"We've been worried sick" I spoke up, trying to read the expression on Patrick's face. He didn't look up; he simply held his head hung low, seemingly interested in the shoes he was wearing. His eyes were bloodshot, puffing, with large bags under his eyes. The wound on his head was touched up nicely, but one could assume he got a concussion from the blow. " Patrick, please" I begged when he ignored me

"Please don't do this" I asked him, my heart starting to ach for him. He had beden through do much in the past few years, it was a wonder he didn't break down before now. I began to see the symptoms the more I thought about it; it was clear, he was suffering from depression. I felt my eyes water up ; why wouldn't he tell anybody?

"I know Pat" I spoke calmly. His head shifted a little bit in my direction; he was listening. "Why didn't you tell me? All I want to do is help" a tear trickled down my face, but I wiped it away before he would notice. He didn't say anything at first, maintaining his position. He shifted in his seat, finally looking at me.

"I honestly don't know" he whispered softly. "You're going through enough right now; you don't need to be worrying about me on top of all that" there he was, being selfless as he had done since the accident that caused Jon to enter his coma. I sat in the passengers seat, slowly debating what to say next.

"Pat, don't think that way" I felt a pang in my stomach. "If you're going through a hard time, I want to know; to help..." I trailed off, biting my lower lip. "And I've been there- I mean I've had it before" I stumbled over my words. "You don't have to go through this alone"

"But-"

"No buts" I cut him off immediately before he could continue his train of thought. "Pat, you have so many people who love you and who care about you. We all want to help you, and we hate to seeing you hurting so much"

He took a moment to absorb what I had just told him. I continued to maintain eye contact, trying my best not to let tears slip down my cheeks. I wasn't sure how I was able to help him; I just knew I wanted to. He had been more than helpful with Jon, the kids and the house; I owed it to him.

"Is there something wrong with me?" Pat asked, catching me off guard. I eyed him skeptically not comprehending where he was going with this. "As much as I've tried to change, my reputation is still the same- every girl just thinks I want a one night stand, but I don't. That part of my life is over; I have no desire to do that anymore. I want to settle down- like you and Jon. I want a family, a house... A wife." he trailed off thoughtfully.

"There's absolutely nothing wrong with you, Pat" I assured him automatically. "Shouted a catch! Your hockey career is going amazing- just think about that big contract extension you signed. You're so thoughtful, sincere, funny, great with kids, caring, giving... The list goes on"

"If that was true, I wouldn't be alone" he mumbled miserably.

"Not true; it just means you haven't found someone worth while yet. You deserve the best Pat, and the best isn't going to show up over night" I took his hand in mine and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Finding a girl worth while isn't going to be someone you find at a bar. It'll be someone you find along the way; in a place you'd never expect"

"You're probably right there" he sighed heavily, using his free hand to run his fingers through his hair.

"obviously I am" I quipped, Patrick cracking a smile finally not looking so grim.

"I don't know what I'd do without you, Addie" he confessed, a smile on his face.

"The feeling is mutual; don't think I could stand to be without you" I told him with a smile.

"Sorry I worried you guys" he told me after a few minutes of thoughtful silence. "I just- and I'm so sorry I let her into the house" he frowned.

"It's not your fault. And when I say that I mean it Pat." I assured him. "She was a crazy stalker bitch, she would have found another way had it not been you" I paused for a moment. "You couldn't have known she drugged your drink"

"I should never have accepted it" he furrowed his brow, the sound of the rain hitting the windshield getting louder and louder the longer we spoke. A large rumble of thunder echoed through the city, a light shiver going down my spine.

"You can't beat yourself up about it" I told him honestly. I took a look at my watch, and gasped once I realized the time. Today, since we all had a day off, we were heading to the local arena to watch and support Emma and her inter mural hockey team. She played a game every Sunday and Thursday night, practicing early morning Tuesdays to stay in shape. Despite it being nothing serious, all the girls loved the game. I felt a little jealous she was able to play the sport, I made a mental note to ask her if I was able to be a part of the team.

