The Way You Look Tonight

Something's Waiting on the Other Side

"W-wait!" I stammered as he turned his back to me and started down the road. The cold wind stung my eyes. "I know what I did was wrong but-"

"But what?" He hissed. "What is it this time? You weren't thinking? You tried to not let it affect you? You couldn't stop it? It just happened?" He mocked me. "What? What is it? What's the excuse this time?" His words stung worse than the wind. I looked down in embarrassment and to hide my teary eyes.

"I-I just... I'm sorry... it's so hard-"

"Yeah I've heard that one before." He sneered.

"You don't understand! You think you understand but you don't! You don't know what it's like to be . . . " My voice trailed off and my alarm invaded my ears. I took a minute and closed my eyes to get out of my dream and let my rapid heartbeat settle. Dreams like that always brought back unwelcomed memories. I pondered the meaning of the dream for a minute before I was interrupted by a knock.

"Come in!" The door slowly opened revealing my Aunt Elizabeth.

"Hi, hon, just wanted to make sure you were up, I made you some hot chocolate." She smiled handing me an elephant mug.

"Thanks" I smiled and took a sip. It was so warm and comforting, it reminded me of home and the cold Chicago winters. " Are you coming with us to breakfast? "

"Of course" She exclaimed. "I wouldn't miss a chance to catch up with my favorite niece and your mom."

I laughed, "so I'm your favorite then?"

She touched her index finger to her lips and smiled, "I already talked to your mom she'll be here in an hour and a half." She walked out of the room and closed the door. I sat up in bed and took another sip of hot chocolate, it trickled down my throat warming my chest. I hopped in the shower and got ready for the day. I threw on a pair of dark skinny jeans, a light green sweater, a pair of high tops, and some gold jewelry. I walked downstairs and found Aunt Elizabeth and my mom in the living room talking.

"Hi mom!" I exclaimed jumping off the last few stairs from the bottom, I gave her a bear hug nearly knocking her over.  

"Hey Kensie, how've you been?"

"I'm doing great mom, the plane rides were pretty smooth and my classes are going well. I can talk more about it over breakfast. Speaking of, I'm starving, where are we going?" I asked glancing back and forth from my mom to Aunt Elizabeth. Aunt Elizabeth looked at my mom and smiled.

"We were thinking of Wildberry cafe, how does that sound?"

"Amazing! I've always wanted to go!"

"Alright Wildberry it is." I grabbed my jacket and we piled into the car and headed towards downtown Chicago. The ride was peaceful and made me sentimental, I missed seeing all the familiar sights of Chicago. We parked in a parking garage and headed out onto the sidewalk. We walked a few blocks to the cafe it was right by Millennium Park. Breakfast was delicious I got the wildberry pancakes and sliced bananas. The food scene in Tulsa is good but nothing comes close to Chicago food. 

"Okay I was thinking we could go to the practice now, its a 45 minute walk from here and then we can come back and spend some time at Millennium Park and then go home. How does that sounds ladies?" Aunt Elizabeth asked. My mom and I exchanged looks.

"Sounds great to me!"

"Alright, lets head out then." Aunt Elizabeth left a generous tip on the table and we headed on our adventure to Johnny's Ice House, where the Blackhawks practice. We talked about my past couple months at college, and once we walked inside I could hear one of my favorite sounds. Hockey. The skates gliding on the ice, the smack of the stick to the puck, and the voices of the Chicago Blackhawks. We headed into the stands and found a spot where we could see all the action of the practice. Uncle Joel saw us and waved, he didn't smile, he never smiles much on the job. He blew his whistle and the team and assistant coaches and trainers gathered around him, after a few minutes of him walking they went to the bench for a water break. Uncle Joel skated over to where we were sitting and looked up at us.