Still There For Me

“Sid, do you have the car packed?” I asked, knowing that we needed to get on the road within the next few minutes to stay on schedule.

“Yup. Just need to put the kids in their car seats and we’re set.”

“Alright, I just got them changed into their sweats, so they don’t have to spend the next couple of hours in their pj’s. I just fed Ty and I’m waiting for a burp and we’ll be good to go.”

“And Nathalie said she’ll come over and get the dogs?”

“Yup. She said she’ll come around 2, because she has a meeting until 1 and by the time she gets here she’s assuming it’ll be around there.”

“Perfect. Alright princess, let’s go to your seat,” he said picking up Kylie. “Do you want to watch a movie?” She nodded her head and rubbed her eyes sheepishly. “Lock up Ash.” He carried her out to the car and I finally got a burp from little man, then I was set to go. I said goodbye to my dogs and we were off.

We planned our day out so we could spend the first day travelling according to the kids schedule. We know what time they’d be asleep till so we left when they’d be up so we could get them ready, fed them, got them ready so that by the time we leave it would be naptime then by the time we’re almost there it’d be lunch. Tonight Sid has to go to a brief meeting in the hotel with the other representatives just to know what’s going on, and then he’d be back up. I have to go to dinner with him as well, forcing me to bring the kids, which I’m nervous about.

At this point we don’t know who else is going to be there. We can only assume other captains from other teams, or other players with seniority. It’s frustrating to Sid because he literally never knows a thing about his career these days.

“So what exactly will tonight be like?”

“The dinner is just to say thank you for coming out and whatnot, and the meeting is just for us. Then tomorrow they’ll have the actual meeting via Skype and who knows what’ll happen.”

“Does that scare you?”

“A little bit yeah. I mean, if we’re starting to make appearances because of this then clearly it’s serious, and they aren’t going anywhere.”

“I know baby. We can only hope for the best. I bet you will be playing by January though.”

“I hope so. God, I hate this fucking traffic.”

“Daddy swore!” Kylie yelled. Neither of us knew she was awake so it caught us both by surprise.

“Don’t say that ever. Did you have a good sleep?” She nodded quickly.

“Ty’s up!” she smiled, holding her brothers hand.

“Hi baby boy,” I cooed, turning back to see him smile. “Are you giving big smile for mommy? Yes you are.”

“What about for daddy?” Sid cooed. Ty stopped and looked serious.

“I don’t think Ty wants to smile for daddy. He does for mommy,” I cooed.

“Daddy,” Kylie said.

“Yes pumpkin?” he looked in the rear view mirror. She flashed him a huge smile, causing him to shake his head and smile. “Thank you sweetie.”

By the fifth hour things started getting restless in the car. Feet were kicking the back of the chairs, shoes were hitting the roof, traffic had gotten the best of Sidney so he was just a treat, and the two kids were in the back screaming their heads off. I could hear the cussing under Sid’s breath, obviously not impressed at the situation.

“If I had to live in this fucking city I would kill myself.”

“It's not the back roads like back home huh?”

“Not at all. I hate it here.”

“Such a country boy,” I kissed his cheek. Hoping that would cheer him up.

Clearly didn’t work.

Arriving to the hotel there was tons of paparazzi and camera crews from sports stations waiting to see who would arrive next. Thankfully we packed all the bags in the trunk so we could pull up and get out quickly to avoid the scrum. Once we stopped they swarmed our car, barely giving us space to get out. Sid jumped out to get the bags from the back while I took Ty out of his seat and slung the diaper bag over my shoulder, and got Kylie out and carried her in the hotel as well. Sidney soon followed, getting every question yelled out in the book. A lot of which were about engagements.

Once we left the chaotic setting, we entered a calm lobby and checked ourselves in. Obviously we were not too impressed that they were still taking our picture through the door, but we knew we’d have to deal with it. We walked over to the elevator and made it to the floor. I let Kylie walk around and stretch her legs for a bit until we got to the hotel room where I could let her roam free throughout the room.

To our surprise there was a lot of space for the kids, and the room even came with an extra bathroom. It wasn’t a suite, which is what Sid always seems to get upgraded to, but it was nice just being able to have a normal room. There was even two ‘I love NY’ baby shirts on the bed for the kids as a thank you for coming. Kylie was thrilled to see one and just wanted to put it on. It was about three o’clock and Sid’s meeting was at 5. We had just set up the play pen for Ty to sleep in when we heard a knock at the door.

Sid went to go check it and I heard a “hey guys, good to see you!”

