Chapter 6

This will be my last update for probably a week in any of my stories. I'm going to Quebec City for four days because I've been taking French class for five years. I am so excited, it's going to be the first time I've ever gone out of the country. Finally going to the same country Jordan Staal is from!! Comment please, please :) xoxo





Chapter 6
* Flashback *
Marie’s POV

“HEY, HEY YOU, YOU, I DON’T LIKE YOUR GIRLFRIEND.” I screamed at the top of my lungs. I was in Jared’s car and we were driving back to our houses. It was the first time I’ve genuinely had a great time since my mom left.
“NO WAY NO WAY I THINK YOU NEED A NEW ONE!” Jared screamed along with a high-pitched voice.
“HEY HEY YOU YOU I COULD BE YOUR GIRLFRIEND!” We both yelled before bursting into laughter. We pulled into Jared’s driveway and Jordan was staring at us. For once, I didn’t care that he caught me in a total embarrassing moment.
“I could hear your shrieks from down the road.” Jordan said eyeing us up.
Jared laughed. “It’s called having fun, Jordan. How about you try it.”
Jordan snorted. “Trust me, I do. But I do in better ways than that.”
Jared rolled his eyes. “Oh yeah, I forgot. You go out with your awesome hockey team and you all get drunk and just have great sex. Soo jealous.” I snickered and followed Jared into the house, saying hello to Mrs. Staal before heading into the basement. We plopped onto the couch and turned on the TV. Jordan came down a few minutes later and sat on the coach next to me. Great, I was in between two fighting brothers.
“Why are you here?” Jared asked bitterly.
“Because it’s my house too. The question would be, why is Marie here?” Jordan snapped.
Jared stood up. “Because Marie is my friend and she isn’t an DICK, like YOU!” Jared yelled. I was surprised they were fighting so much; normally they got along so well. Apparently though, Jordan’s been getting a big head lately in his senior year.
“Oh really. I guess she is just a convenient slut to keep around.” Jordan yelled back. Hell, no. You don’t call me a slut just because I hang out with the brother you’re pissed off. I stood up too.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?” I yelled to Jordan, sick of his shit.
Jared shoved Jordan backwards. “Don’t you dare bring her into it.”
Jordan laughed. “Oh, you two are scary, ganging up on me.”
“You think you are so fucking cool, but you are such a fucking jerk. I never did a damn thing to you, but you decide to fuck around with me! You’ve always been a dick to me, so you know what, I am done fucking trying. Fuck you Jordan.” I yelled giving him the middle finger. Jordan didn’t look at me, instead pushing Jared backwards. Mrs. Staal came running downstairs. “What is going on here?” She yelled stepping in between them. I didn’t respond, I just ran my jacket and ran upstairs, slamming the door behind me.

