Butterflies {Corey Crawford}

Goosebumps

I slam Patrick's car door closed, causing him to scold me. I roll my eyes and hurry to the front of the hospital, Patrick close behind me. I dart around, trying to find Gianna. She's with a patient and I grab her attention, not caring that she's busy. She quickly finishes what she's doing and greets us, leading us down the patient hallway. She lets us in one of the rooms and shuts the door.

"So?" She questions

"I think it could be him." I answer, speaking as though Kane isn't even there.

"Well he's pretty cute." She shrugs and I roll my eyes.

"Not a good time." I tut and she nods, apologizing. Gianna grabs some needles and takes both of our blood, making me a little woozy since this is the second time today for me. She hurries along and leaves the room, Patrick and I now alone.

"I'm sorry." I say, breaking the silence.

"For what?." He laughs, "Its not your fault you didn't know."

"I guess but still, it's a lot to take in." I frown. He sighs and pads over to me, wrapping his arms around my shoulders. I fling my arms around his waist lazily, allowing myself to relax for the first time today.

"I'm not trying to sound creepy, but I've always been interested in you. I always thought about you, too, after that night. I can't believe I never realized it was you. But, like, the way you look at me gives me goosebumps. I've kept quiet because of Corey. And you love him, I know, and I love Amanda. But maybe this wouldn't be the worst thing in the world." He explains and I just shake my head.

"In theory it isn't the worst thing in the world, but if they're actually yours, hell is going to break loose, I'm telling you." I reply, looking up at him as I speak.

"I guess I'll have to be happy for the both of us then." He whispers. I continue to stare at him and I can see the goosebumps rising on his arms. He wasn't kidding. Before I can think, I'm standing on my toes, leaning in towards his lips. He completely freezes, leaving me to do the work. My lips graze his, goosebumps forming on my skin as well. Without warning, the door opens and I jump away from Patrick. Gianna enters the room, a strange look on her face, one reading of happy and upset at the same time. It could be because of the paternity test or because she basically walked in on Patrick and I kissing.

"So?" I ask, biting my lip awkwardly. Patrick grabs my hand and squeezes it.

"They're Patrick's." She nods and I don't say anything. I sit down, almost frozen. I don't know if I'm happy or sad, I don't know if this is a good or a bad thing. Just when everything was becoming so perfect, this happens, a real life plot twist. I think about what Patrick said to me and I hate that it almost feels right. But I love Corey, I think.

"Okay." I say and stand from my seat. No one says anything as I leave the room. I stagger down the hallway, not even sure if Patrick is behind me. Corey is going to be so disappointed, fuck he already is. I can't believe I let him down. The cold air stuns me as I step outside. Patrick unlocks his car and I get in, sitting quietly.

"Where to?" He whispers, his voice raspy.

"Take me to Corey's. I have to tell him." I sigh. He starts his car and pulls out onto the street.

"Maybe this is how it's supposed to be." I say and Patrick glances over at me, one hand on the steering wheel.

"What do you mean?" He answers, chewing his lip.

"If I've learned anything in life it's that everything happens for a reason. Maybe Corey and I aren't supposed to be together. Maybe you and I are, like you said." I explain.

"I mean I am happy with Amanda." He laughs, nervously.

"And I'm happy with Corey. But face it, Pat, do you really think they aren't going to break up with us? You cheated on Amanda back then! I'm having your kids!" I say, tears welling in my eyes.

"I-I didn't cheat on her. We weren't dating when I met you." He defends quietly, and I can tell he feels guilty. His fingers tap on his gear shift as he slows for a stop sign.

"We're doomed don't you understand that?! Corey hates me, my family hates me, these babies have caused more trouble than I could've imagined. I love them and I know they're going to be perfect but this has been one of the worst days of my life, I have nothing!"

"You have me." He looks over at me, his blue eyes piercing mine.

"You meant everything you said didn't you?" I breathe and he just nods.

"Yeah, yeah I did." He turns away and focuses on his driving. He has both hands on the wheel now, his knuckles turning white from gripping it so hard. I'm confused. I'm even more than confused right now. And I don't know how or why he's so calm about this. It's like he's had feelings for me since that night 6 months ago when we slept together. I thought about him a lot after that. But I let it go when I started seeing Corey because I knew he didn't remember me. A big shot like him would never remember a silly one night stand. But he did, he's different. Or maybe I'm different. And maybe I've picked the wrong Blackhawk.