The One Night That Changed My Life Forever

"Mom! Dad! What are you doing here?" I said as Pat and I walked into the UC hand in hand. I ran over to them and engulfed them in a giant bear hug.
"Mr. Mrs Carson. Nice to see you again. I'm just going to go get ready babe, I'll see you out there" Pat said kissing my cheek and heading to the locker room.
"Really! What are you guys doing here?"
"Well Q called and there was no way we were going to miss seeing our daughter being back out on the ice where she belongs. Plus we brought your equipment."
"Awe well thanks guys. You going to stick around and watch practice? Even though it isn't even my team, it should be a good one to watch. We can grab something to eat later, and you guys have to come to the game tonight!"
"Sounds good honey, now go get changed. Don't want you to be late to your NHL practice" Dad winked.
"Remember guys it's not like I'm playing for them, it's just practice. Practice that I need if I'm ever going to be shape for camp in July."
"Well you seem really happy. Pat is really good for you, I'm glad you found him. Now go be out there where you belong" Dad squeezed my shoulder passing me my bag, motioning for me to go down the hall.
"I'll see you after" I called back. "Thanks for coming!" I got dressed quickly seeing as all the guys were getting on the ice. 5 minutes later I was out on the ice, in my equipment, with my stick and helmet it was refreshing.
"Rach go warm up Crow!" I heard Q call from across the ice.
"You got it Q" I yelled back saluting to the best of my abilities with hockey gloves on.
"You ready Crow?" I asked as I scooped up the puck with my stick.
"Bring it Carson. Though can we start off slowly before we make it to full blown superstar mode?"
"Haha sure. But you really think the shots your going to have to save tonight will be easy?"
"Point taken. But we are still starting off slow. I do want to see superstar mode though." I took some pretty soft shots on him. Some wristers, a couple slap shots and a couple easy breakaway attempts. Then came the dekeing, stick handling, flipping the puck, to the point where I was just showing off. Crow kept up pretty well, although he had some work to do with getting higher pucks on his blocker side. So we focused on that. Tonights game was against the Kings, so I had done a bit of research on where they liked to shoot, and made sure Crow knew where they would be aiming. We worked for 15 more minutes before Q called us over and Crow went in as goalie in the drill. I stood beside Pat as Q explained the drill. He put his arm around my waist and squeezed. I told him to pay attention and laughed, snuggling in as much as possible in hockey gear. I felt as though this was my team however. They involved me in everything, from scrimmages to drills. They were like a second family, and I loved them all to death. I loved that Q didn't go easy on me, he pushed me as though I was one of his players. I didn't get to do less suicides, and if you messed up in the drill I got the same punishment as the guys. I loved this about Q and the guys, they didn't take it easy on me because I was a girl, and I was thankful for it because this is the only way I could truly improve my game. The best part in practice was by far the scrimmage. Q had even gotten me a grey hawks practice jersey, because he had put me on the opposite team as Pat. One thing I wasn't used to was the checking, but as much as it sucked to get hit into the boards it felt amazing to do it back, even if it was a weak hit. I was somehow put on a scrimmage line with two of the best hawk players; Sharpie and Toews. We were up against Hossa and Pat, and Shaw. I had no idea why Q would put me on this line, maybe it was because I'm a forward? I thought to myself. I found it funny that both Pat and I were wingers. We had Raanta as a goalie, and Hjalmarsson and Keith as our defencemen. The puck dropped and the game was on, teammate against team mate, just like the olympics I thought to myself. I was surprised when they actually passed to me, but soon the surprise was taken over by determination. I took the puck up the side, seeing Pat coming towards me, I passed the puck back to Sharpie, and ducked out of the way of Pat's check. I laughed as I heard him swear and chase after me, as my line had gotten the puck into his zone. Sharpie passed to Toews who set me up perfectly at the side of the net for an easy goal. I skated past Pat. I hope that teaches you not to mess with me, I don't like being checked into the boards" I pouted. My celebration was short lived when the puck was turned over in neutral ice, and Pat took it and scored top shelf.
"How'd you like that goal?" he said as he skated past me.
"Awe the lovebirds are getting competitive" Sharpie cooed.
