\\.::TwentyOne::.//

When we were leaving dinner, there was about an hour left before the game and I got a call from Sidney. I grew a smile on my face and answered the phone, "Hello."

"Hey, baby. You make it to my family's alright?" he asked.

"I sure did, thanks. I was worried you forgot all about me!" I did wish he called sooner.

"I'm really sorry, babe. We were packed tight with interviews. If would of texted you it would of took an hour just to send it."

"It's fine, no worries," I laughed. "I just went out to eat with your family and now we're heading back to watch you game."

"Are they driving you nuts yet?"

"Sid! No way!" I laughed. "They're extremely sweet."

"They can be," he chuckled.

"Well, we're heading back to the house now, and I know you're getting ready for your game."

"Yeah, we'll be back in Pittsburgh soon, so I'll have more time to talk to my girl," I could hear him smiling on the other line. "But you're right I better go. Tell my family I love them and I'll be calling tonight."

"Sounds good. Good luck! I love you!"

"Thanks, baby. I love you too!" We hung up and stared at my phone with a smile.

"Sidney have anything good to say?" Taylor asked smiling as we reached the car.

"Just that he loves you guys and he'll call after the game." The car ride home was quiet and we reached the house shortly. I changed out of my cloths into something more comfortable.

I sat down in the living room where Trina had chocolate cake laying out for us. This lady just knows what I love. "Raina, you like cake?"

"Love it!" I laughed. I was handed a piece and sat down next to Taylor. I could love these few months in Canada.


The next days past and I did go shopping for Canadian clothes, so I wouldn't freeze to death. Sidney was back in Pittsburgh and had a game against the Lightening. I adored Sidney's family and household. I was actually afraid to leave it!

We were sitting around watching the game that night when it happened; Sidney slid straight into the boards, and skated off of the ice. I believe the whole room and Pittsburgh teared up. I couldn't grab my phone fast enough to send a text to Sidney saying call me as soon as he could find out what happened, because I just knew that was more than a bad fall.


The whole night the Crosby household was silent and you could a pin drop. Troy ended up locking himself in the room, Taylor was silently on her computer and Trina was on the phone with Sidney's grandmother. I ran in his room when my phone went off. I about jumped out of my skin.

"Hello?" I said out of breath.

"Hey, babe," Sid said quietly. "They're thinking it's a high ankle sprain." I let out a huge sigh and felt like crying. It was hard not being there with him.

"When will you find out for sure?"

"In the morning. How's my family taking it?"

"Well, your dad became a hermit, Taylor's just worried and your mom has been making a million phone calls."

"She called me about 34 times. I just wanted to talk to you before anyone."

I smiled, "Thanks, Sid. Well, you make you're trillion phone calls and I'll be going to sleep soon. Call if you need anything."

"Will do sweetheart. I love you," he said putting a huge smile on my face.

"I love you too."

"Oh, and one more thing. Just tell my mom I'll call her tomorrow morning because I have press and everything."

"Will do. Good night, babe."

"Good night, beautiful." I hung up and smiled. I threw one of Sidney's old high school hoodies and walked out into the kitchen.

Trina looked at me and knew I had to talk to her. I sat down at the kitchen table and picked up an apple that was sitting in a fruit bowel in the middle of the table.

She said her good byes and stared at me. "Did Sidney call you?" she asked with huge eyes. I nodded. "What did he say?" she asked sitting down across from me.

"They think it's an high ankle sprain."

"Oh, God. Not Sidney, too," she said holding her face in her hands.

I looked down at the apple and felt empty. "I think I'm going to fly down there tomorrow morning to be with him. He can't be alone."

"Honey, you don't need to do that," Trina said.

"Just for a few days. I'll stay in Mario's and help out. I know he needs someone."

"You really are a doll," she smiled. "I'll help you book your flight. Get some sleep and I'll talk to Troy. I'm sure he'll call me late tonight."

"Thanks a lot, Trina." I gave her a hug and headed back to Sidney's room. Before I did I stopped past Taylor's room and gave it a light knock.

"Come in," she called. I let myself in and she pushed back her laptop. "Hey," she said softly.

"Sid called," I said sitting next to her on the bed. "They think it's a high ankle sprain. I'm going out tomorrow to help him out for a few days."

"Are you sure?" she asked worried. "Raina, I don't think you should be back in Pittsburgh..." Taylor said with huge eyes.

"I'll get through all right. I'm going straight to Mario's and I'll have everything waiting for me when I get there."

She smiled and hugged me. "I hope he's alright and you'll be okay. Wake me up to go with you tomorrow."

"I will, Tay. Good night."

