"Damn. I'm so lazy right now! Think I could show up at this gala in sweats?" I joked with El as we were doing our hair and makeup.
"I mean you could, but I don't think Pat would be seen with you." She laughed.
"Yah, he'd be like who dat? And completely ignore me" I said winking. "Atleast I'd have my hair done."
"Very well so might I add, but I'd say no to the sweats. Plus you have a gorgeous dress."
"I suppose." I said sighing dramatically." My dress ain't half bad eh?"
"Nope."
"So… you excited Brandon asked you to come?"
"Totally. I love the guys, plus it's nice he invited me. I've never been to an event this formal before."
"Well I can't say I've been to an NHL event like this before, but I had a few things back for Team Canada, but nothing too huge. This is going to be crazy." I said switching over into my makeup.
"Isn't it crazy that the world is going to see us tonight? Kinda like we have to live up to people's expectations?"
"Yah, I mean it's going to take some getting used to. Pat and I have been dating a good 7 months and I'm still not used to it. I honestly don't know what to expect tonight but I do know we unfortunately will be judged no matter what."
"I guess it's worth it though." El said shrugging.
"It definitely is, trust me. Sure sometimes the media sucks, believe me Pat and I are living proof, but love shines through it all."
"Well lets go prove those hater's wrong and show them we deserve to be there."
"Remember no matter what they say, you are there for a reason, and that they are just jealous so they lash out. It's hard trust me. It's hard to ignore the comments when they are right in your face, but you can't pay attention to them."
"I haven't really experienced that yet. Brandon and I aren't officially dating, and he isn't as popular as Pat, but I'll keep it in mind!"
"Alright, now lets get these dresses on, and find our boys!" I said laughing and making my way to my room. I had decided on a longer dress, seeing as my regular clubbing and party dresses would not be suitable for tonight. The dress I had picked out for tonight was a nude shade of pink, and it flowed down to my feet, and tightening at my waist. It flowed perfectly fitting nicely over my chest and tightening in the right places showing I had some curves. I had my hair curled half up half down, and a set of strappy black heels.
"Damn, we going to look hot walking down that carpet!" El said coming out of her room all ready to go. She had chosen a red dress. It was shorter and tighter than mine, but still long enough not to be taken the wrong way. She looked great.
"I agree. Now the boys should be here any minute. They said they would text when they were outside." I said looking at my phone. The boy's were picking us up in a limo. It brought me honestly back to my prom days. I hadn't been super popular then, but I had a lot of guy friends due to the fact I played hockey and was actually good at it. I had been popular amongst the sports scene but was never well liked by the true popular girls as they did not like the fact I got a lot of attention from guys.
"Ahh they are pulling up. Let's get this show on the road!" I said smiling, and grabbing my clutch before hitting the elevator.
"Shit! You guys look stunning!" Pat exclaimed as the elevator doors swung open.
"Why thank you!" I said laughing at Pat's open mouthed expression. I guess a limo draws attention as I saw people looking into the lobby to get a better view.
"Well, I think you could walk the carpet yourself without me and still be loved." Pat joked.
"Yah, but where's the fun in that?" I said laughing.
"OH MY GOODNESS IT'S PATRICK KANE!"
"Are you kidding me, we gotta move now. Sorry ladies."
"It's all good. Is Brandon in the limo?" El asked.
"Yup, but for now I'm good with having two extremely sexy and beautiful women accompany me." He said latching his arms around each of ours, before giving me a kiss. We walked out of the building with Pat pulling both of us in close, and pushing away the crowd.
"Hey guys!" I exclaimed as Pat let El and I into the limo before following suit.
"Hey Rach! El!" Jon and Amanda replied.
"Brandon, nice seeing you again" I said winking. I went to sit beside Pat as El made her way over to Brandon.
"You girls look great! Almost get mauled by fans?" Jon said chuckling.
"Thanks. And as for the second part, not funny. Mands you look beautiful by the way!"
"Thanks. I obviously don't have to tell you the same thing." She said winking.
"Nahhh. I'll be good. But thanks. Though I can honestly say I never pictured myself at a red carpet event. Especially not a sport one."
"Me either!" Both girls responded.
"Well are you ladies ready for it?" Jon asked. "Cause we are here."
"More than ready! I mean we just want to steal a slice of your fame" I said laughing. "Just joking by the way."
"Funny." Jon said smirking and shaking his head.
"I guess we have to be, although I have no clue what to say." I said laughing.
"You guys will be fine! Plus you are all beautiful so you have nothing to worry about, it will be over in a flash!" Pat said with a reassuring smile.
"Alright then boys. Lets give them what they want." I said opening the limo door and making my way out followed closely by Pat and the others. Damn, that's a lot of people I thought as I squeezed Pat's hand.
"It's all good." He said squeezing my hand back, and walking towards the crowd.
"Patrick. How does it feel to win the cup to win the cup 3 times in your relatively short NHL career?" One reporter asked.
"Great! Once was amazing, two and three times was historic."
"What are your plans for the summer?"
"I'll probably head back to Buffalo as usual."
"Any plans for your day with the cup?"
"Not anything set in stone, but I'm hoping to take it back to Buffalo."
"Who's accompanying you tonight?"
"My girlfriend Rachel."
Where have we seen you before Rachel? It took me a moment to realize the focus was now on me.
"Sorry. I don't know I've been around. Maybe the Olympics, or on Blackhawks Tv?"
"Ahh yes you are the skilled hockey player then?"

