Waiting for Superman

The next morning the alarm went off especially early. Patrick had a road trip to Pennsylvania to play the Penguins and the Flyers and he had to be at the airport with the team at seven a.m. We both woke up knowing these were the last few hours we would spend together for the next five days. I didn't want to think about. Patrick was all I had in Chicago. All my friends were back in Boston, except for Julie. The people at the Tribune, were less than friendly when it came to a new writer coming in and taking stories away from them.

I sat on the bed as Patrick dressed in his suit, his luggage was packed and waiting by the door.We met in the front of the front door, and I felt a hot tear beginning to roll down my cheek.

"Hey," he said wiping his thumbs under my wet eyes, and cupping my face with his strong hand. "I'll be back in five days." he said pulling my into a strong hug, and resting his head over mine. "I know, i'm just going to miss you." I said. "I'll text you when we land" he said pulling me into a long kiss. "I love you." he said before turning to pick up his bags, "I love you too." I said, he kissed me on the cheek, before disappearing into the hallway.

I was alone in Chicago. No friends, no family, just me.
...
The last thing I felt like doing was getting ready for work. I didn't typically get to down when Patrick left for road trips. Maybe it was because I knew this one was a long stretch, maybe it was because I was feeling somewhat homesick. I figured the only way to make the time pass was to throw myself into my work.

I threw on a high waisted,peach, skater skirt, and short sleeved white shirt. My light brown wedged heels clicked on the pavement as I made my way to work.

I loved my job, but many of the employees there were crude, and more or less rude. Julie and I found friendship in each other because we seemed to be the only two who knew how to smile anymore. I could understand where their stress came from, with several stories, deadlines to make, and families to take care of. But I could never sleep at night, knowing I didn't choose the right career for me.

I could seem to get into my work. Knowing Patrick wouldn't be there when I got home was hard to handle. Not only that, but today was my last day at work before I had four days off.

Julie was out all day reporting on a story, without her I felt even more alone. After what seemed like years, it was finally five o'clock. I couldn't wait to go home.

I was walking home, completely unfocused when a teen aged girl in very short jean shorts, came up to me and screamed "Stay off Patrick Kane! You slut"followed by dumping a freezing, red drink down my outfit .
I stood there stunned as the girl quickly ran away. "Are you kidding me?!" I shouted. A short, brunette woman, who seemed to be a bit older than me came rushing over to me with a napkin.
"I saw the whole thing," She said, "Believe me I know how you feel" She said, handing me one napkin and helping me wipe off the liquid with another. "I'm Abby Sharp." She said extending a hand. "Oh, hi!" I said, "I Kylie, Patrick's girlfriend."

"I thought that was you, Patrick and I just moved into the same apartment building as you two. We've been meaning to come say hi, it just got so busy with both girls."


She explained as we walked to our apartment building. "Oh, Patrick's shown me a few pictures, congratulations their both beautiful!" I replied. "Oh thank you, believe me its a challenge. "So where are you from?" She asked. "Boston," I replied. "Ahh" She said. "I'm from Connecticut, hard to make new friends when you're dating a professional athlete isn't it?"

It was like she was reading my mind.

"I had no idea, how hard it would be." We had arrived at the building. "Believe me I know," she said. "But here, take my number," She pulled out her phone, "And our apartment is right below you, so anytime you want, just come on down, I'm sure the girls would love to meet you." she smiled.
"Thank you so much Abby." I said.

"No problem," She said giving me a hug, "I know this sucks right now, but stick it out, it'll be worth it I promise."

We went our separate ways and I finally felt like I had someone to turn to when Patrick was away.

Notes