Chapter 2

841 24 2
                                    

As I wander through the city, I realize the streets of Chicago are packed with people in Blackhawks gear. When I stop to ask someone if they had a game tonight, everyone who overhears the question starts yelling "Stanley Cup Champs Baby!!" and naturally, I smile and cheer with them. While I am overjoyed, I'm not surprised that they've won it again. I mean if any of the guys that were on the team when I was around are still there they're probably unbeatable. I also have no doubt in Jon's abilities as well. The Hawks are one of the only social/ public events I actually followed while I was away. If anyone were to ask me about any event from when I was traveling besides the Hawks, I would have no knowledge of any of them.

It's phenomenal to see the difference between the 2010 cup and this one. The city has really rallied behind the team, at least from what I can tell so far. The air is teeming with excitement, and the energy of the fans is contagious. It really is amazing to witness. I always knew Jon would do great things, I just always assumed I would be there beside him when he did.

Eventually my feet take me to one of the bars I used to frequent. There's a long line outside the door, but I walk straight up to the bouncer. I'm not really dressed like the other girls in their short skirts and low cut shirts, seeing as I'm simply wearing shorts and a v-neck, so the bouncer gives me a strange look.

"Hi, I'm Violet, I'm an old friend of the owner, Nick, and I was really hoping to get in to see him."

He gives me another look, then gruffly replies "There's no Violet on the list"

"How about V. Evans?" I question, and watch as he recognizes the name and steps aside.

"Have a nice night ma'am."

I call back "You too!" and head in. The place is packed, and I have to fight my way through the bodies to the bar. Once I have a place along it, I scan the bartenders, looking for Nick. Little do many people know, when I used to come here he worked as a bartender even though he owned the bar. I just hope he's kept up the habit, otherwise it will make my job of finding him much harder.

Right as I finally spot his unkempt mess of curls, the man next to me slings his arm around my waist and whispers with hot, drunk breath against my ear. "How 'bout I buy you a drink and you show me what that cute ass of yours can do on the dance floor?"

Creeps like these are why I never used to go to bars alone. Well that and Jon would never let me anyway, not that I minded. I simply gave him a blank look.

"I know about twenty different ways to castrate you, so I would suggest you take your hands off of me."

This isn't an exaggeration either. I mean a girl traveling alone has to pick some stuff up right?

Upon hearing my response, his face goes white and he backs away quickly. "Sheesh lady no need to be a bitch I was only tryna give you a compliment" he slurs.

I usually go out of my way to be nice to everyone I meet, but I am definitely not in the mood today. I ignore him and begin trying to capture Nick's attention. When I finally do, his blue eyes widen and he makes his way over to me. "Evans?" he questions, "Is it really you?"

"The one and only," I reply, smiling at his shock of seeing me.

"What the heck it's been what, three years since I last saw you? Where the hell did you go?" He begins to interrogate me, and I have to decide what I'm willing to tell him.

"Everywhere" I answer, then elaborate once I see his confused expression. "I traveled the world taking pictures, living with orphans. You know, the usual."

He begins to wipe down the bar in front of me. "Impressive, so how long are you staying?"

This is one of the reasons I liked having Nick as a friend. He never really pried for more than I was willing to give him, which I especially appreciate now. "I'm not too sure, I have some stuff to take care of here in the city, but I definitely want to make it home to Manitoba as soon as I can."

He nods in response to that, then gets a grin on his face. "You have to sing your rendition of Chelsea like you used to, it's the perfect day!" He starts to get excited about the idea, "Hang on I'm going to come around, meet me by the platform."

At this, I feel the now familiar twist of pain on my left side that occurs whenever I get anxious about something. Before, I used to occasionally sing a slightly altered version of Chelsea Dagger here if we were out after a particularly good game. I haven't sung it in a while though, and I haven't sung in front of a crowd this big ever. Still, I make my way over to the small platform that is set up for the occasional musician, and sit on the stool in front of the mic.

"Good luck!" Nick yells to me, then goes to switch the music to the Chelsea Dagger soundtrack. I take a few steadying breaths, and try to just be in the moment and enjoy the energy. So far few people are looking at me, but once I start singing all that will change. While large crowds don't necessarily make me anxious, I've never enjoyed being the only one in the spotlight. I've also never done this without my anchor in the crowd to silently encourage me.

I hear the music start up, so I yell "Stanley Cup Champs 2015!", which elicits a roar from the crowd, then begin jamming to the opening bars of the music. As I begin to sing the first lyrics, I see a large group enter the bar and make their way to the VIP section. And while my voice never wavers as I realize it's the Blackhawks, my heart beats erratically as I scan their faces. I see quite a few familiar guys until my eyes land on him.

And he's looking straight at me with eyes through which you can see into his soul, with eyes that still feel like home even after all these years.

His eyes.

They have the power to destroy me.

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

A/N:

Hey guys, so I hope you're liking the book so far, and I would love any feedback you have.

I would also like to recommend a book just because I am absolutely in love with it.

Wrestling Naked by nightclubs - This is one of my favorites on wattpad because the author's writing style is so unique. She really brings you into the mindset of the main character through her writing, and it is utterly intriguing. It's a pretty short read but it is completed which is always nice. Definitely one of my favorites.

Also, what's your favorite Hawks player?? Don't forget to vote, comment, and share with your friends //Char

Did you forget me {Jonathan Toews}Where stories live. Discover now