Did you forget me {Jonathan Toews}

Chapter 4

I wake up around 8 the next morning, which is pretty late for me to wake up even though I was out at the bar last night. Before, I used to only get up if I had to pee or if I got hungry, but once I started traveling I began waking up earlier. I quickly get ready, throwing on running shorts and a t-shirt, then take Scout out on our daily jog. 

On our way out, I grab an apple from the continental breakfast to eat on the way. I have to eat some sort of food shortly after I wake up otherwise I can't function later in the day. Usually I would eat an actual breakfast, but around 10 I'm meeting some of the wives of the players that I used to be close with. 

We're all meeting at an outdoor café so I can bring Scout. Elina Hjalmarsson is bringing her son, Theo, who I finally get to meet. Abby Sharp is also coming with her two girls. The last time I saw her, Madelyn was about one years old and walking. We also invited Andrew Shaw's girlfriend, Chaunette, and even though I only knew her for a bit before I left, we got to be pretty close during that time. She said last night that she already knew she would be too hungover to get up that early to meet us, so she won't be there.  

Scout and I head out and run for about 45 minutes through the city. On the way back to the hotel, I stop at a Verizon store and buy an iPhone. I don't like that I'm finally giving up my "no technology" stint because I know I'm just going to become addicted to it, but I do need to be able to get in touch with people. 

When I get back up to my room, I take a quick shower and dry my hair, then start to put the contacts into my phone. I still have about 45 minutes until I have to meet Elina and Abby so I send out a few quick texts to everyone to let them know that I finally got a phone. I then spend too long just sitting there staring at my phone, trying to decide if I'm going to call my mom. 

It's not that we have a bad relationship, and I feel terrible that she had no idea where I was this whole time, but I also don't want to explain things on the phone. I decide to call the house anyway, just to let her know that I'm safe. As I listen to the phone ringing, I realize I have no idea what to say and just start hoping that she won't pick up. And then I feel bad for hoping that and start to just want to hear her voice again. Eventually the call goes to voicemail, so I leave a message. 

"Hi mom, it's me. Violet. Um, I know it's been a while and I'm so so sorry, but I just wanted to let you know that I'm safe. I'm coming home soon, within the next week for sure. I just have to get some stuff figured out. You can call me back at this number, whenever. I love you. Say hi to everyone for me. Bye." 

I let out a deep breath, and wonder where she could be. Normally she would be over at the Toews' visiting with her best friend, Jon's mom, but his parents are here in Chicago because of the Cup. My dad is probably out fishing like he always is, so no surprise that he didn't answer the phone. 

I look at the time, and realize it's already 9:30, so I rush to finish getting ready. I throw on one of the nicer outfits I brought with me: a grey and white stripped shirt, white shorts, grey converse, my sunglasses, and a purse. Over the past 3 years, I have accumulated more clothes than I could travel with. While it wasn't a lot, I stored what I didn't need at the house of the woman I originally stayed with, Ada Broder. When I came back, I had my stuff shipped to my parent's house in Winnipeg, so it should be there soon. 

At 9:45 I clip on Scout's leash, grab my camera, and make my way over to where I'll be meeting them. It's a beautiful summer day, with a nice breeze blowing in from the lake. There are tons of people out walking their dogs or jogging, so I snap a few pictures as I'm walking over.  When I get to the café, I see Elina already sitting outside with her son Theo in a high chair. When she spots me, I wave, and she stands up to give me a hug. 

"Oh my gosh Vi! I can't believe you're finally back!" 

I smile back and reply, "I know, me too. It's weird but it's really nice to be back in the city. And I can't believe this is the first time I'm meeting Theo, he's adorable!"