The One Night That Changed My Life Forever

"So wait you and Maxime. How did that happen?"
"Well…"
"Oh don't worry new me isn't mad either. I was still a selfish dick to end that relationship the way I did."
"Well, after you broke up with him our friendship was a bit awkward after but then it went back to normal. You two had some feelings, some attachment I could sense it even if it wasn't love. You guys cared about each other. So he was a little bummed. I think it was just that he didn't want to loose you as a friend. I don't know I guess we just became better friends over that time. I think we were just both looking for someone to keep us from being alone. Don't get me wrong our relationship was far from casual like yours. But I came to the states, and it started to really sink in that we were both great friends but that we really weren't mean't to be together and all that. So when I said I wasn't going to stay in France for the rest of my life, it kind of just made us both realize we didn't love each other enough like that to make that big of sacrifices for one another. But we are still best friends, who's kidding who I love that kid. It was fun, and something we both needed at the time."
"I'm honestly glad he had someone after the crap I pulled. Honestly biggest dick move."
"Honey he was just waiting for it to happen. You were never serious. Being separated by oceans you both knew it was coming. Hell even I could see it happening."
"I still feel bad about it though."
"Honestly there were no bad feelings. You and Pat came over last year and you two instantly went back to acting like best friends."
"Yeah! I heard my idiot of a brother finally married that girl." I said laughing.
"Yeah. You better stop slacking off on your Godmother duties."
"Shit! They have a kid too?"
"Yah, a few months after Bella. She'll be one the end of January."
"Damn. I haven't even met her yet have I?"
"Nope not yet. But you guys have all skyped. You sent her over some stuff though."
"I'm going to have to get on that huh?" I said chuckling.
"Up to you." Celia said laughing.
"I'd better." I said laughing.
"So how are you and Patrick?"
"He's really great. Easy to be around, funny, friggin beautiful, and a good father."
"So you're comfortable around him then. That's good, I loved the two of you together."
"Oh I bet." I said laughing. "Now what's this I hear about you and a certain goalie?"
"What? I have absolutely no clue to what you are referring to." She said grinning.
"Haha nice try. Even I can see it." I said laughing.
"Well I came here for like a week or so. I wanted to see you guys and of course help with the wedding planning and all. Then I also had to check out a couple job prospects and my host family as well."
"Let me guess… you met the team?"
"Right. Everyone was all paired up and well Andrew was off on his mission to find a girl. so it was really just Corey and I left. So we got talking and he was pretty cool, nice and funny. So we kept in touch. Nothing serious, nothing even remotely suggestive just talking. Then there was the wedding. Maxime came to that which was fun but kind of awkward as he didn't know Corey and I had been talking. But everything worked itself out and then I'm here, just for a while this time but I'll be back in the States soon enough."
"Sweet. I need a friend here I can remember. A lot of my university friends got jealous of my hockey skills and friggin turned into the world's biggest bitches so… other than all the people I've been reintroduced to this week I've got no one."
"Well I'm going to need a few months so maybe you'll remember again by then."
"Months ugghhhh."
"Well I need to get a visa for this hard to get into country…so not entirely my fault. Plus I need to make sure I've got a job lined up before I up and move halfway across the world."
"Visa. Right. I wonder how big of a pain in the ass that was for me."
"For you, friggin easy. You're a well known hockey star. Same for you getting married. You only had to go back home for like a couple weeks before you could get a marriage licence and everything."
"Sorry. I don't know if my connections would help speed the process when dealing with the French." I said laughing.
"It wouldn't help. I've already applied, now just need a job to help solidify my getting in here."
"Right did you apply for things already?"
"Mhmm but there was one offer that I might not be able to decline. "
"Tell me more!" I said laughing.
"Well you see I had this friend who I designed a wedding for. She was pretty popular, great hockey player too. Anyways long story short it was the wedding of the summer and well me being the designer got some great feedback on a job well done. Crazy huh?" She said laughing. "So thanks to this friend of mine, I have tons of offers for jobs all across the country, even her own country." She said winking.
"So is this when you tell said friend that you're moving to NY, or LA. Or maybe here? Like right here." I said laughing.
