Round 2 Game 1

I stood out on the balcony, the breeze blowing my hair as I watched the palm trees and the waves. I was already coming up with the words for my review, breathtakingly romantic was my latest thought. What a difference 3 days make. I had never been away with anyone other than my own family and the Staals. Hell, I had never spent more than one night in a row with any guy. I guess this leap of faith worked, I thought as he walked up behind me and kissed my neck.

“Ooo, you smell good.” I said turning around into him freshly showered and dressed.

“I’m so going to miss you,” he said. For some reason those words didn’t scare me. I was happy he felt that way. I actually thought I’d miss him too, but I didn’t say it.

“You’ll be with your family in Sweden. You won’t even think of me.” I said looking up into his beautiful eyes.

“I don’t think I’ll think of anything else,” he said as poetically as he says everything. “You are so beautiful, I should just take you with me.”

“No, I’m not really a meet the parents kind of girl Hank.” I pressed my lips to his, hard showing him what type of girl I am. Our tongues met, and for a moment I thought I might ask him to stay with me. “See,” I said pulling away.

“I wouldn’t change a thing about you.” He just looked down at me, and I have to admit, I believed him. I believed all the things he said all weekend, telling me I’m beautiful, amazing, intoxicating. I wasn’t sure, but I just might be falling for him.

“Caitlin, you need to go home and talk to them.” I knew who he meant, the Staals. “You can’t keep running away. You love them, and they love you, you’ll find a way to forgive each other, but you have to be there for it to happen.” I just gave him a doubtful look, but his words of encouragement made me feel stronger somehow. “I have to go,” he said with an expression that told me how hard it was for him to leave.

I didn’t want him to go, but I gave him no indication of that. Even if I was falling for him, I didn’t want him to know. Despite the fun, the laughs, the romantic walks on the beach, the amazing sex, I needed to think a lot before I’d get into a relationship even with Hank. We shared one more kiss before he walked out the door.

I laid down on the bed that still smelled like Hank and smiled. I’m 21 years old and this was my first romantic experience. I’ve had plenty of experiences, some good, some bad, some incredible, but never romantic. I have to admit I liked it. I liked being held by someone that was more than a friend; I liked running in the waves and making out like crazy when he caught me; and I liked not sneaking out of bed in the morning. Hank was giving me all these things, things I didn’t expect or even want but I had to admit that I liked them. Is it time for me to really let someone in? Someone that is not a Staal.

I reached over to nightstand and picked up my phone. I had turned it off the minute Hank arrived, but now I guessed it was time to get back to reality. I looked at the screen until my messages popped up 37. Holy crap, I wasn’t gone that long.

7 messages were from Jared. He’s mad that I left and didn’t say good-bye. He thinks Jordan is an ass and said he wouldn’t talk to him as long as we were fighting. He called Jordan a hypocrite, which I agreed with. His messages made me smile, I miss Jared.

5 messages were from Jordan. They started off angry, telling me I was stupid for leaving so abruptly, and leaving the country was just ridiculous. Each one got progressively softer until the 5th one when he admitted he was wrong and told me he loved me. He begged me to call him. He was going to be playing the caps in round 2, and he really wanted me to come home. (Kris and Marc-Andre also called on Jordan’s behalf telling me how out of his mind Jordan was that I wasn’t calling him back.)

2 messages were from Eric. He was letting me know they were playing Boston. I could tell how nervous he was by his voice. He wanted to know what it would take to get his good luck charm back in the country. “I’m gonna need you Caitlin,” he said after each message.

Maybe they do love me I thought.

There was 1 message from Marc. This one upset me: “Caitlin, Hank called me today. He said you invited him to meet you in Costa Rica. He wanted my permission to go. I told him I didn’t give a damn what he did. Just keep me out of whatever it is you have planned with him. I don’t want to know.” God what was his problem. How was I going to fix this thing with him? I couldn’t help feeling I was missing something. Why couldn’t I understand what was going on with him? Why did he seem to hate me so much? I love him; I’d do anything for him, why couldn’t he just get over it and love me back?