"Shut it Sharpie if you ever want me to pass you the puck." I replied as we set the face-off up again. We got a good shot in on Crow but he stopped it easily. I went over to Jon and Sharpie letting them know what I noticed as we grabbed a drink break.
"Ok so typically they double team either of you when you get the puck, obviously you are the team's best players. This is exactly what it's going to be like in the game, however there is no way they can cover all three forwards if they have even one of you double teamed. So if both of you were on one side, that would draw the players over mostly to your side leaving the player on the other side virtually open. If it's not your strongest player it's actually better because why would they worry as much about some 4th liner when they have you two on the ice. So I was thinking that if you could somehow draw the defence over and get the puck to the open player all they would have to do is drive the net, or put it in one timer. Especially with Quick tonight, all you need is for someone open to roof it and you have a great chance of scoring" I said finishing my little rant.
"Fuck, when did you get so good at hockey" Sharpie muttered shaking his head.
"That actually could work though. Q come here!" Jon motioned for Q to come over. He explained my thinking for the offence, and how to get around the double team.
"You guys wouldn't have as much of a scoring role per say, but it would get some of the lesser players some confidence and playing time, plus you would totally screw with their coaches. All you need for it to work is determination and someone who can roof the puck over Quick when he goes down. " I shrugged. I watched as Q mulled it over, eventually smiling. "You guys try it out, if it works in the scrimmage there is no harm in trying it tonight. We can practice it a bit if it works."
"Ok Boys lets do it!" I said fist bumping Sharpie, Jon, Duncan, and Nik. "If the puck goes out to you guys I said pointing at the D, look for the open man. If the player is open for a pass, by all means pass. If one of the boys is open a pass could help as a distraction, look for a quick pass back then find that open man. If all else fails then shoot it."
"I'm starting to think you could be our coach. Someday your going to give Q a run for his money" Duncs laughed.
We set up at the centre ice dot and won the face-off back cleanly. Just as planned Keith passed it up to Sharpie, who brought it into the zone. Jon stayed near him looking ready for a pass. As I hoped I was alone, and everyone was focusing on the guys by the puck. Jon acted like a pick in basketball giving Sharpie an open spot to pass the puck cleanly to my stick, and I tapped it in. I went up and celebrated with the guys, happy that the play actually worked. Q whistled signifying that the scrimmage portion of the morning skate was over. He then proceeded to tell Pat's team exactly what we had done, explaining every detail and why it worked.
"Hey that could actually solve our double teaming problem."
"Yah it was if we forgot the other forward was even there. Sorry Rach"
"No prob guys. But that was the idea. If you chuck a guy up on your top line that has the ability to produce but just hasn't been getting the opportunity to score, this could be great for them. It might not work every time, and eventually they will see what you are doing, but when you are playing you don't really think of the ok players you want the top players."
"Wait did Rach come up with this?" Pat asked Q.
"Yes, I had nothing to do with that one. Although I must admit it's a good idea and worth a shot. Even if we try it a couple times and get a goal out of it, it would be worth it."
"Wow, I'm impressed babe." He said kissing my helmet.
"I have my moments." I smiled back up towards him.
"Alright lets run it a few times just to see what it feels like, and then we will call it quits." Q announced. We did just that, it worked pretty well. It was going to take some getting used to, and it would help that LA would not be expecting this random play from the Hawks who were always focused on power driven lines.This was going to be a great game tonight I thought as I made my way to the change room.
"Boys I'm going to be out of here in five. Please do not make it weird that I'm in here. I don't want to see anything, or hear anything from anyone but Pat" I winked, as my boy blushed.
"Not to worry. They will be good! Right boys" Jon said letting his seriousness shine. I quickly shed my equipment taking off my under armour leaving me in my sports bra and leggings.
"What did I say?" I asked the boys as they reacted as if it was their first time seeing a girl in a sports bra. "You guys are all over twenty it is not the first time you have seen a bra, now stop being stupid about it. And Pat I see you over there, you have nothing to be jealous about. You are the one I'm going home to so get changed and stop sending your teammates death glares. I pulled one of my Hawks sweaters on. "See, problem solved. I'll meet you out there babe" I said to Pat and made my way out to find my parents. When I found them I got some perfume out of my purse I had left and sprayed on a bit, as well as putting on deodorant and chucking my hair on top of my head. I was happy to see they had gotten me a blue gatorade. My absolute favourite. "Thanks, I hoped you would remember" I said taking the gatorade and taking a big swig from it. "So what do you guys think of the team? Pretty good huh?"
