Patrick Kane and Me
October 1st 2010: Playing Catch-Up
I went to the mall with both Megan and Bella today, talked mostly about the boys. We don’t really talk about anything else just because no other topic has come up lately. It has always been the boys. Besides I haven’t heard anything come out of Bella’s mouth that doesn’t have to do with Jonathan Toews. Those two have been inseparable. Today was the only time in about a week that I was able to take Bella somewhere, without having Jon attached at her hip.
We wondered around the mall making sure we hit every store that had a sale sign in the window. I ended up getting a new outfit from some sports store. I can’t even remember which one because we went to so many. But like always I’m going to come home and Pat will ask, ‘so what did you buy?’ and I’ll be like, ‘well a new sweatshirt, a jean skirt, and a new pair of black Uggs.’ And he’d be like, ‘so what’s on the sweatshirt?’ and I’d answer, ‘A Blackhawks emblem.’ And then he’d roll his eyes. Like always.
I got home and saw him sitting on the couch watching a Bulls game. He peered over the back of the couch and then back at the TV, “Lemme guess, you bought something to do with the Hawks didn’t you?” I took a deep breath, “Yeah but I also bought a new pair of black Uggs and a new jean skirt!” I said in my defense. “Whatever,” he quickly dropped the conversation not wanting to get into an argument.
“Anyway, someone left a message on the answering machine for you I didn’t catch the name.” Then he went back to the intense game that I’m pretty sure the bulls were losing. Walking into the kitchen I pressed the big flashing red button to play the message.
Hey Nat, it’s me Tyler Smith, uh from highschool? Well I was wondering if you wanted to get together sometime and catch up on things, I just moved to Chicago for my job. Uh give me a call.
Pat turned the TV off and turned around on the couch, “Tyler Smith, why does that name seem so familiar?” I rolled my eyes, “Because first of all, he went to our high school, secondly he was on your hockey team, and third. He was your best friend!” Light bulb, “Oh, that’s why that name is so familiar! Wait, didn’t you guys date at one point?” I nodded my head, “Uhuh and I’m pretty sure he still likes me, that’s why he came to Chicago.”
“Wow, you think a guy would follow you to a different state to be with you? You must think pretty highly of yourself.” He rolled his eyes, “Well I did it for you didn’t I?” I went over to the couch and kissed him on the cheek, “Yeah but that’s different, I’m Patrick Kane!” I laughed and sat down next to him with my feet on his lap, “Uhuh, whatever gets you through the day Pat.”
<3<3<3<3<3<3
I finally decided after about an hour that I should really call Tyler back. It had been at least 3 years since the last time I saw him, maybe more. I sat down on my bed, my legs criss-crossed; dialing the number Tyler called from last.
There was a quiet hello from the other side of the line. “Tyler?” I asked, silence. Did I call the wrong number? “Natalie? Natalie Vaughn” A sigh of relief came across my face, “Hey, I just your message, so how’ve you been?”
We went on talking about how he had become an architect and is designing some new building here in Chicago. Apparently it’s supposed to be some big important building for the city. I think he was trying to impress me or something, nice try. I told him I’d been living with Pat downtown and had gone to all of his games since I left Buffalo and stupidly asked if he wanted to come to a game with me to catch up and everything. I told him that he could come to the game against the Redwings this week and he happily agreed. A half an hour passed and he needed to go finish his blueprints, we said our goodbyes and hung up.
I went back into the kitchen to find Pat and he was sitting on one of the chairs at the kitchen table with his feet up, lounging eating a bag of potato chips. “So how was your chat with Tyler?” He seemed jealous. “Not bad, he wanted to catch up so I invited him to the game next week against the wings.” Not sensing anything was wrong I opened the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water. Once I turned back around I was being stared at. “What?” I asked him. “You invited him to the game? He’s in love with you!” he stood up in anger, “No he’s not! That was high school Pat, calm down!” Actually it was probably true, but I didn’t know that for sure so it wasn’t a total lie.
“Yeah but his crush wasn’t just a crush, his is a deep dark obsession. I’m pretty sure he has a shrine of you in his closet.” I thought to myself picturing him opening a secret door in his closet, getting on his knees and looking at a picture of me with candles and things I’ve touched. I came back to reality, “Come on Pat let’s get real, he’s not a total creeper.” He pointed a finger at me, “So you think.” He said mysteriously as he slipped into his bedroom.
<3<3<3<3<3<3
“Let’s Go Hawks,” The crowd chanted repeatedly as Tyler and I made our way down to our seats. He was wearing a Patrick Kane jersey I let him borrow since he only had Sabres ones, and being a good friend I didn’t want him to stick out in the crowd. “Alright, this is us.” I said stopping at the 2 row behind the Hawks bench and pointing towards two empty seats in the middle. He smiled and walked past me and sat down, “So what do you think of my view?” He was awestruck glancing up everywhere at the sea of red, white, and black. He could actually go touch the glass if he wanted to, and possibly the players if he was crazy enough.