Jordan’s POV

I woke up the next morning in Eric’s guest room bed, staring up at the white ceiling. I was a dad. I, Jordan Staal, have a little son that looks exactly like me. The worst part is, it’s not my fiancée’s baby, it s my ex-girlfriend from home’s baby. I can’t deny the fact that I felt a connection to Marie, but I was in love with Olivia. Olivia and I are supposed to get married next year. The irony of the fact is, we were going to wait a while before we had kids because Olivia respected the fact that I was traveling a lot with the NHL and it would be easier to wait. Now, I just turned twenty-one a month ago and I have a two-month year old son. Olivia. Crap. She still had no idea what was going on. When I told her I had a son, would she still want to be with me? Would she be mad at me that I wanted to move Marie to Pittsburgh? But she had to understand, it’s my son, I have to be a part of his life. There’s no possible way I couldn’t be. I wonder if Olivia even knows that I haven’t been with the team. She normally doesn’t watch the games if she doesn’t go to them. I thought about grabbing my phone on the dresser and calling her, but I decided it would probably be best to wait as long as possible. The longer the better. Finally, I rolled out of bed and changed into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt before going downstairs into the family room. Tanya was holding a sleeping Parker and sitting on top of Eric, who wrapped his arms around them and was smiling. This is how my family was supposed to be with Olivia. Now, I couldn’t be in love with the girl that had my son. Scott would never grow up with the perfect family going on here. I halted at the end of the steps, feeling like I was interrupting a personal moment. As soon as they heard me though, they leaped into action. Tanya got up and put Parker into his crib and disappeared into the kitchen. Eric stood up and stretched before putting his jacket on and grabbing his keys. “Good morning, Jordan. We can go pick up Marie now.” Eric said. The plan was to go pick Marie up and then go to the hospital to stay with Scott. Tanya game back from the kitchen holding a small bag and handed it to me. “Okay, so I’ve spent a lot of time in hospitals and their food sucks. So I packed some cookies, a few sandwiches, some chips, and pretzels. Marie’s as thin as a twig, if she doesn’t eat something she’ll pass out. Make sure she eats, Jordan.” Tanya threatened me. I took the basket, “Okay, okay!” I told her. Eric bent over at kissed Parker’s forehead before motioning me to go to the garage with him. We got in the car and started driving towards Marie’s house, if that’s what you can even call it.
“You know, you’re going to have to tell Mom and Dad.” Eric told me.
I sighed, more people to be disappointed in me. “Do you think they are going to be mad at me?” I asked my older brother.
Eric shrugged. “It depends, Dad probably will be. Mom will just be concerned about the baby and what you’re going to do. What are you going to do?”
“I’m begging Marie to come back to Pittsburgh with Scott. I would like to try and stay with Olivia and still be in Scott’s life, but I have no idea if that’s going out. I’m just afraid that Olivia will give me an ultimatum, her or Scott.”
“What would you chose?” Eric asked curiously.
“I,” I said torn, “have no idea. But..hes’ my son. My son needs me. I love Olivia though. I love Scott though.”
“Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.” Eric said. We got to Marie’s apartment and to our surprise; we saw her talking to a large man in a leather jacket. He didn’t look good with the tattoos all over his face and arms. I tensed up, she was the mother of my son, and she couldn’t get killed. I couldn’t do it alone. Then, she hugged him and gave him a kiss on the cheek before waving to us. She got up and skipped to the car. She was wearing a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt and a pair of sneakers. It completely reminded me that Marie was just nineteen. She was just a kid. Right now, Marie was supposed to be at college, partying like I knew she loves to do. Instead, she was a mom dealing with a sick child. She hopped into the backseat and buckled up and waved goodbye to the guy. “Hey guys!” She said breathlessly.
“Who was that? Your boyfriend?” I grumbled staring out of the window.
Marie laughed. “Oh yeah, you know I like them tall. No, he helped me out of a sticky situation when I first got here. Pregnant chick walking down the street alone at night is a great magnet for the criminals. Ted couldn’t hurt a fly. And he loves Scott.” She said.
“When you move to Pittsburgh, every one will leave you alone.” I grumbled. Marie shook her head. “You are such an ass. I am not picking up my life and moving just to please you.”
“What life?” I retorted.
“Guys, stop! I’m trying to drive.” Eric yelled at us. All three of us were silent the rest of the drive and Eric dropped Marie and I off at the front of the hospital. We walked uncomfortably side by side into the hospital and before going to the pediatrics wing and sat down. I glanced sideways at Marie, studying her. Tanya was right; she was just a bag of milk. Her black hair was as curly as ever and it looks like she’s forgotten to drag a brush through it lately. The worst part was the dark bags under her eyes that she didn’t even try to conceal. If I don’t step in and help with Scott, she’ll run herself to the ground.
“Uh, here, Tanya brought you some food. Why don’t you eat some, eh?” I asked her.
Marie shook her head. “No thanks, I’m not hungry.”
“But you should really eat something.” I persisted.
She snorted. “You’re not my dad, Jordan. You don’t have any right to tell me to do anything.” Marie said defiantly.
“You’re the mother of my son, I need you to be healthy.” I growled, fighting her right back.
“Just because we are linked through Scott, doesn’t mean that you are anything to me.” Marie lashed back. I couldn’t deny it, that kind of hurt. I knew she was mad at me, but I didn’t realize that she hated me this much.
“Where you ever going to tell me Marie, eh?” I asked angrily.
Marie crossed her arms. “ I don’t want to have that conversation.”
I snorted, like I care. “Well I do.”
She rolled her eyes, “Oh man. The great Jordan wants me to do something, I better do it.” She still had her spunk, just lovely. Luckily, the doctor walked in, or there would have been some serious fighting.
“Excuse me, but you can hold him now if you want. Just be careful.” The doctor warned before walking back. Marie shot up and strode towards Scott’s bed. I could tell she was excited to be able to hold Scott. I was personally excited to get an up close look at my son. Marie went right over and scooped him up, holding him tightly against her chest. A single tear rolled down her cheek, as she held onto him even tighter. I sat in a chair next to the bed and stared at my hands.
“Can I uh, hold him?” I asked hesitantly.
“Yeah.” Marie said, her voice cracking a bit. To my surprise she handed him over to me, but I held my hands up to stop her.
“Marie..how do I hold a baby?” I asked embarrassed. She laughed and shook her head. “You seriously don’t know how to hold a baby? Even I knew how to do that.”
“I mean I generally know how to hold one. It’s just it’s my son, so I want to be extra careful.” I defended myself. Marie smiled and sat down next to me, “Okay then. So just tuck his head under your elbow and then you use the arm to support him. It’s simple.” She told me. Marie put him in my lap and I tried to do what she told me to, but I felt like he was falling.
“No, move your hand here.” Marie told me. When I didn’t do what she wanted, she placed her hand over my mine and guided it to where it was supposed to be. When her hand touched mine, I felt shivers go all the way up my arm. I glanced at her to see if she felt the same way and her big, brown eyes were staring back at mine. She glanced down quickly. “There.” She said softly. I looked down at Scott, my beautiful baby. I’ve never felt prouder to know that I helped made this little human being in my arms. I also felt fiercely protective; nothing else was ever going to happen to him.
“He’s beautiful.” I murmured, my voice thick with emotion. There was nothing to describe how I felt, holding my baby boy in my arms.

