The One Night That Changed My Life Forever

"Rach you have a visitor." My mom said poking her head into my room.
"Who is it?"
"I don't know? She said she had to talk to you about something. Seemed urgent. I told her you would be down. El told me to tell you she was heading to the gym for the morning."
"Alright. Let me get up. I'll be right down." Ughh so much for sleeping in I thought. Who the hell needs to talk to me? I thought chucking on a pair of shorts and a loose tank. I washed my face and was greeted with a face I did not want to see in my house at 10 o'clock in the morning.
"Ah hell no!" I exclaimed.
"Rachel! Language!" My mother yelled from the kitchen.
"What the hell do you want? Come to ruin my life yet again? " I unable to control my anger.
"We need to talk."
"Like hell. I'm not talking to you."
"Please. I'll buy you coffee. I just need to explain."
"Fine! You are buying my coffee, and I am listening to what you have to say and then I'm out of there!" I huffed. We walked to Tim Hortons and each got a coffee. We found a bench at Victoria park and sat down.
"So what was so important that you had to fly up here and tell me? You pregnant or something?" I said snidely.
"Oh No. I'm not. Anyways it's about what happened that night. "
"Please spare me the details."
"See he might not remember but I do. I have to make things right."
"Continue…"
"I was at the club when I recognized a few of the players. I knew Pat wouldn't be too hard to find. I saw the two of you together and was jealous. We had been happy together gut you two took that to a whole new level. I slept with your ex sorry about that honestly and the only thing he worried about was you. You had two men swooning, and I lost both of them. So when I saw you leave, I knew it was a perfect opportunity. Honestly jealousy and alcohol is not a smart mix. So I found him at the bar, he seemed sad about something and was looking through his pictures of the two of you on his phone. I guessed you must be leaving or something. So anyways I found ways to make it seem like our conversation was more than friendly, which it wasn't. I don' even know why I did it, it's not like I wanted him back. Anyways we both decided to call it a night around 3:30, 4:00 in the morning. So he got me a cab, but by that time neither of us could really be trusted to make it back home, so he said his address which is easy and everyone knows. He paid and let the cabbie keep the 80$ tip, and we went to the apartment. No matter how drunk he was he wasn't going to cheat on you. He offered me the bed which I declined and I took the guest room. I woke up early the next morning and decided why not send you a picture and just watch him squirm. I hoped maybe with you out of the picture that he'd come back to me. Me being the delusional partially intoxicated person crept into his room and snapped a suggestive picture, figuring it would be enough with all the media coverage, Then I deleted the photo and went back home." She said tears threatening to fall. "As soon as I realized how stupid I had been and that it was just hurting the two of you, I flew up here and here I am. I'm so sorry." She said a few tears dropping.
I gave her a hug. Sure I was pissed, a little relieved. But a woman crying was where I couldn't help myself but feel sorry for them. I got it though, jealousy makes you do stupid things. I had to admire her coming up here though. Although she was the reason my relationship was shit, she didn't have to come clean, I thought it said a lot about a person.
"Where are you staying tonight?" I whispered at the clearly depressed girl in front of me.
"I--I don't know. I--I didn't really plan that out. I--I just bought--t a ticket when I fig---gured out where to find you." She said crying.
"Come on. People are staring, lets get you out of here okay?"
"Why are you being so nice to me? I would have slapped my sorry ass if I was in your position."
"Just the way I am. I am furious and it will take a will to forgive, but I'm a girl and I get it. Plus you told me even when you didn't have to. I also know a sincere apology when I see one. However Ellie is here and she might not be so happy." I said as we walked up to the house.
"I deserve it." She shrugged still crying softly.
I saw Ellie's face drop and I shook my head before she could say anything. I mouthed 'later' and proceeded to take Megan up to my room so she could get some sleep.
"Here's some sweats and just grab any of the Team Canada memorabilia it's just washed." I said pointing to the folded clothes on my dresser. "Get some sleep. I'll wake you up for dinner ok?"
"Ok." She replied weakly. I shut the door and walked back downstairs.
"Not here." I said to Ellie who looked confused.
"Mom we'll be right back ok. Let her sleep ok. She's had a past few days." I said smiling sadly as my mother nodded and went back to reading the newspaper. El and I went for a walk outside.
"Explain please!" El exclaimed as we rounded the corner away from my house. I told her the gist of things, and what had actually happened that night, and how she was obviously depressed and alone, and that wasn't a good combination for anyone.