"I'll let you know after tomorrow. I've got another interview tomorrow, and then we'll see if the offer still stands. Either way I'll be in the country, but I'm shooting for option number three obviously." She said laughing.
"I'm hurt. It won't be because of me." I said pouting. "Take LA over NY any day."
"I do have job offers in both places. Why LA?"
"Duh, it's warm and its just another excuse for me to come visit." I said laughing.
"Haha of course. So what are you doing tomorrow once I leave for this possibly life changing interview?"
"Well I'm on momma duty. Pat's left on this road trip business of his." I said chuckling.
"You're going on the next one though right?"
"Yeah, apparently I have more friends than just my brother in LA. And it's been a couple weeks on skates so they want me I guess to start back into the whole team dynamic routine."
"So you're ready for this whole transition back to the NHL?"
"I guess we'll see. I mean I'm not opposed to it, hockey's my dream. But it's just hard for my brain to wrap around the fact that I play in the NHL. Pat and the guys seem really happy about it."
"Well it's ultimately up to you. But I saw you play, you were really good."
"Yes, that right there is my afternoon homework. Watching myself play last year. Too bad Pat's family left, I have no one to watch it with. Maybe I'll get Ellie or someone to come over."
"Well the next game isn't until tomorrow afternoon, so we could totally get some girls together and watch the game together. "
"That sounds good. When are you leaving me?"
"Less than a week." She said pouting.
"I could only stay like maximum one month. Visa and all. Plus I miss the family."
"Understandable. I'd come over but I think I need to work on this mess over here."
"By mess you mean gorgeous husband, two beautiful kids, an amazing apartment, amazing job, and amazing friends and family? That mess?"
"Hmmm I really can't complain can I?"
"No you really can't." She said laughing. "Imagine you could have been alone, no one to recognize you, no house, no job… it could always be worse. No memories at all even. Hell I'd take that boy of yours and just blow his mind, remembering him or not I mean damn you've seen him and the other guys right?"
"We'll see."
"What exactly are you waiting for, if you don't mind me asking?"
"I don't know really." I said shrugging. "I used to do worse with strangers at 21, but really I have no clue. Maybe it's just because its actually a serious relationship, and I feel that if I give in and then never be able to be who I used to be then he'll be disappointed."
"I'll just stop that crap right there." She said laughing. "You are already enough for him. You're not that different, and you being around him constantly will just slowly change you like before. I don't think that kid will ever be disappointed at least not in you, you're his miracle. For you even to be alive is crazy. I don't know if you've seen pictures, if not don't look at them. Just know it was bad, really bad. Even when the doctor told him about the coma you could see the hope in his eyes, just to have that better chance of someday getting you back. He skyped us from the hospital that day. My point being he was this close to loosing you forever, hell we all were so just go with it. I remember everything so just go for it, don't be afraid to fall in love with him again. "
"I don't think I'm scared.I guess I'm just hanging onto the hope that today's the day I'll remember again and that everything can go back to the way it was, back when I actually knew about our relationship."
"You're married girl." She said laughing. "Doesn't get much more serious than that. Plus you guys were happy, so you have nothing to worry about."
"Alright, I get it." I said laughing.
"Good. Now keep yourself out of trouble while I go to the bathroom. When are we going to get the kids?"
"Haha El wanted them for a few hours, so I wasn't complaining, called you." I said laughing. "We'll go back soon. After the game." I said nodding to the screen over the bar where Chicago was playing Pittsburgh.
"So who ya cheering for?" A random guy, looking to be in his college years asked from beside me.
"My team." I said laughing while sipping on the same beer I had, had all night.
"Chicago then?" He asked.
"Yup. You?"
"Not really into hockey. More of a baseball guy."
"God! What was that?" I said annoyed looking at the screen and shaking my head. "F--ing refs." I muttered. "Sorry what were you saying?"
"Just that I'm not really into hockey, but obviously you are." He said an amused look on his face.
"What gave that away?"
"Good guess. So what's a pretty lady like you doing sitting here alone?"
"Oh, no I'm not here alone. My friend just went to the bathroom. She just missed a goal though." I said laughing as Jonny put it past Fleury.
"That guy's got moves."