"They were great. You looked great out there as well. I was happy to see you happy sweetie" mom said giving me a hug.
"Yah you might not want to hug me for long" I laughed. " The guys claimed the showers, so I'll have to wait until I get home to shower" I pouted. "I was happy wasn't I?"
"You were. By the way nice idea for that play. I could tell that was all you and your strategy." Dad said squeezing my shoulder. "So what do you want to do today?"
"First of shower. Then we can go out and eat somewhere, and I can show you guys the city. Pat has to have his pre-game nap so its just you and I for the day and well maybe a couple of Canadian friends. How long are you guys staying?"
"We are heading back friday, so we have the rest of today, Thursday and half of Friday to do whatever you want."
"Cool! Anyways a couple of Canadian girls who won this amazing contest are down here for the game. So I'm going to have to pick them before the game, but after that it's just you and I. I actually have a great idea, and someone I want you to meet after we eat."
"Alright we are here for you so whatever you want to do we will do." Mom said, and Dad smiled.
"I love you guys! I'm going to see if Pat will let me borrow his car for the day, we will have to stop at his place first however."
"Pat! Hey babe" I said ducking down the hall out of my parents view and kissed him. "I've been wanting to do that all day" I said.
"Me too" he replied.
"So any possibility that I can borrow one of the least expensive cars you have so I can take my parents out for lunch, and then make a quick stop and introduce them to Izzy?"
"Yah sure, no accidents though!"
"You saying that for my sake or the car's?"
"I can live without the car, I can't live without you" he whispered in my ear.
"Alright no accidents then, plus I feel the same way about you."
"I'll bring you to my place then, that way I will sleep and you can have the car."
"Thanks babe. I wish you didn't have to sleep, you being there would have only made this day perfect, but I guess I can live with the car" I winked as we made our way out to where my parents were. "I'm going to go ask Q where I can leave my equipment. Be right back." I made it to Q's office and opened the door after getting the ok to come in. " Hey Q any idea where I might be able to stash my equipment around here?"
"Just leave it here, and I will see what I can do. It doesn't smell as bad as the guys stuff, so I can live with it at least for now. Great work out there today! I was impressed, great idea for a play as well. I think even just confusing the team as to what we are doing will work in our advantage."
"Thanks for letting me come out, and for talking to Team Canada, I got my invite today over email."
"You deserve it. Keep this up and you might get signed by a team quicker than you expect."
"Will do. I can only hope right? Thanks again. Good luck tonight." I met my parents and Pat back out in the lobby. The ride back to his place was quick. He gave me the keys to a car I beeped the lock button until I found the right car. "Really this is the cheapest one you have? " I said shaking my head at the beautiful car in front of me.
"Yah, sorry to disappoint. Its nice to drive though so enjoy it, and have a great afternoon. Say hi to Izzy for me." he said pecking my lips before heading back up to his apartment to get some shut eye before the big game. When my parents saw the car their faces said it all.
"Yes, I know. I already tried to convince him that I shouldn't be allowed to drive this but that worked to no avail seeing as I still have the keys. Now let's go, since I had my shower here we can head straight to lunch. I took them to the restaurant Pat and I ate at near my school. I showed them the campus as well. Just like Pat had promised, the car was great to drive. We made it to the hospital, and I found the safest looking parking lot to park in. "So there is someone I want you guys to meet. Her name is Izzy, she's the one Pat and I were talking about when we mentioned the mutual friend in the hospital. I know you guys are going to love her" I smiled.
"Hey Becca." I said coming into the room. "Hey Izzy how's my favourite girl doing?"
"Pretty good! You and Pat still together?"
"Yup, we are better than ever. Thanks to you little girl" I winked at her. "He says hi by the way. He had to sleep before the game tonight, but he really wanted to be here. But I want you to meet someone. These are my parents" I said pointing over to where my mom and dad stood. They came and hung out with Izzy and I went and saw Rebecca to see how she was doing. I was glad to hear she was doing better, even though it still wouldn't be enough. The rest of the visit flew by, we made sure Izzy had all her Hawks gear and a TV to watch the game. I took a picture of her in her jersey and other hawks things and sent it to the guys "Number one fan" was the caption. Soon it was time for us to say our goodbyes. I promised to come back with Pat soon. We stopped at my apartment, realizing this was the first time either of my parents would see my apartment. "El you here? My parents want to say hi."
