Chapter 49 Wag School…
The Wags are a great. I think that they have accepted me into their fold. On Monday a few came to visit to look at the bags that I have made for Christmas presents for 87's sister Taylor, his Grammie and Alice. They saw mine at the skating party and thought it was great. It's just a cloth bag with some applique on the outside that represents me. Mine has big daisies on it with a 91 and Tygyrl. Of course it is in bright colours and very girly.
I showed them how I cut up several old jerseys of 87's and took the nameplates and made a bag for his sister Taylor. It says "Crosby" in many different patterns. For his Grammie, I took a black material with white swirls on it and edged a penguin logo so the white now looks like cut marks left from the skate blades. Alice's bag is made from property of penguins t-shirts.
'So did you make anything for his parents?' Maureen asked. She's Kunitz's wife.
That's when I showed them the quilted throws that Mama's quilting group helped make that last weekend I was home. I am still finishing sewing the binding on them. The Wags ooh'd and aahh'd over them.
'They aren't anything special.' I tell them. 'One of Mama's friend had the original idea and went to local thrifty store and bought Canucks t shirts and jerseys then made a quilt for her grandson's bed for his Christmas. Mama showed me a picture of it. That's when I called Dana and my friend Alice here to help get all the t-shirts and old jersey's for these throws.' With help from Mama's quilting group, we have made throws for Harv, Morty, Mr and Mrs. Crosby and Jean. Each throw is different yet similar. I was able to use scraps to make the bags the three bags.
'How long did it take you? You have 4 throws and 3 bags here from working one weekend?' It's a pretty blonde talking but I don't remember her name. ?Melanie?
'Actually, it was a three day weekend 'cause my team was away and I don't work on Friday. And there were about 8 of us working at various times. Mama has a really big sewing room so her quilting buddies came to the house and left their machines for the whole weekend. It was really quite fun once they settled down with the plan.'
I try to explain how the chaos of the weekend produced these items.
'Tylyn, do you think that we could make a couple of these quilts to raffle off at the Foundation dinner and dance on Friday night? Mario said we could have a table for a silent auction. Something like this would be great. They are so original.' Michele, I think the blonde is Michele Cooke.
'Maybe? We'd have to get the t-shirts and jerseys. Do any of you know how to quilt?' Okay that brought blank stares from them all. 'Do any of you have a sewing machine?'
'I have an old one. I use it to hem and mend with but I won't say that I can sew like this.' I think her name is Carol Lyne. Duper's wife she's Duper's wife.
'Hmmm let me think a moment. Would you been willing to help out if I find some machines?' We are also going to need some one with sewing skill. I do okay but I don't think I'm up to this project plus how to get it quilted in such a short time. I pick up my phone and walk to the big picture windows over looking the confluence of the rivers. I call the only person I can think of….Alice.
….
87 has made arrangements that we are going out to dinner at a local restaurant called Meat and Potatoes with his friend Mike and his girlfriend Amy. I am rushing to get ready, as the Wags didn't leave until it was almost 2 pm and then I wanted to go visit Morty. Then I called Alice back as we had a long chat. She's so nice. Alice has arranged that we can borrow the lesson room in the quilt shop that she helps out in. Fortunately, Alice has foreseen some of the problems I envisioned when the Wags asked if we could have a quilt done by Friday evening. Heavens, that's only 31/2 days away. Unfortunately, Alice will have to see her's and Jean's Christmas presents to help us make the throws and bags. I've arranged to meet Alice at the shop with 3 of the Wags around 10 am tomorrow. The group of ladies who left here this afternoon was going off to get jerseys and t-shirts.
'Is this a dressy place?' No answer. '87 is this a dressy place?' I can't tell by what he is wearing. Nice jeans and a dress shirt. He could go anywhere. Where as I'm stuck with which dress to put on?
'Yeah, it's nice but not formal like last night. Wear what you've got on. It will be fine.' I have a plaid woolen jumper on with mock turtleneck under it for warmth. It is one of my school dresses. It is not a going out for dinner dress. I finally decide on a black skater dress that has black polka dot lace overlay that I ordered from Lulu's. I'll wear some black tights and my black dress boots. I tidy my hair back with my diamond headband, a colourful scarf around my neck and add a few of the bangles to my wrists.
'That looks nice.' 87 says as he comes around the corner. 'You ready to go?'
I smile up at him and think not really I think I'd rather just stay here with you but hey as long as I with him I don't care.
The restaurant is actually a pub that is full of people. It's very noisy. 87 waves across the room at a couple in a booth. He takes my hand and leads me through the crowd in the table were they are sitting. The two men greet each other with smiles and a handshake. I look between them and can see the friendship between them. I look to the girl sitting beside Mike. She's a plastic Barbie. You know the type. She looks a happy and friendly but her eyes belie that sentiment. They are hard and cold.
