Unexpected Turn of Events
22
December 24, 2013
“It feels like a perfect night, to dress up like hipsters and make fun of our ex’s.
It feels like a perfect night, for breakfast at midnight, to fall in love with strangers.”
~22~
-Taylor Swift
Christmas was nearing and I was getting ready for the Blackhawks Christmas dinner at the Sharps. At first, I declined their offer but they were pretty persistent and Madelyn pulled out her puppy dog eyes. Who would say no to them? Over the past week, they have made me feel so welcome to their home and they were just so friendly in general. They invited me to games, dinners, and much more. I got to know the Blackhawks really well and for once, I felt like I actually had friends. Growing up, I would be that nerdy kid who sat alone at lunch and didn’t have any friends. That was, until I met Rachael Vera. She was my first ever friend where I met her in university. She was the one to introduce me to Ryan. Ry-
“Kendall! So glad you made it!” My trail of thoughts was interrupted by a smiling Abby.
“Hey! Thanks for inviting me!”
Right as we walked through the front door, a wave of heat hit me and already it felt like home. There was a distinctive home-y smell where you just want to sit by the fireplace and cuddle with someone. Most of the Blackhawks were already there and were mingling around. Dinner was cooked by, of course, Mabel. It smelled absolutely mouth watering and reminded me of home which made me want to cry but I held it in by biting my lip, a little too hard. During dinner, Sharpie told funny stories about his teammates which made everyone laugh. The food was delicious and Madelyn, who was sitting to my right, agreed. Madelyn and I chit-chatted about school, dance, and pretty much everything for the whole dinner but her bedtime quickly came around so I excused myself to tuck her into bed.
After dinner and putting Madelyn into bed, it was time for Secret Santa, an annual tradition. My gift was last minute since I was invited only a few days before. I had to buy a present for Duncan Keith and I knew exactly what to get him. It was pretty obvious what to get him. Horror movies…duh. Jigsaw needs his movies. I also threw in some teeth. It was extremely tempting to.
It was funny to watch as one after the other opened their presents with surprised, embarrassed, or amused faces. When finally it was my turn and I picked up a small package with a sticker with my name on it. I ripped the wrapping paper a little too violently to find a box with a pair of pink fluffy handcuffs and a sexy lace bra and thong. I tried not to blush but it came instinctively. I stuffed everything back into the box while everyone around me wolf whistled and laughed. Of course, I guessed that it was from Kaner and I was right. Shocker.
“I can help demonstrate for you how to use those handcuffs.” He said, winking at me. “Just call me and I’ll be there.”
I rolled my eyes. Yeah, right.
Soon after everyone opened their presents, everyone started to separate into little groups and I decided to use the powder room. Hehe, powder room.
Knowing me, I got caught up in my own thoughts while walking down the hall and bumped right into Jonathan Toews. I stumbled a bit but he held onto my arms to keep me stable.
“Oh shit. Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going and I-“
“It’s ok, really. You’re Kendall, right? The new babysitter.”
“Yup. That’s me. It’s nice to see you again since the recital. Madelyn is such a great dancer, don’t you think?”
“Yeah, I totally agree. So how’s the new job going for you?”
“It’s great. Patrick and Abby are just so…perfect, you know? They’ve been so kind and helping me feel welcome and I even got to meet the Blackhawks, my favourite team! And plus, Madelyn is so easy to take care of. She’s a very laid-back girl. Sorry, I’m rambling. I do that when I get nervous.” I giggled to myself.
“Am I making you nervous?”
“Are you kidding? The captain of the Chicago Blackhawks is standing in front of me and he’s listening to me ramble on. Please stop me whenever you want.”
“Haha it’s fun to listen to you ramble. Do you wanna find a place to sit?”
“Ok, sure.”
We found a seat on the couch next to Niklas Hjalmarsson and his fiancé Elina Casell. They introduced themselves to me and the four of us got to know each other better. I told them about my family and all about my dream to become a dancer. We went from one subject to another, ex's to food and even to hockey for about an hour. Maybe even two. We also drank a few beers too many and by the time almost everyone was leaving, we were all drunk.
