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.
--------------
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.
--------------------

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.
---------------------
"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."