"You're too nice. But I get it. Don't expect me to be friendly though. I will probably ignore her until she leaves to be honest."
"I didn't expect anything less." I said laughing. "Come on lets get back. I really am hungry." I said turning back towards the house.
"I bet! But you're still friggin skinny. Have you told your parents?"
"Uhh. Not yet."
"Rach!"
"I know. I know. It's just I'm 23 going to have a kid. I hope the dad is in the picture, and I play professional hockey. It's a lot to process."
"You need to tell them though. Before their grandkid decides its time to pop out."
"I'll tell them tomorrow. That way Jonny's here for support. "
Fine!" She said as we walked back into the house. Dinner was definitely awkward, you could sense the tension. Megan's flight didn't leave until later on tomorrow night, so I let her take the bed and I slept in Scott's vacant room.
I woke to my alarm the next day. I let Megan sleep, and I knew El wanted hers too. Why Jon had to get the early 7 o'clock flight was unknown to me. Maybe it was just to torture me. I got in the car and made the drive to the southend of the city and over to the airport. I bought Jon a coffee while I was waiting, knowing that boy he'd need it.
"Mhmmm. Is that for me?" I heard him ask from beside me.
"Yup!" I said laughing and carefully giving him a hug. How was Ottawa?"
"Really good. Her family is super cool, and they liked me so that's a bonus." He said laughing. "London?"
"It's definitely been interesting." I said laughing.
"Ooooo how so?"
"You'll see one reason when we get to the house which is full by the way. The other one I'll tell you once your settled in."
"I'm intrigued!" He said clapping his hands like a little boy. I shook my head and turned up the radio and made the drive home.
"Mom. We are here." I whisper shouted to my mom in the kitchen.
"Jon! So nice to see you again. Rach has told us wonderful stuff about you."
"Has she now?" He said winking, before shaking my mother's outstretched hand. " My pleasure! Thanks for housing me." He said laughing.
"That is my pleasure. Make yourself at home." She said smiling and returning to the kitchen.
"Hey Jonny!" El said coming down the stairs.
"Hey El!" He exclaimed smiling. "She's not the surprise guest is she? That's kinda boring."
"Nope. I am not." El said un amused.
"Be nice!" I said seriously. "I'm getting her up. Same goes to you Jonny. Be nice."
"Fine." El huffed and went to the kitchen. I knocked on the door before heading in.
"Hey. Breakfast is ready. You want to come eat with us?"
"Sure. I need some clothes though."
"Your clothes are in the dryer. It's just my family, that's fine. You look better than I do most mornings." I said laughing as it was actually true. Everyone was around the table when I walked back down.
"She coming?" Mom asked as I sat beside Jonny.
"Yup. She's worried about how she looks. Again I say she pulls it off way better than I do most mornings." I said laughing. "Jon it's fine." I whispered in his ear and squeezed his thigh as I felt him tense up. He just rolled his eyes and shook his head before putting his focus on his food. Breakfast was short. We had a few conversations and one by one we left the table.
"Hey come find me when your ready to do something. Your clothes should be done, mom will show you where they are okay." I gave her a soft smile and headed out to find Jon.
"What the hell is she doing here?" he growled into my ear.
"Come on. Grab your bathing suit and I'll explain." I said smiling before heading to my room.
"El you coming?" I asked laughing as I walked past her in my bathing suit.
"In a few minutes."
"Alrighty." I headed back downstairs and chucked Megan one of my old suits I never wore. "I honestly loved them but then I didn't so they haven't been worn. Feel free to join us later okay."
"Jon get your lazy ass down here." I called out laughing. " I'm outside."
"I made my way into the hot tub. Yes I love my family. We all have access to one, pure bliss.
"Sweet!" Jonny said smiling and hopping, literally hopping in behind me.
"Jon! Was that necessary?" I said laughing as I wiped the water from my eyes.
"Yes!" he said laughing. "Now what the hell have I walked into?"
"Ohh Jonny. You walked into a complete shit show." I said sighing and leaning in closer to him.
"What's up Rach? Still Pat stuff?"
"Sort of. But actually I'm kinda he makes an appearance by then end of the summer." I said shrugging.
"Really?"
"Yah. That's why Megan's here. She apologized and told me the entire story."
"Damn. So the kid didn't cheat on you?"
"Not from the looks of it, no." I said smiling sadly. "I texted him I was sorry, and that we needed to talk. He never replied though. I don't know Jonny I just don't know. Everything is just fucked up."