"I'd like to think so, yes." I said winking, gaining confidence.
"So Rachel, what are your plans for the summer?"

Well I leave soon for the Team Canada tryout camp up in Winnipeg. Then I hope to make it home for a few weeks, and hopefully get some time to head down to Buffalo."
"You mentioned the Olympics. With you being Canadian was it hard choosing which team to cheer for?"

"Honestly not too bad. Pat knew beforehand that when it came down to Canada versus USA, I would unfortunately be cheering for the opposing team. I however hoped that if the Americans had to score that it would be him. I of course also cheered him on up until that final game!"
"Did you happen to be the mastermind between the playoff party in LA earlier on this year?"

"I guess I might have had something to do with it. I'm great friends with some of the guys from LA due to the Olympics, so it was fitting just to chill and hang out. Plus I know they don't like to admit it but the guys are actually friends off the ice" I said winking.
"So now we come to the question every person who follows your boyfriend is wondering. Are you pregnant?"

"I was wondering when that question would come up. The answer however is no."
"Pat what was your reaction to the rumours?"

"Honestly didn't really have to react as the rumours only reached us through friends and family, so it wasn't too bad. Plus even if it was true, it wouldn't be a terrible thing." He said shrugging.
"So you want kids someday?"

"Of course, doesn't everybody? I'm not saying I want them instantly, but in the foreseeable future sure."
"Where were you when the rumours started?"

"Well…"
"We were in France." I continued knowing it was my story to tell. "We were there for my brother's wedding."
"I see. Pat do you feel at all intimidated dating a girl who can play the game up to your level?"

"Haha no. I love it. Honestly it's one of the reasons we work so well together. It's great to have her working with us out at practice, she brings some stuff into our game and in return we do the same for her. It's fun, it brings a bit of competition into the relationship, as you can see from the Hawks video."
"Ah yes. Now tell me who's idea it was to make that video?"

"Honestly it just kind of came to be.One day back in the winter we decided to go ice skating. Somehow it turned into a full blown race, and then Brandon and I decided to well salvage our reputation and enjoy watching Rach beat the other guys too. Plus it worked well for her and the whole Team Canada ordeal."
"Rachel, what does it feel like getting the chance to practice on ice with the team?"

"It's great. I mean these guys are almost like my family. I've become great friends with a lot of them. Practice is practice. It's tough. You can only imagine how hard these guys had to work to make it this far in the playoffs again. It really changed my perspective as a fan. These guys worked their butts off for this and they deserved it."
"Alright so we know you guys didn't start publicly dating since the Cup finals. How long have you guys actually been dating?"

"Well, we met just after Christmas. We became friends and were dating mid to end of January."
"Rachel, how have you been taking the rumours, and comments portraying you poorly?"

"Well I'm not like most girls. I'm not easily offended so really I don't let it bug me. It was hard at first, but I really wish Pat's fans could just be happy for him, and us. But I know there will always some people who blame me for taking him of the market, but I'm alright with that." I said laughing.
"Have you gotten used to the popularity you've created through dating Pat?"

"It was never about popularity for me. I'm sad to say I actually went a good twelve hours before realizing who I was talking to the night we met." I said laughing. "But the whole media and fan thing is for sure new to me. I'm not used to being recognized sure, but I'm going to have to get used to it at some point."
"Really? You didn't recognize him?"

"Nope." I said smiling. "Really my head was not in it at the time. I also met the guys too, but it didn't click for a while. I'm sure he's probably glad I knew a bit about hockey. Even if I hadn't of I'm sure I would have been taught by now." I said winking.
"Well there you have it folks. Star winger Patrick Kane, and his beautiful girlfriend Rachel. Enjoy the party guys, and congrats on your win."