"And that right there is why he's captain."
"So can I buy you a celebratory drink?"
"Not tonight. I've got to get home right after the game but thanks for the offer."
"I'm Tyler by the way."
"Rachel."
"So hockey loving Rachel, where do you go to school?" Cute. I thought to myself, wanting to pinch his cheeks and say oh sweetheart I'm too old for you. I mean he wasn't bad to look at but man did he ever look young.
"Haha no school for me. Graduated a few years back, University of Ottawa."
"Wow, now I feel bad." He said nervously.
"Ahah no worries. Kind of a compliment I guess."
"Definitely a compliment." He said smiling back. "So boy troubles? Boyfriend of yours bugging ya?
"Nahh no boy troubles. No boyfriend either. Just a chance for me and my sis to hang out and watch the game. What brings you to the Hawks road watch bar?"
"Crappy week. I live just around the corner so I always come here. My friends should be here shortly."
"My week's definitely been interesting. Ughhh really?" I said face palming as Pittsburgh equalized the score with their net empty. "Like seriously? You could have had that Pat."
"What's up?" Celia asked sitting back down.
"Well Jonny scored, then Crosby scored and now it's going to overtime."
"Was it a good goal atleast?"
"It was a nice play, they needed to defend Corey a bit more. Oh and this is Tyler he's been having a shitty week, so he's taking it out on the alcohol."
"So they play more time now? I at least know there are no ties in hockey."
"Yup. Five minute of four on four and then they have a shootout to decide the game if no one scores."
"So like extra innings, but just one."
"Yah, for time purposes. But in the playoffs they play as many twenty minute periods as necessary for someone to score. Just like extra innings."
"So you know baseball then?"
"Blue Jays fan." I said laughing. "Only one damn team up in Canada."
"How about you?" He asked Celia.
"Oh there is no baseball where I'm from, and I've only seen the Chicago teams, but I've got to go with Rachel's judgement on teams."
"I thought you two were sisters?" He asked looking confused.
"Oh we are just not by blood. She's my french sister." I said laughing.
"Ahh alright. So how's this shootout going to happen?" He asked nodding towards the TV.
"Well they are going to have, #19 Toews shoot first then #10 Sharp shoot second, and then #88 Kane shoot third. Then if they need more shooters to win the game they'll get some other people to shoot. Pittsburgh will have Malkin and Crosby shoot, as for their third I'm not too sure. Haven't had time to relearn the other team's stats."
"Is that your job or something. If it is you're not doing a great job." He said laughing.
"It's part of it yes. Not the most important part of it though."
"Perfect we got here in time to watch the shootout, Ty mate you watching the game?"
"Trying to learn the game is more like it." He said laughing. "I feel dumb when girls know the sport better than me though."
"Ahhh you got a new girl? She a Hawks fan? Toews or Kane her favourite?"
"No you idiots. I do not have a new girl." He said finishing off the beer. "I'm going to go with Kane though, judging by the jersey."
"Haha it's always those two. Thank God he got married, Ash had a crush on him."
"Yes!" I exclaimed as Jon scored high fiving with Celia at the bar. "Ahh f--- me. Crosby had to score." Sharpie took his turn and didn't score so it was 1-1 with only Pat and the Pittsburgh player left to shoot. "Damn right!" Celia and I high fived when Pat pulled the move we had worked on together and put it top shelf. "Now all Corey needs to do is stop this." I said rubbing my hands together anxiously. "And that boys is how you win a game." I said laughing.
"How long before he calls?"
"Give him 5 minutes." I said laughing. Pat had called me every night after an away game. He hadn't had many but it was still a sweet gesture. I drank the end of my beer and got out my phone anticipating the call.
"So you get the idea of the game Tyler?" I asked, amused as I saw some of the boys recognize me.
"Well I got the general idea thanks."
"Now you better be a Hawks fan after all that work I had to put into teaching you the game tonight." I said chuckling at the guy's faces behind him. "Ah one second, I've got to take this." I said smiling before picking up the phone.
"Hey."
"You watch?"
"Of course I watched you idiot."
"So you saw my goal?"
"Yes."
"Pretty sweet huh?"