He'll come around don't worry." He said squeezing my shoulders. "So what else did you have to tell me?"
"Promise you won't be mad?"
"Promise. Unless you cheated on him."
"No nothing like that." I said laughing.
"Alright so tell me."
I'm pregnant" I said super quickly and quietly.
"Not what I was expecting, but how could I be mad?" He said quietly.
"How am I going to tell my parents Jonny? And Pat?" I said whining.
"Shush!" He said giving me a hug. " It'll be fine. They will be fine. Will you be fine though?"
"Yah. I'll be good. But Jonny how am I going to take care of a kid and play professional hockey on the side? What happens if Pat ignores me the rest of my life?"
"You'll make it work, and he won't. He wouldn't I can promise you that." He said softly. "You've got tons of time to make things work."
"Jonny I don't! I have less than a fucking month to get all this shit organized. I still haven't even chosen a team to play for next season, and now I'm chucking a kid into the mix."
"Whoa. Wait your still playing hockey in the fall?"
"Yes." I said laughing.
"How Rach? I don't think you can do that." He said shaking his head.
"You'd be surprised Jonny. Want to see a picture?" I asked grabbing my phone of to the side.
"Sure. " I showed him the picture of the photo on my phone.
"Crazy huh?" I said as he smiled at the picture.
"Crazy does not describe that. He or she is going to be beautiful."
"I honestly think it's a girl just by looking at it but time will tell." I said smiling. "I'm glad I love kids." I said laughing.
"So when are you due?"
"Get ready for this one, under a month."
"The hell?" His face scrunched up. "But you're skinny?"
"Believe me Jon. I reacted just like that when the doctor told me! He got quite a chuckle out of it." I said laughing.
"Wow. Not expecting that either." He said still looking confused. "Is that normal?"
"Nope. They had no way to explain it to me. It could have been from intensive workouts or just something my body does. I don't know. "
"It's all healthy?"
"Yes, thank goodness. Though I'm not expecting a huge kid." I said laughing. "There was a heart beat and everything Jonny."
"Wow. You ready?"
"No! But I've got to be right?"
"Yah. I guess." He said squeezing my shoulder. "Either way I'm going to love the little guy or girl." He said laughing.
"You better! I was kind of hoping you'd consider being the Godfather? I know Pat would agree." I said smiling.
"Of course!"
"Thanks Jonny!" I exclaimed giving him a hug.
"Cute." Ellie said laughing as she joined us. "I love your guys' relationship. Honestly adorable! So whats up?"
"Not much." I said laughing.
"Cool. She tell you yet?"
"Yah."
"Unreal huh?" El said shaking her head. "I hope that's me."
" I would too if I were a girl." Jon said laughing.
"I bet you would." I said laughing. "Can you please be nice?" I asked as I waved to Megan motioning for her to come out.
"How aren't you pissed right now?"
"I was. But she's sorry and I'm not one to hold a grudge" I said shrugging. "She did nothing to either of you so don't be mean. Everyone makes mistakes."
"Hey come on in." I said smiling. "We can stay here for a while then grab some food and I'll take you to the airport alright?"
"Okay. Thanks for not hating me. I have enough people doing that already." She smiled sadly.
"I could never hate you. I honestly don't know much about you. Sure what happened really sucks, but I get it." I said smiling. " Now get in here before the water goes cold from these two." I said glaring at the other two in the tub.
"Sorry." Jon mumbled. Around thirty minute later Megan and I got out of the tub. I said goodbye to the other two and said I'd be back soon. Megan changed back into her clothes, and grabbed her jacket. She thanked my parents and we made our way to the car.
"Sorry, they are just being my best friends." I said laughing.
"Don't worry I expected worse from you. You are an amazing woman. Pat needs someone like you." She said smiling.
"I hope I love his sorry ass." I said laughing. "So I wanted to ask if you were going to be okay? You seemed mighty sad the past few days."
"I'll be fine. There's just a lot going on in my life. I have no job, boyfriend, a shitty apartment, and I haven't seen my parents in ages. I don't know where I'm going to end up."
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I have an idea if you want to get away from everything for a while."
"Hmm?"
"I'll set it all up. Even buy your plane ticket. I just don't want to see anything bad happen to you." I said softly.
"Where you sending me?" She asked chuckling.
"France."
"Oh yah. I watched that interview from the gala. You have family over there right?"
