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.”