"Something about that glory just always seemed to bore me, 'cause only those I really love will ever really know me..."


“Mamma, mamma, mamma, mamma, mamma…”

Marie turned over, squinted her eyes open, and saw a choir of little Scandellas on the side of the bed. Her five, and two three year-olds chimed her name and urged her to get up.

She glanced at the clock and noticed it was still pretty early, yet Marco had already been out of the house for at least a couple hours now. He was on a mission for the kids, which meant Marie had to figure out a way to entertain all three of them. When they all started school, Marie used the free time to work out the logistics of opening another location for Scandy’s.

Just like St. Paul had become home, over the past three years, Denver had become home too. Marco thrived with the team, and although the organization seemed to be in a rebuilding period, Marco thrived. The city had taken him under their wing, and had come to cherish him in the same way the people of St. Paul had. Now Denver was on its way to having its very own Scandy’s.

Marie rolled out of bed and looked down at her children. She chuckled and took a deep breath in, lifting Gabriel up into her arms. As she left the room, Sofia and Ryker followed her out.

“Gabe, why aren’t you wearing pants?”

“They off,”

“Yeah, but why are they off?”

Marie set him down in his seat at the table, and then turned to help Ryker into his. Like an old pro, Sofia was in her chair, waiting for breakfast.

“I take them off,” Gabriel smiled.

Marie nodded as though she were a fool for asking such an idiotic question. Of course he took them off; he was three years old. Him wearing pants should’ve been more surprising.

When she had poured three small bowls of cereal, Marie brought them over to the table and set them in front of the kids, and subsequently took a seat in one of the empty chairs.

“Where’s papa?” Sofia asked as she shoveled a spoonful of Cheerios into her mouth.

Marie leaned her head on her fist, “papa’s on a trip. He’ll be back tonight,”

“Trip for hockey!” Ryker grinned, picking up a Cheerio he had dropped on the table.

“Buddy, it’s June. You know hockey’s over.” Marie forced a smile. It was another year without the Stanley Cup. At this point, it seemed like Marco wasn’t even angry about not winning it; that had become his norm.

Plans for today were going to be fairly easy. Sofia had a dance class right in the middle of the day, so she’d be well entertained. As for the boys, their “mini-mite” hockey season was over, and they were harder to entertain in general. Marie figured she could take them to the zoo, but that depressed her to no end. The thought of those beautiful creatures penned up in too-small enclosures, bored out of their minds, made her drop that idea just as quickly as she had thought it up.

Once the kids had finished eating, Marie herded them into the bathroom so they could all brush their teeth. It was at this point, Marie got to thinking about how much she loved this age. Gone were the days of changing diapers and early morning bottle feedings. All three kids were able to dress themselves, feed themselves, brush their own teeth, wipe their own butts… but they still depended on her endlessly. Marie loved that. After a lifetime of a father who couldn’t be held accountable for anything, and a mother who was as shifty as the wind, Marie soaked in every minute that her kids needed her.

With teeth and hair brushed, and new outfits for the day put on, Marie escorted the kids into the SUV. Most days, it really was like herding cats. When hockey season was over, it wasn’t too bad because she rarely had to go anywhere with all three kids by herself. Marco was always there to help. Unfortunately today, his trip left her the sole guardian of them.

Driving into Denver, Marie kept an eye on her kids in the backseat. Sofia had become a little mother to her brothers, and Marie couldn’t help but think of the rocky road that had led them to this point.

Shortly after Ryker had been born and Gabriel had been adopted, Sandra came in to town to help out. It was important that Sofia didn’t feel left out with the coming of two new babies, and having Sandra there really helped with that. But then Wild Bill came flying into town like a bat out of hell. The man who had been willing to help when Marie was contemplating an abortion made a debut, but this time, no good fortune came along with him.

He held Ryker for hours on end, doting on his new grandson like the epitome of a perfect grandfather. As much as it bothered both Marco and Marie to have Bill in town, they did kind of owe Ryker’s life to him. It was strange coming to the realization that Bill had played a part in keeping both of Marie and Marco’s biological children alive. From there, everything was bad. The moment he met Gabriel, he was repulsed that Marie and Marco had even contemplated taking in the “throw away baby”. For a surgeon who was supposed to have exceptional bedside manner, apparently there was none left for little Gabriel.

And seeing as though Marco was already hyper-protective of Gabe, he didn’t take too kindly to his son being called a “throw away baby”. He threatened a fight, to which Sandra and Marie urged him away from. Yet another way Sandra had been helpful. She talked her son down from making a brash decision. But then that night happened.

The kids had been tucked in and kissed, and in the living room, the adults began behaving more like the children. Harsh words were said, confrontations were made, and somehow Bill found a way to take it to the next and unnecessary level. He and Marco had been going at it verbally all night, and when Marie stood in front of her father to get him to simmer down, Bill struck her. He slapped her across the face and shoved her into the island in the kitchen.

