"Are you sure you're okay?" Jon asked me for what seemed like the millionth time that night. After leaving the dressing room in tears, I shot straight for the bathroom to straighten myself up. The drive home seemed to last forever, and as soon as I got home, Ryder and Aveyah were in bed, Gabby in her room, which left me to let the tears stream down my face freely. I didn't want my kids to worry, so I hid it from them as best as I could.

I had just gotten out of the shower, eyes red and puffy, skin still dripping from the warm haven. My towel clung to my body tightly as I made my way back into the master bedroom. I smiled at Jon weakly, as I dropped my towel and pulled over my comfiest of pyjamas; a pair of yoga shorts and one of Jon's oversized t-shirts. Wearing his shirt somehow always managed to give me comfort; I was convinced I wore it more than he.

"I just- I don't understand" I finally spoke, getting under the warmth of the blankets. I snuggled closer to him, feeling incredibly vulnerable. "He's never lost his cool like that" I finally added just above a whisper. Jon pondered on the question for a moment, presumably searching for an answer.

"I don't know, babe" he finally admitted with a frown. "I mean- they played god awful; the coach yelled at them at every possible moment. His parents and sisters were there, Emma, us... Losing probably stung" I nodded, realizing this would indeed piss any hockey player off.

"He's never hit me before" I mumbled sadly. "Never laid a hand on me... Did I do something to provoke him?" I asked nervously, chewing my bottom lip. Jon shook his head, immediately disagreeing with my previous statement.

"You didn't. You were just trying to help. All of his anger just got the better of him. I know he didn't mean it" Jon admitted slowly. "And I know that's no excuse for his behaviour but-"

"But nothing. I know you're right Jon. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I know he'd never want to hurt either of us. I'm just a little shaken up I guess" I shivered thinking of the memory. As much as I wanted to hate Patrick and remain mad at him I knew I couldn't. Obviously, the team played like shit. Obviously he was pissed. I knew he would never purposely hurt Jon or I... The shock of the reality still stung, nonetheless.

"You don't have to forgive him right away if you don't want" Jon offered after a few moments of silence. I sniffled, wiping the last of my tears away; I didn't want to dwell on this anymore.

"If he comes home tomorrow I'll be okay I think" I smiled, kissing his cheek. "As long as you don't mind" I added quickly. Jon's lip was a little swollen, but the bleeding had stopped some time ago.

"Nah, we've done worse damage on each other before" he shrugged it off as nothing. "I shouldn't have launched myself at him" he frowned, his eyes zoned on the comforter in front of him. "I blame myself, too"

"Regardless of that" I cut him off. "You were just standing up for me; so thank you"
Jon smiled to himself, suddenly proud of his actions. "I haven't been able to do that in a long time" the smile vanishing from his face. I grabbed his hand, holding it tightly in mine.

"You know I don't care if you protect me" I reminded him. Ever since his accident, he was always down on himself for not being able to protect me. I didn't mind; I was just happy he was alive and well. "I'm just happy you're alive" I smirked. His grin reappeared, as he reached over towards the bedside table, clicking the light off. The room engulfed in darkness as the pair of us tangled ourselves in one another.

"I've got a doctors appointment tomorrow" Jon reminded me out of the blue.

"Maybe it'll be the time he tells us we can finally have sex" I blurted out before I could stop myself. I mentally slapped myself in the head; I must have sounded like a horny school girl. I could feel his body shake with laughter beneath me.

"That would be fantastic"

"Sorry I just miss you" I mumbled an apology into his chest.

"Don't apologize; I miss you too" he assured me, pulling me closer. It was moments like these I lived for; simply being with Jon, snuggled in close, enjoying each other's company. It was something I had missed deeply, and something I no longer took for granted.

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


"Hey Addie" I pulled open the door to see Emma on the other side. I eyed her curiously; it was supposed to be her day off. Jon had a doctors appointment at 10, Abby Sharp generously agreeing to take him since he could not yet drive. Emma's eyes were red and bloodshot; I could tell she didn't get much sleep last night.

"Emma! What are you doing here?" I asked. I could hear Ryder and Aveyah run towards the door, joining me to see who it was. The stood beside me, silently eyeing Emma. Gabby was gone to school, leaving just the two little monsters and I home until Abby returned with Jon.

"Can I talk to you?" She asked abruptly, a worried tone evident in her shaky voice. I nodded vigorously, ushering her into the house. I closed the door behind me, motioning her to join me in the kitchen. Ryder, Aveyah and I had just made our way into the kitchen to prepare some breakfast, so the kitchen was already in a state of mess. Coffee was brewing in the pot, and the smell of freshly cooked bacon still lingered in the air.

"What's on your mind?" I asked once we both sat down. I offered her a cup of coffee, which she eagerly and graciously accepted, wrapping both her hands tightly around the mug. She pondered for a moment, evidently having no idea where to start.