After that little interview was over we stopped for some pictures, to answer a few more questions, and of course for Pat to sign some autographs. Ellie seemed to be doing fine, they had already made it inside. Pat and Jon were still wanted men, I thought laughing in my head.
"Pat, and Jon what does it feel like to be part of a three time champion team?"
"Well of course it's amazing. We had a great group of guys this year, just like 2013, and 2010." Jon replied.
"Ya, the team has been great. It's amazing to play with these guys who played their hearts out for this again. I'm just lucky to have been part of it." Pat said smiling,
"You guys think you have it in you to go 4 time?"

"Haha well lets not get ahead of ourselves yet. But sure. Why not?" Jon said laughing.
"Jon's right. It's going to be our goal just like every year. Win or loose that's what we will be shooting for." Pat replied.
"How did it feel coming back from the Olympics? Was it weird to not be rivals anymore?"

"Well I think it was a bit easier on me, but we seemed to get back into it pretty quickly."
"It definitely stings, sure. But the Olympics are a two week sort of thing. When you get back you have a whole team counting on you, and you have a new goal to strive for." Pat said shrugging.
"You guys both seem happy. Does this have to do with the Cup or the two beauties standing beside you?"

"Both!" They replied simultaneously, getting a chuckle from Amanda and I and the reporter.
"Well boys. We look forward to seeing more of you next season. Congrats on the win, and enjoy your summer."