At the end of the 2 period Pat turned around and waved to us. I smiled and blew him a kiss without Tyler knowing and he winked at me and made me blush a dark crimson. We watched as the 3 lucky fans shot the puck, all three missing every time, all the drunken men cheering for the hot girl and booing the man. I laughed every single time the crowd erupted in applause for the girl in nine inch heeled boots with a lot of cleavage showing.
At one point we both had our arms on the same armrest and he quickly grabbed my hand and laced our fingers together. At the time I was being stupid and didn’t notice until I looked down. My eyes went wide as I pulled our fingers apart and laced my fingers together in my lap. Awkward
The game ended up going into overtime, but we ended up losing because of horrible puck possession at the end. I shrugged my shoulders and started towards the locker room with my purse and my VIP pass completely forgetting about Tyler.
I made it half way down until I figured out that I had someone following me. I looked back seeing Tyler with his hair in his eyes flipping it back as if he was a teenager again. I smiled at him and he gave me a small half smile still following me towards the dressing room.
The security guard I knew as Paul didn’t even look at my pass and opened the door for me, “Hey Nat welcome back.” I smiled at him like usual, “Hey Paul tough loss but we’ll get um next time.” He let out a deep chuckle I kept walking until I heard, “Uh, Natalie?” “Oh, sorry Paul, he’s with me.” Paul let Tyler through into the dressing room with me. I scanned the locker room for Pat seeing he wasn’t at his usual place next to Jonathan Toews. Not seeing him I went to Jonathan, “Hey Jon do you know where Pat is?” Taking off his skates he motioned to the showers with a wink and I rolled my eyes. Then his eyes met Tyler’s for a split second. Thinking he was media he asked him if he wanted an interview.
I laughed, “No Jon, this is my old friend Tyler. He’s working on some big project her in Chicago as an architect.” Tyler went up to him and shook his hand, “Wow, nice meeting you Mr. Toews, you are such a great hockey player.” He said acting like a little kid. I hid my laugh with my hand only because Tyler looked to be serious.
Pat came out of the showers soon after with his hair still wet. He smiled as this was the first time he had been able to talk to talk to Tyler since High school. “Hey man, how’ve you been?” he asked giving him a hug with a pat on the back. “Not bad bro, not bad,” he answered, “Man great game, you sure have gotten better since senior year,” he said with a chuckle. “Well why don’t I treat you two to a nice dinner catch up on old times.” I shrugged my shoulders, “Sure, sounds great.” Pat grabbed my hand and we walked out the big double doors.
<3<3<3<3<3<3
Dinner was nice. We caught up on a lot. Pat got recognized for some autographs by his young fans and I adored him for it. He acts like an older brother again to them. I always loved when older brother Pat comes out just because he is so nice and kind to them. I’m not saying that Pat isn’t a good person normally, but he acts extra special around the little kids. That’s when I started to stare off into space…
“Mommy, Daddy! Wake up! Wake up! It’s Christmas!” Two small children were jumping up and down on our bed trying to wake us up. I looked over at the clock, 6 am. He was still asleep not even a movement from the overly excited children. He was never a light sleeper.
I walked downstairs into the living room where a Christmas tree was lighting up the room with presents wrapped in gold paper and silver bows filled the empty space around the tree. My husband must have realized the empty space next to him because he was suddenly at my side staring at the sight of our children bouncing around our living room. They had ripped down their stockings down of the fireplace looking to see what Santa had brought them. They opened the small presents in their stockings savering every little piece just because they aren’t allowed to open any other presents before breakfast.
After breakfast we continued to share Christmas morning as a family. They anxiously ripped the paper that “Santa” wrapped and the “Elves” built for them. Our son had been given a new hockey jersey, one of his current favorite players of the month. I’m pretty sure this was his 7th jersey. He had received one every Christmas just as his father had.
Our daughter had received a Barbie dream house and a new Barbie doll. She had been more excited about Barbies unlike her mother. I ended up giving my husband a book about the history of the Blackhawks because that was the one thing he wanted, even though I’m pretty sure after how many years he’s been with them he knows most of the book. We lost him for most of the rest of the present opening, but he came back later when we were in the backyard playing hockey on the ice rink that we built. I watched as the glided on the ice, and after one of them fell he went over and tickled them until they got up and proceeded to chase them around the rink until they couldn’t skate anymore. “Daddy! Stop it! You’re cheating! You actually play hockey!”
They all came back inside for hot cocoa with a crimson red on their cheeks with all smiles. I sat down with them at the kitchen table drinking a mug myself. No words were said; we just sat there in a peaceful moment. Then he finally looked up at me, “Nat, Nat, Nat!” He screamed at me and I was giving him a strange look, “Earth to Natalie!”