"I ended things with Patrick" her words caused my jaw to literally drop. Before I could voice my concerns, she pressed on. "I can't believe he pushed you like that- I- I'm afraid he-"

"Stop right there" I held up my hand, not wanting to hear anymore. "Patrick didn't mean it. Now I know that may sound naive but hear me out. He's never, EVER done anything like that. I know this doesn't excuse his behaviour, but it was a frustrating game for him- you saw how badly he played" I paused and she nodded, taking in every word I said. "I forgive him, Emma. It was a shock, and it hurt yes- but I swear to you he's one of the sweetest, gentlest and caring guys out there. He's perfect boyfriend material. And if you ask me, breaking things off because of one mistake he made in a moment of anger? A mistake on your part"

She remained silent, the thrashing of cars against the floor the only sound in the room. I waited anxiously for her reply, curious to hear her thoughts on the situation.

"Why are you always right" she sighed heavily, a small grin on her face. I realized I had been holding my breath, awaiting her answer.

"Well, I try" I winked, taking the last sip of my coffee. "Want to stay for breakfast? He probably won't be done practice for another hour or so" I offered, Ryder and Aveyah making cries of protest to their lack of nourishment.

"That'd be great" she smiled warmly.

It didn't take long before the kitchen smelled of a delicious aroma of bacon, sausage, toast and eggs. We texted Sydney, Sarah, and Kelly who anxiously agreed to come for our mega breakfast. Abby told us she and Jon would be on the way home in ten minutes, adding two more to cook for.

"Fuck this looks good" Emma mumbled just low enough so Ryder and Aveyah couldn't hear. I nodded in agreement, placing the last of the plates on the table. Everything was laid out on the table, all set to eat. In addition to everything we cooked, Emma had prepared a plate of fresh fruit, and thanks to the juicer I had gotten from the wedding, we made homemade orange juice.

"Smells delicious!" I heard a voice call out, the front door slamming behind it.

"You guys really outdid yourselves" Sarah smiled as her, Sydney and Kelly rounded the corner. Emma and I looked at each other and grinned excited to dig in.

"Help yourselves; Jon and Abby should be back any moment" I checked my watch. Just as fast as the words escaped my mouth, I heard the engine of the SUV pull into the driveway.

"Daddy!" Ryder yelled, as he and Brandon ran for the door. I laughed motioning to the girls to grab a plate and dig in. It didn't take too long for them to do just that.

"Hey babe" I greeted Jon, helping him up the stairs to the house. He kissed me passionately, holding me as close to his as he could.

"Get a room" Abby rolled her eyes with a grin as she made her way into the house. "Jesus everything smells amazing" she commented before leaving the pair of us alone in the front hallway.

"I'm cleared to drive" Jon beamed proudly.

"Oh my god, Jon!" I clapped excitedly, happy for the small step forward.

"The doctor is still surprised at my progress" he added, pulling me into a side hug as we walked towards the kitchen.

"Wow you guys out did yourselves" he commented upon reaching the kitchen. Dirty dishes were sprawled everywhere, the remnants of hard work still visible. "Also; I can't wait to fuck you later" he added in a whisper, wiggling his eyebrows seductively. My eyes almost popped out of their sockets. Before I even had the chance to react, he was mingling with the girls, grabbing a plate for himself.

"Daddy!" Ryder shouted again, his father kissing his head as he sat down beside him.

"Hey buddy, whatcha got there?" Jon asked playfully, pointing to his plate.

"Mommy made eggs" he announced, taking his fingers and grabbing some of the scrambled eggs on his plate.

"We use a fork" Jon instructed, placing the form in Ryder's hand. Ryder pouted, before finally accepting this feat and began shovelling the eggs into his mouth.

"You guys did a great job" Sydney spoke up between bites. "This juice? Spectacular" she chugged her second glass, pouring herself another. I laughed, picking some bacon up and putting it on my plate.

"Thank Jon's brother for the juicer" I laughed taking my seat next to Aveyah's high chair.

"You guys need to do this way more often" Sarah spoke up with her mouth full.

"Mommy says to not talk and eat" Ryder pointed out politely between his own bites. It took everything in me not to burst out laughing. Luckily, I was able to keep my cool. Looking around the table, I knew everybody had similar mind sets.

"That's right honey" I smirked towards Sarah who blushed slightly before returning to her breakfast. It was fantastic; we ate laughed, joked, all enjoying the food and the company. Despite insisting they didn't have to help, the girls all pitched in to help clean, making the process a very short one. Once the kitchen was spotless, the girls all left, heading back to their men who had just arrived home from their long, and more than likely gruelling practice. All except Emma, who waited anxiously for Patrick to make an appearances home.



"What if he doesn't want to get back together?" Emma asked worriedly. Jon and the kids were up in the bedroom, playing with whatever toys they found most appealing for the hour. I shook my head disagreeing with her previous statement.

"What did he say when you ended it?" I asked, the question weighing heavily on my mind since she had first confessed it. She stayed silent for a moment, before recounting last nights events.





"Wait! Emma!" Patrick charged out of the dressing room after her. She had left, saying she would speak to him in the morning, leaving him feeling shittier than anything, alone in the dressing room. He knew what he did was wrong, but he couldn't stay away from her knowing how angry she was with him.