“Jesus Christ, what happened to you guys?” Sharpie questioned us.
“Oh, Kendall happened. But seriously, we need to get together soon.” Elina’s words slurred because she was drunk.
“Ok, then. I guess I’ll call a cab for you guys….don’t move. Ok?” Sharp warned us.
“Yes, father.” I replied. Tazer giggled like a little school girl at my comment. Without even thinking, I walked away. No one else seemed to notice me leave. I walked outside where the cold air greeted me as well as Kaner.
“Holy crap! You scared the shit out of me!” I cried, almost screaming.
He chuckled. “So how did you like your gift?”
“Oh it was just what I wanted. How did you know?” I replied, sarcastically. Again, he chuckled.
He was sitting on a bench while the snow started to pile on top of him. The snowflakes were falling onto his lashes and hair. It was one of those picture perfect moments like in one of those amazing photographs.
“Care to join me? I can keep you warm since you’re not wearing a jacket.”
Obviously drunk, I join him on the bench. He wraps his arm around me and I rest my head on his shoulder. He smelled like deodorant and a boy smell. Another picture perfect moment which I capture in my head. I wish life could be this peaceful and perfect. I slowly drift to sleep.
~
I ring the doorbell to a familiar house. 243 Cedar Avenue. A lady opens the door whose name is Julie along with her husband, Richard. They lead me upstairs to a dark room where a young boy is chained to a dresser and his body is covered in bruises and scars.
“Momma! Help me! They’re going to hurt me!” The little boy screams at me.
I close my eyes, prepared for what’s going to happen next. No, no, no. Not again. This dream was way too familiar for my likings. My eyes burst open and I sit up, crying. My baby.
Two years ago, I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy, little boy, who I gave up for adoption. I’m sure that Julie and Richard are amazing parents but it haunts me every day. I will probably never see my baby boy again. I regret my decision the moment he left my arms. There is nothing to do about it now though. I sighed.
It wasn’t until now that I realized I wasn’t in my own bed. Oh my god, where am I? I get out of the bed and immediately sit back down. My head was pounding. Oh…I remember now. I’m in Patrick Sharp’s house. The Christmas dinner was yesterday and the memories started coming back. The conversations with Tazer, Niklas, and Elina, outside with Kaner. I wonder how I got here though.
I walk downstairs to find Abby cooking breakfast. “Hey, where’s Mabel?” I ask.
“Didn’t you hear? There’s a huge snowstorm outside right now. All the roads are closed. That’s why we made you sleep here last night though I don’t think you would remember since you were drunk and probably froze your ass off outside with Kaner.”
“Haha, that’s probably all true. I can only remember parts of it all. Who else stayed or was it just me?”
“Only Tazer, Kaner, Niklas, and Elina. The electricity is acting pretty weird so it might get chilly in here. If you need any clothes just take some from my closet. You should go wake everyone up for breakfast.”
“Ok, thanks. I’ll go jump on everyone’s bed to wake them up. Brb!”
I made my first stop to the master bedroom where Sharpie was still asleep. The first thing I did was pull on a wool sweater to keep me warm. Then, with the whipped cream I got from the kitchen, I put some on Sharpie’s hand. Right when I was about to tickle his nose, his hand with the whipped cream, smashed me right in the face, catching me off guard.
“BAHAH! You should have seen the look on your face!” He doubled over in laughter.
Even though I was pissed that he ruined my prank, I started laughing too. After I cleaned myself up, both Patrick and I went around pulling pranks on everyone until everyone was up and at the table, eating.
“Haha that was fun. So what is planned for this snowy morning, oh beloved prank master?” I asked, while stuffing pancakes into my mouth.
“Well I was thinking we could go outside into the snow!” Sharpie replied, equally shoving as many pancakes into his mouth as me.
“What are we? 5?” Kaner snorted.
“Yay! And can we go skating too?” Madelyn said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“I don’t see why not. Go get dressed everyone.” Abby ordered.