“What? Oh sorry, spaced out for a bit.” I said with a weak smile. Oh Patrick Kane, I hope that fantasy becomes a reality one day, because you’d be a great father.
We wondered around the mall making sure we hit every store that had a sale sign in the window. I ended up getting a new outfit from some sports store. I can’t even remember which one because we went to so many. But like always I’m going to come home and Pat will ask, ‘so what did you buy?’ and I’ll be like, ‘well a new sweatshirt, a jean skirt, and a new pair of black Uggs.’ And he’d be like, ‘so what’s on the sweatshirt?’ and I’d answer, ‘A Blackhawks emblem.’ And then he’d roll his eyes. Like always.
I got home and saw him sitting on the couch watching a Bulls game. He peered over the back of the couch and then back at the TV, “Lemme guess, you bought something to do with the Hawks didn’t you?” I took a deep breath, “Yeah but I also bought a new pair of black Uggs and a new jean skirt!” I said in my defense. “Whatever,” he quickly dropped the conversation not wanting to get into an argument.
“Anyway, someone left a message on the answering machine for you I didn’t catch the name.” Then he went back to the intense game that I’m pretty sure the bulls were losing. Walking into the kitchen I pressed the big flashing red button to play the message.
Hey Nat, it’s me Tyler Smith, uh from highschool? Well I was wondering if you wanted to get together sometime and catch up on things, I just moved to Chicago for my job. Uh give me a call.
Pat turned the TV off and turned around on the couch, “Tyler Smith, why does that name seem so familiar?” I rolled my eyes, “Because first of all, he went to our high school, secondly he was on your hockey team, and third. He was your best friend!” Light bulb, “Oh, that’s why that name is so familiar! Wait, didn’t you guys date at one point?” I nodded my head, “Uhuh and I’m pretty sure he still likes me, that’s why he came to Chicago.”
“Wow, you think a guy would follow you to a different state to be with you? You must think pretty highly of yourself.” He rolled his eyes, “Well I did it for you didn’t I?” I went over to the couch and kissed him on the cheek, “Yeah but that’s different, I’m Patrick Kane!” I laughed and sat down next to him with my feet on his lap, “Uhuh, whatever gets you through the day Pat.”
<3<3<3<3<3<3
I finally decided after about an hour that I should really call Tyler back. It had been at least 3 years since the last time I saw him, maybe more. I sat down on my bed, my legs criss-crossed; dialing the number Tyler called from last.
There was a quiet hello from the other side of the line. “Tyler?” I asked, silence. Did I call the wrong number? “Natalie? Natalie Vaughn” A sigh of relief came across my face, “Hey, I just your message, so how’ve you been?”
We went on talking about how he had become an architect and is designing some new building here in Chicago. Apparently it’s supposed to be some big important building for the city. I think he was trying to impress me or something, nice try. I told him I’d been living with Pat downtown and had gone to all of his games since I left Buffalo and stupidly asked if he wanted to come to a game with me to catch up and everything. I told him that he could come to the game against the Redwings this week and he happily agreed. A half an hour passed and he needed to go finish his blueprints, we said our goodbyes and hung up.
I went back into the kitchen to find Pat and he was sitting on one of the chairs at the kitchen table with his feet up, lounging eating a bag of potato chips. “So how was your chat with Tyler?” He seemed jealous. “Not bad, he wanted to catch up so I invited him to the game next week against the wings.” Not sensing anything was wrong I opened the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water. Once I turned back around I was being stared at. “What?” I asked him. “You invited him to the game? He’s in love with you!” he stood up in anger, “No he’s not! That was high school Pat, calm down!” Actually it was probably true, but I didn’t know that for sure so it wasn’t a total lie.
“Yeah but his crush wasn’t just a crush, his is a deep dark obsession. I’m pretty sure he has a shrine of you in his closet.” I thought to myself picturing him opening a secret door in his closet, getting on his knees and looking at a picture of me with candles and things I’ve touched. I came back to reality, “Come on Pat let’s get real, he’s not a total creeper.” He pointed a finger at me, “So you think.” He said mysteriously as he slipped into his bedroom.
<3<3<3<3<3<3
“Let’s Go Hawks,” The crowd chanted repeatedly as Tyler and I made our way down to our seats. He was wearing a Patrick Kane jersey I let him borrow since he only had Sabres ones, and being a good friend I didn’t want him to stick out in the crowd. “Alright, this is us.” I said stopping at the 2 row behind the Hawks bench and pointing towards two empty seats in the middle. He smiled and walked past me and sat down, “So what do you think of my view?” He was awestruck glancing up everywhere at the sea of red, white, and black. He could actually go touch the glass if he wanted to, and possibly the players if he was crazy enough.
