Leaping for Your Dreams

The locker room was quiet. Sure there were a few noises but overall it was quiet. Our rally had come too late in the series to save us. We’d lost tonight and were now _out_ of the playoffs. Most of us were stunned by this turn of events, we’d worked so hard to get here and now it was over. I didn’t really listen to what Disco had to say other than catching “We start getting ready for next year, tomorrow.” It was an easy sentiment, one we could all get behind in theory. “The plane leaves at 11:30 so let’s get packed up and go home.”

Home had a new meaning for me now, at least a new one from the beginning of the season. I had been a bachelor who didn’t know how to get rid of the woman he now hated. Now I was a married man with a new 6-year-old adopted daughter who couldn’t wait to get home to see them. Oh how life had changed.

Standing there in my half gear I found Dave Molinari standing in front of me. Oh yeah, media still. “Hi Dave.” I said. He was well liked in the locker room, always was one to put a good spin on things if they needed and never misquoting us.

“Hi Geno, mind if we chat for a few?” He had his recorder in hand. I shook my head and he started. “Obviously this didn’t end like you would have wanted. Where do you go from here?”

I thought about it, the answer was easy. “Now, we root for other friends who are still in and spend time with our families. This is very important to me. I got married just a few weeks ago and we have adopted her brother’s child.”

Dave sounded concerned. “Married and a new adopted father during the playoffs? Do you think that wise?”

I smiled. “Marrying my wife was planned, just moved up so that her brother could be there. The adoption was a surprise but we both did our best to make sure that Anya is cared for.”

“So you were going to get married, we haven’t seen you with anyone have you been hiding this lady?” Dave was looking for information and I didn’t mind giving it.

“Mari already works for the Pens and plays hockey herself so she knows how to deal with playoffs. She is well loved by the team and the girls already. Before you ask, she has not asked me to do anything that would put my game off. She has taken Anya to work with her at times so I can have a good nap. We are suddenly new parents. The reason behind it is sad but Anya needed us. When family needs you, you step up.” I was slowly getting out of my gear as Dave and I talked.

He seemed to understand then. “So your wife’s brother has died and you two stepped up and adopted his child. That’s incredible Geno. I hope that the transition goes smoothly for all of you. Sounds like this might be a not so bad thing for you then, even though I know you’d rather be playing.”

“It’s bad because we all want to keep on playing, but for me it is not so bad. Now I go home to my beautiful wife and now find a way to be a papa. Mari has done most of the work, it is my turn.” Cookie came over, hearing the conversation.

“Don’t let him be so humble about this. Michelle has been telling me that both he and Mari have done great so far. Anna already has friends among the kids and Mari is a wonderful woman who has not only given this guy a brighter smile, she’s been the best thing that’s happened to the Pens.”

Dave looked intrigued. “And what does she do for the organization? I thought I knew everyone important in the organization.”

Now Flower came over and took over the interview. “Mari? Oh she’s awesome! She’s t’e head for Suite 66 for us. She ‘as made sure that we are always welcome to come in after t’e game and meet whoever is t’ere. She make sure that the sick kids… T’e kids who are in Sid’s suite all get a chance to come down and see us go onto t’e ice and meet whoever they want to meet after t’e game. She goes and checks on t’e family suite too during t’e game.”

Dave laughed. “Sounds like she’s well loved with good reason. Speaking of well loved, will you all be rooting for Aleks and her run now? It’s got to feel good knowing that she’s been behind you guys too.”

The three of us laughed. “Aleks is family, we hope she goes all the way if we can not.” I said simply. Dave smiled and wished us all a good summer and a _much_ better next year.

An hour later I was sitting on the plane waiting for take off. I texted Mari and let her know I would be home within an hour between the flight and everything. I didn’t get a reply right away, not that I expected one. It was late for her and I was sure she was drowsing on the couch. Right before we were told to turn our phones off my phone rang. “Privet?”

“Hi Zhenya, sorry about the game. We caught most of it, but had to go to the airport. My folks and Nik’s body came in tonight.” She sounded sad and tired. I wished I could wrap myself around her right now.

“We be home soon. Plane about to take off.” I knew that she and her parents had agreed to bury Nikolai where Anna could see him at anytime, which meant here in Pittsburgh. “You want me to bring anything home?”

She sighed heavily. “Ice cream?” She asked. Oh boy she was not doing well. This meant that I would get more than just a little ice cream. She’d been going through it since we got the news of Nik’s death. I wasn’t sure how to help her either. Then I got an idea.

“No problem. I need to go Misa.” She said goodbye and we hung up. I then quickly dialed Aleks. “Aleks, Misa need you.” I said as she answered.

“They recovered Nik didn’t they? We don’t fly to Boston until Tuesday, I can sneak over.” She then sounded a bit distracted. “We’ll be over tomorrow, a few of us. What time is the funeral?”

I felt the love. “2 pm. Misa more important than me.”

She chuckled. “I hear you G. Trust me I know what’s she’s going through, I’m not far behind. Oh and if you _really_ want to do something great for her, Ben and Jerry’s Cheesecake Brownie. It’s her go to ‘I’m not up to anything but I have to act like I am’ ice cream. She’s gone through all sorts of things while having that ice cream.”

“Sound good. Thanks for tip too. Gotta go, plane take off soon.” We quickly said goodbye and I turned off my phone for the ride home.

