The Lonely Hour

Chapter 5: Red & Black

Patrick Kane invited me to a game. I had to admit it felt terrific to know an NHL player thought I was good. I wasn't expecting him to help me with my bags let alone invite me to the game. I had to admit I was excited, it would be my first ever NHL game at the United Center.

I was big on hockey, my family not so much. While I never got into being an NHL fan I still loved hockey. My family could care less for the sport, it was all about football and the Cubs. But none the less my family still supported me and my hockey career since the age of 11. I'm sure my mother enjoyed my older brother's football games more than my hockey ones but it was the support that mattered.

When I headed back to my dorm that night I was knee deep in studying. Papers, pencils and notecards scattered throughout the room, I even fell asleep on top of them.

The next morning wasn't easy. The bags under my eyes were so horrible makeup couldn't even conceal them. But I went and took my test for my communications class than began walking Chicago after.

I never got out into the city itself enough. The people here were great, the whole city itself was amazing.

I strolled along the streets, my purse dangling from my shoulders as I passed the Blackhawks store. I stopped for a second and found myself gazing into the window display. The manikin wore a Hawks jersey, hawks tights and a hawk's SnapBack. The most intriguing thing as the simple Hawks scarf she wore that draped from shoulder to shoulder.

I went into the store and found a rack of Hawks scars, pulling one I began the walk to the cashier when I passed the T-shirt section. I had no idea how many different types of shirts they could sell for the same team. On instinct I wanted to buy them all but I controlled myself. I payed for the item quickly and than made my way out and back to the dorm.

Before heading to the dorm I stopped at my mailbox.

"You've got something special in there!" Bert, the mailman, informed me.

"Really?" I questioned

"Yea, some Patrick Kane guy" he shrugs.

I unlock the mailbox, inside six roses were laid next to a white envelope. A smile broke out upon my face as I pulled them out. "Wow" I whispered to myself as I looked at the six roses that were tied together by a blackhawks ribbon. Closing the mailbox I made my way to my dorm.

Unlocking the door, I dropped my purse and stepped around the papers on the floor. I plopped down onto the couch and began to open the envelope. A ticket fell from the card that was enclosed inside. A single ticket for the Hawks vs Wild game.

There was a little message enclosed.

Ella,

Here's a ticket to tonight's home game. After the game meet me in the box office, hope to see you there.

Patrick

I folded the envelope up, put the roses in a small glass and placed them on my desk. I glanced at the time, 6:30, I needed to get ready.

I pulled dark blue jeans skinny from my closet and paired them with a black v neck shirt and black converse. I pulled my north face over and wrapped my new Hawks scarf around me. I took a look in the full body mirror that hung behind my door, maybe red and black were my colors.