One Goal Achieved (Patrick Kane)

Realization

-Skylar's POV-

These last 24 hours were insane. It's all just too good to be true. It's hard to believe my dad will leave me and the people I care about alone when he's been making my life hell since I was 6. I have no clue what Jake said or did or if it worked or where he went. He said not to ask many questions and Patrick says to trust him. I never had much trust but they are the two I trust the most. Even if that mess is all cleared up, then that leaves us with whatever Patrick and I are. I love being friends with him. He's really the best best friend I can ask for, besides maybe Natalie but she's different. She's like my sister.

I wake up on Patricks couch once again, I rub my neck and I realize that really got to stop doing this. He sits at the island scrolling through his phone probably texting his mom to be honest. I grab a empty glass and fill it with water then sit across from him quietly.

"Morning Pat" I say softly. He looks up and a smile appears.

"Morning Sky. How did you sleep" he asks setting his phone down.

"Good considering the circumstances" I laugh washing the glass and drying it.

"So..." he starts.

"So..." I say and we just look at each other.

"Listen... Skylar. I really like you. Like really like you, everyone knows that. But I understand if you need time to let things settle down. I'll wait for you forever if I have to" he says grabbing my hand as I shake my head.

LYou shouldn't have to keep waiting for me though. That's not fair to you. You're right, I have no clue what I want or need right now but I know I need my best friend though. You're a great player but a even better guy. You deserve better. Better than me" I say retracting my hand and turning around. I suddenly get dizzy and feel the World spin beneath me. My breathing gets heavy and I know what is about to come next.

I dart to the bathroom and empty my stomach into the toilet. Patrick follows right behind me and helps pulls my hair back. "Shirt" I choke out and he lifts it above my head and tosses it to the side. I lean against the wall with my hands on my head and focus on my breathing. After 30 minutes I finally calm down and open my eyes to see Patrick sitting on the counter.

"Are you okay" he asks with concern in his voice.

"I will be. Just a panic attack" I explain and he nods.

"Please stop staring at my chest" I laugh and he breaks his stare.

"Sorry" he says rubbing the back of his neck. He helps me up and I go get another glass of water.

"I do need time. But I don't want you waiting around for me" I say looking into Patrick's eyes. I can tell that's not the answer he was looking for but he understood. I finally collect my things and head home. I hadn't done any work in like two days but I was so far ahead it didn't matter. Instead I laid on my bed and just cried. I wanted so much and I could finally have it but now I was the one stopping myself. I turn to the side and look at the picture frame on my night stand. It held a picture from Valentine's Day when Patrick got me my first jersey and he made us take a picture. I pick it up and study it closely. This boy has been waiting for me for over 3 months and has yet to give up on me. He was an amazing friend and I was being really stupid. I liked him and he liked me and it took me till now to stop being so afraid of what could go wrong and focus on what can go right. I was halfway out the door when Natalie stopped me.

"Where you going" she asks.

"Patrick's. I need to talk to him" I say.

"Road trip, Sky" she reminds me. Shit. I totally forgot. I sigh and run my fingers through my hair. "Something on your mind" she asks patting the seat next to her. I sit down and rest my head on her shoulder.

"Why am I so fucked up" I sigh.

"Listen. You've been through some shit. But you always overcame it and have made yourself a wonderful woman. Patrick knows this. When he comes back he'll still be here for you" she says patting my head.

"Why though. Why is he being so good to me when everyone else would have given up" I say trying not to cry.

"Honey, he loves you. He can't tell you because he doesn't want to make things awkward" she assures me. I let a tear fall and attempt to choke back more.

"I kissed him" I say randomly causing Natalie to pop up and I fall on the couch.

"No fucking way" she screams. I laugh a little at her response but nod my head.

"Yeah but we're not together. He wanted me to think things through before we do anything" I explain.

"Okay, so what do you want to do" she asks.

"I think I love him" I answer and she smiles extra hard.

"I KNEW IT. IM TELLING JONNY" she yells jumping up and down. I quickly grab her phone and move it as far away from her as possible.

"No way. I want to do this right. He deserves to hear it from me, in person" I insist.

"You're no fun" she mumbles snatching her phone back.

"So how are you going to tell him" she wonders.

"I don't know. I don't want to lose my best friend. No matter what happens I want us to work like we always do" I shrug. We had something special and I didn't want to ruin it.

"I have a feeling that no matter what you do he'll always be with you" she says with a smirk. I shake my head and get up.

"Well I'm exhausted so I'm going to bed" I say and head to my room before collapsing on my bed.