"I seem to remember that move, for some reason. Right that's because I showed it to you." I said laughing. "Yes the kids are fine. Ellie's got them. Nah Celia and I are chilling at the road watch bar. Made some new friends. Had to teach them about hockey."
"Tyler, now go do your interviews. I can see you in the back on your phone you idiot." I said laughing.
"See me wave at you?"
"Yes. Now hang up the phone, get some sleep and I'll talk to you tomorrow."
"Yes m'am."
"Yes Corey she can see you too." I said as Celia started laughing. "Stop making faces in behind Jon, he's not going to be able to hold up his serious act much longer." I said laughing. "I'm hanging up now." I said laughing as I ended the call.
"Idiots." I said laughing. "Poor Jonny doesn't know what to do with those two clowns in behind him."
"No boyfriend huh?" Tyler said laughing. "Well, I have no clue what that just was." He said.
"Nope no boyfriend. But your friends over there should be able to tell you that I'm married." I said pointing to the guys snickering behind him. "Boys have yourself a beer. On me of course." I said laughing.
"I'm so missing something."
"Your fault you don't like hockey." I said laughing. Celia nudged me returning my focus on the screen.
"So many of us are wondering where that move came from, we saw it many times over the past season between you and your wife it was unstoppable. Why pull it out again tonight?"
"Well it just seemed fitting. Plus we worked some more on it this past week. We both kind of wanted a move that does exactly that when winning the shootout is at stake."
"When can we expect an appearance from Rachel? Possibly before the end of the season?"

"Well, I can't speak on her behalf. She's looking great out on the ice, and it's only a matter of time before she'd be ready to play again. However it's up to her really if she wants to come back this season. For now she's holding the job of number one fan back in Chicago."
"Was that who was on the phone earlier in one of the best interviews we've had all season?"
"Yeah. She's over at the Road Watch bar, watching the game on TV. Teaching people about the game. Hockey is better than baseball, but you've found one of the best teachers. Always fun to mess with Jonny though. Love ya Rach." He said smirking.
"Thank you for your time, great goal, and good luck tomorrow."

"Thank you." He said nodding and like that the interview was over and people were looking our way.
"Well boys it was nice meeting you. Hope to see you out at a game Tyler." I said smiling, and handing the bartender a 100$ bill, telling him to use it to cover the guys drinks for the night. "Don't feel bad, not many girls know the game as good as me." I said laughing and waving as Celia and I left the bar. We took the back exit to avoid a lot of the fans. However some autographs were signed and pictures taken, but it was alright. Most people we just happy to see me alive, and walking.
"Alright lets get out of here." I said starting the car and exiting the parking lot.
"You love driving this car don't you?" Celia said laughing as we quickly turned onto the road.
"It's smooth. But I don't like the looks people give me, and how rich it makes me look. I love how it drives though."
"Everyone knew who was leaving the bar just now that's for sure. But you could have bought an even more expensive one."
"Yah a couple of them. But ehh it's just money, made up for me not playing this season so far."
"Yes, one season and your set huh?"
"Looks that way. But I would have played just to play." I said shrugging.
"I believe ya." She said laughing. "You used to practice all the time, took the bus just to go to the rink downtown."
"I remember. At least one practice a week. And a couple runs."
"Those runs were painful."
"Nahh, just part of the game. Obviously it worked out huh?"
"Yeah, all that practice paid off in the end for you, now I'm just reaping some of the benefits."
"Ahah go ahead as long as I get my French sister out of it, I'll be happy. You coming in?" I asked, so glad I had everyone's addresses programmed into my GPS as we pulled up to Ellie's house.
"Gotta help you carry all the crap, so yah." She said laughing. "Momma's going to have her hands full."
"Oh shut up." I said laughing as Ellie opened the door. "Hi there I'm looking for two babies." I said winking.
"Hmmm haven't seen them in a while. Just kidding they're asleep. How was the bar? I agree hockey is much better than baseball." She said laughing.
"It was cute. There was this guy he had to be just 21, if not younger. He was talking to me, and I taught him how hockey is played. Poor guy didn't know who I was, and then his friends came and recognized us right away, especially after my phone call was broadcast on the tv." I said laughing. "Lets just say he was a little bit shocked seeing Pat talking about him on the screen in front of him. But it was a fun night, nice to get away. Thanks for watching the little ones."