There were a few random work calls and a couple other friends including Linda who was calling to check up on me.

There was even a call from my mother. My mother was in Italy with her new boyfriend. She wanted to know if I could go to Thunder Bay and spend a couple days at the house. She didn’t like the idea of the house being empty for so long. I rolled my eyes. Like I wanted to leave this place and go to Thunder Bay. If anything I was trying to decide if I should maybe try to get to some of Jordan or Eric’s games. Then I thought maybe Jared would be back in Thunder Bay. Maybe I could convince him to come along to the games. It would likely keep me out of Eric’s bed. Maybe Thunder Bay wasn’t so bad after all.

I called Linda to tell her I was coming. She told me that Jared wasn't there, but she thought he might be coming home. I guessed that maybe he had enough of Jordan's partying.

I missed game 1 of round 2 for both Eric and Jordan, but I was able to follow the games on my phone a little. I was totally bummed that both the Canes and the Pens lost their first game.
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The Staal House Two Days Later:

"Marc is that a light on next door?"

"I don't know mom."

"Come here and look." Linda called him.

"Can't you ask Dad? He's right there." Marc replied. He was watching TV and didn't want to get up.

"No Marc, Dad's eyes aren't as good as yours, come here!" she said forcefully.

Marc rolled his eyes and walked to the window. "Yep, mom there's a light on. Happy." He walked back and flopped down on the couch.

"Marc, I need you to go next door and check it out. Emily is in Italy, there shouldn't be anyone there."

"Are you serious!"

"Yes I'm serious, what if someone is breaking in, I promised we'd watch their house."

"So you're going to send your son to confront the robbers? Nice Mom."

Now it was Linda's turn to roll her eyes. "Don't be such a baby Marc."

Marc got up and walked toward the door.
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I got to the house, and it was kind of creepy. Mom had covered all the furniture like you see in horror movies. I just laughed and shook my head. I was exhausted from traveling so I went to my room, laid down and went right to sleep. When I woke up it was dark both inside the house and out. I got up and took off my clothes and slipped on a Rangers T-shirt that Marc had given me to sleep in a long time ago. What was I going to do in this big house all by myself I wondered. I walked toward the living room and started looking through the movies. Up on the top shelf of my mother's entertainment center was Titanic. Lame I know, but that's what I felt like, watching some tragedy just seemed appropriate. I got out the step stool but still wasn't quite tall enough. I stood up on my tip toes but as I did, I heard the door open behind me. I turned abruptly and lost my balance. Marc dove for me, it was like dejavu.

"God Caity, what do you do when I'm not around?" His tone was still angry.

"I only seem to have this problem when you're around," I said looking up into his eyes. When he realized how close we were he pushed me off of him and stood up. His less than friendly reception helped me understand that nothing was better. "What are you doing here anyway!" I asked in a much rougher tone.

"My mother sent me to fight off robbers or something."

I giggled to myself knowing full well Linda knew I was there. Linda always knew what she was doing.

"Well there are no robbers Marc."

He ignored my statement and walked about the room taking in all the furniture covered in sheets. "Man, what's wrong with your mother?" he asked with a small smile on his face.

"I guess she likes the haunted house look."

"You gonna be alright here by yourself?" he asked.

"I think I'll manage." I said.

Marc was now standing in the door frame to outside. I wanted him to stay. I wanted to talk it out, but before I could ask him, he turned away. "I'll see you around," he said and closed the door behind him.

I could still feel that Marc was angry, but I could tell he still cared about me, the way he caught me, and he asked if I'd be OK here by myself. What would he have done if I said no, I wondered.

So I finally did get Titanic down from the shelf. I watched most of it, but fell asleep before the final sinking which was actually for the best. I was sound asleep on the creepy couch cover when my vibrating phone woke me up. I pulled it out of my pocket. There was a text from Hank.

I made it home and I was right I can't think of anything but you.

