Jenny: Well, it's a good thing Jack redeemed himself, lol. Hope you like this chapter too and thanks for the review!
Meadow567: Wow, I didn't even realize that until you pointed it out. I completely forgot Maddie's middle name was Alyssa. It's not my favorite name either, lol. And just a little sidenote, Alyssa name was going to be Melissa, but since then Maddie and Melissa are both M names, I didn't want to do that. It was then Alyssa because I had the whole 'Lyssa' thing. Anyway, thanks for both reviews and as you'll see I actually am skipping ahead a little bit. Enjoy the chapter!
Nelliebly413672: Yes, Alyssa's definitely gone, lol. And maybe I could put Kelly in it a little more. I'm sure I can fit her in somewhere. And I'm also glad you're not holding Maddie's comment against her. ) Thanks for the massive review, lol, and I hope you like the chapter!
A/N: Hope everyone likes this chapter and thanks again for the reviews! I forgot to say this in my last chapter, but the idea that Alyssa went to Boston College and Maddie hating BC was thanks to nelliebly413672. She told me that BU and BC are big rivals. If you haven't read her story, Times Like These, you should. It's really good. Anyway, hope everyone enjoys the chapter. And for all of the Mac/Laura fans out there...hopefully you like their cute scenes.
Chapter 27
January 21, 1980
Jack woke up that morning to hear Izzy already awake and making noises in her crib. Maddie and him both got up and Maddie went over and sat on the couch as Jack walked over to Izzy's crib and leaned over the bar. "Hey Izzy," Jack said, smiling at Izzy, then giving her a kiss. "How are you this morning?"
Izzy kicked her legs a little in response, and was trying to move around. Jack picked her up out of the crib and brought her over to the couch where Maddie was sitting.
"Did I ever tell you that we made a beautiful baby?" Jack asked Maddie.
"Just once or twice," Maddie said, even though they both knew it was a lot more. Jack gave a quick kiss on the lips. "I can't believe she's already four weeks old."
"Me either. Time flies," Jack responded.
Jack laid Izzy on the couch, between him and Maddie and started playing with her. Maddie directed her attention to the news on TV. Jack was just being funny, talking to Izzy and making funny faces, when she smiled a little.
"Maddie, look! Izzy's smiling!" Jack said, smiling back at her.
"Honey, it's probably just gas," Maddie said, not paying much attention and repeating what she had told Jack for the past four weeks.
"No, Maddie, look!" Jack said, making another funny face, causing Izzy to smile again.
"Oh my God! She is smiling," Maddie said, now also smiling. Jack and Maddie kept encouraging Izzy to smile for the next several minutes while they did funny things, making fools out of themselves. Someone knocked at the door, interrupting their fun and Maddie went to answer it. It was Silky and he wanted to talk to Jack. Maddie let him in and Silky started laughing when he saw Jack.
"What are you doing?" he asked, and Jack looked up.
"Oh. Hey Silk. What's up?"
"You are very strange."
"I'm just playing with Izzy."
"You're still weird."
"What do you want, Silk?"
"I just wanted to see if I could borrow some milk. I ran out."
"Sure. It's in the fridge. Help yourself." Silky took the milk jug out of the refrigerator and started walking toward the door.
"You're taking the whole thing?" Maddie asked.
"Yeah. I need it for breakfast. I have cereal, but no milk."
"Will you bring the rest back?"
"If there's any left."
"Wait. Let me get some now then. I haven't eaten yet, and I need some."
"Why can't you just have toast or something that doesn't use milk?"
"Because I want cereal."
"Okay, hurry up. Take some milk," Silky said, handing Maddie the milk.
Maddie poured a glass and then handed it to Silky.
"What's this?" he asked, confused.
"You wanted milk. Here it is."
"You take the glass. I'll take the carton."
"No, you'll take the glass. It's my milk."
"Jack, Maddie won't let me have the milk," Silky said, wanting Jack to intervene. He hadn't been listening to their little dispute over the milk because he was still trying to make Isabelle smile.
"Maddie, can he please have the milk?"
"I'm giving him a glass. Isn't that enough for one bowl of cereal?"
"What if I have two or three bowls?"
"Then come get more. It's our milk and if I give it to you, I won't see the rest. I need it too."
