One Goal Achieved (Patrick Kane)

The Verdict

-Skylar's POV-

It took a few days for the trail but it was finally time to hear the verdict. I sat across from my father, I feel his eyes scanning me as they did every time I can remember being around him. He used to make me feel so small, like everything I did was wrong. Like I was the reason everything fell apart. But then Jake stepped up, he was the cool older brother that all your friends were obsessed with. I was proud of him, and I was thankful he protected me even if it meant sticking his neck out.

"No matter what happens you need to know that I love you, so much. I'm the proudest brother in a thousand mile radius of Chicago. I was thinking about moving out here if that's okay with you" he says looking down at me with a small smile.

"I would love to have my brother back" I smile and he gives me a little hug.

The jury comes out and it feels like time stops. I didn't want to leave my life, this team is so close to a Stanley cup I can feel it. Patrick is the most important thing in the world to me, I'd go crazy if I lost him. Natalie has never given up on me and I don't want to give up on her. We're going to grow old together, become hockey moms and share fun stories. But I can't live here knowing my dad can hurt me or someone close to me, but I can't leave knowing that what I have here is so special. The camera clicks became more frequent when someone stepped up to the podium. I could basically hear my heart beating out of my chest.

"We the jury find the defendant... guilty on both charges of first degree manslaughter. Maximum sentence of lifetime in prison with no bail".

Jake pulls me into a hug and I let out a huge breath. The weight of the world was lifted off my chest and for the first time I can breathe normally. I can finally live my life not out of fear. I can love unconditionally and no one could stop me. I'm soon in the middle of a group hug with Natalie, Jake, Jon, and Patrick.

"Can't. Breathe" I choke out and they let go with a laugh.

"We did it guys" I smile and find Patrick's eyes. I've been such a mess and he's been my rock this whole time.

"I love you" he says kissing my head and pulling me in a side hug.

"Love you too" I say smiling at him. Jake gags and I roll my eyes.

I look over to see Anthony standing by himself and I excuse myself as he starts to walk away. "Wait, Anthony! I wanted to talk to you" I yell and he stops walking away.

"Yeah, what's up" he asks, obviously nervous.

"I wanted to thank you for what you did. No one made you do that, and that took a lot of courage to stick your neck out there. I really appreciate it" I tell him.

"I did what I knew I had to do. I heard what you said that day at the hospital, I almost killed you and you defended me. I can't tell you how much that meant" he shrugs.

"Something told me you weren't a terrible person, and I was right" I say with a smile. "My friends and I are about to go grab pizza for lunch, do you want to join us" I ask.

"Will your boyfriend or brother kill me" he asks with a laugh.

"No, I won't let them" I say and lead him over to everyone.

"Hey guys, Anthony here is going to join us for lunch and if you have a problem with that, you will be the one leaving. Got it" I ask and they all nod before leaving to get some food.

"Okay, I have a announcement" Jake says halfway through lunch. Everyone's been super nice to Anthony and I'm proud of them. I lean against Patrick as he wraps his arm around me as I lean my head on his shoulder. "I'm moving to Chicago now that I see it is safe for me" he announces and we give a little cheer. I was stoked he was staying and I can have some part of a family. "There's more" he says lowly and I glare at him, this should be good. "I actually have a wife and two kids, one girl and one boy. They're twins actually. Ones name is Brad and ones name is Skylar" he finishes looking at me. I hop up and punch him hard in the arm.

"WHAT THE HELL JAKE! You have a wife and kids and never told me" I scream not really caring who heard.

"Ouch, you won't come near them if you're going to act like this" he mumbles rubbing his arm. "Are you mad" he asks with fake puppy dog eyes.

"Of course not. I have a sister in law and a niece and nephew, how can I be mad" I ask, still kind of yelling.

"You said a really nice thing in a really mean way, I'm so confused" he says throwing his hand up. Patrick starts laughing and I shoot him a glare until he stopped. "Listen. I'm sorry I didn't tell you but I didn't want the slightest chance of dad finding out. You're smart, I knew if you figure it out then there was a chance dad found out so I wanted to see if you figured it out" he shrugs. I finally clam down and return to Patrick.

"I get it. I'm not happy, but I get" I say and we return to our meal. We finish lunch and say our goodbyes and I return to Patrick's for a peace of mind. I open the door and the largest smile goes on my face.