Marco was on him in an instant. Marie couldn’t remember a time where Marco moved faster. Straddling Bill’s body, Marco swung over and over again, and the only thing that kept him from killing Bill, was Sandra yanking him off of the sad excuse for a man.

That was the first and last night Marco spent in jail. When Marie bailed him out the next morning, she couldn’t help but be a little more attracted to him. Although it had only been one night, Marco hadn’t shaved in a couple months before that, and the sight of the tired and rugged man walking out to her, reinvigorated a spark. When they got home, they made passionate love, albeit very gentle. A bruise had formed on Marie’s ribs where she’d been thrown against the marble countertop.

They hadn’t talked to Bill since that night, three years ago. And thankfully, they hadn’t needed too. Sofia’s heart had been okay for the past three years, but the time would come when she’d need another surgery. Now the only difference was that they didn’t know whether or not Bill would do the surgery for them.

Other than the uncertainty of the surgery, life wasn’t so bad without Bill. Life continued on, the kids thrived, and Marco got concussions that nearly ended his career. That’s how they got to today, and why Marco was on the road trip in the first place.

After Sofia got dropped off at a friend’s house, Marie shuttled the boys to the Air and Space museum. They enjoyed the enormity of the planes and jets and rockets, and the joy they got out of experiencing something for the first time was something Marie hoped they never lost. She wanted them to see the good and the wonder in the world, despite the world constantly finding ways to show them the bad things.

When the day had flown by, and afternoon turned into evening, Marie toted the boys along to pick up Sofia, before they all went home for dinner. Marie whipped up baked chicken, broccoli, and mashed potatoes, and had just finished putting the plates in front of the children, when her phone rang. Spotting Marco’s name, she was quick to pick it up.

“Hi babe,”

“Hi!” He spoke a little louder than usual. The phone connection in his truck was notoriously terrible. “Have you eaten?”

Marie looked back at the kids and leaned over the counter, “no. Just made the kids some dinner, but I figured I’d wait for you. When will you be home?”

“Just getting into town. I can pick up some sushi and saké for us. Put the kids to bed, make a little…”

“Our children are currently staring at me. Do you really want to continue down this road?” She smiled and licked her lips, nodding at his response. “Alright, we’ll see you soon… Love you too,”

“Is that papa?” Sof asked, smashing her potatoes down with her fork. “Is he coming home?”

“He’s almost home and he has a surprise for all of you. But you have to finish your dinner before he gives it to you,”

Marie smiled as the kids went back to furiously eating their food. Maybe bribes weren’t the best way to get a kid to do something, but for now, it was working.

When Marco texted that he was ten minutes away, Sofia was just getting out of the bath, and Marie was just getting Ryker and Gabriel into it. With a surprise on the way, both boys were more than cooperative. In no time, all three kids were bathed, in pajamas, and looking out the front window. As the truck pulled into the driveway, the kids went wild, and Marie sat them down on the couch.

“Papa’s gonna bring in your surprise, and we can play for a little while, but then it’s off too bed. We’ve got an early morning tomorrow, okay?”

They all nodded obediently, heads shooting towards the front door as it opened. In walked Marco, and although that was exciting enough for the kids, what he brought along was even more thrilling. On either side of him, four little paws pranced in, and the kids raced forward, despite Marie hoping they’d stay on the couch.

Both husky puppies, one was brown and white with little blue eyes, and the other was dark gray with a white diamond on his forehead. Despite having three little people running and screaming at them, the puppies took it in stride. They hopped along, eager to give attention.

“Are they ours?!” Ryker shrieked, wrapping his arms around the gray one’s neck.

“Yeah! They’re going to live with us,” Marco smiled and knelt down to be on the same level as the kids. “This one’s Moose,” he scratched head of the brown and white one. “And this one’s Bandit,” he pet the gray one, before looking back at his kids.

“We got puppies!” Gabriel grinned.

Happy, but not as loudly vocal as her brothers, Sofia wrapped her arms around Marco’s neck. “Grazie, papà,”

Marco smiled and kissed Sofia’s head. Just as his father had done with him, Marco only spoke Italian to Sofia. “Sei benvenuto, il mio cuore,” You’re welcome, my heart.

“Da dove sono venute?” Where did they come from? She pulled away from Marco and ran her hand through Bandit’s fur.

“Aspen. Ho dovuto prenderli,” I had to pick them up.

“Dobbiamo mostrare Matt. Egli ama cuccioli,” We have to show Matt. He loves puppies.

Marco smiled and patted Sofia’s back, “avremo per invitarlo a giocare.” We’ll have to invite him over to play.

Marie could mostly understand their conversation, but that was their thing. When she and Marco made eye contact, she nodded and stood up, “time for bed, guys.”

“Mamma, the puppies!” Gabriel shrieked.

“They’ll be here in the morning. The puppies are tired right now. They’ve had a long day,”

Because of the excitement, the kids were harder to get to bed. After some persuasion, and nearly an hour later, they were all tucked in and sleeping soundly. By that time, both Bandit and Moose had passed out in the living room on one of the beds Marco had brought in.

