Shadows (Patrick Kane)

(57) True Love

Patrick

In my life family means everything to me. I am who I am because of them. Even my cousins and aunts and uncles mean the world to me. I would die for my sisters and I couldn't do anything with my life if it weren't for my parents. My whole life revolves around my family, many of us growing up together in Buffalo, keeping in touch as we move away.

I couldn't imagine what I would have turned out like if I didn't have my parents supporting me every step of the way. Their love showed me the way and thanks to that I am here today.

And in a surprising turn of events Sophias mom decided to meet up with her dad again. John was in town to talk to Henry about the next few steps after his first season in the professional league. Little does he know Kaitlyn was here and wanting to see him again. It took her a while to work up the courage to see him. He was engaged again though Sophia doesn't think they'll make it to the wedding. And Kaitlyn wanted to move on to something, what? She didn't quite know. But sooner or later their paths will cross and at least this way it's controlled.

So we all decide to go out to dinner. Figured that if it was public there's a less of a chance of everything blowing up. Sophia dresses in a beautiful floral dress that makes your heart beat faster. A pair of heels that make her legs look impossibly good and her hair nice and curly. She looked as beautiful as ever which was going to be a nice distraction from what was about to happen.

"Your dad doesn't know your  moms here" I ask her as she sighs.

"Not a clue. Doesn't even know she's been around for a few months. As far as he knows it's a family get together" she explains.

"But I'm here" I remind her.

"I know" she smirks making my knees weak.

We sit down as the table gets real quiet. We wait for John to arrive nervously looking over the menus even though I'm sure we all know what we want by now.

"Kaitlyn" a deep voice asks and we all kind of freeze. In our efforts to ignore a awkward conversation we created something much more awkward.

Kaitlyn looks up and sees John standing behind her. His eyes as big as I've ever seen them as he tries to figure out what the hell was going on. He starts to shake his head as a gasp passes his lips. "I- I can't believe it's you" he finishes.

"Surprise" she says with her most convincing smile.

"I don't even know what to say. How are you here" John questions.

"I've been here for years actually. After I spent some time back home in Washington talking to my family, tracing my steps trying to figure out where I went wrong I realized my future wasn't in my past. So I came here looking for something and I found Sophia. Then Henry came and I figured there was a point for all of this. I tracked them down to a Target and the rest is history" Kaitlyn tries her best to try and explain.

"So you've guys known for a while" he asks his kids.

"We didn't really talk until right before Christmas. It was a bumpy ride for us to figure things out but through the pain we found family. And now we think it's time for you to be a part of it too" Sophia explains.

"Well, it's really good to see you Kate. You look even more beautiful than I remember" John says and I smile. Even after all this time he still admired her.

"Thank you. It's good to see you too. I've been asking the kids how you were but I figured it was time I came and asked you myself" she explains.

"I would love to have dinner with you all. But first, do you mind if we walk and talk" John offers.

"I think we can do that" Kaitlyn nods.

So they take off leaving us kids here. We all sit with a glass of wine trying to figure out if this is good or bad.

"You think they could get together again" I ask.

"I don't know man" Henry shakes his head. "I don't know much about my mom but I know my dad better than anyone. He always seems to mess it up somehow."

"I think they'll get together" Sophia claims and I raise a eyebrow.

"That's a bold prediction" I admit.

"It is. But I don't think they ever stopped loving each other. That's why dad never truly moved on. He needed mom for that. So one of two things happens. They move on in their own direction but in one they weren't able to move in before. Or two they move on together. Sometimes people need to step back to see all that's going on. And they see that what they wanted they had in the first place, they were just too close to see it.

I don't think them getting together solves any of their problems. But I think they were meant to be it was just the wrong time for them" Sophia explains.

"Do you believe people are meant to be" I wonder.

She smiles as she looks up at me. "Yeah, I do. And there's no explanation for it. It's a feeling. And I feel like it was always them" she claims.

"Ew" Henry scoffs as I roll my eyes. I forget he's in his early twenties sometimes.

"Well I think it's beautiful. It might be too late for us to be one big happy family but it's not too late for those two to find their happily ever after" Sophia insists.

Eventually they return and the whole time they had these big smiles on their faces. The whole night they were eyeing each other and smiling. I couldn't tell you what happened on that walk or what's going to happen after this. But it's obvious they still have strong feelings for each other.

After a long night we fight over who pays before John takes it. We all walk out and I see Sophia talking to her mom. So I wait patiently for them to be done before John comes up to me.

"Do you believe in true love son" he asks and I smile.

"I believe I do" I admit. I never thought about much it but recently it's all I think about.

"Me too Pat. And maybe I was wrong. Maybe if you love something and let it go it will come back once the time is right" he claims.

"I think you're right" I agree.