YOU CAN'T HAVE THEM BOTH

Chapter 50 : Finale

Opening Night

October 4, 2029

"Are you going in with us mom?" Sidney asked during dinner.

"No, I'm going to get things cleaned up and changed then I'll be in" she said as they finished dinner. The kids were grabbing their stuff as Sidney was downstairs waiting for them. He saw Karen by the sink and walked back into the kitchen, leaning up against the door frame.

"You know as well as I do those could have waited until we came back baby."

Karen smiled before turning around "and you know why I'm coming in after you." Sidney just looked at her as she walked over to him "you need this time with them alone, tell me I'm wrong."

"You're not wrong Karen" he said wrapping his arms around her "I just didn't think it was that obvious."

"Sid, you are about to play your first game, the first national televised game with your son and daughter. I know how special this is for all three of you and I know what that car ride will be like."

"A lot of nerves and excitements"

"And your little speech about how this is the start of something special for them."

"Wow, it's like you know me or something" he said getting Karen to laugh.

"To know you is to love you."

"Dad, we're ready" Nikki yelled to him as they came down the steps and stopped by the door.

"Ok baby girl" he turned his head to respond before turning back to Karen.

"Go, enjoy the moment and I will see all three of you after the game."

"Where will you be?"

"I'll be up in the suite watching my son, daughter and husband play together for the first time. See that's what will be my proudest moment about tonight. So after player intros and the national anthem, you will look to your left and then look to your right and have your proudest moment before the puck drops."

"I like the sound to that" he said leaning in to kiss her "I love you."

"I love you too." Karen kissed him then walked to the door with him to wish Sidney and Nikki good luck. She watched them leave and smiled knowing tonight was going to be history in the making.

A couple hours later and Karen was up in the suite awaiting the players to come out. She intently watched all three during warm ups and saw the nervousness with Nikki Every now and again she would look up into the crowd and Karen could see the uneasy She smiled when Sidney skated over and talked to her. Karen knew her brother would step in to help, since the twin thing got eerie at times. Karen remembered back to one day when they were little and Nikki was colouring in the living room and Sidney was outside with his dad playing around. All of the sudden Nikki started crying and came running into her mom. Next thing she knew, Sidney came into the house crying cause he had fallen and scraped his knee. They knew each others feelings and this time Sidney felt Nikki’s nerves.

"I know that smile" Nathalie said coming up behind Karen "I had it when Austin played his first game in the NHL."

"I know I should be used to it from watching their first game when they were younger, but there's something about the first NHL game of their career."

"Its not knowing what's going to happen now. Their strengths, weaknesses are all tested in this game. Every fan and media types are ready to pick them apart."

"Don't let them hear that" Karen said with a small laugh.

"I think their father will help out with that" she said pointing to the TV in the suite.