A/N Thanks to everyone who has reviewed the last chapter..you guys are awesome! I want to give a special thanks to H6p8gv for the great hockey scene he came up with (which appears later in the chapter) especially since I'm not very knowledgeable about hockey and for all of the help he gives, without him I sometimes wonder what would happen to this story....I hope that you enjoy...
5.
Happier Times Again
Tracy and Link walked hand in hand to the park. Link pushed Robby's stroller. Robby was looking from side to side the entire way. Tracy held onto Jim's leash with her free hand.
"bwird," he said pointing to a robin.
Tracy looked down and smiled. "Yes sweetie that's a bird."
Robby then pointed next to him "Jim."
Jim wagged as he heard his name. He moved closer to Robby and licked his face. Robby giggled.
They found an empty bench and Link turned Robby so he was facing them.
"Mama," he said smiling at Tracy. Tracy smiled back at him.
Link looked to Robby. "Hey Robby, can you say dada?"
Robby looked at him for a moment. "Dada."
Link had a wide grin. "Way to go Robby.
Robby reached out to him and Link placed him on his lap.
Tracy looked to Robby and Link. "What did I miss?" She apparently was looking elsewhere before that moment.
"He just said dada," Link told her.
Tracy grinned and reached for Robby. Link handed him to her and she sat him on her lap.
"Way to go Robby!"
Robby giggled and smiled. "Dada," he repeated.
He looked at Link when he said it. He then looked at Tracy. "Mama."
Tracy looked to Link as Robby grabbed some of her brown locks in his hand. He smiled and kissed her cheek.
"Robby's first birthday is coming up soon," she told him.
"Are you going to give him a party?"
"Yes with Penny and Amber's help of course."
He smiled. "Of course."
"And yours too if you want. I also would like Heather and Eric to come to the party."
He brushed his lips over hers. "I'd like to help and I'm sure my parents will be thrilled to come."
Tracy felt dizzy but a small bark woke her up. Jim was watching a squirrel climb a tree nearby. He seemed to want to chase it but the leash hindered that ability.
"Jim, no chasing squirrels," Tracy told him. He whined but sat back down by her feet.
During the next week Penny, Edna, Amber, Link, Wilbur, Heather and Eric helped Tracy plan Robby's first birthday. Link and Tracy had told his parents about it and they insisted on helping out. One day Tracy took her mom aside leading her into the kitchen.
"Ma, do you mind if you only baby sat Robby every other day because Mrs. Larkin wants to baby sit him too."
"Not at all hun but why'd you have to pull me aside?"
"It's quieter here in the kitchen." Tracy left to go tell Heather of the good news.
When the day arrived everything was in place. That morning Tracy walked into Robby's room. He was already awake looking around at all of his toys. Jim followed her in.
"Happy birthday Robby!" Tracy said as she reached the crib.
"Mama tank you."
"You're such a big boy now," Tracy cooed as she picked him up and walked over to the rocking chair.
Robby looked around. "Auntie Penny, Auntie Amber?" he asked.
"They are downstairs sweetie."
"Grandma and Grandpa?"
"Coming over later."
"Dada?"
"He'll be over soon Robby. He smiled at those answers.
Jim moved so that he was close to Robby then licked his face. Robby smiled and laughed.
"Jim!" Tracy exclaimed. Jim looked at Tracy then licked her hand. Wiping her hand on her bathrobe she stood with Robby securely in her arms. She walked downstairs with Jim following.
"Happy birthday Robby!" Penny and Amber said in unison.
Robby smiled and reached out to them. Penny took him.
"Tank you Auntie Penny and Auntie Amber," he said.
"You're welcome sweetie," Amber said as Penny kissed his forehead.
Everyone including Jim ate breakfast. Penny made pancakes and sausages. Robby's pancakes were cut so small so he could chew.
Later that morning Link, Edna and Wilbur arrived. Link kissed Tracy's lips then ruffled Robby's hair.
Robby's smile widened as he reached out to him. "Dada!"