"Night," she called back and I headed to Sidney's room to get a good sleep before the morning.


Trina woke me up at 5:15 to get a shower and get ready for my flight. I jumped in the shower and hurried to get ready. I definitely wanted to look good for surprising Sidney. I straightened my hair and put on light make up.

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I made sure I woke up Taylor and she popped out of bed and just threw on her coat and boots. Trina drove me to the airport in silence. "Thank's a lot for doing this," I said breaking the silence.

"No problem, sweetheart! Sidney does need someone. He was saying how much he missed you last night. I've just been a mess. You know me," she glanced over and laughed.

"She's a nut!" Taylor said making us laugh. Trina dropped me off at the airport giving me tons of instructions for when I got to Pittsburgh. I hugged her and Taylor and headed towards my flight.


I stepped onto the door step of the Lemieux's household. I rang the door bell and was greeted by Mario himself. "Raina!" he said surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to help Sid out," I smiled. "But shhh!"

Mario gave me his famous smile, "He's in his room getting ready for the doctor's and a press meeting." I nodded and headed to his room.

I opened the door and heard him in the bathroom. I smiled and rushed in and hugged him. "Holy shit!" he said giving his famous laugh hugging me back and kissing me.

"Not too rough," I said releasing the hug, "can't hurt the ankle anymore!"

Sidney sighed, "Yeah, it's driving me crazy. I'm probably gonna have to get a boot and shit." He looked at me again and kissed me. "And why the hell are you back?!"

"You needed a nurse!" I laughed. He roughed up my hair and kissed my cheek and finished getting ready. His manager was at the house to pick him up and I followed him into the SUV. After waiting for the doctor, Sidney got the news it was definitely a high ankle sprain. He got his boot and we headed to the press meeting to inform the NHL world Sidney Crosby would be out for weeks.

We headed home after getting Starbucks to lighten the mood. "Let's lay around and watch Friends," I smiled up at him and kissed him.

He smiled at the idea, "You know me well, Raina." We got home and did just that.

\\.::Twenty::.//

Sidney helped me pack up through out the week and I was leaving the same day he was for a trip to Canada as well. He held me tight in the airport and kissed my head a million times. I looked at him and held his face, seeing a few tears roll down his cheek.

I whipped them away and whispered, "Don't cry. I'll be okay with your family... Right?"

He nodded smiling, "I just want to be there with you, knowing you're safe with me as well. If there's any point in time you need me there with you, I'm a phone call away. I don't want you forgetting that."

"Thank you, Sidney; for everything."

"Anytime, Raina." He leaned in and gave me a deep kiss and held my hand as I walked away till our arms ran out of length. I boarded the plane after blowing him a kiss and trying to hold back tears. I knew this was for the best; everything Sidney does for me is for the best.

The flight to Canada seemed so fast, I barely had time to think about what I was going to do when I got there for the next so many months. The plane landed and I had to search for my bags and find Trina Crosby. After grabbing my stuff, I looked around the small airport. It was a cute, quiet town, which I loved! It was nothing like big, busy Pittsburgh. Everyone seemed helpful, cheerful and caring. Pittsburgh, everyone's in a hurry to get where they need to go, but some still find a moment to help you out. This just had a fresher energy. God, I love Canada already! I thought.

I spotted Sidney's mom waving me down and I instantly smiled. Taylor was with them and I hurried to get in reach of them. I hugged them both and they helped my with my luggage. "How was the flight, dear?" Trina asked leading me outside to the freezing cold air. Winter was definitely something I over looked.

"It was fast, probably because I was so nervous to get here."

"No need to be nervous, you're in good hands! Sidney filled us all in and we're here to take care of you," she said sweetly.

"Yeah, and finally I'll have a big sister to take me shopping when mom wont!" Taylor said smiling.

"No, she wont do that, Taylor. Raina's here for help from us!"

"I'll see what I can do," I winked to Taylor. "I'm definitely gonna need help finding warm clothes for winter tomorrow!"

"Have you ever came to Canada for winter?" Trina asked helping me load the car.

"Nope! Poor Millie's gonna need a coat herself! I said hold her cage, knowing she had enough fur on her to walk in Alaska on it's coldest days. We pulled up to Sidney's parents house and as we walked in, his dog ran up to me sniffing me all over.

"Yeah, she's friendly. Millie and her will be friends," Trina laughed. I let out Millie so they could be introduced to each other.

Troy was sitting on the couch and got up to shake my hand as I walked farther in the house. "Nice to see you made it here safely. Flight alright?"

"Yup, just seemed really fast." If one more person asked that, I was gonna go crazy.

