I walked to the door to my locker room. “I’ll see you at the Phoenix. Later Sid.”

“Yeah, Later.” he said, obviously now deep in thought. I smiled triumphantly as I watched him stumble back into his locker room, dazed and slightly confused.

I walked directly to the showers and knew it would be wonderful to be freed of post-game sweat. No one else was in the locker room by now except for me and I heard Kovalchuk just leaving as I walked in.

Stepping into the locker room, I thought up a plan to help Sidney with his little problem, that is to say if he could get up enough courage to go the rest of the way through with it. He could be so scared sometimes.

><><><><><><><>Sidney’s POV><><><><><><><><><><

I stepped into the locker room to find just a few of my team mates still there. Jordan, Marc, Max, Pascal, Eric, Kris, Geno, Tyler and Ruslan were all either sitting in their stalls or heading for the showers.

I stepped around Marc, who was taking off his pads and took a seat next to Geno, who was getting dressed after his shower. I sat quietly for a minute or two while I unlaced my skates slowly. I still couldn’t believe Colby had finally caught me.

‘I wonder if I should….. No I can’t… What if she says…. Ahh.. Pull yourself together, Crosby. You score goals every night in front of thousands of people and lead a team of professional hockey players every single day, what’s the problem with talking to one girl?’ I thought, throwing my skates into my stall and beginning to remove my pads.

Finally, Marc spoke up. “Good game, Sid.” he said energetically, still pumped from winning. He’d done a very good job tonight blocking shots, only letting two goals pass him. And as much as I wanted to have a conversation with him, my thoughts were overwhelming.

“Yeah, you too, Flower.” I replied monotonously, still thinking.

“What’s up with you?” Max said from the other side of me. “You don’t seem very happy.”

“I’m just thinking.” I answered, putting my jersey down where I had been sitting.

“Thinking? About what? We didn’t lose so there’s nothing to look over there. And you didn’t make any mistakes so… what? Just random thoughts?” Marc questioned, raising an eyebrow.

“Thinking about….. going to the club tonight.” I tried to play off my shakiness from talking with Colby but I knew very well that they saw through it. They both knew that I liked Bernie. They’d known since they’d seen me staring at her the first time we’d all hung out together at the mall.

“Ahh. I see. By the way who’s going?” Max asked. Clearly he’d already caught on to my problem but he let it slide. Thank God for Max’s ability to catch on to things…. and his ability to let them go. If he hadn’t, I would’ve had to explain my problem to everyone else, something that I wasn’t very keen on doing.

“Going where?” Jordan asked, raising his head from what he was doing in his stall across the room.

“Going clubbing tonight with Colby and his sister.” Max answered excitedly. He’d always enjoyed hanging out with her, finding her to be quite interesting and fun to be around. And while I’d sort of had a problem with it at first, being a little jealous of his friendship with her, I now took solace in knowing that he didn’t like her that way. One less person to worry about.

“I am.” Kris replied, coming from the showers.

“Me too.” Eric, Geno, Marc and Pascal answered in mixed unison and broken English.

“I guess I’ll go, I’ve got nothing else to do.” Jordan answered with a mischievous smile as he replaced his shirt. I knew the only thing that prompted his coming was Bernie. He’d commented earlier on how hot she was before the game when we’d come in to get ready. I hadn’t said anything against him and so he’d told me that he wondered how hot she’d be in a more flattering shirt instead of a jersey. That was something he probably shouldn’t have shared with me.

“I would, but my hand, you know.” Ruslan said as he lifted up his now wrapped hand. I nodded in understanding and looked to TK, who was the only one who hadn’t answered.

“I’m going out tonight, but it’s not with you guys.” Tyler said, shaking his head.

“You would be if you’d met Colby’s sister earlier….” Jordan mumbled under his breath, just loud enough that I’d heard him.

I watched as Eric and Pascal ran over and playfully punched TK a few times before walking away and out of the locker room, followed by a laughing Tyler. Geno picked up his things and waved goodbye before he too followed them. I hadn’t noticed Ruslan leave but I guess he had, and Kris had also gone. It left Marc, Max and I alone in our stalls as Jordan went to the showers.

Max looked at me and shook his head. “You’re thinking about it again, aren’t you.” He said a bit sarcastically. He must have caught on to what was on my mind when I tensed up after Jordan’s comment.

“Thinking about what again?” I questioned innocently, denying that I knew what he was talking about.

“Bernzie?” Marc asked in a childish way. I shook my head no but my flushed face finally did me in.

“God, you see her one time and it makes you all quiet.” Max commented with a laugh. “Pretty soon you’re not even going to be able to talk to her.”

“You look redder than you did when we went ice skating.” Marc said, immediately forcing me to remember our day off a few months ago. What a day it had been.

~~Flashback~~

The whole team had gone ice skating on our day off. When we got to the rink, Bernie and Colby had been waiting for us, their skates already laced. I felt myself suddenly become more happy, my heart was skipping beats.

“Hey! What are you guys doing here? I thought you were in Atlanta for the weekend.” Max said, surprised, as I was, to see them. They’d been planning a trip to Colby’s home in Atlanta for a few weeks and they’d both made it seem as though they’d left three days ago.

“We decided we’d go to Atlanta next weekend, but for now, we wanted to come see you all while we were both free.” Colby said with a smile, offering me a high five.

“It’s nice to see you again!” Bernie whisper yelled as she tackle hugged Marc, who hugged her back enthusiastically, spinning her around off the ground a few times. They’d become quick friends a while ago when Marc began to tutor her in goaltending, though she didn’t seem to need too much help. I think she’d taught Marc more than he’d taught her. After all, she was the only goalie I’d ever encountered that could stop every single one of my shots.

“It’s great to see you too, Bernie.” Marc answered as he let her go and smiled his wide, Marc-Andre smile, something he was famous for.

“What, no love for Sidney? That’s heartless, sis.” Colby commented sarcastically, stepping away in anticipation of what was about to happen. I was about to give him the death glare when I saw him smiling that sarcastic smile at me.

“Are you joking?!” she asked as she walked over to where I was standing, “I missed him most!” she finished as she turned around to face me, giving me a bigger hug than she had given Marc. I couldn’t help but smile, picking her up and hugging her back. I’d missed her.

I hugged her to me for a minute or two before letting go and stepping back to look her over. I hadn’t seen her for a while so I wanted to know if anything had changed. I didn’t get far in my observations before Max was laughing.

“Your face!! Ha-ha! It’s Sid the living apple!” Max laughed, almost falling over.

“It’s his reaction to the cold.” Marc whispered, nudging Max and causing a bunch of the guys behind him to laugh.

I shook my head and walked past them with Colby and Bernie to the door. Colby opened the door to the ice and jumped out onto it enthusiastically while Bernie sat down on the bench to wait for the rest of us to put on our skates. I could see how fidgety she was, though, and I knew that she would have much rather been skating instead of waiting.

“How’s life in college?” I asked, putting my skates on hastily, wanting badly to get on the ice. It had been freshly resurfaced and the smell taunted me, drew me in. Fresh ice was my favorite smell in the world.

“It’s alright. Not too pleasant because I miss hanging out with all of you and catching your games but still pretty fun.” she answered as she watched a few of the guys jumping out onto the ice and joining her brother in a little race that had taken shape. “How’s hockey?”

“It’s hockey. Still violent. Still melodramatic. Still hockey.” I answered, glancing up to see her smiling back.

“Wow. You would say that.” she commented, watching me finish tying my skates.

“I did say that.” I said, standing up and stretching. She stood up with me and I jumped, backwards, onto the ice. She hopped on after me but almost fell down. I could clearly see she had really been working hard at college. It seemed as though she hadn’t even had enough time to get on the ice and play hockey.

“It’s been a while.” she said before sticking her tongue out at me. I laughed and waited for her to get her ice legs.

She did in a few minutes and we skated along together, discussing anything we could think of, as everyone else passed us. They all seemed to be going so much faster, but then again, we weren’t exactly speeding. We didn’t need to, we were too lost in our conversation to notice many of them. But as we continued to talk, my neck began to ache from watching her so I decided to turn around.

I began to skate backwards and I watched her face turn up in a fake scowl.

“What?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You can skate backwards.” she replied simply.

“And your point?” I questioned, confused.

“I can’t.” she answered, turning her head down in embarrassment.

“You mean no one ever taught you how to go backwards? Not even Colby?” I asked, surprised. “But you’re a goalie! You’d have to know how to skate backwards.”

