Waiting for Superman

Another month passed, and finally Patrick was cleared to play. It was the morning of his first game back and Patrick was at his morning skate. I was excited and nervous to see him play. I knew he would be ready to play, but I still worried about his head.

The Blackhawks would play the St. Louis Blues tonight, and fly out immediately after for a west coast road trip to play the Anaheim Ducks, LA Kings, and San Jose Sharks. Patrick would be gone for a total of ten days, and I knew I would miss him more than ever before.

In the past month, Patrick and I had been spending all our time together. With his injury, he had been home more often, and my work load had become much lighter lately.

It would be strange being home, alone for so long.

It was nearing 12 and I was starting to worry where Patrick was. The morning skate was only an hour and it had started at 10. I figured he had gone to lunch with his teammates.

Around 12:30 Patrick came into the apartment carrying a large box with a big red ribbon on it, he placed it on the counter and kissed me hello.
"I have something for you," he said pointing at the big box on the counter.
"What is it?" I asked
"Open it he said wrapping his arms around me.

I untied the big red bow, and lifted the lid off the box.

"Oh my God Patrick!" I shouted.

"I know you get lonely, when i'm on road trips and stuff so I thought he might help."

"Thank you" I said kissing him.

In the box was a beautiful golden retriever puppy. I lifted the dog out of the box, hugging him. "what should we name him?"
"I don't know what do you think?" I said.
"Uhhh, how about Puck?" he said scratching him on the head,
"Way to be original Patrick" I laughed.
He laughed back, "I don't know think about it I gotta get ready" he said kissing me on the cheek.
I sat down on the couch with the puppy in my lap and scrolled through dog names on my phone.
Patrick emerged in his suit a few minutes later, damn he was hot. "Think of anything?" he asked sitting down to pat the dog, "How about Charlie?" I said looking at the golden fluff ball on my lap.
"Charlie?" Patrick said "I like it."
"Your coming tonight?," he asked kissing me.
"of course" I said before kissing him back."Good luck" He left for the game and I was left to play with Charlie.

Shortly after I realized, we didn't have anything to take care of a dog with. I threw on my coat and carried Charlie to the nearest petco.

I picked up a few toys, a dog bed, crate, and dog food. I returned home with a few hours to get ready for the game. I put Charlie in his crate with one of his new toys and jumped in the shower. I applied light makeup, and dressed in a Kane shirt with a pair of skinny jeans, and tan riding boots. I topped it with my pea coat and a scarf. Abby knocked on the door a few minutes later.
"Ready to go?" she asked.
"Yup let me just grab my bag." I said opening the door all the way for her to come in.
"Mommy, puppy!" Madelyn said pointing at Charlie.
"Oh!, when did you two get a dog?" Abby asked putting Saidie's baby seat down to look at the dog.
"Mommy can I play with him?" Madelyn asked.
"We have to get to the game," Abby said.
"You can come play with him anytime you want, Mads," I said, bending down to give her our secret handshake.
We left for the game, and I felt the nerves growing as approached the United Center.

We took our seats in the box, with the other wives and girlfriends.
"Kylie!" Kelly-Rae Kieth shouted, "It's so nice to finally have Patrick back" She said giving me a hug. The pre-game chatter slowly quieted down when the puck dropped.
The game went of without a hitch.
The Blackhawks defeated the St. Louis Blues 4-2. Patrick scored a hat trick and I was so happy for him. I always loved to see him score.

...
I met Patrick outside the locker room to say goodbye. It was about an hour after the game had ended and the team plane would be leaving soon.

"Great game." I said throwing my arms around his neck. "Why, thank you." he said pulling me into a long kiss.

"I'm gonna miss you." he said. "Like a lot."
I laughed, "Well i'm gonna miss you like a lot too."

We hugged and kissed for a while, a few more players came out to say goodbye to their wives and girlfriends, the plane would leave in half an hour and Patrick had to go.

"I love you." he said kissing me one last time.

"I love you too."

Notes