I smiled, but I didn't return his text. I looked at the clock 2:44. I knew there was no use trying to sleep. I went to my room and put on a pair of cutoff jean shorts and my flip flops and decided to go for a walk. The moon was really bright, and one of the few things that always brought me back to Thunder Bay was the way it reflected on the lake. I've been to hundreds of tropical places and historic places, but there was something about the lake and the dock and growing up here that made it even more special to me.

As I walked down the long path to the lake, I couldn't help think of the hundred's of times I'd been thrown in there, or when Eric tried to teach me to swim. I was actually a little excited to be back. I came to the clearing of the woods and looked out on to the lake. It was breathtaking, but it was the figure sitting on the dock that actually caught my attention. I guess it was now or never. I picked up a small rock and threw it into the water. Marc's head turned toward me. "Permission to come on board captain?" I said.

"It's not a ship it's a dock, and you can go wherever you please," he replied.

I took a deep breath, walked down the dock and sat next to him letting my flip flops graze the water. "Can't we just kiss and make up?" I blurted out. Then I really wished I could take the kiss part back. My face reddened and Marc noticed.

"I don't think the kiss thing worked out for us," he said smiling at me a little.

"Marc, I'm so..."

He stopped me by putting his finger over my lips. I felt butterflies at his touch which I couldn't understand.

"Don't tell me you're sorry Caity. You always apologize to me, and it was me this time. I was an ass. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry especially if I hurt you."

I leaned my head on his shoulder and his arm went around me on queue. "So we're good?" I asked looking up at him in the moonlight.

"We're good he replied."

"Good, cuz I've been wanting to tell you you've gotten better, much better."

He gave me an odd look. "What are you talking about?"

I stood up and walked back toward the wooded path, then turned as if to tease him. "You're a much better kisser now than when we were kids." I took off running down the path, and as I anticipated Marc chased me. As I made it to my back door so did Marc. He grabbed me staking claim to the fact that he won yet another race, and we both fell up against the door. Our eyes met, and I could feel his breath on my face. I wanted to lean up and kiss him again, and the fact that he didn't move off me, made me feel like he was somehow testing me. I turned away quickly so I didn't do anything stupid again and opened the door. We both stumbled inside.

"So I'm a better kisser now, huh?" he was laughing.

"Yeah, remember when you used to use me for kissing practice? You were terrible."

His face grew red. "Oh come on. I wasn't that bad."

"Oh yes you were, besides you could have broken my heart. If you were a good kisser you might have made me fall in love with you, and you were just using me."

"Nope."

"What do you mean nope?"

"I wasn't using you. I wanted to kiss you." Marc's face was now red as he moved the sheet covering the kitchen table and chairs and sat down.

"Right." I said getting the hot chocolate out. I put the teapot on to heat water, and hopped on the counter top.

"No it's true. I had the biggest crush on you."

"Sure!" I said doubtfully. "You know Jordan and I used to sneak down to the lake and watch you make out with all those girls. I suppose you were thinking of me the whole time."

"Maybe I was."

"Whatever, Marc. Stop teasing me."

"So how's Hank?" he asked.

"I thought you didn't want to know? Isn't that what you said?" I was giving him an evil look.

He got up and walked toward me standing between my knees against the counter. He wrapped his arms around me and held me for a moment before he turned his face toward mine. "I'm sorry Caity. I always want to know what's going on with you. I was just being and ass."

There we were again in that newly awkward place, a place that used to be so comfortable, but now gave me the odd feeling of butterflies. His face was so close to mine that I could easily lean up and kiss him. If it were Jordan I would, just kiss him softly, but with Marc it was different. I just really wanted to kiss him, maybe just because I couldn't. I wondered why I was having these feelings toward him. My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the teapot. Marc and I both jumped and giggled.

I stirred the water into the mugs of chocolate mix, and relief washed over me that I didn't do anything crazy. Saved by the bell I guess. I handed Marc a mug of hot chocolate, and he asked me again. "So you didn't answer me; hows the goalie."