"Well, Taylor can show you Sidney's old room and you can stay in there. Maybe you'll feel more comfortable," Troy said smiling.

"Thank you," I said with a chuckle. I was already feeling better.

Taylor led me down a hallway and open the second door on the right. "Here you are!" I walked inside and saw the tons of awards Sid collected. "He's supposed to get all his crap moved out by now, but he's taking forever!" she said with a huff, which made me laugh.

I was just amazed to think of the position I was in. I couldn't of been more blessed, ending up with such a great, wonderful guy to help me out like this. I looked over at a picture of Sidney holding his baby sister after she was just born. It made me smile, thinking back to my brother and parents.

I held back tears and turned around to see Taylor sitting on the bed, "He still looks the same!" she said, making me laugh.

"He sure does!" Trina walked into the room and set down my bags. "Oh, my! I could of gotten them!"

"No, dear," she smiled. "It's fine, you're having a crazy day. I was just wanted to let you know, we're going out to eat in about an hour and make it back in time to watch the game."

"Oh, okay. Thank you," I smiled. "I'm gonna call my parents. I let them know last night what was going on and knowing them, they're freaking out right now."

"Taylor, help me clean up before we leave," Trina told her, meaning, we'll give Raina space.

I scrolled through my contracts till I found my parent's number. "Raina!" she said excitedly into the phone. "Are you in Canada?!"

"Don't give me a, 'Hello' or anything. Yes, I am." I said laughing and sitting on Sidney's bed.

"Oh, thank God! I take it as the flight went well. Sidney's parents have you settled in?"

"Yeah," I smiled, "we're going out to eat in a little."

I knew my mom was smiling on the other end, "Well, I'm glad. I must say, you lucked out finding yourself a boy like Sidney! I'm just happy you're safe and out of Pittsburgh. I'm sure in about a few months, everything will be blown over. I talked to Justin's mom and she said Kenny's phone calls will be monitored and his visits."

"Thank's good..." I just stared at the floor with the thought of Kenny's cold face in the court room. I felt like throwing up.

"Well, no worries about this non-sense, dear. You want to talk to dad?"

"No, just let him know I'm safe and that in about two weeks I'll be in Sidney's summer house. I'm gonna get ready to eat."

"Sounds good. I love you!"

"I love you, too, mom." I hung up and got to to go into the bathroom and fix myself up. "Uh, Trina," I said finding her in the living room, "Where's the bathroom?" I felt stupid asking.

"Oh, dear! I forgot to give you a whole tour! Follow me," she led me down the hall and to the right. "Here you go," she flicked on the light. "As soon as you're done, let me know and I'll show you the rest before we leave," she smiled. God, did she remind me of my real mom in so many ways.

I washed my face and applied makeup. I changed into a dressy but casual outfit.

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I walked out of the bathroom and Trina smiled, "Our son picks beautiful women, right, Troy?" Troy just nodded as he finished reading the newspaper. "Let me show the rest of the place to you," she smiled and took me down the hall. This is my bedroom and right across is Taylor's. She took me farther and pointed out a guest room. "You can stay in here, but I figured you'd rather be closer to Sidney," she said smiling.

"You know me too well," I laughed.

She showed me the other bathroom and kitchen witch all circled back to the living room. "This is the good part!" She got all excited and opened the basement door leading me down. This is where Sid grew up playing hockey and here's the dyer," she smiled running her hand across it. "I'm sure you know all about that story."

"Yup, Sid filled me in," I smiled. She showed me a few more things around the house till Troy and Taylor were ready to leave. They took me to a small restaurant that had the greatest! Before the food arrived, Troy asked about where I grew up.

"Well, I lived in PA till I was four and we moved to Chicago for a year and then I was sent to Pittsburgh and stayed in a smaller town when I was ten."

"You were sent there?" Troy asked me in a weird tone.

That filled me in Sidney didn't mention my life story. Which I was kinda of thankful for. "I was a foster child, my parents and brother died in a car accident when I was four and my grandmother put me in a foster home. I wasn't adopted till I was ten.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Raina," Troy said. "I didn't mean to make you bring that out of you."

I smiled, "It's fine! I don't mind telling it anymore."

"You must of really had it hard, sweetie," Trina said, holding back tears and reaching across the table to pat my hand.

"It's fine," I smiled. I have really great people in my life to keep my head up. Sidney does a great job at it and I couldn't be more thankful for meeting him. Justin wouldn't want anything less for me."

"Sidney did mention Justin to us," Troy said with a serious face.

"Yeah, but I lucked out finding a person like Sidney. No one could pull me into the outside world like him. I'm so thankful," I said with a huge smile.

