All The Small Things

*******************************************************************************************************************
Sid's alarm chirped at 3:30 pm exactly! He needed to get himself ready to play the Flyers. Sid remembered that Pauly was going to be over and help him with dinner for Laci. He wondered if he should tell her that they were coming back to his place rather than actually going out. He didn't want her to think he expected anything. Sid shook off the nerves. He needed to be focused on hockey. Instead he was thinking about the tiny blonde currently wearing his jersey. Sid pulled on a Pens tee and team Canada shorts. He started out of his room, but stopped to make the bed. He wasn't sure why but having Laci there made him want to prove he wasn't a slob. Sam greeted him at the bedroom door. Sid gave her a quick pat and made his way into the kitchen. He got himself a bottle of water and sat down at the bar to read his email. He wanted to make sure everything was a go for Cole. He laid the phone next to the laptop and started triaging emails. Nothing from Mario, Nathalie, or Laci. He hoped that meant all was going well. He looked at the phone no missed calls, no texts, nothing. Somehow he was disappointed. He really hoped to hear from Laci again. Sid pulled up her last text.


Sidney: Secret is safe with me.
Laci: Did you have a good nap? It got Cole to take a nap.
Sidney: Good we want him rested.
Laci: He’s still asleep. I was almost asleep. Maybe I need to demand daily naps.
Sidney: He usually fights naps.
Laci: Yes but if Sid does it... You know anything about a 5pm peanut butter sandwich?
Sidney: I always have one at 5 on game days.
Laci: Should I be taking notes?
Sidney: If you don't run screaming from the CONSOL I'll get you a pen and notebook.
Laci: I'm a social worker you can't scare me.
Sidney: Good. So tonight I thought maybe we would come to my house for dinner. Because things get a little hairy when I’m in public. And I really don't want to share you just yet.
Laci: I'll share you with Cole.
Sidney: I guess I'll tell Canada and Pittsburg to stand down
Laci: Yes. Okay gotta make rounds I have a date with a Canadian Prince per the nursing staff. Well they don't know about the date. Not sharing...but they apparently think you’re kinda hot.
Sidney: I promise the rumors are worse that the truth.
Laci: Well what's the fun in that? See you soon Captain.


Sid shook his head. He heard someone knock on the door. "It's open" he called. Pauly made his way into the kitchen. He was toting several bags. Paul noticed Sid staring at his phone.


"You figure out the secret of eternal life?" asked Paul


"No" laughed Sidney "I just don't know how to take Laci sometimes. She always makes me think."


"Nealer and Sid the Kid both smitten. G getting married. I'm going to be the old maid of the group." teased Pauly


"It's our first date" said Sid "And I invited 12 cancer patients and all of Pittsburgh."


"And if she didn't run screaming after meeting Nathalie and Mario, or seeing your general
awkwardness I'd say she is a keeper."


"Was that supposed to be a pep talk, Pauly?"


"Yep" said Paul "I'm used to Nealer shit. You aren't a fuck up so I'm treading water here."


"I promise not to pull any Neal stunts."


"I don't know maybe you need a little Neal. Some charm, quick wit, and my cooking."


"Paul, I really don't want to screw this up. I dread her seeing all the stuff. She was making fun of my 5 pm peanut butter sandwich." explained Sid.


"And how did you react to the sandwich?" asked Paul


"I told her it was a thing I did on game days. She asked if she should be taking notes. I told her if she didn't run screaming from CEC that I would give her a pen and a notebook." said Sid "She said she isn't scared, and that she will share me with Cole."


"She seems awesome." said Paul "You need someone who can laugh at your weird."


"Laci informed me that the nurses refer to me as the Canadian Prince. She listens to their shenanigans. But never told them we have a date. Says she isn't going to share." replied Sid "It just worries me when she sees it all, the entire Crosby machine, that she will run."


"She won't run. I have baked ziti." deadpanned Pauly


Sidney started laughing and listened to Paul explain how to reheat everything. Paul explained the salad. Once Sid had everything down Paul headed home. Sid looked at his watch it was close to 4:15. He made sure he had everything as ready as possible for when Laci came over. Sam was busy bumping into his legs. She wanted to remind him to feed her sooner rather than later. Sid fed and watered Sam. He collected his phone and headed back up to his room. He needed to get dressed for the game.