"I told you, I'll talk to you tomorrow" she answered coldly, grabbing the handle to her car. She couldn't fathom what had just transpired between Addison Jon and Pat; it scared her to think about. Addison had been more than accommodating during the short time she worked for her. She invited her to games, treated her like family... She felt speaking to Patrick was a betrayal to her new friend.

"Please Emma" Patrick begged. "Can you please hear me out?"

"What could you possibly say to excuse your actions?" Emma retorted. "You pushed Addison. Your best friend. She does everything for you, and you do this? And you punched Jon in the face Pat!" She rambled off what she remembered of the night.

"He came at me first!" He defended, throwing his arms up in the air.

"I heard what you said!" She almost shouted. "Why would you say that to him, Pat? Do you not seem to remember what tragedy he went through? How lucky he is to even be alive?" Emma shouted in exasperation.

"I know! I know I was just angry!" Patrick sighed heavily, his tone of voice matching hers. "I regret what I said, and what I did. If I could take it back I would in a second!" He confessed with a frown. "I feel like I've lost them- please don't let me lose you too"

"We're done, Pat" she spoke, her bottom lip quivering.

"Emma-"

"No, Patrick. I can't be with someone who- I-" she fumbled over her words, trying to relay her point across in the easiest way possible. She still wanted to be with him; there wasn't a doubt in her mind. She didn't want to have to let go; but she felt a betrayal to Addie if she did.

"Emma, please" Patrick begged his eyes wide with fear. "Please don't leave me" he added just above a
whisper. His eyes began to water with tears; he really fucked up.

"I'm sorry..." She trailed off, biting her lip to stop the tears. "Addison has done so much for me; I can't be with someone who hurt her as badly as you"

"But- I- please don't leave me" he answered again, trying to hold on to the last shred of the relationship.
"This is the way it's gotta be" she brushed past him, hurriedly hopping into the car.




"He will take you back" I stated firmly. "Er- I mean you'll take him back?" I made a puzzled face. "Either way, you guys can fix this" I assured her. "If I know Pat, and I'd like to think I do, he won't give up without a fight" I assured her once more.

"I hope you're right" she mumbled miserably. Before I even had the chance to comfort her again, there was a light knocking on the door. Emma's eyes went wide; we both knew it had to be Patrick. We both walked slowly to the front door, Emma wanting me beside her for support.

"Pat" I greeted once I opened the door. Patrick stood before us, two bouquets of flowers in his hands. He smiled weakly, handing one to her, a bouquet of red roses, and the other to me a bouquet of a random assortment of colourful flowers.

"Hi" he smiled, his eyes red and puffy, just like Emma's had been.

"You don't have to knock to come into your own house, you know" I told him, stepping aside to allow him entrance. He stepped inside, closing the door gently behind him. Emma stood beside me, silently holding the roses in her hands.

"I- I still live here?" He asked, his tone a little surprised.

"Why wouldn't you?" I asked in confusion.

"Well- I-" he stumbled over his words, clearly having an inner debate on what to say.

"Come sit" I gestured for him to come into the living room. The three of us silently went into the living room. Emma and I sat opposite Pat, who sat alone on the leather love seat Jon had just bought for the room. "How are you?" I asked nervously, trying to break the awkward silence.

"Horrible" he admitted sheepishly. "Obviously, I came here to apologize" he shifted awkwardly in his seat. Emma eyed me nervously, fiddling with her flowers. Her face change however, when she noticed a small card sticking out from the flowers. It was a big card, and she fiddled nervously to open it. Looking at my flowers, I noticed a similar card. "Can you both read it, please?" He asked awkwardly.

Without another word, I gently opened the card, reading the lengthy message inside.



Dear Addison,

Obviously this is something I never wanted to do. I never meant to hurt you, and I apologize from the bottom of my heart. I know saying I had a bad game doesn't justify my actions. I know apologizing over and over doesn't change what I did. But I want you to know something, Addie. I love you. You, are my best friend in the whole world. I feel as if we're closer than Jon and I. You're so kind, caring, loving... You've been there for me through everything, thick and thin. I can always rely on you for anything. No matter how late, early, why , when or where; I know you'll always be there for Me.

I was frustrated. The game was bad, I disappointed my teammates, my family, my friends, you, Ryder Aveyah.., I had a terrible game. Everyone was counting on me, and I let them down; all of them. Coach yelled at me in front of everyone, making me feel an even more intense amount of anger. I took stupid lazy penalties. My shots weren't accurate. My skating was lazy. I did nothing right, and it was my own damn fault to be yelled at.

I wanted a fight the whole game. And when you and Emma came into the room- I knew your both be way too understanding; I couldn't deal with it, so I lost it. I picked the fight with Jon. I wanted to let out anger. I didn't know you'd interrupt- I'm so, so, so sorry.

If you want me out, I'll go. Whatever you want I'll do it. But please, I don't want to lose you, Addison. You're one of the most important people in my life; please don't go...

Much love, Patrick


I looked up to see Emma crying into Patrick's arms. Tears flooded my own eyes, as well as Patrick's. I wiped them them away, knowing I made the right decision when I decided to forgive Patrick last night. There was no way I could lose someone as close as him.

"I love you Patrick" I smiled through my tears. The grin on his face couldn't have been any wider.

"I love you too"

Notes