"Maddie's right. Silk, take the glass. You can always come back for more. Or maybe just bring your cereal down if you don't want to keep coming back."
"So you're siding with her?" Silky asked in disbelief.
"Yeah."
"Fine," Silky said, taking the glass and leaving the room.
"He still likes to give you a hard time, doesn't he?" Jack asked Maddie.
"Yeah, but he's a lot better now," Maddie said. "And now that we still have milk, we might as well have breakfast." Izzy started crying then, and Maddie knew she was hungry too. "And we'll get you breakfast too," Maddie said, picking up Izzy and kissing her head.
February 5, 1980
Maddie woke up that morning as she usually did, to see Jack already awake and looking at her.
"Good morning," she said happily.
"Morning," Jack said as he kissed the top of her head.
"Do you know what today is?"
"Tuesday?" Jack questioned, although he knew exactly why Maddie was asking.
"Six weeks since Izzy was born!"
"I know. How am I ever going to make it through practice today?"
"I don't know. Like any other day?"
"But the anticipation and waiting is killing me," Jack groaned.
"Only like twelve hours or so left of waiting."
"Twelve hours until dinner," Jack reminded her.
"Who said we have to eat?"
"Me. I'll be hungry after a long day of practice."
"Well, that's your problem then," Maddie teased him. Jack and Maddie heard Izzy awake then, making little sounds. They waited a few minutes to get her, because she wasn't crying or anything. Once they were all up and ate breakfast, the three left for the hockey rink.
After practice, Maddie went back to her room to get ready for her and Jack's date. He was taking her to a nice restaurant and then they were coming back to be alone for a while. Laura and Robbie offered to watch Izzy for the night.
Maddie was so excited to have a night out with Jack. They hadn't been alone since Izzy was born, and they really needed it. Especially because Maddie knew Jack would be really stressed out in the coming weeks when the games started. Jack got back to the room a little later, just in time too, because Izzy decided she wanted attention and Maddie was still getting ready. Once Maddie was ready, she offered to take Izzy off Jack's hands and down to Robbie's room.
"Don't let her spit up on you," Jack warned, handing Maddie the baby. Last time Maddie had just changed into her favorite sweater and then picked up Izzy, who almost immediately spit up. Luckily the sweater wasn't ruined, but still. If Izzy spit up on Maddie's dress, her hour spent getting ready would have been totally wasted.
"Yeah, you better hope she doesn't, because 'm not changing. And I won't go out with spit up on me either. You'll be out of luck for dinner."
"We'd have to go straight to dessert," Jack said, in a suggestive tone that made Maddie blush a little.
"I'll be back," she said, picking up Izzy's diaper bag so she could take the baby down the hall.
Maddie knocked on the door and a minute later, Robbie answered.
"Hey Maddie. Come on in. Laura will be back in a minute. She just ran downstairs to get food. You look very nice by the way."
"Thank you," Maddie said, walking in and setting the diaper bag, fold up playpen, and carrier down. Maddie started pulling things out of the diaper bag, including a few changes of clothes, lots of diapers and baby wipes, two bottles and a bunch of containers of milk, and other little baby things.
"Is she staying here for a week?" Robbie asked joking, wondering how much stuff a baby actually needed for one night.
Maddie explained what everything was for, and how to warm the milk and didn't seem to forget anything. When she was ready to leave, Laura still wasn't there.
"You can go, I'll make sure Laura knows everything you just told me."
"I can stay a few minutes. Jack's still getting ready anyway."
"Maddie, trust me. Izzy will be fine. Go enjoy yourself tonight," Robbie said, sensing that Maddie was a little nervous about leaving the baby.
"Okay," Maddie said, getting up and heading towards the door. After kissing Izzy good-bye several times and reminding Robbie things repeatedly, Maddie left. Robbie walked over to Izzy's carrier and just looked at the baby for a few minutes, with Izzy staring back. Robbie had no idea what to do with her, so he just kept looking at her, hoping she wouldn't do anything until Laura got back. Luckily, just as Izzy got bored of sitting in her carrier, and began crying, Laura was back and picked her up. As Laura talked to the baby in a comforting tone, Izzy immediately stopped crying. Robbie smiled in amazement at the natural motherly instinct his girlfriend had.