45 minutes later I was walking in the front door. A lot of lights were on, telling me that people were still up. As I got into the kitchen I saw that only Anna seemed to be missing from those who were awake still. Mari came over and all I did was open my arms and she was in them and crying profusely. I knew how much her brother meant to her and how hard the next day was going to be.

Her mother, also named Anna, came over. “We couldn’t get a hold of Aleks. She’s been worried.”

I just wrapped myself around my crying wife and smiled. “Aleks be here. Bring some Caps too. Fly to Boston on Tuesday.” The relief that flooded my in-laws faces was alarming and yet comforting. It told me exactly how they felt about Aleks not being around right now.

At 11 am the next morning I found myself letting Aleks, Ovi, Sasha and Green into the house. She didn’t even have to say anything as I pointed her to the kitchen. She smiled briefly and went without a word. The men offered me their hands and condolences. I smiled and thanked them.

We all went into the kitchen where we found two crying women clinging to each other. I picked up the phone and dialed Sidney. If _I_ had to deal with this, so did he. He picked up after the second ring. “Hey G.”

“Aleks and group are here.” I said simply knowing that he would be over very soon. He’s missed Aleks a lot in the last few months.

“I’ll be over in 5.” He said hanging up after. Sometimes I didn’t get it, Canadians were supposed to be very polite…

Greenie was trying to figure out what to do from here when my mama came in. She quickly mobilized us boys into make sure everything was set up for after. We all just went with it and made sure Mike was not lost. Once that was done, Mari’s folks were coming downstairs.

The door was knocked on and Sid came in too. He greeted the Caps guys nicely and then went to where the crying was going on. I had been able to get Mari to sleep some, I’d hope after today she’d do so easier.

Anna came downstairs quietly. She tucked herself under my arm and would not let go. She looked as upset as everyone else was feeling. Greenie noticed and got down on her level. “Hi sweetie. You must be Anna. Your Auntie Aleks has told me a lot about you.”

I had never known Anya to be shy but she was right now, hiding behind my leg. “Anya, Greenie won’t hurt you. He is Aunt Aleks’ partner. He good guy.”

She looked up at me wide eyed. “But I though Uncle Sidney was her partner?” She said confused, which just made the 4 of us laugh.

“I work with her, I’m her defensive partner. I’ve also met your Aunt Mari before. Did you know she was a really good baker?”

Anya giggled. “Mama’s made me pancakes.” That seemed to break the ice and she quickly tugged him upstairs to see her room.

“Бог поможет ему. (God help him.)” Sasha said as we watched them go.

“Забудь его, Боже, помоги мне. Моя дочь может обернуть никого вокруг пальца. (Forget him, God help me. My daughter can wrap anyone around her finger.)” The three of us laughed at this joke. Anna knew who was a good guy and who wasn’t by talking to them. An amazing gift.

A few hours later we all were standing around in the Great Room when Aleks sighed loudly. “This isn’t how Nik would want to be commemorated!” She then started telling a story about him. I didn’t bother following it and wandered closer into the kitchen. That’s when I heard a different someone crying.

Following the sounds I found Anna in the screen porch crying. “Аннушка, Что не так? (Annushka, what is wrong?)” I said it quietly so we wouldn’t attract any other attention. I made my way over to her and knelt next to her, that hurt so I gave up and sat down on the floor.

She sniffled a little bit before answering. “Я скучаю по своему папе. (I miss my daddy.)” She wasn’t looking at me but I could still clearly see the tear stained cheeks she had.

I moved to where I could lay a hand on her back. “Это нормально, что ты скучаешь по нему. Никто никогда не занять его место. Вы берете все время вам нужно. Когда вы будете готовы Я буду здесь для вас. (It is normal that you miss him. No one will ever take his place. You take all the time you need. When you're ready I'll be here for you.)” I didn’t move to bring her to face me or anything. I just let her cry.

I’m not sure how long we sat there, but in time her tears slowed and she turned around. “А ты меня любишь? (Do you love me?)” She asked as she scrubbed her face.

I was astonished. “Конечно, я делаю. Где это исходит? (Of course, I do. Where is this coming from?)” I was searching her face for something but I didn’t know what.

“Разве мой папа тоже любишь меня? (Did my daddy love me?)” She scooted off the chair and onto my lap.

It made sense now. “Твой папа любит тебя так сильно, что он дал вам только люди, которых он знал, кто мог любить вас так же. (Your daddy loved you so much that he gave you the only people he knew who could love you as much.)” I cuddled her close trying to think of a way to chase her fears away.

“Он дал мне тебя и маму. Я боюсь, папа, я не хочу, чтобы вы ушли тоже. (He gave me you and mama. I'm scared, Papa, I do not want you to go away, too.)” She buried herself as close to my heart as she could and held on as tightly as well.

I wrapped my arms around her and held on ightly. Вы никогда не потеряете меня, Аннушка, мама и я всегда буду здесь для тебя. Даже если я далеко на дороге поездки. Вы наш солнечный свет сейчас, и она является самой драгоценной вещью для нас. (You will never lose me, Annuska, mama and I will always be here for you. Even if I'm away on a road trip. You are our sunshine now, and she is the most precious thing to us.)

That seemed to help her relax. “I’m tired Papa. Can I go take a nap?”

I stood up with her. “Of course Annushka. I think we are all tired right now. I wake you to eat later ok?” I didn’t put her down, but carried her up the back stairs and into her room.

It had been an emotional day for everyone who was there. None more so than my 6 yr old who didn’t quite understand. Maybe she needed more help to deal with this. I ould look into that in the morning, for now others needed me.