I stood in front of the bathroom mirror scrutinizing my appearance, in the bedroom discarded clothes covered the bed and floor. I’d tried on at least ten outfits and nothing felt right. In less than an hour I’d be meeting Sidney’s family and I wanted nothing more than to make a good impression. I’d started with a black swing dress with white polkadots but decided it showed too much skin and moved on to black high-waisted pants and a grey sweater with black bumblebees, it wasn’t me. I struggled between wanting to look acceptable and still look like me. My final attempt was a dark grey jersey cotton skirt and a mustard yellow sweater, paired with black tights. It would have to work, I had run out of options. I pulled my hair into a high pony tail and kept my makeup simple. Taking one last look in the mirror I nodded in approval and went to meet Sidney in the living room.
“You look great,” he smiled, getting up from the couch where he’d been waiting for me.
“Yeah?” I looked down and smoothed my hands over my skirt.
“Definitely,” he came towards me and kissed my forehead reassuringly. “You don’t need to be nervous,” he laughed and squeezed my hand.
“I can’t help it,” I looked up at him and scowled. “They’re you’re parents, they’re going to...”
“Love you,” he interrupted me, “they’re going to love you.”
“What if they don’t?” I put my palm on his chest. “What if they think I’m a total freakshow?”
He took a moment to study my anxious face, trying not to laugh. “If at any point they indicate you are a freakshow we will leave.”
“We will?” I couldn’t tell if he was being serious.
“Yup,” he rubbed my back affectionately. “And I can say that because I know that’s not going to happen.”
“How have they reacted to other girls you’ve brought home?”
He looked down at his socked feet then met my eyes. “I haven’t taken a girl home to meet them since high school,” he admitted. “But I’ll make you a deal, if they don’t like you we’ll fly to the Island tonight and I’ll owe you something sparkly.”
While I didn’t approve of his bribing me I was impressed with his certainty.
“But if I’m right, and they love you, you have to stop being so hard on yourself and admit that I am healthy enough to get all up in you.” His hands moved from my back to my bum and he pulled me closer.
“Get all up in me?” I laughed, wrapping my arms around his waist.
“You know what I mean,” he smiled and squeezed my bum suggestively.
“Fine,” I sighed. “We have a deal.”

I parked the truck in front of the snow covered house that Sidney had indicated as his parents’. We sat in silence for a few seconds while I tried to calm myself, taking deep breaths and reminding myself of our deal.
“You okay?” he reached across the center console and rubbed my thigh.
“Yeah,” I whispered, my stomach in knots.
I decided I might as well get it over with, and we got out of the truck. Hand in hand we walked up the shoveled path and towards the front door. Lights were hung on the eves of the house and a wreath decorated the wood door, even the welcome mat was holiday themed. He squeezed my hand before turning the knob and ushering me in to a part of him I had yet to see.
“Sidney?” a voice called from another room. We stood in the foyer taking off our snowy boots and damp coats.
“Hey Mom,” he replied loud enough for her to hear. No sooner had the words left his mouth than a woman appeared in front of us. She had short blonde hair and was grinning from ear to ear.
“Hi honey,” she hugged him tightly, her head coming just below the spot mine reached on his chest. “It’s so good to see you,” squeezed his arm. I held my breath and waited for her notice me.
“You must be Beatrice,” she let go of Sid and turned to me, resting her hand on my arm. “It’s so nice to finally meet you!” There was that word again, finally, it reminded me that he talked about me, a thought that made me feel giddy. I smiled back at her, clasping my hands in front of me to keep them from shaking.
Sidney guided me into the living room and we sat side by side on the soft leather couch. His mom disappeared into the kitchen and I heard her call for the rest of the family. I clenched my hands together in my lap, my palms were sweaty and I couldn’t seem to get comfortable.
“You’re wonderful,” he leaned into me and whispered. “and super hot.” I rolled my eyes, but felt my cheeks getting warmer. “I like you a lot,” he continued. I knew he was trying to calm me down and distract me, it wasn’t quite working but I appreciated the effort. In his final attempt he cradled my reddened face in his hand and kissed me softly. I melted into his kiss and reminded myself that we were in public. I wanted to crawl onto his lap and wrap myself in his affection, I can’t guarantee I wouldn’t have if we hadn’t been interrupted.
“Hey there,” his father cleared his voice. We pulled away from each other to find his brother and sister standing a few feet away from us.
“Hey,” Sid leapt up from the couch to greet them. His father pulled him into a warm hug and slapped him on the back.
“Beatrice, right?” a female version of Sidney approached me. I’d seen pictures of her, but I was surprised at the uncanny resemblance between brother and sister.
“You can call me Bea,” I smiled politely as I stood up to greet her.
“Cool,” she sat down where Sid had been and I joined her. “How was the trip up?” she asked casually.
“It was good,” I answered. “I’ll never complain about a private plane.” I tried to relax.
“No kidding,” she laughed. “I love when he gets those.”
“This is Beatrice,” I heard Sidney say to his father. I smiled at Taylor and went to meet the final member of his immediate family. He shook my hand and told me to call him by his first name.