“Nope. No one ever tried. Well, they tried, but most of them gave up. And Colby was so busy doing things with hockey he never really had time. I knew how once, but I lost it and I never really got it back” she answered with a laugh. “I guess I’m hard to teach.”

“Well then you’re lucky.” I said, causing her to turn her head to one side in questioning, “I’m a good teacher.” I finished, putting out my hands for her to take. I found myself almost surprised when she took them.

She smiled and took my hands, almost falling over when I turned around quickly to push her backwards.

“Ahh! You’re gonna kill me!” she half-yelled, laughing as I began to push her backwards away from me slowly.

“Sorry. I forget that you’re not as amazing as me.” I said, smiling at her. She returned the favor and held on tight as Marc skated past, stopping abruptly to watch us.

“Colby!! Sid’s flirting with your sister!” Marc yelled over to Colby, who was engaged in conversation with Max.

“OooooOOoooo!” Max sing-songed. Colby glanced over to me and laughed.

“Not flirting. He knows better than that.” Colby said as he skated over to where we were on the other side of the rink. “He’s helping her learn to be a better goalie. Rightt?”

I couldn’t say anything back, I was too busy blushing. Colby shook his head and Max laughed.

“Aweh, it’s so nice to see you blushing, Sid!” Marc tormented, skating away quickly, anticipating my reaction.

“Oh no you didn’t just say that, Marc!” I yelled playfully after him, always up for a challenge. I completely forgot that I still had Bernie’s hands and I began to skate away.

“Ahh!!” She yelled just before tripping and falling backwards, pulling me down with her. I landed on her and barely kept myself from falling completely on top of her. There was only a few inches separating us and I fought hard to make sure my arms didn‘t slip on the ice and let me fall down. I couldn’t help but feel the urge to just lean down and kiss her but I stopped myself. It wasn’t the right time or the right place for that.

We laid there for a minute, listening to the laughter of everyone else and the concerned ‘Are you okay’ s from Max and Colby, before we both burst out laughing. I pushed myself backwards and sat down on the ice facing her. Both of us were blushing furiously but we kept laughing.

“What are you trying to do, Crosby, kill me? You’re a good teacher alright.” Bernie said, nudging me. I smiled and pushed her back.

