Becoming a Family Man

*At lunch*

"What's wrong?" Patrick asked
"Ummm I didn't want to say this the first time we met in 13 years but umm..." Amanda didn't make eye contact with Patrick, "That young man is your kid...."
Patrick coughed, "Um what?"
"I have a son and you're his father" Amanda said looking at Patrick
"Like he is 100% mine?" Patrick asked
"I've only had sex with one other person and that was after I had Hayes, you're his father. If you don't believe me I'm more than happy to pay for a DNA test" Amanda said awkwardly
Patrick asked, "Can I meet him? How old is he? Why didn't you tell me sooner? Can I see more pictures of him? What's his name and birthday?"
"Um I mean you are his father and I think you should be in his life. He has his uncle and grandpa as male figures to look up to, but that's on me. I didn't tell you because I didn't want to ruin your career with hockey. His name is Benjamin Hayes Grahovec, but he goes by Hayes. His birthday is June 8th, 2000, he's 12 years old." Amanda said pulling up pictures of him on her phone
Patrick got a huge smile on his face, "Wait so I'm a dad? He has my eyes! I wish you would've told me. I would've dropped everything to be there for you guys you know that. Does he know I'm his dad?"
"Yes you're a dad Patrick. His has your beautiful eyes and athletic ability" Amanda laughed, "He knows he has a dad, just doesn't know its you, I told him that you had to leave before he was born to better yourself."
Patrick hugged Amanda, "I'm really sorry I wasn't there. Can I go meet him?"
Amanda hugged Patrick back, "That's one thing I'm hesitant on, only because you two have never met and I don't want him meeting you if you aren't going to stick around in his life. I've never brought another man into his life because no guy has ever stayed in my life long enough or didn't show interest in him"
"I promise I'll stick around, I want to be there for him I really really do. And I want to be there for you and we can maybe be a family?" Patrick said
"He has school all week and football after school until 7 then he has school work to do. He has a football game Friday night if you want to meet him after the game?" Amanda suggested
"I can't come over tonight?" Patrick asked
"Pat, I don't want to rush him into this.." Amanda said quietly

Amanda's phone started to ring, it was Hayes so she picked up

*On the Phone*

Hayes: Hey mom. I'm out of school, practice is cancelled because the field is trashed from the rain. Should I just take the bus home?
Amanda: Yes sweetie. I'm out with a friend right now I'll meet you back at the house though, just start your homework okay babe?
Hayes: Ok mom love you see you when you're home
Amanda: Love you too babe see you soon

Amanda said, "That was Hayes, I need to head home, he doesn't have practice today"
"Amanda can I please come with? I want to meet my son" Patrick begged
"Umm... Yeah sure" Amanda finally agreed

Patrick paid the bill and got into his car and followed Amanda to her house. He was really nervous but really excited.

*At Amanda's*

"Hayes I'm home!" Amanda yelled as her and Patrick walked into the house
"Hey I'm playing xbox" Hayes said from the family room, "Uncle Matt still isn't home"
"Can you come here sweetie I need to talk to you about something?" Amanda asked
Hayes paused his game and walked into the kitchen, "Whats u-.... You're Patrick Kane"
"Hey, you're Hayes. How are you?" Patrick asked
Hayes looked at his mom, "Mom what's going on, how do you know him?"
"Babe I need you to sit down" Amanda said sitting down at the table
Hayes looked at them both, "Are you dating him or something?"
"Um I don't know how to tell you this other than just saying it..." Amanda said, "Hayes, Patrick is your dad..."
"Nice to meet you bud" Patrick said
"Wait? No, he isn't my dad. We don't look anything like each other." Hayes said
Amanda didn't know what to say, so Patrick said, "Um I'm more than happy to get a DNA test. I'm your dad Hayes"
"No, you aren't. My dad isn't in my life." Hayes said getting defensive
"Hayes, I promise you he is your dad. " Amanda said
Hayes started to get pissed, "So you're going to just randomly walk into the house with Patrick Kane and tell me, after 13 years, that he's my dad. What the hell mom?"
"Hayes watch your language" Amanda said
"No this is stupid. Are you serious right now? I'm done with this conversation, I'm going to Jakes house." Hayes said as he got up and left
Patrick looked down, "I'm sorry Amanda"
"Now do you understand why I didn't want to do this right now" Amanda said holding her head in her hands
"I'm really sorry" Patrick said rubbing her back
Amanda moved, "I think it's best if we talk another day..."
"Ok... I'll talk to you tomorrow?" Patrick asked
"Yeah. Have a good night Pat" Amanda said

Patrick went outside and saw Hayes walking to his friends house, so he decided to go walk with him.

Patrick ran to catch up to Hayes, "Hey I just want you to know that your mom wanted to wait to tell you. I was excited at the idea of having a kid. I should've listened to her. I'm really sorry that I put you on the spot Hayes."
Hayes stopped and looked at him, "I'm sorry I overreacted. It's just a lot to get thrown onto you in one day. It would've been easier if you listened to my mom."
"I'd really like to get to know you though. Your mom was saying you have a football game in two days, would you mind if I went?" Patrick asked
"As long as you can avoid getting noticed I'd be fine with it" Hayes said
Patrick made him a promise, "I swear I'll wear something that nobody will notice me in. Can we walk back to your house so your mom doesn't get worried? She brought you some pasta and meatballs from an Italian restaurant her and I went to today"
Hayes nodded his head, "Yeah."

They walked back to Amanda's house and Patrick waited outside to make sure Hayes got in safe, then headed back to his place.

*At Patricks and Johnnys'*

"Hey Kaner! What's up?" Jon asked
Patrick went to the fridge and grabbed a beer, "Wanna hear something crazy?"
"Sure" Jon said
"I have a son. He's 13 years old. That kid in Amanda's picture yesterday, he's mine." Patrick said
Jon laughed, "Please tell me you're joking"
"I'm not. I met him today too" Patrick said with a straight face
"How'd that go?" Jon asked
"He was pissed off, which was my fault but I think we're on ok terms. I'm going to his football game on Friday" Patrick said
"Shit you're being dead ass serious. When do I get to meet him?" Jon asked grabbing a beer
Patrick laughed, "After today, I'm working on my relationship with him before I introduce him to the team. Once that happens he'll have media in his face which it doesn't seem like he wants that."
Jon argued, "Makes sense. I wanna meet him though. I'll basically be his uncle."
"Jon give me time for him to be comfortable around me ok?" Patrick asked

Notes