"No problem, Bella's great. Little mini me though, I think you are in for a fun time with that one."
"Yah Pat says he's just like him, which is not a good thing."
"Not in the sleeping sense that's for sure."
"No!" I exclaimed laughing. "I've been back for a few weeks and I'm already exhausted. Thank god his family was around for one of those weeks. Now let me get these two out of your hair." I said scooping up Mini me and then balancing Bella against my other shoulder. "I'm 24 guys." I said laughing and shaking my head as I put them each in their seats, waving bye to El and taking off again when everything was successfully placed back in the trunk. That night I was up pretty late just hanging with a not so tired baby. Bella and Celia had gone to bed what seemed like hours ago. Little Patrick just seemed content to be curled against me watching TV.
"See that little one. Daddy scored that one just for you." I said pointing to the highlights of tonights game that they were playing on the tv. Smiling to myself I watched his little eyes close. I didn't move for a few minutes in fear of waking him up. "You like hearing daddy's voice huh?" I chuckled as I placed him in the crib and silently returned to shut off the tv. So I just need to have Pat talk to him and then he's tired, interesting I thought laughing to myself as I flung myself in the bed.
************
"So 2 for 2 on this road trip?" I asked the girls who were beside me on the couch.
"I hope. Jon hates loosing." Amanda said laughing. "My body hates Jon loosing."
"Oh so does Pat. He just keeps it to himself though. I think he thinks I'm going to break or something if I see him mad." I said laughing. "But he's so obvious when he's upset."
"He just doesn't know the boundaries yet. How much of him you can take at a time. Imagine having to take care of him angry after a loss. It would freak you out more than likely, so he's just trying to keep things good between the two of you." Abby said smiling.
"Yeah he just got you back. He can't risk loosing you over an after a crappy game temper tantrum." Kelly- Rae said laughing.
"He's never been as bad as Jon though. He's super tough on himself." Amanda said.
"Well then, they better win today. You find another daughter there Abbs?" I said laughing as she had her two girls on the chair and Bella had just crawled into the chair beside Maddie.
"Yup. You want another sister Madds?
"You means I get Auntie Rach's girl as a sister?"
"Nope you guys are just best friends. But here…" She said placing Maddy's hand on top of her belly "Is going to be your little brother or sister."
"Yes, mommy I knows. You tolds me that already."
"I guess I have." She said laughing and rolling her eyes at her daughter once she had started to play with Bella on the ground. "So when are we going to be seeing some mini Tazers running around the arena?" I had to cover my face and look the other way to keep myself from spitting out my drink.
"Sorry. I had to sneeze." I said. It had been a couple weeks since I had figured it out at my party, and it was hard not telling anyone.
"Umm, we'll see. Wedding first then we'll focus on the kids later." Amanda said handling the question like a pro, smile on her face. "We've been talking about it lately though, but with the little mini Kaners running around I think the team's got enough to handle at the moment." She said laughing.
"Hey now. Those are my wild and crazy kids you are talking about." I said crossing my arms and laughing. It was funny because it was true. Even after three weeks I could already tell that atleast one of them was going to be a handful, like a huge handful. "Hey Madds." I said smiling at the girl at my feet waiting to be picked up.
"I'ms hungry." She said as I picked her up.
"Hmmm I know we've got some animal crackers. You want some of those? and I'll make you a small hot chocolate. How does that sound?"
"You got goldfish crackers too? Can I have both and a hot chocolate?" I looked over at Abby who just nodded. "Sure thing." I said smiling. "Want to help me find everything?"
"Yes."
"Alright lets head into the kitchen then. There's the animal crackers, and what's that?" I said pointing in the cupboard.
"Goldfishies!" She said grabbing the package. Patrick wanted the most random things sometimes I thought to myself as I found a small plastic bowl to put the crackers in. "Alright now you go back in there and watch your daddy play and I'll make the hot chocolate okay?"
"Okay Auntie Rach." She said taking the bowl and showing it to her mom as she sat back down. I made a tea for Amanda, knowing it would help calm her system, and a hot chocolate for Maddy.