“Sorry.” I apologized. She nodded in recognition and after we got back up we continued to skate. I eventually did teach her how to skate backwards and the rest of the day after that was spent having races with each other and chasing Max and Marc around like little children.

~~~End Flashback~~~

“I am not!” I objected, turning my head away from Marc, who just laughed.

“Yes you are. And you’re thinking about her again. Why do you worry about these things, Sidney? Honestly, she’s probably got a boyfriend already.” Max said, putting his shirt back on and sliding on his hat. “I can’t see why she wouldn’t looking the way she does.”

“Who?” Jordan asked, walking back in from the shower.

“No one.” I denied, walking towards where he had just come from.

“You’re in denial, Sidney!” Marc yelled after me. I tuned him out and walked into the showers, turning on the water and only hearing Max’s voice reverberating in my head.

‘She’s probably got a boyfriend already.’ That one little statement just kept repeating until finally the shower tuned it out, and, hard as I tried to hear them, I couldn’t hear Max, Marc and Jordan’s conversation. So I just continued with my shower and thought about how fun the club would be tonight.

><><><><><><><><Approx. 45 minutes later at the Black Phoenix><><><><><><><><>
><><><><><><><>Bernie’s POV><><><><><><><><><><

I drove up to the Phoenix and smiled happily to myself. I couldn’t believe that Colby hadn’t remembered my idea to buy and renovate a night club. Then again, that had been a long long while ago, so I could see how he could have forgotten.

“Bernadette!” I heard Marc calling out as he walked over to the car, smiling the whole way over.

“Holy shit! Nice wheels!” Eric half screamed as he walked over to my open driver’s side door and looked inside to the interior. I could see he was clearly thrilled by the look of the leather inside of my car.

“Thanks. It drives well, so I love it.” I answered easily, getting out of the car and closing the door, making sure that Eric’s head was well out of the way before the door slammed shut.

I saw Colby and Sidney walked down the sidewalk towards where Marc, Eric and I were standing in front of my car. They both stopped a few feet away and then came up to us, confused.

“Who’s car is that?” Colby asked, surprise in his voice. Sidney nodded in recognition that that same question had been on his mind. I smiled and leaned back against my car.

“Oh, this one?” I said patting the hood, “This is my car.”

“Daaaaaaayuuuuummm.” Sidney’s accent was prevalent in his words for a moment as he complimented my Lambo. I’d never noticed it much before but his accent made chills go up my spine. It was just so cute on him.

“Can I ride with you sometime?” Marc asked pleadingly. He knew perfectly well that I’d never deny him a ride with me after all the things he’d taught me about being a goalie, but I guess he felt the need to ask anyway.

“Not before I get to!” Sid interjected sarcastically, a huge crooked smile crossing his face.

I put my hand up to my face in thought and then, raising my eyebrows, I turned to Eric.

“I think you should go first.” I said jokingly. Eric rolled his eyes as Sid and Marc began to bicker between themselves.

“I wanna go first!!!” Marc playfully shouted at Sid.

“Nuh uh! I’m going first!!” Sid retorted. I walked over to them both and put a hand on each of their forearms.

“Boys, boys. Fight nice. It’s just a car.” I pleaded.

“Fine..” they agreed.

“You can go first, Marc.” Sid said, growing red faced for what seemed like no apparent reason. Colby shook his head and walked the rest of the way into our little group, chuckling to himself.

“So, bro, who else is here besides these crazies?” I inquired with a smile.

“Max, Kris, Jordan, Geno, Pascal, and Matt.” he recalled, looking almost as if he’d forgotten someone somewhere along the line.

“Oh wonderful, I get to party with ten crazy guys.” I rolled my eyes.

“Thanks. We love you too.” Marc said icily. I turned to him and sighed, walking over to him I gave him a hug.

“You know very well that I love you, Flower.” I assured him warmly. He nearly crushed me back.

“Yeah, I know.” he answered happily.

I turned around to face the others and noticed Sidney looked sort of down, but that might have just been from the drinks he probably already had.

“Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go party!” I cheered, throwing my fist up into the air enthusiastically. This made everyone else roar with a mixture of ‘yea’, ‘hell yeah’ and ‘fuck yeah’. Eric, Marc and Sid took lead in going back into the club while Colby waited up in the back for me. I was almost thankful for that. I’d hoped we‘d be able to talk alone since this morning. We didn’t really get the opportunity much anymore.

“Your club is pretty sweet, sis. I really am proud of you for working so hard and getting so far in life so early. You’ve done an amazing job. But I have to say, you’re making me look bad.” his voice showed the pride he was feeling inside and I smiled, happy that I’d made my big brother proud. “I can’t top this.” he started, “No matter how many goals I make.”

“Sure you can! You don’t see me on tv every night fighting with a line of guys making goals or body checking someone into a wall behind the net.” I pointed out, walking slowly up the sidewalk in step with him. He laughed to himself and smiled.

“Always a smart ass, huh?”

“You bet!” I assured with a dorky smile.

“Wow, sis. You’re such an idiot but I love you.” he said, shaking his head.

“I love you too, bro. Even if you are the biggest dork ever.” I said, giving him a hug just before we reached the door, which Eric was holding open for us tentatively.

“Come on, let’s go have some fun while I’m still in town.” he said with a smile, though his words made mine fade away. I had completely forgotten that he had to leave, that he needed to go back to Atlanta.

“When are you leaving, Colbs?” I asked, sort of down.

“I don’t have to leave until Monday. You’ve got me for a weekend, and tonight of course.” he answered. “Even for longer than that if you let me room with you instead of with my team…” he trailed off with the implication that I wasn’t going to let him stay with me.

“You’re insane if you think I’m letting you stay anywhere else!” I shouted back at him as we passed the bar where my old friend, John Bufalini, was working as the keep tonight. He waved hello to me as I passed with Colby and continued to do his job, as he always did.

“That’s good ‘cause I really didn’t want to sleep in a hotel anyway, no matter how nice it was.” he laughed as we reached a booth that had a few chairs pulled up to it so that everyone could sit down.

Max, Kris, Jordan, Geno and Matt all greeted me in their own little ways. Kris waved, Jordan smiled, Matt half screamed a hello, Geno greeted me with his best Russian hello and Max nearly tackled me. Pascal seemed a little surprised and raised an eyebrow but after some explanation he seemed to understand.

“Pascal Dupuis, this is Bernie Armstrong, Colby’s sister.” Sidney introduced. I shook Pascal’s hand and he smiled, so I knew that he would definitely be a friend to me. Then, it seemed as though everyone split into their own chats, some of which started a new and others that were carried over from before I’d gotten there.

I watched how everyone interacted and listened to the multitude of odd conversations that were going on around me, not really saying all too much but just listening. I preferred it this way, to not be noticed, to fade into the background. I’d always been in the background and it was where I felt most comfortable, but where I didn’t have the chance to be much anymore. My brother was a famous NHLer and I had won a few prizes for my work as a goalie on various teams including my college team, so life wasn’t exactly quiet anymore.

Suddenly, one conversation in particular caught my attention.

“I’m so much better than you, Geno.” Jordan fought.

“Oh, and I have the most points in the NHL because I look good?” Geno replied with his infamous accent thick. I smiled to myself. Geno was one person I’d hate to take on during a game, no matter how good of a goalie I was.

“Just keep telling yourself that. Whatever helps you sleep at night, Gronk.” Pascal interjected himself into the conversation.

“You all suck compared to me.” Marc entered in as well. All three of them craned their heads towards a now smiling Marc and began to complain.

“Oh yeah, ‘cause you’re just so amazing all you do is stand in a net and block pucks.” Jordan joked. I felt myself almost become angry with him. Standing in a goal and blocking pucks was tougher than it looked.

“Ha, I’d like to see you do it, Staal. I recall last time we had this conversation it ended in me winning four hundred dollars from you.” Marc reminded him. Jordan’s face fell and everyone laughed.

“I don’t even want to take a shot on you, Flower.” Geno said, shaking his head.

“I’d probably get it past him…. Maybe.” Kris said thoughtfully, now interested in their conversation. I smiled as everyone else at the table started to join in.

“I know I would get at least one past him.” Max laughed.

“What, one out of a hundred and fifty?” Matt asked sarcastically. I smiled and gave him a thumbs up, earning me a shove towards Sidney from Max.

“Not everyone can be a Cookie Monster, Matt.” Max pointed out.

“You know, he’s right.” Sidney added.

“I know I can definitely get a few past you.” Colby said with a huge grin. Everyone at the table picked up whatever was closest and threw it at him. Napkins were flying and I had to duck out of the way as a plastic fork flew towards me.

“Okay, I know we don’t approve of his being a Thrasher but can we PLEASE avoid decapitating me?” I questioned with a sly smile. I think it was the first time I’d said anything all night, at least while I was here anyway.

“Yeah, don’t be killing my sister or I’ll have to getcha!” Colby whisper yelled, sticking out his tongue.

“We wouldn’t kill her!” Max said defensively. “That’d make the world too boring!”

“She’s too cool to die.” Marc added, getting a ‘yeah she is’ from Geno.

“Now, you on the other hand….. I dunno. I think we could make a sacrifice there.” Jordan pondered, stroking his imaginary beard. He was turning out to be quite the character.

“Hey now. Don’t make me cry by killing my family.” I started. “You won’t like me when I’m crying.”

“Damn right. You almost made me cry last time.” Max said, shaking his head. “That’s a sick talent.”