"We couldn't be more pleased he found such a wonderful, independent woman like you, Raina," Troy said, which really surprised me.

I might have found the one.

\\.::Nineteen::.//

The Winter Classic was on it's way and I took my seat with Vero in the freezing cold. Marc Andre was down by the ice along with Mario and Max. The game took hours with multiple stops fixing the ice and it wouldn't stop snowing. I was starting to worry as the game went on. I want this game to be a huge memory for Sidney to take on, knowing how special it was to him and how competitive he is.

"This hot chocolate is the best ever!" Vero said as she got back with her 12th cup. I just laughed and shook my head. "I'm serious! I got you another!"

"I'm still on my last one you got me!" holding up my only half empty cup.

"It's okay, you can handle it," she smiled. "So, are you going to hearing?" she asked quietly.

I looked down and shuffled in my seat a bit. "I'm not sure," I said shrugging. "I'm worried what will happen if I do." I filled her in about everything, since she was the closest girl to me from the team's girlfriends.

"Yeah, well you do what you think is best. I'm sure whatever happens, Sidney will be there for you to back you up," she said smiling.

"I sure hope so," I said as the team went into shoot out. "Oh god," I said under my breath. "I'm so nervous!"

"I'd be really freaking out if Marc was in net! I'm sure Sidney will be the super star!" she said nugging me with a huge smile.

And as Vero said, Sidney took the ice, sweeping the puck right into the net. It was perfect; the poster boy of the NHL made the game a fairy tail. I was so excited to see him after the game and wanted to rush into the locker room to congratulate him.

It definitely took a while for him to come out of the locker room with interviews and all, but I waited with Vero on the bus. The guys finally filled on and I jumped on Sidney kissing him. "You were amazing!" I said grinning. "All of you did great!"



Days flew by and before I knew it, the hearing was the next day. Sidney had morning skate and luckily he was in town. He slept holding me tight, but I couldn't even blink. I just cried quietly. I only slept for about two hours before Sidney's phone went off to get ready to leave. He turned it off and kissed my head before heading to the shower. I really thought throughly what to do. Sidney came out and got dressed trying to be as silent as possible to think I was sleeping.

He kissed my head again whispering, "See you later, babe."

It was about 9:30 when I stepped out of my car and walked over to the court house in Pittsburgh. My heels clicked against the ground and I held my pea coat tight to my body. I stepped inside fixing my curly hair and was searched to be allowed inside.

Justin's mom turned around and instantly cried seeing me. "Raina!" she said running over to me and hugged me tightly. "I didn't think you would be here! Thank you so much," she cried.

"I couldn't ditch the people I love the most," I said smiling.

"Justin's smiling away up there," she said with bright eyes. "You ready for this?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," I said nervously. I felt sick and wanted to run for the door, but I had to be there for the Lane's. We took our seats quickly and the hearing was soon on it's way. Then, Kenny was brought in. I was tearing up, fearing for what would happen.

During the hearing, I was called up for being a witness. Kenny stared me down as I sat in the chair facing the room. I chocked up and everything asked to me wasn't processing. I just starting sobbing and pointing my finger at Kenny. "You know you killed your brother!" I screamed. "How could you? Just because you two had differences doesn't mean you should kill him!"

"Didn't I tell you if you came, I'd have you taken care?" he hissed.

I sobbed more, trying to catch my breath. "You really are an evil person, Kenny. You shot him all because you wanted to be with me and have his life. You could of been like him, but you turned to drugs! You're a bad, bad person, Kenny. You deserve to rot in hell and never speak to another soul. I don't see how anyone could love you for all you've done. Honestly, you shouldn't die, because you need to realize what you've done, but it'll never happen!"

The court was trying to quiet me down, but it was impossible. "He did it! He killed Justin! He told me he'd kill me too if I came today, but I don't care! Justin's family deserves peace knowing for sure what happened. I've been quietly for too long." I was justed sitting there with tears everywhere and make up all down my face. I told the room the whole story that night and had to leave the room before I had another out burst.

I stayed outside for the rest of the hearing. Justin's mom came out and ran to me hugging me. "I know how hard that was for you, sweetheart. Today meant so much to us all," she said forcing a smile. "He'll be gone, for good." Everyone was silent for a while.

I felt like someone was on the other side of me holding me, and I could of swore I saw Justin. It was a safe moment but it quickly faded. "You can come over to eat if you want, dear," Justin's aunt offered.

"No, thanks. I'm gonna go home and rest. I had no sleep last night." I hugged everyone and was reminded to call them later. I rushed off to the Mellon Arena and run into the building and through the locker room. The guys were still on ice and I ran out to call for Sidney.