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

* Flashback *


Charlie and I walked across my yard to the Staal’s house. Ever since my mom left, my dad hasn’t done anything besides keeping the coach and TV great company. Since Charlie and I sucked at cooking, our dinners are the oh-so elegant frozen packs at the grocery store. Mrs. Staal invited us over for dinner, even though she wasn’t going to be there, so it would probably be frozen food also. We opened the front door to see Mr. Staal, Jordan, and Jared also sitting at the table. They still had Marc’s and Eric’s seats at the table, even though they were all over the country in the NHL. Jordan was going to be following them this summer and hopefully Jared in a few years. Mike sat down in the seat next to Jordan and I took the seat next to Jared. Mr. Staal served us before turning up the TV loudly in the family room, so we could hear whatever game was on. All the testosterone in the room was suffocating me.
“So Jordan, would you bang Cathy C.?” Charlie asked Jordan since they were in the same grade. I looked over at Mr. Staal in shock, amazed that they would bring up this conversation in front of him. He kept eating seemingly oblivious though, not caring about the topic.
“Cathy would never go within a meter of your dick.” I snorted before Jordan could answer.
Charlie glared at me. “And how would you know that?” He retorted.
I smirked at him before putting my hands on my lap. “I sit next to her in Physics, she normally goes for the hot, sexy, rugged men. You know, the opposite of you.” Jared high-fived me under the table and Jordan tried to cover his laugh by shoving more food into his mouth.
“Well who’s the last person you fucked?” Charlie said angrily.
“Mathew.” I said with a straight face. Mathew was Charlie’s best friend, he would flip if that actually ever happened.
“You’re kidding.” He said with almost a look of panic on his face.
“No, she’s not. I heard him bragging about it.” Jordan said before winking at me.
Charlie stood up. “I’m going to kill that bastard.”
I finally started laughing. “Sit back down at get your panties out of a bunch, I’m just kidding.” Charlie sat back down before glaring at me and kicking me hard under the table. “Bitch.” He muttered.
“No name calling, Charlie.” Mr. Staal said without even looking up.
Jordan looked at me though. “Who are you going out with lately?”
“Why?” I asked.
He shrugged and pushed the food around on his plate with his fork. “I dunno.”
“Well, that guy Tom in your grade asked me out, I said no. And then Mason asked me out, and I’m still considering it.
“Why? He’s a jerk.” Jordan said.
Jared stared at his brother. “Why does it matter to you?” This created an awkward moment, all of just staring around the table. Luckily, the Hurricanes scored, so a loud roar erupted around the table, breaking the moment.