“So how’s the head?” Taylor asked after we’d all sat down. I was squeezed between the two Crosby children on the couch while his parents sat in chairs across the room.
“It’s pretty good,” Sidney replied, he subtly snaked his fingers between mine and squeezed my hand.
“Have you gotten back on the ice at all?” his mother asked.
“No,” his face fell slightly. “I’m not even allowed to drive right now,” he looked at me, half smiling.
“Tough when you’re dating the medic, eh?” his father laughed.
“She keeps me from getting into trouble,” he remarked.
“That must be a job,” Taylor snorted beside me. “What do you do? Lock him in the basement?”
“I considered it,” I laughed. “But he’d find a way to work out the second I turned my back.” My comment earned laughter from the room and I felt some of my tension melt away.
We joked a bit more about Sidney’s stubborn ways and intense work ethic before the conversation took a turn I’d been dreading.
“So, Sid says you’re from PEI,” his mother began. “How did you end up in Pittsburgh?”
The topic of my past and my life was not one I was good at. “My brother lives in Philadelphia so after finishing my first degree I moved in with him and decided to get my second degree at Penn. I figured I’d seen Philadelphia and Pittsburgh was the next closest city.” I’d tried to be casual and informative but worried I ended up sounding flakey.
“Well it’s a great city,” she remarked, smiling at me reassuringly. I nodded, agreeing, and waited for the next question to come at me.
“How’d you score such a great job?” This one came from Taylor, who was watching her brother’s hand resting on my leg. “I didn’t know they hired girls.”
I laughed at her last comment, it was exactly what I’d been worried about when I applied all those months ago. “I have no idea,” I admitted. “I’m sure the degrees helped, when I applied it was more just to see if I could get an interview than anything. Is it a cop out if I say I got lucky?”
“In more ways than one,” Sidney whispered in my ear. I squeezed his hand as tight as I could, now was not the time to be getting me all riled up.

The conversation flowed and I told them about my family and listened eagerly to stories about Sidney as a little kid. He later told me that I was quite impressive and charming, and he was proud that I hadn’t once let a curse word slip out. After we ate lunch I was helping clear the table when I heard the words ‘pond’ and ‘challenge’ come from Sidney’s mouth. I placed the plates on the counter and walked back to the living room where Taylor and Sidney were sitting.
He looked at me like he’d been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. I studied his guilty face and waited for him to start explaining.
“I’ll be fine to skate for a few minutes,” he began. “I can’t come all this way and not play with my poor little sister.” He looked at me with a goofy grin on his face. I didn’t say anything, instead waited for him to continue, amused by his explanation. “I’ve been fine all day, hardly any head pain at all. We won’t skate too hard, very little blood will rush to my head.” He reached out and took my hand in his as if pleading with me. Taylor sat across from us smiling, obviously enjoying the image of her brother begging.
“I didn’t say anything,” I smiled coyly.
“You had that look.”
“It’s your head, bud.” I said, a slightly cold edge to my voice. While I was worried, I wasn’t used to the overprotective act.
“If you really think it’s that dangerous,” he began, hesitating.
“Just be wise,” I squeezed his hand.