"Good, he's back in Sweden."

"You know that's not what I'm asking," he replied.

"Well, I think he likes me," I said.

"And you like him?"

"I could like him."

"What do you mean Caity; you either like him or you don't." He sounded kind of irritated.

"I don't know. I know he's different than anyone else I've ever been with, and I know that if I decide to like him, it's gotta be just him. I don't think I'd make a good girlfriend Marc."

"Maybe you should try," he said looking down at his hot chocolate.

"Yeah, and maybe I shouldn't."

Marc smiled and shook his head.

"Wanna stay?" I asked looking over at the clock that read 4:08.

"I guess," he replied.

I grabbed his hand and lead him to the bedroom. I slipped off my flip flops and my jean shorts and Marc stripped down to his boxers, and we crawled into bed. I snuggled into Marc, and he held me close.

"What would Hank think if he saw us like this?" Marc asked.

"That we were lovers of course," I said giggling.

"Umhm, right. Go to sleep Caity."

I nuzzled my head under his chin, and fell asleep with him twirling his fingers through my hair.
----------------------
I shook Marc. "Come on, wake up already."

"I just want to sleep," he replied groggily.

"It's 1:00 Marc, you've slept. Your mom is going to think the Robbers got you."

His eyes stayed closed, but a smile crept on to his lips. By the time I realized what was happening Marc flipped me over on the bed and started tickling me.

"No, stop!" I yelled. He listened but was sitting on top of me holding my hands over my head. He just looked down into my eyes. "What?" I asked feeling the uncomfortable connection we had.

"You're really beautiful," he said sweetly.

I could feel my face redden as he continued looking down at me. I tried to ignore the comment, because it added to my uneasiness. "So you gonna get off me?" I asked.

"Nope."

"So you're just going to sit on top of me all day?"

"Yes, unless you have another suggestion."

"How about you take me to your house for breakfast? I don't have any food here, and I haven't eaten anything since breakfast yesterday."

"Oh man, I know how cranky you are when you don't eat." He rolled off me and started getting dressed.

"Hey Marc." He turned to face me. "I am sorry about something."

"What?" he asked.

I chose my words carefully, so I wouldn't open up his wounds too much. "I'm sorry that I wasn't there for you after game seven."

He smiled and pulled on his t-shirt. "Thanks Caity," he said reaching out his hand.

I took it, and we walked next door.

Walking back into the Staal house gave me a flood of memories. There was something about this place that made me feel more at home than my own house.

"Well aren't you two a handsome couple." Linda said as we walked through the door. She gave me a warm hug, something my own mother rarely did. "We missed you Caitlin. You need to come home more often."

I wasn't sure if she meant here at her house, or simply Thunder Bay, but her words made me smile.

"So I was wondering if you'd make me some breakfast." I looked at her with the same look I used on the boys, and she smiled back at me.

"Sure, but you know it's lunch time right?" We both giggled.

"What about me mom, can I get in on this breakfast action?" Linda just rolled her eyes. "Fine, I know when I'm not wanted. I'll let you two catch up," he kissed the top of my head and ran upstairs.

I cut veggies while linda cracked eggs for omelets. "So you and Marc are getting along again?"

"Yeah," I said smiling at her.

"You know that's the first time I've seen him smile since he's been home. I think he really missed you."

"I missed him too. It's weird when we fight. I guess we're like brothers and sisters though, I always know we'll make up at some point."

"Oh honey, I don't think Marc looks at you like a little sister any more."

I looked up at her for elaboration, but Marc came bounding in the room.

"I'll make the toast," he said. Linda just smirked at me, and we both giggled. "What?" Marc asked.

"Nothing." Linda said.

When the omelets were done we sat down and had the most amazing breakfast. I missed being here so much. Linda's right, I need to come home more often.

"So Caitlin, what are you plans? Where are you off to next?" Linda asked.