* End of Flashback *
Marie’s POV

Jordan showing up here set my mind into over drive. It was already buzzing with grief and fear and confusion. I just wanted to wipe my mind clean and enjoy a blissful, quiet moment in my head. I knew it was Eric who called him, but I couldn’t find myself to be angry with him. But I did let that emotion over and I slapped Jordan, not knowing what to do. After I did it, I sunk into the chair and put my face in my hands. Eric rubbed my back before standing up and I heard two pairs of footsteps walking away. I could barely handle Scott being sick, but I definitely couldn’t handle Jordan being here. Was he mad at me that I had kept the secret from him? Would he want to be part of his life? Or would everything go back to normal? So many thoughts were running around my head. Eric and Jordan came back and took the seats on each side of me. Their shoulders were so broad that I barely had any room to lean back. All I wanted to do was lay my head on Jordan’s shoulder and to forget everything. To let that familiar smell wash over me and pretend for a few minutes that everything was back to normal. But I couldn’t do this, this was a real life mess that I got myself into. My sweet baby might die because I didn’t have enough time to pay attention that he was getting sick. The fact that before today, Jordan didn’t know his son’s name, let alone that he had a son, was my fault. I couldn’t just close my eyes and wish everything away. The doctor approached and I immediately stood up and walked towards him.
“Did something happen?” I asked panicky. He couldn’t be dead, he just couldn’t be. Instead of a grim look and a no eye contact, I got a hesitant smile and a pat on the back. “Scott is responding great to the treatment. Bearing no complications, he should be getting stronger every day.” I had to wipe tears from my eyes because I was so happy. I have never been this mess before, crying over things. It’s true, having a baby makes you a softie. Eric hugged me, crushing me against his strong chest. “That’s great news.” He whispered into my ear.
“Can we see him now?” Jordan asked hopefully. That brought me back to reality. This was going to be the first time he had ever seen Scott.
“Unfortunately, we can’t let you into the room because we can’t risk germs getting in and causing the infection to go back to full force. But, we can let you look at him from behind glass.” The doctor informed us before going to another family in the waiting room. That’s all it took for Jordan and he started heading to the ICU, moving fast with his long strides. I had to jog to keep up with him, but it reminded me to much of old times, so I went back to a walk. But the thought of it taking longer to get to Scott made me jog again. Jordan got there and skidded to a halt, staring at Scott through the glass. I started at my baby boy, his bright blue eyes were clouded and his tiny chest was wheezing with every breath he took. It broke my heart seeing him like this, so I quickly looked away. Instead, I turned my attention to Jordan. He was staring at Scott with a look of awe on his face. “He looks exactly like me.” He whispered, his voice cracking. I just nodded and he continued to stare, he even self-consciously put his hand up on the glass. Eventually, he took out his phone and snapped a picture of Scott.
“Who are you sending that to?” I asked curiously. That was the first time I’ve talked to him in a year.
“Mom and Dad.” He said while typing on his phone.
I lurched forward and grabbed his phone. “No!”
He glared at me. “I’m not going to pull a you, I have to tell my parents that they are grandparents again.”
I handed his phone back to him. “First, don’t rub that into my face. Second, you are going to wait until Scott his healthy so I’m sane again when you’re mom kills me.” I stated.
“God, you’re bossy.” He muttered.
Eric strode towards us. “Marie, you look like crap. Scott’s going to be home, so why don’t you go back to your place, take a shower, and some clothes. I’ll stay here.” Eric ordered. Now he was the bossy one.
“I want to go with her.” Jordan said.
“Hello, I’m right here. And no.” I snapped.
Eric gave us both looks, “Marie, you have to compromise. Let him come with you, he’s had quite a shock because of you.”
“Fine.” I muttered and held out my keys for Eric’s car.
“I want to drive.” Jordan interjected.
I really didn’t care about who drove or not, but Jordan trying to take control of me got me pissed off. “No you’re not.” I argued.
“You’re not right in the head right now, I am driving.” Jordan said vehemently.
“You don’t know where you’re going.” I argued back,
Eric looked at both of us, weighing his options. He tossed the keys to me, ultimately deciding that my wrath was worth that Jordan’s. Damn straight.
“Eric, I’m you’re brother!” He said shocked, clearly thinking that he was going to give them to him.
“She knows where she’s going..” Eric said trailing off. I took the keys from him and exited the parking lot and went towards Eric car. I wanted to get this done as fast as possible, I didn’t want to be away from Scott for too long. Now it was Jordan’s turn to struggle to keep with me.