“I know!” I answered peppily. Truth be told, I hadn’t realized he was almost crying until I started laughing and he’d walked away shaking his head. It was just a harmless prank but I promised him afterwards that I’d never do it again unless I told him about it first.

“Seriously?” Kris asked, “That’s amazing! Do it once? Please?” he pleaded.

Just before I got to answer him, drinks that had already been ordered came to the table and my normal drink on the house was sat down in front of me. Colby immediately stole it and took a drink.

“Ahh!! Breakin’ the law again?!” he questioned jokingly as he sat down my drink in front of me.

“Bet your ass I am. I’m not missing out on the fun of drinking because I’m 20. Psh.” I replied, taking a sip of my Jack Daniels and Coke.

“Why can’t you be like that, Sid?” Colby asked, turning his head to face Sidney, who was drinking his coke slowly. Never once had I ever seen Sidney take a drink of alcohol in all the time I’d known him. He wasn’t a big fan of it though.

“I just don’t like drinking much.” he answered before taking another drink.

“You’re crazy.” Jordan answered him, taking a sip of whatever drink he was holding.

“Not everyone can go to jail for drunken disorderly.” Pascal commented, fiddling with his drink’s straw.

“Hey! That was a long time ago! Let it go!!” Jordan half shouted as he shoved Pascal over, knocking him out of his chair and onto the floor. I laughed as I offered him my hand and helped him back up.

“That was uncalled for, Jordan.” I said, looking at him with a scornful face.

“I didn’t think so.” he replied, taking another drink of what smelt to me to be a mixture of some very potent alcohol. A few agreeing mumbles from around the table were sounded and I just shook my head. These guys were crazy. Why did I love them again?

“Well, if all of you guys are just gonna be dorks, I’m going out to dance.” I said, standing up and walking past all of them and down a small set of stairs onto the dance floor. As soon as I set foot there, the song changed to one of my favorites; ‘The Casper Slide Part 2’. I was instantly reminded of how long it had been since I’d been dancing. Years had passed and I’d just been so busy with being a goalie and college and friends that I hadn’t gotten out to dance for a long, very long time.

Immediately I found a group who had formed lines to start dancing and I saw my friend Miranda heading them all. I suddenly found myself feeling more childish, and more excited.

“Mianda!” I screamed, half because the music was blaring and half because I hadn’t seen her in a long time.

“Hey!” she yelled back, hugging me warmly. “Wanna dance?” she asked slyly. I knew what she meant.

When we were younger, Miranda and I had been quite the dancers. The only hindrance now was that we didn’t know the same moves as we had before, when everything had been precise and choreographed to a tee. We’d always gone out every Friday night to the local ice rink and skated for a while then left the ice to tear up the dance floor. We were always the best at both of those things.

“I’d LOVE to.” I agreed, looking over her shoulder to see all the guys lining up along the railings that looked down over the dance floor. Sid and Colby stood together, still talking but taking extra time to watch what I was doing, most likely trying to catch any jerks who came on to me. Since day one, Colby had recruited Sidney as a back-up look out and ever since I’d finally met him, Sidney had taken the roll of preventing any assholes from coming near me.

I ignored that they were watching and took Miranda’s hands, dropping down low to the floor just like we used to. I felt my knees crack but I knew I was still ready to dance.

“ ‘Slide to the left. Slide to the right. Take it back now y’all! One hop this time! One hop this time! Criss-cross! Criss-cross! Reverse! Reverse! Reverse! Reverse! FREEZE! Everybody clap your hands!’ “ The song played and we followed ever direction perfectly on cue, even added a little more to our dance. We still had it.

“It’s so nice to see you again!” I said as we followed the part of the song that told us to cha-cha real smooth. She nodded and smiled.

“I know! How’ve you been?” she asked as we continued to dance, most likely better than anyone else out there. A few times, I managed to catch the eye of Jordan, who stood, completely mystified, next to Colby and Max on the rail.

“I’ve been great. I finished college and stuff, Colby’s back in town and I own this place. I’d say I’m doing myself good.” I replied, jumping five times in a row, screaming each number.

“Damn you! You fuckin’ suckk!!!” she said before we stopped to take a quick break and then started again. I think we were both feeling the pain of not dancing for a while.

“ ‘How low can you go? Can you go down low? All the way to the floor? How low can you go? Can you bring it to the top? Like you’ll never never stop? Can you bring it to the top? One hop! Right foot now! Left foot now y’all. Criss-cross. Reverse! Charlie Brown!’ “ The song continued on and on, with Miranda and I getting completely down on our backs, legs bent underneath us and then jumping up and pulling off a perfect Charlie Brown, laughing the whole time.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to do well.” I answered her with a laugh. “How about you?”

“Oh I’m great, going to college and my brothers are all wrestling pro now. Dad’s happy as hell…. Mom… ehh… not so much.” she joked as the song ended. We joked and laughed until the next song came on, which just happened to be ‘Saltshaker’ by the Ying Yang Twins. This was one song we’d always competed to. And, true to tradition, Miranda looked up at me bitchily, challenging.

“Think you’re up for this?” I asked, hand on one hip in a dance challenge. We’d always been pretty competitive with it and at least once every time we dance together we started a dance off.

“Duh! We’ve been tied at 10 wins each for like….. Ten years! I’ve been ready, biatch!” she said, cocking her hips to the other side, mimicking me.

“Bring it!” I said as I started.

“Psh.” she replied, going low and coming back. I had to admit, I thought she would give me a challenge. As I watched her dancing, I glanced up to see the guys, opened mouthed with eyes all but glued to watching us. Even Sidney wasn’t doing a very good job on look out tonight.

Miranda finished up and we both looked around to notice that we had a small circle of girls and guys forming around us. We took no mind to it and just kept going until both of us were tired and looked at each other, eyes crossed, and began to laugh hysterically.

“It’s a tie!” I said between laughs over the crowd who was clapping for us as they dispersed. Obviously we both still knew how to put on a show.

“Ha-ha, deal.” Miranda replied, laughing just as hard as I was. As we stopped, I gave her one last hug and bid her goodbye, walking up towards the stairs to the table to get a drink and sit down for a minute.

“I’ll see you out here again. Be right back.” I said, walking away.

“Okay!” she hollered as she began to dance with her small group again.

I walked up the stairs and took a seat in Max’s chair, reaching across the table to get my drink. I took a sip and sat in silence for a moment, taking a few breaths to relax. Dancing had never really tired me out before, but I guess now it really took its toll. I didn’t ever remember being this tired after playing a hockey game, but I guess dancing and hockey are two totally different things.

“DAAAAAMMMMNNNN! Where’d you learn to do THAT?” Colby asked, coming up behind me and putting his hands on my shoulders. I looked up at him and smiled. He’d never been a huge fan of my dancing but he at least recognized that I could dance quite well.

“You know, I’m self taught.” I replied with a laugh. He shook his head and sat down beside me. The other guys were scattered around the room, except for Sidney who still stood looking over the railing and Jordan, who had followed Colby back to the table. I looked over at Jordan and he smiled at me.

“You’re amazing!” he shouted as he reached us, the alcohol clearly having an effect on him.

“Thanks, Jordan. That’s a compliment coming from you.” I replied, winking at him playfully.

“That’s Jordy to you!” he answered as he walked away towards where Max was standing with some girls. I think he was hoping to get lucky with one of them.

“Wow, that was…. Special.” Colby said, shaking his head.

“Yep.” I said with a nod. I looked again over towards Sidney and noticed that he looked tense. A little more nervous than I had ever seen him, too. “What’s his problem, Colby?” I asked, gesturing towards Sid nonchalantly in a manor as to not seem rude. He was the only one that seemed to not be having fun.

Jordan and Max were with some girls, Kris and Matt were talking to Buffy, and Marc, Geno and Pascal all seemed to be amusing themselves with requesting weird songs from the DJ downstairs on the dance floor.

“Hmm… Can’t say as I know. Go find out for yourself.” he suggested, taking a drink. I sighed and sat my drink down, never considering to myself for one second that it was odd that Colby didn’t know what was wrong with his best friend for the first time in his life. I looked between Colby and Sidney for a minute, unsure of what I should do but I finally decided that I should probably go find out what was wrong with him.

Walking over to Sidney, I leaned onto the rail beside him and looked over into his eyes. I stood there for a moment and observed him but he didn’t really seem to notice me. The strobe lights downstairs went off and lit up his beautiful chocolate brown eyes and, though I was mystified, he still didn’t see me until I spoke.

“What’s wrong with you, Squidney?” I asked childishly. I felt a little sorry for him and almost like I should be doing something to make him feel better. After all, he was like a second brother to me now.

“Huh? Oh, nothing. I’m just thinking.” he replied monotonously. Then he gave me that beautiful crooked smile and turned his head to face me. “You were amazing out there.” he complimented attempting to change the subject.

“Thanks. I try.” I replied, looking back out onto the floor as the DJ changed the song to ‘Dear God’ by Avenged Sevenfold, one of my all time favorite bands. Sidney and I turned our heads down to the dance floor and saw Marc throwing a happy look towards where I knew Colby still was behind us. It made me wonder.

Suddenly, Sidney began to get fidgety and nervous, like he did when he had first been introduced to some of the bigger hockey stars. I sort of ignored him in favor of singing to the music, or at least the first few lines. This was my favorite song, after all.