“Good to see you too man.”

I walked around the corner to see Eric, Tanya and the two boys. “Look who the cat dragged in,” I laughed, going up to Tanya. We’ve always gotten along so well and can really relate to a lot of things. “How was your trip down?” I asked her, as they came in.

“Long. How bout you guys?”

“You can say the same. Did you drive or fly?”

“We flew. Thank God, cuz I would not have been able to handle a drive at this time.”

“You’ve gotten so big!” I said to Parker and Levi, pinching Levis’ cheek.

“So have your kids. And this must be little Ty. Hi buddy,” she cooed. Parker and Kylie are around the same age so they were busy playing by themselves, and Tanya and I switched babies. Levi is just a few months older than Ty and we could relate to them.

“Look at these two,” Eric joked. “I’m not popping out anymore.”

“You never did, I was,” she joked with him.

“I’ll just practice making them,” Sid laughed.

“We have to go down for the meeting. I’ll see you at dinner,” Eric kissed Tanya and Levi.

“What I don’t get a kiss?” I joked.

“Ask fish lips,” he teased. That’s always what he called Sidney as a nickname because of his poofy lips.

“Come here fishy,” I teased.

“I hate you Eric,” he said before kissing me and Ty.

They left us with the two kids so we could catch up and talk, which we would have no problem doing.

“Thank God there’s a normal wife I can talk to here,” I joked, she too knowing that not everyone was pleasant.

“I can say the same, though you’re technically not a wife,” she winked.

“Tell me about it.”

“Has there been any progress so far?”

“Nope. I don’t think he wants to get married yet.”

“Why not? You practically are anyways.”

“I know. I guess the whole thing scares him.”

“Such a baby. Hell, Eric was the one who really wanted to get married at first. Not me!”

“Really?” I asked, in shock.

“Yeah. Obviously I wanted to, like, I knew I loved him and wanted that eventually, but I was still scared. I know the temptation they have when they travel and whatnot. Plus, I didn’t want that to change us and what we were. Obviously things are fine now, but when we got engaged I wanted to wait a while for the wedding. I was still young. And now look at me, not even thirty with two kids.”

“I know how you feel. We aren’t even close yet!” I laughed.

“Enjoy your youth while you can.”

“I know I am. I feel like the stress of this has gotten to him too. He’s under a lot of pressureand he’s beating himself up over this stuff and I feel bad about it.”

“Eric has too. And I know Jordan is also.”

“That’s what Heather says too. You must love having her in town.”

“I do! It’s hard to find a good friend in this world. Plus, she fits in so well with this family and she’s been a huge help with the boys.”

“Are they living there now?”

“Yup. Jordan needed to get a house so they figured the best time was now so they came to look and actually buy now, since he’s under contract.”

“I thought they were renting.”

“Nope, so because they’re family, they can come over and help with the kids.”

“Hey, it's good practice for them,” I laughed.

“They do need it,” she joined in. “Also, what are you doing with them tonight?”

“Probably bringing them. I didn’t know there was a dinner aspect.”

“If you want Marc is coming over to babysit since he’s in town to work on his apartment. He’s willing to watch them.”

“Oh that’d be great.”

“Just bring em over when you’re done getting ready and we can go down together.”

“Ugh, I don’t even know what to wear.”

“Neither do I. Might as well bust out the ‘ol slutty outfit.”

“You brought one too!?” I laughed.

“I always do, never know who’ll be looking at my man,” she joked. “Parker, time to go. You’ll see Kylie later. She and Ty are coming to our room for a sleep over.” His face lit up and he grabbed her hand. “See you in a bit. Remember to show those curved and curls,” she winked.

**After Getting Ready**
“Come on in guys. Look at you!” Tanya laughed.

"Hey Ashley,” Marc smiled, coming up to give me a hug.

“Hey. Thank you so much for watching the kids. Are you sure you’re okay with watching them?”

“Yeah, it’s no problem. They’ll be going to bed in half an hour anyway right?”

“Yup. And if you need anything, let me know.”

“I got you. Go have fun and let me know what’s up,” he chuckled.

Before we left the room the two of us girls too a selfie, since we are girls after all. We met up with our men in the hallway and walked down together. I’m nervous about this one, knowing that I can’t really talk to anyone about Sidney. I did my one interview and that’s it. I don’t need to get him or myself in trouble.