I stuffed one last pancake down before heading to the closet with everyone else. We all layered ourselves until literally, I could not see my feet. I felt like Santa. Ho ho ho. Wait a second, it’s Christmas! I totally forgot.
"Hey guys, I know we just got dressed but it's Christmas so shouldn't we be opening presents?"
“I totally forgot it was Christmas!” Elina exclaimed.
“Presents? I want presents! Daddy, where are my presents?” Madelyn squealed with joy.
“Since we’re already dressed, I think we should go out first.” Sharpie replied.
No one argued with him so the eight of us went out into the snow. What seemed like hours past. We made snow angels, made a snowman, had a snowball fight, and we even made an igloo which failed. When we reached the point where we almost froze, we piled back into the house and sat by the fireplace drinking hot chocolate and opening presents.
“This was fun, but I think I should get going. The weather is starting to get better and the roads are probably clear by now.”
“Are you sure? You are more than welcome to stay here another night.” Abby proposed.
“And stay another night with you lunatics? I’ll pass. See you!”
I returned home to find a letter on my doorstep. From my mom. Who I have not heard from in a year. She and I did not have the best mother daughter relationship. Of course, every family has their fights sometimes but my mom and I were like the awkward relationship you would have with your mother in-law or something. The letter included a plane ticket to Toronto and a note saying how much she missed me and that she wanted to see me soon. Bullshit. She either wants something from me or she’s sick.
“Hello? Kendall? Is that you?” I heard my mother on the other line.
“Yes, mom, it’s me. I just wanted to call to tell you that I got your letter just now and to say that I would love to come home soon but I’m really busy right now so maybe in a few weeks.”
“Of course, sweetheart. I just miss you, that’s all and just wanted to see you and talk.”
Uh oh. Talk. That is something I would never want to do with my mother. “Of course, mom. I have to go now to make dinner. I’ll call you soon.” I hung up before she could say anything else.
I sighed. Lately, it’s just been so hard to realize that I am cutting myself off from everyone for my dream. MY dream. But why does it have to be so hard.
“It feels like a perfect night, to dress up like hipsters and make fun of our ex’s.
It feels like a perfect night, for breakfast at midnight, to fall in love with strangers.”
~22~
-Taylor Swift
Christmas was nearing and I was getting ready for the Blackhawks Christmas dinner at the Sharps. At first, I declined their offer but they were pretty persistent and Madelyn pulled out her puppy dog eyes. Who would say no to them? Over the past week, they have made me feel so welcome to their home and they were just so friendly in general. They invited me to games, dinners, and much more. I got to know the Blackhawks really well and for once, I felt like I actually had friends. Growing up, I would be that nerdy kid who sat alone at lunch and didn’t have any friends. That was, until I met Rachael Vera. She was my first ever friend where I met her in university. She was the one to introduce me to Ryan. Ry-
“Kendall! So glad you made it!” My trail of thoughts was interrupted by a smiling Abby.
“Hey! Thanks for inviting me!”
Right as we walked through the front door, a wave of heat hit me and already it felt like home. There was a distinctive home-y smell where you just want to sit by the fireplace and cuddle with someone. Most of the Blackhawks were already there and were mingling around. Dinner was cooked by, of course, Mabel. It smelled absolutely mouth watering and reminded me of home which made me want to cry but I held it in by biting my lip, a little too hard. During dinner, Sharpie told funny stories about his teammates which made everyone laugh. The food was delicious and Madelyn, who was sitting to my right, agreed. Madelyn and I chit-chatted about school, dance, and pretty much everything for the whole dinner but her bedtime quickly came around so I excused myself to tuck her into bed.
After dinner and putting Madelyn into bed, it was time for Secret Santa, an annual tradition. My gift was last minute since I was invited only a few days before. I had to buy a present for Duncan Keith and I knew exactly what to get him. It was pretty obvious what to get him. Horror movies…duh. Jigsaw needs his movies. I also threw in some teeth. It was extremely tempting to.