87 makes the introductions. I shake Mike's hand and smile at his warm greeting. Amy as she is called just says hi ya. This was such a difference from the Wags from warm welcome of yesterday I am a little stunned. I don't know what she expected but really I'm not here to steal her man. I'm here with 87.
Throughout the meal the noise of the pub makes conversation a little stilted but 87 and Mike keep us entertained with stories from their years of playing and practicing together. The waiter takes our order after asking me for ID. 87 evidently has showed Mike the DVD of my chicking the Pens because is asks me about some of the drills. Amy fonds over 87. She goes out of her way to touch him or make herself the center of his attention just the way we are sitting in the booth. Amy is across from 87 and I sit across from Mike. I'm not saying much but rather answering what questions I'm asked, listening to the conversation and watching the dynamics. When our meals arrive, Amy creates a fuss that her meal is not right. I couldn't hear what the problem is but she's definitely not happy. 87 leans in to me and asked me if my meal is what I ordered. Yes, I answered him. He's so close to me talking in my ear that I didn't even think I brush my nose under his chin. He smiles at me and kisses me on the nose. I glance at Amy. I knew I felt daggers. 87 cuts a small piece of his steak and puts it on my plate just like he did at Madrona. I didn't ask for it. I know if I don't want it I can just put it back on his plate. He won't mind.
Between finishing our meals and ordering dessert, Amy suggests that we girls go to the washroom. I don't have to go but don't want to make a fuss. I leave my purse with 87. I don't' trust this girl. In the bathroom, she totally ignores me and spends her time texting. She doesn't even use the toilet, wash her hands, or freshen her make up. I don't even know why we are there. I try talking to her but she just turns her back to me. That's when I head back to the table. This isn't going well. When Amy rejoins the table she is all gushy about us girls having our own night out on the town. Really? I mean really? I'll do it for 87 but not her. Dessert arrives at the table with coffees all round. 87 is now sitting with his back to the wall and his leg down the bench seat so he pulls me in on his lap. I have a spoon to taste his cheesecake but I'm happier with his show of affection. I lean my head against his shoulder and smile at Amy. Two can play at this game.
…
'We have 6 machines set up, and a couple of cutting boards. How many shirts have you come up with?' I am introducing Alice to group of Wags that have come out this Tuesday morning. 87 dropped me off at the shop on his way to practice. This morning Michele, Anne, Vero, Catherine, Brianne, Carol Lyne and I are going to tackle getting organized. We have to decide on a pattern for the throws and bags. It's great to be at the shop so we have a ready supply of materials to choose from.
'We split up after we left you yesterday and actually I think we did pretty well. I called Nathalie and she's going to drop by later with some older styled jersey's for different colour contrasts.' Anne Adams has two full bags in her hands and Vero Fleury has another one she is holding.
'Let's see what you've got and that will help us decided how to proceed.' Alice gestured for them to empty the bags on to the cutting table. She organizes them in to size and colour. They did well. We will have enough to do three throws and maybe a 6 bags. Now we just need time and ability. 'These are great ladies. Tylyn hold out the throw again. I promise not to look at it too closely as I know it's a gift. What do you ladies think? Do you want to mix the jersey's says do a grouping of the blue jerseys for one throw and the black and white jersey or do we just mix them all together?'
'Tylyn? What do you think? You made great choices for the throws and bags that we saw yesterday. I think you should decide.' Michele suggests. The other ladies support her so I put the jerseys into groups by their colours.
Alice then takes over organizing everyone to tasks; ironing, cutting, blocking, and mounting the pieces. I have pulled several bolts of material for the sashing and borders that I am trying decide between.
'How did your dinner go with Mike and Amy last night?' Vero stands beside me.
'It was okay. I like Mike he seems like a genuinely nice person.' I am trying to decide between a flat black material and one that has a fleck of white in it. 'It was hard to chat because the restaurant was so noisy.'
'Mike a good guy. He's just your average Canadian boy. He loves his hockey and is a good friend.' She says. What I hear is what she is not saying.
'Amy want's me to go our clubbing with her.' I was state what is bothering me.
'Do you want to go?'
'No, not really. I haven't ever been to many clubs before. I've always been too busy with sports, school and you know stuff to go out partying. I thought girls went to clubs to meet boys.' I don't see the point as I'm with the only boy I've ever been interested in.
'Do you like Amy?' Vero questions further.
'It's hard to tell as we didn't get much of a chance to talk.' I'm hedging while I remember the whole bathroom incident. 'But she doesn't seem like my kind of person.'