He looked over and rushed over to me, "Baby, what's wrong?" he asked holding me. "Did you go to the hearing?" I could only nod with tears falling more and more. "Raina, what happened?"

Every time I tried to speak, I whimpered. Sidney took me into the locker room taking off his helmet. "I'm gonna shower, really fast, and we can talk so I'm not sweaty." He stood up and brought me tissues. "Cheer up, boo," he said and kissed my forehead. He did exactly what he promised and was clean in only five minutes. "Let's go home, Raina," he said helping me up and holding me close.

As we got back to my apartment I just looked at Sidney will my dark, sunken in eyes. "I have to leave Pittsburgh," I said quietly. "I need to go away for a little. I know Kenny's going to try something and it's not safe for me."

Sidney sat down and held my hand. "Raina, I can help you. I can get security and-"

"Sid, I want a normal life. Not where someone's watching my back every second. I need to leave and only tell you and my parents. No one else."

"Only if you promise to stay at my house in Nova Scotia or with my parents. They'll help you out till you feel safe enough to stay at my house alone. I want you somewhere I trust."

"Sid, I have a job."

"And I have a beautiful girlfriend I want to keep safe. Please, Raina. I'll pay for everything. Please, just promise me you'll do this."

I gave it a serious, long thought and knew it was for the best and got up to pack for Canada.

\\.::Eighteen::.//

I looked out of the window in the hotel in Buffalo. It was a beautiful site. Sidney was in the bathroom getting ready for bed. I thought about how he had practice early and would be off for a few hours. Then my mind switched to what was coming up in 13 days.

The hearing.

I feared what would happen. I really wanted to go and save everything, but I feared what Kenny would do. I knew he would have his buddy go after me or something. So, I had to stay away from it. My mind kept yelling at me that Justin lost his life. So, why am I not going to go and help do the right thing because I’m scared?

Sidney returned from the bathroom and put his arms around me. I could smell the mint from his toothpaste as he let out a sigh. “Beautiful view, huh? Just like you.” I just smiled and enjoyed the moment. “It reminds me of Montreal. It’s not as beautiful as there, but it just reminds me how great it is. You would love it. I want to take you there someday.”
I smiled, “I would really like that.”
“So would I,” he said staring out of the window. It felt like we could have stood there till the sun came up. Sidney kissed my check and whispered in my ear, “Let get to sleep, baby doll.” I nodded and fallowed him to the bed. He pulled down the covers and we got in together. He pulled me close and kissed me gently. “I love you, Raina. Night.”
“I love you too, Sid. Good night.”

I woke up to an empty spot next to me. I remembered Sidney leaving earlier and kissing me goodbye. I just wished he was still next to me. I really needed him close to me lately. I started to cry. Everything was over taking me at the moment. I needed out of the hotel room and walk around. I figured I’d go out and grab something to eat. I showered and did my hair and makeup.

I threw on a pair of jeans, black boots and black sweater with my coat. I grabbed my purse and room key and walked down the hall way. I knocked on Marc-Andre’s room and Vero answered. “Raina!” she yelled hugging me. “I’ve been up before Marc left, and I’m bored as shit. Common, we’re leaving!”
I couldn’t help but burst out into laugher, “That was the plan! Know any good places to eat?”
“The perfect place!” Vero smiled putting on her coat. She grabbed her stuff and shut the door behind her. “I can’t for the game tomorrow. We’re going to have a blast. I hope you brought warm clothes,” she laughed.
“Oh, I did. But I think we should go shopping, just in case we forgot anything,” I winked.
“I love the way you think.” We walked outside and got a cab to a small diner. Vero led me inside and we got a booth by a window. We watched people pass by as we waited for our breakfast.

“I feel so bad for boys being out in the cold all day,” I sighed and took a drink of my Coke.
“That just means we get to tend to them,” she winked.
I laughed, “Oh, of course!” We ate our food and headed to the closest mall. We bought new makeup and a few new clothing items. We decided to go back to the hotel and saw the boys were back, since Colby was roaming the hall.
“Oh no, the girls went shopping!” he cried.
“Oh no, Colby’s back!” I said back to him. I walked into the room with Colby and saw Sidney lying on the bed.
“Hey, you!” he said patting the empty spot next to him. “Have fun with Vero?”
“Yup, how was practice?” I asked taking off my boots.
“Good, fucking cold,” he laughed. He pulled me on the bed as I walked over to him. He held me down and kissed me. “I missed you,” he squealed.
“Awe, I missed you too babe!” I giggled. “I say we call in take out!”
“Deal,” Sid said with a smile and went to grab a phone book but Colby beat him to it and chucked it at him. This was going to be an interesting trip.