Sid pulled open the closet door. He needed to pick a suit. Neal had always made fun of him because /his only choices were black or navy. He wasn't a flashy guy, and liked the classics. He was so glad his new line of suits were finished, no more trips to the tailor if he needed pants. He pulled out his favorite navy suit, a crisp white button down, and grabbed a tie. Taylor had made sure all the ties matched, he wasn’t the best at that. He was dressed in a matter of minutes. He fussed with his hair.
Sid arrived at the CONSOL on time, as usual. Parked in the player’s lot, shouldered his bag, and headed inside. He had noticed Flower’s silver Lambo was already here. He made his way into the locker room. He started his long trek around the arena. He knew it was another of his quirks but he didn't want to pass the visitor’s locker room, so he didn’t. Until he met Laci he hadn't really realized how many quirks he possessed. He used his pass to open the door. The locker room was blessedly quiet. It wouldn't last for long.


Sid undressed at his locker and hung up his suit. He sat and put on his socks, first the right then the left. Yep, that was a thing too. Sid then pulled on his compression shorts. Followed by his Under Armor shirt. Sid paused to pull his 87 out of the compression shirt. He needed his necklace free and not pushing against his skin under his gear. Sid laced up his game day trainers, right to left. Yes, they had a few worn spots but they were perfect. He pulled his windbreaker on. He grabbed his hat and pulled it low over his face. It was bad when even he noticed the hat was starting to smell funky. But the dirtier that hat got the closer they were to the Cup.


Sidney made his way to the kitchen area reserved for the team and staff. It was about 10 minutes until 5pm. So, the pb&j was totally a thing. Sidney pulled out his peanut butter, his strawberry jam, and the bread. He carefully made his pregame snack. He was putting away his stuff when Flower came into the lounge.
"Peanut butter jelly time" teased Flowers pulling a bottle of water from the fridge.
"It's 5" replied Sid before taking a bite of his sandwich. Sid sat down at table nearest the door to the locker room. It allowed him the best view of who was coming and going. He saw the guys as they came in. Sid was quietly eating. Flower was being quiet. Sid knew it was Flower respecting his space. He appreciated it.


"Sid, you see Dana?" asked Evgeni coming into the kitchen.


"Not yet" replied Sidney. Evgeni was holding his favorite skates in his hand. "Check the hall. He was getting stuff together."


"Da" said Geno heading out the door.


Kris came into the room, and sprawled out next to Sid. "So we go up and see the kids. Then we bring Laci and Cole down. No worries, Oui?"


"After two touch" said Sid finishing his sandwich.


"Oui" laughed Kris "Duper will be with them the entire time. If she stays for the date after being with Duper it will be a good night, non?"


"Sid has a date?" asked Beau inserting himself into conversation. Beau had never learned not to rock Sid's game day boat.


"Oui" said Kris "She will be on the ice for the puck drop. We must win."


"Oh, the hospital chick." said Beau


"She isn't a chick" replied Sidney "She is a lady and you all treat her as such. She isn't a bunny."


"Oui" said Kris "no worries, mon ami. I will take care of the babies and your girl. You go rub Mario's foot, turn around 3 times, and jump over the logo or whatever other rituals have left."


"It's not that bad" exclaimed Sidney.


"Yeah. It is" answered Kuni "But it wins games."


The boys played two touch in the hallway. Sid was good, but G was always better. Sid tracked down Dana and gave him his skates to be sharpened. Sid trusted Dana with his skates. Sid trusted no one but Dana. Sid checked and taped his sticks. Everyone knew not to touch them or he would re-tape them. He performed his pregame stretches. Then began the process of getting dressed. Right to left always right to left. He hung his cap and windbreaker near his suit. He pulled out his trusted jock. Okay, even he conceded that this one was weird. But, it worked. After a few more minutes everyone else filed in the room. He was busy fitting his pads on. G and Kris made their way into the room. Sid glanced up at them.


"Little children love me" said Geno 'They ask for Sid. I tell them after game."


"Oui, your girl is very pretty in black and gold." smiled Kris "She has no idea about hockey but she wants to learn. So, I suggest you teach her."


"Cole excited" exclaimed G "He not know about puck drop. Laci let me tell."


"Thanks" said Sidney "I hate that I didn't go up. But..."


"We know Sid" said Kris slapping his back "maybe this girl will loosen you up."


"She going to pull the stick from his ass?" asked Patric


"You quiet go do weird Swedish thing!" pointed Geno.


Sidney was about to tell them both to behave when his phone chirped in his suit coat pocket. The entire room froze. What was he going to do? Sid never talked to anyone before the game on the phone. Everyone knew that. Sidney pulled the phone out. He didn't have to unlock it to see the message. It was a picture of all the kids in the box with a poster board that read "Thank you Sidney and Good Luck." It pinged again while he was looking at the photo.

Laci: Don't be looking at this pic and messing up your juju. Put the phone down and kick ass.