"Thank you" the boys nodded before we walked into the building.
"Well that was fun" I said laughing, as I took in my surroundings.
"You did great!" Pat said giving my hand a squeeze. The place was beautiful. It was professionally done, that's for sure. They couldn't have spared any expenses I thought looking at all the detail that had been put into making this night a success.
"You ready to get another ring?" I asked.
"For sure. Love my jewellery" He said winking. "I like being all bedazzled."
"Haha ok. Lets go find our seats" I said shaking my head. We said our hello's to all the guys and their girls, and made our way to sit down. "Wow all this for the cup, huh?" I said in disbelief.
"Yup. It's the third one remember!" He said winking.
"How are they going to top that ring?" I said laughing at the stone he had in his hand.
"Honestly have no clue. Probably give us a car or money, and a ring?"
"Like you need more money. But yah I'm going with that. Hopefully they chuck in a warm vacation too" I said winking.
"I have no clue, but we will see soon enough. I mean we have to take pictures with the cup, then they congratulate us."
"That should be fun. I guess I'll just sit here." I said laughing. "Good thing there's food." I said winking.
"Could we get all the players of this years 2013/14 team up here?" The announcer said into the crowd.
"I guess that's my cue babe." He said giving me a little kiss and heading up to join his team. They received their awards, and rings from the NHL and the Blackhawks organization. It was pretty spectacular to see. The guys all looked so happy posing with their new set of rings, and their Cup. I felt my phone vibrating in my purse, I didn't want to look at it, but everyone who I know, knew I was at the gala. The team was just setting up for their team picture around the cup. I slipped my phone up and glanced at it. Shit it was Rebbecca. Not now was all I could think.
Becca~~I know you are busy, and I totally understand what kind of situation this puts you in, but Izzy wants to say bye to you.
Me~~I'll be there.
What the hell am I going to tell Pat. I can't just run up there and say 'hey our kid friend is dying, tonights her last night. Sorry I have to leave.' Yah cause that was going to go down well, at one of the biggest events of the year.
"Rach what's up? You're kind of white looking, which is saying a lot for a tanned person." El said taking a seat beside me. I showed her the text. "Shit. You need to get out of here then?"
"How am I going to explain to Pat, the reason I ran out of here if he's up there?"
"Don't worry I got it. He'll understand. I'll let him know as soon as they come down. I texted Brandon." She said nodding to Brandon looking at his screen. He nodded at us and motioned for us to go.
"So your coming with?"
"I couldn't leave ya, bestie."
"Make sure Pat enjoys himself." I said, knowing he probably wouldn't, With that we slid quietly but quickly out of the room. I didn't let any tears fall until we had made it into a cab and were on our way to the hospital, even then there were only a slight few.
"Hey. Can you text Pat from my phone and say I'm sorry?" I asked El.
"Yah sure. Brandon says he just noticed we are gone."
"Great. Surprise! I'm gone." I said trying to force a smile.
"It will be fine." El said resting her hand on my shoulder and staying that way until we arrived at the hospital.
***********************
Pat's POV
"Dude where's your girl gone?" Jonny asked.
"What?" I said looking down to her empty chair. "Fuck. I don't know man."
"She ran out of here pretty quickly with El. They weren't looking the happiest."
"Pat!" Saader said coming up to my side of the stage.
"What?" I said running my hands through my hair.
"They are at the hospital."
"WHAT?!?" I whisper screamed.
"No, not for them."
"Who…Ah shit. Really?"
"I think so." He said frowning.
"I should be there." I exclaimed. "Why tonight?"
"Dude, just go." Jon said shaking his head.
"I can't just leave."
"All that's left is dinner and a dance, really I think you could leave."
"I guess if my captain says it's alright."
"Fuck just get out of here man." Jon said play slapping me and practically pushing me off the back of the stage.
Of course I should be leaving I thought to myself. Izzy was my friend too. Damn this is going to be tough, on Rach I thought to myself as I caught a cab over to the hospital.
"Can we help you Mr. Kane?" The nurse at the front desk said blushing,
"I need to find my girlfriend. But I know where they are so I'm good. But thanks." I said brushing past the desk and into the elevator. " Hey Beccs. She in there?" I asked out of breath.
"Oh Pat! Thank you for coming! You didn't have to come." She said giving me a hug.
"Beccs I wouldn't have missed it. I love that girl. Plus I can celebrate that cup any day." I said returning her hug.
"So how's she doing?" I said sitting down beside Rebecca on the bench.
"Not good." She said putting her head in her hands. I was glad for having three sisters, giving me an idea of what to do.
"It's going to be ok." I said pulling her into a hug and rubbing her back as she cried. "You are going to be ok." I said honestly hoping that would be true. I wondered what Rach was doing in the room. I imagined her heart breaking into a million pieces over someone we hadn't even known up to a few months ago. It made me smile though. Those two had become the best of friends, almost like the sister she never had.
"Come on. Let's get in there. Your daughter needs you to be strong Beccs." I said helping her up onto her feet.
"Thanks Pat" She said wiping away the tears. "You know, you are nothing like how the media portrays you."
"Oh, Beccs. Believe me I was, and I'm ashamed of my actions, but I've grown up a bit within these past couple years. No point wasting my life, right?"
"Right. I'm glad. You've honestly been one of the reasons she's held on as long as she has. I thank you for that."
"I think it was all you, but thank you. I have to ask what are you going to do after this is all over?"
"I don't know. I just hoped she would miraculously heal, but that isn't happening unfortunately. I think I'll just need some time and space to myself, and then I'll need to find a job to pay off the bills that allowed her to live this long." She said trembling just thinking about the future without Izzy.
"Well, I'm going to be in Buffalo the rest of the summer, and Rach is going to be up in Canada. So if you need a place to crash, you can stay at the apartment for as long as you need."
"Thanks Pat. But I don't want to be a burden, I will figure something out."
"Beccs, you are like family to Rach and I. I want you to stay. There's no point in finding some crappy place to live, and struggling to pay rent, when my apartment is going to be empty and unused. Plus you can have your alone time as needed. We will both be out of there by early next week."
"I'll let you know Pat. Let's just get through this." She said making her way in.
"Hey beautiful girl." She said smiling at her daughter.
"Mom. Pat." She struggled to get out, it was painful to watch. Rach turned around and met my eyes as I leaned against the doorframe.
"Hey Iz. You not feeling to great?" I asked the smiling girl.
"I'm going to be glad once this all over. Honestly I've fought it out until the very end."
"That's all anyone can ask for right?"
"Thanks for everything!" She whispered hugging my jersey, yes my jersey tight. This was going to be harder than expected.
"No problem little Iz. We had fun." I said smiling.
"We did. That cup was pretty cool."
"Yah, but not as cool as you." I said wincing as she burst into a coughing fit. "We are going to let you spend a bit more time with your mom. I love you my little Iz." I said helping Rach up.
"I love you too. You are my little sister I never had Iz. I'm going to miss you." Rach said starting to get emotional.

"Come here." I whispered in her ear leading her out into the hall. I pulled her in close resting my chin on her head and just letting her get it all out. A couple hours later we were back at my place. I helped Rach into bed, after falling asleep on the ride back from the hospital. After changing both of us out of our gala attire I settled into the bed beside Rach, just thinking about how life works, how one day someone could be there and the next day not. This was tough even if we had seen it coming, it still stung. I hoped Rach continued to sleep, and that I wouldn't be up all night worrying.

Notes

Nail bitter versus the States yesterday....I was sad today when they lost...Hoping they would at least get bronze. To all the Kaner haters out there, you go out and play against the best players in the world and score a million goals. My canadian boys need to get scoring tomorrow :) Let me know what you guys think.

xoxoxoxo Jordan