Link took him in his arms. "Happy birthday Robster." That was a new nickname Link had recently given him.
"Tank you."
"Where is the birthday boy?" Edna asked.
"Here grandma," Robby said.
"Ooo I can't believe you're one!" she exclaimed.
"There's the big guy!" Wilbur said. Robby reached out to them and both Edna and Wilbur held him.
Heather and Eric arrived soon after. Amber took Jim out in the kitchen and a few minutes later he came running into the living room with a blue plastic hat that said "Happy Birthday" on it. They helped with the decorations after holding Robby in their arms. Corny and the other council members arrived a little over an hour later and the birthday party begun. At seeing the influx of people at his party Robby snuggled close to Edna who was holding him. Noreen and Doreen saw Link and looked at each other.
Noreen walked over to Tracy. "What is Link doing here? I thought he dumped you."
Tracy nodded. "He did, but he called about a month ago and asked me to dinner. At dinner he asked me to be his girlfriend again."
"So is everything as it was?" Doreen asked. She was next to her sister.
Tracy smiled and looked to Link. He saw her and smiled. "It's much better."
Edna had made chocolate cake with white frosting that said "Happy Birthday Robby" on it. Tracy and Penny cooked burgers and fries for everyone. Tracy cut a burger into small pieces to feed Robby and Penny made an extra patty for Jim. She had given him a few fries as well. When it was time for cake Amber brought it out with one candle in the middle.
"Make a wish Robby," Penny told him.
Robby looked around his chocolate orbs falling on his parents. He smiled and Tracy and Link helped him blow out the candle. Amber cut a small piece for Robby. Tracy had put him in a high chair and was about to feed him a piece when he grabbed a bit of cake and mashed in between his hands. Link made the mistake of getting close to his hands. Robby smeared chocolate cake on his cheeks and lips.
Tracy laughed. "Well that's what you get for leaning too close to Robby."
Link frowned then kissed her.
"Link!" she shouted laughing. He laughed before capturing her lips again. Robby smiled and clapped his hands.
After cleaning off Robby and their own faces Tracy and Link got him to eat some of his cake, They ate their own pieces as well. Once everyone ate it was time for presents. Tracy and Link decided to help Robby with opening them. The first package they picked up contained a new truck and some shirts and pants from Heather and Eric. Links present was next. Robby smiled as Link handed him a stuffed dog that looked just like Jim. Wilbur and Edna handed Link their gift and he opened it for Robby. It was a huge teddy bear that looked like the one currently by his side. Tracy opened a package and showed Robby her gift. It was a picture of his handprints and foot prints. Above it read "A Precious Moment in Time" and she handed him a dump truck. Penny and Seaweed gave him his first toy record player with a few records that played children's music. Inez gave him a special record with Link and Tracy singing on it. Maybelle gave him new shirts and pants. Amber gave him a beautiful blue blanket with bears dancing around his initials. The others gave him toys like building blocks and gift coupons so that Tracy could buy him anything that he needed. Jim happily ran around the discarded paper barking. His birthday hat slumped off of his head slightly so Penny grabbed him and fixed it. He licked her hand before running around again.
A week later Link saw an ad in the newspaper for the Baltimore Bobcat hockey team. They were going to be in town playing Boston.
"Want to go to the game?" Link asked.
"I've never been to a hockey game before," she answered.
"Never?"
She shook her head.
He grinned. "Then you have truly been deprived."
"I didn't know you liked hockey."
He shrugged. "I started watching it with my dad when I was younger. Then I didn't as much when I was working on the show. But in California I started to watch more and more games."
A small shadow crossed Tracy's eyes before she smiled up at him. "Let's go!"
Link smiled. "He dialed the number and got two tickets."
The day before the game Tracy was kissing Link. "How will I know what's going on tomorrow at the game?"
Link kissed her cheek then neck making her giggle. Pleased by the sound he brushed his lips across hers. "I'll explain everything that's happening."
The next day he picked her up. "You'd better take a coat or sweater to the game because they keep the hockey arena cold."
"Will do." She kissed him before running upstairs. She came back with a light blue sweater.