“ ‘A lonely road, crossed another cold state line. Miles away from those I love, purpose hard to find. While I recall, all the words you spoke to me. Can’t help but wish that I was there, back where I long to be. Dear God, the only thing I ask of you. Is to hold her when I’m not around, when I’m much too far away. We all need the person who can be true to you, But I left her when I found her and now I wish I’d stayed. ‘Cause I’m lonely and I’m tired. I’m missing you again, Oh No. Once again…’ ” I sang in my soft soprano voice. I didn’t want to be too loud, as to disturb anyone but I wanted to hear myself.

“Wow, you’re good.” Sidney complimented, mystified.

“Thanks.” I said, suddenly embarrassed that I’d been singing in front of him. I never sang in front of anyone. Ever. I looked over to him and he had his eyes half closed, almost as if waiting to hear more. I sighed and smiled, turning my head back down to the floor where a bunch of couples were dancing together slowly. I watched them turning and wondered what that was like. I hadn’t had a boyfriend in such a long time but then again that was because everyone I seemed to date anymore just wanted me for the publicity or the fact that I knew people around the NHL and the MLB circuit. No one really wanted me for myself. To tell the honest to God’s truth, I had to think hard before I could even remember how long it had been. I envied them a bit and I think Sidney had noticed.

“Hey… uhm… do you… maybe… want to dance?” he asked sweetly as the song faded into the beginning of the second half.

“Yeah… I’d like that.” I answered as he offered me his hand and led me down to the dance floor. When we got there, I turned around, placing my arms around his neck as his hands found a place on my hips. We danced for a while, even getting off topic to some things that had happened at practice today, but eventually we fell silent… or at least Sidney did. My favorite part of ‘Dear God’ floated to my ears and I couldn’t help myself as I began to sing again.

“ ‘Well some search, never finding a way. Before long, they waste away. Ohhh. I found you, something told me to stay. I gave in, to selfish ways. Ohhh! And how I miss someone to hold, when hope begins to fade. A lonely road, crossed another cold state line. Miles away from those I love, purpose hard to find. Dear God, the only thing I ask of you is to hold her when I’m not around, when I’m much too far away. We all need the person who can be true to you. I left her when I found her and now I wish I’d stayed. ‘Cause I’m lonely and I’m tired. I’m missing you again, Oh No. Once again. Again. Ohh! Oh oh oh oh oh!’ “ I sang the ending lines in exact timing with the music.

Again I felt my face flush pink but Sidney didn’t notice. He was too far absorbed in listening to me to have noticed much of anything and he continued to dance with his eyes closed, waiting to see if I’d sing again. Finally he gave up on waiting for me to sing again and spoke.

“Why don’t you sing more often?” he asked, opening his eyes again. “You’re not as bad as you think you are.” he complimented with a smile as we continued to dance. It was just like him to try to give me an ego boost. Same old Sidney.

“I just don’t like singing in front of people. It’s a pet peeve I think. All those years of Colby tormenting me finally got to me.” I replied, rolling my eyes sarcastically.

“Damn that brother of yours.” he said, laughing a bit as the song began to fade away.

We kept dancing even though the song ‘Accidentally In Love’ by Counting Crows was blaring through the speakers now. As we turned, I saw that all the guys had regrouped and were watching us from the railings. Colby was smiling behind his glass as he glanced over to Max, who was standing with the DJ. I rolled my eyes and looked up to Sid, pulling him down closer to me so I could whisper to him and Colby couldn’t read my lips.

“I think we’re being watched.” I whispered, glancing up to the boys and then over to Max. Sidney’s eyes followed mine and his face got a little pink but I couldn’t really tell too much because of the lights being almost completely off down here.

“They do that sometimes.” he replied as he glanced up at them. “They always think they’re missing something.” he attempted to blow the situation off but I could feel that something was up somewhere. I let it slide though, and just enjoyed dancing with Sidney.

He waited for a second or two to regroup his thoughts and then looked down at me with a childlike look of questioning on his face. It really seemed like something was up now, but again, I let it slide.

“What?” I asked, curiously.

“No singing this time?” he questioned, almost disappointed.

“Nopee.” I said, shaking my head lightly.

“Psh. If you won’t sing then I will.” he replied with a smirk. “ ‘Come on Come on, Turn a little faster. Come on Come on, The world will follow after. Come on Come on, Because everybody’s after love. So I said I’m a snowball runnin’. Runnin’ out into the spring that’s coming on this love. Melting under blue skies belching out sunlight shimmering love. Well baby I surrender to the strawberry ice cream never ever ender on this love. When I didn’t mean to do it but there’s no escaping your love ohh…’ “ And that was all the further I let him go. He was killing my musical inclination.

“Sid, please stop. I love that you’re trying to humor me but it’s not helping you to sing off key.” I pleaded, but Sidney continued. “I’ll sing if it’ll make you stop.” and with that he immediately shut up. So, true to my word, I sang the rest of the song to him.

“ ‘No No! Come on Come on, Move a little closer. Come on Come on, I wanna hear you whisper. Come on Come on, Settle down inside my love. Oh! Come on Come on, Jump a little higher. Come on Come on, If you feel a little lighter. Come on Come on, We were once upon a time in love. We’re accidentally in love. Accidentally in love. Accidentally in love. Accidentally in love. Accidentally in love. Accidentally in love. Accidentally in love. Accidentally in love. Accidentally’ ” I finished the song, well almost.

I looked up to see Sidney, not watching me, but looking over my head to where Colby was, mouthing words to him nervously. They seemed to understand each other just fine but I wondered to myself what they were saying. I was horrible at lip reading. I’d lost that talent long ago, as far back as elementary school.

The song faded into the last piece which was just a repetitive ‘I’m in love’ over and over, which I really didn’t feel much like singing. Soon, Sid noticed that I wasn’t singing anymore and turned his attention back to me as the song kept going on for what seemed like forever, almost as if someone was making the end repeat over and over, though I knew it was just the way the song was sung. Sid looked at me for a moment and I could clearly see that he was making some sort of decision, a decision that seemed to be fairly difficult for him.

Suddenly, Sidney surprised me. He came closer to me and bent down to whisper something in my ear and since I wasn’t expecting it, I fidgeted a little nervously. Sid’s voice calmed me down though, and I held still to listen.

“I have something to ask you.” he said lightly, almost so quietly that I couldn’t hear him. I pulled back from him and gave him a questioning look before he came back towards me so he could whisper again. “I’ve been meaning to ask you for a while… but... No this isn’t right….” He trailed off and backed up, obviously trying to figure out what to say.

“Just say what you need to say, Sid. It’s alright.” I assured, waiting tentatively for him to speak. He looked down into my eyes and shook his head, lowering his voice so that only I could hear him.

“It’s not the right time…. Or place… it’s not anything like I imagined it…. It’s not...” he told me, as we continued to dance to the ever changing beat.

“Oh c’mon Sidney. Don’t leave me hanging here. What were you going to ask me?” I pleaded, giving him a half stitched puppy face.

“Well……. I’ve been wanting to ask you this for a long time and……. I-I guess I just get too jumpy… and I duck out at the last minute……”

“Okay…” I said, a little curious for him to continue. I watch him glance up to Colby, who seemed to be urging him on before he turned his attention back to me.

“What I mean is…. Hmm….. Will you….. Uhmm….. Will you…” and he trailed off into such a slight whisper that I couldn’t hear him.

“Speak up, Sid. Will I what?” I coaxed, I myself now whispering.

“Will you…. Go out w-with me?” He finished shakily, audibly nervous. I felt my face turn pink and I looked down towards the floor. I’d certainly never expected this. Sidney had always been closer to me than everyone else, I’ll admit, but I’d never really thought he’d ever like me. After all, he was Sidney Crosby, a professional Hockey player for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Captain of his team, face of the NHL. And I was, let’s face it, sister of an Atlanta Thrasher and a hopeless small town goalie. We were in separate leagues, literally and metaphorically.

Glancing up to Sidney, I saw his eyes shining in waiting and watched him shifting his weight uneasily as we kept dancing. He was actually serious about this. Very serious. His face was as red as I’d ever seen it, and I had to admit it didn’t look bad on him.

Finally, after a minute of mind racing thoughts and a moment of listening to ‘I Don‘t Care‘ playing on the speakers, I looked directly into his eyes and stood on my tip toes to whisper my answer to him.

“I don’t see why you got so scared, Sidney. You know I won’t laugh at you for something like that.” I reassured, looking into his eyes before continuing, to see that they’d fallen as a preemptive guess as to my answer.

“Okay.” he replied, sort of let down. Always jumping to conclusions, this one.

“I’m not done.” I answered, pulling him down to my level so I could whisper again. “You should’ve let me finish. I was going to say, I’ll never laugh at you for being nervous, because I’ve been there.” I started, taking a breath before continuing. “And yes, Sidney, I would love to go out with you.” I finished sweetly.

I felt the air around him become electric and he smiled that crooked smile again, picking me up and swinging me around like he had after the game today, only now it was because he‘d won a different game. This time he’d won at love and not just at hockey.

“Are you serious? That’s a yes?” he asked, unsure he had heard me correctly. I just nodded and smiled meekly. “Oh my God! You have no idea how happy that makes me.” he said as he hugged me close to him, giggling like a he’d just won a tough game.