It was funny to watch as one after the other opened their presents with surprised, embarrassed, or amused faces. When finally it was my turn and I picked up a small package with a sticker with my name on it. I ripped the wrapping paper a little too violently to find a box with a pair of pink fluffy handcuffs and a sexy lace bra and thong. I tried not to blush but it came instinctively. I stuffed everything back into the box while everyone around me wolf whistled and laughed. Of course, I guessed that it was from Kaner and I was right. Shocker.
“I can help demonstrate for you how to use those handcuffs.” He said, winking at me. “Just call me and I’ll be there.”
I rolled my eyes. Yeah, right.
Soon after everyone opened their presents, everyone started to separate into little groups and I decided to use the powder room. Hehe, powder room.
Knowing me, I got caught up in my own thoughts while walking down the hall and bumped right into Jonathan Toews. I stumbled a bit but he held onto my arms to keep me stable.
“Oh shit. Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going and I-“
“It’s ok, really. You’re Kendall, right? The new babysitter.”
“Yup. That’s me. It’s nice to see you again since the recital. Madelyn is such a great dancer, don’t you think?”
“Yeah, I totally agree. So how’s the new job going for you?”
“It’s great. Patrick and Abby are just so…perfect, you know? They’ve been so kind and helping me feel welcome and I even got to meet the Blackhawks, my favourite team! And plus, Madelyn is so easy to take care of. She’s a very laid-back girl. Sorry, I’m rambling. I do that when I get nervous.” I giggled to myself.
“Am I making you nervous?”
“Are you kidding? The captain of the Chicago Blackhawks is standing in front of me and he’s listening to me ramble on. Please stop me whenever you want.”
“Haha it’s fun to listen to you ramble. Do you wanna find a place to sit?”
“Ok, sure.”
We found a seat on the couch next to Niklas Hjalmarsson and his fiancé Elina Casell. They introduced themselves to me and the four of us got to know each other better. I told them about my family and all about my dream to become a dancer. We went from one subject to another, ex's to food and even to hockey for about an hour. Maybe even two. We also drank a few beers too many and by the time almost everyone was leaving, we were all drunk.
“Jesus Christ, what happened to you guys?” Sharpie questioned us.
“Oh, Kendall happened. But seriously, we need to get together soon.” Elina’s words slurred because she was drunk.
“Ok, then. I guess I’ll call a cab for you guys….don’t move. Ok?” Sharp warned us.
“Yes, father.” I replied. Tazer giggled like a little school girl at my comment. Without even thinking, I walked away. No one else seemed to notice me leave. I walked outside where the cold air greeted me as well as Kaner.
“Holy crap! You scared the shit out of me!” I cried, almost screaming.
He chuckled. “So how did you like your gift?”
“Oh it was just what I wanted. How did you know?” I replied, sarcastically. Again, he chuckled.
He was sitting on a bench while the snow started to pile on top of him. The snowflakes were falling onto his lashes and hair. It was one of those picture perfect moments like in one of those amazing photographs.
“Care to join me? I can keep you warm since you’re not wearing a jacket.”
Obviously drunk, I join him on the bench. He wraps his arm around me and I rest my head on his shoulder. He smelled like deodorant and a boy smell. Another picture perfect moment which I capture in my head. I wish life could be this peaceful and perfect. I slowly drift to sleep.
~
I ring the doorbell to a familiar house. 243 Cedar Avenue. A lady opens the door whose name is Julie along with her husband, Richard. They lead me upstairs to a dark room where a young boy is chained to a dresser and his body is covered in bruises and scars.
“Momma! Help me! They’re going to hurt me!” The little boy screams at me.
I close my eyes, prepared for what’s going to happen next. No, no, no. Not again. This dream was way too familiar for my likings. My eyes burst open and I sit up, crying. My baby.
Two years ago, I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy, little boy, who I gave up for adoption. I’m sure that Julie and Richard are amazing parents but it haunts me every day. I will probably never see my baby boy again. I regret my decision the moment he left my arms. There is nothing to do about it now though. I sighed.