"What?" Laura asked, noticing Robbie's smile.
"Nothing. It's just that you're really good with her," Robbie said, walking over to Laura and wrapped an arm around her waist as he kissed her. Laura smiled back and continued to talk to Izzy.
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Jack and Maddie had a really nice dinner, and they enjoyed being alone without an interruption from the baby or even worse, someone on the team.
"I can't believe the Olympics are a week away," Maddie said during dinner.
"I know. And speaking of which, we have a few things to talk about."
"Like what?" Maddie asked.
"What's happening when they're over," Jack said.
"Well, for starters, we're getting married."
"That's not exactly what I'm talking about," Jack started. Maddie now realized there was something else going on. "I got a call today. From Bob Pulford."
"The GM of the Blackhawks?"
"Yeah. He wants to talk to me about playing after the Olympics are over."
"Oh my God! That's amazing," Maddie said, then noticed that Jack didn't look nearly as happy. "What's wrong? Aren't you happy about this?"
"Well, I don't know. I mean, I probably won't be playing in Chicago right away. They'll probably have me play for their minor league affiliate. And we won't be living in Boston."
"We're not living in Boston right now."
"I know. But do you want to move to Chicago or even somewhere else?"
"Jack, this is an amazing opportunity. You'll be playing in the NHL. This is your dream. You have to do this."
"So you're okay with it?" Jack asked. "Because I'll have to travel and I won't be home all the time."
"Jack, I love you. Of course I'm okay with this."
"Okay," Jack said, now smiling. "As long as you're sure. I won't do this if you don't want me to."
"Jack, I'll support you with anything you want to do. You know that."
"I know, but with Izzy and having a family, I know a hockey career isn't easy. I mean, what if I play for a year and get traded and we have to move?"
"Then we'll move," Maddie responded automatically. Maddie reached across the table and took Jack's hand. "Jack, I'll move anywhere if it means being with you."
"Okay. Then I'll do it. I'll say yes," Jack said, very excited. Maddie was excited as well.
"Well, we better finish dinner fast. We have a lot to celebrate tonight," Maddie said.
The two continued eating and talking about almost everything. Jack mentally kicked himself when he brought up Isabelle though. He knew what conversation was going to begin now. Maddie would want to call and make sure Izzy was okay and go on and on about how she felt bad leaving her. Jack was right.
"Maybe we should call Laura and Mac. Just to make sure everything's okay."
"Maddie, I'm sure everything is fine."
"What if something happened though? What if Izzy is crying and they can't get her to stop? What if she-"
Jack cut her off. "Maddie, Izzy's fine. Laura is really good with her. I don't know about Mac, but I know Laura is fine."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Maybe we could just check in when we get back."
"Maddie, they're fine. Trust me." Maddie looked at Jack with uncertainty, but finally agreed.
By the time Jack and Maddie made it back to their room, Maddie forgot all about her worries about Isabelle. They began kissing as soon as the door was closed and minutes later, their clothes were left in a pile on the floor and their six week long wait was over.
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In the meantime, Laura and Mac were finding out a lot about each other while watching Isabelle. Mac found out how much Laura loved babies and wanted kids someday. Laura found out that Mac was a lot funnier than she thought. He was constantly being funny around the baby, but occasionally made her cry instead of laugh.
"Robbie, stop it," Laura said, laughing because he made Izzy cry again. "Izzy's getting annoyed." Laura picked Izzy up and started talking to her. "It's okay. I know, Uncle Robbie is weird. Don't cry." Izzy stopped crying as Laura continued talking to her.
A little while later, Laura changed Izzy into her pajamas and Robbie heated a bottle for her. Laura noticed Robbie trying to check the temperature, but he was having no luck.
"Rob, tip it and put a few drops on your wrist." Robbie listened to Laura, but even after feeling the milk, it didn't really mean anything to him. "Is it warm?" Laura asked. Robbie just shrugged.
"I guess. It's not hot."
"Well, just make sure it's not too cold."
"Why don't you check it?" Laura took the bottle and realized it was still too cold. She handed it back to Robbie and told him to warm it a bit more.