"I know" he mumbled miserably.

"Hey, we're all heading to the arena to watch Emma play hockey; do you want to come? May keep your mind off it..." I trailed off thoughtfully. I bit my lip, hoping he would say yes; he couldn't spend all day wallowing in self pity.

"That'd be great" he smiled.

***************************************************************************************************************


"Go Blackhawks!" I shouted, cheering as the skated down the ice on an odd man rush. Emma stepped over the blue line, saucing the puck into the right hand corner, where her line mate had the upper hand on the defence man. She passed it behind the net, where Emma waited patiently. With a quick look out front, she dished the puck to her other line mate who one timed it into the back of the net.

"Woo!" We all stood up and cheered, clapping enthusiastically. Besides Corey, Sydney, Jon, Patrick, Sharp, Abby, Sarah, Kelly and myself, the stands were otherwise empty. That didn't stop us from cheering as loud as we could. They huddled together in celebration, Emma nodding towards us as she skated effortlessly to the bench.

"4-1 for the good guys" Jon pointed out. Emma had netted two goals, and marking an assist as well. There was a little under two minutes left in the game, all of us having a wonderful time watching her play. When we all filed into the arena and to our seats, the look on her face was priceless; her teammates were beyond jealous and excited members of the Chicago Blackhawks were watching their game, and cheering them on.

"What do you say about lunch after? I feel like I could eat a horse" Sydney pouted, rubbing her stomach. She had just began to show a little, her excitement hadn't died down a single bit since finding out.

"That sounds great" Kaner nodded with a smile. I smiled widely, proud and happy Patrick was making an effort to make himself, even just a little bit, happier.

The rest of the game went by fast, not a whole lot of action. The buzzer sounded, signalling the end of the final frame. We all stood up and cheered, clapping for Emma's team's victory. We all filed out of our seats, waiting for Emma in the lobby of the arena so she could join us all for lunch.

"I want to play" I spoke up, looking at Jon.

"I'll cheer you on every game" Jon assured me with a grin.

"Count me in for that too" Kaner piped up.

"That is, if I still remember how to play" I chuckled to myself. I had played hockey growing up, but it had been a long time since I set foot on the ice. I knew I might not be able to make all the games, especially with Jon and the kids; but I wanted to try.

"It's just like riding a bike" Corey assured me, his arm wrapped around Sydney's waist. From all the excitement this morning, she seemed to be doing much better. I was so proud of her for finally telling Ayesha off; and I could tell she felt as if a huge weight was lifted off her shoulders.

"Oh my god Addison!" we all looked up to see Emma strolling through the lobby, her gear and her stick in hand. She set it down, pulling me in for a hug. "You guys didn't have to do this!" She was smiling wider than I had ever seen.

"We had a great time!" Kane piped up a smile on his face. She looked down at the ground, blushing a little. "Great goals by the way; gave me a run for my money" he added with a wink and a smirk. I didn't think it was possible for her face to turn any redder than it already did.

"Listen, we were thinking of going out to lunch; you in?" Sarah asked, sparing Emma from the intense stares. She finally looked up, her face finally returning back to a normal colour.

"That sounds great, do I have time to run home and shower quickly?" She asked, picking her gear back up from the ground.

"Yeah totally, I can pick you up on my way there" Kane offered. Emma smiled nervously, nodding.

"That'd be great, thanks" she took a piece of paper from the bulletin board, and gently scribbled her number on the page. "Just text or call when you're coming or whatever" she handed it to him, maneuvering her way out of the lobby. "Thank you guys so much for coming, you have no idea how much it means to me" she added just before opening the door to the rainy Sunday afternoon. "And I'll see you guys soon" we all waved goodbye, before making our way to the cars outside.

"Looks like Kaner's got a crush" Sharpie smirked, lightly punching him on the arm. He blushed a little, shrugging it off as nothing more than being nice. I knew better though; the look in his eyes told me, just maybe, he and Emma could work out; and maybe he would get over being in love with her.

Notes