He continued to explain himself as we drove back to his house, his sister and parents were meeting us there a little later. I smiled listening to his logic and didn’t bother to argue. He knew his body and wasn’t stupid enough to put it in jeopardy, I had to recognize that I was more uptight with him than I would have been with any other player.
“I’m excited to see you skate,” he said as we walked to the bedroom to change.
“Skate?” I questioned, pulling my sweater over my head.
“Yes, Beatrice, skate. You know, with blades, on ice, moving. Skate.” He laughed. “You can skate, right?”
I rolled my eyes and tossed my skirt aside, now standing in front of him in tights and a bra. “Of course I can skate.”
“On ice?” he clarified. I was slightly offended, what did he think I did with my childhood?
“On ice, on wheels, on boards.” I smiled and peeled my tights off. “But I don’t have skates of any variety here.”
He opened the closet and rustled around, tossing out track pants and hoodies behind him then reemerging with a box in his hands. “It’s a damn good thing your boyfriend thinks of these things,” he handed me the box, grinning like a small child. Inside was a pair of white skates in my size.
We bundled up in preparation for the cold. I pulled a pair of his pants on over my leggings, they were a little tight at the hips, but surprisingly fit quite comfortably otherwise. After deciding my fancy winter coat wouldn’t do much, I layered two of his long sleeved shirts under an old Penguins hoodie. Before we left the house, skates slung over our shoulders, Sid wrapped a scarf around my neck and pulled a toque over my head. I looked ridiculous, but I would avoid frostbite, which was a bit more important.
A large section of the lake had been cleared of snow and nets were set up at either end of the makeshift rink. I sat on one of the benches that lined the side closest to the house and although I was perfectly capable of tying my own skates, Sidney knelt down to do it for me, kissing me softly after tying the last bow.
“Take it easy,” I reminded him before he stood up. He smiled and rolled his eyes. I watched as he glided across the patch of ice, his body relaxing and getting into the familiar rhythm. I was content to just watch him, embarrassed to admit I hadn’t been on ice skates in years. Contrary to belief, roller skating wasn’t the same, similar, but not at all the same.
“Well come on then,” he called to me. “Show me what you’ve got.” He gently stroked my competitive side.
I stood up on my shaky legs and took a second to get used to the sensation. Soon enough it all came back to me and I slowly moved towards him. “So if I’m doing this, does it mean you’ll lace up some quad skates and try your hand on the derby track?”
“That could be arranged,” he took my hands in his and started skating backwards like a patient coach with a nervous toddler. “But, I believe you owe me something else.”
“I do?”
“Well, my family seems to like you,” we spun around is a slow circle. “Not that there’s anyway the could not,” he kissed my nose and stared down at me adoringly.