"I'm coming, just getting ready for the game" she said coming out in sweats and a towel to dry her hair.
"Awe did Brandon ask you to come?"
"Maybe."
"Awwwwweeee! You guys are going to be the cutest couple ever! Has he given you a jersey yet?"
"Maybe."
"Too cute. Anyways these are my parents Joyce and Dan. Mom dad this is my room mate Ellie."
"Nice to meet you Ellie. We've heard only great things about you." mom gushed.
"Likewise."
"Umm well I'm going to go get ready. I have a few extra jerseys if you want them. Make yourselves at home!" With that El and I made our way into the bathroom, she did her make up while I did my hair, and then we switched. 30 minutes later we we both ready to go to the game. I sent mom and dad with El, telling them to go with El into the WAG's box and I would meet them there. I went and picked up Brooke, and Chelsea and we made our way to the UC. I parked in the players parking lot, figuring Kaner's car would be fine there. I left the girls to find their seats and told them to text me if they ended up needing a ride back. I made my way to the box, glad to see my parents had made it in ok, and seemed to be fitting in just fine. I said hi to everyone before taking my usual spot beside Abby. It was too late to get seats in the crowd for three people, so this had been the next best thing. My parents seemed to be enjoying themselves, always nudging me whenever Pat came out onto the ice. Midway through the second, Q tried my plan. I was so happy when it worked. I laughed when I saw their coach going off at his team.
"It worked huh?" Dad nudged my shoulder.
"I know! Can you believe it?" I texted Pat asking him to congratulate the team on the goal. They won the game 1-0 it had been a nail-biter all the way to the end but my boys prevailed. I took my parents on a small tour of the place I considered my third home only behind the apartment and Pat's place. We made it down to the locker room just as the media was leaving for the night.
"Great goal Bicks!" I congratulated him as he walked past me.
"Thanks, for the idea."
"It was all you guys, way to step up your game out there" I winked letting him continue making his way out.
"Hey babe."
"Patty! Great game out there I totally though you were going to score like 5 times." I said giving him a huge hug, turning into a kiss.
"Ehem" my parents coughed. "Yup sorry about that." I said breaking away from Pat and holding his hand instead. "So can you give us a ride back to our hotel? Great game son!" Dad said.
"Yup. I can. I'll see you in a few babe. Love you" I said squeezing his hand, before taking my parents to their hotel. The girls had texted saying they didn't need a ride so I was off the hook. After dropping my parents of I stopped at home, grabbing a few clothes and headed over to Pat's. It looked as if neither Ellie or I would be occupying the apartment tonight. After parking the car, I made my way up and into Pat's place only to be greeted by a giant bear hug, from one overly excited hockey player. "How do you still have tis much energy?" I asked before joining him on the couch.
I don't know, but we won so I'm happy. Plus I think we should celebrate the fact that it was your play that essentially won us the game." He said lightly tickling me.
"And how do you suppose "I" celebrate my amazing plan working?"
"I have a few ideas" he whispered in my ear.
"Are you sure that's how I want to celebrate?" I pouted jokingly.
"Doesn't matter! That's what your getting." I just shook my head as he picked me up effortlessly and carried me of into his bedroom. I woke to a note saying that Pat had gone off to get breakfast and that I should probably call my parents to make plans for today. So I got up and had a shower and put on my other set of clothes. I plopped down on the couch and called my parents. We settled on a late lunch, followed by some sightseeing. I did some light muscle training while I waited on Pat to arrive with food. "How's it going?" Pat asked as he came through the door.
"Pretty good you? You up for a late lunch and sightseeing with the family? "
"I'm great, a little hungry but coming home to you is always great." He said leaning down to kiss me.
"That smells delicious! What did you get?"
"Well I knew you would want your coffee so I made a Starbucks run, and decided to pick up some food. It will taste a lot better than my cooking."
"Thanks. I'm starving too! So lets eat." I went and grabbed a couple plates and joined Pat in the dining room.