"I'm thinking I'll go to Pittsburgh and meet Jordan. I want to catch his home games."

"Oh Marc, you should go with her." Linda said.

"I don't think so mom."

"Why not?" Linda and I asked at the same time.

"I think I need a break from the NHL for awhile."

"Oh come on, you don't want your Caitlin traveling by herself do you?" she asked.

Marc gave her a dirty look. "Caity has been traveling by herself since she was like 15, I think she can manage."

I looked up at him giving him the 'I'm just a girl' look. "Oh come on Caity. The last thing I need is NHL.com running a story about how Marc Staal couldn't make it to round two so he's forced to watch his brothers play." Marc stood up visibly upset. He put his plates in the sink and walked up the stairs.

I gave Linda a look. "Go!" she stated simply.

I knocked on the door. "Like I can stop you," he snapped. I pushed the door open

"You Ok?" I asked.

"I haven't talked to him Caity," he said turning around to face me.

"What? Who?"

"Jordan. I haven't talked to Jordan since the night at the club." So maybe this was the real issue.

"Why? He's your brother? And why didn't he call you after, well you know?" I was referring to his loss in game 7.

"I didn't call him either. I am just still pissed off at him. I'm not ready to see him."

"But Marc, you were wrong. You owe him an apology."

"Wait, I was wrong about what?"

"Jordan told me what happened, what you accused him of before you decked him." I looked him right in the eyes. "I have never slept with Jordan. Jordan has never even tried. We kissed once when we were like 13 and realized that it was just too weird. That's not the kind of relationship we have."

"But Caitlin, you said..."

I cut him off. "I was drunk Marc. And I'll tell you one thing right now, you better get packed because you are coming with me, and you are going to apologize." His eyes were wide, like he was surprised I was bossing him around.

I leaned up and kissed his lips softly, like I would have done before our the day our kissing got out of hand. He smiled at me. "We'll leave tonight, even if we end up driving." I said and walked out of his room.

I walked downstairs to Linda. "He's coming with me. We're leaving tonight."

"See what I mean?" she said.

"No Linda, I don't."

"You will my dear. Eventually you'll understand."

I wanted to say "whatever!" but I would never be that disrespectful to her. I gave her a kiss on the cheek and walked back to my house to get ready to go.
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"Caitlin, Oh my god, why did it take you so long to call me. I was thinking maybe you were eaten by cannibals."

"I can assure you Jordan there are no cannibals in Costa Rica."

Jordan laughed. "God I miss you. When am I going to see you?"

"I'm coming to Pittsburgh. I'll meet you there for game 3."

"What about game 2?"

"Don't push it Jordan. Hey is Jared still with you?"

"Yes but he's being an asshole. He says he won't forgive me for chasing you out of the country until you forgive me for what I said. You forgive me now don't you Caitlin?"

"I can't stay mad at you Jordan. I love you."

"I love you too. So tell me about Costa Rica. I can't believe you went by yourself."

"I didn't exactly."

"Oh, don't freaking tell me Marc went with you."

"No, it wasn't Marc?"

"Caitlin went away with a boy. No way. It sounds serious. Well Kris was with me, so I'm guessing it was the Swedish Goalie."

"Yep."

"Oh dear god, tell me you're not in love with him. I can't have you going all Rangers on me, and who am I going to party with if you all gaga over him."

"I think you know me better than that. I'll fill you in when we meet at home. Tell Jared I'll call him later."

"Ok"

"Hey Jordan, I'm bringing you a surprise." I knew that Marc not talking to him bothered him more than he would ever let anyone else know.

"I hope she's blond."

"No you can find your own girls."

"Fair enough."

"Bye Jord."

Round 1 Game 7

I was hearing voices and they weren't quiet. My head hurt, and I didn't want to open my eyes. I recognized the voices as Jordan's and Jared's. Jordan was yelling; he wanted Jared to tell him something.

"God, can you two keep it down!" I yelled.

"She's up!" Jared said, and before I knew what was going on, they were both sitting on either side of me.