The rest of the afternoon and the ones following were spent on the pond. Sometimes we’d skate hand in hand, and others I’d sit at watch Sidney take shots on Taylor while their father coached her. It didn’t take long for me to feel comfortable around them. I could see parts of Sidney in both of his parents. They were both so kind and welcoming like their son. I was relieved to be accepted into their family so easily. Not once was the word ‘freakshow’ uttered and the only comments regarding my ink covered skin were positive, complimenting the colour or asking the meaning. I was preparing myself to admit that he was right, it would take some time, but I’d hold up my end of the bargain.
Our last night in the slightly bigger than cozy get away, we sat in front of the crackling fire wrapped in each other. We’d spent the day exploring the town and making some appearances. Taking pictures and staying out of the way was becoming second nature to me, and I was refusing to let it bother me. We’d had his parents over for dinner, a dinner that I had very successfully ordered and a table that I had set with paper towel napkins folded into little hats. Sidney decided that I at least had to get points for my effort. I was just impressed that I’d remembered to put out plates. It was bitter sweet to be leaving. I was eager to see my own family, but I’d enjoyed getting to know his. I felt closer to him than I ever had, it reassured me that our relationship was far more secure than any I’d been in before. I couldn’t remember the last time we had sex, and while I wanted it, I didn’t need it to feel close to him, which was both terrifying and comforting.
“You’ve definitely won my parent’s approval,” he broke our sleepy silence.
I snuggled closer to him and let my hand fall on the inside of his leg. “I’m glad,” I mumbled into his chest.
“They were surprised I was bringing someone home,” he stroked my hair.
“You’ve really never done that?” I looked up at him.
“Nope, I’ve never felt like anything was going to last long enough.”
“And It’s different with me?”
“I think so,” he said hesitantly. “What about you?”
“I’ve never brought anyone home either, but they met Millie a few times. They didn’t like her.”
“Should I be worried?” he laughed nervously.
“Nah, I’m pretty sure they already like you.” It was strange to think that my family already knew Sidney, even though they’d never met him. They knew what he did for a living, they knew how he got there, they knew about his family and parts of his personality. A few months earlier I was the same. I could list off facts about him and scoring statistics, but the person I knew of then wasn’t even half of the person who had his arm wrapped around me, the owner of the heartbeat that echoed through my head. He was so much more than I could describe to anyone, more than I could fully comprehend. The man who watched as I danced around the house in my underwear, who sat quietly while I cried, and who had resigned himself to putting my clothes in the hamper for me, he was the one I was in love with, not the guy in the commercials or the one on the posters. The more human he became the deeper I feel, knowing the answers to questions that would never appear in interviews, and seeing him at his worst.
“Would they still like me if they knew what I was about to do their baby?” his voice was deep and raw, his hot breath on my neck. I sat up straight and looked at him warily. “I swear to you, I am okay,” he traced his finger along my jaw. “It’s been long enough,” he kissed me softly.
I moaned in approval and ran my tongue along his bottom lip. His hand slipped under my shirt and up my back and I climbed onto his lap.
“You better not be lying to me,” my voice was breathy. “I don’t think I can go any longer without you getting all up in me.”
“I know,” he kissed my forehead. “I can hear you in the shower.”
My face got hot and I couldn’t meet his eyes. I had tried so hard to be quiet, without sex I had been left to my own devices.
“You have no idea how hot it is,” his lips returned to mine. “Or how many times I wanted to join you.” He pulled my shirt off and tossed it across the room.
“Next time, please do.” I giggled and tangled my hands in his hair. His lips on mine, his hands wandering my body, I couldn’t get enough of him. My mouth moved to his neck and he groaned. The moisture between my legs was increasing with his every touch, I rocked my hips back and forth against the evident bulge in his jeans seeking some relief. His shirt didn’t stand a chance and I discarded it on the floor, running my hands down his sculpted chest. I marveled at how attracted I was to him. The energy rushing through my was like nothing I’d ever known. My eyes met his and I could feel myself sinking further into him. His kind brown eyes, clouded with lust and sparkling with honesty. Fear snuck up inside me. I was so far gone, there was no way I would get out of it in one piece. I bit my lip and studied the face I’d already memorized, the straight edge of his nose, defined cheek bones, thick lashes surrounding his eyes and of course his lips. Lips he bit when he was thinking, lips he coated in my chapstick when it was too cold outside, lips that when used properly gave me more pleasure than I’d ever known. I shivered at the thought that they could be used on anyone but me. I recalled the day I sat on the floor of the shower after coming home from the hospital. The day I made the decision to live my life, it had been so easy to say I wouldn’t be afraid anymore. I straddled his lap and tried not to get lost in his eyes, terrified to recognize the intensity of my attachment. He rubbed his hands up and down my back, waiting for me to do something, anything, touch him, kiss him, fall completely and entirely in love with him. Concluding that I’d already done the latter I leaned down and kissed him, forcing all my hesitation and apprehension into it, as he pulled me closer and kissed me deeper I watched it float away, relieved to know that his feelings matched mine.
Making up for lost time, he pushed me onto the couch and hovered over me, his hand moving down my pants and coming into contact with the dampness of the situation.
“Did I do this?” he smiled smugly.
“You had a part in it,” I kissed him lightly. “But really I’m thinking about Geno in my head.” I bit down on my lip trying not to laugh at my own cruel joke.
“You’re horrible,” he laughed and captured my lips in his. My pants slid off and my bra met the floor, his fingers teased me over the fabric of my underwear. I wanted to scream for him to do something, but instead I dug my teeth gently into his bottom lip and pressed myself into his hand. Finally, his fingers moved under the wet cotton and directly to my clit. I gasped, finally getting closer to what I wanted. He moaned in response which only turned me on more. I moved my hands from his back to the button of his pants, I needed them off, in the same heap as mine. My fingers fumbled around until finally they came undone and was able to push my hands inside. His solid erection pushed against the fabric of his tight boxers and ran my hand gently along the outline. He let out a raspy groan and moved his hips towards my hand. Teasingly I stroked him without making skin on skin contact. I felt his fingers plunge inside me and tightened my grip. My stomach erupted in butterflies and I knew I couldn’t last much longer. As if he could read my mind, he pulled his hands away and slipped out of his pants and boxers. Finally, I could feel his skin against mine, getting us closer to the part I’d been fantasizing about for what felt like months. I wrapped my hand around him and pumped it up and down a few times before he stopped me.
“We’re never waiting this long again,” he growled, lining himself up with me. I kissed him eagerly and lost myself in him as he pushed into me. My hands and electronic aids were nothing compared to him. Our time apart made the reality of him feel even bigger. It wasn’t long before our breathing was heavier and I was having trouble keep quiet. My body was electric and the familiar feeling of reaching the peak returned to my stomach. My hips moving with his and my hands tangled in his hair I couldn’t pull my eyes off of him, beads of sweat forming on his brow, his cheeks flushed and eyes staring back at me. For the first time in my life I didn’t want anything, more content that I knew possible I kissed him, breathing in the smell of sex and men’s body wash.
“Let go,” he whispered, voice strained, lips touching mine. His encouragement made it impossible to hold off and every muscle in my body tightened as I dove off of the edge into my own abyss. An eruption of warmth and tingles washed over me. He followed shortly, groaning and falling into me with a sigh. His head resting on my shoulder, I brushed my hand through his hair. The weight of his body on mine was comforting, keeping me safe from the world around us.

“Well, it’s good to know I haven’t lost my touch,” he said after catching his breath. He kissed me gently and sat up, inviting me to snuggle against him. We spent the rest of the night wrapped in a blanket with no limitations to our affection.

Notes

I can't even begin to explain how hard it was to write the family bits. Overall this chapter was just a huge pain, but hey, with pain comes beauty right? xx- T

I've also made a playlist dedicated to Bea. http://theoairplane.tumblr.com/

Click the music tab.