Sidney started laughing out loud. The locker room let out a collective sigh. He handed the phone to Kris. Kris unlocked it and locked at the messages. Sid smiled at him.


"She’s a keeper" said Kris "Laci says for us to kick ass."


"Da, we do for Cole" replied Geno.


It was time for warm ups. Sid was on the left and Geno on the right. The boys poured through them until it was just Kris left. They bumped fists and completed their last locker room ritual. Sidney skated out in front of G. He circled the net. Bumped Flower's blocker. Finally, stopped at center ice to retie his skates. Yes, right to left. He then began his warm up routine. Everything was going as plan. Sid then noticed the Flyers circling around the Pens bench. How had he missed Laci and Cole? Damn, she is beautiful. The pic of her in his jersey was not nearly the same as her in real life.


"Go" said Kris "You can’t just stare at 'er. Go bump his fist. Wink at your girl. Then, get your 'ead in the fucking game. No one wants a date with cranky Crosby."


Sid skated over playing with a puck. Sid flipped it up with his stick and caught it. He stopped in front of Cole. Cole looked so small in his wheel chair. He was fragile but had a more determined look than he had ever seen the child possess. Sid held his glove out for Cole to bump.


"Sid, I get to drop the puck for you and Giroux." exclaimed Cole "They said I have to be fair. So be ready, I'm gonna drop it on your side." Sidney started laughing. Laci was standing behind him her hands on the wheelchair. Sidney handed him the puck. "I have an entire collection. Miss Laci has been labelling them for me." Cole handed it to Laci. She produced a sticker and wrote Sid on it.


"Miss Laci is on top of things." said Sid smiling at Laci.


"I know nothing about hockey, but I am always prepared to label stuff." smiled Laci. She thought Sidney was good looking in a suit, she loved him dressed down, but Sidney in his hockey gear was lethal. She liked his crooked grin and wondered how he got the scar under it.


"You'll learn" he said smiling at her. "I have to go. See you in a few."


"Hey Sid" called Cole "I'm going to walk out to the line with you for the anthem. No chair."


"You got it" replied Sid.


They exited the locker room for the beginning of the game the same as they did for pre-skate. Sidney
and Giroux both went over and got ready for Cole's puck drop. Laci pushed him up the ice till he was almost between the two giants. Cole climbed out of his chair and walked over to Sid and Giroux. The arena was alive with cheers. It was electric. Sid fed off that energy. True to his word Cole dropped the puck closer to Sid. Giroux laughed. Sid scooped up the puck and gave it to Cole. He was surprised when Giroux handed Cole his stick. Cole gave both items to Laci and took Sid's gloved handed for the anthem.


Cole stood between Sid and Geno during the anthem. Sid began saying Hail Mary and noticed Cole praying along with him. The little guy amazed him more and more. Sidney noticed him swaying a little. Maybe too much excitement. As they started walking back to the bench, Cole was becoming more and more wobbly. Sid was trying to decide what to do when Geno scooped him up and skated him to the bench. Sid joined G just as Laci was settling him into his chair. Sidney noticed she had been crying. He wanted nothing more than grab her and comfort her. But, he had a game to play. So he just skated off.


"Head in game" said G "Be patient. Sid smart hockey not smart with girl."


"Good luck, G!" called Cole as Geno skated away." I remembered the Hail Mary"


"That is so great, Cole" said Laci "Let's get up to the box."


Laci followed the directions back towards the concourse. She was trying to remember which elevators. She was startled when Cole yelled "Duper!"


A large guy in a grey suit came over and smiled at Cole and bumped fists. Cole was rambling about him being a Pen who was injured.


"I'm Pascal Dupuis." said Duper "I am to take care of you and Cole for Sidney."


"Oh, we don't want to be a bother" said Laci "Just point us to the box and you can do whatever you need to."


"In order for Sid to function I need to take care of you." replied Duper "His game days are very structured. And you are a beautiful distraction. But a much needed distraction." While Laci processed what Duper said he began pushing Cole towards a bank of elevators. She had to run to catch up.
Pascal held the elevator for Laci. He couldn't believe this tiny girl had Sid so worked up. But then again Sid always surprised him. While in the elevator Duper took time to look at her. She was definitely beautiful. But it was a graceful beauty not the in your face model type girls that threw themselves at Sidney. Laci was wearing a huge Crosby jersey. In fact, he was pretty sure it was one of Sid's. She had a on a pair of jeans. Not those skin tight legging things. Actual jeans. Her hair was up in a ponytail, and her make up almost non-existent. In fact, if not for the glossy lip he might have thought she wasn't wearing make-up. But the most intriguing thing about Laci was her shoes. On her feet were a tiny pair of black chucks. Laci noticed Duper looking at her.