"Yup. And they wouldn't have a problem with you coming. Even if you stay for a while." I said laughing. "Though you need more clothes before you leave." I said laughing.
"You sure? After all the shit I did?"
"Believe me, you need a break. I've seen people spiral into darkness when their lives start to crumble. You need it. At least go for the summer and some of the fall. It won't cost you a penny plus you can sell that crappy apartment or rent it out while you're gone and make some money off it."
"I guess."
"Perfect. You will love it there I promise! Plus it's much warmer." I said winking. I grabbed out my phone and made the call.
"Hey maman." I cooed in french.
"Rach! How are you?"
"Good. I have a little favour to ask though. You remember how you said I'm welcome anytime? Well I have a friend who's struggling and she's going through a rough time. Do you think she could come stay for a while? If not don't worry about it.
"Of course! Anything for you." She said laughing.
"Really? Thank you!" I exclaimed.
"When are you shipping her over?" My host mom asked laughing.
"Soon. I'll text you the official details. I can get her a cab to the house if you guys can't make it."
"One of us will be there, don't worry."
"Thanks again!"
"No problem. You better make an appearance too soon Rach."
"Will do. Now I have to go. We have to catch up soon! Say hi to everyone for me. "
"Wait!" I heard Celia grab the phone.
"Hey slut. How's my ex doing?" I asked in english unable to contain my laughter.
"Hey my little bitch. He's doing exceptionally well."
"That's good. Come over soon kay?"
"Will do. Talk you you later Rach."
"Love you girl. Bye" I said laughing as I hung up the phone.
"Oh you'll love her" I said laughing at Megan's facial expression.
"She's dating your ex?"
"Oh yah Maxime. That's all good, I kinda broke it off when I met Mike over here, but he and I weren't ever very serious." I said laughing.
"So what did they say?"
"You're in. I have to buy your ticket and you're set to go."
"Wow. Thanks. I need this." She said giving me a hug as we walked into the airport. I grabbed my computer out of the car and attached to the wifi.
"What's your email? I'm going to make sure the boarding pass is sent to you. Let me know when you want to fly back and I'll do the same thing okay?" We organized the email, filled in all the information and on Saturday morning she would be flying out.
"All set. Now go enjoy yourself ok? Have fun. Enjoy the love they will show you." i said winking.
"Thanks. For everything." She said giving me one last hug before heading off into customs. I honestly felt sorry for the poor girl, she had gone from having everything to having nothing, and it had to be hard. I made it back to the house and watched a movie with El and Jon. We ended up falling asleep all there of us on the couch. I was lying across Jon's lap and El was on my shoulder. My mom told me she had taken pictures. I laughed and wiggled free to join her in the kitchen. "Hey mom." I said as we were busy making breakfast.
"What's up?"
"I have something I need to tell you."
"I know hon. I saw the pictures on your desk. I put two and two together."
"You're not mad?"
"Of course not! You two will work things out. You love each other and that's all that matters. Now if it had of been with anyone else I would have been pissed." She said giving me a hug.
"Thanks mom! I might need your help for the first little bit. I have a feeling I'm going to be rejecting the offer from London however. I think I need to be in Chicago." I sighed.
"You do what you need. I'll be here no matter what you choose."
"I love you mom!"
"I love you too. Now let's get this breakfast made so we don't have three grumpy people when they wake up to no food." She said laughing.
"Alright." I agreed laughing and did my part to make breakfast. El and I gave Jonny the full tour of the city. Showing him the hockey arena, and other well known things around the city. We went into the knight's shop and bought some merchandise. I was surprised to still find out they had Kane jerseys. Jonny got one too just because, and I bought a little baby outfit. El got a t-shirt with the emblem on the front After a while when we got tired of walking we went to The Keg and got some dinner.
"So how's the team looking this year Jonny? Any big additions?"
"Not many no. But that mean's the team isn't changing too much. I think we are picking up some rookie or something and that's about it."
"Sweet! You guys will totally kick butt again this year!" I said laughing.
"Damn straight!" I laughed at his enthusiasm and continued to eat.
"So how much longer are you staying? " It had already been a couple weeks since my visit to the doctor, and I was starting to get nervous.
"Probably a day or two. I have to get down to Chicago before everyone else."
"Ahhh yes, Captain." I said winking. We finished up our meal and headed home to sleep off the day's events.

Notes

#2 on the day not to shabby.... xoxoxo Jordan