They played with Robby for a few minutes before Edna arrived to baby-sit. Penny had plans with Seaweed and Amber had a date with Corny. He held the door open and let her pass outside first. She took his hand and he placed a gentle kiss on her palm before escorting her to his car where he again opened the door for her. She smiled and kissed him lightly before sliding in the seat. He walked over to the driver's side and got in. He drove them to the arena. He opened her door and helped her out before taking her hand again. Others walked by them eager to get to their seats. After handing the guy at the door their tickets they headed inside. There was a small stand with t-shirts and hats on it. The vendor was also selling programs. Tracy noticed a blue hat, the same color as the sweater she was holding on to.
Link saw her and grinned. "Why don't you try the blue hat on?"
Tracy smiled. "Alright." She placed the hat atop her head.
"You look cute in it."
Tracy pulled a mirror out of her purse and looked into it. "I know."
Link grinned. "Want me to get it for you?"
She looked to him. "Please."
He took out his wallet and paid the vendor. "Then I will. Let's head to our seats."
Tracy nodded and took his hand as she followed him to a pair of seats that had a great view of the ice.
Tracy looked around. "We have great seats."
Link nodded. "I know. There are three 20 minute periods with a 17 minute intermission between one and two."
Tracy nodded as she looked at the scoreboard. "Alright." She put her sweater on. It was indeed cold.
A couple minutes later the announcer's voice came over the speakers. "Welcome to this evenings game between the Boston Bulldogs and your Baltimore Bobcats. You are in for a very exciting evening because there's always been a rivalry between these two teams."
A couple players were in the middle of the ice along with the ref. The ref dropped the puck and the game began.
"Hart passes to Bates, he shoots he scores!" the announcer said.
Everyone cheered.
Tracy turned to Link. "Linky what just happened?"
Link smiled. "We scored a goal."
Tracy smiled. "Go Baltimore!"
The game started again and Hunter high sticks Edwards. The ref blew his whistle.
"What happened?" Tracy inquired.
"They got a penalty so the player sits in the penalty box for two minutes."
A man in front of them turned his had, anger brimmed in his eyes. "Look I'm trying to concentrate on the game and would appreciate it if you'd keep your mouths shut."
Link looked at the man. "Sorry this is the first hockey game my girlfriend has been to and I promised her that I'd explain everything."
At that moment the whistle blew. "At the end of the first period the score is Boston 0 and Baltimore 2," the announcer said.
Link saw that Tracy was rubbing her hands together. He took hers in his to warm them up. Tracy grinned as she captured his lips in thanks.
Once they parted Link looked to the door. "I'm going to get a beer and some dinner. Would you like anything?"
Tracy nodded. "Yes a beer and some dinner."
Link thought for a moment. "I know the perfect thing."
He kissed her then stood and exited. A few minutes later he reentered with two beers, two chilidogs and two orders of cheese fries. He handed one of each to Tracy.
She looked at all the food in her hands. "What did you get me?"
"A chilidog and an order of cheese fries."
Tracy licked her lips. "Yum." Link couldn't resist the temptation and seized her lips in a deep kiss. The guy next to them coughed and they parted.
"You'll love them. I remember my dad and I would get them every time we'd go to a game and knew you'd love them to," he said smiling. He placed his beer down and bit down on the chilidog. Tracy did the same.
Her eyes lit up. "The chilidog is delicious!"
Link chuckled happily. "Try the fries."
She took a couple fries and ate them. "They are delicious too."
Link smiled and they booth drank some beer. The game started again as they did so.
The announcer came over the speakers again. "Bates passes to Horn, he shoots he scores!"
"Go Baltimore!" Tracy shouted.
Suddenly the puck is shot into the crowd and a few people fight for it including Link. Link sat up with it in his palm. He handed it to Tracy.
"Here you go gorgeous."
Tracy looked at the puck then at Link. "Are you sure you don't want it?
Link nodded. "I'm sure. My dad already got one for me."
"He did?"
Link nodded again. "When I was seven."