"Anyone else want anything to drink?" I asked as Amanda took the tea, nodding her head in thanks. Maddy was having the time of her life just smelling the hot chocolate in her cup.
"Oooooh! Marshmallows!" She said completely mesmerized by the cup in her hand.
"Be careful sweetie it's hot." I said. "So drinks? I've got tea, water, coffee, pop, hot chocolate?"
"I've got a tea in there for you Abbs if you want it. Well really for everyone, just let me know." I said laughing.
"Yah sure I'll take one." Abby said.
"You making coffee?" Ellie asked.
"Sure." I said smiling. "Anyone know who bought that amazing piece of machinery in my kitchen?"
"What the coffee machine? Pat ordered it after hearing you say how much you loved it at Baptiste's wedding. I think he gave it to you for christmas." Celia said laughing. "I had to get him all the serial numbers and stuff."
"Just another reason I love the french. You want the normal size?"
"Sure."
"Celia?"
"You know how I like it." She said winking.
"I do. Kelly?"
"Just regular coffee is good for me."
"Alright I'll be back in five, call me back in if anything interesting happens during the game."
"Uhhh Rach!"
"Oh I'm coming." I said three glasses in hand.
"Nope. That." Abby said pointing to the screen.
"Shit! Here." I said passing out the drinks. "Was it bad?"
"Just a good hit by Parise, he went in awkwardly though."
"It's going to be his shoulder." I said watching him leave the ice. "He's going to be pissed." I said frowning.
"Probably." Abby said nodding, smiling softly.
"Shit. I'm going to call him, you guys watch the game. Let me know if you need anything." I said taking out my phone and heading to my room.
"Hey." I heard his tired voice answer the phone.
"Hey… "
"You saw the hit didn't you?"
"Yeah. It was clean though."
"I don't know what happened. Rach it hurts bad."
"Shoulder?"
"Mhmm. They say it doesn't look too serious, but I'm out for atleast a couple games." I could hear the sadness lacing his words.
"I get it I do. You never want to be hurt, but a few games isn't too bad. But I'm still sorry."
"Ughhh I want to be out there." He said grumbling.
"Awee aren't you just the cutest looking injured player." I said looking at the picture he had sent me with him pouting and his arm in a sling.
"Stop it." He said letting a chuckle escape.
"See there's that pouty face of yours." I said laughing as he flicked the camera on to FaceTime me. "Don't keep it like that for long. Haven't your parent taught you that it's going to stay that way. Don't want your pretty boy 27 year old face getting pouty wrinkles." I said laughing.
"Better?" He said smiling a toothy grin.
"Much. So where are you hiding?"
"Still in Doc's office. They're going to try and relax my muscles a bit and then re-wrap it."
"You still coming home tonight?"
"Yah shouldn't be any later than 8:00 at O'hare."
"Alright I'll see you when you get back home. I hope you feel better." I said waving and then ending the call.
"So what's the verdict?" Abby asked when I walked back in and took my spot on the couch.
"Shoulder. A couple games. Didn't sound to serious but he was hurting. They have it frozen and in a sling, and they were just about to try and massage it out of his muscles.
"Damn. He wasn't too mad?"
"More disappointed than mad. We'll have to see tonight when he get's home I guess. Are any of you guys driving to the airport?"
"Yup." Abby nodded.
"Mind if I catch a lift over? Pat's car is still there and I don't think he's in the best condition to drive."
"Yah sure, good thing we brought the big car today huh Maddy?"
"Yup. Lots of seats." She said smiling.
"Just leave them here. I'll watch them." Celia said smiling.
"You sure? No plans with that goalie of yours?"
"No. Don't worry about it, it's the least I can do. "
"Thanks now I'm only going to have one baby to take care of. A big injured one." I said chuckling.
"At least they ended up winning the game." Abby said. And oh how true that statement was. A couple hours later I was front seat in the Sharp's SUV, her kids strapped in the back.
"Thanks for the ride." I said as we walked into the airport a Miss Maddy Sharp attached to me.
"Hey kiddo." Sharpie said ruffling my hair.
"Was that really necessary?" I asked laughing.