"Can't you let me sleep?" I whined.

"Oh No, I got punched in the face over you. You need to get up Now!"

It was Jordan's voice I heard, and my eyes sprung open. As was able to focus I could see the bruising around Jordan's eye and cheek.

"Oh my God Jordan! What happened." I placed my hand gently on his cheek.

"Marc punched me in the face."

"What? Why?" I asked innocently.

"I was hoping you could tell me." Jordan replied. His voice was stern, and I could tell he was pissed off.

My eyes glanced to Jared who looked a little scared waiting for my response.

"Well Jordan, did he say anything when he hit you?"

"Ya, he accused me of sleeping with you again."

"Son of a bitch." I mumbled under my breath.

"Look Caitlin, I know something's going on that you're not telling me, and I know Jared knows. So you better fucking tell me. I'm your best friend."

I gave Jordan my 'I'm just a stupid girl' look, but this time it didn't work. Jared's eyes were wide. I was trying to get some type of telepathic advice from him, but it was no use.

"Jared, can you give us some time?" I asked.

"Are you going to tell him?"

"I don't think I have a choice now do I."

"He'll never forgive you." Jared added referring to Eric.

"I'm getting what I deserve." I said as Jared walked out of the hotel room.

"OK now you're freaking me out." Jordan said.

I took a deep breath. "Jordan if I tell you this, is there anyway you would promise me not to tell anyone or discuss it with anyone, no matter what. I mean even if your really mad? Even if it affects people you love."

"I always keep your secrets." Jordan said with a crooked smile.

"Jordan this isn't like my other secrets, and if other people I care about find out my whole life, their whole life could change dramatically."

"Damn Caitlin, what did you do?"

"Do you promise?" I asked.

He shook his head.

I leaned in and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. "What was that for?" he asked.

"I'm afraid once I tell you it will be a long time before I can do that again."

"So the last week when I was at Marc's, and he called you. He asked you if we were sleeping together."

"Right. I told him no, but he wouldn't explain why he asked. Then that's why he hit me."

"Well you see Jordan I have been sleeping with one of your brothers."

Jordan's face went white. "What? Which one, if it's not Marc." I could see him going through the thought process ruling out Jared. "You've been sleeping with Eric?" he yelled.

I didn't answer, but he could see the answer written on my face.

"Dear God Caitlin!" He put his hand in his hair and yanked on it, just like his brother's do when they are frustrated. "What the hell were you thinking. There isn't a guy you know that wouldn't be with you, but you went after Eric. He's fucking married, and you love Tanya!" He stood up and walked around the room.

"Jordan it wasn't like that!"

"Well what the fuck was it like then? Make me understand Caitlin."

"It started way before Tanya."

"What do you mean way before?"

"Jordan, I lost my virginity to Eric."

Jordan's jaw dropped. The shock on his face was undeniable. "Do you love him?"

"I love him, but not the way you're thinking. Jordan, it was just sex."

Jordan looked disgusted.

"Don't look at me that way Jordan."

"Like what?" he spat.

"Like I'm a whore!" I yelled.

"You are a whore Caitlin!"

I didn't say anything. I stood up and grabbed my bag and went to the bathroom closing the door behind me. I put on my jeans and dug though my bag for something that didn't have the Penguins, Rangers or Carolina on it. I pulled out a clean tank top and put that on. I looked in the mirror and came face to face with the evidence that Eric, and I have been having sex since I was 17. Looking at the brownish red mark I realized Jordan was right. He was absolutely right. I put on my sweatshirt and zipped it up to hid the Mark. I walked out of the bathroom, past Jordan who didn't even look at me and out of the hotel.

Jared came back to the room, and looked around. "Where is she?" he asked.

Jordan didn't reply.

"Jordan where the hell is Caitlin?" he yelled.

"I don't know, and I don't care." Jordan replied.

"You are such an asshole. All that talk about being her best friend. You judgmental prick; you don't deserve her."