'Not a kindred spirit then?' I look at Vero as she says the words.
'No.' I smile. Even though the other wives and girlfriends are all different ages and from very different walks of life, I feel a connection with them. Like we have a shared experience.
'Does Sid know how you feel?' I shake my head. 'Tylyn, I have met Amy a couple of times. I think I know what you mean. She's calculating. There is something that just doesn't ring true with her. Don't go out with her unless you want to.'
'I think I should try to be friendly. Maybe I'm misinterpreting her signals. It was very noisy last night. 87 wants us all to be friends.' I'll try for him. I really will.
'I'll come with you if you like. Will that help? Maybe we can get a few of the girlfriends together and have a fun evening dancing just us girls?' She is sweet to try.
'Thanks but I'll be fine. I think she's planning for when the team is away next week.'
'Tylyn, we wags stick together. We've all experienced fans trying to damage our relationships. These are the fan girls who are in love with our guys. Sid has been the object of many a girls dream for years. You and Sid will have to work out how to deal with them. Ask any of these gals, they will tell you the same thing.' Vero has put her arm around my shoulder and is giving me a hug. 'Do me one huge favour? Don't' go on the Internet. It's just a vicious troll infested vacuum.'
'The Internet? Really?' She looks and sounds like she has experience.
'Oh the Internet is great for finding out information but just don't go on any chat sites. I'm sure 90% of people on them are just nice people but really the other 10% are nasty horrible trolls looking to cause trouble.' Vero is looking very sad and serious.
'Okay, I promise. Thank you for being so kind.' I hug her back.
…
'We've basically finished all four quilt tops and decided it was going to be too much work to piece to together the backs out of the t-shirts like mine are but rather have decided just to use a plain coordinating fabric for the back of each throw. They are going on to the long arms tomorrow to be quilted and we still have binding that have to be hand sewn on each. That takes lots of time. So tomorrow we are going to start on the 6 bags.' I am sitting between Emily Glass and Melissa Engelland in the WAGS section of the Consol Energy Center awaiting the Wednesday evening match up against the Tampa Bay Lightening. I have taken numerous pictures and sent them to Gerry. He keeps texting me. I don't know which one of us is more excited that I'm sitting in the arena.
'Here let me take your picture, Tylyn. Go stand there just down the stairs so I can get the logo at center ice in the shot.' Melissa takes my phone out of my hand and shoos me down the stairs.
I am wearing my home game black dress, white accents and gold jewelry. I can't help it I throw my arms open in a gesture of "see I'm here" and smile as big as I can. This draws attention from the fans seated just in front of me.
'Hey are you cappy's girl?' One of the guys calls out to me.
'Yes.' I say tentatively. Maybe I shouldn't have been so excited. That probably wasn't too cool.
'You know you're breaking hearts all over the city, doncha? We're not sorry we'll finally yet a chance with the randoms now. Hey Zach.' The guy looks like he has one too many beers already.
'Oh sit down you drunk. The warm up is just about over. The game is going to start soon. Hope you have a nice stay here in PIT. ' "Zach" hauls his friend back to his seat while I make a dash back to my seat in to the safety of the WAGS.
'Maybe I shouldn't have done that.' I say to Melissa as she shows me the photo. It looks exactly as I feel. Happy. I forward it on to Gerry.
'No, that was fine. They have season's tickets. Basically they are harmless. See those guards up there.' She points over her shoulder at two of the biggest, blackest, burliest men I've ever seen. 'Those two watch over us. Trust me you don't want to mess with them.' I give one a finger wave. He just nods and smiles at me.
It's weird being recognized by total strangers. I know that people must have seen the PenTv spot about the skating party on Sunday. The item has played several times on local TV newscasts but who would have thought that they would remember me.
'Alice says you're writing a children's story, Tylyn. Is that true?' Vero has turned in her seat to talk to me. Vero has a doctorate in special education so we have been talking about teaching techniques and experiences.
'Yes. It was for a writing class I took this autumn. My prof thinks I should expand it to be several stories. I have three stories finished and I working out the plot for a fourth.' I tell her shyly.
'Would you bring them tomorrow to the quilt shop? I'd love to see them.' I really like Vero she's like the older sister I never have had.
'Okay but their not much. I guess so.'
'Tylyn you amaze me. You are so multitalented and cute too.' Emily teases me.
The lights go out in the building and the announcer tells us to welcome our PITTSBURGH PENGUINS.
….
'I feel like I haven't seen you much this week.' 87 is at the wheel driving Rover as we have been invited to dinner at the Lemieux's house tonight. ' I know that the team has been busy with team building and charity events this week. I hope that you haven't been too bored.'