It wasn’t until now that I realized I wasn’t in my own bed. Oh my god, where am I? I get out of the bed and immediately sit back down. My head was pounding. Oh…I remember now. I’m in Patrick Sharp’s house. The Christmas dinner was yesterday and the memories started coming back. The conversations with Tazer, Niklas, and Elina, outside with Kaner. I wonder how I got here though.
I walk downstairs to find Abby cooking breakfast. “Hey, where’s Mabel?” I ask.
“Didn’t you hear? There’s a huge snowstorm outside right now. All the roads are closed. That’s why we made you sleep here last night though I don’t think you would remember since you were drunk and probably froze your ass off outside with Kaner.”
“Haha, that’s probably all true. I can only remember parts of it all. Who else stayed or was it just me?”
“Only Tazer, Kaner, Niklas, and Elina. The electricity is acting pretty weird so it might get chilly in here. If you need any clothes just take some from my closet. You should go wake everyone up for breakfast.”
“Ok, thanks. I’ll go jump on everyone’s bed to wake them up. Brb!”
I made my first stop to the master bedroom where Sharpie was still asleep. The first thing I did was pull on a wool sweater to keep me warm. Then, with the whipped cream I got from the kitchen, I put some on Sharpie’s hand. Right when I was about to tickle his nose, his hand with the whipped cream, smashed me right in the face, catching me off guard.
“BAHAH! You should have seen the look on your face!” He doubled over in laughter.
Even though I was pissed that he ruined my prank, I started laughing too. After I cleaned myself up, both Patrick and I went around pulling pranks on everyone until everyone was up and at the table, eating.
“Haha that was fun. So what is planned for this snowy morning, oh beloved prank master?” I asked, while stuffing pancakes into my mouth.
“Well I was thinking we could go outside into the snow!” Sharpie replied, equally shoving as many pancakes into his mouth as me.
“What are we? 5?” Kaner snorted.
“Yay! And can we go skating too?” Madelyn said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“I don’t see why not. Go get dressed everyone.” Abby ordered.
I stuffed one last pancake down before heading to the closet with everyone else. We all layered ourselves until literally, I could not see my feet. I felt like Santa. Ho ho ho. Wait a second, it’s Christmas! I totally forgot.
"Hey guys, I know we just got dressed but it's Christmas so shouldn't we be opening presents?"
“I totally forgot it was Christmas!” Elina exclaimed.
“Presents? I want presents! Daddy, where are my presents?” Madelyn squealed with joy.
“Since we’re already dressed, I think we should go out first.” Sharpie replied.
No one argued with him so the eight of us went out into the snow. What seemed like hours past. We made snow angels, made a snowman, had a snowball fight, and we even made an igloo which failed. When we reached the point where we almost froze, we piled back into the house and sat by the fireplace drinking hot chocolate and opening presents.
“This was fun, but I think I should get going. The weather is starting to get better and the roads are probably clear by now.”
“Are you sure? You are more than welcome to stay here another night.” Abby proposed.
“And stay another night with you lunatics? I’ll pass. See you!”
I returned home to find a letter on my doorstep. From my mom. Who I have not heard from in a year. She and I did not have the best mother daughter relationship. Of course, every family has their fights sometimes but my mom and I were like the awkward relationship you would have with your mother in-law or something. The letter included a plane ticket to Toronto and a note saying how much she missed me and that she wanted to see me soon. Bullshit. She either wants something from me or she’s sick.
“Hello? Kendall? Is that you?” I heard my mother on the other line.
“Yes, mom, it’s me. I just wanted to call to tell you that I got your letter just now and to say that I would love to come home soon but I’m really busy right now so maybe in a few weeks.”
“Of course, sweetheart. I just miss you, that’s all and just wanted to see you and talk.”
Uh oh. Talk. That is something I would never want to do with my mother. “Of course, mom. I have to go now to make dinner. I’ll call you soon.” I hung up before she could say anything else.
I sighed. Lately, it’s just been so hard to realize that I am cutting myself off from everyone for my dream. MY dream. But why does it have to be so hard.
7/21/13