"Daddy!" Maddy exclaimed holding out her arms for her dad.
"And that's my cue, where's my little gimp?"
"He'll probably be out soon."
"He still being mopey?"
"He's not really in the talking mood. We just left him alone the entire plane ride." Sharpie said chuckling. "I don't think he was expecting you here though."
"I figured he'd need a ride. Busted shoulder and all."
"I think he'll appreciate it. It's nice to see you trying even through all of this."
"Well the way I see it, I recited the same vows as him. Meaning he deserves for me to atleast try. "
"Take some time for yourself if it gets too crazy sometimes. I'll see ya around, say bye Maddy." With that we said our goodbyes and I worked my way over to the other guys. I saw Jon elbow Pat on his good side earning a hit back. He just nodded to where I was standing. A small hint of a smile, not bad I thought to myself as he trudged over bag in hand.
"And there's that cute pouty face. Here let me take that." I said snatching his duffel bag before he could even protest.
"What are you doing here?"
"Picking you up you goof. Remember hurt shoulder. That means no driving." I said laughing.
"Thanks." He said softly taking my hand and squeezing it, while looking down at his feet.
"You'll be better in no time." I said giving his hand a reassuring squeeze.
"Sure as hell doesn't feel like it right now. Friggin hurts like hell."
"To bad I can't kiss it all better like when we were kids huh?"
"Nah, now it's the stupid doctors that have to fix it." He said pouting. "Too bad I'd rather have that kiss."
"Well then, where does it hurt?" I rolled my eyes when I saw where he pointed. "I thought your shoulder hurt?" I said laughing.
"Close enough." He said with a coy smile.
"I guess…I mean…" I said laughing. "Are you sure that's where it hurts?"
"Mhmmm."He said grinning. Well it could have been worse I thought to myself.
"Well then I guess, I'll just have to kiss it all better."
"I think you should." He said pulling me back towards him with his good arm.
"I don't think your actually hurt." I said smirking from our close positioning.
"Nope, maybe not." He said letting his lips find mine, smile on his face. Eh. It wasn't terrible I thought to myself as he gently pulled away.
"Look at that, maybe you were hurt after all. No more pouty face." I said laughing.
"How did you do that? I sit beside him for whole plane ride and he no talk to me, no smile, just video games." Tuevo said walking up to us.
"Sweetie that's just the power of women. You've got a few more years to learn." I said laughing and patting the boy's shoulder. "How old are you anyways?"
"19."
"That explains it." I said laughing. "Give it a couple more years. So what's up tonight?"
"Well I've got to call cab, to take me back to hotel and then I probably watch TV, and sleep."
"Wait. Cab? Hotel? Dude what is that?"
"Well I been here only for this half season, and I have no house so I stay in hotel until it is sure I stay here next season."
"Patrick! You let this poor boy stay in a hotel?" I said looking at him.
"Well…"
"Well that just won't do. You're too young to own a house so… Can you legally drive in the States?"
"Yes."
"Perfect. I've got the solution then."
"Don't say he's moving in with us." Pat said shaking his head. "Too many kids."
"No, no. He can stay at my house. It's only ten minutes from the United Centre, right on the lake, and it's much nicer than a hotel. So what do ya say?"
"Really?" He said looking shocked.
"Yes really. I can even help you move in tomorrow." I said laughing. "I hope you don't mind having Celia as a roommate for another week."
"As long as Corey doesn't come, all is good. Thank you so much!"
"Funny." I said laughing. "Now let's go there's no damn way you are taking a cab."
"She always this nice?" He asked Pat who nodded. I laughed and corralled both boys out to the waiting car. We dropped him off at the hotel, and then headed home.
"C. You're gonna have a roomie for the next week." I said to the girl sitting on the couch.
"Who?"
"You know the rookie? We'll I just learned that these bozos have been making him stay at a damn hotel, so I said he could have the house at least until you need it."
"Yeah, cute little kid." Celia said laughing. "Not a problem."
"Alright now I've got my own little kid to take care of." I said smirking and nodding towards Pat. "Thanks for putting them to sleep, for now atleast." I said heading to the bathroom and turning on the tub water.