Tracy took it and turned it in her hand. She leaned over and brushed her lips over his.
The announcer came over the speaker again. "At the end of the second period the score is Boston 0, and Baltimore 4."
"Linky can you show me where the bathroom is?"
"Absolutely."
The stood and he took her hand. He then led her to where the bathrooms were.
"Will you wait for me?" she asked.
"I need to use the bathroom too so I'll meet you out here."
"Alright."
They headed into the bathroom. Tracy walked back out several minutes later finding that she was the first out. She looked around the building as she waited for Link. Link walked out of the bathroom and immediately saw Tracy, her back towards him. He snuck up behind her and kissed her neck making her jump then giggle. She turned to him.
"Linky you scared me."
"Sorry Trace, I couldn't resist. Your neck was longing to be kissed."
Tracy giggled again before kissing him.
"Let's head back to our seats doll."
Tracy nodded as she took his hand again. "I want a coke first."
"Alright. I can use one too," he said leading her to the soda stand.
Tracy took her hand out of his so she could grab her wallet. "The coke is my treat."
Link grinned knowing not to argue with her. "Alright."
They got to the head of the line and ordered two cokes. Link held them as they returned to their seats.
The announcer spoke again. "For the third period Sloop replaces Evens in goal for Boston."
The game then started again.
"Rodgers checks Avery. Those two are going to go at it," the announcer told them.
Tracy grinned. "How cute those guys are hugging."
"Actually Trace they are fighting. Those two had some heated words for each other at the end of the last game so I guess some feelings die hard."
Tracy glanced down at her coke bottle. "I guess they do."
The game started again.
"Hunter checks Hart into the boards. He isn't getting up. Avery wants a piece of Hunter. Lemux wants a piece of Horn, this could turn ugly," the announcer said.
"Now Savard wants a piece of Sloop. And the benches clear. And now Rodgers leaves the penalty box and heads over to Avery. Those two are going at it again." He added.
Tracy watched as the player got checked into the boards is carried off the ice, horror in her eyes. She looked to Link for an explanation for the player being injured but stopped as she sees the other Baltimore players who are off the ice get on and a huge brawl erupts.
Link chuckled at her expression. She looked at him confused. "These teams are rivals so that guy probably thought that he checked his teammate into the boards on purpose. And the other guys from the benches and the goalies saw the Boston player push their other teammate after injuring Hart so they decided to help defend their teammates honor."
Tracy shook her head. "Don't they know fighting won't get them anywhere?"
Link shrugged. "I guess not. It gets their anger and rage out of them though."
"Yeah until the next fight."
The brawl finally ends and several players have black eyes and bloodied faces.
The announcer's voice came over the speakers. "And the game is over with the score Boston 0 and Baltimore 6."
Link turned to Tracy. "How'd you enjoy your first hockey game?"
"I loved it except for the fight."
"Sorry Trace."
Tracy took his hand and looked at him. "Don't be. I'd like to come to another one sometime."
Link grinned. "I'll find a nice clean game to bring you to."
Tracy nodded. "Please do."
Link led her to the car and opened the door for her. She kissed his cheek and slid in. He then closed the door and walked over to the driver's side. He drove her back to the house. Walking inside they found Robby playing with his new dump truck and Edna sitting on the couch.
"How was the game?" she asked them.
"It was great until they started fighting," Tracy answered.
Edna frowned. "Oh I saw that. We also saw Link get the puck."
Tracy took Robby up into her arms. "Mama," he said.
"Hi Robby did you miss us?"
"Hey Robster," Link said ruffling his hair.
"Mama, dada you look cold at game."
Tracy kissed his forehead. "It was cold sweetie but I hardly noticed." She gave Link a sly look and he smiled.
"Play with me?" Robby asked. Tracy nodded and sat him down by his truck. She sat down next to him and Link sat on the other side as they found blocks and small objects to put in the dump truck. Robby then made a small sound meant to imitate the trucks and pushed it across the floor and dumped the objects by the playpen. He then returned for more objects.
TBC....