"You're so cute," Laura said, as she held Izzy. She got a little smile from the baby. "Yes you are," she continued, talking in a baby voice. Robbie walked over and gave Laura a kiss.
"She likes you," Robbie said.
"Yeah. And I like her," Laura said, still smiling at the baby.
"You're gonna make a great mom someday, Laur," said Robbie, who then seemed to get lost in thought. Laura looked over at Robbie and smiled now, wondering exactly what he was thinking.
After Laura and Robbie took turns feeding the baby, Laura burped her and put her in the fold up playpen Maddie brought. Robbie walked over to Laura and standing behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist. He began kissing the side of her neck then, and Laura turned around and stopped him.
"Robbie, we can't do this with the baby here."
"Why not? It's not like she knows what's going on," Robbie said with a smirk.
"Still. We have to at least wait until she's asleep."
"Okay, fine," Robbie said.
A few minutes later, Robbie and Laura were watching tv on the bed and Robbie looked over at the playpen and noticed that Izzy was fast asleep.
"She's asleep," Robbie said, smiling at Laura. Laura rolled her eyes and sighed.
"Guys. They only think about one thing." Robbie just laughed.
Laura ended up making Robbie wait until Izzy left to do anything. A little after
midnight, Jack and Maddie came to pick up Isabelle and Robbie and Laura were then left alone to finish what Robbie tried to start earlier.
February 8, 1980
That Friday night, the guys loaded up the bus to go to New York. They were playing the Soviets the following night in a much anticipated game at Madison Square Gardens. Since the team was not coming back to Minnesota again, the bus was full of everything the guys had brought with them.
Gail and Laura were both there, waiting to see the guys off.
"Good luck Buzz," Gail told her husband, kissing him. "I'll see you in a few days."
"Love you, Gail. See you Tuesday," Buzz said before getting on the bus. As Gail and Buzz said their goodbyes, Robbie and Laura did too.
"Bye Robbie," Laura said, giving him a big hug. Robbie hugged her back, then kissed her.
"I'll miss you, baby. See you in a few days."
"Okay. Good luck tomorrow night. Call me and let me know how it goes."
"I will. I love you, Laura."
"Love you too," Laura said back, giving Robbie another kiss.
"Oh, how cute. It's like a little love fest," Silky said sarcastically as he boarded the bus, seeing the two sets of couples say good-bye.
"You're just jealous," Robbie commented.
"Oh yeah, real jealous," Silky said, again in a sarcastic tone.
Laura and Gail waved good-bye as the bus pulled away. They were both flying to Lake Placid on Tuesday, just before the opening ceremonies.
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February 9, 1980
The guys were all very nervous for the game that night, although most tried to hide it. Maddie kept asking Jack if he was nervous, but he insisted he wasn't at all. The team spent most of the day at the rink, getting ready for the game. They had a morning skate at ten, and then they all went out to lunch. Instead of going to lunch with the guys, Maddie went to meet her parents and sister. The three of them were all coming to the games, but they were driving so they decided to take a few day trip to New York first. Maddie's dad got two tickets to that night's game, so him and Rachel were going to be there. Maddie's mom had offered to take Isabelle, so Maddie would have one less thing to worry about during the game.
Ever since the baby was born, Maddie had been a lot closer to her family. She talked to them at least three times a week, and she was starting to miss them, so she was very excited to see them that afternoon. After lunch with her parents, Maddie left Izzy with them and went back to the arena. When she walked in the locker room, the guys all had the same question.
"Where's Izzy?" Mac and Rammer asked.
"With my parents."
"Is she coming to the game?" Phil asked.
"No. My mom's watching her."
"Maddie! Why aren't you bringing her?" Bah asked.
"She has to be here," said Rammer.
"Sorry," Maddie said in response. She knew the guys would be disappointed that the baby wasn't coming. The last couple games the guys played, Izzy was at, and they won by a lot each time. Some of the guys started calling her their good luck charm.
"She better be coming to the Olympic games."
"She is," Maddie said in response.
At seven, the guys were all lined up for the national anthem. As it played, Maddie snuck glances in the guys direction. Most looked really nervous, and that became even more apparent after the first line was getting ready for the face off. Maddie thought Mark looked terrified, and in general, all the guys seemed pretty intimidated.