“I’m thinking pretty damn happy considering you’re killing me here.” I replied, squirming to get out of his death grip.

“Sorry.” he apologized, turning his head towards the floor in embarrassment.

“Aweh, Sid,” I started, making him look up at me. “Embarrassment is a good look on you.” I finished quickly, leaning over while he was close and kissing his lips softly. He kissed me back for a minute, obviously feeling the sparks I was feeling, before pulling away and looking down at me, surprised and happy at the same time. Truth be told, I’d been wanting to do that for years.

“Unexpected…. but very welcome.” was the only thing he could say as he took my hand and intertwined our fingers, kissing me again. It all just seemed so right, like everything was happening in perfect order.

“So, was that anything like you imagined it?” I asked curiously after he pulled away. He looked me in the eyes and for a minute I thought he couldn’t hear me but then he began to answer.

“Well, that kiss was more than I imagined,” he started with a smile, “But the asking you out wasn’t. I had planned to take you to dinner…. Something romantic…. I’m a little old school. I know that sounds a little corny though.”

I smiled “Actually, that sounded like a perfect idea. Sorry for ruining your plans.”

“You didn’t. Your brother did.” He said, glancing up to Colby and the other guys with a sarcastic look in his eyes. “But that’s okay. I’m glad he did. At least now I know you like me.”

“Like you? Are you kidding me? Sidney, I’ve always liked you.” I told him, shaking my head in disbelief.

“Really?” he asked, childish wonder in his eyes.

“Really really.” I assured him.

“That…. Oh… that makes me feel silly. I’ve been so frustrated and jealous of Max and Marc and everyone else on the team that was friends with you. I feel like an idiot.”

“Aweee. You’re so..... Old school. I love it.” I told him, putting my head on his chest.

“I love you too.” he whispered, pulling me closer to him and resting his head on mine, kissing my hair.

And then, as fast as our moment had happened, it was interrupted by the roar of wolf calls over the music. Looking up, Sidney and I both saw that the guys were now cheering and even Colby, who usually disapproved of me dating, was smiling. Max found us from across the room and threw his arms around our necks.

“Two lovebirds finally together, huh? I think the guys are gonna have something to say about that.” he said glancing up to them and laughing. “But I approve.” Max said as he looked at us both.

“Thanks.” Sidney said sarcastically. “We needed your approval.”

“So mean to me!” Max complained, looking over at me for help.

“Be nice.” I asked, squeezing Sid’s hand. Sidney complied and looked away, pouting.

“Thank you, Bijou.” Max retorted, giving me a kiss on the cheek.

“Hey, watch yourself, Max. That’s my girlfriend you’re kissing.” Sidney said, emphasis on the word my, as if he had been wanting to say that sentence for a very long time.

“Alright, Alright.” Max said, rolling his eyes and nudging me.

We all started to walk back up to the table, Sidney and I still holding hands and Max still fighting with Sid over stupid little things.

“You don’t see me running around kissing your girlfriend!” Sidney said sarcastically.

“What girlfriend?!” Max replied, equally sarcastic. “I haven’t had a girlfriend in over a year!” I cut Sidney off before he could answer Max.

“You better be nice to him or you won’t be seeing this girl kissing her boyfriend.” I said, letting go of Sidney’s hand and walking ahead of them towards our table.

“She’s feistier than I remember.” Max commented, “Perfect for you, Mon Ame.”

I thought I heard Sidney mumble a ‘Fuck you Maxime’ but I couldn’t be sure. I got to our table and took a seat in one of the chairs, as the other seats had been taken by the boys, who had now regrouped. Max took a seat on my left, and Sidney, feeling probably just as happy as I was, sat down on my right, holding my hand under the table and out of the sight of everyone else.

Everyone was quiet for a minute as Colby sat, observantly, across from Sidney and I, looking us both over quizzically. Finally, the tension ended and Colby smiled, causing everyone to relax.

“Hmmm….. I guess I can let this boyfriend go. He doesn’t seem that bad.” Colby commented thoughtfully, reaching across the table to hit Sidney’s cheek playfully.

“I dunno. I don’t think you should trust him with the care of your sister, dude. I wouldn’t if I were you.” Matt added, laughing a little. I laughed with him behind my glass as I took a drink.

“You might as well trust me, ‘cause after going through all that I’m not backing out now.” Sidney commented, finally giving in and taking a drink of some alcohol. I was guessing it was just to calm him down a little. I suddenly understood what the glances at Colby and Max had to do with the whole thing. They’d all planned this.

“Psh. You’re a meanie face.” Jordan interjected, looking up at Sid from where he was now sitting beside me, as Max had taken his rightful place on the other side of Sidney.

“How is he a meanie face?” Kris asked questioningly, looking at Jordan with a raise eyebrow.

“We finally meet a girl who’s pretty and amazing and Sidney just has to go and be all ‘MINE!’ Thanks, Sid. You’re making my life soooo much easier.” Jordan responded, obviously drunk now. I leaned over and kissed Jordan’s cheek before saying anything to him.

“Sorry, Jordy, but Sidney and I have been a long time coming. You’re just late to the party, honey.” I said sympathetically.

“Pshhh. Alright.” he said before laying his head down on the table sleepily.

“Well, everyone here… everyone besides Jordan that is…. is happy for you guys.” Marc said with a smile.

“Thanks, Flower.” Sidney said peppily, turning his attention to Colby. “So you’re really gonna let me date her? No pre-screening? No I’m gonna kill you speech?” he asked, a little hopeful that the responses would be ‘yes’, ‘no’ and ‘no’. He’d seen enough other guys go through with the tough process of Colby intimidating them.

“I’ll let you date her, but only because she’d probably have my head on a silver platter if I didn’t. And I’ve been around you enough to know you’re a good person, so no screening but I suppose I have to go through the I’ll kill you speech…” Colby trailed off as everyone else at the table got quiet in anticipation. I was the only one who wasn’t looking forward to this part of the process.

I’d heard this spiel at least a thousand times through elementary, middle and high school, not to mention in college. It was a little tired by now, but then again, I never knew just how he was going to word it, so at least part of it was still a bit of a surprise.

“Sidney Patrick Crosby, I swear to the good God in heaven that if you to anything and I mean absolutely anything to hurt my little sister I will hunt you down and hit you so hard that by the time you wake up you’ll need a new haircut. Understood?” Colby questioned absentmindedly as he looked over to me with an apologetic look, as if he really hadn’t wanted to scare the living shit out of Sidney.

I felt Sidney’s hand trembling so I brushed my thumb over his hand reassuringly to calm him down. I smiled at him before looking over to Colby, my expression dull.

“Understood completely.” Sidney answered, unwavering.

“Jesus Christ, Army, how many boys have you scared away from her using those lines?” Pascal asked in his semi-broken English.

“More than you’d ever imagine. Trust me.” I said, rolling my eyes for dramatic effect. “I think at least ten of my boyfriends, who had been with me for months, after hearing that speech dumped me the next day. And Colby always wondered why I’d come home in a bad mood.”

Everyone at the table erupted in a fit of laughter as the look on Colby’s face showed his clear disarray. “I didn’t scare that many guys away! You’re such a fibber, sis.” he whined girlishly.

“You’re joking, right? I lost so many boyfriends, you wouldn’t even believe it.” I answered, taking another drink.

“Name some.” he challenged.

Immediately, I pulled my hand away from Sidney’s and cracked my knuckles. “Which grade are we starting in.” I asked, accepting his challenge.

“Fight! Fight!” Max and Marc cheered.

“Go through the ones that were mostly my fault.” Colby said, leaning in to listen. Obviously he still believed he was right.

“Alright,” I said taking a deep breath, “Alex, Jeremy, Johnny, Brian, Jimmy, Craig, Eddie, Shea, Sean, Chris, Max, Matt, Devon, Nick, Vince, Will, Zacky, Brendon, Junior, Andrew, Derek, Evan,” I paused for a moment with which to take a short breath, “Shall I continue?”

“I did NOT scare all those guys away.” Colby stated, furthering his denial, only to be interrupted by Marc.

“Zacky…. Don’t I know him?” Marc questioned curiously. I turned my head to him and nodded.

“Zack was my boyfriend when I met you, Flower. You remember him, for sure. How could you forget him? He was so… original.” I said dreamily as Sidney nudged me in the side and gave me the puppy eyes.

“Oh! Yes! Him. I couldn’t forget that attitude.. and his accent. What was that?” Marc asked sarcastically.

“That, my friend, was the product of a Russian born mother and a Canadian father.” I said, imagining Zack again. I hadn’t thought about him for a long time. I’d met him when he was playing against my brother, Riley, in college. We’d become fast friends and started dating but Colby didn’t ever really take a liking to him. Looking back now I could see why. Zacky had always been a little odd. Just an all around creeper of sorts. Thinking about him now, I probably wouldn’t have dated him. He sort of even scared me.

“Oh Jesus.” Geno commented. “Even I couldn’t stand thinking about that.”

“Neither could Colbs. He took the first opportunity he had and scared the shit out of Zack. I haven’t heard from him since. Good going, bro.” I said accusingly, shooting a glare across the table at him.

“Fine.. I’m sorry, sissy.” he said as he admitted defeat and took the last drink from his glass before sitting it down on the table harder than he had intended and scaring the living daylights out of Jordan, who had fallen asleep.

“I DIDN’T DO IT!” he screamed as his head flew up and I heard his neck and back crack.

“Wow, Gronk, just wow.” Matt said as he shook his head at Jordan’s antics.

“Well, now that we’ve all gotten good and drunk, who’s sober enough to drive us all home?” Max asked, half of all his words slurred and completely discombobulated.

Marc, Matt and I all raised our hands, since Sidney hadn’t driven here, and Colby immediately started with seating arrangements.

