“Ladies and gentlemen we have a trade to announce. The New York Ranger have traded their first round pick to Philadelphia for Philadelphia’s 1, 2, 3,4th round picks in this year’s draft. Philly you are on the clock.”

Shay could not hide how happy he was. My dad urged him to be calm and patient. My cell phone rang. It was Carmen.

“Hey…..are you ok?”

“Yes…I just wanted to talk to you.”

“Can I call you in back in few minutes; I need to be here for my brother.”

“I am watching it right now. I can see you……you look good, yeah call me back….”

“Ok…”

Back to the commissioner as he calls Philly to the podium. They had a jersey in their hands. My brother didn’t move, my parents didn’t move. The GM for Philly was thanking the Rangers for the accommodations and blah, blah…

“With the first selection in the 2007 entry draft selection the Philadelphia Flyers would like to select from the Ottawa 57’s Center, Shay McCutcheon….come on down Shay.”

My baby brother never cried a day in his life, not even as baby did he cry. But when Philly called his name not only did he cry but dad did as well. They where so happy. We hugged him and he practically ran down the aisle to get to the podium. Mom and dad looked so proud of him as he shook everyone’s hand and put the jersey on. He pointed at me and I pointed at him.

He had a ton of interviews to do and mom and dad said I should get some rest. So I left and hopped back onto the R train. Before I got to the subway I called Carmen back. The city was noisy and I wished for a quiet street. She answered after two rings.

“Hey you,” she answered. She sounded better but I could still hear that sadness in her voice.

“Hey…..how are you doing?”

“Ok I guess, they cremated his body….they are sending me the remains….I am going out on his boat and spreading his ashes at sea….its what he would have wanted..”

“As long as you are alright.”

“Yes….so your brother got his wish huh?”

“Yeah….we all grew up cheering for Philly…My dad is a huge Flyer fan so we all had to be Flyer fans…or else…..So its good for him and dad…..and Philly….I am so beat…I am on L,A, time…..is it too far out of line to say that I miss you?”

“No……it’s not out of line…..I miss you too….When are you coming back?”

“If you want me to come back now I can.”

“Shane…….I really…….things are so…..fucked up……but no……don’t…….”

“…….I know baby I know…….listen I am going to treat my family to a nice dinner tonight then I’ll fly back tomorrow…and I can go out with you on the boat so you don’t have to do it alone……can you wait for me?”

“Yes….thank you.”

“Stop thanking me Carmen…..get some rest and I’ll call you to say goodnight.”

“Bye Shane…….oh Shane…”

“Yeah.”

“I like the way you called me baby……”

She hung up.

To be continued……