When they finally got a moment to themselves for the first time that day, Marco smiled and leaned over the kitchen table and kissed Marie’s lips. She grinned and nudged sushi rolls towards him.

“Are you ready for tomorrow?” She murmured, taking a sip of the saké.

Marco shrugged and sat back in his chair. “Yeah, why not? I’ve done press conferences before.”

“I know, but this one’s… different,” Marie mentioned offhand, taking a bite of one of the pieces of sushi.

Marco raised his eyebrows and nodded. Even he couldn’t deny that. In the past, press conferences never warranted the adopting of puppies. Clearly different. He reached out across the table and held onto Marie’s hand.

Six and a half years. That’s how long it’d been since he’d first met her in Montreal. When he looked at the woman in front of him now, he still saw that nineteen year old girl; confident and more than a little naïve. He remembered the red dress she wore to the medical conference the night her father dragged her along. Marco thought she was the prettiest girl he’d ever seen that night, and every night since, she’d managed to get more and more beautiful.

Marie squeezed his hand and smiled. In nearly seven years, she watched him change from a rogue bachelor, to a lover, husband, and father. He had been so young when they met; on the lower end of his mid-twenties. In seven years with him, she never would’ve bet on having three children and two puppies, going through his father’s death, and nearly going through a fit of hysteria when he got his last concussion. Marie thought he’d play hockey forever.

When they went to bed that night, both had been looking forward to tangling up in each other’s arms. Only the moment their heads hit the pillows, it was lights out. The day had taken its toll on each of them. Only when the sun came obtrusively through the window the next morning, did Marie even begin to stir. It had been a refreshing night, and when she turned over, she noticed she was alone.

Out in the living room, she saw Marco crawling on the floor with the kids and the dogs. It broke and warmed her heart all at the same time. Things were about to change, and Marie found it hard to sort out her feelings. Even as she and Marco got the kids dressed, and then got themselves ready for the day, she didn’t quite know the consequences of the day.

“Papa, where’s Moose and Bandit?”

Marco looked down at Gabriel and smiled. He was clutched onto one of his father’s hands, while Sofia held onto the other. Beside them, Marie was walking hand in hand with Ryker. “They’re at home, bud. We couldn’t bring them along for this,”

“Are they sad?” Ryker asked as Marco let go of Sofia’s hand and held open one of the doors inside the rink so his family could walk in.

“No, they’re happy doing doggie things at home.”

Marie smiled and looked out at the conference room and media circus they’d just walked into. Up on the makeshift stage, Marco’s agent was aligning microphones behind the podium, and members of the press sat in foldout chairs, patiently waiting for the news.

“Just in the nick of time,” Marco’s agent murmured as the family reached the stage. “This shouldn’t take too long, I’ll keep the questions coming, so keep your answers simple… eloquent.” He turned at looked at Marie, “stay standing with the children, just left of Marco. It’ll give the press a nice shot of the family.”

He nudged Marco towards the podium, and as he was about to take his spot, Ryker ran up to him and held up his arms, clenching his fists. Marco smiled and lifted him up. Ryker grinned and set his hands on Marco’s chest as they both looked out at the people in front of them.

“I appreciate all of you coming out today. I know you’ve all got more important work to be doing, so I’ll try to make this brief.” Marco licked his lips and looked back at Marie briefly. “After much consideration and deliberation, I’m announcing my retirement from the National Hockey League. I owe a tremendous thank you to both the Minnesota Wild and the Colorado Avalanche organizations for the faith and support they’ve shown me over the years. Although I make this announcement with a heavy heart, it has been a fulfilling decade in the league.”

Cameras began going off in quick succession, and Marco smiled, leaning in to kiss the side of Ryker’s head.

“Marco, what prompted this announcement?” One of the reporter’s yelled out after the initial commotion.

“As you know, I suffered a particularly severe concussion this past season. After a long conversation with my loving and supportive wife, Marie, we came to the conclusion that it would be better for me to retire on my own volition, and not because an injury kept me from playing.”

“What’ll you do post-retirement?”

“My children are five and three years old, and it’s time that they know a life where their dad isn’t on and off the road six months out of the year. I plan on taking some time off to raise my children as I’ve left Marie alone on that for far too long now. Eventually I look forward to working with the league on player safety.”

He looked around at the eager press, and nodded his head to one of the reporters up front. “Mr. Scandella, do you have anymore words for your wife?”

Marco smiled and turned sideways, looking at Marie. “Sweetheart, thank you so much for taking this journey with me. It hasn’t been easy on you, and I wish I could’ve been around more through the rough times. And now as we take off on a new journey, all I know is that I want to love you; simply love you.”

Notes

"7 Years" by Lukas Graham.

Okay so I lied. I had to come back and write a little update on these two because I'm attached. But now this is for sure the end. The last update on how they turned out <3