Jared grabbed his bag that was sitting on the chair and walked out of the room.
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My phone rang; it was Jared. I didn't answer it. I just needed to get away. For the first time in my life I didn't want to see any of the Staals, but there was one more I needed to see before I could leave.

"Caitlin." Eric said as he answered the phone.

"Eric, I'm coming to your game, but I can't come early. Can we talk afterward?"

"Oh is that what we're calling it now?" he teased.

"Eric. I'm coming to the game, but I have to leave right afterward, so I'll only have a couple minutes. Leave me a ticket, and give me 3 minutes after the game."

"It takes longer than three minutes." He was teasing, and I was in no mood.

"Eric!"

"Is everything OK?" he asked.

"I don't know Eric." I hung up the phone.
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Game 7 - Round 1

The Canes and the Devils were so well matched. They battled from one side of the ice to the other. New Jersey was ahead by one going into the third period.

I promised myself I wouldn't; I told myself I didn't want to know, but my eyes went to the out of town scoreboard. The Rangers were playing game 7 against the Capitals. The score - tied 1-1.

I sat on the edge of my seat. With two minutes left I began to give up hope. Maybe the hurricanes would be going home. With 1:20 left on the clock Jokinen scored tying the game. I was jumping around and screaming. The New Jersey fans were not happy with me so I tried to contain myself. I'm not sure why, but in my excitement I looked over at the Ranger's score. 1-2 Final in favor of the Capitals. This loss put the Rangers and Marc out of the playoffs. NO! Marc must be devastated. I instantly wanted to go to NY, but I knew I couldn't. He wouldn't want me there.

I heard the fans boo, and the Hurricanes huddled in celebration. I looked at the scoreboard. With 30 seconds left one of the Canes had scored. Which one. "Who scored?" I asked the person next to me. "Eric Staal" someone answered from behind me. I jumped into the air. Yes! Carolina was going to Round 2.

I took my seat and felt like I could burst into tears. I was so excited for Eric who scored the winning goal, but I felt awful for Marc. I wanted to call Marc or change my plans and just go to NY, but Marc didn't want to see me. That was the one thing I knew for sure. Despite everything that had happened over the last couple weeks, I still love Marc, nothing had changed. It killed me knowing how much pain he was in and not being able to go to him. I pulled out my phone and sent Marc a text: I'm still here for you if you need me. Then his send.

My phone buzzed. It was Eric texting me to meet him in the Workout Room in 5 minutes. We had met there before so I knew just where to go. I also knew that the press was going to want to talk to Eric after that goal. He was taking a big risk coming to see me. I got past security giving them nothing but my name. I pushed the workout room door open and walked in. I prepared myself for what I knew was coming.

Eric grabbed me lifting me off my feet and kissed me fiercely. As I expected he was in his under armor and dripping sweat, and it took everything I had in me to break away from him.

"Caitlin, you are my good luck charm, and you make me crazy!" he whispered in my ear. Then started kissing my neck.

"Eric, wait, stop." I said louder than I should have.

He pulled a way, a little. "What?"

"I told Jordan."

He put me down. "You what?" he asked, sounding less mad than I expected.

"Well I had too. It doesn't matter. I just wanted you to know from me."

"Caitlin," he said sounding more disappointed than angry.

"I'm leaving Eric." I said.

"What do you mean you're leaving?"

"Everything is screwed up. You know me, I can only stick around for so long before I have to leave. It's time now."

"Where are you going?"

"Costa Rica. It's time for me to get back to work."

"Run away you mean."

"Whatever Eric. I just know it's time for me to go."

"What are you running away from?" he asked and sounded like he sincerely wanted to know.

"You, Marc, Jordan, everything is wrong."

"Don't run from me Caitlin. I need my good luck charm," he said pulling me to him.

"Maybe I won't be gone too long. I just don't know, but I'm not coming back until I'm ready."

He put both of his hands on my face and kissed my lips softly. "I won't try to talk you out of it, but why don't you stay with me tonight."