'I've been too busy to be bored. The sewing projects have kept me busy and visiting Morty every day. I feel like I haven't had time for you.' I stroke his hand resting on the gearshift. It lifts up and turns over to play with my fingers. He lifts both our hands to his lips and kisses my hand then rubs it against his cheek.
'The throws look great. The bags are so different from one and another. I love the stylized penguin that you drew for the front. He looks a bit like Iceburgh. Kinda a goofy but sweet.' The girls decided to make 4 bags similar to the ones that I have done. Then when they saw my Banty story they asked me to try drawing a penguin. I have tackled this a couple of times before so I was able to draw a cute droopy-eyed penguin with big yellow skates for feet. This image has been transposed and appliqued on two of the bags. Actually, they have now made 9 bags with more to be made next week. The extra bags are going to be gifts for various staff members.
'Hey was that the club?' I look around as the building goes by.
'Yes. Mario just lives up the road a ways. You're getting to know you're way around here eh.' He seems happy by the thought.
'A little bit. I think I can find the quilt shop, the hospital and the CEC. After that I'm still a bit lost. Maybe next week I'll get out exploring a bit more.' I basically have spent the week sewing and making soup for Morty.
'I'd like to do a bit of shopping tomorrow if you have some time. Maybe we could go out to Ross Mall and pick up a few items.' That's really public.
'Are you sure?' I ask.
'Yeah, I have few Christmas items to get. Don't want to go shopping?'
'Yes, I think that would be nice.' But really I'm wondering how it is all going to work out. I may have only been here not quite a week but everywhere 87 goes someone asks him for a picture or an autograph. Trying to go to the game on Wednesday took us 10 minutes to drive to the rink and 40 minutes for him to sign all the autographs. Fortunately for me, I brought my work out clothes and hit the gym for a long over due session with the weights and treadmill. 87 turns in a large property to our right. It looks like something out of a movie set. This place is huge.
'You lived here?' I ask.
'Yeah, for a few years when I first came to PIT. Nath and Mario have been like a second set of parents to me. Don't worry it's large but very down to earth when you get inside. Nathalie says it's only going to be us for dinner. I think that the girls come home either later tonight or on the weekend. You'll get to meet them later. I don't know where Austin is tonight.' 87 parks Rover next to a side door. 'Come they're nice people and the food is always good.'
The whole evening was en français even 87 stepped up his game. He was right the food was great and the evening was filled with lots of laughter. We finished our dinner and moved through to a family room for coffee and dessert. I help with the dishes in the kitchen.
'Tylyn, coffee? Sid says you drink tea.' Nathalie says.
'Mostly, I drink tea but everyone here seems to just drink coffee so I'm getting used to it.' I have brought the last of the dishes from the dinning room.
'So tea it is. And you had fun at the game on Wednesday?' she asks
'Yes I like sitting in the stands but you just can't see the whole game like sitting up above. I like watching the positional play. Mr Shero and I were texting back and forth all game. The fans are very knowledgeable about the game and loud.' I laugh.
'Wait until the playoffs start. That is when it's almost better to be are home watching it on TV. You should ask Ray to sit up with him. I think that he would like it. I know Ray respects your opinion.' Nathalie is making coffee and a small pot of tea.
'But I should be with the other girls in the stands don't you think showing support for the team.'
'Maybe from a fan point of view but the team and the wives know your up in the press box working your magic. I hear from both Mario and Ray about you giving helping hints in California. That didn't go unnoticed. I am amazed that they don't have you out on the ice at practice with the boys.' I watch her as she works and talks.
'I hear Billy Guerin and I are going to be on the ice with them for the Saturday morning skate and maybe the Monday practice before the road trip next week.' She is now cutting slices of an apple tarte.
'Be strong with them, Tylyn only do as much as you want. I know Mario is going to play against the other staff on Saturday before the game.' I have heard from several staff the any of them can play in a pick up game at CEC that happens around 1pm on game days. I would kill to play on the ice. 'Don't let these hockey nuts run you ragged. Enjoy your time here with Sid. I know he's really happy you're here. I can tell by the way he's playing.'
'I like being here with him but I know he worries about me. I don't want to take his attention away from his game.' I look at her to see if she knows what I'm saying. I don't want to be a distraction.
'If anything Tylyn, having you here helps him focus. He knows where you are. The fan attention hasn't always been easy. But I think Sid is realizing that having a girlfriend can be a support.' She hands me some plates to carry through. 'Being a WAG is as much as being a girlfriend as it is about being a team player. The Penguins are a tight knit family so if you have any doubt as to what to do. Just think of it as, would your family be proud of your choice. You represent the Penguin organization everywhere you go. If you have any doubts please call any one of us WAGS. But so far, I think you're doing it beautifully.'