Walking into the room was alright, seeing as there was several people. We would be seated at a table somewhere in this room but for now we might as well enjoy mingling with some of his friends and rivals of course. We saw Jonathan Toews, who is a good friend of Sid’s and talked to him for a while. We were actually paired up at a table with him too which was nice. I always got along with his girlfriend Kelsey.

“This room is so loud right now, I can barely hear anyone,” she laughed.

“I know. And there’s not even music playing.”

“Where are the kiddos?”

“They’re upstairs. Marc Staal is in town working on his apartment so he came to babysit Eric and Tanya’s little guys so she said I could leave them with him since they’re the same ages.”

“That worked out nicely for you.”

“It really did, I can’t complain.” Sidney and Jonathan came over with drinks for us and took their seats beside us.

“You look so beautiful right now,” he said kissing my cheek.

“Thank you. Where did that come from?” I joked.

“Just being honest. I don’t think I tell you that enough.”

“Aw Siddo,” I said pinching his cheek. This is a very weird and rare public display of affection but I still loved it. We’ve never been showy, nor have we ever wanted to be that way. I know that’s just how we are, whether Sid was famous or not. Before I used to beg for it but now I know that he just doesn’t like that stuff.

The dinner portion flew by and it was time to mingle again. The odd photographer came up to us and tried to snap a picture but that was about it. It’s not like we were going to give them any pictures that were worth taking. Sure enough I was briefly separated from Sid when I saw him talking to a tall blonde. The fire fueled inside my chest so I immediately walked over to see who it was.

You’ve got to be kidding me.

“Ash, look who I ran into,” he smiled, showing me Alexia.

“Oh hey, nice to see you,” I smiled, being fake but mature obviously.

“Yeah, you too,” she smiled back.

“What are you doing here?”

“I’m here as a date, who just ran off somewhere.”

“Oh nice,” I nodded. Clearly she’s sucking someone’s dick.

“Have you found anything for work yet?” he asked her.

“No, nothing yet,” she giggled, then continued on. I didn’t pay attention to a thing she was saying but whatever. She’s just a stupid hoe anyways. I was snapped back into the conversation when she asked me if there was any engagement news.

“No, not yet. It’ll happen when it happens,” I smiled sweetly. Secretly praying it was soon.

“That’s too bad. You should wife her up soon Sid, you don’t got forever.”

“It’ll happen when it happens,” he shrugged his shoulder. That's the answer that he always gives. One day I’d like to hear a different one but that’s not happening anytime soon.

“You guys are too cute. I want what you guys have one day.”

“Are you in a relationship?” I asked.

“No, not at the moment. I’m working on it, I’m just filling in for some old clients dates at events like these.” Clients, or fuck buddies?

“That’s too bad. You’re a gorgeous woman.”

“Thanks girl, you’re my favourite,” she hugged me. Get the fuck off of me you bimbo.
I stepped away for one moment to go check on my kids upstairs when I was stopped by a journalist. “How’s Sidney been handling this lockout?”

“I’m sorry, I’m not commenting on Sidney’s professional career,” I replied simply but sweetly.

“He doesn’t have a career,” she smirked back.

“I’m also not commenting on his personal life.”

“Why aren’t you two married yet?” she kept digging. So I just kept walking to hopefully lose her in the crowd. “It’s rude to walk away from an interview.”

“It's also rude to keep pushing for answers when it’s been made very clear I won’t be answering them,” I snapped back. More reporters gathered around me and I just tried to break free. Questions about engagements surrounded my ears and I just prayed Sidney would come and rescue me from the chaos. But nope, he was too busy talking to an old friend.

I excused myself and tried to find him. Thankfully someone else saw what was happening and nudged Sid to come over. Once he clued in he came over and picked me out of the scrum. Thank you very much Jonathan Toews!

“You alright?”

“You should be very thankful I know you well,” I teased.

“How were they?”

“Aggressive and this one bitch got rude but I just said I wasn’t going to answer any questions.”

"That’s my girl,” he kissed my head.

We left at the same time as the Staal’s and I’m glad that they felt the same as us. The men were just discouraged and us girls were just fed up. Tomorrow is going to be a hard day for the boys and they need their rest. We carried the kids to the room, and put them to bed.

While I got ready for my own sleep, Sidney fed Ty. I went to my side and got comfortable knowing he wouldn’t want to talk about anything until after tomorrow. He put the baby in his playpen and didn’t make a sound after that.

Notes

Outfit of the chapter: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=119763307
A little bit longer of a chapter! More are soon to come! :) And quite possibly a new story! Thoughts? Let me know. Thanks! :)