"Did I pass inspection? I was afraid to wear anything but tennis shoes on the ice." she explained.


"You'll do" said Duper.


"Miss Laci is the best" replied Cole "But we have to teach her about hockey."


The doors to the elevator opened and she saw Jen. Laci smiled and allowed Duper to push Cole out of the elevator. "You behave" said Jen looking at Duper.


"We will" smiled Duper "Come on Cole lets go tweet Potash."


Laci smiled and followed Duper. She felt Jen's eyes rake over her. "Duper said I passed his inspection. What about you?"


"Look" said Jen "There are about a million other girls that want to be in your place. I'm not sure why he picked you. But, he has. I am here to deal with the media and fall out once it's over. For your sake, I hope this girl next door, I don't know who Crosby is, bullshit is true."


Laci smiled at her again "I get that you are protective of him. I'm glad he has people like you. Those girls at the hospital act like he is the second coming. I just wanted him to keep seeing Cole. He makes Cole happy. I am not going to do anything that puts his and Cole's friendship in jeopardy. But that little boy only has a year at best. Can you put up with me for his sake? If not I'll just steer clear. I want nothing from Sidney but for him to keep being himself with Cole. Not a damn thing." Laci turned on her the heels of her chucks and came into the box.


"Laci, dear" called Nathalie "Are you alright?"


"I left her with Jen." said Duper.


"She’s just protective of the boys." replied Nathalie coming to stand beside Laci.


"I get protective. But I was raised not to be rude." explained Laci "Hopefully she will see I'm not some lying gold digger. If not, hopefully she can keep her mouth shut for Cole's sake. She doesn't have to like me, but she does have to be good to him."


Laci walked away from Duper and Nathalie. She headed over to where Cole was seated. He smiled up at her. "Miss Laci, this is he bestest day ever."


"I know" replied Laci. Cole pointed at the seat beside him. Laci sat down. Cole was doing play by play. Laci was listening and was on the edge of her seat. She had actually yelled at Geno when he hit the bar. Cole was laughing.


"You'll be a hockey fan yet." said Duper sitting in the seat beside Laci. He handed Cole a blue cotton candy. He then handed Laci a huge bag of popcorn and a glass of wine. Laci quirked an eyebrow at him.


"Sidney remembered you liked popcorn and wine." shrugged Duper "I think it's gross but if Olivia Pope says..."


Laci started laughing "Thanks" said Laci "But I probably shouldn't drink, I'm technically working."


"One glass then you’re cutoff" teased Duper.


Laci smiled. Cole was leaning forward in his seat. Sidney was apparently on a breakaway. Both Cole and Duper were yelling for Sid to go. The entire arena erupted into chaos. The light on the back of the net went on, music started playing, and Sidney was looking up towards them. He had scored with .13 seconds left in the first. They would head to the locker room 1-0 over the Flyers. Laci had a huge smile on her face.


"He likes to score" said Duper "He is amazingly talented. Most everyone will tell you he needs to focus. Me, I think he needs to focus on Sidney not Crosby. You need to understand that if you want to be with Sid that you will be in a fishbowl. You will have people snapping your picture with him, people demanding him to autograph or take photos, there will be mean messages on your facebook, twitter, and instagram, and no one will think you are good enough for him. His dad is a dick. His mom is an angel. It is all hockey, all the time. He doesn't have an offseason. It's hockey season and pre-hockey season. He is the face of the NHL and Team Canada. Even people who don't watch hockey know
who he is."


"Well I didn't I'm sorry if that’s a criminal offense here. Are you trying to scare me off?" asked Laci "I like him. I like talking to him. I like texting with him. We don't discuss hockey. He did tell me it's not a trophy it's the Cup. Our one kind of date was high jacked by the Lemieux's. Jen hated me on sight. I'm not up to something. Sidney is good to Cole, and that is more attractive than money, being Canada's Prince, or all this second coming of hockey Jesus."


"Hockey Jesus?" asked Duper


"Yes, you all act like he walks on water and does no wrong. Like everyone is trying to get something from him. I want nothing but to get to know him. I want to know things like why does he have to have a pb&j at 5pm and what happens if he doesn't?"


Duper smiled at her. "You'll definitely do."


"Thanks for that ringing endorsement." said Laci


"Laci" called Duper leaning in "Technically he does walk on water. He skates and he scores on water." Laci just sighed and watched them take the ice for the second. Life with Sidney Crosby would be interesting.

Notes