"Alright my injured one, come sit." I said patting the bed. When he sat I helped him take off his shirt. "That looks sore." I said rubbing my hand lightly across his shoulder.
"More than sore." He said wincing.
"Sorry. Alright I'm going to unwrap it."
"Ok." After taking it off, I helped with the shoes and pants. "Now go take a bath, relax, get all the pouting out." I said giving him a quick kiss and making my way back out to the kitchen to make some dinner.
"C. What do you want to eat?"
"Just make pasta or something, it's like 8 already."
"Sounds good." I said as I started preparing dinner.
"Good thing you can eat with your left hand." I said chuckling as Pat devoured his food about an hour later. "Did doc give you any painkillers? One's you take with food?"
"Right, they're in my duffel."
"Okay, you're taking one." I said laughing. "You look like your in pain with every breath you take. Did the bath help?"
"Yeah. I think I'm still just sore from the impact. It should be better in a few days."
"Kay. Guess who's having a lazy day tomorrow?"
"Me." He said chuckling. "You better come hang after helping the rookie."
"Well Celia will be here until I take them both over, then I'll be here."
"Mmmmm sounds good." He said pulling on his sweats and settling into a comfy position in bed.
"Get some sleep." I said laughing. "I'll be right back in." I said making my way back to the kitchen and cleaning up the dishes.
"I'll be back sometime around 12ish tomorrow, then I can bring you back to the house. 'T' can drive you around if you need to go anywhere after."
"Sounds good. Thanks for stocking the groceries last week."
"No prob sis." I said laughing. "Thanks for baby-sitting." I said giving her a quick hug before getting ready for bed. I slipped in after giving the lightly snoring man a kiss on the forehead and made sure to keep my distance from his shoulder.
**
Moving day had gone by quickly and effortlessly. That kid really needed to get some more stuff. He was so happy with the house it was almost too cute to bear.
Flashback

"Alright so here's the house. Bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, everything self explanatory. C knows the place pretty well so just ask her if you have questions. And these are for you." I said chucking him two sets of keys.
"Two sets?"
"One for the house, the other…well you'll find out if you push the buttons."
"Congrats you just opened the garage door." I said laughing. "It's just through this door here." I said opening it up laughing as his eyes lit up. "And the other button turns it on." I said pointing at the car. "Now I'm trusting you with my baby. No scratches." I said winking. "Just kidding, but drive safe and enjoy."
"All for me?"
"Yup. You're going to be the coolest 19 year old."
"Thanks. He said giving me a hug." Aweeee I was thinking to myself, this kid is just too cute. "You sure?" He asked as I made my way to the door.
"Yup." I said nodding. "GPS is in the car. Pat programmed all the important addresses in there for memoryless me, so the United Centre is pre-programmed. See you tomorrow." I said to the ecstatic 19 year old boy in front of me, before heading back to enjoy my well Pat's lazy day that had been passed on to me.
End Flashback

Pat whistled as he saw my car pulling in, and a grinning kid coming out of it as if it was the best christmas gift ever.
"He looks good in it." Pat said nodding.
"Happy too." I said squeezing Pat's good hand.
"You see him as your kid don't you?" Pat asked smirking.
"He's just so cute! " I said laughing.
"Hey look the kid finally got off his ass and bought some wheels." Shaw said looking over the car. "Though you've been spending too much time with the Kane's over there."
"Hey, it's a nice car." I said laughing. "I approve." I said winking at Tuevo.
"You're not even going to say it's your car are you?" Pat whispered.
"Nope. Let the kid have his day. Did you see that grin."
"Be any nicer and I'm going to have competition. That boy's going to love you."
"Yah, sure. But he'll love me like a mom."
"A mom who changes the licence plates so that no one knows who's car it is." Pat said laughing as we passed the car and made it into the UC.
"Ehhh. Just a car. I usually just drive yours anyways." I said laughing. "So do you want me to hang with you or practice?"
"Go practice. I'll be fine. I liked watching your games."
"You watched me play? Didn't we play together?"
"Team Canada. I'll tell you about it later." He said smiling.
"Oh okay." I said laughing deciding to leave that story for another day.

Notes

Lemme know whatcha think