I was completely taken by surprise that he wasn't mad, and he was just so hard to resist. Is it possible that Eric loved me more than Marc and Jordan? I wanted to believe that, but maybe it was the fringe benefits of our relationship that he loved. I'm not stupid, I know the sex probably had something to do with it. Despite that I couldn't say no. I wanted to stay with him tonight.
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I woke up face down in Eric's bed. Eric's head was on my back, and his arms were around my waist making it difficult to wiggle free. I managed somehow, knowing full well that if he woke up before I left he could convince me to stay.

I put on my jeans and my Carolina Hurricanes t-shirt, slid on my flip flops. I looked around the room for the hotel tablet and pen. When I found it I scribbled a note, and laid it on the desk. I was about to close the door but my eyes turned to Eric who was sleeping soundly on the bed. There was a big part of me that wanted to rip up the note, crawl back into bed with him but it was time that I started controlling my life, not him or the other Staal boys.
---------------------------
I sat at the airport waiting for my plane, when I felt a sudden urge to make a call.

"Hi Linda. I hope I'm not bothering you."

"Your practically my daughter Caitlin. I always have time for you honey."

"I just wanted to tell you I'm leaving the country for awhile. I...."

"Honey you travel all the time, something must be wrong if you're calling to tell me. What did my boys do?"

"No, it's not them it's me."

"Caitlin, I know it has something to do with them. I've never seen you upset about anything else ever. Remember when the boys decided that because you were a girl, you just weren't allowed playing with them anymore? You sat down with me and cried. You never cry, you didn't even cry when you fell backward on the ice, cracked your head open and lost a pint of blood. So don't waste your time trying to convince me otherwise."

Damn this woman knows me better than my own mother, and I knew there was no use arguing. "I was just hoping you could let the boys know. You know, if they asked about me."

"So you're not telling them?"

"Well I told Eric."

"Honey what's going on?"

"Can you tell them I love them too. I do you know Linda. I do love them."

"I don't doubt that for a second, and my boys love you too!"

"I'm not so sure anymore."

"Caitllin, do you want to talk about it?"

"Not really. I just need to get my head together Linda."

"Why don't you take someone with you? Call Marc. I know he'll go. He could probably use a trip now."

The guilt of where my relationship with Marc was now hit me. I would love to call Marc, but that wasn't an option. "Linda, he's one of the reason's I'm going."

"Marc?"

"I really don't want to talk about it, and the plane is boarding. I need to go. I love you Linda."

"Love you too Caitlin. Come home and see us. We miss you."

"I miss you too."
--------------------------------

I woke up in the most comfortable beautiful bed in a five star resort in one of the most beautiful places in the world. I took a deep breath, all I felt was unhappiness. Nothing in my world is right. Now I'm here and alone. Maybe Linda was right. Maybe I needed someone here with me. I sat on the edge of my bed and picked up the phone for my messages.

Eric called wanting to make sure I made it OK. Jared called four times, begging me to call him back. I knew that Linda would tell him I was Ok, so I didn't return his call. Nothing from Marc or Jordan, but I wasn't expecting anything, just hoping. There was another message, which intrigued me. Now this was a call I'd return.

I walked to the balcony and redialed the number.

"Hi Handsome!" I said.

"Caitlin, you called me back. I didn't know if you would. Where are you?"

"Actually that's why I'm calling. I'm in Costa Rica in a five star hotel, and I'm lonely. I was thinking you might need to escape for a couple of days."

"So let me get this straight. You're inviting me to spend a couple days in paradise with a beautiful woman."

I was glad he couldn't see me blush. "That's if you think you can handle me."

"Oh Caitlin, that's an offer I can't refuse." The poetry of his voice gave me butterflies again. I gave him the details and truly smiled for first time in days. Now this is someone who might be able to get me to forget the Staals. Even if it is just for a couple days.


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I wasn't sure anyone was reading this. Now that I know you are - I promise to post more often.