Our drive from their place to the barn is about as smooth as I anticipate. To no surprise, he can handle himself comfortably behind the wheel – early learning on country roads I’m told – and the stop and go, we’re in a crunch type of traffic, gives him ample opportunities to learn the unpleasant behaviors of downtown drivers.
I won’t give my blessing to the sixteen-year-old giving someone the middle finger; however, I won’t condemn it either.
Especially not when it’smyfront end you almost take off.
At the arena, we’re ushered to the family area where we find Slayers, parents, hatchlings, and best friends all gathered around sporting their respective jersey and cowboy boot combos. Unlike some of the younger, tinier, females, flouncing around in their cut off jean shorts along with bedazzled hats, I went for black leggings and black beanie in hopes of blending in.
Not drawing too much attention.
Anyattention really.
Yes, I want Thayne toknowI’m here,seeI’m here,feelsupported like I mentioned earlier, but I don’t want him to be embarrassed by the fact I’m so much older than the other Slayers.
Or curvier.
He’sexplicitlyexpressed the only opinion he cares about is his own, and I trust him.
Okay.
I’mtryingto trust him in that department.
He’s never given me a reason not to.
My insecurities on the other hand?
Theyalwaysbetray me.
That’s why it took me so long to start to wear “fun scrubs” to work on the regs rather than just solid colors.
Kel-C – lead social manager – Pascual – lead social director – Lummy – lead photographer – and Falhaber –lead camera operator – all swarm around the space grabbing snapshots or footage of us naturally lingering before moving onto more coordinated efforts with a bit of help from Hoss, who clearly misses what was once her job.
Afterward, Slayers and hatchlings – and me and Bronny – are escorted to the glass area on the home side where we congregate to welcome the boys as soon as they hit the ice.
Warmies music suddenly begins prompting us all to cheer with enthusiasm and excitement at the indication they’re headed in our direction. Pre-season footage of the players flashes on the jumbo screens center ice until the lights flick back on for us all to watch this season’s pulled up rookie take his lap prior to Jukes leading the rest of the team out.
While some players take to first slapping around the practice pucks and stretching with a plan to come find their Slayers next, others come greet their family first with a plan to get the juices flowing second.
Frosky is in the latter, shit eating smile too big for Hoss’s liking considering how she gags and tells Bella – who she’s happily holding – to stick her tongue out to convey it.
Alexeyev – Cap – arrives next, wildly grinning at both of his daughters alike.
Bella pounds on the glass and rambles and showcases her fancy, hot pink boots while their headphone wearing baby – with a little assistance from Joey – gently taps the barrier to “participate” in the activity as well.
Photos are snapped by the media team.
Other Slayers.
Myself.
Watching Cap with his kids has me oddly anxious for my own, which is so not a subject we should be anywhere near this early in our relationship.
I mean…right?
Yes, we do…are…kind of…now…living together in a weird way –because of the guardianship situation– and Jukes…loves…to talk about marrying me – despite not having actually exchanged the love word sentiment – and he is…steadily…collecting “wedding songs” for the day – he has an actual playlist – but I don’t know.
I’m not sure if that’s just him being him or if…he’s…already ready.
Would it be wrong if he was?