"I haven't eaten this much in forever!" I said as I dished out a plate of eggs, bacon, hash browns and pancakes.
"I haven't had a girlfriend that would actually eat in front of me. Its quite refreshing actually."
"Haha you also have never had another hockey player as a girlfriend. I can afford to eat. I need to eat." I laughed.
"True. So when are we meeting your parents?"
"We were thinking 12:30 ish. I don't know maybe we could go back to Derek's restaurant?"
"Sounds good. I'll make the reservation. It will be nice to see Derek again." Pat said smiling and pulling out his phone to call the restaurant.
"All set!" He said hanging up the phone .
"Thanks! What do you want to do now? We've got a couple hours we could watch a movie or something?"
"Sure, as long as I pick the movie."
"I can live with that." not like we are going to be watching I thought to myself. We ended up putting on one of the Hangover movies. I sank into the couch and into Pat's side trying to soak up the warmth radiating off his body.
"Hey Rach."
"Yah Pat?" I said looking up.
"I love you."
"I love you too!" Giving him a soft kiss.
"How did I get so lucky?"
"Funny I was thinking the same thing" I said laughing.
"I guess we are both lucky huh? Who would have thought it would take getting cheated on?"
"I don't know, but it was probably the best thing. I love you more than my cheating ex" I said winking.
"Haha too true." He said kissing me and turning back to the movie squeezing my shoulder. I must have fell asleep, because I woke up in Pat's lap with him shaking me lightly.
"I'm up" I grumbled. "When did I fall asleep?"
"You didn't even make it halfway through the movie" he said shaking his head.
"Must of been a boring movie" I joked.
"Ya ok. Blame it on the movie, I just think between hockey and me we tired you out" he said smirking.
"Probably actually. I worked pretty hard last practice. We have to go right?"
"Yup. I told your parents we are on our way. I hope you don't mind I answered your phone."
"Nope, I don't mind. Plus you let me sleep!" I said smiling.
"You were cute.How could I have woken you up?"
"Well thanks anyways. Now lets go give my parents some loving" I winked. "When are yours coming down?" I said laughing.
"I have no clue. Maybe they will come down as a surprise as well" he laughed. We grabbed our coats and headed out to meet my parents. They were waiting in front of the hotel, smiling when they recognized the hummer. We had to bring this car, because it was the only one that would hold four people comfortably, plus Pat loved it. My parents hopped in, and we were off. We made it safely to the restaurant, smiling as the waiter recognized us immediately and ushered us to our table.
"Can you please ask the chef out here to help us choose what to get?" Pat asked the waiter as I smiled.
"He doesn't know we are here huh?"
"Nope." Pat smirked.
"By the way Derek is Pat's best friend from back in Buffalo. His food is to die for" I said explaining it to my parents.
"Well who do we have here? Pat Kane in my restaurant twice in two months. It's a record." Derek said as him and Pat did their man hugs.
"Rach. Nice to see you again. These must be your parents huh?"
"Yup. Nice to see you to Derek."
"So you guys wanted to know what to get?"
"Well really we just wanted to get you out here, but we should probably let you get back to your chef duties" Pat said.
"Alright it was nice seeing you guys again. Nice to meet you two. Hope you enjoy the food, and stop in before you leave" he said returning to the kitchen. Lunch went well, everyone was comfortable with one another. I was glad my parents loved Pat. We popped our heads into the kitchen saying bye to Derek, and telling him that his food was still phenomenal. Then we headed back into the downtown core of the city. We walked through the park, along the pier and checked out the stores on the downtown strip, including the Blackhawks store. Pat and I had been in this store too often lately. Once my parents had their fill of the city Pat and I dropped them back off at the hotel. I told them I would bring them to the airport the next morning. I texted Brooke and Chelsea to make sure they had got back home safely as they had left earlier this morning. I was happy to hear they had made it back alright. Pat dropped me off at home as I had to finish writing a paper for my class tomorrow. I had to quit procrastinating, I thought to myself even though I knew that was never going to happen. I finished the paper up in an hours time, and settled in on the couch letting my muscles relax. After a while I decided to take a hot bath. I stayed in the bath until the water got cool, then got ready for bed and ready to reenergize myself for my planned workout the next day.

Notes

Hope you enjoy xoxoxoxo Jordan