Right from the start, Maddie knew the guys were no match for the Soviets. They were getting hit hard and the Soviets knocked a lot of the guys down. Within the first few minutes, the Soviets had a breakaway and they were against Jack, two on one.
"Come on, Jack," Maddie said. He wasn't paying attention to the pass and the Soviets went back door and scored. Maddie sighed, and knew this would be a long game if things continued this way.
Right after the goal, one of the Soviet players bumped into Jack and Maddie thought, You're messing with the wrong guy. Then Jack started to go after him, and Maddie thought, Oh no, here we go. Don't get in a fight this earlier in the game Jack. Luckily, the refs broke it up before anyone got carried away.
After the first goal, the game progressively seemed to get worse. The guys were getting really frustrated, especially Jack. He started playing carelessly and was put in the box for roughing. Maddie didn't think things would get much worse when Jack got hit shortly after coming out of the box. At first, no one thought anything of it because everyone was getting hit, but when Jack didn't get back up, Maddie knew something was wrong.
"Oh my God, what's wrong with Jack? Why isn't he getting up?" Maddie wondered out loud. It seemed like minutes went by as Jack lay on the ice, even though it was actually only seconds. Please get up, Maddie prayed silently.
Jack finally did get up, slowly, but he signaled for a sub and limped off the ice.
"Are you okay?" Maddie asked, rushing to Jack's side as he got on the bench.
"Get Doc," Jack told her. He really didn't want Maddie to have to take care of him, cause she would only get more worried, and Jack could tell it was bad.
"Jack, I can help. I'm a trainer, remember?" Maddie said.
"Just get Doc," Jack said, sounding somewhat annoyed. Doc was there almost right away, and started to help Jack up to get him to the locker room, and Maddie went to follow.
"Stay here," Jack told her.
"I want to make sure you're okay."
"Just stay here, Maddie," Jack said. Before he realized he was being a little nasty and that Maddie was only trying to help, he was already on his way to the locker room.
For the rest of the game, Maddie worried about Jack, and couldn't focus on the game. She knew he was far from okay. Maddie was also upset because he seemed to be taking things out on her. She always knew he had a temper, but this was different. He must really be in a lot of pain, Maddie thought.
The Soviets were now up 10-3, and Maddie figured the game was pretty much over. There were only two minutes left. She counted down the seconds as soon as the buzzer sounded, Maddie got up and ran into the locker room. She stopped when she got to the door before going in. Jack was lying on the table with his knee propped up a bit, and his hands were behind his head. Maddie walked in quietly and over to the table, almost afraid to find out what was going on. Maddie's heart broke when she saw his face. Jack was crying, and didn't even notice Maddie was there right away, because his eyes were closed. Maddie never really saw Jack cry, and he never cried from pain, so Maddie knew it was bad. He looked up at her then, but didn't say anything.
"Hey," Maddie said softly. "How are you feeling?"
"My knee hurts like Hell." Maddie walked closer to him and rubbed his arm. She even started getting teary eyed from the pain that she saw in him.
"You'll be okay," Maddie said trying to reassure him.
"Then why are you crying?" Jack asked, in an attempt to lighten the situation a bit. Maddie didn't answer but wiped her face with her hand. "I'm sorry about before," Jack said after a minute of silence. "I know you were only trying to help."
"It's okay."
"No, it's not. I should have let you help Doc, and I shouldn't have treated you like that."
"It's okay. I understand."
"I just thought you'd get all worried about me. I was worried enough myself. I didn't need two people back here being worried. See, Doc's won't show that he's worried, even if he is. At least, not until he leaves the room."
"Well, you were right. I was worried. It was awful waiting for the game to end."
"My knee hurts so much," Jack said, wincing from the pain. "I won't be able to play, will I?"
"You'll be okay, Jack," Maddie said, lightly patted and rubbed his shoulder as Jack laid back down again. They were waiting for Herb to come in to see what they were going to do. A few minutes went by and Jack sat in silence, still crying somewhat. Herb walked in the room, and told Jack that Doc was going to take him to the hospital to get x-rays of his knee. Maddie was going to go along, and just prayed that everything would be okay.
A/N: You know what to do now. Hit that little button and review!