At the end of the 2 period Pat turned around and waved to us. I smiled and blew him a kiss without Tyler knowing and he winked at me and made me blush a dark crimson. We watched as the 3 lucky fans shot the puck, all three missing every time, all the drunken men cheering for the hot girl and booing the man. I laughed every single time the crowd erupted in applause for the girl in nine inch heeled boots with a lot of cleavage showing.
At one point we both had our arms on the same armrest and he quickly grabbed my hand and laced our fingers together. At the time I was being stupid and didn’t notice until I looked down. My eyes went wide as I pulled our fingers apart and laced my fingers together in my lap. Awkward
The game ended up going into overtime, but we ended up losing because of horrible puck possession at the end. I shrugged my shoulders and started towards the locker room with my purse and my VIP pass completely forgetting about Tyler.
I made it half way down until I figured out that I had someone following me. I looked back seeing Tyler with his hair in his eyes flipping it back as if he was a teenager again. I smiled at him and he gave me a small half smile still following me towards the dressing room.
The security guard I knew as Paul didn’t even look at my pass and opened the door for me, “Hey Nat welcome back.” I smiled at him like usual, “Hey Paul tough loss but we’ll get um next time.” He let out a deep chuckle I kept walking until I heard, “Uh, Natalie?” “Oh, sorry Paul, he’s with me.” Paul let Tyler through into the dressing room with me. I scanned the locker room for Pat seeing he wasn’t at his usual place next to Jonathan Toews. Not seeing him I went to Jonathan, “Hey Jon do you know where Pat is?” Taking off his skates he motioned to the showers with a wink and I rolled my eyes. Then his eyes met Tyler’s for a split second. Thinking he was media he asked him if he wanted an interview.
I laughed, “No Jon, this is my old friend Tyler. He’s working on some big project her in Chicago as an architect.” Tyler went up to him and shook his hand, “Wow, nice meeting you Mr. Toews, you are such a great hockey player.” He said acting like a little kid. I hid my laugh with my hand only because Tyler looked to be serious.
Pat came out of the showers soon after with his hair still wet. He smiled as this was the first time he had been able to talk to talk to Tyler since High school. “Hey man, how’ve you been?” he asked giving him a hug with a pat on the back. “Not bad bro, not bad,” he answered, “Man great game, you sure have gotten better since senior year,” he said with a chuckle. “Well why don’t I treat you two to a nice dinner catch up on old times.” I shrugged my shoulders, “Sure, sounds great.” Pat grabbed my hand and we walked out the big double doors.
<3<3<3<3<3<3
Dinner was nice. We caught up on a lot. Pat got recognized for some autographs by his young fans and I adored him for it. He acts like an older brother again to them. I always loved when older brother Pat comes out just because he is so nice and kind to them. I’m not saying that Pat isn’t a good person normally, but he acts extra special around the little kids. That’s when I started to stare off into space…
“Mommy, Daddy! Wake up! Wake up! It’s Christmas!” Two small children were jumping up and down on our bed trying to wake us up. I looked over at the clock, 6 am. He was still asleep not even a movement from the overly excited children. He was never a light sleeper.
I walked downstairs into the living room where a Christmas tree was lighting up the room with presents wrapped in gold paper and silver bows filled the empty space around the tree. My husband must have realized the empty space next to him because he was suddenly at my side staring at the sight of our children bouncing around our living room. They had ripped down their stockings down of the fireplace looking to see what Santa had brought them. They opened the small presents in their stockings savering every little piece just because they aren’t allowed to open any other presents before breakfast.
After breakfast we continued to share Christmas morning as a family. They anxiously ripped the paper that “Santa” wrapped and the “Elves” built for them. Our son had been given a new hockey jersey, one of his current favorite players of the month. I’m pretty sure this was his 7th jersey. He had received one every Christmas just as his father had.
Our daughter had received a Barbie dream house and a new Barbie doll. She had been more excited about Barbies unlike her mother. I ended up giving my husband a book about the history of the Blackhawks because that was the one thing he wanted, even though I’m pretty sure after how many years he’s been with them he knows most of the book. We lost him for most of the rest of the present opening, but he came back later when we were in the backyard playing hockey on the ice rink that we built. I watched as the glided on the ice, and after one of them fell he went over and tickled them until they got up and proceeded to chase them around the rink until they couldn’t skate anymore. “Daddy! Stop it! You’re cheating! You actually play hockey!”
They all came back inside for hot cocoa with a crimson red on their cheeks with all smiles. I sat down with them at the kitchen table drinking a mug myself. No words were said; we just sat there in a peaceful moment. Then he finally looked up at me, “Nat, Nat, Nat!” He screamed at me and I was giving him a strange look, “Earth to Natalie!”
“What? Oh sorry, spaced out for a bit.” I said with a weak smile. Oh Patrick Kane, I hope that fantasy becomes a reality one day, because you’d be a great father.