“Matt can take Pascal and Eric home, because they’re on the way. Marc can take Max, Jordan and Kris home. So then I guess Sid, Bernie and I get to go in the Lambo.” Colby mumbled, more to himself than to any of us.

“Actually…. I have further plans tonight, so I bid you all farewell.” Eric said as he got up and walked over to a girl who was beckoning to him seductively. I waved goodbye to him and giggled a little as he blew me a fake kiss.

“I don’t wanna go home tonight, Army. I wanna stay with you!” Max complained sarcastically.

“That’s up to sissy over here. I’m staying at her house until I leave for Atlanta on Monday.” Colby said, pointing a half drunken finger across the table at me. Immediately I had seven guys all giving me the puppy dog pout at the same time.

“Fiiinneee. But don’t make a mess, boys.” I admitted defeat, causing Sidney to give me a quick kiss on the cheek in happiness.

“But don’t be expecting to sleep with her tonight, Crosby.” Colby warned, semi-sarcastically and semi-seriously.

“Awe, poor Siddy. No sex for you, bud.” Matt commented with a sly smile. I just shook my head.

“Fine then, if we’re all going to my house, I want to go home. I’m tired and I need some energy for tomorrow.” I said yawning.

“What’s tomorrow?” Max questioned, standing up in unison with almost everyone else, except for Jordan, who had fallen asleep on the table again.

“Tomorrow, Maxime, is the day I go help teach kids how to skate.” I said as I stood up and shook Jordan awake.

“Aweeehhhhhh.” Marc cooed. “That’s sweeeet!”

“Aweeeehhh..” Matt echoed, “That was gaaaaayyy.” he finished, looking up at me, “But that is really nice of you.”

“Jesus…. She’s hot and nice. Damn you, Sid.” Jordan said jokingly, now a little more awake but still just as drunk.

“Sorry, Gronk.” Sidney said as he took my hand again and backed up away from the table so that everyone could get up.

“How do you think they’d like to meet some Penguins?” Max inquired thoughtfully with a sly smirk.

“They’d all flip! They’re probably your biggest fans. Most of you are the reason why they want to learn how to skate. They want to play hockey, they want to be like you guys.” I told them, almost a little star struck for a moment.

All of them turned their heads to see each others faces and smiled, well, all of them except Colby.

“Blast it. That means no helping for me.” he said, a little let down.

“No it doesn’t. Do you KNOW how many kids ask me if I have your autograph laying around?” I questioned as we all began to walk towards the door.

“Bah! We’re more important than him, though, right?” Matt asked with a sarcastic toothless grin.

“You betcha!” I answered perkily as we past Buffy and he waved goodbye monotonously as he cleaned up behind the bar.

“Oh! That’s another guy you scared away.” I said, pointing a finger back to Buffy, who was staring after us sort of longingly.

“Oh shut it. I said I was sorry.” Colby whined, putting his hand over his face and shaking his head.

“Well, think of it this way, he’ll never scare me away.” Sidney whispered in my ear before giving me a kiss on the cheek.

“Mmmhmm.” I mumbled under my breath so that only he could hear me as we pushed the doors open. A rush of cold air hit me and I shivered.

“Alright, everyone knows who’s going with who. Just follow me home.” I said, suddenly coming to an instant realization about my car. “Colbs… how are we gonna fit you, me and Sid in a car with two seats?” I questioned curiously.

“Sid and I have been chair buddies before. We’ll manage.” he said with a laugh before walking over to my car and offering to let Sidney get in first. Everyone piled into their cars and as soon as I saw that no one else was coming, I pressed the ‘start engine’ button.

Watching curiously, I saw that Colby and Sidney even had a system for how they were sitting and it seemed to be working for them, because their current seating order hadn’t distracted them at all and they were currently in awe by the sounds of my car.

I put my Lambo into drive and pulled out of the club’s parking lot with Marc and Matt following close behind. Even now I was amazed at how easily my car drove.

“This car is fucking amazing, sis. But where’d you get the money to pay for it?” Colby asked, half concerned.

“Well you figure the club brings in some money but work wise, I have a job with the Pirates for baseball season. It kinda sucks because I’m on the road with them most days when everyone back here isn’t doing anything. But it makes for great fun, not to mention the job offers that come in.” I said, shifting into second as we pulled onto a straight stretch of road that was completely empty.

“Ah, I see.” Colby finished before being interrupted by Sidney.

“Job offers..?” Sid questioned curiously.

“Yeah. I get job offers from everywhere. I got an offer from the Thrashers to come with them a while ago and I got an offer from the Red Wings…” I trailed off, or rather I was cut off by a chorus of ‘NO!!!’ from Sid and ‘WHAT THE FUCK!?’ from Colby.

“I didn’t say I took it!” I yelled back to them, as they were freaking out now.

“Ohhhh. Okay.” they said in unison, listening again.

“I think I’ve gotten an offer from everyone except the two teams I’ve really wanted to work for.” I said, suddenly feeling groggy.

“Who’s that?” Sid asked, half sarcastically.

“The Penguins and the LA Angels.” I answered easily, turning down another street as my house came into view about twelve blocks away.

“LA Angels? Bah. They suck, sis.” Colby protested, looking away with disgust.

“You suck, bro.” I defended, slowing as my house came closer.

“How does a Pittsburgh girl love a team from LA so much?” Sidney asked, looking confused.

“When I first got out of school, I went on a road trip with my boyfriend…” I started before getting cut off.

“YOU DID WHAT?!” Colby half screamed, flailing. He’d always been pretty protective of me.

“I went on a road trip. With my boyfriend. It’s not that big a deal. Anyways, I went on a road trip with my ex and the first stop on our tour after Vegas was LA. It was an amazing place and all I wanted to do all week was go to a baseball game. I hadn’t been to one in like… four years, mind you.” I said thoughtfully, remembering the sun and the fun in LA.

Sidney nodded, immensely interested in the story while Colby continued to pout in protective defeat.

“So, we bought tickets to a game and went, sitting right behind the batter too. It was amazing. The pitcher for LA threw me a baseball after the game, signed by everyone; courtesy of my boyfriend and his friends’ connections. Ever since then I’ve just loved the Angels. But I guess if I got an offer from Pittsburgh first, I couldn’t say no. The city grows on you after a while.” I finished, slowing down and pulling into my driveway.

“Yeah, it does.” Sid said, sounding like he was thinking.

“So yeah. That’s how. And now, I welcome you to my house.” I said, cutting the engine and opening the door. Colby grabbed the door handle and flung the door open seeming a little too eager to get out of the car.

“It’s nice.” Sidney complimented, jumping out of the car and stretching. Colby just turned and looked at us, watching Matt and Marc’s cars pull up behind mine and everyone get out.

“I like your house!” Max yelled while jogging up to stand beside me with a smile.

“Merci Maxime.” I said graciously while turning to see everyone else coming forwards.

“You’re welcome, Mademoiselle.” he answered with an even larger smile, the same smile that seemed to always adorn his face.

“C’mon, sis. I’m tiredd.” Colby whined childishly.

“Alright, alright. Keep your pants on, bud.” I told him, taking my keys out of my pocket and walking past everyone and to my front door. Listening to everyone following me, I had the strange feeling that this must be what a soccer mom feels like after a practice.

Opening the door and pushing it back nearly off it’s hinges, I walked in and took off my shoes. Max, Colby and Sid quickly followed my example but everyone else just walked right in. And somehow, tonight, I was fine with that.

I took a few steps across my carpet to make sure there was enough room for everyone to come in before walking into my kitchen and turning on the light.

“Your house is even better on the inside!!!” I heard Marc comment. I tilted my head around the corner to see all the guys standing, awestruck, in my living room. I knew it wasn’t just the comfortable carpet that had their attention.

All around my living room, I had hockey sticks and jerseys from almost every single hockey great, including Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe and a few from friends I had around the league like Zach Parise and Zdeno Chara. Working in sports was really great, especially considering that I was a huge sports fan before I’d ever gotten into the inner workings.

“Can I touch it?!” I heard Kris asking timidly as he stared up at my Gretzky jersey.

“Yeah, sure. Why wouldn’t you be allowed to touch it?” I asked, a little confused. I saw his eyes get wide as he retch up and ran his hand over the jersey. I shook my head and looked over to see Max and Marc lounging on my couch and Geno stretched out in the huge recliner. Pascal was leaning up onto the couch from the floor and Kris was still awestruck by the fact that he’d just touched Wayne Gretzky’s jersey. Matt was stretched out a few feet away from Pascal’s feet, almost taking up the whole rest of the floor. I watched Sid and Colby still standing by the door, attempting to hold up Jordan so he didn’t fall over.

“Little help would be nice.” Colby said sarcastically as he helped Jordan take another shaky step into the house, holding him up as Sidney shut the door.

“Nahhh.” Everyone else replied after looking around at each other in a silent conversation. I couldn’t help but giggle as I watched them. They were all such children.

“Pleaseeeeeee.” Jordan asked, words slurred. He pushed away from Colby and nearly fell over in front of the kitchen door.

“I gotcha.” I said hurriedly, moving in front of him so he wouldn’t completely collapse, “I gotcha.” I pushed him back up onto his feet and put his arm around my shoulders, pulling him towards the spare bedroom. A few steps past everyone else’s view and Jordan’s arm slid down to my waist, but he was drunk, so I just let it go.

“You better watch out, Sid, I think your girlfriends got a thing for Gronk.” Matt commented from the floor, a toothless grin on his face. Sid just rolled his eyes. I guess they’d been able to see anyway.

“Suuureee she does. And I’m the Queen of Nova Scotta.” he replied, jumping down on top of Matt. And from then on as I continued down the hall, all I could hear from the living room was laughter, punctuation by the small spurts of silence in between jokes.