Most of the car ride was filled with an awkward silence that Jordan tried to fill by fiddling around with the radio. I weaved dangerously through traffic, getting several honks on the way. After one particular spastic move that almost caused Jordan to go through the front windshield, he finally broke the silence.
“Jesus Christ, this is why I hate driving with you. Nothing’s change.” He said.
I turned to stare at him before turning my attention back to the road. What nerve he had to say that. “In case you haven’t noticed, a lot has changed. A year ago, I would have thought I would be in college right now, going to parties every other night. Instead I’m a mom working ridiculous hours to get by with a sick child that with hospital bills, I’ll be in debt for like. So no, a lot has change.” I snapped.
“You don’t need to worry about the hospital bills. I’ll handle them.” Jordan said quietly.
“No, no I’m not taking money from you.” I said defiantly.
I could hear him grind his teeth together. “It won’t be for you, it’ll be for the baby.”
I couldn’t argue with that, so I ignored him and stared ahead, making it seem like I was intently paying attention to the road. Finally, we got back to the house and we stepped out.
“Is this really your house?” Jordan asked accusingly.
I automatically bristled. “Yes.” He didn’t say anything and opened the flimsy door, ducking to get in. He looked around the small room and crossed his arms, I could tell he was disgusted. “Where’s Scott’s stuff?” He asked tightly. I showed him the small draw of items, mostly stained.
“That’s it? That’s like, 10 pairs of outfits.” Jordan asked looking at me like he was expecting me yell “Just kidding!” and pull out a wardrobe of clothes.
“It’s all I can afford right now.” I said surprised by how close I was to crying. He looked up quickly when hearing my tone of voice. “That’s horrible.” He stated.
“I try.” I said quickly brushing a tear from the corner of my eye.
Jordan shook his head. “Don’t worry about it, once you move to Pittsburgh we can go shopping and get lots of stuff.”
“Oh, I’m moving to Pittsburgh?” I said sarcastically.
“Of course, that’s the only way I can be a part of Scott’s life.” He said matter-of-factly.
“Well, maybe I don’t want you to be a part of his life.” I retorted. I wasn’t going to let him hurt Scott the way he hurt me.
“He’s my son!” Jordan said shocked.
I shrugged. “So.”
He glared and crossed his arms. “I will be part of his life, no matter what you want.”