Dream On (Jonathan Toews)

Chapter Forty-Eight| Irreplacable

Jonathan

After losing the Winter Classic in the last seconds the team decided it was time to band together. We've found a good four line rotation and we're feeling good right now. A few hours before the first of a home and home series with the Panthers I sit at the island at home listening to music while Mary Kate read in the other room. I have her read the same books I do to help me further interpret them, it helps a ton. "Man that nap was amazing" Patrick says stretching his arms out with a yawn. "Afternoon Patrick, dinner is in the fridge along with a light blue Gatorade and fresh fruit" Mary Kate calls out from the living room. "You're the best" he says taking his food out. "Whatever" she yells back. It's like she was his mother, his very young and cynical mother. "What are you going to do when food won't be made every time you wake up" I ask as he warms up his pasta. "Starve probably, I don't know" he laughs. I won't lie, I'm going to miss him when he moves out. But I can't wait to see how he will be without me or Mary Kate, Vanessa isn't one to just do things when asked. She's very independent and very timid. But that's also why she's perfect for Patrick.

Come game time the aggressiveness is immediate. Guys are flying everywhere. About halfway through the first period I see Patrick fly into the boards and everyone lets out a gasp. He wasn't pushed hard but it looks like his skate got caught at the same time of the shove and it spilled him into the boards. A penalty is called but no one noticed because everyone's eyes were on Pat who was still down on the ice. He gingerly gets up and skates straight to the locker room with some help from me and the trainer. I look at Mary Kate who had worry written across her face. This was her worst nightmare, she hated injuries and especially when it's our players. Coach Q whispers in her ear and she nods before heading to the back. Normally when this happens I don't go down the path of worse case scenarios. But my gut was telling me to go there. Patrick is crafty and usually alludes hits such as this one but he didn't look too happy with himself when I helped him up. I go out for my shift on the man advantage and score a power play goal but I had bigger things to worry about.

During intermission I find Mary Kate sitting on the ground in the hallway. I can tell by the way she looked that it was bad. "Do I want to know" I ask sitting next to her. "Broken collar bone" is all she said. We sit there quietly and just think. "How long is he out" I ask and she shrugs. "They're taking him to the hospital to get better x rays and to see if he needs surgery" she whispers. I knew this was hard on her. Patrick was her best friend and this is her worst night mare. I couldn't imagine how bad she felt right now. "Hey, I guess he's someone you can use for the Fletcher Family Foundation" I say trying to make her feel better and she cracks a smile. "Yeah, I guess so" she giggles and I feel a little relived. Patrick comes out and we both spring to our feet to go see him. "Hey captain, sick power play goal" he says trying his best to smile but it was obvious he was in pain. "Hey man, great job tripping yourself" I clap back and he lets out a laugh. "Yeah, I guess if I was going to get hurt it would be because I tripped over my own feet" he admits. We talk for a little until a doctor comes out and takes him away. "Hey, don't forget what I said Mary Kate, I'm serious" he says pointing at her and she nods.

I turn to her as she stares at the ground. "What did he say" I ask and she looks up into my eyes. "He told me that if he can't play the only person he wants in his spot on the lines is me" she whispers. Woah, that was not what I was expecting. "Are you going to do it" I ask. "Even if the Hawks offer me a spot on the team I don't think I would be able to compete in the NHL, certainty not at the level Patrick does. There's talented guys with the ice hogs who deserve that spot" she defends. "How do you know it wouldn't work if you never tried" I ask and she lets out a sigh. "I don't know..." she trails off. "Those guys are so strong" she says. "Strength is measured from the things you've over come, that makes you the strongest person out there Mary Kate. I get that you're scared, but if anyone can come close to what Patrick can do it's you" I say.

We finish the game without Patrick and get him the win. Tonight we fly out to Florida for the game tomorrow so Joel is deciding to call someone up or use Mary Kate. "She's small Jon, she's as tough as they come but they won't take it easy on her just because she's a girl" Joel warns me. "I know coach, she knows it too. But you saw what she did in the Olympics and at training camp. She had the best numbers and wasn't even trying. Just give her a chance, one game to prove herself" I beg. "Alright, one game" he promises and I grow a smile. We had to leave Patrick behind while he got surgery to realize a broken collar bone and no one was happy about it, but the guys knew what Mary Kate could do, we weren't worried.

Once we get to the hotel Mary Kate jumps in the shower and I call my parents. "Hey sweetie" my moms voice rings out bringing a smile onto my face. "Do you think you can get to Florida for the game tomorrow" I ask. "Honey were all the way up in Canada. This isn't a much of a warning" she tells me. "I know but Mary Kate is playing with us tomorrow in place of Pat and it would mean a lot to her if you were here" I say and the line goes silent. "Like for the Blackhawks. Mary Kate is playing in the NHL tomorrow" my mom clarifies. "Yeah" I assure and she lets out a breath. "We'll take the first plane out of here in the morning" she agrees and I smile. "Thanks so much mom, it'll mean the world to her" I say. "Alright, well get some sleep, we'll see you before the game tomorrow" she replies and we say goodbye. This was going to be great.