I walked back the hallway, half dragging Jordan with me.

“Thanks for letting me stay heree.” Jordan said, barely audibly now. He was practically begging to just fall asleep.

“Anytime, Jordy.” I answered, turning and waiting a moment for him to turn with me before walking into the spare bedroom.

“You’re okay. I think you’re pretty spiffy.” he said as I pulled the covers on the bed back and sat him down. He immediately fell backwards onto the sheets and was almost out cold.

“You’re pretty amazing yourself there, Mr. Staal.” I complimented, pulling off his shoes and pushing him back so that his head was on the pillow and his feet were in bed.

“I know….” he trailed off as he almost immediately fell asleep. I laughed to myself and pulled up the sheets around him before standing back to watch him for a minute. He was out cold.

“You remind me of mom.” Colby said thoughtfully from the doorway. He stood, leaning on the hearth watching me intently.

“I’ve had to put enough drunk friends to bed by now that I should be pretty good at it.” I answered in a whisper, turning back around to face him and tip toeing out of the room, stopping only once when I hit a floorboard that creaked.

“It’s not just that.” he proceeded. “It’s just the way you are now. You have the same thought process and you look so much like she did when she was younger. Dad warned you.”

“I’ve been told I looked like her, but coming from you, I guess it has to be true. And yeah, I guess Dad did warn me it would happen eventually.”

“I miss her sometimes.” Colby admitted childishly. “Seeing you getting older makes me see more of her in you…. And it makes me feel old.”

“I miss her all the time.” I reassured him with a smile as I patted his shoulder. He put his arms around me and gave me a warm hug.

“It’s nice to know it’s not just me, sis..” he trailed off and I knew he must have been having a moment. “I missed being back here, too.”

“Yeah, the ‘burgh misses you too, bud. I miss you mostest!” I whisper yelled, looking up at him and giving him my childish smile.

“You’re a dork.” he replied, ruffling my hair.

“Oh you did not just go there!” I continued to whisper as I pulled the door to Jordan’s room closed.

“I did!” he said, now in a normal voice.

“I’ma getcha!” I yelled, chasing him back through the house to the living room. Everyone turned to look at us from their various places across the room and burst out laughing. Colby stopped dead in the middle of the carpet. Almost surprised that he had stopped so quickly, he was unable to move. I, however, couldn’t stop as fast, and flew out from behind the wall, tackling him into the ground.

“GOTCHA!” I exclaimed in triumph while messing up his hair.

“AHHHH!!” he cried out, “Helpp meee!”

“I’ll pass.” Marc said lazily, almost asleep on the couch.

“Nahhh.” Max and Geno answered, laughing.

“Crosby! Helppp!” he pleaded as I continued to screw up his hair.

“You’re on your own, Army.” Sid replied thoughtfully between laughs.

“I’ll force you to not go out with her!” Colby threatened. And with that everyone got quiet as they watched Sidney. Even I stopped tormenting Colby for a minute to look at his reaction.

“Not a chance!” Sidney half screamed as he dog piled on top of Colby with me and started beating him up. Everyone else erupted into even more hysterical laughter until Colby pushed us both backwards off of him and escaped, leaving me sitting half in Sid’s lap.

My face turned bright red but I didn’t make a move since no one else had seemed to notice. I felt Sidney move to get comfortable and then his arms snaked their way around my waist.

“You guys are so childish.” Geno said, mid yawn.

“Agreed.” Marc chimed in from the couch. He and Max had pulled the couch out and were now sprawled out over it tiredly. Geno pulled the handle on the recliner and tipped back, almost falling backwards while Pascal and Kris fought over where they were going to sleep on the floor. Matt took up residence next to Geno’s chair and Colby just sat, cross legged, in the middle of all of them.

“You guys are so sad.” I said, shaking my head. I was tired but they all looked completely exhausted.

“Well next time you play a really…” Marc yawned mid sentence before continuing, “tough game with a team who’s utterly amazing then you can tell us…” another yawn, “who’s sad.”

“Yeah. So shup.” Max commented from the couch as he pulled a pillow away from Marc and put it under his head. Marc didn’t fight back, he was already half gone to dreamland.

“Good night, Max.” I replied sarcastically, as I leaned back against Sidney’s chest. He accepted me warmly and I felt his arms tighten a little around my waist.

“What about mee??” Matt whined tiredly.

“You too, Matt.” I corrected, looking over to him with an exhausted smile. Geno was already asleep and Pascal was too tired to complain about anything. I patted Kris’ head and I knew that he understood what I meant so I didn’t say anything.

Looking up, I saw Colby motioning for Sidney and I to follow him.

“C’mon.” I said, getting up off the floor and pulling Sidney behind me. He was now slouching and you could see how visibly tired he was.

“You wanna room with me, Sid?” Colby asked as he walked down the hall to the last room on the right, the one I’d promised he could use for tonight. It had two large, very comfortable beds with four feather pillows on each of them. I was almost envious just looking at them. But then, I got the king sized bed in the room across the hall, so I guess I didn’t get off so bad.

“Yeah, I guess I’ll have to.” Sidney answered, not really caring how his words sounded at the moment. I looked over at him and noticed that he had dark circles under his eyes now and he looked like he was about to fall over.

“I call that one, then.” Colby said tiredly, yawning while he pointed to the bed that was furthest from the door. I watched him walk over to the bed and fall into it, not bothering to turn around first. Lifting his head up he tried to speak but couldn’t.

“What was that?” I asked, walking over to him and helping him to roll over on his back. He was exhausted.

“I said goodnight, sis and told Crosby that he better not leave after you go to bed.” he mumbled quietly to me while I helped him pull the covers over him.

“Goodnight, Colby.” I said, shaking my head as I turned to see Sidney sitting on his bed and yawning. Colby turned over to face the wall, obviously trying his best to give us what little privacy we had. I was grateful to have such a caring brother, even if he did torment me too much. I walked over to Sidney and leaned down to kiss his forehead.

“You need your rest, Sid. Go to sleep.” I encouraged, whispering.

“I know I do but the reality of today is setting in.” he said, looking up at me with soft eyes. Those hazel eyes of his almost made me melt to the floor. They made every crazy dream I’d ever had seem like it could readily be turned into a reality.

“And what reality is that?” I asked, not expecting an answer.

“The reality that I’m staying at your house. And that it’s the night after we got together after all this time. And that we won against her brothers’ team for the first time all season. And that we’re probably going to the playoffs this year because of it.” he elaborated, not bothering to take a breath but instead talking faster than he needed to. I just smiled.

“Well, think about that tomorrow.” I whispered back, “For now, get some sleep.” I told him, turning around and walking to the doorway. “Goodnight Sidney. See you tomorrow morning.”

“Goodnight.” he answered, laying back in bed, still thinking. I didn’t bother to pull the door around and simply walked across the hall to my room. Pushing the door open, I found everything as I had left it. My sweats and t-shirt still lay on my bed in a pile, just like I’d left it this morning on my way to ice skating lessons. I kicked the door quietly shut behind me and changed into my night clothes, taking a moment to glance over myself in the mirror.

I wiped away the old makeup and looked down over my outfit. My black sweats were covered in the Penguins’ logo and I couldn’t help myself but smile as I looked over my shirt. It was the shirt Colby had bought for me on our last vacation to the beach. It said ‘Goalie Extraordinaire’ above a picture of a goalie’s net, stick and a puck. My name and number were on the back along with the emblems of my two favorite teams, the Pens and the Thrashers. Apparently, his friend had specially made it for me. He was too nice sometimes.

I finished looking myself over and brushed my hair out one last time before walking over and sitting down on the edge of my bed. I closed my eyes and almost fell forwards. Maybe I was the one who needed sleep. Falling backwards onto the bed, and just laid there, immobile for a moment.

After laying there for a few minutes, just trying to relax and get calmed down enough so that I could sleep, I moved up onto the bed the whole way and laid there for a while. Finally, I curled up and rolled over, back towards the door, and shut the light out before laying my head on the pillow. All was quiet except for the sounds of someone in the living room snoring softly. For a few minutes, I lay there, almost asleep, until I heard one of the floorboards of my room creek. Thinking nothing of it, I just yawned and tried to go to sleep, until I felt someone sitting on the bed behind me. I was just about to flip out when a soft voice whispered,

“You didn’t say goodnight.” Sidney’s voice was quiet and calming, and right behind me.

“Mmm? Sorry.” I said, trying to roll over to face him but being stopped when I hit his chest. He put his arm around my waist and gave me his rendition of what I guessed was a hug before whispering in my ear. It gave me chills to feel his breath on my neck but I smiled to myself as he began to speak.

“Forgiven. I just came to say goodnight.” he said just before he kissed my neck. I closed my eyes and waited to see if he’d talk again but instead I felt him getting up and heard his feet touch the floor again. Only now, I didn’t really want him to leave. And as much as I wanted to tell him to stay, I couldn’t pull it off. A gentle “Goodnight.” was all I could manage before I passed out.

“It was a good night and it just got better.” He mumbled on his way out. Or at least I could have sworn he did, but I couldn’t be too sure. And, unconsciously, I could have sworn that before I walked out of his room that I’d said goodnight to Sidney. Either way, I liked his way better.